I’ve queried seniors about whether they feel “elderly.” Whether the respondent was 70, 80 – I even got to ask someone who was 99 – the answer was almost always identical, “I pretty much feel like I always have.’” [...]
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September 1, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Motivation, Wellness
 Leave a comment August 24, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Wellness
Leave a comment Research has actually proven that humans are “hard-wired” to assume things will go cattywumpus rather than not. Given the opportunity to attribute a random event to either good new or bad, we will usually assume the road has more potholes than flat patches. [...] August 24, 2010
Posted by Carla René in: Accountability, Advice, African-American, Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Book Marketing Online, Book Review, Books, Business, Business Management, Cancer, Cap and Trade, Children, China, Climate Change, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Communism, Community, Computers, Congress, Contributor's Audio/Video, Creative Writing, Current Events, Democracy, Democrat, Diet, Economic Crisis, Economics, Education, Energy, Entertainment, Environment, Environmental Issues, Faith, Family, Fiction, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Relations, Freedom, Freelance Author, General Topics, Geopolitical Events, Global Warming, Governance, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Heroes, History, Homeland Security, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Internet, Internet Advice, Interview, Islam, Journalism, Latino & Hispanic, Legal, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Literature, Marketing, Marriage, Medical, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Mexico, Military, Minorities, Morality, Motivation, Music, Native American, Nature/Wildlife, Non-Fiction, Nutrition, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Philosophical Genres, Poetry, Politics, Publishing, Question of the Day, Recovery, Relationships, Religion, Republican, Rhyme, Satire, Self-Help, Sex, Short Stories, Social Aspects, Social Classes, Social Issues, Sociology, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Television, Terrorism, The Economy, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner, Travel, Uncategorized, Website Instructions, Weight loss, Wellness, Women's Perspective, Women's Rights, Working Women, Workplace, World Issues, Writing Essentials
Leave a comment Begun back sometime in 2001, this book was originally a fluke of an idea… [...] August 12, 2010
Posted by Genevieve in: Advice, Books, Communications, Creative Writing, Freelance Author, General Topics, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Literature, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Publishing, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
One comment  …I just haven’t had time / didn’t have the willpower or concentration / didn’t think it’d be any good / didn’t know what to write” …
But there were a few who bravely agreed to read what I’d done, and they were apparently * ahem * impressed. I told them I wanted to get better, so would they please tell me what they didn’t like as well as what they liked. They asked me questions about what I’d written, found errors, questioned impossible plotlines … and I surprised myself by being defensive and somewhat belligerent. This was my baby! How could they possibly find anything wrong with it? I folded my arms over my chest, huffed, and continued along the same line, determined to make it work. Continue reading “Oh! You’re a writer! How exciting. You know, I’ve always wanted to write a book.” August 12, 2010
Posted by Genevieve in: Advice, Attitude, Books, Creative Writing, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Literature, Marketing, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Publishing, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
Leave a comment  I read a neat blog article somewhere today about … waiting. It talked about how a writer spends their days … waiting. They wait for inspiration, they wait for responses from agencies and publishers, they wait for feedback … from anyone. All painfully true. But it’s not just writers. It’s people in general. We wait for the bus. We wait for the paycheque (or should), then wait in line to spend it. We wait for the kids to finish swimming lessons. Wait wait wait. Glancing at my watch or calendar, tapping my toes, hurrying so I can wait some more. But waiting, and thinking about waiting is a waste of time. You can’t control time. But … you can take control of your time. Continue reading Worth The Wait August 7, 2010
Posted by Carla René in: Attitude, Book Marketing Online, Books, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Fiction, Freelance Author, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Literature, Marketing, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Publishing, Short Stories, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
2 comments I’d like to think it was because at that moment in time, she didn’t see little old me from the dairy farm with no money–she saw Carla René, the brilliant, undiscovered painter who should’ve been the one to paint the Sistine Chapel instead of that deadbeat, Michelangelo. [...] July 25, 2010
Posted by Tyree Harris in: Accountability, Commentary, Community, Freelance Author, Journalism, Lifestyle, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Relationships, The Writer's Corner
4 comments Giving back through journalism
by Tyree Harris When people think of giving back to the community, they think sandwich lines, clean-up service, and financial charity. Though all of these are great and important, there is no better way to give back to your community than with the very talents you are practicing for your career. Give back with what you do best. I spent my first week of summer at the Oregon State University campus being journalistically revived by 24 bright-eyed, teenaged writers. For the past three years, I’ve dedicated June 19th through the 27th to the High School Journalism Institute, a joint effort between the Oregonian and Oregon State to promote newsroom diversity. It is, without question, the most cultural journalistic experience possible in Oregon — students in the program are all from underrepresented backgrounds. Continue reading Giving back through journalism July 23, 2010
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Attitude, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Environment, Family, General Topics, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Motivation, Nature/Wildlife, Non-Fiction, Personal Experiences
Leave a comment I arose from my tent early and found a mess left in the camp. The raccoons had found the cooler. They discovered that our breakfast of eggs could be found inside. Little hand prints were left as evidence of the burglary. The broken egg shells and disarray were not enough. The little marks noted their presence and also their prescience. They had no doubt watched us putting things away, or just somehow knew that they could find goodies in that box. I clean up then go about just sitting alone in my woodsy campsite. The kids are still sleeping, and so are the rest of the adults. You would think that I would be lonely without the company, but I am not. The breeze blows by my ears, my hair gently moving. The chirping of birds and bubbling of running water are comforting; downright relaxing. It seems that you see so much more when you take the time to just sit, put away your generated thought, and watch the world go by you. There are so many insects. Normally, I wouldn’t want them around, but they don’t seem to bother me so much today. Except for the flies, none are “on” me. On a boulder in the distance, I see a cardinal. It flits between rocks and gravel, in search of its’ daily sustenance. The red bird seems oblivious to anything not crawling on or under the dirt. He has identified his area of interest and actively pursues his objective. A few little pecks at the soil, and he flies into a nearby branch. It becomes obvious that he achieved his goal, a little breakfast du jour. Maybe a snack of flies would appeal to him? I suspect that he won’t get that close to me. At least he has had breakfast… Continue reading Wasting Time July 22, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: African-American, Children, Commentary, Education, Family, Minorities, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Social Issues, Uncategorized
2 comments Each summer I volunteer to work with young journalists, teens actually, on how to behave in professional settings. Many of them are gifted writers and photographers. Some are just in the group to have something to do for the summer. At the end of each session we do a mock reception or party so we can practice what was learned. One of the things I ask them to write down at the beginning of the workshop is what job title they want at the age of 25. For the mock party they wear name tags with the job title on it and pretend they hold this position. The jobs these young African American and Latino students pick often surprises me. But sometimes they sadden me because they reveal that somewhere in their life someone has given them a set of limitations to deal with that they can’t escape for a minute, even to dream. Continue reading Limitations July 14, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Advice, Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss
