Quote of the Day: Blame

“Neither blame or praise yourself.”

Plutarch

The quote “Neither blame nor praise yourself” suggests a mindset of balance and equanimity in how one views oneself and one’s actions. It encourages avoiding extreme self-judgment, whether it be overly critical or excessively self-congratulatory.

Here’s what the quote conveys:

  1. Avoid self-blame: It advises against being too harsh on oneself when things don’t go as planned or when mistakes are made. Often, people tend to be their own harshest critics, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or unworthiness. The quote reminds us not to overly blame ourselves for shortcomings and failures, but rather to recognize that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges.
  2. Refrain from excessive self-praise: On the other hand, the quote also cautions against excessive self-praise or an inflated sense of self-importance. While acknowledging our accomplishments and strengths is essential for self-esteem, constant self-aggrandizement can lead to arrogance and a lack of self-awareness.

The underlying message is to cultivate self-compassion and a realistic view of oneself. It encourages finding a middle ground between being overly self-critical and having an overly inflated ego. Acknowledge your imperfections and learn from mistakes without dwelling on self-blame, and be humble about your achievements without falling into the trap of excessive self-praise.

By adopting a balanced perspective, one can maintain a healthier and more positive sense of self, leading to personal growth and overall well-being. It’s essential to practice self-acceptance and be kind to oneself while also staying open to areas of improvement and continued learning.

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Advice of the Day: Avoidance

If you can’t say something nice, say something vague.

The advice “If you can’t say something nice, say something vague” can be seen as a form of avoidance or a coping mechanism to prevent hurting someone’s feelings or causing conflict. While it may seem like a harmless way to avoid being overtly negative, it is not necessarily the best approach for effective communication and interpersonal relationships.

Here are some considerations:

  1. Lack of clarity: Vague statements might lead to misunderstandings or confusion, as the intended message is not clear. It may leave the other person guessing or trying to interpret what you meant, potentially leading to further frustration.
  2. Dishonesty: While avoiding direct negativity, vague statements can come across as disingenuous or insincere. Instead of being honest about your thoughts or feelings, you are choosing to withhold information or mask your true opinion.
  3. Missed opportunity for growth: Constructive criticism, when delivered with empathy and respect, can be valuable for personal growth and improvement. By providing vague feedback, you miss the chance to help others learn and develop in certain areas.
  4. Impact on trust: Consistently using vague language to avoid saying something negative can erode trust in relationships. People may feel you are not authentic or forthcoming, which can damage the foundation of trust in your interactions.

Instead of defaulting to vagueness, consider the following approaches:

  1. Practice empathy: If you need to address a sensitive or negative topic, approach it with empathy and understanding for the other person’s feelings. Be respectful in your delivery.
  2. Focus on constructive feedback: If criticism is necessary, try to frame it constructively by highlighting specific areas for improvement and offering suggestions for positive changes.
  3. Choose silence if needed: If you can’t find anything genuinely nice or constructive to say, it might be better to remain silent rather than resorting to vagueness. Not every situation requires your input.
  4. Be authentic: Strive to communicate honestly and authentically while maintaining respect and kindness. Honesty, delivered with empathy, can strengthen relationships.

In summary, using vagueness to avoid saying something negative may not be the best advice when it comes to effective communication and fostering healthy relationships. Instead, aim for open, honest, and empathetic communication, even when addressing sensitive topics.

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This Day in History: July 23rd

Here are ten interesting events that took place on July 23rd throughout history:

  1. 1829: William Austin Burt receives the first U.S. patent for a typewriter, called the “Typographer.”
  2. 1885: Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, passes away in Mount McGregor, New York.
  3. 1903: The Ford Motor Company sells its first car, a Model A, to Dr. Ernst Pfenning of Chicago.
  4. 1926: Fox Film Corporation showcases the first-ever feature-length film with synchronized sound, “Don Juan,” in New York City.
  5. 1940: Billboard Magazine publishes its first Music Popularity Chart, later known as the “Hot 100.”
  6. 1962: Telstar 1, the world’s first communication satellite, is launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, enabling live television broadcasts between the United States and Europe.
  7. 1967: Twelve nations, including the United States and the Soviet Union, sign the Outer Space Treaty, prohibiting the use of space for military purposes.
  8. 1982: The International Whaling Commission announces a moratorium on commercial whaling, starting in 1986.
  9. 1992: Abkhazia declares independence from Georgia, leading to a conflict known as the 1992-1993 War in Abkhazia.
  10. 2011: NASA’s Space Shuttle Atlantis lands at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, concluding the final mission of the Space Shuttle program.

