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Welcome to another Friday Factoid!
The notorious Bronx....
For me, this New York borough conjours up images of "My Cousin Vinny" and the automobile-savvy Marisa Tomei with her quick-witted comebacks.
But do you know where the Bronx got it's name from?
Well, the Bronx is actually named after the Bronx River -- which in turn was named after the first European settler in the region, a Scandanavian called Jonas Jonson Bronck.
He settled in the region in 1639 -- and owned a large farm roughly covering the area south of 150th Street.
Bronck has a street named after him in the Faroe Islands -- and a public school christened in his honour (the Jonas Bronck Academy).
And yet to this day, nobody really knows whether the founder of this holly little province was Swedish, Danish or Dutch.
The Swedish claim ownership, yet apparently state his name is spelled incorrectly. It should be, they say, Jonas Jonson Brunk.
But "The Brunx" just doesn't sound right.
Happy Friday! :)
Labels: factoids
Some of you know that I setup My Writers Circle way back in 2005.
It's a popular international writers circle with an incredibly friendly feel. It's headed by best-selling author Nick Daws, who does a fantastic job of keeping everything running smoothly.
Well, one of the site moderators, Lin, has been working on putting together the first My Writers Circle conference!
It'll be held in Holland and she's currently collecting details of those interested!
If you are, here's where you can learn more:
http://www.mywriterscircle.com/index.php?topic=9783.0
This is NOT a money-making venture. Lin is doing this purely out of the love of writing.
Check out the site, and maybe we'll see you there! :)Labels: ramblings, writing
I work funny hours. I get up around midday, work through the afternoon, enjoy a social evening, then go back to work around midnight through to 4am. And I love it! But as the morning dawn breaks, I always make sure that I give myself a little "space" to breathe. I'll have a sip of rose wine. I'll read Peter Falk's autobiography. I'll listen to some inspiring music. I call it my "Me Time." Sitting. Thinking. Being. "Me Time" really helps me feel grounded. So, my question today is... When did YOU last spend some time with yourself? I mean, real quality time... just with YOU? Maybe doing nothing at all? And if you haven't recently, why not try it? You might just surprise yourself. Enjoy the day! Labels: inspiration
You've heard about the power of hypnosis.
But have you ever used it to change your life?
Hypnosis is perhaps one of the most trusted methods of self-development. However due to inconvenience, expense - and, often, plain embarrassment - many of us never try it out.
Well, I've been lucky enough to play a part in the creation of the world's largest hypnosis website, Instant-Hypnosis.com...
And the feedback from some of it's users has been *outstanding.*
The site features almost 300 instantly downloadable hypnosis sessions, including dozens of special hypnosis "courses" and "packs."
Plus, every single session is available as an instant download, or on audio CD.
Today, I'd like to share a voucher with anyone thinking of purchasing from the site.
Just CLICK HERE!
This special voucher allows you to purchase three discounted hypnosis downloads from the site, and get a further two at absolutely no cost.
If you get chance, check it out.
I'm sure you'll be impressed :)
* * *
Honesty Disclosure: Although I don't directly profit by recommending this hypnosis downloads site, I was involved in it's creation.Labels: downloads, self-development
Earl Nightingale once said: "Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us."
True words!
There is so much of this attitude around these days but, alas, not always the good stuff.
Adopting the right attitude, however, can make the difference between having good experiences or bad ones. It can even make dreams come true!
So, what is attitude?
Well, according to the dictionary, attitude is "a way of thinking or behaving." It is your outlook on life ... how you see and, more importantly, how you respond to whatever happens as you go about your day.
What most people don't realize is that, ultimately, it's your attitude that creates your experiences.
For example, if you're having a lousy day ... and find that everything is going wrong ... you may be tempted to feel utterly miserable and resigned to what is happening. Before you know it, you're feeling depressed and drowning your sorrows at the pub. You've chosen to react with a negative attitude.
If, however, you shrug off disappointments with a positive resolve and affirm that you're not going to let anything bring you down, you're more likely to move on and experience a brighter, happier and more positive outcome.