3 comments With appropriate disclaimers admitted, if we accept that we are standing in our own way, it begs the question, “Why would we do that?” Why do we NOT reach further, dream larger, and believe better? The primary answer is: Fear; Fear of Success, and its dastardly sibling, Fear of Failure. [...] June 24, 2010
Posted by Peggy Klaus in: Advice, Business, Commentary, Current Events, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Self-Help
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In fact, my reaction to this conversation was so negative that I thought about it and talked about it for days. Okay, maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t feel comfortable having my money handled by anyone who—while within earshot of customers—describes his weekend as “bad-ass.” Could it be that I trust only silver-haired prep-school patricians who steer clear of slang to protect my savings? My intellect reasoned that a banker who uses the term “bad-ass” could be just as stalwart in his duties. Could it be that I, a resident of the “Socialist Republic of Berkeley,” might be more conservative than I’d like to admit? As I wrestled with all of this, a simple truth emerged: young or old, I don’t want a “bad-ass” banker! Continue reading IMITATION ISN’T ALWAYS FLATTERING June 23, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment When the baby boomers started being born shortly after World War II, the entire population inhabiting this third rock from the sun was 2.3 billion. Therefore, if we lived in 1947, and we were facing this same predicament, every single, solitary, person would need to be on a diet. [...] June 9, 2010
Posted by Jose Antonio Ponce in: Advice, Attitude, Family, Humor, Motivation, Relationships, Self-Help, Uncategorized
6 comments Advice for living from my best friend. The world is your couch. Relax. Make friends and surround yourself with them. Scratch when you itch. There is no substitute for being cute. Be loyal and your friends and they will never desert you. There is no ailment that a good poop won’t help relieve. Don’t piddle on the path. Continue reading The Tao of Amigo May 20, 2010
Posted by Prentiss Gray in: China, Commentary, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Relations, Geopolitical Events, Motivation, Politics, World Issues
Leave a comment  Hey! Quit oppressing me! Ever wonder what the North Koreans are thinking? I do. Here’s a country that has spent a huge portion of their tiny country’s income on developing nuclear weapons and a missile technology to deliver them, and they can’t feed their own people. I guess they decided on guns over butter. A couple of months ago a South Korean ship exploded and sank, killing 46 sailors. They suspected the North Koreans. The North Koreans said “Nah, not us.” Yesterday the results of further investigation revealed parts of a torpedo among the wreckage of the ship with North Korean markings on them. “Nah not us,” say the North Koreans. “And if you do anything to retaliate, this means WAR!” That’s a big bummer for South Korea, Seoul is within artillery range of North Korean gun positions. Yes, the South Koreans can prove the torpedo sank the ship. Yes, they can prove it was a North Korean torpedo. They can even show satellite photos of a North korean submarine leaving port 2 days before the sinking. But can they do anything about it? No. Continue reading Have the bomb? Do whatever you want. May 14, 2010
Posted by seamus in: Accountability, Advice, African-American, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Congress, Creative Writing, Current Events, Democracy, Democrat, Economics, Entertainment, Freedom, Governance, Homeland Security, Inspiration & Motivation, Islam, Journalism, Life Experiences, Minorities, Morality, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Politics, Republican, Social Aspects, Social Classes, Social Issues, Terrorism, The Economy, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, World Issues
2 comments Amazing how many high government officals (including the Attorney General), political pundits, politicians, school officials and religious leaders comment so harshly on the immigration law in Arizona and publicly admit they haven’t read the ten page document. The document basically states that when being stopped for a traffic violation or questioned concerning a crime that [...] May 14, 2010
Posted by seamus in: Accountability, Advice, Attitude, Business, Cap and Trade, Commentary, Communications, Congress, Creative Writing, Current Events, Democrat, Economics, Entertainment, Finance, Freedom, General Topics, Geopolitical Events, Governance, Homeland Security, Humor, Journalism, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Literature, Minorities, Morality, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Politics, Recovery, Republican, Satire, Self-Help, Social Aspects, Social Issues, Sociology, Terrorism, The Economy, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, Women's Rights, Working Women, World Issues
Leave a comment Pick Your Reason 10. I voted Democrat because I believe oil companies’ profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn’t. 9. I voted Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the [...] May 3, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Environment, Family, Lifestyle, Motivation, Nature/Wildlife, Social Issues
9 comments They delivered the dirt mulch before the dirt. They delivered them two days apart. It came from a city sponsored program to help the trees that line our block. Two weekends ago I attended a workshop held in the basement community room of one of the co-op apartment buildings on our street to learn how to care for the trees you adopt. We were taught what needed to be done to ensure the beautification of our street and the health of the trees. While most block association meetings have low attendance, this meeting had a great turnout. There were children there interested in helping the environment, people who wanted to make signs to stop pet owners from letting their dogs pee on trees (its kills them, you know) and there were adults there interested in helping the street develop into a community. Continue reading Watching a Community Develop April 21, 2010
Posted by Genevieve in: Attitude, Family, General Topics, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Wellness
3 comments When I was in my early 20′s, my grandma Graham finally agreed to move to an old folks’ home, or whatever the term is. So she emptied her centuries-old apartment of anything even vaguely interesting. Much anticipated squabbling between family members ensued, and I ended up with some silver. I actually didn’t want any silver, but my parents encouraged me to buy it from her. Read that again: BUY silver forks and knives and all that from my Grandma, for $3000 of my own money. Seriously? Oh, yes, Genevieve. It’s a great investment. What did I know about investment? I’d been saving up for a car, but okay. If they said so. I ended up with two very nice, heavy boxes filled with any kind of silver serving utensil you could ever dream of. I even have an Angel Food Cake slicer. I can’t even identify some of them, actually. Sadly, one of my wooden handled salad spoons split, but when I reason that the spoon was probably close to 150 years old, I can’t really complain. Dwayne’ll glue it. He’s good like that. He’s also good at practicality. When we moved out here, many extraneous things got packed into wherever. The two boxes of silver were tucked under the stairs. The other day, he came home and said we should break out the silver and start using it. “But honey!” said I, aghast. “That’s for special occasions!” “Which are happening … when?” he asked. Continue reading Bring Out The Silver, Honey! April 6, 2010
Posted by seamus in: Advice, Attitude, Books, Business, Commentary, Current Events, Entertainment, Faith, Family, Freedom, General Topics, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Humor, Interview, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Medical, Men's Issues, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Publishing, Recovery, Religion, Self-Help, Social Aspects, Social Issues, Sociology, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner, Uncategorized, Wellness
21 comments Several months ago I woke up feeling odd (not strange for me). Got out of bed, took the old good morning pee, moved down the hall following the smell of coffee and then had to grab a gaudy table halfway down the hall to keep from falling. Not normal but what the hell. I [...] April 3, 2010
Posted by Tyree Harris in: Accountability, Commentary, Creative Writing, Freelance Author, Journalism, Lifestyle, Motivation, Personal Experiences, The Writer's Corner
3 comments Drinking and smoking? Cool, it’s just not for me. by Tyree Harris I’ve never been drunk in my life. I’ve never been high in my life. My whole existence on this campus has been drug-free. Weird, I know, coming from a college student (which can be considered synonymous with intoxicated), but this lifestyle has made my college career very interesting. Think of it this way — all of those crazy nights you don’t remember, I do, and they always remind me why I don’t drink. One night, I was at a friend’s house, and we heard a huge commotion going on outside. Curiously, we all sprinted to the door to see what it was, and we knew by the anthill-like conglomeration that somebody in that crowd was about to brawl. A guy walked up to the porch we were on, and he told us how it all started when two guys came into his house party and stole a bag of Captain Crunch from the kitchen. A mob of pissed-off people chased them down, ready to beat them up — over a bag of cereal. We laughed for hours. Continue reading Drinking and smoking? Cool, it’s just not for me. March 24, 2010
