CoreCharacter: March 2006 Archives

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Mar31	What Is Your Favorite Book? John Gratton March 31, 2006 Know More: Read Read Read My favorite book is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, which I’ve read a dozen times, usually in July in honor of one of the characters. Second is The Dollmaker by Harriet Arnow, which is so good, so poignant, so humbling, so painful I’ve only been able to read it once. But the books that have done me the most good, those from which I’ve learned the most, the ones that have changed how I think, have been titles you all know: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think And Grow Rich, See You At The Top, The Automatic Millionaire, The Power Of Positive Thinking, on and on. I’ve gotten away from the habit of buying books on a regular basis, but it’s time to restart. On the 15^th of each month, I’m going to add to my little library. What do you recommend? What books or audio books have had the greatest impact on you and your careers? I’d like to read those. Posted at 8:45 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Mar31	I Hope I Don’t Fail I Hope I Don’t Fail John Gratton March 31, 2006 You hope you won’t fail? Guess what? You’re about to fail. Negative thinking always leads to failure. If you say “I hope I don’t fail” over and over, failure becomes inevitable. Go ahead, say it right now, 20 times. Say... Continue Reading Posted at 8:36 AM \| Permalink
	To Riches From Rags John Gratton March 31, 2006 “The way to go from rags to riches is to start by getting a decent set of rags.” Leonard Spinrad For a long time I resisted the idea that how we dress makes a difference. Talent, skill, ability, intelligence, tenacity,... Continue Reading Posted at 8:28 AM \| Permalink
	Although My Daughter Says I’m Hip – For A Dad – I’m Not Hip John Gratton March 31, 2006 If you’ve seen my photo, you know I’m not hip. Not anymore. Once upon a time, I knew the Top 40, I knew the top movies. Then it got to where I didn’t anymore. Today, I’ve never heard of any... Continue Reading Posted at 7:14 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Self-Discipline, Adversity And Defeat, Accurate Thinking John Gratton March 31, 2006 My new partnership opportunity is falling apart, unfulfilled. It had such promise, the lost opportunity weighs heavily on my soul. Surprisingly, I am finding solace in parts 7, 11 and 14 of Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles Of Personal Achievement. Self-Discipline... Continue Reading Posted at 6:58 AM \| Permalink
Mar30	They Say The First 200 Times Are The Hardest – What Do You Say? John Gratton March 30, 2006 My big problem here is that I already know what I think. Oh, sure, I like telling you what is on my mind, but that’s not enough. What do you think? If you disagree, please comment. If you agree but... Continue Reading Posted at 10:31 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Prosperity Is Waiting For You John Gratton March 30, 2006 The obvious challenge when I started with Know More Media was keeping up. To call the other authors here “peers” is to lower their standing, as they are truly talented. One superb writer/thinker/artist/entrepreneur is Maria Palmer, author of CustomersAreAlways, who... Continue Reading Posted at 9:59 AM \| Permalink
	I Did It My Why: The Worst Possible Title I May Ever Use John Gratton March 30, 2006 Frank Sinatra would be rolling over in his grave. Or at least Frank’s people would be. I was listening to Jim Rohn in the car, coming home from tennis. I often listen to Take Charge Of Your Life in my... Continue Reading Posted at 7:41 AM \| Permalink
	Five Questions To Ask Yourself About What You’re Doing, And Five Things To Get Serious About John Gratton March 30, 2006 We used this worksheet doing in-home demonstrations. Cut and past these questions into your word processor, give yourself space to write in answers, then get to work. What do I expect from my opportunity? Who are my top three resources... Continue Reading Posted at 7:31 AM \| Permalink
	Proper Money Management Is Essential If We Are To Live Abundantly And Happily John Gratton March 30, 2006 From Marvin J. Ashton in One For The Money: “How important are money management and finances in marriage and family affairs? The American Bar Association has indicated that 89 percent of all divorces can be traced to quarrels and accusations... Continue Reading Posted at 7:22 AM \| Permalink
Mar29	Sweet Adeline Just May Not Do John Gratton March 29, 2006 "There's no bad day that can't be overcome by listening to a barbershop quartet; this is just truth, plain and simple." Chuck Sigars The person driving this SUV may be overdosing on male harmonies right now. But bad days are... Continue Reading Posted at 10:59 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Leave Rather Than Follow Trails John Gratton March 29, 2006 “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Dan Strutzel quotes Emerson to begin an article for Nightingale-Conant in which he also encourages us to leave... Continue Reading Posted at 9:33 AM \| Permalink
	One-Liners: Sunshine In The House John Gratton March 29, 2006 Being happier lately has been good, and laughing comes more easily. Laughing just has to be good for you, but don’t take my word for it. “It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time.”... Continue Reading Posted at 9:19 AM \| Permalink
	Programming Your Mind To Control Your Own Destiny John Gratton March 29, 2006 I’m reading A Lifetime Of Riches, about Napoleon Hill, and I can’t help but be reminded that it’s time to read Think And Grow Rich once again. “Think And Grow Rich is not just about making money,” says Jim Rohrbach,... Continue Reading Posted at 8:47 AM \| Permalink
	King For A Day (Well, Maybe 20 Minutes) John Gratton March 29, 2006 I left high school with a 1.9 GPA, which I’m told isn’t especially good. College was a challenge, but, if I may modestly proclaim, I did well. I went to a junior college where, much to everyone’s surprise I was... Continue Reading Posted at 8:30 AM \| Permalink
Mar28	Read Read Read Read Read Read Read John Gratton March 28, 2006 I love the library. It’s big and beautiful and chock full of so many wonderous delights. Everyone there is a reader, and I love to watch armloads and sacks of books being toted in and out. The staff is excellent... Continue Reading Posted at 10:08 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	So Many People Can Be So Wrong, But That Doesn’t Mean You Have To Be One Of Them, Now Does It John Gratton March 28, 2006 From Earl Nightengale: “A hard thing for most people to fully understand is that people in such numbers can be so wrong. If most people are living that way, it must be right, they think. But a little checking will... Continue Reading Posted at 9:14 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	If You Weren’t Born With Social Ease, Learn It John Gratton March 28, 2006 “Nothing breeds more quickly or with more negative impact than discomfort,” says Ronna Lichtenberg, author of It’s Not Business It’s Personal. “If you feel uneasy and self-conscious when you’re around another person, he or she will feel the tension and... Continue Reading Posted at 9:05 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Happiness Is A By-Product Of Service John Gratton March 28, 2006 I’ve been a lot happier the past month of so, for a combination of reasons. Having something to do, someone to talk to, something to hope for, and somewhere to look other than my own misfortunes has made the difference.... Continue Reading Posted at 8:46 AM \| Permalink
	If You Are Within 300 Miles Of Here, Come See This Band John Gratton March 28, 2006 My favorite live band, Big Smith, is doing another benefit concert on Saturday, April 8 at 5 p.m. at Remington's, Springfield, Missouri. The “Hunger Fighting Silent Auction with Big Smith” will raise money to feed hungry children at the Rainbow... Continue Reading Posted at 7:19 AM \| Permalink
Mar27	Ideas Plus Inspiration John Gratton March 27, 2006 From Jim Rohn: “If you want your life to change, here's the source of it all: ideas plus inspiration. The good news is ideas are not that far away. I've got an excellent phrase for you to consider, one that... Continue Reading Posted at 1:59 PM \| Permalink
	We All Work Hard, So Why Aren’t We All Rich? John Gratton March 27, 2006 Not to confuse money with happiness, but sometimes it seems we all ought to have a lot more to show for all the years of hard work we’ve put in. The way I read the news, most Americans live paycheck... Continue Reading Posted at 1:53 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Experience Maximum Joy John Gratton March 27, 2006 This is from Vic Conant: “If you want to be happy - or experience maximum joy from life - become better at living. Engage in activities that are really worthwhile and joy will follow. Children and university students are usually... Continue Reading Posted at 1:44 PM \| Permalink
	Affinity Scams And Ponzi Schemes John Gratton March 27, 2006 Two articles in BusinessWeek Online discuss the rising popularity of “affinity fraud,” being ripped of by someone you know and trust. One article describes a Cambodian woman who convinced fellow Cambodians to invest with her, and the other describes a... Continue Reading Posted at 11:16 AM \| Permalink
	Woe To Him Who Distrusts The Vision John Gratton March 27, 2006 So far I’ve tried not to use a quotation more than once, but a thought by Jenkins Lloyd Jones keeps coming back: The vision of things to be done may come a long time before the way of doing them... Continue Reading Posted at 8:23 AM \| Permalink
Mar25	Do Not Use Fluoride Toothpaste John Gratton March 25, 2006 From my favorite web doctor, Dr. Joseph Mercola: There is enough fluoride in a typical tube of toothpaste to kill a small child if the entire tube was consumed at once. Not only does fluoride do little to prevent tooth... Continue Reading Posted at 5:27 PM \| Permalink
	Two More (Of 18) Ways To Trick Your Body John Gratton March 25, 2006 These healthy tips are from Kate Dailey at Men's Health. If Your Throat Tickles, Scratch Your EarWhen you were 9, playing your armpit was a cool trick. Now, as an adult, you can still appreciate a good body-based feat, but... Continue Reading Posted at 5:02 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	It’s That Time Of Year Again: How to Prevent Mosquito Bites John Gratton March 25, 2006 From Dr. Joseph Mercola: Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance - their bites can cause serious complications including the transmission of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and West Nile virus to humans and animals. While there are many... Continue Reading Posted at 4:53 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	If You’re Ever On Jeopardy! You May Need To Know This John Gratton March 25, 2006 This is from The Greatest Mistakes of All Time by Martha Brockenbrough. Rubber shortages during World War II prompted the U.S. government to look for a synthetic rubber. It seemed like a good idea to try to make this substitute... Continue Reading Posted at 4:36 PM \| Permalink
