A ROBIN'S WINTER - More Family Kindle Books "LIVE"

This book, in the style of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, spins the life and times of a lad who grew up in a hamlet on Saginaw Bay. Born and raised in Linwood, Michigan, Richard La Flamme was a loyal, patriotic 'Linwoodite' who lived there his entire life.

Richard is my brother-in-law, m wife Carole's brother. Carole and I decided to publish his book in 2001.

Richard began writing his book one-winter evening in 1994, sitting in his favorite easy chair in front of the living room fireplace. He never married. It was important he leave behind something tangible.Rich reminisces about his early life, his "buddies," his family, his relatives, Boy Scouts, Military service, volunteerism and his travels.

He decided on the title A ROBIN'S WINTER because he related to the hearty robin that refused to leave his nest during harsh cruel winters, who loyally stayed behind instead of migrating to warmer climates. Wherever he traveled, Rich always returned to his nest by the bay ... Where he remained happy and content all the days of his life. He passed away in 1999 not seeing his book in print but family members picked up on his desire to leave something behind and published the book in 2001 ... as he wrote it.

Larry & Carole Beighey books are now available on Kindle

NEWT GINGRICH 12 STEP STIMULUS RECOVERY PLAN

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Newt Gingrich's American Solutions group has produced a proposal for a genuine stimulus / economic recovery package.

[1] Payroll Tax Stimulus. With a temporary new tax credit to offset 50% of the payroll tax, every small business would have more money, and all Americans would take home more of what they earn.
[2] Real Middle-Income Tax Relief. Reduce the marginal tax rate of 25% down to 15%, in effect establishing a flat-rate tax of 15% for close to 9 out of 10 American workers.
[3] Reduce the Business Tax Rate. Match Ireland’s rate of 12.5% to keep more jobs in America. [4] Homeowner’s Assistance. Provide tax credit incentives to responsible home buyers so they can keep their homes.
[5] Controlling Spending So We Can Move to a Balanced Budget. This begins with eliminating Congressional earmarks and wasteful pork-barrel spending.
[6] No State Aid Without Protection From Fraud. Require state governments to adopt anti-fraud and anti-theft policies before giving them more money.
[7] More American Energy Now. Explore for more American oil and gas and invest in affordable energy for the future, including clean coal, ethanol, nuclear power and renewable fuels.
[8] Abolish Taxes on Capital Gains. Match China, Singapore and many other competitors. More investment in America means more jobs in America.
[9] Protect Our Right to Vote in the Workplace. We must protect a worker’s right to decide by secret ballot whether to join a union.
[10] Replace Sarbanes-Oxley. This failed law is crippling entrepreneurial startups. Replace it with affordable rules that help create jobs, not destroy them.
[11] Abolish the Death Tax. Americans should work for their families, not for Washington.
[12] Invest in Energy and Transportation Infrastructure. This includes a new, expanded electric power grid and a 21st century air traffic control system that will reduce delays in air travel and save passengers, employees and airlines billions of dollars per year.

CLOROX VERSUS PEROXIDE

Clorox vs Peroxide VERY interesting and inexpensive. Did you know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's chlorine, folks! ... And it can be very Dangerous. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.

Please think about this:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (Do it when you bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. For fungus on your feet, spray a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.


6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. Gangrene that would not heal with any medicine has been healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and Water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other Disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help get rid of boils, fungus, or other skin infections.


12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

14. Another place it's great is in the bathroom, if someone has been careless & has wet on the floor around the toilet & it's begun to smell of urine. Just put some peroxide in a spray bottle & spray. In the blink of any eye all the smell will be gone & the bacteria eliminated!

Peroxide … It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, here is a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!

Clorox vs Peroxide VERY interesting and inexpensive

WHAT WOULD THOMAS JEFFERSON SAY

John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement:
"This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." ... Thomas Jefferson

"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world." ... Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." ... Thomas Jefferson

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government." ... Thomas Jefferson

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." ... Thomas Jefferson

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." ... Thomas Jefferson

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ... Thomas Jefferson

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical." ... Thomas Jefferson

HERE WE GO AGAIN ... WILL WE EVER LEARN

I was the Energy Czar for a Fortune 300 company during the Energy Crisis in the Mid-70's ... We drilled over 50 gas wells for our own manufacturing plants ... We even built our own "gathering system" to collect the gas from the wells to our plants only to have the government "confiscate" our gas when natural gas was being rationed.

