Thursday, March 30, 2006

Journalist Released Unharmed in Iraq

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From Yahoo! News -- "American reporter Jill Carroll was set free Thursday, nearly three months after she was kidnapped in a bloody ambush that killed her translator. She said she had been treated well.

Carroll, 28, was dropped off near offices of the Iraqi Islamic Party. She walked inside, and people there called American officials, Iraqi police said.

"I was treated well, but I don't know why I was kidnapped," Carroll said in a brief interview on Baghdad television.

Her family thanked "the generous people around the world who worked officially or unofficially" to gain her freedom. Her father, Jim, told CNN he was asleep in his North Carolina home when the phone rang at about 6 a.m.

"Hi, Dad. This is Jill. I'm released," the voice on the other end said."

To continue reading this story, go to Yahoo! News.

It's nice to read some good news out of Iraq... Continue praying for our men and women in Iraq. They need our support and prayers more now than ever before.

Good luck and make it a great day!

P.S. Don't forget to visit Funny Video of the Day.... Guaranteed to make you laugh on a daily basis.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Man Returns Purse With 1 Million in Jewelry

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From HappyNews.com -- "John Suhrhoff found a Louis Vuitton bag on a Sausalito park bench. Inside, police say, were a 12-carat diamond ring, pearl and emerald jewelry, a Cartier watch and roughly $500 in cash. The contents were worth $1 million. But the respiratory therapist didn't think of heading to a pawn shop, he took the bag to police Monday afternoon."

To read about this story, go to HappyNews.com.

Would you have done the same thing???

By the way, did you see our Funny Video of the Day? Check it out. It's the classic Wendy's Where's the Beef commercial. Enjoy!

Make it a great day!

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Never Quit - Quote from Bear Bryant

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Bear Bryant had a lot of different quotes, but I want to talk about one that I featured on Memorable Quote of the Day today. The quote is:

"Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don't quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don't quit until you reach it. Never quit."

We have all heard the saying never quit, or don't give up. But, no matter how hard we try, many of us give up or stop trying once we realize we are not going to hit a certain goal. But, do you think Bear Bryant accomplished every goal he set for himself? The answer is no. However, it was his mindset and determination that set him apart from everyone else. He wasn't going to stop until he had accomplished a certain goal. This is the mindset we all need to have to successfully hit goals time after time.

You have to believe without a shadow of a doubt that you will hit your goal, and you will do whatever it takes to accomplish it. If you will start living this way, you will hit your goals and you will be successful. It all starts with making a choice to hit your goals no matter what. If you can't do this, then you should re-consider your goals because if you aren't willing to do whatever it takes to hit them, then they aren't the right goals for you anyway.

Until tomorrow, never quit and make it a great day!

J. Anthony

Monday, March 27, 2006

Study: Pumping Iron Helps Cancer Survivors

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From WSBRadio.com -- I heard this story on my way into work this morning. Breast cancer is a terrible disease, but it is very inspiring to read stories of cancer survivors. My wife's mother is a cancer survivor, and she is doing wonderfully well.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Weightlifting appears to improve breast cancer survivors' outlook on life, suggests one of the first studies to scientifically measure the effects of such exercise.

About 80 percent of women who took up twice-a-week weight-training saw improved scores on a quality-of-life survey, researchers said, in a study to be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Cancer.

The women in the exercise group said they felt they had more strength, speed and self-confidence as a result of the workouts. It appears the weightlifting helped them regain a feeling of control of their bodies, researchers said."

To read the entire article, please go to WSBradio.com.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Sunday, March 26, 2006

George Mason Beats UCONN to Advance to the Final Four

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I love the NCAA basketball tournament because of moments exactly like this. George Mason, seeded #11 in the tournament upset #1 seeded UCONN to advance to the Final Four! What's even more impressive is they weren't supposed to even be in the tournament. The were chosen as a team at-large. The at-large bid was widely criticized by almost everyone. Here is an excerpt from a story on Yahoo! Sports:

"The Patriots' at-large selection was roundly criticized by many, including CBS commentator Billy Packer. George Mason's fans chanted Packer's name in the postgame celebration.