	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods Part 4 John Gratton March 25, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. Mustard GreensMustard greens are an excellent anticancer vegetable. They may also be beneficial for colds, arthritis or depression. OnionsOnions are an excellent... Continue Reading Posted at 4:21 PM \| Permalink
Mar24	As Far As I Think It Is Possible For A Man To Go John Gratton March 24, 2006 “You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.” Henry Ford “Don't be afraid to take a big step. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.” David Lloyd George “Keep away from people who try to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:21 PM \| Permalink
	Jeffrey Gitomer’s Name Is All Over This John Gratton March 24, 2006 You do this by becoming known for something good, by being known as a person of value, and by becoming a resource to your customers, not merely a salesman Continue Reading Posted at 7:05 PM \| Permalink
	(I’m In Love With You And) I Feel Fine* John Gratton March 24, 2006 “When people ask you how you are, always tell them, ‘I feel terrific.’ No matter how you really feel at the moment or what is happening in you life, resolve to remain cheerful and upbeat.” Brian Tracy The best example... Continue Reading Posted at 6:45 PM \| Permalink
	A Made-Up Mind Is An Irresistible Force John Gratton March 24, 2006 That’s a line from Howard Qu, whom I heard at a convention in Las Vegas last year: “a made-up mind is an irresistible force.” Which reminds me of the new soldier who gets long and steamy letters every day from... Continue Reading Posted at 6:31 PM \| Permalink
	Be Bold, Baby, Be Bold John Gratton March 24, 2006 Someone said that a good company was hiring, so I went over. A 3x3-foot sign was taped to the front window, “WE ARE NOT HIRING.” I needed a job, so I pried the sign from the window and carried it... Continue Reading Posted at 6:22 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Mar23	As A Clod-Hopper Pig Farmer Thinketh… John Gratton March 23, 2006 Unable to sleep, too tired to read, I was watching King Of The Hill reruns at midnight. Bobby Hill said something that won’t leave my mind. “I’m just a clod-hopper pig farmer who’s too dumb to know any better,” he... Continue Reading Posted at 11:23 AM \| Permalink
	Behind Every Good Man (Is A Former Boss Who Is Just Waiting To Pounce) John Gratton March 23, 2006 I just received an e-mail from a good friend who used to be my boss, the best boss I ever had, in fact. I’m not sucking up, she already knows it is true, and she knows I could not adore... Continue Reading Posted at 11:11 AM \| Permalink
	Keep Your Brain In The Game John Gratton March 23, 2006 Like a lot of things, video games are not my area of expertise. I stink stank stunk at Space Invaders and haven’t tried many games since then. I like Text Twist and Bespelled, but only play about once a year.... Continue Reading Posted at 10:13 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Hey, That’s Not So Bad John Gratton March 23, 2006 “Ninety-five percent of your emotions,” says Brian Tracy, “positive or negative, are determined by how you talk to yourself on a minute-to-minute basis. It is not what happens to you but the way that you interpret the things that are... Continue Reading Posted at 8:42 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	You Must Earn And Deserve Your Self-Esteem John Gratton March 23, 2006 Congratulations to Rick Pitino and his Louisville Cardinals on another hard-won victory last night over Missouri State University. They say that “defense wins championships” and they played good defense. You don’t win 19 home games in a season without good... Continue Reading Posted at 7:55 AM \| Permalink
Mar22	Rick Pitino: Be Positive 98 Percent Of The Time John Gratton March 22, 2006 Our local college basketball team, the Missouri State Bears, is playing Louisville tonight in the NIT. Louisville , of course, is coached by Rick Pitino, who has a long and illustrious coaching career. Pitino also is an excellent motivational speaker.... Continue Reading Posted at 12:41 PM \| Permalink
	Six Shots At Happiness John Gratton March 22, 2006 Whatever your position, come to work each day happy to be there, glad to be part of a successful effort, pleased to have the opportunities you have. Jeff Wurio One opportunity we have is to be happy, or at least... Continue Reading Posted at 10:46 AM \| Permalink
	Trustworthy In Texas John Gratton March 22, 2006 When I was selling jelly, I traveled to arts and craft shows all over the country. My favorite place was Texas, because I liked the people and, at least in my experience, Texans ate a lot of jelly. Many, many... Continue Reading Posted at 10:40 AM \| Permalink
	Speaking Of Your Career John Gratton March 22, 2006 After years in front of a computer, I suddenly found myself required to make a 10-minute presentation in front of our users group, a couple of hundred people, showing off the new electronic help files I’d done for our software.... Continue Reading Posted at 10:12 AM \| Permalink
	Or Fall For Anything John Gratton March 22, 2006 I rarely listen to radio music – I dislike DJs like I dislike dysentery – but I heard a snip of John Mellencamp, “you got to stand for something or you’re gonna fall for anything.” I don’t know that the... Continue Reading Posted at 9:42 AM \| Permalink
Mar21	Opportunity Costs John Gratton March 21, 2006 Ralph was a wonderful and kind and generous and funny man. I admired him in so many ways, but it wasn’t until I spoke at his funeral that I ever said anything about it. I watched my friend Gary standing... Continue Reading Posted at 1:09 PM \| Permalink
	Bad Day For Body Parts John Gratton March 21, 2006 From the humorous to the horrific, the news hasn’t been good for body parts lately. First there’s Spencer Tunick, “known worldwide for his photographs of massed groups of naked people,” who took a photograph of 1,700 unclothed and exposed people... Continue Reading Posted at 11:49 AM \| Permalink
	Can This Possibly Be True? John Gratton March 21, 2006 I’ve read this a dozen times and still find it hard to believe. You read it and tell me what you think. “The University of Massachusetts conducted a study comparing the well-being of lottery winners versus people who had become... Continue Reading Posted at 7:54 AM \| Permalink
	Unless You’re Scott Adams, Or You Work For Scott Adams, Try To Avoid Stealing Office Supplies John Gratton March 21, 2006 A convenience store where I was assistant manager was robbed one night. Although I had a perfect alibi – I was at an all-night Beatles moviefest – we all had to take lie detector tests to show we weren’t in... Continue Reading Posted at 7:42 AM \| Permalink
	Just How Stupid Do You Think I Am? John Gratton March 21, 2006 Sometimes the answer is so obvious the question need not be asked. Vegas comes to mind, where stupidity is palpable. Just stand near a slot machine or a black jack table. Some will argue that if you set limits, gambling is... Continue Reading Posted at 7:29 AM \| Permalink
Mar20	Happiness Results In Workplace Success (Not The Other Way Around) John Gratton March 20, 2006 "To be happy, the passions must be cheerful and gay, not gloomy and melancholy. A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow, real poverty." David Hume Happy people tend to get job promotions before... Continue Reading Posted at 9:16 AM \| Permalink
	"I’m A Cubs Fan Because I Can’t Afford World Series Tickets" John Gratton March 20, 2006 Before all of you in Chicago start writing rude comments, l grew up watching the St. Louis Football Cardinals, and except for a couple of seasons in the mid-1970s, I always said I was a Cardinals fan because I like... Continue Reading Posted at 7:49 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I’m Not Old John Gratton March 20, 2006 In Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Arthur calls to a peasant named Dennis, “Old woman….” Dennis replies, “I’m 37.” “What?” “I’m 37, I’m not old.” You’ve seen it. I wanted to quote this a few years ago at a... Continue Reading Posted at 7:39 AM \| Permalink
	Two Great Injustices For The Price Of One John Gratton March 20, 2006 Two horrific injustices are upon us. One, a television producer is going to broadcast a séance that attempts to contact the spirit of John Lennon. Two, the Lennon pay-per-view program is five dollars less than it was for Princess Diana.... Continue Reading Posted at 7:26 AM \| Permalink
	You Can’t Guard Him One-On-One All By Yourself John Gratton March 20, 2006 If you have to watch television, there isn’t much better than the opening weekend of the NCAA basketball tournament. The commercials are usually fresh and most are entertaining. The debate on teams left in and teams left out is always... Continue Reading Posted at 7:13 AM \| Permalink
Mar18	Thieves Love Your Paper Checks John Gratton March 18, 2006 One reason I don’t use credit cards is that I’ve never felt they were safe. It just seems so easy for someone to use them unlawfully, to somehow get the numbers and away they go, charging their way across the... Continue Reading Posted at 3:45 PM \| Permalink
	Love Is Only Sleeping John Gratton March 18, 2006 Okay, okay, so I’m a Monkees fan. I like Saturday because I generally get to sleep past 5:36 a.m. and that extra four or five hours feels good. This is from Women’s Health at the New York Times site. While the... Continue Reading Posted at 3:32 PM \| Permalink
	Healthier, Half An Hour At A Time John Gratton March 18, 2006 Exercise has never been a favorite pastime. Play basketball twice a week, tennis three times a week, ride a bike most days, and there really isn’t time. But we don’t always have the opportunity to play, and must make up... Continue Reading Posted at 2:38 PM \| Permalink
	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods, Part 3 John Gratton March 18, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. FennelFennel contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin. This herb is anticarcinogenic and can be useful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Fennel... Continue Reading Posted at 2:20 PM \| Permalink
	Only One Way To Have A Happy Marriage John Gratton March 18, 2006 A happy home life is vital to all other lasting success. While I am a big fan of marriage, and hope to one day marry again, and remain convinced that “no other success can compensate for failure in the home,”... Continue Reading Posted at 1:08 PM \| Permalink
Mar17	You Gotta Laugh John Gratton March 17, 2006 "Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh." W.H. Auden "Something special happens when people laugh together over something genuinely funny,... Continue Reading Posted at 11:33 AM \| Permalink