There was no shortage ... It was a 'P....g Contest" between John Dingell and his congress and the Oil & Gas companies. They shut down plants all over the country ... Who lost? ... The American working family.

My company had over 10,000 people laid off while our government played 'political games"

Now it is the same thing ... We need an Energy Plan and it shouldn't be some partisan issue that gets pushed around for over 35 years. In the mid-seventies we didn't even have an Energy Dept. Now look at it!

I think we should vote them all out or at the least ask each congressman where he stands on energy.

Hell yes I am mad ... Where is the outrage ... We need to take our country back ... This November is a good time to start.

STRESS

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, 'How heavy is this glass of water?'

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem.. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'
He continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, the burden will become increasingly heavy: and we won't be able to carry on. '

'As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again... When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down: don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can.' So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Just accept that, some days, you're the pigeon: and, some days, you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet - just in case you have to eat them.
* Always wear stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be "recalled" by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, It was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty; and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colors; but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.


My wife. Carole, sent me this article about stress and then added this memory

[Guess I must be happy because I love detours and new scenery I have never seen. Guess maybe, it's because I don't get out much anymore and when one is from Linwood, MI. whose parents entertained their kids by taking them to the corner to watch the traffic go by on US 23 or to count the deer passing by during deer season ... or your mother took you on the tour of Tower Road and Elevater Road to watch the pickles and sugar beets growing ... detours are AMAZING!] (but somehow, wherever Mother took us, she made it seem like a wonderful adventure ... though we had been on the same ride a hundred times ... and we never tired of her historical tour. We could imagine everything through her eyes ... and glory in it. Oh gosh, would I give most anything to take another tour on those ole gravel roads with my mother and sisters.) -Carole Beighey
Have a wonderful day and know that someone has thought about you today.
I did ...

MID-TERM ELECTIONS

What is with all this talk about Liberal, Conservative, Moderate Right, Moderate Left and "Tea Party"? To me it is very confusing and still doesn't define the candidates.



What I would like to see is a simple chart that lists all the "Key" Issues and where each canidate stands on each issue and where you stand on each "Key" Issue. This is an easy way to "find" the candidate that best fits your requirements and comes the closest to "getting your vote."



Remember, there is little chance that a candidate is coming to agree with all your "Key" Issues. Also, the candidates do not like to be "locked" into an issue as it doesn't give them any "wiggle room" if they get elected.




Candidates don't always tell it straight and take positions that they have no intention of ever keeping after they are elected. Remember President Obama's promises to have the most transparent administration ever; Vote on no bill until people have had a chance to read it; and, Not have any "lobbists" in positions in his administration.



You have to sift thru all the promises and "drive by" media reporting to find the candidate that best fits your "Key" Issues.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

My wife is a remarkable person. What she has accomplished at this point in her life makes any of my accomplishments pale in comparison.

Her first husband died the day after Christmas, leaving her with four children, ages two to nine. She was 30! Besides her own grief, she still had to cope with explaining the loss of their father to these four small children. They just couldn’t understand what had happened to their father. When was he coming back?

While vacationing at her brother’s lake cabin in Michigan’s northern woods, she watched a mother raccoon and her babies feeding nightly at the stump outside the kitchen window. The idea came to write her story through the eyes of animals, believing it would be less painful for children to relate to their loss.

Carole had a dream about writing but could never imagine how she would find the time, especially after marrying me and having two more children … six children under the age of 11.

It was a great idea, but when would she ever find the time?

One Saturday afternoon, I told her that I was going to take the six kids out for about three or four hours and that she should do whatever she wanted.

When I returned home, I found that she had sat down at a typewriter (there were few personal computers in those days) and had written 30 pages of her book, The Waddodles of Hollow Lake. That was 31 years ago.

By sneaking a few minutes here or there – or staying up half the night after everyone had gone to bed – she typed away.

In 1986, we bought a personal computer and after a few quick lessons, Carole learned how to use a simple word processor. Soon, she was proficient in using the computer and had moved up to the most advanced word processors.