These events represent a mix of technological advancements, significant historical moments, cultural milestones, and global agreements that have shaped various aspects of our world.

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Joke of the Day: Wednesday’s winding whirlpool of whining wonderment ….

Our delivery driver has just fallen over and dropped a basket full of freshly ironed clothes.

I just sat back and watched it all unfold!

I’m creating an app to find qualified electricians in your area.

It’s called Wattsapp.

My friend had a business selling bonsai trees.

He was so successful he had to move into smaller premises.

As an executioner, I often ask prisoners for their last requests.

My last inmate asked me for a high five, but I just left him hanging.

Why is Billy Joel’s laundry still wet?

“He Didn’t Start The Dryer.”

I love watching programmes about lakes and rivers on the internet.

Anything water related really.

I’m actually watching a live stream right now.

A man goes for a walk in the park.

On his walk, he sees two men sat on a park bench and looking very down.

“What’s wrong?” He asked them.

One of the men looks up at the man and lets out a long sigh: “Take a seat and I’ll tell you.”

Curious, he sits down next to the two men.

“The paint’s wet,” the man says.

I finally realized why trees don’t have teeth.

Turns out, they’re all bark and no bite.

The police rang me earlier to say they’d recovered my stolen three-piece suite!

Which was nice of them, it was starting to look a bit tatty.

I came out of Asda this morning and there was a woman crying her eyes out.

She’d lost all her holiday money. I felt so sorry for her I gave her £50.

I don’t usually do that kind of thing but I’d just found £2000 in the car park.

To the scumbag that stole 100 cans of Red Bull from my shop!

I don’t know how you can sleep at night.

I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes.

It’s all about raisin awareness.

I have a phobia of abbreviations.

Laugh out Loud.

Why is “Dark” spelled with a K, and not a C ?

Because you can’t C in the dark.

Retrospectively, I wish I’d bought my baked beans online…

Heinz’s site is a wonderful thing!

I am so poor I can’t even pay attention.

What do you call an average looking monster?

Mediogre.

I said to the doctor, “I feel constepatid!!”

He said, “I think you mean constipated.”

I said, “No, I just had a vowel movement.”

Mental maths.

It’s the thought that counts.

My son asked me to explain women to him, so I bought him an Xbox game for his Playstation.

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Advice of the Day: Stupidity

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

The quote, “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups,” is often attributed to American author George Carlin. It is a humorous and satirical statement that highlights the potential impact and influence of misguided or unwise individuals when they come together in significant numbers.

While the quote may be amusing, it is essential to consider the underlying message and context. The advice can be interpreted in a couple of ways:

  1. From a cynical perspective: This advice suggests that when large groups of people with uninformed or misguided views come together, they may collectively make decisions or take actions that could have negative consequences or lead to questionable outcomes. It serves as a cautionary reminder not to dismiss the potential impact of ignorance, misinformation, or mob mentality.
  2. From a practical standpoint: The advice could also imply that, in various situations, we should be aware of the potential influence a large group of people can have, regardless of their level of intelligence or knowledge. It is a reminder to pay attention to group dynamics, as collective behavior can be powerful, sometimes even overpowering rational or well-informed decisions.

However, it’s important to note that the quote is generalized and somewhat derogatory in its phrasing, using the term “stupid people.” Labeling people in this manner is not constructive or respectful, and it’s essential to treat individuals with empathy, understanding, and respect, regardless of their views or intelligence.

In summary, while the quote can be seen as thought-provoking and humorous, the advice it conveys should be taken with a degree of caution and critical thinking. Instead of focusing on the intelligence of the individuals in a group, it is more constructive to consider the potential consequences of group dynamics and the importance of promoting informed decision-making and constructive dialogue in society.

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Quote of the Day: Insignificance

“The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it.”

Plutarch

The quote “The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it” suggests that human life is short and fleeting in the grand scheme of things. It emphasizes the brevity and transience of life, likening it to a mere moment or point in time compared to the vastness of eternity.

The message behind the quote is to encourage people to make the most of their lives and find joy and fulfillment in the limited time they have. It serves as a reminder to embrace the present moment, appreciate life’s experiences, and focus on living a meaningful and enjoyable existence.

In essence, the quote encourages us not to get bogged down by trivial matters, regrets of the past, or worries about the future but rather to seize the opportunities in front of us, cherish the time we have, and make the most out of every moment. It urges us to savor life’s experiences, be grateful for what we have, and find happiness in the present.

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Joke of the Day: Tuesday’s tarnished tin of tea-stained triumphs ….

How do you make a bear cross?

Nail two bears together.

