Are we all 'a little mad?'

Blog quote #1261... 

"No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness." -Aristotle-

What a marvelous quote. It reminds us of most people we know. Darn accurate in our opinion. 

What about your views? You in agreement with the great Greek philosopher and scientist? 

That's my view...what say you?

3 types of people...on things happening

Blog quote #1260... 

"I divide the world into three classes: the few-who make things happen; the many who watch things happen; and the vast majority who either wonder or have no idea of what happens. We need more people who make things happen." -N.Murray Butler-

Can we get a consensus agreement on Butler's point? Less  yappers and flappers, and more people getting things done.

That's my view...what say you?

How to get things COMPLETED...

Blog quote #1259... 

"The nail that sticks up, gets hammered down." -Japanese Proverb-

Another way of saying- the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you need to get something done and it seems things are being passed over or just a lot of inaction--we recommend politely keeping your issue in front of those who can do something about it. Key word--POLITELY.   

Another way this could be described--is diligently following up. Seems in today's busy, distracted, noisy world, much follow up is recommended- to get things accomplished.

That's my view...what say you?

Does your diet include THIS?

Blog quote #1258... 

"Your diet is not only what you eat. It is what you watch, what you listen to, what you read, and the people you hang around. Be mindful of the things you put into your body- physically, emotionally and spiritually." -Anonymous--

Excellent clarification here. We could eat a Richard Simmons/Jack Lalanne perfect diet, all good for the body. 

But we are kidding ourselves if we don't monitor, AND, fine tune the other four ingredients listed above. They are equally, if not more important, than the food component.

That's my view...what say you?

Superb quote on Perspective...

Blog quote #1257... 

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." -Richard Bach-

More proof that perspective is in the eye of the beholder. A different, yet important take here, is that many times, a good dollop of patience, yields wonderful results.

Plenty of other life lessons could be drawn from this masterful quote. Perhaps you'd care to share one?

That's my view...what say you?

How do people SHINE?

Blog quote #1256... 

"Everyone shines, given the right lighting." -Susan Cain-

Today's quote is up for discussion. Hmm...how do you interpret this one? What kind of lighting do you think Susan means?

That's my view...what say you?

Do you have the GUTS to try...?

Blog quote #1255... 

"Above everything else I've done, I've always said I've had more guts than I've got talent." -Dolly Parton-

Spoken like the true, humble person Ms. Parton is. Wonderful human. There is a lesson here for those who wish to dig for it... It's not always talent or brains that makes people successful. It takes a certain amount of risk and moxie to give things a whirl. 

As someone  once said,  "You can't win the lottery if you don't purchase a ticket." Go boldly into the night and try whatever you have a hankering to try. Dolly did, and look how many things she pulled off.

That's my view...what say you?

Keep trying and trying. Here's why...

Blog quote #1254... 

"When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven't." -Thomas Edison-

I can think of no other person who could deliver this message any clearer or better, than Mr Edison. Let's not forget, that in addition to the 1000 'failures' before he got the light bulb correct, Thomas also invented a plethora of other things. And we can all bet our bottom dollar, all those other inventions came with plenty of early trials, errors and failures, before hitting eureka! 

Message here: Keep plugging along. There's usually a way, somewhere out there, to get it done...

That's my view...what say you?

Know any 'smarty-pants?' This quote is for them

Blog quote #1253... 

"Those who think they know it all--have no way of finding out, that they don't." -Leo Buscaglia-

What a brilliant quote that stands on its own. Could be one of the worst Catch -22's ever?

That's my view...what say you?

on Making Things Happen...

Blog quote #1252... 

"Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself." -Mark A. Cooper-

Pretty self explanatory, wouldn't you say? 

What actions and changes do you have for this week, December, or at least the new year of 2019? Some good food for thought. 

That's my view...what say you?

On Dreams and Hopes...

Blog quote #1251... 