That was 1500 type-written pages ago.

She has now had five books published in the series, The Waddodles of Hollow Lake, and has written enough draft material for 2or 3 more books. (www.waddodles.com)

What started out as a dream has turned into a reality! It just proves the point that if you set your mind to something, you can find a way to get it accomplished, despite difficult odds and situations.

Remember to “follow your dreams” and as Theodore Waddodle, one of the raccoons in Carole’s books says, “Always look forward, never behind.”

MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN

Many years ago, I was coaching a baseball team in a 13-15 year old league. I kept telling the players that they could not always just play the game, but that sometimes you had to do whatever it takes to “make something happen.”

In one game, we were losing in the late innings and I implored the batter to “make something happen.” We had runners in scoring position with two out, but the batter hit a routine ground ball to the shortstop and I thought the inning would be over. The runner was going to be out by a couple of strides. Surprise! He slid into first base, startling the first baseman. He dropped the ball. The runner was safe and we won the game.

This was about a baseball game, but it works in all aspects of life: Make something happen.

MOTHERS DAY MEMORIES

I HAVE SPECIAL MEMORIES OF MY MOTHER ON THIS SPECIAL DAY ... NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK OF HER ... I MISS YOU MOM

MOTHERS

For those who are lucky to still be blessed with your Mom this is beautiful ... For those who aren't, this is even more beautiful

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said, "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.

"Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said,"Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.But at all times she said to the children, A little patience and weare there."So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world.

Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all, Unconditional love.

And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage.

And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers.

One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them."

And the children said, " You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning.Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she’s crystallized in every teardrop.

A mother shows every emotion... happiness,sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow...and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take.She's your first love; your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...........not even death!

MY THOUHTS ON MOTHER'S DAY

Because Carole and I didn't get married until we were 32, I never dreamed we would have 40 years of marriage [in 2010], especially when you look at the longevity in both our parent's “life lines.”

As I grow older, my love for my Wife and Family grow stronger & stronger ... I have always loved my wife and family very much but, I was like many men that thought my total obligation was to provide a livelihood for my wife and family. I thought that was my only role. I thought my wife would do the rest ... After all I was working hard ... Traveling all the time ... What did she expect from me? Boy, was I wrong!

I remember one week when in an unfinished house [Mt Vista, Pennsylvania], Pregnant with Daughter, Anne, she had Business Dinner parties at home for 5 couples on two successive nights ... She stained wood, finished trim and doors ... Had Family sit down full course meals including desert every night ... Did the cleanup ... Slept for only 4 hours every night ... Writing the Waddodles pre-teen books [Five [5] are in print] … I could go on and on ... Literally, she did everything for the family and me ... I provided the money ... What did she expect from me? Boy was I wrong!

It was a long, slow "learning curve" for me but, I finally "get it."

One night, on one of our frequent "couch dates" ... Having a picnic, rubbing Carole’s feet and watching a DVD ... We watched "Fireproof," [Made by the people who made Facing the Giants] a Christen movie about a troubled marriage] ... We both ended up crying I guess because we could "relate."

I "hope and pray" that every husband and wife have a "Date Night" together and watch your "Wedding Tape" ... Then watch "Fireproof" [Fireproof was the biggest-grossing indie movie of 2008.]

"Fireproof" is the story of a firefighter who after seven years of marriage to his wife , is seeing their relationship fail. His father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day test called, "The Love Dare." ...

The 40 day "Love Dare," is making a daily commitment to our love and marriage ...


The Firefighter starts it, and, after several weeks on it, becomes frustrated with having his efforts rejected. He needs to save his marriage. Thru faith he continues on ... unsure if it's too late to "fireproof" his marriage.

If you can relate ... Take the "40 day Love Test." In this day and age it is easy to just give up ... But there is so much at stake it is worth the extra time and effort to make it work. Carole and I grew up in an age when divorce was not an option. we certainly had our ups and downs but we "persevered." ... Our Love and Marriage endured.

On this Mother's Day, I can reflect on my wife and family ... I told Carole yesterday that she was and is the "perfect" Wife and Mother ... I couldn't ask for anything more ... It took me 32 years to find her but I found the "needle in the haystack."

