Don't Hold Your Breath!

If a person hasn't changed in twenty or more years, he or she isn't likely to now. (The exception, of course, is you!) Don't waste time torturing your parents or other family members about why you're angry,...

A Tale of Two Stores

As I mentioned here not long ago, I recently got married. My mother threw me a shower. (Strictly speaking, a family member is not supposed to make a shower, but my mother is such a great party giver, and was...

Give the Dog a Good Name

C.K.'s Be-a-Better-Person Tip, two

Number-one worst fact about life: People die. When they do, they're missed. What can you do to comfort friends and family of the recently deceased? Lots of things--but, at the very least: write. Condolence...

Getting That Foot Back Out of Your Mouth

Not long ago, I found myself in the company of an intelligent woman I like but don't know well. I used a word she was unfamiliar with and asked me to define. "Let us pause and reflect upon this moment!" I...

How to Reach Potential Customers

If you want my business: Don't keep telling me how important my call is, or that recording it will assure quality. Hasn't happened yet. I don't want a commitment (at least where Internet sales are...

Rules of the Road

Every one of us believes that we are free of prejudice, possess excellent senses of humor and are great drivers. Would that that were true! Courtesy doesn't extend only to offices and homes. One of the most...

Charlie, My Oil Man

That's because as long as Charlie's with the company, I will be, too. Why? Home heating oil is not exactly inexpensive. And I am not exactly flush with frogskins at any given time. But Charlie's earned the...

"How Can We Solve This?"

This is not original advice--but is it effective! When presented with a problem, try to put yourself and the other party on the same side. How? Simple: Request the other person's help. If you're not sure...

C.K.'s Be-A-Better-Person Tip, Number 5

So many people I know lie, casually or as a matter of course. After all, higher primates enjoy the ability to do so; it is, in fact, considered a sign of intelligence. And it can make life easier sometimes....