"I understand that no matter how poor a person is, they could still afford a dream." -Ricky Hunley-

Just reading a book and it was discussing to never crush a person's dream no matter who they are, what predicament they are in, or whatever their background is. To some, hope IS ALL they have. 

Let's all remember, to keep hope alive as needed. It's a powerful lifeline that should be extended to all.

That's my view...what say you?

Differences between dogs and humans...

Blog quote #1250... 

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. It is the principle difference, between a dog and a man." -Mark Twain-

Why is that? Food for thought for a Saturday...

That's my view...what say you?

On CONCENTRATION...

Blog quote #1249.. 

"To me, concentration IS basketball, in a nutshell. Concentration leads to anticipation, which leads to recognition, which leads to reaction, which leads to execution." - legendary coach Bobby Knight-

Back to back legendary hoop coaches at the ST Think Tank! Maybe some of this quote which is basketball related, can be applied to overall life as well?

That's my view...what say you?

On Using Quality Ingredients

Blog quote #1248.. 

"How you select people is more important than how you manage them once they're on the job. If you start with the right people, you won't have problems later on." - Red Auerbach, former coach and president of the Boston Celtics-

One of the greatest coaches in NBA history is basically saying: You have to begin with the right raw materials in order to create a winning team. 

That seems to make a lot of sense. Good in, good out. Garbage in, garbage out...

That's my view...what say you?

The RIGHT to Vote; and what a privilege it is!

Blog quote #1247... 

"Too many people struggled, suffered and died, to make it possible for every American, to exercise their right to vote." -John Lewis-

God bless America, and thank God we are so fortunate to have the right to vote! Sometimes we forget, that not every country, and its citizens get to do so...

That's my view...what say you?

Rights and Ridiculousness...

Blog quote #1246... 

"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously." -former VP Herbert Hoover-

We believe the former VP was implying, in other words, let's all keep the silly and ridiculous comments to a minimum. (Fun excluded here.)

That's my view...what say you?

Believe, and Stay the Course...

Blog quote #1245... 

"Believe in what you do. Because you may have to do it for a LONG, LONG time before it catches on." -Seth Godin-

Boy is this ever the truth. Hardly anything on this earth seems to ever happen as fast as we think. It's just the way the universe works. 

Thus the need for belief, passion, commitment, perseverance, and a positive attitude. Those five things make a strong starting five, that will accomplish great things- even if it takes longer than anticipated. Keep going... 

That's my view...what say you?

Can we own TOO MUCH?

Blog quote #1244... 

"It's possible to own too much. A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure." -Lee Segall-

The common theme of life in general is get more, or more is better. Perhaps bigger is better? As I age, I'm starting to find out that sometimes simpler is better. Less problems, less headaches. Less things to worry about. Less keeping up with the Smith's and Johnson's.

Just a little food for thought. All started, by a man with two watches, not sure what time it is :) 

That's my view...what say you?

A poor question and an excellent question, to ask...

Blog quote #1243... 

"Don't spend your precious time asking"Why isn't this world a better place?" It will only  be time wasted. The question to ask is "How can I make it better?" To that, there is an answer." -Leo Buscaglia-

There are many things in life we cannot control. One thing however we can control is our attitude, and a second one is our decision to do something (whatever that something may be).  We suggest  getting out there and doing our part in being proactive and using our positive qualities to improve the world and make life better for our fellow earthlings. 

Excellent point and well written by Mr Buscaglia. Look for more of him at the ST Think Tank, in the near future.

That's my view...what say you?

A poor question and a good question to ask...

Blog quote #1243... 

"Don't spend your precious time asking"Why isn't the world a better place?" It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is"How can I make it better?" To that, there is an answer." -Leo Buscaglia--

What a great comment. There are many things we cannot control, in this world. One that we can is our attitude and a second, is our decision making. We can decide today to do our part (whatever we decide that may be) to make the world just a little bit better. 

What a superb thought and way of stating it, in this quote by Mr Buscaglia. More from Leo to come, here at the ST Think Tank! 