My friend has been a limo driver for 25 years and hasn’t had a single customer.

All that time and nothing to chauffeur it.

What’s it called when a chameleon can’t change its colors anymore?

A reptile dysfunction.

As I get older and I remember all the people I’ve lost along the way…

I think to myself, maybe a career as a tour guide wasn’t for me.

My mother used to say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Lovely woman.

Useless surgeon.

How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?

None, but don’t worry, the glass ceiling lets in so much light.

My girlfriend said she’s leaving me because of my addiction to anti-depressants.

Guess I won’t be needing those any more.

I know a mathematician who can’t afford lunch.

He’s binomial.

Purple is my favorite color!

I like it more than blue and red combined.

COLE’S LAW: Thinly sliced cabbage.

To do is to be. (Descartes).

To be is to do. (Voltaire).

Do be do be do. (Frank Sinatra).

I went into the Police station and saw a man with three stripes on his arm and a trifle on his head…

He was the custardy sergeant.

Fun Fact!

Jungle music was actually discovered in the jungle in 1843 by explorer Sir Phillip Drummond-Bass…

Years ago I went on a picnic with Errol Brown from Hot Chocolate.

It started with a quiche…

What’s it called when you steal your bike back from the thief?

Recycling.

A ruthless pirate killed his wife and buried her alongside the treasure.

Now his ex marks the spot.

My friend told me I needed to let my hair down and relax.

But I couldn’t find one, so I did the next best thing and disappointed a rabbit.

I went to a fancy dress party dressed as a giraffe.

I didn’t win a prize but I still left with my head held high.

I fired my personal trainer because he made me lift weights with my belly.

I just couldn’t handle all the ab use.

My wife gets a terrible headache whenever I cook with wheat, barley, or rice.

She suffers from my grains.

I told my son, “Have you heard that they’re shutting down all food resources in schools so that children can’t eat?”

“Canteens?” he asked.

“No, it doesn’t matter what age,” I replied.

I saw a guy with a horseshoe, a four-leaf clover and a rabbit’s foot in a pram.

I thought, “He’s pushing his luck!”

I was walking barefoot on the beach and stepped on a rusty piece from an old video game.

Now I have to get a Tetris shot.

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Advice of the Day: Success

If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.

The advice, “If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success,” can be seen as both good and not-so-good advice, depending on the context and interpretation.

Pros of the advice:

  1. Resilience and Adaptability: Encouraging someone to redefine success after initial failures promotes resilience and adaptability. It suggests that setbacks should not deter someone from pursuing their goals but rather encourage them to adjust their approach and expectations.
  2. Avoiding Frustration: By redefining success, individuals can avoid unnecessary frustration and disappointment. Sometimes, the original definition of success might be unrealistic or overly rigid. Redefining it allows for more attainable and flexible objectives.
  3. Learning and Growth: The process of redefining success often involves reflection and learning from failures. It can lead to personal growth, improved strategies, and a better understanding of one’s capabilities and limitations.

Cons of the advice:

  1. Risk of Settling: While redefining success can be a positive approach, there’s a risk that individuals may settle for mediocrity or abandon their original ambitions prematurely. It’s essential to strike a balance between being realistic and striving for meaningful goals.
  2. Persistence and Perseverance: Redefining success might lead some people to give up too easily on challenging endeavors. Persistence and perseverance are valuable traits, and it’s important not to abandon meaningful pursuits too quickly.
  3. Lack of Direction: Constantly redefining success without a clear sense of purpose or direction can lead to a lack of focus and a scattered approach to life and goals.

In conclusion, the advice “If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success,” can be a helpful perspective for individuals facing setbacks or challenges. It promotes adaptability and resilience, which are essential qualities for personal growth and development. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between adjusting one’s goals and persisting toward meaningful objectives. Redefining success should not be a way to avoid challenges or settle for less but rather a tool for reflection, learning, and finding new paths to achieve what truly matters to an individual.

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Quote of the Day: Painting and Poetry

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.

Plutarch


Plutarch (c. 46-120 AD) was a Greek historian, biographer, and essayist who lived during the Roman Empire. He is best known for his biographical works, specifically his “Parallel Lives,” a series of biographies comparing famous Greeks with notable Romans. Plutarch’s writings have had a profound influence on Western literature and historical understanding.