How to get people to use their heads. [...] March 17, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment What began as extremely unfussy and obtainable intention – eating better and moving more – has erupted into a full-scale mega-production requiring learning how to cook differently, shopping with new eyes, rearranging schedules, altering relationships, and devising self-inflicting intimidating goals. Building such blockades makes the procedure ridiculously difficult and horribly unpleasant. [...] February 17, 2010
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Children, Family, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Recovery, Relationships, Travel, Wellness
Leave a comment As I watched the drama, it dawned on me that this process of learning does not end when we move away from our parents. It is a sequence that presents itself continually: Frustration. Lesson. Acceptance. Progress. Repeat cycle as necessary until learned. [...] February 16, 2010
Posted by Tyree Harris in: Children, Commentary, Creative Writing, Family, Freelance Author, Heroes, Journalism, Life Experiences, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Opinion, Relationships, The Writer's Corner
8 comments Dad’s love overcomes obstacles by Tyree Harris Four-year-old Amirya Skyler doesn’t know how lucky she is. Lying on her dad’s bed in a one-bedroom apartment murmuring “I love you” in her sleepy little voice, you’d never guess that she’s seen everything from drug addiction and abandonment to custody battles and adjusting to life with a man she calls “dad,” whom she hardly even knew. Little Amirya doesn’t understand the adversity she and her father overcame — hell, as far as she’s concerned, she’s in a perfect little world filled with pink castles, Tinkerbell stickers and coloring books. February 15, 2010
Posted by Janice F. Baca in: Faith, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Religion, Spirituality, Uncategorized
7 comments
Jesus was a Jew. He spoke the Jewish language, lived the Jewish life, and was very active in the Jewish community. Jesus studied and learned the Old Testament in His growing years, as well as celebrated the Jewish feasts and festivals. It makes sense that Jesus would use the culture, language, and traditions He was surrounded by, to send His new covenant message to the world throughout the ages. This is why it is vital, we as Christians, understand the full impact of His Jewish involvement. It should also be understood that the Jewish culture today is not the same culture of Jesus’ day. This is the reason we must study the complete context of the New Testament. The Jewish community has a way of understanding and interpreting scriptures Christians have not fully embraced. Understanding Jesus’ Jewish life reveals the fullness of His saving grace. He doesn’t want us to miss one syllable of His promise. Continue reading Jesus Was A Jew February 11, 2010
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Inspiration & Motivation, Literature, Motivation, Spirituality, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
3 comments Yesterday as I took advantage of the weather and watched movies while the snow piled up outside I received a call that one of the more senior members of the Harlem Writers Guild had died. It was a shock because we assumed he didn’t make the last meeting because he usually went dancing the first Wednesday of every month. Unbeknownst to us by the time of the meeting he had been dead for two days. And while the sadness of his passing clings to me there is also the thought that we will never have his written words again. Continue reading Where Do the Words Go When a Writer Dies? February 3, 2010
Posted by Peggy Klaus in: Advice, Business, Current Events, Economic Crisis, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help
2 comments
by Peggy Klaus
As we kick off the new year against this discordant backdrop, employers feel like they’re stranded in uncharted territory. Many new workplace obstacles have emerged as a direct result of the recession, among them the question of how to show appreciation in the workplace when limited (or non-existent) funds are available. As one client put it, “I know how to incent my staff when the bonus dollars are there, but what do I do to motivate employees now that the bonus dollars have dried up?” After hearing so many reiterations of this question, I created a survey on the topic called Gratitude in the Workplace. After being announced in the last Moosletter, more than 150 surveys were completed. Nearly 90 percent of the respondents came from the following five industries:
Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey. I very much enjoyed hearing your input. We promised to share the results with you, so here goes. Continue reading WHEN YOU CAN’T SHOW THEM THE MONEY: HOW TO MOTIVATE AND APPRECIATE EMPLOYEES IN A RECESSION February 2, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
Leave a comment October 5, 2009 After about a 45 minute delay to try and actually get the lights working, we took the field for our first “real game” of the camp. Jim let all his pitchers go longer than normal, about 2-3 innings a piece. I hadn’t played a game at night in a few years, so it was definitely a huge adjustment, not only because we were playing in a stadium with lighting I wasn’t familiar with, but I was in the outfield. Only one ball was hit to me in RF, but I misread it again and I wasn’t able to catch it; so, it’s back to the drawing board tomorrow in the outfield to keep trying to get a read on the ball as soon as I possibly can. This is really my biggest problem with playing out there- my first instinct on how I judge a batted ball has been incorrect and then I have to try and make up for it. People have been helping me and giving me advice, but none of it will help in the end because until I can get a read on the ball, it’s going to be an uphill struggle. Since we hadn’t had any game action the last few days, I felt a little out of sync at the plate, but it was a productive night in the least. In my first at-bat I was given the hit-and-run sign and was able to execute and put the ball in play. After I made my mistake in the field, I came up to hit with a guy on 3rd base and I put the ball in play to drive the run in. In my last at-bat, I hit the ball real hard to 3rd base and he made a great play on it, but thankfully I was able to beat the throw for a base-hit. Even though I didn’t feel totally comfortable at the plate, I did some positive things in each at-bat. I’m really waiting to get that nice, line drive to the outfield; I’m not sure what our schedule is going to be with games this week, but I know its coming and I’m and it’s going to feel great when I finally get it. Continue reading Feeling The Warmth Of The Lights. February 2, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
Leave a comment October 4, 2009 A week from this exact moment, I will be on a plane making my way back home to New York. Needless to say, I’m very excited about getting back into the Northeast to all my family and friends, as well as tackling this horrible economy and attempting to find a job. Saturday was our off day according to the new plan of action; it didn’t rain as much as was anticipated, so hopefully the grounds crew had a good enough chance to get the field ready over the last 48 hours so we can get a game in tonight. The speech Jim gave us the other night coupled with For The Love of The Game being shown on TV has really gotten me thinking about the end. He said that in reality, probably about four or five guys will get offers coming out of camp and the rest of us will go home without a contract. It obviously doesn’t put the final nail in the coffin that is our playing career, but we have to evaluate ourselves and our situation to see where we stand. I’ve been evaluating my situation on a daily basis since I’ve been out here, and I disagree with Jim to a degree. Continue reading The End Justifies The Means. January 30, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
Leave a comment October 3, 2009 Today was supposed to be the start of an important weekend series, but Mother Nature showed how much that mattered to her by the amount of rain that was dropped from the sky. We arrived at the ballpark around 11a and the infield looked like a lake. The grass in the outfield and the cage underneath the seats were good enough to get some work in, but all other plans had to be changed. The original plan was to play today and tomorrow and have a day off on Sunday to get ready for the final week, but the rain has made everyone go back to the drawing board. It is supposed to continue raining intermittently for the rest of today and tomorrow as well, so we’re going to have tomorrow off and the rain will hopefully stop so the field can dry up enough for a 9-inning game on Sunday night. The sun has to come out early in the day tomorrow and the wind has to blow quite a bit for this to even be possible. I really hope scouts will still be able to come and watch us on Sunday if we get to play; that is the reason why I’m out here in the first place. Continue reading Mother Nature Keeps It Coming. January 30, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