Your attitude really counts!
So, reflect on your current outlook. Is it working for or against you?
Choose a positive day! (PS. Learn more about how your intention sets direction here: http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/04/intention-sets-direction.html) Labels: inspiration, self-development
Today's Random Act of Kindness Act is going to cost you!
But, thankfully, just one pound.
Or a dollar. Or a peso. Or 100 base units of whatever currency you're working on.
However TODAY, give £1 of your hard-earned money in the best way you can.
Give it to an appreciative child, and tell them to change the world. Hand it to a Big Issue street seller. Buy a small potted plant for a neighbour.
Grab yourself a lottery ticket and give it to your best friend. Buy a bag of sweets and give them to your co-workers. Purchase a bag of pencils and hairclips, and distribute them to the locals when on holiday in the Dominican Republic.
Change the world in the best way possible...
... With just £1.
How far will your £1 go? :)
(PS. Remember to share your thoughts! Click here to chat about your RAK with other readers.)Labels: random acts of kindness
Welcome to another Friday Factoid!
Today, I'm taking a random dive deep into the underworlds of literature...
Starting with that great American classic, Gone With The Wind...
Based on the actual battles mentioned, it's calculated that gentle Melanie's pregnancy actually took 21 months -- as opposed the slightly more traditional nine.
Books can be strange like that.
And authors can be even stranger.
It's said that Ian Fleming gave the name "James Bond" to his famed detective after seeing it on the cover of a book of West Indian birds, by ornithologist James Bond.
Tsk, look that one up on Amazon.
And did you know that Mr Fleming also wrote the fantasmagorical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang too?
Talking of airborne vehicles, remember Jules Verne?
He was the French author that wrote Around the World in 80 Days, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues -- and many others.
And yet he was only ever aloft once. In a version of the hot air balloon, way back in 1873.
But British authors are usually the worst for peculiarities.
Agatha Christie claimed to have received most of her inspiration whilst eating applies in the bath. Hmmm.
And Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was always known to be a little random.
He actually invented the world "chortle" - amongst others - which came from combining the words "chuckle" and "snort."
But at least that English curiosity actually made it into the public domain...
In 1967, the American Typers' Association made a new punctuation mark called an interrobang. It was a combination of a question mark and an exclamation mark, used to amplify the exclamation.
(A bit like saying "Oh my gosh!?" - apparently.)
But, unlike the irony mark, this new addition from the ATA was scrapped the very same year.
What a random collection of literary craziness.
Happy Friday! :)
(PS. Visit http://www.karlforum.com/ to share YOUR factoids!)
Labels: factoids
You know something, I love working in my office. I really do. It's the heart of everything I do. It's Communications Central. I have my PC, my glass desk, my orange sofa, my bright-yellow walls, my aquarium, my phones, my books, the minty-lemon essential oil mix constantly floating in the air, my fridge stocked with juice. It's my own little paradise. No wonder I love my work so much! And today, quite randomly, I'd like to ask you... Do you love YOUR surroundings? Does the decor ooze positive vibes? Do you feeling inspired... whether you're sat in your living room or at your work desk? If not, why not spruce up your environment and create a feel-good, inspiring atmosphere?
Here are a few space-enhancing tips that might just brighten the rooms you spend time in:
1. Place an inspirational picture and quotation on the wall to help you stay focused on your goals.
2. Reduce clutter and make sure your living space is clean and tidy - it will enhance your mood!
3. Fragrance your living space with uplifting essential oils such as Jasmine to promote clarity of mind.
4. Introduce a couple of house plants to purify the air.
5. Keep wall coverings plain and stick to neutral colours to avoid eye strain and too much `noise'.
6. Make sure furnishings are practical and comfortable but strive for a minimalist look.
7. Get some fresh air! Good ventilation is important, especially if you are using computers and other electrical equipment.
8. Add a water feature. According to Feng Shui, a picture of the sea, placed in the northern aspect of your home is said to promote wealth!
