September 18, 2024

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BG’s Positively Speaking

WHY?

I remember a conversation I had with my mentor some years ago; he asked me a question, and after I answered it, he asked, “Why?” He continued to respond with the same question each time I answered. Understanding the purpose took a while, but I eventually got the message. “Why?” is a simple, profound question that has driven human curiosity and progress for centuries. It’s the cornerstone of inquiry, pushing us to explore, understand, and innovate. This allows us to delve deeper into the reasons behind our actions and beliefs, fostering critical thinking and continuous learning.

Children incessantly ask “why” as they try to make sense of the world around them. This natural curiosity is crucial for cognitive development, encouraging them to seek explanations and build knowledge. As adults, continuing to ask “why” helps us challenge assumptions, uncover underlying causes, and develop more nuanced perspectives. It drives researchers to investigate the mechanisms behind natural events, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements, e.g., asking why apples fall from trees, which prompted Isaac Newton to formulate the laws of gravity, revolutionizing our understanding of the physical world.

Asking “why” can lead to personal growth, better decision-making, and self-awareness, helping us understand our motivation and behaviour. Questioning our actions leads to making more informed choices and aligning our actions with our values and goals. Moreover, “why” is a powerful tool in problem-solving. It helps identify root causes rather than just addressing symptoms, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. In business, the “Five Whys” technique is often used to drill down into problems and uncover their origins, facilitating continuous improvement.

“Why” is not just a question but a mindset. It embodies curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire for deeper understanding. Embracing “why” opens us to new possibilities, driving progress and enriching us. Next time you encounter something puzzling or intriguing,

Don’t hesitate to ask, “Why?”

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Morning Coffee

I always take my wife morning coffee in my pyjamas, but is she grateful?.. No, she says she’d rather have it in a cup.

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Colonel Sanders

The famous Colonel called up the Pope and asked him for a favour. “What can I do for you?” Said the Pope. The Colonel said, “Holy father, I need you to change the daily prayer from, ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ to ‘Give us this day our daily chicken.’ If you do that, I swear I will donate $10 Million  to the Vatican.” The Pope replied, “I am very sorry. This is the Lord’s prayer, and it isn’t something I can change the words for.” So the Colonel, disappointed, hung up.

After another month of poor sales, the Colonel panicked and called again. “Listen, your Excellency. I really need your help. I’ll donate $100 million  if you change the words of the daily prayer from ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ to ‘Give us this day our daily chicken.'”

The Pope replied, “Let me get back to you.”

The next day, the Pope called together all his bishops and said, “I have some good news, and I have some bad news. The good news is that KFC is going to donate $100 million to the Vatican.” The bishops rejoiced at the news. Then, one asked about the bad news. The Pope replied, “The bad news is that we lost the Wonder Bread account.”

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Brainteaser

Can you identify the phrase or saying hidden in this puzzle? Answer on the back.

(Click or hover for answer)

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The Economics Exam

Not expecting to do well on the economics exam, Bill was heartened by the first question: In any given year, and to the nearest ton, how much wheat did the United States export?

Smiling confidently, he wrote, “In 1492, none.”

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Editors Quote Book

“A Dream doesn’t become a reality through magic,
It takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”

— Colin Powell

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Today’s Wisdom

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

ARIES (March 21- April 19):  An innovative idea comes across as foolish. Take another look at it. Look again. Helpful something will come from it.

TAURUS (April 20- May 20):  A misunderstanding injures pride, and feelings get hurt. Don’t let things get any worse. Correct the situation NOW!

GEMINI (May 21- June 20):  You never know how far a dollar can go until you stretch it. Be creative with your money management.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):  Focus on your sense of direction. Ask yourself, “Where am I going, “How will I get there?” Then, adjust your goals.

LEO (July 23- August 22):  A puzzling message leaves you concerned for a family member. Investigate it further, and you will find that everything is fine.

VIRGO (August 23- September 22): Stop looking back at the past. You can only go in the direction you are facing. Look forward, move forward.

LIBRA (September 23- October 22):  You are well-organized. Getting your life together should be no problem. Go to it and do the work!

SCORPIO (October 23- November 21):  A bullish temperament will only yield negative results. Show people your lighter side. Smile more often.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22- December 21): You appreciate a subtle suggestion. Don’t take credit for the results; let others share the spotlight.

CAPRICORN (December 22- January 19):  A direct approach is always the best. Do what you must, knowing you are doing the right thing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):  Let down your guard and enjoy some new experiences. A new friendship could be in the making; give it time.

PISCES (February 19- March 20): Seek out the company of others. A pleasant surprise could happen if you put yourself in social circles.

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‘So you can read along while you listen.’

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Chugging In Michigan

How do you celebrate Labor Day in Michigan? By participating in a ranch dressing chugging contest? That’s how. Zach Orvis of Belding, Michigan, won the first-ever competition sponsored by The Harmful Roester restaurant, downing 24 ounces of the creamy dressing in 10 seconds, winning over 11 other contestants. Orvis reportedly said, “I’ve seen people pour about that much on their salads, so what’s the difference? I don’t feel sick at all.” Orvis won a $100 gift card and a free order of all-you-can-eat wings every week until spring 2025

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The Old Family Bible

A little boy opened the large old family Bible and looked with fascination at the ancient pages as he turned them one by one. He was still in Genesis when something fell out of the Bible. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It was a large old tree leaf that had been pressed between the pages of the Bible long ago.
“Momma, look what I found!” the boy called out.
“What do you have there?” his mother asked. With astonishment, the young boy answered,
“I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”

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Least Competent Criminal

Deario Wilkerson, 20, literally fell into law enforcement’s lap after he tried to hide in the attic of a home in Memphis. Wilkerson was wanted after a fatal shooting in downtown Memphis. After the U.S. Marshals Service surrounded the house where Wilkerson was hiding, the fugitive fell through the ceiling into the kitchen of the home, landing, somewhat dazed but uninjured, in the middle of the officers.

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The Old Lawyer

Joe, the lawyer, died suddenly at the age of 45. He got to the gates of Heaven, and the angel standing there said, “We’ve been waiting a long time for you.” What do you mean he replied, “I’m only 45, in the prime of my life. Why did I have to die now?””45? You’re not 45, you’re 82,” replied the angel.”Wait a minute. If you think I’m 82, then you have the wrong guy. I’m only 45. I can show you my birth certificate.””Hold on. Let me go check,” said the angel, who then went inside. After a few minutes, the angel returned. “Sorry, but by our records, you *are* 82. I checked all the hours you have billed your clients, and you have to be 82…”

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The Last Word

The things you do today determine what your future will be like.
So, do the right things.

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