Leave a comment October 2, 2009 When I woke up this morning and opened my shades, the weather looked fantastic, but as the day grew older, Mother Nature brought some hard rain. Jim told us to come to the ballpark no matter what so we could figure out the next couple of days, so we arrived around 4p to see what the deal was. The only reason they wanted us to come in was so we could get fed, which was fine by me. They brought in a bunch of KFC chicken meals and Jim and Ronnie talked to us for a while before they let us go and do whatever we wanted, whether it be getting some work in, or heading back to the hotel. It had been raining for a few hours already and since I got a lot of work in yesterday, I decided to take it easy. It’s not like I took my “free” day literally and didn’t do anything, which quite a few guys did. These next two days (weather permitting) are the most important ones because a quite few scouts from the Northern League will be in attendance, looking for some talent. Jim made it a point to tell us that one scout coming tomorrow doesn’t normally take players with fantastic physical ability, but ones that are gamers, do the little things to win ballgames, and play hard. Since I fall into that category perfectly, I’m excited to get going and see if this guy likes me as a player. Continue reading Unexpected Off-day. January 26, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
2 comments October 1, 2009 As was said yesterday, today didn’t consist of any games or structured drills; we had the entire day to try and get better at whatever skilled we desired to work on. So I took it upon myself to work on ground balls and my footwork around the bag at first base, then went to the outfield to chase down some fly balls. It was such a pleasure to work up a sweat at the position that I love the most. Even though I haven’t taken reps consistently at first base for about a week or so, I wasn’t surprised with the fact that I performed the best and more naturally than the other three guys I was working with. Jim was right there hitting ground balls to the middle infielders, so I know he was watching, but whether that means he’ll do anything is not for me to worry about. The entire day was filled with irony because no matter where I was (first base, the outfield, or the cage), either Jim or Ronnie would come out to where I was after I finished. For example, I took fly balls in the outfield for a good 25 minutes, and then decided to jog in and get some more work at first base. Once I was finishing up my work at first and I was completely tired, Ronnie went to work with the outfielders. So, I switched gloves and went back out for some more work. After that was done, some of the first basemen were taking more grounders and Ronnie decided to stop and watch. Once again, I ran in to switch gloves and get back out there. I looked more natural than the others, but he said about two words to me since he spent most of his time talking to the others. Continue reading Déjà Vu All Over Again. January 25, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
Leave a comment September 28, 2009 With week two underway, it has already gotten off to a better start than the first week. We arrived at the ballpark about an hour later than normal, and our day included instruction in the morning, followed by batting practice and a game in the afternoon. While we were taking BP, I saw the opportunity to approach Jim about playing first base more often. I broke it down for him, saying “I know that I’m small, but I came out here as a primary first baseman and I definitely want to be involved with infield drills on a more consistent basis because I want to show what I can do.” He was straight up with me, and said “That’s not a problem at all, but you need to realize that if a scout wants to sign you to a contract, your height will be a sticking point, no matter how good you are. You need to make sure you can play the outfield as well so scouts don’t see you as one-dimensional.” I appreciated Jim being honest with me, he told us the first day we were here that he wasn’t going to sugarcoat anything for us because in the end, being honest is the only way we’re going to improve. I’m also aware that a lot of professional baseball players grew up playing one position their entire lives, but to get to the next level they had to switch and learn a new position. Continue reading A Bigger Breakthrough. January 25, 2010
Posted by musico8 in: Biography & Memoir, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Sports
Leave a comment September 27, 2009 It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a week since I flew into Chicago to participate in the SIB Fall League with hopes of landing a professional baseball contract. While talking about it with other players today, everyone seems to be in agreement that this week has gone by very fast, but at the same time it feels like we’ve been here for longer than just one week. I view that as a positive because the longer I stay in one place, the more comfortable I get. I was very nervous about being so far away from home; yes, I went to college for four years, but I was still only 90 minutes away from Wallkill and if I needed to come home, I could. Now, I was going to a different region of the country by myself for the first time, but things have gone nicely. One of the good surprises is that my roommate still hasn’t come yet; I think I’m going to luck out and not get one, which makes me happy because then I can have my privacy. Continue reading One Week In The Books. January 22, 2010
If I had known my life would turn out like this I never would have joined a gang and taken such a risk Being part of a gang seemed really exciting to me But it was a mistake this I can finally see It’s to late now I’ve already joined I wish I had listened to my mother, I’m her only son She said to me “Son, what you are doing is wrong” I didn’t care; the gang needed me because I was strong Things were great; I got to hang out on the streets at night Doing things I knew weren’t right Continue reading Lord Forgive Me For Joining This Gang January 6, 2010
Posted by Prentiss Gray in: Current Events, Democracy, Entertainment, Freedom, Internet Advice, Journalism, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Spirituality
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But that’s not exactly what’s happening is it? Instead, we search the Ether and Net for information and opinions that match our own. We listen to our favorite music, read our favorite writers, and watch our favorite stars. In effect, we’re creating tribes of like minded individuals who do not share truths, but rather, protect their own ideals against the onslaught of “absolute wrongness” being spouted by other tribes. Conservatives go to the sites and channels that they like, liberals read the blogs and view the videos that they prefer. It’s not as simple as that, just because there are so many variations on each major theme, If you are an angry conservative, small government supporter who likes to shout at the TV from your hard-earned arm chair there are lots of shows, blogs and sites waiting to enthrall you with your own “cosmic rightness.” Continue reading Our own little worlds December 10, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Motivation, Weight loss, Wellness
One comment Looking for something to help wind down at the end of a hard day clogging your arteries with Monster Pies? How about the McNuggetini? This festive drink (?) consists of a chocolate milkshake mixed with vodka, rimmed with barbecue sauce, and garnished with half a chicken nugget. “Hey bar-keep! Gimme a double will ya?” [...] December 7, 2009
Posted by Alan Caruba in: Commentary, Current Events, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Relationships, Sex
Leave a comment I’m Taking Up Golf! By Alan Caruba I have a confession to make. I have never engaged in any sports activity demanding any energy. About as close to a sporting activity I ever got was shooting pool or as fancy folk call it, billiards. The English version is called Snooker. In my time I did a lot of leaning over the edge of the pool table to line up a shot, but it never tired me in the way. I have another confession to make. I have never watched an entire baseball or basketball game in my life. Baseball is too slow for my attention span and basketball is too fast. In my youth I attended the University of Miami football games, but that was mostly to prove my manly bona fides with dates who I suspect knew more about the game than I. Once a year I watch the Super Bowl, but mostly for the cheerleaders and commercials. Poker is not a sport. It is a card game played by professionals and amateurs alike, often for mindlessly huge amounts of money in tournaments. I like poker because the professionals can get knocked out with a bluff or better hand. Continue reading I’m Taking Up Golf! November 23, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Nutrition, Wellness
2 comments Although food is definitely a means by which we celebrate good fortune, I must note that nowhere is “stuffing oneself until sick” listed as a tradition. Quite the contrary, I would go so far as to say that uncomfortable, pained, hyper-expanded feeling that follows so many Thanksgiving celebrations actually detracts from the appreciative sense of gratitude one would hope to experience. Maybe, that’s one tradition we can drop this year. [...] November 11, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Watch what you say, it could become your life. Therefore, when we say, “I’ve lost my motivation,” it presupposes that motivation is some foreign entity residing in a distant land. Yet, we are the source of our motivation. [...] October 29, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help, Wellness
4 comments Positive thinking is not blind, naive, magical wishing. I cannot rub a crystal ball, site solemnly my affirmations, and assume that all will go exactly as I foresee. It does not materialize nirvana. What it does is gives me a stake in my own outcomes; so my life becomes mine, for better or worse. [...] October 11, 2009