	Pay Attention Or Pay The Price John Gratton March 17, 2006 Last year, checks for something like $73 million in 2004 income tax refunds were returned to the IRS from 84,290 taxpayers who moved without updating their address. So says the Internal Revenue Service. The amount owed averaged out to $871... Continue Reading Posted at 10:33 AM \| Permalink
	Personality And Miles Of It John Gratton March 17, 2006 In The Science Of Personal Achievement, Napoleon Hill provided a simple yet profound list of ideas that all who desire success should follow. He called it “The 17 Principles Of Personal Achievement.” Here are principles 4 and 5. Pleasing Personality... Continue Reading Posted at 10:23 AM \| Permalink
	Adding Song Writing To My Credits, That’s The Goal John Gratton March 17, 2006 One of my goals is to write a song that becomes popular. I listen to the radio when my children make me, so I hear some of what is there. How hard can it be? Plus, I figure if Charles... Continue Reading Posted at 7:47 AM \| Permalink
	Any Road Will Take You There John Gratton March 17, 2006 George Harrison is singing a song I’ve not heard before, but the chorus has a familiar ring as I write. And if you don’t know where you’re goingAny road will take you there. He uses some pretty effective imagery to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:22 AM \| Permalink
Mar16	My Mom Always Says “Read My Son’s Book” John Gratton March 16, 2006 The late Ormal Creach, a businessman from up the road at Macks Creek, heard Bob Priddy’s radio series, Across Our Wide Missouri, where Priddy encouraged listeners, even the most common among us, to record our life stories. Ormal took him... Continue Reading Posted at 10:07 AM \| Permalink
	Don’t Worry, Baby, Everything Will Be Alright John Gratton March 16, 2006 Unlike the Beach Boys, you and I sometimes have things to worry about other than cars, women and surfing. It’s a shame, I suppose, but it’s true. Worry about little things and big things and all the things in between... Continue Reading Posted at 9:06 AM \| Permalink
	Failure Is Delay, Not Defeat John Gratton March 16, 2006 “It has been said that failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker,” says Denis Waitley. “Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing... Continue Reading Posted at 8:29 AM \| Permalink
	Stupid Is As Stupid Does – What Does That MEAN? John Gratton March 16, 2006 You know how when you’re thinking about buying a certain car, suddenly you see them everywhere? I’ve been thinking about stupidity lately, and sure enough, it seems to be all around. If there were a Stupidity Day Parade, I would... Continue Reading Posted at 7:32 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Teamwork When It Counts John Gratton March 16, 2006 Our newspaper continues to run stories and remarkable photos of the substantial damage done by area tornados Sunday night. Many local families are facing a long time without the necessities of life and without a place to live. But one... Continue Reading Posted at 7:15 AM \| Permalink
Mar15	Do You Pass? John Gratton March 15, 2006 I came across this cartoon by Dave Coverly and thought it illustrated a point I wanted to make. I wrote for permission to use the image, but in the meantime realized that what I had written was not good... Continue Reading Posted at 8:52 AM \| Permalink
	Four Simple Tips To Improve Communication Skills John Gratton March 15, 2006 Ask a horse racing fanatic and an alcoholic "what looks good in the fifth?" and each would be baffled by the other's response. Communication is the act of exchanging information, of transmitting a message - visually or verbally, spoken or written - between... Continue Reading Posted at 8:19 AM \| Permalink
	Bound To Be True John Gratton March 15, 2006 I am not bound to win, I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to the light I have. Abraham Lincoln Let me not pray to be sheltered from... Continue Reading Posted at 7:49 AM \| Permalink
	Personal Change Makes Us Valuable John Gratton March 15, 2006 The average person will take on 10 different jobs simply to gain the skills necessary for a career. Salary.com reports that seven of every 10 workers is looking for a different job, and that half of us are likely to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:34 AM \| Permalink
	You Must Have Taken Great Pains John Gratton March 15, 2006 One of my many faults is that I am naturally sarcastic and rude. It’s taken many years and a steady effort and many beating ups to conquer that side of me. But I still enjoy a well-placed, clever insult, which... Continue Reading Posted at 7:26 AM \| Permalink
Mar14	You Make Me Happy Like Bubbles In Champaign John Gratton March 14, 2006 It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy - it is what you think about - Dale Carnegie Continue Reading Posted at 11:29 AM \| Permalink
	Don’t Be Stupid John Gratton March 14, 2006 Look at all the people who now wish they had gone to a school that would have taught them not to do stupid things Continue Reading Posted at 11:18 AM \| Permalink
	Look Red-Hot In Blue Jeans John Gratton March 14, 2006 An ad just appeared on my e-mail screen, as they do every time the screen refreshes, and sometimes they are for dating services and diets and the pictures they include are of barely dressed women. The blurb for this one... Continue Reading Posted at 9:02 AM \| Permalink
	Assume A Virtue John Gratton March 14, 2006 “If you want to improve a person in a certain respect, act as though that particular trait were already one of his or her outstanding characteristics. Shakespeare said, ‘Assume a virtue, if you have it not.’ And it might be... Continue Reading Posted at 8:09 AM \| Permalink
	It Just Ain’t Right John Gratton March 14, 2006 It was stealing, it was wasting time for which he was paid, and, it was pretty bad customer service Continue Reading Posted at 8:02 AM \| Permalink
Mar13	Make Your Mistakes Into Assets John Gratton March 13, 2006 Paul J. Meyer said to “consider every mistake you do make as an asset.” I had no idea I had so many assets. My first big sale was to a neighbor who had just closed his bank account and was... Continue Reading Posted at 2:26 PM \| Permalink
	Well Done Is Better Than Well Said John Gratton March 13, 2006 That line, of course, is from Benjamin Franklin, who seems to be well-remembered as much for what he said almost as much as what he did. What I learn from that, “well done is better than well said,” is that... Continue Reading Posted at 1:01 PM \| Permalink
	Become Your Own Personal Cheerleader John Gratton March 13, 2006 Another of my pet peeves is cheerleaders. I am waiting for a presidential or gubernatorial candidate who has the guts to do something about this pestilence, but I will spare you the details. Instead, I present the following from Brian... Continue Reading Posted at 12:24 PM \| Permalink
	Different Characters, Same Punch Line John Gratton March 13, 2006 Last week, I mentioned a joke a terrific new friend told about how lawyers view cows to illustrate the value of empathy and being willing to see other points of view. Over the weekend, perusing my tattered copy of 2,500... Continue Reading Posted at 12:07 PM \| Permalink
	Art Imitates Life (Or Is It The Other Way Around) John Gratton March 13, 2006 I know little about art, but I know what I like, and I like “First Steps” by Vincent Van Gogh. It is beautiful, serene and cozy, and so genuine I can smell the dirt and feel the breeze and the... Continue Reading Posted at 9:29 AM \| Permalink
Mar11	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods, Part 2 John Gratton March 11, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. CeleryCelery is the best vegetable source of naturally occurring sodium. It is high in potassium. The high water content in celery makes... Continue Reading Posted at 11:42 AM \| Permalink
	Improve Your Health By Forgiving John Gratton March 11, 2006 by Dr. Larry Nimms, Journal of Adult Development 2001;8:249-257 To err is human and to forgive divine, according to the old adage, but humans who forgive are known to experience significant physical and mental health benefits from doing so. In... Continue Reading Posted at 11:37 AM \| Permalink
	Three Natural Flu Prevention Tips John Gratton March 11, 2006 You can’t cure colds and flu, so you must prevent. Charles B. Inlander, president of The People's Medical Society, offers these suggestions (WebMD Medical Reference): Wash Your HandsMost cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Someone who has... Continue Reading Posted at 11:31 AM \| Permalink
	Go And Boil Your Bottoms, Sons Of A Silly Person John Gratton March 11, 2006 Subtitle: Beware Of Boiling Broccoli By Jennifer Warner, reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD, October 18, 2003, WebMD Medical News [A recent] study compared the effects of various cooking methods on the antioxidant content of fresh broccoli. Researchers tested high-pressure boiling, low-pressure (conventional) boiling, steaming,... Continue Reading Posted at 11:24 AM \| Permalink
	Don’t Use Antibacterial Soap John Gratton March 11, 2006 by Dr. Joseph Mercola Somewhere along the way the public began to believe that regular soap wasn’t good enough - they needed antibacterial soap. Well, antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary, and can cause far more harm than good. Triclosan, an... Continue Reading Posted at 11:17 AM \| Permalink
Mar10	Neglected Virtue Number Four John Gratton March 10, 2006 These remarks are taken from Standing For Something by Gordon B. Hinckley. The subtitle is: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts And Homes. Our Fading Civility All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count... Continue Reading Posted at 3:42 PM \| Permalink
	I’m An Optimist But I Don’t Know That It Does Me Any Good John Gratton March 10, 2006 Optimism is the most important quality you can develop for personal and professional success and happiness Continue Reading Posted at 9:41 AM \| Permalink
	Don't Look Back John Gratton March 10, 2006 The reason Boston ’s second album is called Don’t Look Back is because it sounds so similar to their first album. The first one was fine, I mean it sold 17 million copies, but Boston Part 2 was just more... Continue Reading Posted at 9:23 AM \| Permalink
	Girls Only Want Boys Who Have Great Skills John Gratton March 10, 2006 We all need to learn and develop our skills, to increase our competency in many things Continue Reading Posted at 7:42 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Nothing Hits The Floor John Gratton March 10, 2006 Their motto, and maybe yours, should be “nothing hits the floor.” Not today. Nothing hits the floor, not my floor Continue Reading Posted at 7:32 AM \| Permalink