Yes, I got her a card, flowers and a box of candy but my "Love" is the best gift I can give.

Carole ... I Love You ... Forever, Forever [Engraved in her Wedding Band]

Her is one “40 Day Love Test” … Get a Journal, write in it everyday. LETS GET STARTED. Here are the challenges in a nutshell:
1. Demonstrate patience and say nothing negative to your spouse.
2. Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
3. Buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
4. Contact your spouse with no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.
5. Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated simply to gain their perspective.
6. Make a list of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.
7. Get two sheets of paper. On the first, write out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second. Place both sheets in a secret place. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.
8. Take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.
9. Think of a specific way to greet your spouse that reflects your love for them.
10. Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse.
11. Choose a gesture that says, "I cherish you" and do it with a smile.
12. Willingly choose to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse and tell them you are putting their preference first.
13. Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement and resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.
14. Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse.
15. Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine.
16. Hope for three specific areas where you desire to help in your spouse's life and in your marriage.
17. Determine to guard your mate's secrets and hope for them.
18. Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you and focus this time on getting to know your spouse better in areas you've rarely talked about.
19. Look back over the dares from previous days and assess your need to change your heart to love. Ask yourself to show you where you stand and hope for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
20. Dare to trust yourself, believe in yourself and know that you have the power to change.
21. Be intentional about making a time to conflict over your actions and understand them.
22. Say to your spouse in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."
23. Remove any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.
24. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it.
25. Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."
26. Take time to reflect on your areas of wrongdoing.
27. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard on them about it.
28. Recognize one of the greatest needs in your spouse's life. Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
29. Hope for your spouse and for their needs. When you see them, say "I love you," then express love to them in some tangible way. Thank yourself and the world for the privilege of loving this one special person.
30. Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and think about it and wish it gets better.
31. Confess a "leaving" issue to your spouse, and resolve to make it right.
32. Try to initiate sex with your husband or wife in a way that honors what they have told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually.
33. Let your spouse know you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel.
34. Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated good character and commend them for this.
35. Find a marriage mentor.
36. Commit to making yourself happy every day.
37. Ask your spouse if you can discuss your hopes regularly together.
38. Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable and then wish for it.
39. Spend time in personal thought, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse.
40. Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home.

SHAKE HANDS

The glass container plant that I managed had over 1000 employees and ran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I had been there about seven or eight months when the Christmas/New Year period approached. I thought I should find some way to say “thank you,” but it was very difficult since so many people worked on different shifts and it was a large plant covering acres of land. Fortunately, everyone had to funnel through one time clock (a practice I didn’t like … punching a time clock was demeaning … as hard as I tried I never got rid of the time clock; but, that is another subject.)

At the end of each shift, I positioned myself at the time clock and as each employee came by I shook their hand and thanked them for the job they had done for the company and for me.

I got all kinds of favorable reactions, including some women trying to kiss me. I was much younger then. I joked that my wife was very jealous and would “deck me” if I went home with lipstick on my face.

The most poignant and memorable experience was the woman who had walked all the way out to the parking lot in the ice and snow, then turned around and walked back in. She approached me and said, “I have been working here for over 25 years and no one has ever thanked me for the job I have done.” She gave me a quick peck on the cheek and said, “Thank you.”

THE SPORTCOAT - THE EDDIE LEVINE STORY

In 1954, my first job was working for Eddie Levine in Levine Bros. Clothing Store in DuBois, Pennsylvania. Eddie and his other brothers had all followed their father in the clothing business … Each located in different towns in central Pennsylvania … Altoona, Tyrone, DuBois and State College.

I worked for Eddie all the way through High School and college and worked for his brother, Charlie, at his store in State College while I was at Penn State.

I started working for Eddie for $.50 an hour but worked my way up to $.85 per hour. I did all the usual things like washing the windows, dusting and straighting up the stock and taking inventory.

When I would finish with my daily chores, Eddie would give me one-on-one sales training by role-playing with me. Some times he would be a nice customer … Sometimes he would be a dificuilt customer all the time showing me “the ropes” of Selling.