Posted by maryepopkin in: Attitude, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Self-Help, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Wellness
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HOW I LEARNED THE PHILOSOPHY THAT LIFE IS A SERIES OF MOMENTS IN TIME. Many years ago when I was struggling with the death and dying of my Dad our Family was blessed with a priest who would come to visit us often. Father York, a Catholic Priest, and my Dad was close friends even though my Dad was Jewish. Their paths crossed because our Mom was Catholic and my parents decided to raise their children Catholic. My sister, and I went to Catholic School and Church with our Mom. Fr. York and my Dad’s paths crossed because my Dad fixed the school buses, nuns and priests cars free of charge. Popkin’s Auto and Truck Repair was his privately owned and operated business. My parents believed in the “Law of Comeback” and gave freely of their time and talents. They practice this belief and taught their children that when you give freely of your time, talent or money you don’t expect it to be repaid by the person you have freely given to but the universe would provide for you in your time of need. Now during my Dad’s time of need Fr. York gave freely of his Spiritual talents to aid my Dad and me through the process of death and dying. Continue reading When You See Life as a Series of Moments in Time You Can Create More Positive Moments. October 7, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Commentary, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Weight loss, Wellness
4 comments People, please, can we take a breath? Let’s slow down long enough to step back from the brink and move distant from the precipice of righteous anger. Let’s put the “go-ahead-cross-this-line” bravado on the back burner long enough to hear what someone has to say before we puff up, poke our finger in his chest, and give him the piece of mind we think he deserves? [...] October 7, 2009
Posted by TimKellis in: Advice, Book Marketing Online, Book Review, Books, Communications, Current Events, Education, Family, General Topics, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Marriage, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Philosophical Genres, Relationships, Self-Help, Social Aspects, Social Issues, Spirituality, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner, Wellness
2 comments
 Carl Jung Now here is another brain teaser for your therapist, or should I say mind teaser, the notion of curing someone with depression. Sadly, this is one of the most common causes of problems in marriages, and while we look for help from the professionals they take advantage of that vulnerability with a platform that doesn’t get to the root causes of depression. All the while, we spend about $12 billion a year on therapy and $15 billion on pharmacology drugs to treat “mental illnesses”, particularly depression. I even find it hilarious that there is an ad on TV promoting a drug called Abilify that begins by stating that 2/3rds of people suffering from depression still have depression symptoms after taking traditional “medicine”, in essence admitting the inability of the medical approach to curing people. After all, our “mental illnesses” are biologically based, hence the medical approach to a “cure”, and there is really nothing that can be done mentally. But there was a psychologist who actually did cure people, the one-time heir apparent to Freud by the name of Carl Jung. I refer to Jung as the greatest psychologist who ever lived basically because of the fact that his objective was to cure his patients. Let me relate to you one of his patients whom he did cure, a patient suffering from depression. Ironically, the professionals of his day actually diagnosed her with Schizophrenia. Boy I can imagine the response from the professionals if I would have titled this post “Curing Schizophrenia”, because as most people realize after 100 years of propagating the biology conclusion, Schizophrenia is incurable. Continue reading Curing Depression October 3, 2009
Posted by cmusico in: Advice, Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Economic Crisis, Economics, Faith, Family, Finance, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Humor, Inspiration & Motivation, Journalism, Life Experiences, Motivation, Nutrition, Personal Experiences, Recovery, Relationships, Weight loss
One comment This month marks a rather large milestone in my life — it’s the official one-year anniversary of my real-world independence. This time last year, I moved into my apartment in Jersey City. Sure, I stayed in the dorms at Seton Hall University, but I always went home for the summer. This was different, though. This time I was moving out for good. In that time, we’ve seen a lot go on in the world around us. Our economy collapsed, the Mets collapsed (again), the Phillies actually won the World Series, the Steelers won another Super Bowl, we had our first black president, and about 3,000 celebrities passed away. Personally, I’ve seen a lot happen as well. I’ve lost about 20 pounds, seen my job transform in good and bad ways, and learned a whole lot about how strong and resilient I can be when necessary. I’m a big believer that a lot of the events that happen in our lives do influence how we act with regard to our finances. Here are eight of the most important lessons that I’ve learned in the past year — and lived to tell you all:
September 30, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Mental Health, Motivation, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment Oh yes, once in a while, something great does cross my computer screen, and it’s worth telling others about. The RULES FOR BEING HUMAN, by Cherie Carter-Scott, fits that bill, consisting of ten brilliant lessons on how to manage your time on Planet Earth. [...] September 30, 2009
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Attitude, Comments & Discussion, Faith, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Wellness
One comment I have weathered a major storm in my life. It isn’t quite over, but I am now riding out the tail-end of it. [...] September 23, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Diet, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Personal Experiences, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
2 comments From the moment she entered the jet, I could tell she did not want to be there. In addition to apologizing each time her overloaded “Big Brown Bag” banged someone in an aisle seat, she was having difficulty navigating her excessive size down the skeletal-sized aisle. I knew the other passengers were thinking, “I hope she doesn’t sit next to me.” Plane seats are not known for roominess, and having someone else’s bulk overspill into one’s limited area was not something for which anyone eagerly plunked down a few hundred dollars. My overweight past flooded to my forethought and I remembered being the recipient of “that look” in the other passengers’ eyes when I used to enter an airplane. I avoided eye contact; my method of signaling to each traveler, “Don’t worry. You’re safe. I’m not sitting next to you.” Finally, I would locate my seat (God forbid it was a center seat). I’d smile and meekly point to the location into which I was supposed to compress. My neighbor would smile weakly, rise, and let me pass. After I settled in, he would reclaim his territory and – although he would usually try to hide it – I would notice a subtle, but definite, slight tilt in the opposite direction from me; trying to retain as much space as possible for himself. All of those memories swamped my consciousness now and I knew what this woman walking the aisle was experiencing in this moment. Continue reading An Effort Either Way September 19, 2009
Posted by cmusico in: Advice, Attitude, Creative Writing, Current Events, Economic Crisis, Economics, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Opinion, Recovery, The Economy
Leave a comment There is a plethora of information about how bad the job market is — now more than ever. Workplace suicides have hit an all-time record in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2008, workplace suicides rose 28 percent to 251 from 196. U.S. hiring outlook also took a dive, as employers plan to hire fewer workers in the last three months of this year according to a study from Manpower Inc. Furthermore, the study says two-thirds of U.S. Employers are not planning a change to staffing, which reportedly is a higher proportion than normal. California’s unemployment rate just reached 12 percent. The job market is so bad right now in the U.S. that older workers are too scared to retire. New reports say that they are putting off retirement in order to rebuild savings they lost when the market crashed last year. Sixty-three percent of those between the ages of 50 and 61 say they will put off their departure from the workforce. Continue reading Recession Got You Down? Get Creative. September 16, 2009
Posted by Prentiss Gray in: Attitude, Books, Communications, Creative Writing, Family, Fiction, Humor, Literature, Motivation, Short Stories, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