Give some of these a try. Even minor changes can enhance your mood and sense of well-being. Enjoy... Love your room, love your life! Labels: inspiration
Having spent a staggering four hours on hold with BT today, to cancel my new line order, today's post is something of a public service announcement.
If you live in the UK, you might have noticed something...
British Telecom have a monopoly on telephone lines. Although you can shift your service to other companies, the monthly service charge of £10.50 minimum is still forced onto you.
If you want a telephone you MUST deal with BT.
Well, why not join the petition to stop BT's monopoly?
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/NakedADSL/
Click on the above link and sign to join. You must be a British citizen.
It'll help to reduce the power over the telephone system currently held by BT.
Incidentally, I still haven't gotten my issue resolved. I have so many issues with BT, I practically have the Chairman's fax number on speed dial. My portable phone battery is now dying, I've been on hold that long.
Any tips? :)
If anyone reading this works for BT and can help -- please let me know!Labels: ramblings
I've tried to write this post a dozen times.
But each time it comes out wrong.
So, briefly, here's the message I'd like to convey today...
The world is not a perfect place.
There will always be someone with a prejudice. Someone who dislikes what you stand for. Someone who is "better" than you. Someone who is "worse" than you.
There will always be turbulence. There will always be opposition. There will always be people, even family, who dislike what you do on some level.
I realized during a recent argument with a friend that my views were incredibly halcyonic -- and that, realistically, the world really wasn't as rainbows-and-lollipops as I'd have hoped.
But we can always look to change.
We can always try to be the change we wish to see in the world.
And that, I think, is the most important part.
Today's "lesson" for Karl:
Accept that the world is NOT a perfect place.
But love that we can always try.Labels: inspiration
Definitely.
It's not a particularly complex word. Yet millions of individuals from across the globe seem to have trouble with its spelling.
Today, I'd like to recommend a rather simple site designed to spread the good word:
http://www.d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.com/
If you're routinely bemused by exactly which characters make up this word (and, most importantly, in which order), then click on the link today.
And please accept my apologies for being a pedant.
Happy random Tuesday! :)
(PS. Fans of the English language unite! Check out the online writers circle I setup way back in 2005: http://www.mywriterscircle.com/)Labels: language, ramblings
Happy Monday - and welcome to this week's Random Act of Kindness! Now, bringing up children can be exhausting -- especially if the parents have to negotiate difficult circumstances too.
So, here's this week's suggestion...
If you know of parents who would really benefit from a helping hand, offer your support. Volunteer to do the shopping or baby-sit for a few hours to give parents a much welcomed break.
It doesn't take much to restore the smile on an exhausted parent's face -- and you can be sure that your help will be greatly appreciated. Enjoy - and have a great day! :) (PS. What RAK's have you done recently? Share them and inspire others on the Random Acts of Kindness board at Karl Forum.com!) Labels: random acts of kindness
A horse is a horse!
Of course, of course.
And no-one can talk to a horse, of course!
That is, of course, unless the horse
Is the famous Mr Ed!
So begins the theme song to famed 60's sitcom Mr Ed, the talking horse.
However, here's something to blow your mind...
Mr Ed wasn't in fact a horse. He was a ZEBRA!
During production, the original horse cast as Mr Ed was so unruly, the producers almost threw in the towel. It wasn't until they found a well-trained zebra at a nearby zoo that they gave the show one last shot.
They dyed the zebra's coat, set the cameras rolling -- and it worked.
In the days of black and white television, the lack of contrast meant few would spot the difference. It was only when colour TV sets became popular that CBS was forced to scrap the series.
Sounds like an urban myth?
It's SO true, in fact, that popular myth-debunker Snopes.com has a whole article on it:
http://www.snopes.com/lost/mistered.asp
Check out the story.
* * * And when you're finished, read this:
http://www.snopes.com/lost/false.htm
No single source of information is infallible. Question the world, even Snopes.com!
And remember the lesson learned from the Emperor's new clothes...
Authority is no replacement for common sense.