Things like:
· Suggestive selling
· How to manage around the cash register
· Wrapping
· Packaging and mailing
· Always price check the tags before quoting a price
· Never stand in the front of the store
· Don’t rush a customer … Let them brouse a little before approaching them.

Eddie built his business on honesty, standing by his quality … His word was his mantra.

Usually Eddie would handle the sale of the big items like suits [$85 with 2 pair of pants] and sportcoats [$32.50 and $27.50] … If he was busy with another customer, I was his backup.

One side point … All of this was before computers or modern cash registers … On the price tag was 2 five letter words, such as “black horse” where each letter stood for a digit from 0 to 9 … A code which told the sales person what the cost of the item was … This was the common way to control inventory, cost and selling price. Eddie was a smart business man and would check the small window to see what his sales were … He knew his break even “nut” everyday.

One day I was backup and a lady came in to buy a sportcoat for her husband. I showed her some sportcoats in both prices … she couldn’t make up her mind. Finally, She picked one and asked how much it was. I told her it was $27.50 and she decided to take it.

When I took it up to the register, I took off the tag which was standard procedure for inventory control.

I realized I had miss quoted and told her the sportcoat was $32.50 … She said, “I thought you said it was $27.50.” Oh, Oh … Eddie was standing by the register and said to me, “Did you quote the lady $27.50?” I told him yes … He said, “Then that is what you sell it to her for.”

Of couse, after she left, I received another lesson from “Eddie” … Your Word is your bond … If you don’t stand behind your product and your honesty the customer will be a one-time customer and “Eddie” wanted “repeat and loyal customers.”

We remained in contact for over 50 years … Eddie Levine passed away in 2009 … He will be missed!

REMEMBER NAMES

OF COURSE, THIS WAS THE GOOD OLD DAYS BEFORE COMPUTERS AND PDF'S

One of the most useful and successful techniques in getting along with people is to remember their names.

Early in my business career, I learned a useful technique that helped me gain the respect of my personal and business acquaintances.

I traveled extensively, visiting the many sales offices and manufacturing plants of my company. The visits would be of a short duration, but I would visit each site frequently.

I decided to build a logbook for each location by writing down the names of each individual. I would try to remember each person's name and other tidbits of information about them such as their wife’s name, birthdays, children's names and other interesting facts about them. As soon as I left them, I would jot down as many names and facts as I could remember. Later, when I was alone, I would enter my notes into my logbook.

When it was time to visit each location, I would pull out my logbook and browse through the names and facts. Many times I could not remember who the people were or what they looked like, but when I saw them it immediately came back to me. I would walk up to them and say, "Hi, Bob, how are you doing today? How is Mary? Is Mike still playing Little League baseball?" They would remark, "How do you remember all that?"


Sometimes I wouldn't see an individual for over a year, but by just reviewing my logbook of names before I arrived, I could recall many facts.

I have used this technique since the early 1960s and found it to be very successful. Everyone likes to hear their name and talk about their life and family. By mentioning their name or by asking a simple question, people will feel a close relationship with you and you will have earned their respect and admiration.

"THE MORE YOU PRACTICE THE LUCKER YOU GET"

One of the professional golfers on the PGA tour said, ”The more you practice, the luckier you get" ... this is so true in any endeavor.

Many times you have heard it said when playing golf, “if that ball would've just been six inches more to the right it would have rolled up to the pin instead of dropping into the sand trap. Of course, the person who practices more gets what we would call the “lucky bounce” but it is really not luck. It is more than likely the constant recurring practice that people do.

You can be the smartest person but if you can’t sell your ideas you are not likely to get ahead.

I have always felt the Speech was one of the most important classes in college … Dale Carnegie is also a great way to learn the art of “public speaking.

For several years, a friend of mine paid for ten high school students to attend the Dale Carnegie Program. He is a very successful businessman and realized the value of public speaking and wanted to pass it on to others. What a nice way to help young people.

I had a reputation of being a good public speaker and people may have the opinion that I was just a “natural” … Far from it … I worked very hard at becoming a good speaker.

I would make a “detailed” outline of what I want to say and get it burned into my mind. Then I would stand in front of a mirror and practice, practice and practice … working on delivery, posture and gestures. For example, did you know?