Mar 9	Olympic Moments Numbers 784 Through 788 (I Started To Call It “Millionaire Olympic Moments” But Chickened Out) John Gratton March 9, 2006 Another Olympics been and gone. We’re left with the memories (yawn) and a few interesting quotations. “I just knew there was no room for negativity. I wanted to stand up there and win a medal because I knew I could... Continue Reading Posted at 1:06 PM \| Permalink
	Between The Great And The Insignificant John Gratton March 9, 2006 The longer I live, the more I am certain that the great difference between men, between the feeble and the powerful, between the great and the insignificant, is energy – invincible determination – a purpose once fixed, and then death... Continue Reading Posted at 12:40 PM \| Permalink
	Rent A Celebrity John Gratton March 9, 2006 book celebrities and sports stars, book them for concerts or for keynote speakers or maybe to come to your birthday party, or maybe to open your new building Continue Reading Posted at 10:57 AM \| Permalink
	I Haven’t Used The M Word In Any Titles (No Wonder Readership Is Growing Slowly) John Gratton March 9, 2006 It seems one sure way to earn a million bucks is to sell a book with the word “Millionaire” in the title Continue Reading Posted at 9:46 AM \| Permalink
	Speaking Of Lies: Free Checking John Gratton March 9, 2006 It sounded so good on TV, free checking, free bill pay, free ATM, free this, free that. So when I needed a new checking account, that’s where I went. “Can we help you, sir?” “Yep,” I said, “I want me... Continue Reading Posted at 9:35 AM \| Permalink
Mar 8	Sell Not Virtue To Purchase Wealth John Gratton March 8, 2006 “Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.” Ben Franklin Ready to start an in-house demonstration, I asked if there were questions. “I don’t have a question,” said a reluctant husband. “All I ask is that you... Continue Reading Posted at 3:10 PM \| Permalink
	Count Your Recent Blessings John Gratton March 8, 2006 Last week, I wrote about finding an old week’s worth of things to be thankful for, and promised to create a new list. Three blessings a day for seven days. Here’s what I wrote this week: Day 1Warm weather, basketball... Continue Reading Posted at 12:47 PM \| Permalink
	Your Success Supports Countless Others John Gratton March 8, 2006 When I did in-home cooking demonstrations, the food cost about $25 dollars. Between those and what we used at the office during training, I spent about $150 per week at a local grocery store. I always went to the same... Continue Reading Posted at 11:54 AM \| Permalink
	Did What I Loved, The Money Followed John Gratton March 8, 2006 For five years in the 1980s, I had a great-paying, secure job that I hated - $25,000 and all the overtime I wanted painting the tiny rocks that go on roofing shingles. Everyone said I was stupid to quit just... Continue Reading Posted at 11:21 AM \| Permalink
	Again And Again And Again John Gratton March 8, 2006 Keith Peterson was president of the company where I worked. He said that “ninety percent of your success is persistence.” My job was to do in-home cooking demonstrations for married couples, and I worked long and hard to have my... Continue Reading Posted at 10:55 AM \| Permalink
Mar 7	Trying Not To Make A Wisecrack About Goal Posts John Gratton March 7, 2006 The only reason I mention it is that I met my goal Continue Reading Posted at 12:44 PM \| Permalink
	Enthusiasm And Imagination John Gratton March 7, 2006 Albert Einstein claimed that “imagination is more important than knowledge,” and who am I to argue with him Continue Reading Posted at 11:42 AM \| Permalink
	Stick To It John Gratton March 7, 2006 Don’t keep doing the same wrong thing over and over, but figure out a different way and try again Continue Reading Posted at 9:35 AM \| Permalink
	The Lesson Of The Spotted Cow John Gratton March 7, 2006 As good as you are, you can always use some humility Continue Reading Posted at 7:41 AM \| Permalink
	I’m Going To Be A Dancer John Gratton March 7, 2006 We all know kids who want to be ball players or artists or doctors when they grow up. I knew a little girl who danced. “I’m going to be a dancer,” she would say in her tiny little voice. It... Continue Reading Posted at 7:12 AM \| Permalink
Mar 6	I Wear Hideous Red And Black And White Tennis Shoes Because I Don’t Want Strangers To Control My Mind John Gratton March 6, 2006 The t-shirt said, “For the time it took to read this, I had control of your mind.” Fair enough, but big deal. There are lots of people, mostly strangers, who have controlled my mind a lot longer than that. I... Continue Reading Posted at 3:05 PM \| Permalink
	I’m Going To Walk On The Moon, Marilyn John Gratton March 6, 2006 Individually and collectively heroic, they overcame many obstacles, some never even imagined, which required new thinking, new activity Continue Reading Posted at 11:02 AM \| Permalink
	Want The Ball John Gratton March 6, 2006 In Little League baseball, I used to stand in the ready position, like everyone else, but I would be chanting, “please don’t hit it to me, please don’t hit it to me.” I learned later that most of my teammates... Continue Reading Posted at 10:05 AM \| Permalink
	It’s Not Owed John Gratton March 6, 2006 What they’re looking for is whether houses were destroyed by wind, for which homeowners generally were covered, or by flood, for which most homeowners were not Continue Reading Posted at 9:29 AM \| Permalink
	Don't Follow Followers John Gratton March 6, 2006 “Processionary caterpillars travel in long, undulating lines, one creature behind the other. Jean Hanri Fabre, the French entomologist, once lead a group of these caterpillars onto the rim of a large flowerpot so that the leader of the procession found... Continue Reading Posted at 7:38 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Mar 4	Put A Gallon In Me Alan John Gratton March 4, 2006 If you are not a blood donor, and you are able to donate, do it Continue Reading Posted at 10:56 PM \| Permalink
	Are These Old Wives’ Tales True? John Gratton March 4, 2006 True or false? Answers below. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It takes seven years to digest gum. Sitting too close to the television is bad for your eyes. Fish is brain food. You'll catch a cold if... Continue Reading Posted at 10:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Eating For A Sharper Mind, Part Two John Gratton March 4, 2006 From Psychology Today.com Whole Grains and Brown RiceOne of the best things you can do to improve intake of nutrients is to switch to brown rice. It’s filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seems to be important to cognitive health. Whole... Continue Reading Posted at 7:19 PM \| Permalink
	Ten Reasons To Toss Your Microwave John Gratton March 4, 2006 Except for popcorn and an occasional teriyaki chicken sandwich at a local sub shop, I haven’t knowingly eaten food from a microwave oven since April 2000, when I first read this article by Anthony Wayne and Lawrence Newell on the... Continue Reading Posted at 7:08 PM \| Permalink
	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods, Part 1 John Gratton March 4, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals Continue Reading Posted at 7:00 PM \| Permalink
Mar 3	Neglected Virtue Number Five John Gratton March 3, 2006 These remarks are taken from Standing For Something by Gordon B. Hinckley. The subtitle is: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts And Homes. Learning: With All Thy Getting Get Understanding No matter how old we become, we can... Continue Reading Posted at 10:38 AM \| Permalink
	What Are You Talking About? John Gratton March 3, 2006 The art of good conversation centers very much on your ability to ask questions and to listen attentively to the answers Continue Reading Posted at 10:09 AM \| Permalink
	Healthy, Wealthy And Wise? Here’s Proof John Gratton March 3, 2006 “Americans who reported to be in excellent health in 1984 had close to 75% higher median wealth than those who reported fair or poor health. A decade later, the “healthy” group had a median wealth of $127,900 as compared to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:25 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	You Are Here John Gratton March 3, 2006 The pilot speaks over the intercom. “Folks, the good news is we are making really good time. The bad news is, we’re hopelessly lost.” That sometimes happens to us. We stay really busy, but we don’t know where we are,... Continue Reading Posted at 7:05 AM \| Permalink
	The Morals Of Chess John Gratton March 3, 2006 From Benjamin Franklin, 1750 The Game of Chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired and strengthened by it, so as to become... Continue Reading Posted at 6:57 AM \| Permalink
Mar 2	Risk And Rewards, Infamy Or Fortune John Gratton March 2, 2006 Rather than being remember as the man who didn’t sign the Beatles, Rowe is the man who gave them their first real shot Continue Reading Posted at 1:09 PM \| Permalink
	Floods, Shame And Automobiles John Gratton March 2, 2006 Whatever business you’re in, don’t stoop as low as these bottom-dwellers Continue Reading Posted at 10:41 AM \| Permalink
	The Essence Of Life Is Growth John Gratton March 2, 2006 “It doesn't matter whether you earn ten thousand dollars a year or a million dollars a year as long as you've done the best you can. The essence of life is growth. It is doing the best you possibly can.... Continue Reading Posted at 8:17 AM \| Permalink
	Thoughts Set The Course For Our Lives John Gratton March 2, 2006 The first step to changing your life is to change your mind. Every aspect of day-to-day living is based on your mind, on what you think. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” is what the scriptures... Continue Reading Posted at 7:49 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Count Your Many Blessings John Gratton March 2, 2006 Write down three things each day for which you are grateful Continue Reading Posted at 7:28 AM \| Permalink
Mar 1	I Will Remember Your Name John Gratton March 1, 2006 Being able to remember names is a valuable asset in both the business and social arenas Continue Reading Posted at 11:17 AM \| Permalink
	Motivational Quote From Nightingale.com John Gratton March 1, 2006 The quotations are always good, and, surprisingly often, they are timely and pertain to what I’m doing that day Continue Reading Posted at 10:21 AM \| Permalink
	The Dignity Of Choice John Gratton March 1, 2006 What I choose to do right now will make all the difference Continue Reading Posted at 8:04 AM \| Permalink
	Follow Your Training John Gratton March 1, 2006 Trust me, I'm a highly trained professional Continue Reading Posted at 7:33 AM \| Permalink
	Good Thing Self-Esteem Doesn’t Come From My Inbox John Gratton March 1, 2006 As I look at my e-mail inbox right now, I realize that my television is not big enough, my, um, manhood, also is woefully inadequate, my breasts are too small, I weigh too much, I’m not sleeping well, I’d better... Continue Reading Posted at 7:09 AM \| Permalink

« February 2006 | Main | April 2006 »