(PS. I was caught out by Snopes.com in this post: http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2006/11/horse-statue-secrets.html - check the comments)
(PPS. But I caught them back in this post: http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/06/friday-factoid-cinderellas-slippers.html)
Labels: factoids
Well, today's post might just rattle a few bones out there! You see, I want to ask... How many times have you made excuses for not doing something that you really want to do -- because of your AGE?
If you find yourself saying "if only I was younger" ... or "I wish I was 18 again" ... or "I wish I'd done that after leaving school"... then take a leaf out of Helen Tew's book.
Helen sadly died at the age of 92 but not before embracing life and experiencing a great adventure!
At the age of 89, Helen crossed the Atlantic in The Mary Helen, her tiny, 64 year old wooden boat and was the oldest woman to undertake such a voyage. She completed the journey from the Solent in Hampshire to Antigua in 26 days, 23 hours and 50 minutes.
How about that for inspiration!
Her eldest son, Donald, accompanied her on the voyage but she wasn't there as a tourist. Despite having difficulty walking after a hip replacement, she actively engaged herself by sharing the 4-hour on, 4-hour off watches in a cramped space. They endured a 36-hour storm and suffered a fractured link between the main boom and mast, but they arrived at their destination safely.
Helen started sailing at the age of 11, making frequent voyages with her father, Commander Douglas Graham, who was one of the first men to sail the Atlantic single-handed. But her father wouldn't let her join him on his Atlantic crossing, despite his promise to her and she vowed that one day, she would do it herself. Her own boat was built in 1937 by her husband John with the aim of sailing around the world, but the Second World War prevented them from achieving their ambition. After that, she was busy raising her five sons and the opportunity never arose. It was only when she was in her eighties that the boat was refitted for her incredible voyage.
In her book: Transatlantic At Last, published by Seafarer Books, she wisely said... “Whatever you want to do, someone will tell you, you can't.
It's too difficult or too dangerous or you're either too young or too old.
In fact, the time is never right unless you make it so.
My advice, therefore, is simple; just get on and do it.”
Helen Tew has the personality I aspire toward.
So, forget your age. It's just a number! And, TODAY, go out and live your passion! 
Labels: inspiration
"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.
"I don't much care where ---" said Alice.
"Then it doesn't matter which way you walk," said the Cat.
-- Lewis Carroll
There are many gems of wisdom in fiction and this is one of them. Look a little deeper and you'll see just how far that particular rabbit hole goes...
When you don't much care on the 'where', it's likely that you'll ramble through life without any direction.
That's fine if you're content with your life.
However, if you're not content, then you really need to think about the direction you want to take in order to know which way to walk.
This is all about taking responsibility and being authentic so that you make life choices that are right for you.
Knowing what you want out of life is the first step and, for some, a challenge in itself. We don't always know exactly what we want. So you need to start here and explore.
Ask yourself...
What are you passionate about?
What makes you happy and content?
What inspires you to action?
Your truthful answers will give you clues to what direction you should be taking in life. Forget all the reasons why you think you can't. Just focus on what you really want and what will make your life meaningful.
Once you know, you will also realize your direction and if you need to ask the way at any point, you're more likely to end up at the right destination ... the one you have chosen!
Have a positive day! 
Labels: inspiration
"Our aspirations are our possibilities" -- Robert Browning once said.
When you're inspired, and are free to let your imagination soar, you are capable of great achievements.
So, what condition is your imagination in at this moment?
Do you let your creative mind free from time-to-time?
Here are a few totally random ideas to fuel your imagination:
1. Visit an art gallery and look for the story behind every image.
2. Go to a museum and immerse yourself in the history.
3. Listen to music and conjure up images from the memories that music invokes.
4. Be curious like a child. Explore how everyday things work.
5. Take a walk and step in time with nature's rhythms to inspire clarity of mind.
6. Go somewhere new and explore the place.
7. Get lost -- literally! Take any random train journey and see where you end up. This is my favourite!
8. Invigorate the senses. Inhale new fragrances; wear new colours; look at something in detail that you haven't seen before; listen to different music; taste food you haven't had before; feel different textures.
9. Read a wide variety of books -- fiction and non-fiction.
10. Day-dream every day!
Your imagination needs feeding ... constantly!