"I think it's been working for us, calling us Cinderella," Skinn said. "We were not supposed to get into the tournament, we got into it. We were not supposed to beat Michigan State and we beat them. Weren't supposed to beat North Carolina and we beat them. We definitely weren't supposed to be UConn. I think we'll stick to the script going into whoever we play. We don't mind being the Cinderella."

Good luck in the final four George Mason!

Make it a great day!

Saturday, March 25, 2006

New Funny Video Every Day

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Do you like to laugh? Of course you do. We all do. You've heard the saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." After putting up the post of the Saturday Night Live piece with Chris Farley, I had an idea.

Why not set up a site that features a new Funny Video every day. Well, that's what I have done. The new site is located at FunnyVideooftheday.blogspot.com. Check it out. I'll be adding a new video every day. Since it's new, you have probably missed some of the earlier videos. One of the funniest videos on the site right now is called Stinky Monkey. You've gotta check it out. It had me rolling with laughter.

I hope the videos help brighten up your day.

Make it a great day!

J. Anthony.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Enhance Your Customer Experience

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As you know from an earlier post of mine (Customer Service - Where did it go?), I am big on customer service. I came across an article on HappyNews.com today that offers some great points on why customer service is so important. Here is an excerpt from the article:

"There’s no doubt about it; customer loyalty is key to profitability. A mere five percent increase in your customer retention could as much as double your bottom line profits! On the flip side, it costs anywhere from 6-30 times more to get new customers than it does to keep the ones you have – that is, if they’ll stay!

Want to Keep Customers & Create Profits? These 5 ‘Positivity Pointers’ Can Help You Enhance Your Customer Experience. (Here are the five pointers from the article. For a detailed description of each point, you'll want to visit HappyNews.com)
  1. Positive Thinking is a Habit
  2. Positive Thinking is a Choice
  3. A Positive Attitude Makes Change Easier to Take
  4. Positive Thinking is Chock-Full of Benefits
  5. No one likes you when you're Grumpy
To read details about the five pointers above, please log onto HappyNews.com.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Chris Farley Video Clip - I live in a van down by the river!

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Chris Farley was one of the funniest guys in the world to me. This clip from Saturday Night Live is still one of my favorite clips of all time. I hope it makes you laugh.

Make it a great day!



Click here to share this video with a friend!

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Unstoppable Belief! Six Steps to Developing & Strengthening an Unstoppable Belief System

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I just finished reading an article in Success from Home magazine. The article is by Cynthia Kersey from Unstoppable.net. It is entitled Unstoppable Belief! The Six Steps to Developing and Strengthening an Unstoppable Belief System. I really enjoyed the article and since it was from the magazine and not online, I'd like to offer a synopsis for you.

How many of us have been to a seminar or training session and are fired up during the days following the seminar? But, inevitably, after a few days, our enthusiasm dimenishes and before long, we are right back in the mood we were in before we went to the seminar. The following six steps will help you develop and strengthen your belief system and help you remain enthusiastic on a daily basis rather than just for a few days.

Step 1: Take Immediate Action

Actions reflect your belief, so begin taking immediate actions towards your goals. This will begin to build your self-confidence, which will help you realize your dream is possible.

Step 2: Watch Your Internal Language

This is my favorite step because it is so true. Avoid negative and defeating thoughts. Whatever you think about constantly, you will achieve. If you continually think that you can't do something, you won't. Believe to achieve. It's as simple as that.

Step 3: Neutralize Fear and Risk

Successful people acknowledge fear and manage it by confronting the cause and determining how they can prepare for the challenge ahead. Identify one fear that is keeping you from achieving your goals. Then, take on the fear. Nine times out of ten, the fear was only imagined and not real.

Step 4: See Yourself Succeeding

Identify a specific goal that supports your passion. Then, imagine yourself achieving that goal. Think about where you are physically when you achieve your goal. What are you wearing. What is the temperature like. Who is around you. What is their reaction. By actively imagining achieving your goal, you'll develop the confidence you need to become unstoppable.