Mar31	What Is Your Favorite Book? John Gratton March 31, 2006 Know More: Read Read Read My favorite book is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, which I’ve read a dozen times, usually in July in honor of one of the characters. Second is The Dollmaker by Harriet Arnow, which is so good, so poignant, so humbling, so painful I’ve only been able to read it once. But the books that have done me the most good, those from which I’ve learned the most, the ones that have changed how I think, have been titles you all know: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think And Grow Rich, See You At The Top, The Automatic Millionaire, The Power Of Positive Thinking, on and on. I’ve gotten away from the habit of buying books on a regular basis, but it’s time to restart. On the 15^th of each month, I’m going to add to my little library. What do you recommend? What books or audio books have had the greatest impact on you and your careers? I’d like to read those. Posted at 8:45 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Mar31	I Hope I Don’t Fail I Hope I Don’t Fail John Gratton March 31, 2006 You hope you won’t fail? Guess what? You’re about to fail. Negative thinking always leads to failure. If you say “I hope I don’t fail” over and over, failure becomes inevitable. Go ahead, say it right now, 20 times. Say... Continue Reading Posted at 8:36 AM \| Permalink
	To Riches From Rags John Gratton March 31, 2006 “The way to go from rags to riches is to start by getting a decent set of rags.” Leonard Spinrad For a long time I resisted the idea that how we dress makes a difference. Talent, skill, ability, intelligence, tenacity,... Continue Reading Posted at 8:28 AM \| Permalink
	Although My Daughter Says I’m Hip – For A Dad – I’m Not Hip John Gratton March 31, 2006 If you’ve seen my photo, you know I’m not hip. Not anymore. Once upon a time, I knew the Top 40, I knew the top movies. Then it got to where I didn’t anymore. Today, I’ve never heard of any... Continue Reading Posted at 7:14 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Self-Discipline, Adversity And Defeat, Accurate Thinking John Gratton March 31, 2006 My new partnership opportunity is falling apart, unfulfilled. It had such promise, the lost opportunity weighs heavily on my soul. Surprisingly, I am finding solace in parts 7, 11 and 14 of Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles Of Personal Achievement. Self-Discipline... Continue Reading Posted at 6:58 AM \| Permalink
Mar30	They Say The First 200 Times Are The Hardest – What Do You Say? John Gratton March 30, 2006 My big problem here is that I already know what I think. Oh, sure, I like telling you what is on my mind, but that’s not enough. What do you think? If you disagree, please comment. If you agree but... Continue Reading Posted at 10:31 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Prosperity Is Waiting For You John Gratton March 30, 2006 The obvious challenge when I started with Know More Media was keeping up. To call the other authors here “peers” is to lower their standing, as they are truly talented. One superb writer/thinker/artist/entrepreneur is Maria Palmer, author of CustomersAreAlways, who... Continue Reading Posted at 9:59 AM \| Permalink
	I Did It My Why: The Worst Possible Title I May Ever Use John Gratton March 30, 2006 Frank Sinatra would be rolling over in his grave. Or at least Frank’s people would be. I was listening to Jim Rohn in the car, coming home from tennis. I often listen to Take Charge Of Your Life in my... Continue Reading Posted at 7:41 AM \| Permalink
	Five Questions To Ask Yourself About What You’re Doing, And Five Things To Get Serious About John Gratton March 30, 2006 We used this worksheet doing in-home demonstrations. Cut and past these questions into your word processor, give yourself space to write in answers, then get to work. What do I expect from my opportunity? Who are my top three resources... Continue Reading Posted at 7:31 AM \| Permalink
	Proper Money Management Is Essential If We Are To Live Abundantly And Happily John Gratton March 30, 2006 From Marvin J. Ashton in One For The Money: “How important are money management and finances in marriage and family affairs? The American Bar Association has indicated that 89 percent of all divorces can be traced to quarrels and accusations... Continue Reading Posted at 7:22 AM \| Permalink
Mar29	Sweet Adeline Just May Not Do John Gratton March 29, 2006 "There's no bad day that can't be overcome by listening to a barbershop quartet; this is just truth, plain and simple." Chuck Sigars The person driving this SUV may be overdosing on male harmonies right now. But bad days are... Continue Reading Posted at 10:59 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Leave Rather Than Follow Trails John Gratton March 29, 2006 “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Dan Strutzel quotes Emerson to begin an article for Nightingale-Conant in which he also encourages us to leave... Continue Reading Posted at 9:33 AM \| Permalink
	One-Liners: Sunshine In The House John Gratton March 29, 2006 Being happier lately has been good, and laughing comes more easily. Laughing just has to be good for you, but don’t take my word for it. “It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time.”... Continue Reading Posted at 9:19 AM \| Permalink
	Programming Your Mind To Control Your Own Destiny John Gratton March 29, 2006 I’m reading A Lifetime Of Riches, about Napoleon Hill, and I can’t help but be reminded that it’s time to read Think And Grow Rich once again. “Think And Grow Rich is not just about making money,” says Jim Rohrbach,... Continue Reading Posted at 8:47 AM \| Permalink
	King For A Day (Well, Maybe 20 Minutes) John Gratton March 29, 2006 I left high school with a 1.9 GPA, which I’m told isn’t especially good. College was a challenge, but, if I may modestly proclaim, I did well. I went to a junior college where, much to everyone’s surprise I was... Continue Reading Posted at 8:30 AM \| Permalink
Mar28	Read Read Read Read Read Read Read John Gratton March 28, 2006 I love the library. It’s big and beautiful and chock full of so many wonderous delights. Everyone there is a reader, and I love to watch armloads and sacks of books being toted in and out. The staff is excellent... Continue Reading Posted at 10:08 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	So Many People Can Be So Wrong, But That Doesn’t Mean You Have To Be One Of Them, Now Does It John Gratton March 28, 2006 From Earl Nightengale: “A hard thing for most people to fully understand is that people in such numbers can be so wrong. If most people are living that way, it must be right, they think. But a little checking will... Continue Reading Posted at 9:14 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	If You Weren’t Born With Social Ease, Learn It John Gratton March 28, 2006 “Nothing breeds more quickly or with more negative impact than discomfort,” says Ronna Lichtenberg, author of It’s Not Business It’s Personal. “If you feel uneasy and self-conscious when you’re around another person, he or she will feel the tension and... Continue Reading Posted at 9:05 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Happiness Is A By-Product Of Service John Gratton March 28, 2006 I’ve been a lot happier the past month of so, for a combination of reasons. Having something to do, someone to talk to, something to hope for, and somewhere to look other than my own misfortunes has made the difference.... Continue Reading Posted at 8:46 AM \| Permalink
	If You Are Within 300 Miles Of Here, Come See This Band John Gratton March 28, 2006 My favorite live band, Big Smith, is doing another benefit concert on Saturday, April 8 at 5 p.m. at Remington's, Springfield, Missouri. The “Hunger Fighting Silent Auction with Big Smith” will raise money to feed hungry children at the Rainbow... Continue Reading Posted at 7:19 AM \| Permalink
Mar27	Ideas Plus Inspiration John Gratton March 27, 2006 From Jim Rohn: “If you want your life to change, here's the source of it all: ideas plus inspiration. The good news is ideas are not that far away. I've got an excellent phrase for you to consider, one that... Continue Reading Posted at 1:59 PM \| Permalink
	We All Work Hard, So Why Aren’t We All Rich? John Gratton March 27, 2006 Not to confuse money with happiness, but sometimes it seems we all ought to have a lot more to show for all the years of hard work we’ve put in. The way I read the news, most Americans live paycheck... Continue Reading Posted at 1:53 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Experience Maximum Joy John Gratton March 27, 2006 This is from Vic Conant: “If you want to be happy - or experience maximum joy from life - become better at living. Engage in activities that are really worthwhile and joy will follow. Children and university students are usually... Continue Reading Posted at 1:44 PM \| Permalink
	Affinity Scams And Ponzi Schemes John Gratton March 27, 2006 Two articles in BusinessWeek Online discuss the rising popularity of “affinity fraud,” being ripped of by someone you know and trust. One article describes a Cambodian woman who convinced fellow Cambodians to invest with her, and the other describes a... Continue Reading Posted at 11:16 AM \| Permalink
	Woe To Him Who Distrusts The Vision John Gratton March 27, 2006 So far I’ve tried not to use a quotation more than once, but a thought by Jenkins Lloyd Jones keeps coming back: The vision of things to be done may come a long time before the way of doing them... Continue Reading Posted at 8:23 AM \| Permalink
Mar25	Do Not Use Fluoride Toothpaste John Gratton March 25, 2006 From my favorite web doctor, Dr. Joseph Mercola: There is enough fluoride in a typical tube of toothpaste to kill a small child if the entire tube was consumed at once. Not only does fluoride do little to prevent tooth... Continue Reading Posted at 5:27 PM \| Permalink
	Two More (Of 18) Ways To Trick Your Body John Gratton March 25, 2006 These healthy tips are from Kate Dailey at Men's Health. If Your Throat Tickles, Scratch Your EarWhen you were 9, playing your armpit was a cool trick. Now, as an adult, you can still appreciate a good body-based feat, but... Continue Reading Posted at 5:02 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	It’s That Time Of Year Again: How to Prevent Mosquito Bites John Gratton March 25, 2006 From Dr. Joseph Mercola: Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance - their bites can cause serious complications including the transmission of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and West Nile virus to humans and animals. While there are many... Continue Reading Posted at 4:53 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	If You’re Ever On Jeopardy! You May Need To Know This John Gratton March 25, 2006 This is from The Greatest Mistakes of All Time by Martha Brockenbrough. Rubber shortages during World War II prompted the U.S. government to look for a synthetic rubber. It seemed like a good idea to try to make this substitute... Continue Reading Posted at 4:36 PM \| Permalink