14 comments Everyone has someone in mind for this noble title, or perhaps they have too many, and can’t choose. Well, let me put forward a name to you, and possibly expand your mind a little as to the worth and possibilities of writing. I bet you know him. After all, publishing over 60 books, selling 220 million copies and being translated into 15 languages makes someone hard to miss. I believe he is the most often read author of our time. Certainly, he is the most often re-read. It’s clear to me that this master of language and communication, has no peer. He did what most composers of word music can only dream. Tackling the the most difficult and important audience, he unfailingly wraps our hearts in his theme by showing us the universe for what it is, without polish or limelight, and make us love it. He inspired more than Wordsworth, Longfellow, Keats or Gibran. Spun adventures to make make London weep with envy. Painted stories so vivid and exciting, Dumas or Kipling might smile in admiration. His hearts were truer, his humor funnier, his heros more courageous and his villains so dastardly, we cringe at their mention. Continue reading The greatest writer September 15, 2009
Posted by cmusico in: Advice, Attitude, Current Events, Diet, Economic Crisis, Economics, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Motivation, Nutrition, Recovery, The Economy
Leave a comment I have a confession to make: I really do enjoy watching television. So imagine my happiness that NBC’s The Biggest Loser is premiering another season tonight at 8 p.m. EDT. Say what you will about the show — that it exploits overweight people, etc. — but I choose to look at it more optimistically. Essentially, people who have fallen off the health-and-fitness track in life are getting another shot with some of the best resources available to take steps toward a life-altering change. I sincerely believe there are similarities — six to be exact — between The Biggest Loser and your personal finance journey. 1. To progress toward an end goal, you must determine your starting point. September 14, 2009
Posted by cmusico in: Computers, Economic Crisis, Economics, Family, Finance, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Recovery, The Economy
Leave a comment I’ve taken the lessons my mother has taught me about planning and budgeting and broken it down into six steps. Follow these to establish your personal finance plan, and you will have the foundation in place for success — no matter what small obstacles or larger life events may come your way. Here are the six (in order): Common cents? Sure, but sometimes we all need to get back to basics. Read on for more information on each step. Continue reading Six Steps to Budgeting Bliss September 14, 2009
As I was driving recently the scripture from Esther came to my mind: 4:14 “…who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?” Of course that was Esther’s uncle Mordecai telling her that God may have allowed her to become Queen specifically because He knew that she would be in the perfect position to save her people from destruction.It occurred to me that it’s true of every one of us! No, we are not all in positions of royalty or power. We are not all called to save an entire nation from destruction. But we have all been placed here on this earth, in the specific place we live, and at this particular time because we are meant to impact our little part of the world and the people we love and live with and come in contact with on a daily basis!I know some people think they’re just a secretary or just a mom or just a teacher. There is no “just” about it! God doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t do anything without purpose. His thoughts are always higher than ours and He knows the end from the beginning so He always knows best! Continue reading Strategically Placed September 8, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Motivation, Recovery, Self-Help, Wellness
Leave a comment “I realized things weren’t going to get any better until I made them better. I’m tired of feeling bad all the time. I felt like I was trapped. I was always angry. I was ruining my relationships. It was just time. Any of the above; all of the above, you name it.” [...] September 6, 2009
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Accountability, Attitude, Inspiration & Motivation, Marriage, Morality, Motivation, Relationships, Religion, Sex, Women's Perspective
Leave a comment Of all sins, sexual sin is the most physically rewarding and brings instant gratification, therefore making it extremely tempting. It is also based on a natural desire. However, this desire, this gift from God, must be used properly and in accordance with God’s will. We all want and need food, and God approves of our nourishing our bodies. But God will condemn us if we eat food that doesn’t belong to us. Many and varied foods are readily available and we can buy them, so this natural desire is easily filled. These thoughts may be obvious, but I wanted to preface my remarks this way for two reasons. First, we sometimes forget when we talk about sexual sin that sex, like food, is of itself a very good thing and not something for which we need to feel shame or embarrassment. Second, most of us probably seldom think about the fact that the person we are dating is going to be someone else’s spouse if he turns out not to be ours. We need to regard the man we are dating with respect because he may someday belong to another woman. He does not belong to us yet and may never be ours. We need to behave toward him in the same manner that we hope our future spouse is being treated by the woman he is dating. Continue reading Thrift Store or Saks Fifth Avenue? September 6, 2009
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Attitude, Cancer, Creative Writing, Family, General Topics, Healthcare, Inspiration & Motivation, Lifestyle, Marriage, Mental Health, Motivation, Poetry, Relationships, Self-Help, Spirituality, Wellness, Women's Perspective
Leave a comment When time stands still All you can do is ponder, And wonder how you got to where you are. Could you have foreseen it? Could you have prevented it? Will you look back in sorrow Or consider it a blessing? You find no answers But only long for the day When time resumes. September 3, 2009
Posted by Prentiss Gray in: Attitude, Communications, Diet, Entertainment, Freelance Author, Global Warming, Health & Fitness, Humor, Lifestyle, Marketing, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Sociology, Television, The Media, Uncategorized
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Is it a problem that negative journalism is read, viewed, discussed more than positive reporting? Well, more viewers means more money and as a race, it would seem that we are more attracted to the negative than the positive. Just a few nights in front of the TV around any election will demonstrate to the viewer that when money is being spent, it’s the negative ads that get made. This is a good measure of effectiveness of the “right type” of marketing. Consultants and campaign managers are paid to win campaigns, they have to use what sells in order to be effective. Their overwhelming choice; a good smear campaign. Everyone can name their favorite, there is almost no need cite examples. The news media also knows this key strategy, in the form of “bad news sells.” We only have to count the number of bad news stories as compared to good news stories to see. What’s the average, 98 to 1? Which is why morning news/entertainment shows all vie for the worst (read “best”) stories they can find. They have an insatiable appetite for fires and floods, murders and kidnappings, and bad war news. Even the so-called entertainment segments of the programs cover only the best fear producing topics. Are you being ripped off at the store? Why you are more likely than the next guy to die at an early age (insert too fat, too sedentary, bad diet, bad genes, bad habits). Of course, that brings us to the latest media love affair, reality medical shows. Doctors giving advice and commentary, on all the medical or psychological problems we may have. Medical fear mongering for the “snake fascinated” audience. Continue reading It pays to be mean September 2, 2009
Posted by Tina Rae Collins in: Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Creative Writing, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Relationships, Religion, Short Stories, Spirituality, Women's Perspective
2 comments It was the summer of 1967 and I was fifteen. On the verge of being a woman but still very much a child, I had little knowledge of human relationships or why people behave the way they do. Nor did I comprehend my own thoughts, fears, or frustrations. My father was fifty and I hardly knew him. For several years he had been in and out of the Eastern State Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, because he had a mental disease. Mommy would commit him when she reached the point of desperation, and the hospital usually kept him for about a month each time. They treated him with shock therapy and sent him home, where we would try to deal with a man we could not understand. As far as we could tell, Daddy was just crazy, plain and simple. I seldom talked to Daddy. Some mornings Mommy would stop my younger sister and me on our way to the kitchen and warn us to say good morning to him. How I hated having to do that. I am not a morning person and I would just as soon not speak to anyone until I decide for myself that I want to talk. But to keep down trouble, and to please my mom, I would mumble a grouchy “good morning” so he would be satisfied and go back into the living room and watch TV. My mom couldn’t peel potatoes to fry for breakfast till he left the kitchen. She kept the knives hidden from him in the back of the stove, and if he didn’t leave the kitchen she couldn’t retrieve a knife. We couldn’t afford cereal. If Mommy couldn’t fry potatoes, we ate only biscuits and gravy. Then, of course, Daddy would be mad and screaming for his potatoes, so it was in everybody’s best interest to say good morning to him. Continue reading Dark Shadows August 28, 2009