Step 5: Find Others to Believe With You

Too many times, friends and family deter us from our dreams. It's hard enough to stay positive for yourself, and hanging around negative people is a very quick way to kill your dreams. Find others who share your dream and seek out positive people.

Step 6: Dealing with Critics and Rejection

Knowledge is the key to overcoming critics and rejection. If you are completely knowledgeable about what you are passionate about, and you believe in yourself, eventually, others will have no choice but to believe in you too.

To visit Cynthia's website, go to Unstoppable.net.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Yogi Berra - Be Careful What You Say in Public

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While searching for quotes for my new website, Memorable Quote of the Day, I came across some classic quotes from Yogi Berra. Yogi is known for his famously simple quote, "It ain't over till it's over", but he has also made some pretty funny quotes.

Here are just a sampling of some of them:

  • "You can observe a lot just by watching."
  • "Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical."
  • "A nickel isn't worth a dime today."
  • "I take a two hour nap, from one o'clock to four."
  • "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded."
  • "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there."
  • "I'd find the fellow who lost it, and, if he was poor, I'd return it." -- When asked what he would do if he found a million dollars.
  • "You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."
I hope some of these made you laugh this morning...

Have a great day!

J. Anthony

Monday, March 20, 2006

To Head Off Allergies, Expose Your Kids to Pets and Dirt Early. Really.

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From Yahoo! News -- "Here's the conventional wisdom: Pets promote allergy, kids shouldn't eat peanuts until they're at least 3, and intestinal worms are nothing more than an icky reminder of life before flush toilets.

Here's the new wisdom: Early exposure to pets, peanuts and intestinal worms might actually be good for you, because they program the developing immune system to know the difference between real threats, such as germs, and Aunt Millie's cat."

"Evidence to support this view has been mounting for more than a decade. But now, for the first time, researchers are beginning to test remedies based on these theories in patients. Other doctors are trying to make use of novel approaches to retrain the immune system once it's too late and allergies set in."

To continue reading this article, please go to Yahoo! News.

Make it a great day!

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Memorable Quotes on a Daily Basis

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Hello everyone. Due to the popularity of the daily quote of the day, I started a new site, Memorable-Quotes.Blogspot.com, this past week. Each day, I'll add a new quote to the site. I'll be adding quotes from many different sources, so please check in each day to see who said what...

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of PositivePelham.com and the new Memorable-Quotes.Blogspot.com. I appreciate all the feedback you give me regarding the site. Please keep the feedback coming.

Make it a great day!

J. Anthony

Enjoy Where You Are... It's Better Than Where You Could Be

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This past Friday while working at an event, one of the volunteers who was helping me at the event mentioned how I seemed to have more passion and enjoyed what I was doing more than some of the other people she had worked with at similar events in the past. This made me feel really good, but it also made me realize how important it is to enjoy what you are doing at any given time.

I really like what I am doing now. I have not been able to say that for many years now. In the past, all I was looking for was the next big thing that would pay me big bucks. I wasn't really considering if I would really enjoy the job, I was mostly focused on the money. I can tell you from experience, that is not the best way to go about finding a new job.

To find the perfect job, you need to search for something that you are passionate about and will enjoy doing on a regular basis. The money will come, but even if you never make a million dollars, you'll be happier doing something you love for good money than doing something you hate for big bucks.

Don't get me wrong, if the right opportunity comes along and they are offering you a lot of money, you should definitely go for it. Just do it for the right reasons. Choose to have fun at whatever it is you do. It's all in your attitude. Your passion will be contagious and will influence others. When everyone is enjoying what they are doing, companies prosper. And, when companies prosper, employees prosper. It all starts with each individual enjoying their particular job.

