September 11, 2024

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BG’s Positively Speaking

‘The Power of Responsibility.

To those who take responsibility for their thoughts, words, and actions, being responsible is a powerful concept that shapes their lives in profound ways. It is the cornerstone of personal growth, societal progress, and ethical behaviour. When we embrace responsibility, we acknowledge our role in the outcomes of our actions and decisions, which empowers us to make positive changes and contribute meaningfully to the world around us.

Taking responsibility means owning our choices and their consequences. This ownership leads to self-discipline, accountability, and resilience. In accepting responsibility for our successes and failures, we develop the ability to learn from our experiences and grow. This growth mindset is crucial for achieving personal goals and overcoming obstacles. It also builds trust and credibility, as others see us as reliable and dependable individuals.

Responsibility extends to our interactions in the community and society as a whole. As members of that community, it is our duty to contribute positively and support the well-being of others. Volunteering, participating in civic activities, or simply being considerate and respectful towards others all help create a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Responsibility is closely linked to ethical behaviour. Ethical responsibility requires us to think beyond our immediate interests and consider the long-term consequences of our actions. This perspective is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and economic sustainability.

Responsibility is a key attribute of effective leadership. Leaders who take responsibility inspire trust and loyalty in their teams. They set a positive example and create a culture of accountability. This leads to higher productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction.

The power of responsibility lies in its ability to transform individuals and societies. By embracing responsibility, we can achieve personal growth, foster ethical behaviour, and …

Contribute To A Better World

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Editors Quote Book

The least productive people are usually the ones who most favour holding meetings.

—Thomas Sowell

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Sign Of The Week

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The Coach

“Look,” the coach said, “you know the principles of good sportsmanship. You know the Little League doesn’t allow temper tantrums, shouting at the umpire, or abusive language.” “Yes, sir,  I understand.” “Good. Now, would you explain that to your father?”

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The New Manager

A new manager spends a week at his new office with the manager he is replacing. On the last day, the departing manager told him, “I have left three numbered envelopes in the desk drawer. Open an envelope if you encounter a crisis you can’t solve.” Three months down the track, there is significant drama; everything goes wrong, which is the usual stuff, and the manager feels very threatened by it all. He remembers the parting words of his predecessor and opens the first envelope. The message inside says, “Blame your predecessor!” He does this and gets off the hook.

About half a year later, the company experienced a dip in sales, which was combined with serious product problems. The manager quickly opens the second envelope. The message read, “Reorganize!” This he does, and the company quickly rebounds.

Three months later, he opens the third envelope at his next crisis. The message inside says, “Prepare three envelopes.”

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Under The Influence

An inebriated man was stumbling down the street with one foot on the curb and one foot in the gutter. A cop pulled up and said, “I’ve got to take you in, pal. You’re obviously drunk.” The wasted man asked, “Officer, are ya sure I’m drunk?” “Yeah, buddy, I’m sure,” said the cop, “Let’s go.” Breathing a sigh of relief, the drunk said, “Thank goodness I thought I was crippled.”

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

ARIES (March 21- April 19): Something is bothering you! You need to deal with it now. It’s affecting others; they will act if you don’t.

TAURUS (April 20- May 20): A more cautious response to your finances will move you in the right direction. Consult with professionals.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Try going it alone. You never know what you can achieve until you try. Your social life looks promising.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pursue your goals. This is the time, GO, GO, GO, don’t slow down keep the ball rolling. Stick to it.

LEO (July 23- August 22): Step back from the daily grind, cut yourself a little slack and re-charge your batteries. A little romance, Maybe?

VIRGO (August 23- September 22): Someone older is watching out for you. Give them an opportunity to offer you some help and advice.

LIBRA (September 23- October 22): No amount of money can buy the love and loyalty of family. Close your wallet and open your heart.

SCORPIO (October 23- November 21): If you can’t answer a question truthfully, don’t answer. Even the smallest lies can come back to haunt us.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22- December 21): Your happy demeanour makes you welcome in any gathering. You have lifted up the lives of many people.

CAPRICORN (December 22- January 19): An emotional whirlwind surrounds you. Take a deep breath and piece yourself together. You can handle it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Some risks are worth taking. Jumping in at the deep end can pay off. You have to decide for yourself.

PISCES (February 19- March 20): Don’t be a couch potato. Get out there and mingle. There are lots of opportunities waiting for you.

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Did You Know?

It is estimated that a new word is created every 98 minutes? This means that about 1,000 words are added to English dictionaries each year. In the last couple of years, the internet and technology have been creating new words at an even greater pace. Merriam-Webster added 690 new words to its dictionary in September 2023. Some of the new words added to dictionaries around the world in 2023 were:

• Rizz (noun), slang: Charm or romantic appeal.
• Simp (verb), informal: Devotion or longing for something or someone.
• Goated (adjective), slang: considered “greatest of all time.”
• Girlboss (noun) informal: An ambitious and successful woman (especially a businesswoman or entrepreneur).
• Street date (noun), formal: the date a product is publicly released for sale.

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Tap Your Troubles Away

There is little in this world that is more uplifting than a tap dance routine performed by skilled professional dancers. I have never been to a theatre and seen a tap routine without the audience standing in applause at the end. Something about the rhythmic sound of tap fills an audience with joy and admiration. I fell under the spell of tap after seeing my first Fred Astaire movie in the late 1940s. Tap has the ability to make us feel happy even though we may be going through a rough time. Watching a tap dance routine has never failed to put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.

The video clip is from a 2012 concert at The Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, featuring the John Wilson Orchestra. The singer/ dancer is Anna-Jane Casey, an International star of London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, who hails from my hometown, Manchester. To view video click on the red button below. Watch, then tell us what you think!

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How To Make Holy Water

Q: How did the bishop make holy water?
A: He took some tap water and boiled the hell out of it.

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The Exercise Program

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface where you have plenty of room on each side. With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as possible. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day, you’ll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 50-lb potato sacks, and then eventually, you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I’m at this level.) After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack.

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Traffic Stop

A policeman pulled a car over and told the driver he had won $5,000 dollars in the seatbelt competition. “What will you do with the money?” asked the policeman. “Well, I guess I’m going to get a driver’s license,” he answered. “Oh, don’t listen to him,” said a woman in the passenger seat, “He’s a smart-aleck when he’s drunk.” Then the guy in the backseat said, “I knew we wouldn’t get far in a stolen car.” At that moment, there was a knock from the trunk, and a voice said, “Are we over the border yet?”

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A Little Quarrel

A man and his wife started out in the car after a quarrel. She sat in the back seat and continued criticizing him for his faults. Excited, she pounded on the car door, which flew open. Several blocks later, one of their neighbours flagged the man down. “Your wife fell out of the car back there,” he said. The man looked over at the back seat. “Thank goodness!” he said, “I thought I had lost my hearing!”

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The Last Word

Remember that you are absolutely unique….. Just like everyone else.

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