That's my view...what say you?

To share or not to share?

Blog quote #1242... 

"The greatest difficulty with the world is not its ability to produce, but the unwillingness to share." -Eric Musselman, basketball coach-

And sadly, ask anyone who shares. The euphoric feeling one gets when sharing and helping others lasts much longer and creates greater satisfaction, than those who are constantly on the receiving end. If they only knew...   

That's my view...what say you?

To teachers & educators everywhere- Thank You!

Blog quote #1241... 

"An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling." -Carl Jung-

This message is for ALL teachers and educators. Perhaps one of the most highly underrated, underappreciated, and yet, most impactful occupations on the planet. Thank you, educators.

That's my view...what say you?

Right is right, and wrong is wrong

Blog quote #1240... 

"Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it." -William Penn-

This a good test of moral courage and character. It's not easy to go against the crowd and stand up for what's right and go against what we know is wrong.  

The membership club here is unfortunately very small. But, what a solid collection of people it is! Two thumbs up to those members...

That's my view...what say you?

On the importance...of SOLITUDE

Blog quote #1239... 

"Solitude is a good place to visit, but a poor place to stay." -Josh Billings-

We suggest you give your mind an occasional breather from the hustle and bustle of this fast paced world. With that stated, try not to stay 'off duty' for too long. 

That's my view...what say you?

On Dreaming AND Doing...

Blog quote #1238... 

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, what the world needs most- are dreamers that do." -Sarah Ban Breathnach -

We love the combination of the two creations. Both are great things to do on their own, but their power gets multiplied significantly, when put together.

That's my view...what say you?

Quickness versus mistakes--worth the trade off?

Blog quote #1237... 

"Delay is preferable to error." -Thomas Jefferson-

Quite a bit packed into this in 5 short words. Slow down. Take our time. Stop multitasking. Get it right the first time.

The great Coach John Wooden always used to say "Be quick but don't hurry." His message was to get your craft down so you can do it at a good pace, without rushing. You can move swiftly, while at the same time, being patient. 

In the end, error usually costs double the time or more, and quite expensive as well. Get it done right. 

That's my view...what say you?

Would you rather have Guts or Talent?

Blog quote #1236... 

"Above everything else I've done, I've always said I've had more guts than I've got talent." -Dolly Parton, singer, songwriter, author, philanthropist, actress-

More proof that some talent is important, but it's drive, effort, guts, and a willingness to go after things, that make the biggest difference. Many have talent but it goes unused, and they get labeled 'has potential.'  

In Parton's case, she certainly has achieved a lot of great things for the world, and done them with class, kindness, and love. Kudos and appreciation to Ms. Parton for all her great deeds on this earth.

That's my view...what say you?

Do we want to hear it or not?

Blog quote #1235... 

"It's a rare person who wants to hear, what he doesn't want to hear." -Dick Cavett-

Let's 'hear it'- for people who want the good and the not so good news. The folks who say "Give it to me straight up and let me know where I need improvement, what I need to go to work on." 

It's a rare creature. Certainly refreshing when we find these types. Even better if we can learn from them, and become these types. 

That's my view...what say you?

Eating Pizza Humor...

Blog quote #1234... 

"You better cut the pizza into four pieces, because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."-Yogi Berra-

Yogi-ism's...some of the best lines you'll ever hear. For those not familiar with the baseball great's wit and wisdom-look up some of his quotes and sayings. Absolutely worth your time...   

That's my view...what say you?

On Happiness and Misery...

Blog quote #1233... 

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery, depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." -Martha Washington-

A well put statement that mimics the old saying "It's not what happens to us, but HOW we CHOOSE to react to it." In other words, everyone has plenty of good and bad happen to them, but the key is in the attitude taken toward what happens. 

So...yes we do have a decision to make, regarding a choice in that attitude. Thanks Martha!

That's my view...what say you?

Why most autobiographies are mostly positive...

Blog quote #1232... 