If you are standing behind a podium and you step around to the side and rest your elbow on the podium you are signaling your closeness to the audience?
Don’t chew gum.
Don’t have car keys or jingling things in your pocket.
Don’t stand with your legs crossed.
Don’t point your finger at people.

These are just a few quick things I learned … There are many more. The important point is practice

Another great tip is to “role play.” I have mentioned that one of my first jobs was at Eddie Levine’s Men’s Store. When I would finish with my daily chores, Eddie would give me one-on-one sales training by role-playing with me. Some times he would be a nice customer … Sometimes he would be a difficult customer all the time showing me “the ropes” of Selling.


One of the executives of Brockway, Inc. was going to testify in front of a House Committee … He spent hours “role playing” … answering “hostle” and “friendly” questions he may be asked. It helped him prepare to answer questions in a high stress situation.

One person that continues to impress me with his public speaking is Newt Gingrich. He normally speaks “off the cuff” or with a few cryptic notes. My daughter, Anne, worked for him for over twelve years and as far as I know only once did he write a speech … the day he was sworn in as Speaker of the House. He is an amazing speaker … No pun intended.

A side story … Few people know that Newt Gingrich is a speed-reader … The first afternoon that our daughter Anne was with him, He was traveling to some rallies in his District … During that time he read a book and 2 newspapers … He has written over 300 Book Reviews for Amazon.com … He is a prolific reader with great retention.

The day he was being sworn in as Speaker, He called up to Anne and asked her to call over to the Archives and have them look up a quote … He wanted to get it just right. It was from Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. He said, “It goes something like this … It is about 1/4 of the way into the book … About 2/3 of the way down a left hand page … The last sentence in the paragraph.”

Sure enough, they found it and Anne took it down to Newt. He was in the Ceremonial Room off the House Chamber … Newt was sitting their alone at Thomas Jefferson’s Desk.
Anne said it was “A Kodak Moment.”

I am sure you have heard the saying, “practice makes perfect." ... Well, we know there are such things as a lucky bounce but more often than not it is a result of many hours of repetitive practice. “The more you practice the luckier you get."

COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR

As I reach the “sunset years,” I have become increasingly aware of the effect compulsive behavior has had on my family and friends.

I am certainly not a prude and did my share of drinking when I was “sowing my wild oats” and I kept it up until I got married. Fortunately, Carole and I steadily decreased our alcohol consumption to the point that we are now “social” drinkers. At no time did we drink at home by ourselves or allow our children to drink at home except for a small glass of wine or champagne on a holiday.

I had four really close friends in my life … “Best Man” type of friends. Alcohol has taken three of them at ages 40, 59, and 65. One was a lawyer; one a CPA; one owned an insurance firm. All were married and two had children. Two ended up divorced and one ended up in a homeless shelter.

There are many other forms of compulsive behavior besides alcohol … gambling, drugs, stealing, and eating disorders … and on and on and on.

I mention this to point out that compulsive behavior picks on all types and has a devastating affect on individuals and their families and friends. No amount of talking, financial support or intervention by family or friends helped these individuals.

It is important to watch for signs of compulsive behavior and give these individuals love, support and help to fight their obsessive actions.

TRIVIA

INTERESTING STUFF
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have 'the rule of thumb' --------- --------- --------- ----

Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'... and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English language. --------- ---------

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury. -- ------------

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better. --------- ---------

Coca-Cola was originally green. -------- --------- --------- ----

It is impossible to lick your elbow. --------- --------- --------- ----

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska --------- ---------

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...) --------- --------- --------- ---

The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% --------- --------- --------- ---------

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $16,400 --------- --------- ---------

The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.. --------- --------- --------- --------

The first novel ever written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer. ------------ --------- ---------

San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments. --- --------- ---------

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321 --- --------- --------- --------- --------- --

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. ---

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what? A. Their birthplace --- --------- ---------

Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested? A. Obsession --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Q.. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A'? A. One thousand --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers have in common? A. All were invented by women. --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil? A. Honey --- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year? A. Father's Day ---- --------- --------- --------- ---------

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase... 'Goodnight , sleep tight' --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon. --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts.. So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.' It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's' --- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------

Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice. --- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow! --- --------- --------- ---------

Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the first and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2010 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list. 15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list. ~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~

NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself. Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to! Go lick your elbow.