	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods Part 4 John Gratton March 25, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. Mustard GreensMustard greens are an excellent anticancer vegetable. They may also be beneficial for colds, arthritis or depression. OnionsOnions are an excellent... Continue Reading Posted at 4:21 PM \| Permalink
Mar24	As Far As I Think It Is Possible For A Man To Go John Gratton March 24, 2006 “You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.” Henry Ford “Don't be afraid to take a big step. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.” David Lloyd George “Keep away from people who try to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:21 PM \| Permalink
	Jeffrey Gitomer’s Name Is All Over This John Gratton March 24, 2006 You do this by becoming known for something good, by being known as a person of value, and by becoming a resource to your customers, not merely a salesman Continue Reading Posted at 7:05 PM \| Permalink
	(I’m In Love With You And) I Feel Fine* John Gratton March 24, 2006 “When people ask you how you are, always tell them, ‘I feel terrific.’ No matter how you really feel at the moment or what is happening in you life, resolve to remain cheerful and upbeat.” Brian Tracy The best example... Continue Reading Posted at 6:45 PM \| Permalink
	A Made-Up Mind Is An Irresistible Force John Gratton March 24, 2006 That’s a line from Howard Qu, whom I heard at a convention in Las Vegas last year: “a made-up mind is an irresistible force.” Which reminds me of the new soldier who gets long and steamy letters every day from... Continue Reading Posted at 6:31 PM \| Permalink
	Be Bold, Baby, Be Bold John Gratton March 24, 2006 Someone said that a good company was hiring, so I went over. A 3x3-foot sign was taped to the front window, “WE ARE NOT HIRING.” I needed a job, so I pried the sign from the window and carried it... Continue Reading Posted at 6:22 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
Mar23	As A Clod-Hopper Pig Farmer Thinketh… John Gratton March 23, 2006 Unable to sleep, too tired to read, I was watching King Of The Hill reruns at midnight. Bobby Hill said something that won’t leave my mind. “I’m just a clod-hopper pig farmer who’s too dumb to know any better,” he... Continue Reading Posted at 11:23 AM \| Permalink
	Behind Every Good Man (Is A Former Boss Who Is Just Waiting To Pounce) John Gratton March 23, 2006 I just received an e-mail from a good friend who used to be my boss, the best boss I ever had, in fact. I’m not sucking up, she already knows it is true, and she knows I could not adore... Continue Reading Posted at 11:11 AM \| Permalink
	Keep Your Brain In The Game John Gratton March 23, 2006 Like a lot of things, video games are not my area of expertise. I stink stank stunk at Space Invaders and haven’t tried many games since then. I like Text Twist and Bespelled, but only play about once a year.... Continue Reading Posted at 10:13 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Hey, That’s Not So Bad John Gratton March 23, 2006 “Ninety-five percent of your emotions,” says Brian Tracy, “positive or negative, are determined by how you talk to yourself on a minute-to-minute basis. It is not what happens to you but the way that you interpret the things that are... Continue Reading Posted at 8:42 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	You Must Earn And Deserve Your Self-Esteem John Gratton March 23, 2006 Congratulations to Rick Pitino and his Louisville Cardinals on another hard-won victory last night over Missouri State University. They say that “defense wins championships” and they played good defense. You don’t win 19 home games in a season without good... Continue Reading Posted at 7:55 AM \| Permalink
Mar22	Rick Pitino: Be Positive 98 Percent Of The Time John Gratton March 22, 2006 Our local college basketball team, the Missouri State Bears, is playing Louisville tonight in the NIT. Louisville , of course, is coached by Rick Pitino, who has a long and illustrious coaching career. Pitino also is an excellent motivational speaker.... Continue Reading Posted at 12:41 PM \| Permalink
	Six Shots At Happiness John Gratton March 22, 2006 Whatever your position, come to work each day happy to be there, glad to be part of a successful effort, pleased to have the opportunities you have. Jeff Wurio One opportunity we have is to be happy, or at least... Continue Reading Posted at 10:46 AM \| Permalink
	Trustworthy In Texas John Gratton March 22, 2006 When I was selling jelly, I traveled to arts and craft shows all over the country. My favorite place was Texas, because I liked the people and, at least in my experience, Texans ate a lot of jelly. Many, many... Continue Reading Posted at 10:40 AM \| Permalink
	Speaking Of Your Career John Gratton March 22, 2006 After years in front of a computer, I suddenly found myself required to make a 10-minute presentation in front of our users group, a couple of hundred people, showing off the new electronic help files I’d done for our software.... Continue Reading Posted at 10:12 AM \| Permalink
	Or Fall For Anything John Gratton March 22, 2006 I rarely listen to radio music – I dislike DJs like I dislike dysentery – but I heard a snip of John Mellencamp, “you got to stand for something or you’re gonna fall for anything.” I don’t know that the... Continue Reading Posted at 9:42 AM \| Permalink
Mar21	Opportunity Costs John Gratton March 21, 2006 Ralph was a wonderful and kind and generous and funny man. I admired him in so many ways, but it wasn’t until I spoke at his funeral that I ever said anything about it. I watched my friend Gary standing... Continue Reading Posted at 1:09 PM \| Permalink
	Bad Day For Body Parts John Gratton March 21, 2006 From the humorous to the horrific, the news hasn’t been good for body parts lately. First there’s Spencer Tunick, “known worldwide for his photographs of massed groups of naked people,” who took a photograph of 1,700 unclothed and exposed people... Continue Reading Posted at 11:49 AM \| Permalink
	Can This Possibly Be True? John Gratton March 21, 2006 I’ve read this a dozen times and still find it hard to believe. You read it and tell me what you think. “The University of Massachusetts conducted a study comparing the well-being of lottery winners versus people who had become... Continue Reading Posted at 7:54 AM \| Permalink
	Unless You’re Scott Adams, Or You Work For Scott Adams, Try To Avoid Stealing Office Supplies John Gratton March 21, 2006 A convenience store where I was assistant manager was robbed one night. Although I had a perfect alibi – I was at an all-night Beatles moviefest – we all had to take lie detector tests to show we weren’t in... Continue Reading Posted at 7:42 AM \| Permalink
	Just How Stupid Do You Think I Am? John Gratton March 21, 2006 Sometimes the answer is so obvious the question need not be asked. Vegas comes to mind, where stupidity is palpable. Just stand near a slot machine or a black jack table. Some will argue that if you set limits, gambling is... Continue Reading Posted at 7:29 AM \| Permalink
Mar20	Happiness Results In Workplace Success (Not The Other Way Around) John Gratton March 20, 2006 "To be happy, the passions must be cheerful and gay, not gloomy and melancholy. A propensity to hope and joy is real riches; one to fear and sorrow, real poverty." David Hume Happy people tend to get job promotions before... Continue Reading Posted at 9:16 AM \| Permalink
	"I’m A Cubs Fan Because I Can’t Afford World Series Tickets" John Gratton March 20, 2006 Before all of you in Chicago start writing rude comments, l grew up watching the St. Louis Football Cardinals, and except for a couple of seasons in the mid-1970s, I always said I was a Cardinals fan because I like... Continue Reading Posted at 7:49 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	I’m Not Old John Gratton March 20, 2006 In Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Arthur calls to a peasant named Dennis, “Old woman….” Dennis replies, “I’m 37.” “What?” “I’m 37, I’m not old.” You’ve seen it. I wanted to quote this a few years ago at a... Continue Reading Posted at 7:39 AM \| Permalink
	Two Great Injustices For The Price Of One John Gratton March 20, 2006 Two horrific injustices are upon us. One, a television producer is going to broadcast a séance that attempts to contact the spirit of John Lennon. Two, the Lennon pay-per-view program is five dollars less than it was for Princess Diana.... Continue Reading Posted at 7:26 AM \| Permalink
	You Can’t Guard Him One-On-One All By Yourself John Gratton March 20, 2006 If you have to watch television, there isn’t much better than the opening weekend of the NCAA basketball tournament. The commercials are usually fresh and most are entertaining. The debate on teams left in and teams left out is always... Continue Reading Posted at 7:13 AM \| Permalink
Mar18	Thieves Love Your Paper Checks John Gratton March 18, 2006 One reason I don’t use credit cards is that I’ve never felt they were safe. It just seems so easy for someone to use them unlawfully, to somehow get the numbers and away they go, charging their way across the... Continue Reading Posted at 3:45 PM \| Permalink
	Love Is Only Sleeping John Gratton March 18, 2006 Okay, okay, so I’m a Monkees fan. I like Saturday because I generally get to sleep past 5:36 a.m. and that extra four or five hours feels good. This is from Women’s Health at the New York Times site. While the... Continue Reading Posted at 3:32 PM \| Permalink
	Healthier, Half An Hour At A Time John Gratton March 18, 2006 Exercise has never been a favorite pastime. Play basketball twice a week, tennis three times a week, ride a bike most days, and there really isn’t time. But we don’t always have the opportunity to play, and must make up... Continue Reading Posted at 2:38 PM \| Permalink
	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods, Part 3 John Gratton March 18, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. FennelFennel contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin. This herb is anticarcinogenic and can be useful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Fennel... Continue Reading Posted at 2:20 PM \| Permalink
	Only One Way To Have A Happy Marriage John Gratton March 18, 2006 A happy home life is vital to all other lasting success. While I am a big fan of marriage, and hope to one day marry again, and remain convinced that “no other success can compensate for failure in the home,”... Continue Reading Posted at 1:08 PM \| Permalink
Mar17	You Gotta Laugh John Gratton March 17, 2006 "Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh." W.H. Auden "Something special happens when people laugh together over something genuinely funny,... Continue Reading Posted at 11:33 AM \| Permalink