"An autobiography usually reveals nothing bad about its writer, except his memory." -Humorist Franklin P Jones-

If you think about it, most autobiographies are mostly positive about the writer. This is likely because he/she gets to choose the subject matter to share and discuss. 

Biographies might on the other hand, contain a larger picture of the overall human?  While the quotesmith here is likely drawing some humor,  like all sarcasm and wit, it might be truer than we'd like to think?  

That's my view...what say you?

Dogs and GOONESSS ( must read!)

Blog quote #1231... 

" All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog." -Charles Schultz- 

We always said dogs are the closest thing to God on this planet. They love, they serve,  they are always positive, they care about others, and are incredibly unselfish. They bring great joy, they are faithful, they are gentle, good, and kind. For the spiritual type--take a look at the 9 fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Most of them describe what dogs do on a continuous, daily basis.

Perhaps we humans should study and learn more from our canine playbooks, and then perhaps imitate them a bit more frequently. We often wondered why man can't be man's best friend?

For the record, did you ever notice what doG spelled backwards is? Hmm...

That's my view...what say you?

The Powers of Imagination( and everlasting gobstoppers)

Blog quote #1229 +1230... 

"Logic will get you from A to Z. Imagination will get you everywhere." -Albert Einstein-

"There is no life I know to compare to pure imagination. Living there you'll be free--if you truly wish to be." -Willy Wonka   

Wonka also shared "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. Anything you want to, do it! Want to change the world? There's nothing to it."

Logic is a great skill to utilize and have. Imagination takes it to the next level and with imagination, the sky is literally the limit...If anyone knows, it's the Chocolate Factory man!

That's my view...what say you?

A powerful, yet inexpensive GIFT...

Blog quote #1228... 

"A smile remains the most inexpensive gift I can bestow on anyone, and yet, its powers can vanquish kingdoms." -Og Mandino-   

Self explanatory, here. And for those unfamiliar with OG, get some of him in your reading life. You will be very pleased!

That's my view...what say you?

Can happiness be bought?

Blog quote #1227... 

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." -Gene Hill-   

Well technically it cannot be bought. However, a puppy is about as close as you can get.  Pure love. Innocence. Puppy breath. A friend for life. Loyalty like nothing else... 

Thanks for the pleasant thought, Gene.

That's my view...what say you?

On Understanding OURSELVES...

Blog quote #1226... 

"You are not here to make others understand you. You are here to understand yourself." -Kristen Butler-   

Perhaps Ms. Butler is hinting that we are so busy trying to impress others, we never truly know who we are, in the end?

Maybe spend some time on ourselves and getting to know the real us, and why it is that we are here. It will likely prove more meaningful and worthy of our time spent here, on earth. Just a thought...

That's my view...what say you?

Don't just TELL us, DO it as well...

Blog quote #1225... 

"This week, as best as you can, try to live the recipe before you give it out." -Ken Gire-   

Whatever that 'recipe' is, be it a golf tip, life advice, godly/spiritual wisdom, or  anything else, live it before you give it. In other words the famous "If you are going to talk the talk, walk the walk first," fits here. Another that comes to mind is, "Do...not only what I say, but also, do as I do."  

Point taken. Thanks Mr Gire.

That's my view...what say you?

Look for those whose Eyes Light Up...

Blog quote #1224... 

"Watch for the people whose eyes light up, when you talk about your dreams. Those are the people you keep." -Elizabeth Gilbert-   

Or associate with. Or socialize with. Or partner up with. Or discuss things with. It's always good to have positive thinking, excited people to hang around with, or have in your corner, or at minimum, at the table, or in the room. 

The ones who have no passion or don't see the vision...well maybe those people are meant to be somewhere else, helping a different crowd. 

Look for the ones with the gleam in their eyes.

That's my view...what say you?

How to best IMPACT CHANGE, in the world...

Blog quote #1223... 

"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. THAT, is something you have control over." -Jim Rohn-   

Leo Tolstoy once said it best. "Everyone wants to change the world but no one thinks---of changing themselves."  We have it all backwards folks. Jim Rohn gets it. Leo Tolstoy gets it.  