Until tomorrow, enjoy what you do. Believe me, it could always be much worse.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Sunday's Quote of the Day from Ralph Waldo Emerson

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"The only way to have a friend is to be one."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Be Smarter at Work, Slack Off

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What? Why would anyone suggest you slack off at work? Actually, this article from CNNMoney.com offers some insight into why most Americans feel overworked and underpaid. It's pretty simple actually. We have all become so adept at multi-tasking. Because of this, we have numerous projects going on at the same time, and none of them ever seem to get finished. Consequently, we feel rushed, hurried, stressed and burned out.

Solution.... Slow down, concentrate on one task at a time and relax. To read the entire article, go to CNNMoney.com.

Until next time, make it a great day!

Sheryl Crow is Ready to Tour

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When it rains...it pours. I don't know the whole story behind why Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow parted ways, but when I found out that she was also battling breast cancer at the same time, I was definitely surprised at the timing of the breakup.

But, it seems she is read to get back on with her life and hit the concert trail again. Here is an excerpt from an article on NewsDay.com:

"All Sheryl Crow wants to do is hit the road.

The 44-year-old rocker postponed tour dates set for March and April after having successful breast cancer surgery last month."

"She will perform at the Murat Theater in Indianapolis on June 12, followed by shows in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, it was announced Friday."

Congratulations Sheryl on your successful breast cancer surgery. I wish you all the best!

Good luck and make it a great day!

Saturday's Quote of the Day from David Lloyd George

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"Don't be afraid to take a big step. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps."
--David Lloyd George

Friday, March 17, 2006

Eat More, Not Less for Weight Loss Success

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New diets are a dime a dozen. Which ones work, and which ones don't? I think they all have valor if you stick with them. The only thing I know for certain is no matter which diet you undertake, it won't happen overnight. So, be patient and stick with it.

This article I found on the PRNewsWire offers a tempting diet. Eat more to lose more weight. Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Volumetrics is a new approach to eating that empowers and encourages readers to quit "dieting" for good, to feel full on fewer calories, and maintain weight loss while eating satisfying portions of delicious, nutritious foods."

"Recognizing one size does not fit all when it comes to health and nutrition, weight management leader Jenny Craig has introduced YourStyle(R), a tailored, flexible plan that maximizes Jenny Craig's hallmark one-on-one support with a comprehensive approach to Food, Body and Mind -- the three essential components of successful weight management. While the Volumetrics principals are the cornerstone of the Jenny Craig diet plan, the Volumetrics recipes can also be a successful adjunct to the Jenny Craig program (when dining out or in a situation where you cannot bring your food) or as an entrée into maintenance."

From what I've been able to deduct, people on the Jenny Craig diet seem to do well. One high profile celebrity, Kirstie Alley, has changed right in front of our eyes over the last year using Jenny Craig, so you know it works if you stick with it. But be warned ahead of time.... It's not a cheap diet. But, as the old saying goes, anything of value doesn't come cheap. If you or anyone one you know has lost weight through the Jenny Craig diet, tell us about it. I'd love to hear your success story.

I wish you good luck and make it a great day!

J. Anthony

Friday's Quote of the Day

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"Make new friends but keep the old ones; one is silver and the other's gold."
--Anonymous

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Man finds proper owner of $200,000

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Question? If you found a $100 bill in the middle of a parking lot, would you start asking people in the parking lot if the $100 was theirs, or would you pocket the money?

Maybe after reading this article from HappyNews.com, you would opt to ask people in the parking lot if the money was theirs. Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Carlos G. Rojas didn't know what to think when the military life insurance checks started showing up at his office. He didn't know anyone who would have named him a beneficiary, and the checks totaled $200,000."

"He called Service members' Group Life Insurance, which pays death benefits to military families, and the customer service representatives insisted the money was his and he should cash the checks, he said.

Rojas couldn't do it.

''It's not like picking up a penny you just found,'' said Rojas, a 29-year-old marketing consultant. ''Somebody's life was connected with that money.''

Meanwhile, Carlos M. Rojas, 62, wondered why he had never received life insurance payments for his son, ArmyPfc. KennyRojas, killed by a land mine in October in Iraq.

Service members' Group assured him the checks were in the mail."

The younger Rojas returned the checks to the elder Rojas, who was overwhelmed with gratitude.

