September 6, 2023

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BG’s Positively Speaking

Going From Strength To Strength

As a boy at school, I found my teacher’s comments confusing. For instance, some of my report cards commented, “Brian is weak in the area of English history. He needs to spend more time studying in this area.”  On that same report card, I would get comments like, “Brian excels in music, drama and Literature.”  with no suggestion made regarding extra effort in these areas. As I proceeded through my schooling, these comments would repeat themselves over and over again. Often, they would be followed by two contradictory summary statements at the end of the report: 1) Brian needs to work much harder on those things he falls short in.   2) More focus on the subjects he excels in is required.

No wonder I was confused; my teachers didn’t know how or what to prioritize.

As I grew older and ‘somewhat’ wiser, I began to understand the principle of applying our efforts in those areas that will yield the best results. In other words, you work on your strengths, not weaknesses.

If I want to be in professional sports, I’m a three at baseball but a six at hockey. Where should I spend my time and energy? My focus should be where I am strongest: hockey.  As a three in baseball and focusing on that, I may improve to a five or six, the ‘middle’ of the minor leagues. Working on my six in hockey, I could improve my rating to a possible eight or nine, the ‘top’ of the NHL.

If we want to be the best we can be at what we do, we need to concentrate on that which we are the strongest. By going from strength to strength, we will reach our full potential.

Work Your Strengths, Recognize Your Weakness’s

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Surprise

Imagine the surprise and shock on their faces when you have one of these as a welcome mat and invite your guests to enter. Or, in the living room, your furniture is arranged around one, so it looks like it’s about to fall into a black hole.

These 3D Vortex Illusion rugs are available through numerous retailers and come in various colours, shapes and sizes.

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Chinese Laundry

Walking through Chinatown, a tourist is fascinated with all the Chinese restaurants, shops, and banners. He turns a corner and sees a building with the sign “Hans Olaffsen’s Laundry.” “Hans Olaffsen?”, he muses. “How the heck does that fit in here?”

So he walks into the shop and sees an old Chinese gentleman behind the counter. The tourist asks, “How did this place get a name like “Hans Olaffsen’s Laundry?” The old man answers, “Is the name of the owner.” The tourist asks, “Well, who and where is the owner?” “Me is right here,” replies the old man.

“You? How did you ever get a name like Hans Olaffsen?”  “Is simple,” says the old man. “Many, many year ago when come to this country, was stand in line at Documentation Center. Man in front was big blonde Swede. Lady look at him and go, “What’s your name?” He say, “Hans Olaffsen.” Then she look at me and go, ‘What your name?'” “I say, Sem Ting.”

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Editors Quote Book

“Life is like riding a bicycle. If you want to keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

— Albert Einstein

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Nails

Damian walks into the hardware store and says, “I’d like some nails please mate.”

The store clerk replies, “how long would you like them?”

“Forever if that’s okay with you,” replies Damian.

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Asking THE Question

An 8-year-old girl went to her dad, who was working in the yard. She asked him, “Daddy, what is sex?” The father was surprised she would ask such a question but decided that if she was old enough to ask the question, she was old enough to get a straight answer. He told her about the “birds and the bees.” When he finished explaining, the little girl looked at him with her mouth open. The father asked her, “Why did you ask this question?” The little girl replied, “Mom told me to tell you that dinner would be ready in just a couple of secs.”

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

ARIES Mar. 21-Apr. 19: Treat yourself to the gift of time, take a few days off and do what you want. Expect the unexpected.

TAURUS Apr. 20-May 20: A new agreement should be in writing. Make sure it’s accurate and covers everything before signing.

GEMINI May 21-June 20:   Your ability to entertain and amuse young people is called on. You have the knack of delivering what they want.

CANCER June 21-July 22: Keep opinions to yourself a little longer. There’s no sense in upsetting the apple cart while it’s full.

LEO July 23-Aug 22:  You need to energize and motivate others to pull their fair share of the weight. You can’t go it alone.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22:   A unique project comes to a standstill. Step back from it, and the solution will present itself to you.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22:  Voice your frustrations and be done with it. Don’t let small things Get in the way of a good friendship.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21:   If it does not meet your standards, reject it. Stand your ground and maintain your high expectations.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21:  Some new developments shed new light on your work. Listen to those with more experience. Heed their words.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19:   An interesting co-worker may be just what you are looking for. Make him/her an offer they cannot refuse.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18: Someone else is in control of the purse strings. You may be limited to loosening them up a little.

PISCES Feb. 19-Mar. 20:   Time is on your side. Don’t be in a big hurry to take that “Big Leap.” Your marital prospects are good.

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A Finger Lickin’ Surprise

On July 23, shortly after take-off from Turks and Caicos, the crew of a British Airways passenger Jet made a surprising discovery. They found that the cooling system used to store in-flight food service was not working, and the food was spoiled. They quickly realized the passengers were facing a foodless twelve-and-a-half-hour flight to Heathrow  Airport, London. Shortly after, the plane made a pit stop in Nassau, Bahamas, where most of the crew ventured into the terminal. Soon, the team returned, arms filled with KFC buckets, and handed the passengers the “finger lickin good” food. This was one flight that did not have to make do with the usual pre-packaged airplane meals. Most passengers were grateful to the crew for their thoughtfulness. Some even thanked the attendees for providing the “Scrumptious” alternative, even though there was only one piece of chicken per passenger. On arrival at Heathrow, British Airways handed out food vouchers. They apologized for having to “Wing It” on this occasion due to limited food supplies at the Nassau terminal.

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Billy Bob

Billy Bob wanted a job as a signalman on the railways. He was told to meet the inspector at the signal box. The inspector asked, “What would you do if you realized that two trains were heading for each other on the same track?” Billy Bob replied, “I would switch the points for one of the trains.” “What if the lever broke?” asked the inspector. “I’d dash out of the signal box,” said Billy Bob, “and use the manual lever over there.”

“What if that had been struck by lightning?” “Then,” Billy Bob continued, “I’d run back into the signal box and phone the next signal box.” “What if the phone was busy?” “Well in that case,” persevered Billy Bob, “I’d rush down to the public emergency phone at the level crossing up there.”

“What if that was vandalized?” “Then I’d run into town and go get my Uncle Lester.” This puzzled the inspector, so he asked, “Why would you do that?”

Billy Bob answered, “Well, Uncle Lester ain’t never seen a train wreck!”

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The Last Word

Some things are best left unsaid. Unfortunately,
We often don’t realize it until we have already said it.

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