One effective method of maximizing profits in business is called leveraging. This is a technique whereby a small financial investment is used to multiply the potential of capital used in a transaction. Interestingly, the technique may be applied to non-business undertakings as well. Projects like spreading joy and promoting understanding between people. Such is the power wielded by the common Ursinus Theodorus, aka the Teddy Bear.

There are few things as awe-inspiring as the contemplation of the night sky. The attempt to absorb the impact of a panoply of stars, to internalize the peace of a golden harvest moon rising over a tranquil lake, or to interpret the stately dance of greens and blues and reds over the Alaskan tundra seems to leave us well short of comprehending what we are seeing. Scientific study has its rewards, certainly, but for the average person, a face-to-face encounter with our senses wide open to the stimuli of raw, unfiltered nature is ultimately more soul-satisfying.

Thanksgiving is a time for expressing appreciation for the blessings we have received, but it is also a time for sharing with family, friends, and on occasion, total strangers. There may be a bittersweet note introduced when a beloved face is no longer present at the table. But there is still cause to be thankful as memories linger on, recalling the good times and rekindling the warmth of the times spent together.

If you have ever owned a vehicle, you know about the strange things that can happen with them. It’s like they have a mind of their own, and if you don’t treat them nicely, they will leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere and laugh at your tears.

They’re like pets… only worse. You must pamper and feed them, take them in for periodic checkups and ensure their every need is seen to in an expeditious manner. Oh… and see to it they have a name that is properly flattering. After all, a happy vehicle is a reliable vehicle.

City folks have an intense interest in the lifestyle and doin’s of country folk. The popularity of entertainment media depicting these events is evidence enough. Most city dwellers know about Li’l Abner, The Dukes of Hazzard, Hee Haw, The Beverly Hillbillies, O Brother Where Art Thou? and others.

Even more entertaining is watching the rubes when out of their natural habitat–when they come to the big city. Why the fascination? Who can say? Personally, I’m just happy to take my entertainment where I can find it.

In their simplest form, stories are familiar renditions of items in a time sequence. They may convey information, teach lessons, or simply entertain. The components of stories can involve events or thoughts, or a blending of both. They are disseminated in many forms, from books to graphic novels to electronic media to movies. But the original method was verbal performance in front of a live audience. Many find this is still the most satisfying method of being exposed to a story.

If you are serious about living life well, you are always looking for better ways to do the things you do. The effort required and the outcome of any particular activity can hinge on proceeding in an appropriate manner. Availing oneself of virgotudes is one way to ensure success with the minimum of fuss. Don’t know what a virgotude is? Listen on my friend and simplify your life.

The human species has a number of characteristics and abilities that sets it apart from other denizens of the planet. Self-consciousness is the primary one, and it, in combination with intelligence spawned a number of others: language, a moral sense, the ability to reason, and a capacity for innovation. Music is one of the most powerful and least understood of our capabilities. Not all have the same proficiency in this area, but all seem to have some ability to relate through music in a way that connects us with a higher power. It is a rewarding subject to explore. Try a little at your leisure. Who knows where your meanderings may lead you?

Everyone enjoys recognition and appreciation for who they are and what they do. But there are some folks who go out of their way to attract notice and are often not particular about how that attention is garnered. It seems they believe they are better than others and therefore deserve to be singled out. But too often the sad truth is, the person they are trying hardest to convince of their worth is themselves. Perhaps they will one day realize we all come from the same source and have the same value as all members of the whole.

There is no more fulfilling and satisfying sensation for a teacher than to watch an enthusiastic and interested student ‘get it.’ Watching the light of comprehension dawn is delicious and the moment can be magic. Unfortunately, these experiences seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Perhaps it is time we figured out why.