It just goes to show, honesty is always the right way to go.

To read the entire article, go to HappyNews.com.

Good luck and happy dating to you all!

Thursday's Quote of the Day from Mark Twain

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"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up."
--Mark Twain

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Waitress Tipped $1,000

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Think customer service doesn't matter? Think again. Here is a story about a waitress who received a $1,000 tip for a $26 bill. From 6abc.com -- "A restaurant customer in Roanoke, Virginia gives new meaning to the phrase "big tipper."

Nineteen-year-old waitress Amanda Newkirk found the tip yesterday and at first thought it was a joke.

Then, a local bank confirmed the money was real. Newkirk says she doesn't know the customer, but is so grateful for the money.

She's due to give birth in May, and says the money will be put to good use."

You never know who you'll run into at any given moment. Stay positive and always put your best foot forward!

Good luck and make it a great day!

Wednesday's Quote of the Day from Albert Einstein

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"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."
--Albert Einstein

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Massachusetts Bottle Message Ends Up In Africa

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From Local6.com -- "A message in a bottle launched in Massachusetts two years ago has traveled halfway around the world. In a letter postmarked from Morocco, 26-year-old Assila Ahmed wrote that he'd found a bottle thrown into the water by Genevive Hernandez of Lynn.

Hernandez, now a 13-year-old seventh grader, was among a group of fifth-graders who on Nov. 20, 2003 put messages in bottles and cast them off from Lynn's shores that stormy day. Hernandez said she's amazed that her green Sprite bottle made it as far as it did since most of them either bounced right back to shore or ended up only as far as the Cape."

To read the full story, go to local6.com.

Make it a great day!

Tuesday's Quote of the Day from Arthur Godfrey

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"Even if you're on the right track--you'll get run over if you just sit there."
--Arthur Godfrey

Monday, March 13, 2006

Rookies Are All the Rage, on PGA Tour

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As an avid golfer and golf fan, the 2006 PGA Tour season could not have started off any better. It's nice to see some new faces making a name for themselves on the tour. Just last month, J.B. Holmes, a rookie and the PGA Tour Q-School medalist, thrilled the crowds in Phoenix and won his first tournament after only a few starts on the tour. And, don't forget Bubba Watson, whom I featured a little while back.

There are others as well, and an article from HappyNews.com details how the rookies on the PGA Tour are all the rage this year. To read the full article, go to HappyNews.com.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Monday's Quote of the Day from Flora Whittemore

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"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live."
--Flora Whittemore

Sunday, March 12, 2006

39 Jobs Where Women Make More Than Men

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Here is an interesting article I found today. I know I have a lot of female visitors to the site, so I'm sure this will interest them. And, as a guy, I found in quite interesting as well.

Some of the jobs mentioned were:

  • Sales Engineers
  • Financial Analysts
  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Advertising and Promotion Managers
  • Automotive Body and Related Repairers
  • Radiation Therapists
  • Agricultural and Food Scientists
  • Funeral Services Workers
These are just a few of the 39. To see the entire list, go to this page on CNN Money.

Make it a great day!

Cat Comforts Grieving Orangutan at Zoo

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From ABCNews.com -- "Tondalayo, a 45-year-old Sumatran orangutan, and T.J., a stray tabby cat, became an inseparable duo after a zoo employee introduced them late last year.

Stephanie Willard, Education Director at Zoo World in Panama City Beach, said Tondalayo was depressed since losing her mate two years ago."

"When the sweet-natured orange cat wandered into Willard's life, the solution became clear."

"They play together, cuddle and sleep together each night. They have been together constantly for more than a month.

"He's perked up Tonda more than anything," Willard said."

To read the entire story, go to ABCNews.com.

Make it a great day!

