Aesop wrote a fable about a proud oak tree that took root along the bank of a stream. For 100 years it had withstood the high winds, until one day a violent storm arose. The great oak fell with a migh... more
In 1896, Emmanuel Ninger was arrested for passing counterfeit $20, $50 and $100 bills. When law enforcement searched his home, they discovered three portraits that Ninger had painted. He was a very go... more
There is an ancient superstition of the sea that periodically a wave comes along that is greater than any that has preceded it. It is called the Ninth Wave, a powerful culmination of sea and wind. The... more
Abraham Lincoln was a man who believed in compromise. According to an old story, when he was practicing law in Illinois, a farmer asked for Lincoln’s help in getting a divorce from his wife.... more
I learned about the significance of taking action at a very young age. Being from the wintry wonderland of Minnesota provided ample opportunity for any youngster willing to work. After a heavy snowfal... more
One of the most famous lines in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” consists of Polonius’ advice to his son, Laertes. He says: “This above all: To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, ... more
I just set my New Year’s goals, which are fairly ambitious. And I know I will not succeed at all of them. As long as I have a positive mental attitude it won’t matter if I don’t hit them all.... more
I have a daughter, Mimi, who lives in Arizona. She has twin boys and twin girls. For many years, she sent out a nice holiday card. More than 90% of her friends thanked her for this holiday card. How d... more
A young American singer taking a bow at La Scala in Milan, was flattered when the discerning Italian audience forced him to return and sing an aria for the fourth time. Completely winded, he finally b... more
A pompous and arrogant customer in an antique shop was making the owner drag out fragile, old pieces, and then commenting on their poor quality and high prices. After about an hour, she looked at her ... more
Motivation and momentum are one dynamic duo. It’s a lot easier to stay motivated than to get motivated again. The same is true for momentum. Maintaining momentum is a picnic compared with restarting i... more
A small truck loaded with glassware backed out of a factory driveway into the path of a large truck. Most of the glass was broken in the crash, and the young driver was on the verge of tears. A big cr... more