Key aspects of Plutarch’s life and works:

  1. Biographical Writings: Plutarch’s most famous work is the “Parallel Lives” (in Greek, “Bioi parallēloi”). It consists of 46 biographies, pairing notable Greeks and Romans who shared similar virtues or vices. Some of the pairs include Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar, Demosthenes with Cicero, and Theseus with Romulus. These biographies were not strictly factual but focused on moral and ethical lessons, highlighting character traits and examining the impact of the subjects on their societies.
  2. Morals and Virtues: Plutarch was deeply interested in ethics and moral philosophy. Throughout his works, he emphasized the importance of virtue and character in leadership and personal development. His biographical approach allowed him to explore the complexities of human nature and the choices individuals make in different circumstances.
  3. Historical Works: Besides his biographical writings, Plutarch also authored several other historical works, including “Lives of the Ten Orators” and “Moralia.” “Moralia” is a diverse collection of essays, dialogues, and treatises on various subjects, such as religion, philosophy, ethics, and literature.
  4. Influence on Renaissance and Enlightenment: Plutarch’s works gained renewed popularity during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods in Europe. His focus on moral character and the study of influential figures resonated with humanist scholars, who sought to learn from the wisdom of the past. Many prominent figures, including Michel de Montaigne, William Shakespeare, and Thomas Jefferson, drew inspiration from Plutarch’s writings.
  5. Legacy: Plutarch’s writings continue to be studied and appreciated for their insights into classical history, ethics, and human nature. His approach to biographical comparison has had a lasting impact on historical writing and the study of character and leadership. Moreover, his writings provide valuable historical information about famous figures and the societies they lived in.

Plutarch’s contributions to historical literature and his exploration of moral themes have cemented his place as one of the most influential writers of antiquity, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire readers and scholars to this day.

When Plutarch wrote, “Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks,” he was expressing a profound analogy between two forms of art: painting and poetry. This statement reflects his understanding of the expressive power of both art forms and highlights the similarities and differences between them.

  1. “Painting is silent poetry”: In this part of the quote, Plutarch suggests that paintings can convey emotions, ideas, and stories without the use of words. Paintings have the ability to evoke feelings and thoughts in the viewer solely through visual elements, such as color, composition, and subject matter. Like poetry, which uses words to create imagery and emotions, paintings can also communicate profound messages and narratives, but in a wordless, “silent” manner.
  2. “Poetry is painting that speaks”: In the second part of the quote, Plutarch draws a parallel between poetry and painting but emphasizes the use of language in poetry to “speak” to the audience. Just as a painting conveys meaning through visual representation, poetry achieves the same effect through the use of words, metaphors, and descriptive language. Poetry transforms thoughts and emotions into a verbal form that resonates with readers, allowing the written words to “speak” to their hearts and minds.

In essence, Plutarch’s quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of these two artistic expressions and the power they hold to communicate profound truths and emotions in different ways. While painting and poetry may use different mediums—visual and verbal, respectively—they both possess the ability to stir the imagination, provoke emotions, and tell stories that transcend language barriers and touch the human soul. This idea underscores the universality of art in its various forms and its capacity to enrich our understanding of the world and ourselves.

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Joke of the Day: Monday’s magical moped of malodorous misfires ….

Just got the best score in ‘Caribbean darts’…

100 and Haiti !!!

I saw an advert saying; ‘Hairpieces from £5’.

I thought ‘That’s a small price toupee’…

I went to see the world’s biggest fan yesterday .

I was totally blown away.

What do you call a man in a slow-cooker?

Stu!

I get a thrill out of stealing kitchen utensils.

I’m a whisk taker.

Took a dip in the pool….

Lifeguard said ‘What you got there?’

I said ‘hummus’

Rest in peace boiling water.

You will be mist.

Insomnia is awful.

On the plus side, only three more sleeps until Christmas.

If I got 50p for every maths test I’ve failed, I’d have about £9.20 by now.

I accidentally drank some holy water with my laxative.

I’m about to start a religious movement.

How do you drown a hipster?

Throw him in the mainstream.

The first rule of suspense club is

My Gran died because we couldn’t remember her blood type.

As she died, she kept insisting for us to “be positive,” but it’s hard without her.

Just before I die I’m going to swallow a bag of popcorn kernels!

My cremation is going to be epic.

What’s the best thing for a hangover?

Drink loads the night before.

“Sarcasm will get you nowhere in life.” my boss told me.

“It got me to the ‘International Sarcasm’ finals in Chile in 2009.”

“Really?”

“No”

How did the farmer find his wife?

Tractor.

Just watched a film about Steven Spielberg getting circumcised.

Think it was the director’s cut.

My girlfriend has threatened to leave me over my obsession with 70s American comedy.

Happy days!

Told my girlfriend that I don’t want to go to an 80’s fancy dress party.

But she remains adamant.

I had a ploughman’s lunch the other day.

He wasn’t very happy.

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