	Pay Attention Or Pay The Price John Gratton March 17, 2006 Last year, checks for something like $73 million in 2004 income tax refunds were returned to the IRS from 84,290 taxpayers who moved without updating their address. So says the Internal Revenue Service. The amount owed averaged out to $871... Continue Reading Posted at 10:33 AM \| Permalink
	Personality And Miles Of It John Gratton March 17, 2006 In The Science Of Personal Achievement, Napoleon Hill provided a simple yet profound list of ideas that all who desire success should follow. He called it “The 17 Principles Of Personal Achievement.” Here are principles 4 and 5. Pleasing Personality... Continue Reading Posted at 10:23 AM \| Permalink
	Adding Song Writing To My Credits, That’s The Goal John Gratton March 17, 2006 One of my goals is to write a song that becomes popular. I listen to the radio when my children make me, so I hear some of what is there. How hard can it be? Plus, I figure if Charles... Continue Reading Posted at 7:47 AM \| Permalink
	Any Road Will Take You There John Gratton March 17, 2006 George Harrison is singing a song I’ve not heard before, but the chorus has a familiar ring as I write. And if you don’t know where you’re goingAny road will take you there. He uses some pretty effective imagery to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:22 AM \| Permalink
Mar16	My Mom Always Says “Read My Son’s Book” John Gratton March 16, 2006 The late Ormal Creach, a businessman from up the road at Macks Creek, heard Bob Priddy’s radio series, Across Our Wide Missouri, where Priddy encouraged listeners, even the most common among us, to record our life stories. Ormal took him... Continue Reading Posted at 10:07 AM \| Permalink
	Don’t Worry, Baby, Everything Will Be Alright John Gratton March 16, 2006 Unlike the Beach Boys, you and I sometimes have things to worry about other than cars, women and surfing. It’s a shame, I suppose, but it’s true. Worry about little things and big things and all the things in between... Continue Reading Posted at 9:06 AM \| Permalink
	Failure Is Delay, Not Defeat John Gratton March 16, 2006 “It has been said that failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker,” says Denis Waitley. “Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing... Continue Reading Posted at 8:29 AM \| Permalink
	Stupid Is As Stupid Does – What Does That MEAN? John Gratton March 16, 2006 You know how when you’re thinking about buying a certain car, suddenly you see them everywhere? I’ve been thinking about stupidity lately, and sure enough, it seems to be all around. If there were a Stupidity Day Parade, I would... Continue Reading Posted at 7:32 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Teamwork When It Counts John Gratton March 16, 2006 Our newspaper continues to run stories and remarkable photos of the substantial damage done by area tornados Sunday night. Many local families are facing a long time without the necessities of life and without a place to live. But one... Continue Reading Posted at 7:15 AM \| Permalink
Mar15	Do You Pass? John Gratton March 15, 2006 I came across this cartoon by Dave Coverly and thought it illustrated a point I wanted to make. I wrote for permission to use the image, but in the meantime realized that what I had written was not good... Continue Reading Posted at 8:52 AM \| Permalink
	Four Simple Tips To Improve Communication Skills John Gratton March 15, 2006 Ask a horse racing fanatic and an alcoholic "what looks good in the fifth?" and each would be baffled by the other's response. Communication is the act of exchanging information, of transmitting a message - visually or verbally, spoken or written - between... Continue Reading Posted at 8:19 AM \| Permalink
	Bound To Be True John Gratton March 15, 2006 I am not bound to win, I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to the light I have. Abraham Lincoln Let me not pray to be sheltered from... Continue Reading Posted at 7:49 AM \| Permalink
	Personal Change Makes Us Valuable John Gratton March 15, 2006 The average person will take on 10 different jobs simply to gain the skills necessary for a career. Salary.com reports that seven of every 10 workers is looking for a different job, and that half of us are likely to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:34 AM \| Permalink
	You Must Have Taken Great Pains John Gratton March 15, 2006 One of my many faults is that I am naturally sarcastic and rude. It’s taken many years and a steady effort and many beating ups to conquer that side of me. But I still enjoy a well-placed, clever insult, which... Continue Reading Posted at 7:26 AM \| Permalink
Mar14	You Make Me Happy Like Bubbles In Champaign John Gratton March 14, 2006 It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy - it is what you think about - Dale Carnegie Continue Reading Posted at 11:29 AM \| Permalink
	Don’t Be Stupid John Gratton March 14, 2006 Look at all the people who now wish they had gone to a school that would have taught them not to do stupid things Continue Reading Posted at 11:18 AM \| Permalink
	Look Red-Hot In Blue Jeans John Gratton March 14, 2006 An ad just appeared on my e-mail screen, as they do every time the screen refreshes, and sometimes they are for dating services and diets and the pictures they include are of barely dressed women. The blurb for this one... Continue Reading Posted at 9:02 AM \| Permalink
	Assume A Virtue John Gratton March 14, 2006 “If you want to improve a person in a certain respect, act as though that particular trait were already one of his or her outstanding characteristics. Shakespeare said, ‘Assume a virtue, if you have it not.’ And it might be... Continue Reading Posted at 8:09 AM \| Permalink
	It Just Ain’t Right John Gratton March 14, 2006 It was stealing, it was wasting time for which he was paid, and, it was pretty bad customer service Continue Reading Posted at 8:02 AM \| Permalink
Mar13	Make Your Mistakes Into Assets John Gratton March 13, 2006 Paul J. Meyer said to “consider every mistake you do make as an asset.” I had no idea I had so many assets. My first big sale was to a neighbor who had just closed his bank account and was... Continue Reading Posted at 2:26 PM \| Permalink
	Well Done Is Better Than Well Said John Gratton March 13, 2006 That line, of course, is from Benjamin Franklin, who seems to be well-remembered as much for what he said almost as much as what he did. What I learn from that, “well done is better than well said,” is that... Continue Reading Posted at 1:01 PM \| Permalink
	Become Your Own Personal Cheerleader John Gratton March 13, 2006 Another of my pet peeves is cheerleaders. I am waiting for a presidential or gubernatorial candidate who has the guts to do something about this pestilence, but I will spare you the details. Instead, I present the following from Brian... Continue Reading Posted at 12:24 PM \| Permalink
	Different Characters, Same Punch Line John Gratton March 13, 2006 Last week, I mentioned a joke a terrific new friend told about how lawyers view cows to illustrate the value of empathy and being willing to see other points of view. Over the weekend, perusing my tattered copy of 2,500... Continue Reading Posted at 12:07 PM \| Permalink
	Art Imitates Life (Or Is It The Other Way Around) John Gratton March 13, 2006 I know little about art, but I know what I like, and I like “First Steps” by Vincent Van Gogh. It is beautiful, serene and cozy, and so genuine I can smell the dirt and feel the breeze and the... Continue Reading Posted at 9:29 AM \| Permalink
Mar11	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods, Part 2 John Gratton March 11, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals. CeleryCelery is the best vegetable source of naturally occurring sodium. It is high in potassium. The high water content in celery makes... Continue Reading Posted at 11:42 AM \| Permalink
	Improve Your Health By Forgiving John Gratton March 11, 2006 by Dr. Larry Nimms, Journal of Adult Development 2001;8:249-257 To err is human and to forgive divine, according to the old adage, but humans who forgive are known to experience significant physical and mental health benefits from doing so. In... Continue Reading Posted at 11:37 AM \| Permalink
	Three Natural Flu Prevention Tips John Gratton March 11, 2006 You can’t cure colds and flu, so you must prevent. Charles B. Inlander, president of The People's Medical Society, offers these suggestions (WebMD Medical Reference): Wash Your HandsMost cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Someone who has... Continue Reading Posted at 11:31 AM \| Permalink
	Go And Boil Your Bottoms, Sons Of A Silly Person John Gratton March 11, 2006 Subtitle: Beware Of Boiling Broccoli By Jennifer Warner, reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD, October 18, 2003, WebMD Medical News [A recent] study compared the effects of various cooking methods on the antioxidant content of fresh broccoli. Researchers tested high-pressure boiling, low-pressure (conventional) boiling, steaming,... Continue Reading Posted at 11:24 AM \| Permalink
	Don’t Use Antibacterial Soap John Gratton March 11, 2006 by Dr. Joseph Mercola Somewhere along the way the public began to believe that regular soap wasn’t good enough - they needed antibacterial soap. Well, antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary, and can cause far more harm than good. Triclosan, an... Continue Reading Posted at 11:17 AM \| Permalink
Mar10	Neglected Virtue Number Four John Gratton March 10, 2006 These remarks are taken from Standing For Something by Gordon B. Hinckley. The subtitle is: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts And Homes. Our Fading Civility All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count... Continue Reading Posted at 3:42 PM \| Permalink
	I’m An Optimist But I Don’t Know That It Does Me Any Good John Gratton March 10, 2006 Optimism is the most important quality you can develop for personal and professional success and happiness Continue Reading Posted at 9:41 AM \| Permalink
	Don't Look Back John Gratton March 10, 2006 The reason Boston ’s second album is called Don’t Look Back is because it sounds so similar to their first album. The first one was fine, I mean it sold 17 million copies, but Boston Part 2 was just more... Continue Reading Posted at 9:23 AM \| Permalink
	Girls Only Want Boys Who Have Great Skills John Gratton March 10, 2006 We all need to learn and develop our skills, to increase our competency in many things Continue Reading Posted at 7:42 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Nothing Hits The Floor John Gratton March 10, 2006 Their motto, and maybe yours, should be “nothing hits the floor.” Not today. Nothing hits the floor, not my floor Continue Reading Posted at 7:32 AM \| Permalink