Sunday's Quote of the Day from Henry Ford

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"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
--Henry Ford

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Man wins 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' contest

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I'm sure we have all played the Rock, Paper, Scissors game. I don't know how many times I played it with friends and relatives as a kid trying to determine who would get to sit in the front seat. Well, if you always won when you played, you just might want to parlay your past success into a new career. Here is an excerpt from an article on HappyNews.com:

"Wood, a 34-year-old server at an oyster bar, emerged from a field of 29 competitors to win the southwest Florida regional finals of the "Rock, Paper, Scissors" tournament Thursday night at a local country music nightclub, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported in Friday's editions.

Now he's off to Vegas to compete in the national tournament and a chance to win $50,000.

In case you missed it, "Rock, Paper, Scissors" _ that same hand-to-hand game used to settle childhood disputes _ is an organized sport now. The rules are the same: Rock smashes scissors. Paper smothers rock. Scissors cut paper."

Only in Vegas baby! Only in Vegas!

Make it a great day!

Saturday's Quote of the Day from Thomas R. Dewar

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"The road to success is filled with women pushing their husbands along."
--Thomas R. Dewar

Friday, March 10, 2006

A Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the United States

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Each year, The National Trust for Historic Preservation lists the United States' top 12 distinctive destinations. Here is an excerpt from their website and a link to the dozen:

"From a charming Adirondack town made famous a century ago for its healing powers, to the desert hideaway that holds countless treasures of modern architectural design, and the Midwest city known for its world-class museums and brewery heritage, America offers alternative vacation destinations that symbolize an increasing dedication to historic preservation.

In recognition of this travel trend, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today announced the selection of its 2006 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States."

Click here to visit the dozen destinations.

Make it a great day!

Friday's Quote of the Day from George Burns

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"Don't stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed."
--George Burns

Speaking of making money in bed. In this day and age, this is a reality if you know how. If you've ever thought about running your own business from home, you might want to consider becoming an Affiliate marketer online. Whether you are familiar with this or not, the first thing you need to do is to purchase a copy of Rosalind Gardner's "Super Affiliate Handbook - How I Made $436,797 In One Year Selling Other People's Stuff Online" This is the book that got me started in the online affiliate marketing business over four years ago. I highly recommend it. It is easy to read, and she provides you with step-by-step instructions on exactly how to get started.

After purchasing the book, if you are having trouble or questions, come back here and ask me. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Just click on the comments button below this post and ask away.

There are also tons of resources online to help you get started working from home if you desire. One of those resources is Rosalind's own website and newsletter: NetProfitsToday.com. I recommend you check it out today and sign up for her weekly newsletter. It's free and filled with awesome information to help you succeed online.

The first step in living a more positive life is enjoying whatever it is you do. If you aren't enjoying what you do, then maybe you should consider doing something else. Online Affiliate marketing might be an option. I'll let you decide.

Until tomorrow, make it a great day!

J. Anthony.

Thursday, March 09, 2006

EzineArticles.com - Expert Author for Live in the Moment

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Hello everyone,

I thought this was pretty cool. EzineArticles.com picked up my post entitled "Live in the Moment" from earlier this week and are going to be featuring it on their homepage. They also listed me as an expert author. Go figure. Normally, I'm not comfortable bragging about something like this, but, hey, it's pretty neat, and it seems that the Positive Pelham message is broadening it's horizons. I want to thank everyone for visiting everyday. I really appreciate your support!

The next couple of days may be a little lean on the site because my wife and I are visiting her sister in Washington DC for the next couple of days. I hope to still be able to post some stories, but forgive me if I don't. Until next time, make it a great day!

J. Anthony.

Thursday's Quote of the Day from George Burns

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"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring family in another city."
--George Burns

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

From the Final Four to the Kindergarten Class

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Eugene Edgerson was a player on the University of Arizona 2001 Final Four Basketball team. But, did you know that he postponed his senior season in order to concentrate on getting his bachelor's degree while teach kindergarten. He learned more at Arizona than just basketball, he learned to follow his passion in life.

This is from an old article on the Sporting News, but it's an interesting article about how one man kept his priorities in check and followed his true passion in life. You can read the story by going to the Sporting News Online.

What's your passion? If you don't know, maybe it's time to find out. If you do know, share it with us. Use the comments link at the bottom of this post.