Posted by dacipha in: African-American, Attitude, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Opinion, Religion, Spirituality, Uncategorized
5 comments “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Claude M. Bristol Smooches, Ladies and Gentlemen! Today I would like to discuss affirmations. Just the fact that you are on this website means that you are seeking to improve your physical appearance. The truth, in fact is, in order to alter your physical form, a change must occur in your mind. I consider that a person’s appearance is merely a reflection of the true inner thoughts and feelings that one holds about himself. Therefore in reality, you are actually seeking to improve your complete person. Affirmations will be very important in your journey toward self development. These petite yet powerful statements are small in stature but mighty in battle. When I say battle, I refer to the mental conflict that we all experience. There may be times that you have a specific goal in mind but this does not mean that you truly believe that you can attain it. Affirmations serve as tools to speak perfect life into your mind. They can be the difference between living a life of fear and stagnancy or a life of promise and abundance. When affirmations are performed in repetition, these positive words begin to control the mind and replace the pessimistic thoughts. The more you utter affirmations in confidence of faith; you will actually begin to believe what you are declaring. And belief is the building block behind manifesting your dreams into your reality. Continue reading Talk To Yourself August 28, 2009
Posted by TimKellis in: Accountability, Advice, Books, Communications, Family, General Topics, Inspiration & Motivation, Internet Advice, Interview, Lifestyle, Marriage, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Motivation, Non-Fiction, Philosophical Genres, Relationships, Self-Help, Social Issues, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, The Writer's Corner
3 comments   Tim Kellis, author of "Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage" I’m half way through my two month blog tour on relationships. The stops have generally been both interactive and productive. I’ve particularly like the stops where the topics were questions related to relationships. I wanted to share one in particular, at the Long Relationships blog. I had stops on 3 consecutive days. The first day the questions was is marriage dead. I also want to add the dialogue that ensued. Here is the link to that blog post. When you sit back and ponder for a moment “what is the biggest problem we as a society are dealing with today”, how would you respond? Is it global warming? Or maybe feeding the hungry? Or possibly our current economic situation? While these issues get a lot of headlines I would actually have to say our biggest problem is the current culture of marriage. After all, we constantly hear that 50% of those who declare in front of family, friends and God “for better or worse” end up ending what began with such hope and promise. Continue reading Question: Is Marriage Dead? August 27, 2009
I spoke to my Aunt Ruthie recently. She just moved for the third or fourth time since my Theo Costa (Uncle Gus in Greek) passed away seven years ago. When I think about Aunt Ruthie a collage of memories comes to mind – she’s always been a very soft-spoken Southern lady – but she had a laugh reminiscent of Phyllis Diller, could burp on demand (which never failed to impress my brother, George, and me!), was always ready to take us on an adventure whether it was fishing or some other fun pursuit. She has always been my favorite Aunt. We spent a lot of time with her as kids. She and my Uncle would come up from Florida and stay with us for the entire summer. I can’t begin to tell you what a treat that was!
Aunt Ruthie was not Greek, but she learned how to cook all my Uncle’s favorite dishes from my Giagia (grandmother & her mother-in-law). Her genuine love and respect for my Giagia didn’t go unnoticed. She always treated her with great tenderness and love, especially in later years when she’d had several strokes and was frail. My Giagia would lapse into Greek half-way through her conversations with everyone – including my Aunt Ruthie – but even though she didn’t really speak Greek, she understood her perfectly. Love is the universal language, isn’t it? Continue reading Just Do It! August 26, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Children, Diet, Family, Habit Change, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Motivation
Leave a comment They – whomever “they” are – have erroneously told us that confidence is acquired as the result of years on the planet. Yet, after observing this energetic, welcoming, unabashed toddler, I wonder; maybe self-assurance is our birthright – not the self-doubt with which we saddle ourselves. [...] August 20, 2009
Posted by dacipha in: Attitude, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Mental Health, Morality, Motivation, Spirituality, Women's Perspective, Working Women
One comment Today I arose in total victory! Yesterday was a very challenging day. It was very long and tedious to say the least. It was one of those days that I speculated if all the effort, diligence and dedication are worth the price of success. Usually, I am very strong and determined. But yesterday was the day that I questioned my very existence. I have a vision to utilize the literature that I compose for books, poems, plays and scripts. I yearn to use that gifts that God has bestowed within me for the advancement of mankind. I have this dream not for the glamour, fame or money. I earnestly desire to empower, encourage and edify people. But yesterday, I questioned all my efforts. I allowed doubt and fear to enter into my mind. I wondered if I would ever accomplish my goals. I pondered if all the labor of love was in vain. I contemplated if I would ever receive the just reward that comes to those that walk in faith and works. I reflected if I would ever purchase that house for my children, publish my book, and establish the Master Mind Academy or the Nichlolas Daniels Scholarship Fund. My thoughts were attacking my destiny. I didn’t know what to do to fight back. At the time, I did not want to fight back. I just surrendered to those thoughts of despair and doubt. Continue reading “Brand New” August 19, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Relationships
Leave a comment After two months in the Andes, unable to “take it any more,” and losing all hope of rescue, Parrado and a teammate – adorned merely in jeans, t-shirts, and make-shift shoe shoes – trekked, hiked, crawled, and dragged themselves 70 miles down the mountain, eventually finding help, and rescuing the 16 remaining survivors. I know I was not the only person who pulled from its holster a cell phone. I tapped into it my wife’s number, and left a message telling her how much I love her and what a blessing she is in my life. [...] August 18, 2009
Posted by georgepolley in: Accountability, Freedom, Heroes, Inspiration & Motivation, Military, Motivation
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Bela Kiraly, 1912 – 2009 Long considered a folk hero in Hungary, Bela Kiraly is the kind of man I admire. A general in the Hungarian army, he was sentenced to death four different times for sedition, spending 4 years on death row. Paroled in 1956, he led Hungarian freedom fighters against the Soviet invasion, escaping into exile with some of his forces when they were overwhelmed. Aside from all of his accomplishments, which include earning a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University, here is what I like about the man, and what makes him a hero to me. He was a man of honor who stood for the honorable treatment of people. During World War II his unit was assigned several hundred Jewish slave laborers. With the Nazis in power, rather than hand them over for transportation, he put them in uniform and made them part of his troops, saving them from certain death in the camps. He was later honored by Israel for it. Arrested by the Soviets at the war’s end and sent to Siberia with his men, he and a number of them escaped the train and hiked back into Hungary. During Hungary’s attempted break-away from the Soviet bloc in 1956, he was made commanding general of the rebels while still in the hospital recovering from 5 years of prison for “sedition”. In 2006, learning that one of the Russian generals who led the 1956 invasion was still alive, he invited him to Budapest to join the 50th anniversary celebrations. When the general declined the invitation, fearing that he might be arrested, 94 year old Kiraly flew to Moscow and spent a weekend reminiscing with his former enemy. Continue reading Bela Kiraly, My Kind of Hero August 17, 2009
I hear a lot about failure and struggles, and whether or not we should really be so discouraged when things don’t always appear to go our way. Well from my experience, I realize that it’s very easy to say such a thing, but when the going gets tough, it’s also very easy to lose hope, and to lose sight of what it is we truly desire. One way to help you get through the difficult times is to realize that it’s all a process. Everything you do, and everything God sends your way is a process and part of your growth in the development of your spirit. Continue to ponder words of encouragement when you are heading towards prosperity. Keep ideas and quotes around you to remind you of what is really happening during times of struggle, hardship, and despair. Look upon and be around other people who will support you and encourage you to go for your dreams, and will be there for you to encourage you when the going gets tough. Remember how long it took Thomas Edison to invent the light bulb. He failed 10,000 times! Someone once asked him, how it felt to “fail” 10,000 times. He said that he didn’t fail 10,000 times, but instead it was an invention comprised of 10,000 steps. I’m reminded once again of the beautiful “Butterfly” story I picked up from Dan Miller’s book “Rudder of the Day”: Continue reading Failure is a Process, “Not” a Detriment August 14, 2009