The best and easiest way, to make effective change is to start where we  have some serious  control over that change. At home, with ourselves. Here,here, men.

That's my view...what say you?

Do we GO through life, or GROW through life?

Blog quote #1222... 

"Don't go through life, grow through life.." -Eric Butterworth, minister, author,radio personality-   

We'd simply like to add "Don't JUST go through life, BE SURE TO grow through life." 

Enough of going through the motions, live with passion and verve, with a constant eye on improving ourselves, and then the world around us. Take care of the first part, and the second part takes care of itself. 

That's my view...what say you?

Humor from Hammerin' Hank Aaron- one of baseball's all time greats

Blog quote #1221... 

"It took me 17 years to get 3000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course." -Hammerin' Hank Aaron, age 84-   

The home run king, using some humility and humor together. My what a tough game that golf is!

The amazing thing here is Aaron is known for being the all time leader in Home Runs, with records that stood for many decades. Most are unaware of what a superb overall hitter he was, with 3771 total hits, 2297 RBI's and a lifetime batting average of .305 

That's my view...what say you?

Discovering WHY we were born...

Blog quote #1220... 

"All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don't discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life, or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." -Danny Thomas-   

Right on, Mr. Thomas. It's all about loving and serving others. 

One great example of this: Go help another out, knowing that they cannot repay you. Watch and see how good that feels. Even if they can return the favor- it's still quite exhilarating.

That's my view...what say you?

10 useful things that require Zero Talent

Blog quote #1219... 

"Here's 10 very useful  things that require zero talent---1) Being on time 2)Work ethic 3) Effort 4)Body Language 5) Energy 6)Attitude 7)Passion 8) Being coachable 9)Doing extra and 10) Being prepared." -Colleen Commisso-   

Note that it doesn't say requires effort, but zero talent. Make an effort to do these ten things and watch your life start to improve almost instantaneously. Thanks Colleen, for a very meaningful list.

That's my view...what say you?

A funny question and answer...

Blog quote #1218... 

"The answer is "Chicken Teriyaki!" What is the question?" -Johnny Carson(Carnac, the great)-   

The question is: "What is the name of the oldest living kamikaze pilot?"

Thought that was humorous  for a Monday.

That's my view...what say you?

Most important instrument...of Leadership

Blog quote #1217... 

"If I had to name a single, all-purpose instrument of leadership, it would be communication. If you cannot communicate, you will not lead others effectively."  -John W Gardner-   

Anyone agree? Worth assessing current communication skills and giving an honest analysis of effectiveness?

That's my view...what say you?

Greatness and Madness...

Blog quote #1216... 

"No great mind has ever existed, without a touch of madness."  -Aristotle-   

The great ones are always 'out there' a bit. Some say crazy, others zany. Perhaps brilliance comes with a lot of misunderstanding. For by definition, the truly cranially gifted see things on a whole different plane than the rest of us. 

Not unlike any other talent. When one is truly blessed or superb at something, it leaves  others in awe, often scratching their heads.

Overall, we tend to agree with Aristotle.  How about you?

That's my view...what say you?

A toast...to the TEACHER

Blog quote #1215... 

"An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling." Carl Jung-   

Let's all tip our cap, raise a glass, and give a salute to all our teachers out there. 

Clearly and ever increasingly, one of the more challenging occupations on the planet. Likely one of the more underrated and underappreciated professions, as well.

That's my view...what say you?

Attention all who SING in the car...

Blog quote #1214... 

"Oh, give us the man who sings at work." -Thomas Carlyle-   

Or sings anywhere for that matter. We believe Carlyle was referring to a good attitude as most people who sing are generally in a good mood. And how refreshing is that to have other employees, actually happy at work.

When you sing in the shower, are you in a good mood? When you sing in the car, are you happy? Bring on the singers!

That's my view...what say you?