Make it a great day!

Wednesday's Quote of the Day from Henry Ford

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"You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." --Henry Ford

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Tuesday's Quote of the Day from Tom Stoppard

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"Every exit is an entry somewhere." --Tom Stoppard

Have You Hit the Lottery Yet?

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I was thinking about this question today because one of the radio stations I was listening to today on my way into work asked, "What you would do if you hit the lottery?"

I thought about it and it occurred to me how many lotteries I had already "hit" in my life. Maybe some of my "lottery hits" will remind you of how lucky we all are.

My lottery hits:

  • Nationality Lottery - I was born in the United States - Have you watched the news these days? Can you imagine what it must be like to live in a country like Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Cuba and on and on. I was born in the greatest country in the world where I can sit and write this blog without any fear. I'm not sure why God chose to let me be born here, but I am thankful every day that He did.
  • Marriage Lottery - I am married to my soulmate - Every day, I see and hear of so many couples who are miserable together. They don't enjoy each others company. All they do is fight and complain all the time. On the other hand, I look forward to waking up every morning because I get to start another day with her. I wouldn't change a thing about our relationship. We are together for a reason.
  • Career Lottery - Many of you who know me will chuckle a little when you read this. Not because I don't have a job, but because I have had a lot of different careers. But, that is the beauty of this country. When one career ends, another begins. The possibilities are endless. You can do anything you put your mind to. That is not the case in many other countries. Many people are forced to work and do things they do not want to do. Don't ever take your job for granted. Many people in the world would die to have your job whatever it is.
  • Residence Lottery - I own a 2-story, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home - In America, I would be considered middle class. In most other countries of the world, I would be considered very rich. Don't take your home for granted. It's a luxury that many in the world will never know.
I think you get the point. Without ever hitting the lottery, I have already hit the "lottery in life." This doesn't mean I'm never going to buy a lottery ticket. Sure, I would love to win millions just like anyone else. But, I think we should all realize just how good we really have it. You are free to do anything you want to do. You have a choice. Set your mind to it, and you can accomplish anything you want.

I wish you good luck and hope you will make it a great day!

J. Anthony.

Monday, March 06, 2006

Monday's Quote of the Day

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"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn."
--C. S. Lewis

Alexander Signs $62 Million, Eight-Year Contract to Remain With Seahawks

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As you know from an earlier post I made in January, I am a big fan of Shaun Alexander. Not just because of this talent, but because I went to the University of Alabama, and he is a great human being in addition to a great football player. If anyone deserves a contract like this, Shaun does.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Last month, Shaun Alexander said he didn't need to wait for free agency and multiple offers from eager suitors to know what price is right for the league's MVP.

"Fair is fair," Alexander said. "I know what fair is. Other teams don't decide what fair is. I think the Seahawks definitely know." They do now. Fair is apparently $62 million over eight years -- the deal Alexander and the Seahawks agreed to Sunday night, keeping the NFL rushing champion in Seattle. "

To read about the deal, go to Yahoo! Sports.

Have a great day!

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Live in the Moment

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Like most busy people, I have found myself constantly planning ahead and preparing for the next day, week, etc. While it is always good to plan and to have a plan for your life, it is also very important to "Live in the Moment."

I am reminded of this everyday in a very simple way. Every day when I get home from work, I usually take our yellow lab, Biscuit, to the church softball field up the street from our house. It is a great place to throw the tennis ball with her and let her enjoy the outdoors. While I am there watching her play around with the tennis balls, I am able to relax and just live in the moment.

In a strange way, Biscuit is the one who has taught me to do this. Have you ever watched a dog or a child play by themselves with a toy they love? Nothing else matters to them but the toy. They are in their own little world. They are oblivious to the outside world, and they are as content as they can be. They are living in the moment.

What I have learned from her is to stay focused on what I am doing at any given moment. If you are at work, then focus on the task at hand and nothing else. If you are having dinner with your wife, husband, friend or business partner, then "be there." Don't think about what you are going to do after the dinner. Focus on the dinner and your conversation. If you will concentrate on doing this in every situation in life, you will enjoy life so much more.