Mar 9	Olympic Moments Numbers 784 Through 788 (I Started To Call It “Millionaire Olympic Moments” But Chickened Out) John Gratton March 9, 2006 Another Olympics been and gone. We’re left with the memories (yawn) and a few interesting quotations. “I just knew there was no room for negativity. I wanted to stand up there and win a medal because I knew I could... Continue Reading Posted at 1:06 PM \| Permalink
	Between The Great And The Insignificant John Gratton March 9, 2006 The longer I live, the more I am certain that the great difference between men, between the feeble and the powerful, between the great and the insignificant, is energy – invincible determination – a purpose once fixed, and then death... Continue Reading Posted at 12:40 PM \| Permalink
	Rent A Celebrity John Gratton March 9, 2006 book celebrities and sports stars, book them for concerts or for keynote speakers or maybe to come to your birthday party, or maybe to open your new building Continue Reading Posted at 10:57 AM \| Permalink
	I Haven’t Used The M Word In Any Titles (No Wonder Readership Is Growing Slowly) John Gratton March 9, 2006 It seems one sure way to earn a million bucks is to sell a book with the word “Millionaire” in the title Continue Reading Posted at 9:46 AM \| Permalink
	Speaking Of Lies: Free Checking John Gratton March 9, 2006 It sounded so good on TV, free checking, free bill pay, free ATM, free this, free that. So when I needed a new checking account, that’s where I went. “Can we help you, sir?” “Yep,” I said, “I want me... Continue Reading Posted at 9:35 AM \| Permalink
Mar 8	Sell Not Virtue To Purchase Wealth John Gratton March 8, 2006 “Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.” Ben Franklin Ready to start an in-house demonstration, I asked if there were questions. “I don’t have a question,” said a reluctant husband. “All I ask is that you... Continue Reading Posted at 3:10 PM \| Permalink
	Count Your Recent Blessings John Gratton March 8, 2006 Last week, I wrote about finding an old week’s worth of things to be thankful for, and promised to create a new list. Three blessings a day for seven days. Here’s what I wrote this week: Day 1Warm weather, basketball... Continue Reading Posted at 12:47 PM \| Permalink
	Your Success Supports Countless Others John Gratton March 8, 2006 When I did in-home cooking demonstrations, the food cost about $25 dollars. Between those and what we used at the office during training, I spent about $150 per week at a local grocery store. I always went to the same... Continue Reading Posted at 11:54 AM \| Permalink
	Did What I Loved, The Money Followed John Gratton March 8, 2006 For five years in the 1980s, I had a great-paying, secure job that I hated - $25,000 and all the overtime I wanted painting the tiny rocks that go on roofing shingles. Everyone said I was stupid to quit just... Continue Reading Posted at 11:21 AM \| Permalink
	Again And Again And Again John Gratton March 8, 2006 Keith Peterson was president of the company where I worked. He said that “ninety percent of your success is persistence.” My job was to do in-home cooking demonstrations for married couples, and I worked long and hard to have my... Continue Reading Posted at 10:55 AM \| Permalink
Mar 7	Trying Not To Make A Wisecrack About Goal Posts John Gratton March 7, 2006 The only reason I mention it is that I met my goal Continue Reading Posted at 12:44 PM \| Permalink
	Enthusiasm And Imagination John Gratton March 7, 2006 Albert Einstein claimed that “imagination is more important than knowledge,” and who am I to argue with him Continue Reading Posted at 11:42 AM \| Permalink
	Stick To It John Gratton March 7, 2006 Don’t keep doing the same wrong thing over and over, but figure out a different way and try again Continue Reading Posted at 9:35 AM \| Permalink
	The Lesson Of The Spotted Cow John Gratton March 7, 2006 As good as you are, you can always use some humility Continue Reading Posted at 7:41 AM \| Permalink
	I’m Going To Be A Dancer John Gratton March 7, 2006 We all know kids who want to be ball players or artists or doctors when they grow up. I knew a little girl who danced. “I’m going to be a dancer,” she would say in her tiny little voice. It... Continue Reading Posted at 7:12 AM \| Permalink
Mar 6	I Wear Hideous Red And Black And White Tennis Shoes Because I Don’t Want Strangers To Control My Mind John Gratton March 6, 2006 The t-shirt said, “For the time it took to read this, I had control of your mind.” Fair enough, but big deal. There are lots of people, mostly strangers, who have controlled my mind a lot longer than that. I... Continue Reading Posted at 3:05 PM \| Permalink
	I’m Going To Walk On The Moon, Marilyn John Gratton March 6, 2006 Individually and collectively heroic, they overcame many obstacles, some never even imagined, which required new thinking, new activity Continue Reading Posted at 11:02 AM \| Permalink
	Want The Ball John Gratton March 6, 2006 In Little League baseball, I used to stand in the ready position, like everyone else, but I would be chanting, “please don’t hit it to me, please don’t hit it to me.” I learned later that most of my teammates... Continue Reading Posted at 10:05 AM \| Permalink
	It’s Not Owed John Gratton March 6, 2006 What they’re looking for is whether houses were destroyed by wind, for which homeowners generally were covered, or by flood, for which most homeowners were not Continue Reading Posted at 9:29 AM \| Permalink
	Don't Follow Followers John Gratton March 6, 2006 “Processionary caterpillars travel in long, undulating lines, one creature behind the other. Jean Hanri Fabre, the French entomologist, once lead a group of these caterpillars onto the rim of a large flowerpot so that the leader of the procession found... Continue Reading Posted at 7:38 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
Mar 4	Put A Gallon In Me Alan John Gratton March 4, 2006 If you are not a blood donor, and you are able to donate, do it Continue Reading Posted at 10:56 PM \| Permalink
	Are These Old Wives’ Tales True? John Gratton March 4, 2006 True or false? Answers below. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It takes seven years to digest gum. Sitting too close to the television is bad for your eyes. Fish is brain food. You'll catch a cold if... Continue Reading Posted at 10:21 PM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Eating For A Sharper Mind, Part Two John Gratton March 4, 2006 From Psychology Today.com Whole Grains and Brown RiceOne of the best things you can do to improve intake of nutrients is to switch to brown rice. It’s filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seems to be important to cognitive health. Whole... Continue Reading Posted at 7:19 PM \| Permalink
	Ten Reasons To Toss Your Microwave John Gratton March 4, 2006 Except for popcorn and an occasional teriyaki chicken sandwich at a local sub shop, I haven’t knowingly eaten food from a microwave oven since April 2000, when I first read this article by Anthony Wayne and Lawrence Newell on the... Continue Reading Posted at 7:08 PM \| Permalink
	Nutrition Facts About Five Common Foods, Part 1 John Gratton March 4, 2006 Some foods naturally contain disease-fighting, health promoting properties, while others contain elements that may hinder your health goals Continue Reading Posted at 7:00 PM \| Permalink
Mar 3	Neglected Virtue Number Five John Gratton March 3, 2006 These remarks are taken from Standing For Something by Gordon B. Hinckley. The subtitle is: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts And Homes. Learning: With All Thy Getting Get Understanding No matter how old we become, we can... Continue Reading Posted at 10:38 AM \| Permalink
	What Are You Talking About? John Gratton March 3, 2006 The art of good conversation centers very much on your ability to ask questions and to listen attentively to the answers Continue Reading Posted at 10:09 AM \| Permalink
	Healthy, Wealthy And Wise? Here’s Proof John Gratton March 3, 2006 “Americans who reported to be in excellent health in 1984 had close to 75% higher median wealth than those who reported fair or poor health. A decade later, the “healthy” group had a median wealth of $127,900 as compared to... Continue Reading Posted at 7:25 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	You Are Here John Gratton March 3, 2006 The pilot speaks over the intercom. “Folks, the good news is we are making really good time. The bad news is, we’re hopelessly lost.” That sometimes happens to us. We stay really busy, but we don’t know where we are,... Continue Reading Posted at 7:05 AM \| Permalink
	The Morals Of Chess John Gratton March 3, 2006 From Benjamin Franklin, 1750 The Game of Chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired and strengthened by it, so as to become... Continue Reading Posted at 6:57 AM \| Permalink
Mar 2	Risk And Rewards, Infamy Or Fortune John Gratton March 2, 2006 Rather than being remember as the man who didn’t sign the Beatles, Rowe is the man who gave them their first real shot Continue Reading Posted at 1:09 PM \| Permalink
	Floods, Shame And Automobiles John Gratton March 2, 2006 Whatever business you’re in, don’t stoop as low as these bottom-dwellers Continue Reading Posted at 10:41 AM \| Permalink
	The Essence Of Life Is Growth John Gratton March 2, 2006 “It doesn't matter whether you earn ten thousand dollars a year or a million dollars a year as long as you've done the best you can. The essence of life is growth. It is doing the best you possibly can.... Continue Reading Posted at 8:17 AM \| Permalink
	Thoughts Set The Course For Our Lives John Gratton March 2, 2006 The first step to changing your life is to change your mind. Every aspect of day-to-day living is based on your mind, on what you think. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” is what the scriptures... Continue Reading Posted at 7:49 AM \| Permalink \| Comments
	Count Your Many Blessings John Gratton March 2, 2006 Write down three things each day for which you are grateful Continue Reading Posted at 7:28 AM \| Permalink
Mar 1	I Will Remember Your Name John Gratton March 1, 2006 Being able to remember names is a valuable asset in both the business and social arenas Continue Reading Posted at 11:17 AM \| Permalink
	Motivational Quote From Nightingale.com John Gratton March 1, 2006 The quotations are always good, and, surprisingly often, they are timely and pertain to what I’m doing that day Continue Reading Posted at 10:21 AM \| Permalink
	The Dignity Of Choice John Gratton March 1, 2006 What I choose to do right now will make all the difference Continue Reading Posted at 8:04 AM \| Permalink
	Follow Your Training John Gratton March 1, 2006 Trust me, I'm a highly trained professional Continue Reading Posted at 7:33 AM \| Permalink
	Good Thing Self-Esteem Doesn’t Come From My Inbox John Gratton March 1, 2006 As I look at my e-mail inbox right now, I realize that my television is not big enough, my, um, manhood, also is woefully inadequate, my breasts are too small, I weigh too much, I’m not sleeping well, I’d better... Continue Reading Posted at 7:09 AM \| Permalink

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