Bernard Loeffke, Major General USA (retired), Physician’s Assistant, visionary, warrior. My kind of hero. [...] August 13, 2009
Posted by Peggy Klaus in: Advice, Business, Current Events, Economic Crisis, Marketing, Motivation, Workplace
One comment Act like an Entrepreneur, Even If You Aren’t One: by Peggy Klaus
So how do you make yourself stand out in today’s unprecedented environment? Start off by reframing the way you view your position. Prior to the recession, you may have given little thought to the company’s bottom line, unless doing so was part of your job description. Nowadays, keeping the company’s bottom line on the top of your mind is vital to job security. Make certain you are seen as someone who brings in clients or sales, who finds solutions to problems, and who constantly looks for ways to make the company more efficient. Act as if it’s your own business, even if it’s not. In other words, think of yourself as an entrepreneur! I think most business owners would agree that one of the hardest aspects of being out on their own is having to promote their company and themselves on a moment’s notice. But the successful ones know that pitching a prospective client or venture capitalist, talking to a journalist, and spreading the word about the company to family, friends or even the guy mowing his lawn down the street are the surest ways to maximize exposure without spending a dime. So whether you are looking for a job or trying to keep the one you already have, think like an entrepreneur and learn to promote your most valuable product—you! Continue reading Act like an Entrepreneur, Even If You Aren’t One: Bragging and Branding Your Way Through the Recession August 7, 2009
I saw a sign on a church billboard driving down the road this morning. It said, “Plan Ahead… Remember, The Ark Was Built During a Drought”. Immediately I thought to myself, what an amazing statement! How true does that message relate to our current times? Noah had a message from God; which became a dream he sought to accomplish, and he knew in his heart that this dream was from God. He was to build an ark, because of what was about to happen in a flood that was evidently coming. Everyone scoffed, and made fun of him knowing that building an Ark makes no sense. Some ignored him, some laughed at him, and basing what I know to be human nature, I’m sure some tried to physically stop him. They were in the middle of a drought. So what in the world was Noah thinking? To the world, he looked like a fool trying to build some big old stupid boat in a dry land like this! But nevertheless, Noah persevered… He believed… He knew and continued to be passionate about completing that Ark in preparation for the two by two’s of every living creature to eventually board. One day the drought was no more, and people finally received their rain. Not only did it rain, but it created a flood that wiped out everyone and everything who was not on board that Ark. Continue reading Remember, The Ark Was Built During a Drought August 5, 2009
Posted by scottqmarcus in: Attitude, Habit Change, Health & Fitness, Inspiration & Motivation, Motivation, Self-Help, Weight loss, Wellness
Leave a comment I stood on my head today. Well, that’s not exactly accurate. Actually standing on my head would require a level of flexibility and dexterity not possessed by yours truly as my feet cannot even reach that big ol’ noggin of mine. Besides, even if they could, why would I choose to stand on it? It would be painful, and I would get footprints on my ears. So, I guess the more precise way to describe it is, “I did a headstand.” Really! There I was: head where my feet usually are and feet where my head goes (except when sleeping of course). I found myself in this most topsy-turvy world because my Yoga teacher says it is beneficial as it helps with blood pressure and reduces stress (well, except for your arms; they were stressed quite the big amount, let me tell you). Since I started Yoga, she has been urging, guiding, cajoling, and coaxing to get me to try this top-is-bottom bizarre configuration. Continue reading Changing the view August 3, 2009
Your daily walk throughout your life leaves an impression in the sand wherever you may go. From the lowest of the low, to the highest of the high, you will always still leave impressions. You may not know it, but you affect everything around you just with your presence. What kind of presence [...] August 2, 2009
Posted by Lloyd Lofthouse in: African-American, Attitude, Communications, Current Events, Democracy, Freedom, Journalism, Morality, Motivation, Opinion, Politics, Republican
3 comments Last Friday, I drove to the airport and on that drive, I listened to a discussion on this topic. After I heard all the “facts” in detail, clearly, this issue is racial and driven by a political agenda from the idealistic, far right that cannot stand anybody that does not believe as they do. It was mentioned that Obama provided a copy of his birth certificate to CNN before the election, and experts verified it was real. Another search found birth notices in the archives of two newspapers in Hawaii. In addition, the governor of Hawaii, a Republican, said that there is no doubt that Obama was born in Hawaii. Yet, this issue will not die just like the “Swift boat Veterans for Truth”, or whatever they called themselves, didn’t die as they took facts about Kerry’s life and smeared them all over the place casting doubt on his honesty and courage. Just because Kerry received minor flesh wounds does not make him a coward. It sounds like I have changed topic, but both are related because both show how political agendas turn lies into truth in the public arena of misinformation designed to influence opinions and votes. Even if Obama printed a hundred million copies of the original birth certificate and mailed them out, those that want to believe he is not a citizen and shouldn’t be in the White House will still believe. Nothing will change their minds. Even if someone took those people by the ear and led them to the evidence, they would claim it was forged. Even if nonbiased experts said they examined the birth notices in newspapers, the records in the hospital and the birth certificates and found all to be valid (which they have), there would be doubts because that is the goal as another election looms. There are racist, far right conservative idealists out there that would not admit the truth if they were in that operating room the day Obama was born. In addition, even if Obama was born in another country, his mother was an American citizen and at that time, that automatically made him an American citizen because that was the law. Continue reading Where’s Obama’s Birth Certificate August 2, 2009
Our life is a gift from God, and is one of our greatest gifts. Therefore, we may feel compelled to live our lives with the idea of giving back to God by sharing our gifts with the world, thereby we bless God. But the idea that we have within our own power the ability [...] July 22, 2009
Amber Johnson from OnlineCourses.org http://www.onlinecourses.org/ sent me the article, below, and felt it might be of interest to our viewers: 25 Scary Facts About BrainwashingAlthough there are a lot of unfounded myths and conspiracy theories about brainwashing, it is still considered to be a very serious and scary mind control technique. As a student, you’re used to analyzing problems from all angles and making your own deductions, independent of what anyone else tells you. But what if things didn’t always work that way? Here are 25 scary and surprising facts about brainwashing.
Theory and Systems These mind control and brainwashing theories tackle the history of brainwashing and different techniques used to control victims.
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IMITATION ISN’T ALWAYS FLATTERING:
The mass of instant information that is the Internet and Mass Media could free each and everyone of us to become more informed and knowledgeable. Then we could all come together as a new smarter, kinder society and deal with all of our problems in wise and wonderful ways.
The Great March
Tomorrow is the 47th Anniversary of the March on Washington. It is a significant date in the history of this country, August 28, 1963. Never before had so many American people, 300,000 or more, gathered in one place to lift in one voice of shared concern for “jobs, and freedom”, and equality for all Americans. Others have tried to duplicate the event and its success but this political rally organized by civil rights, labor, and religious organizations calling on all Americans in support of civil and economic rights for African-Americans, that took place in Washington, D.C, were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial would come to be known as “The Great March on Washington“.
At 6:30 the morning of August 28, 1963 my grandfather in Pennsylvania and my parents in New York City boarded two buses both bound for Washington in the District of Columbia. All three of them were journalist; all three were Americans of African decent; all three held great expectation, pride and there was a jubilant hope in their hearts. Continue reading The Great March