Live in the Moment! You'll make more memories this way than if you are constantly thinking about the future.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Sunday's Quote of the Day

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"If you can imagine it, You can achieve it. If you can dream it, You can become it."
--William Arthur Ward

Saturday, March 04, 2006

How to Ride That Aging Baby-Boomer Wave

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From Yahoo! News -- "The baby boomers are starting to turn 60, and who wouldn't want to be selling whatever they're going to buy?

People approaching retirement buy second homes, cruises, investment products, health-care services, the occasional RV or (post) midlife-crisis motorcycle, and lots and lots of restaurant meals.

It seems like investors willing to place a few strategic bets might look at some of those industries. With the members of the boom numbering around 76 million, and entering -- or entrenched in -- their biggest earnings years, there's a lot of money to be spread around."

This is an interesting article to read. The complete article is located at Yahoo! News. This is going to be the first time in our nation's history when so many older citizens (55 - 65) are going to have so much expendable cash. If you are looking for something to invest in, it is definitely worth looking into companies that will be catering to Baby Boomers.

And, for what it's worth, if you are a Baby Boomer and you need a date... One of the dating sites I represent is called BabyBoomerDates.com. If you're over 55 and single, you should check it out. There are hundreds of thousands of other single, divorced or widowed Baby Boomers who are searching for someone to spend time with during this golden time within their life.

Good luck and make it a great day!

Friday, March 03, 2006

Latest Stories from HappyNews.com

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Here are some of the stories making positive news on HappyNews.com this week:

  • Lifting Weights Attacks Belly Fat -- By just lifting weights twice a week for an hour, women can battle the buildup of tummy fat that often takes hold with aging, a new study suggests. And they didn't even diet. Click here to read this story.
  • Tax-Smart Investing Can Save You Money -- Making decisions about when to buy and sell can be hard enough when you're managing your mutual fund portfolio, but smart investors consider tax implications, too. Click here to read this story.
  • Comedians Bring Much Needed Laughter to Soldiers -- Comics on Duty are a group of comedians touring different military installations bringing humor to Soldiers during their deployments to overseas locations. Click here to read this story.
  • Minnesota Dentists Provide Free Care to Children in Need -- Minnesota children in need received a record $1.4 million dollars in free care during the recently completed Give Kids a Smile program. Click here to read this story.
All of the above stories can be found on HappyNews.com. If you haven't subscribed to their daily newsletter, you might want to consider it. It's a great site that is updated throughout the day.

Make it a great day!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Every Company Needs a Mr. C.

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Let me tell you a quick story. I am sitting at work this morning around 8:30am when the receptionist comes over the intercom and announces, "Breakfast is being served in the breakroom!"

I have been at my new company for about two months now, so I wasn't sure what she meant. I just assumed that someone had brought in doughnuts or something like that. A few minutes later, Mr. C. walks by my office carrying a plate that is filled with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and a biscuit. Of course, I am now intrigued. He says, "You'd better hurry up and get in there and get some breakfast."

I walk down to the breakroom to the aroma of a southern breakfast. Mr. C. has cooked bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, cheese grits and potato cubes. The food is fantastic.

So, who is Mr. C. He is our Distribution manager. He delivers our brochures, maps, etc. to different places around the city and state. For those of you who did not know, my real job is as the Tourism Sales Manager for a Convention & Visitors Bureau. It's a great job that I really enjoy.

But, back to Mr. C. He brought in all of the food uncooked along with his own skillet, crockpot, etc. Once at work, he cooked everything up for everyone. He didn't have to do this. He did it because he wanted to. According to others around the office, he does this periodically. He retired from a position with another company over five years ago, and has been working with us for about five years. He works here because he wants to. He likes his job and enjoys what he does.

Every company could use a Mr. C. We can all learn a lot from him.

So, I challenge you. Do something unexpected every now and then. Never settle. And, above all.... Enjoy what you do no matter what it is.

Make it a great day!
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