HELPFUL HINTS AROUND THE HOUSE

These helpful hints around the house go well with the Uses of WD-40 ... Post them inside one of your cabinet doors.

Bananas … Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.
Cheese … Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!
Peppers … Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.
Ground Beef … Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.
Scrambled Eggs … To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up
Brownies … For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes Mnts in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful mint frosting.
Garlic … Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.
Snickers Dessert … Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!
Reheat Pizza … Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
Easy Deviled Eggs … Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up
Expanding Frosting … When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories.
Refrigerated Bread … To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster
Weeds … Newspaper weeds away Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers
Broken Glass … Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.
Mosquitoes … No More Mosquitoes … Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Squirrels … To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
Flexible Vacuum … To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings
Reducing Static Cling … Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... ta da! ... static is gone.
Measuring Cups … Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Foggy Windshield? … Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
Re-opening Envelopes … If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.
Conditioner … Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.
Fruit Flies … To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!
Ants … Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!
Clothes Dryers 1 … The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material .. I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well ... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free ... that nice fragrance too. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very longtime (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share! Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it .. the water ran right through the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!
Clothes Dryer 2 … Make sure the flexible vent pipe from the Dryer to the wall is not crushed or collapsed … This frequently happens when people lean against the front of the Dryer, pushing it back. To prevent this from happening put one or two 2X4’s between the back of the dryer and the wall on the floor … You will not be able to accidently push the Dryer back and crush the flexable tube.

Clothes Dryer 3 … Once a year clean out the Dryer Vent Pipe from the wall behind the Dryer to where it vents out of the house. There are people that do this for a living … I had a man come out and clean out my line which was about 15 feet long … It hadn’t been done in the 15 years we have lived here … He cleaned out over 20# of Lint … A Dryer fire was adverted and the clothes dried in half the time

DRILL BABY DRILL

THIS IS "DROP" 29, IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME, FROM A DROP IN THE BUCKET ... IT WAS WRITTEN IN 2006 ... 4 YEARS AGO ... IT IS WORTH INCLUDING HERE AS LITTLE, IF NOTHING, HAS BEEN DONE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN OVER FOUR [4] YEARS.

If You Build It, They Will Come

Serving as my company’s Energy Czar during the 1970’s energy crisis, I gained some extensive experience in the energy field. In my opinion, during that period, the consumer got caught up in a battle between the government and the energy companies. They said there was a shortage of fossil fuels; but, surprisingly, when the price of oil got high enough, there was no longer a shortage.

There are several long-term energy areas – such as solar, wind, corn alcohol, etc. – that are research-intensive and expensive but give promise as long-term solutions.

For years, I have felt that there was some middle ground for energy growth. These would include drilling in the ANWR fields of Alaska and off the coast of Florida. But in my opinion, the one that has the greatest potential is nuclear power.

Only 20% of the U.S. energy supply is nuclear and there have not been any new plants put in operation since 1979 – over twenty-five years ago. In fact, a nuclear power plant has been built in the Northeastern area of the United States and has NEVER been turned on.

Are there dangers? Of course … but don’t the rewards far outweigh the risks?

Worldwide, as of May 2005, there are 439 nuclear energy reactors in operation and 137 under construction, planned or proposed. Of the 137, NONE are in the United States.

So where are they?

France: 78% of the French energy supply is nuclear, with 59 reactors in operation.

China: 15 reactors operational with 31 in the works.

Russia: 17 nuclear reactors operating, generating 17% of Russian energy usage; they have another 13 underway or planned.
Japan: 25% of their power is generated from 54 operating reactors, and they have another 14 in their future.

South Korea: 20 nuclear generation plants producing 40% of their requirements; another 8 planned.

England and Canada: These two nations have more reactors per capita than the U.S., with 40 plants in operation and 5 under construction or planned.

What do these countries know that we in the U.S. don’t?

With the right regulations and controls, nuclear power can be our shortest path to achieving a self-sufficient energy level that will greatly reduce our dependency on imported oil.

Surprisingly, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil will increase the oil supply and decrease the price of the imported oil … The Arab sheiks need the money … Supply and Demand wins again.