Nurture it well and not only will you have a plethora of ideas but will feel inspired to achieve your potential.
Have an inspirational day! 
Labels: inspiration
Welcome to another Monday Random Act of Kindness! If you're happy to don your boots for this week's challenge, then why not... Become a conservation volunteer for the day! Don't tell yourself that the local council should be sorting everything out. Take it on-board yourself and get involved! Help your local conservation charity by picking up litter or undertaking seasonal jobs such as restoring pathways or planting trees. The smaller environmental charities are always in need of volunteers -- and it's people such as the wonderful RAK'ers that help make the world a better place for everyone to enjoy. And remember, this worthy act of kindness comes with huge benefits ... not only will you'll feel great for performing another RAK, but you'll also enjoy fresh air and the beauty of being in the great outdoors! Happy Monday! :) (PS. What RAK's have you done recently? Share them and inspire others on the Random Acts of Kindness board at Karl Forum.com!) Labels: random acts of kindness
Yes, the blog has been quiet for a few days.
I spent the weekend attending a friend's wedding in Fareham. The weather was superb, the bride and groom perfectly matched, and the disco was jammin'.
Or whatever they call it these days.
During the usual onslaught of speeches, the father of the groom made one powerful comment near the end of his speech...
"It's not having what you want. It's wanting what you have."
He continued: "You see, they don't all have to be funny!"
I've heard this little gem before, but today it really hit home.
How many times do you look around and think that life would be just perfect if only this were different?
How many times do you realize that everything would definitely be great, if only you could change this ONE TINY THING?
There's a proverb...
"He who is not satisfied with what he has, will not be satisfied with what he gets."
Does that sound like you today?
Are you putting off your happiness until tomorrow?
If that sounds a little like you, then maybe you can make the decision today to start appreciating what you have -- rather than what you don't.
And so today, if you can -- be grateful.
REALLY grateful... for everything you have.
And see just how different it feels.
Have a great Wednesday!
(PS. Here are a few inspiring links to help get you in the mood today:
http://www.bedtime-story.com/bedtime-story/iroquois-simplethings.htm
http://www.hourofpower.org/video/video.php )Labels: inspiration
What do you do if you get frightened? Do you run and hide...? Or do you face your fears? Sometimes, the only way to live and experience life to the full is to confront your fears and brave it, no matter what life throws in your direction. Someone who knows about what it's like to live the great adventure is Bear Grylls. At the age of 23, Bear became the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Only two years after breaking his back in a freefall parachuting accident, Bear overcame severe weather conditions, fatigue, dehydration and a last minute illness to stand on top of the world's highest mountain. That certainly hits the WOW thermometer! Today, he continues his adventures and travels with inspiring passion and energy. So, what mountains are you aiming to climb? Are you going to summon up the courage within to face your own challenges in pursuit of your goals? Okay, so not everyone wants to push themselves to the edge and have the kind of survival adventures that Bear has. Instead, maybe you want to fulfil a lifetime ambition such as touring round Europe for a year... or escaping the rat-race... or entering a marathon. Whatever it is, discover the brave new you and just do it! Life is all about experience so make sure you live it ... and to the full. And that begins TODAY. Enjoy! :) PS. You can read more about Bear's adventures in his book Facing Up, which tells of his remarkable and inspiring journey. 
Labels: inspiration, self-development
The simple joy of laughter provides one of the greatest health tonics there is. Laughing raises our spirits and when shared, uplifts those around us.
Yet, how many times a day do you enjoy a good, old belly-shaking laugh?
If you have to think about it you're probably not laughing enough and, as a result, are missing out on all the amazing health benefits. Research has proven that laughter can:
... lower muscle tension
... aid healthy respiration and circulation
... relax the sympathetic nervous system
... massage internal organs
... act as a safety valve to release excess nervous energy
... encourage healthy function of the immune system
... release happiness hormones
... combat stress
Fantastic health benefits, without a doubt. And it doesn't take much effort to start laughing. After all, you don't have to get changed into your exercise gear or sign-up for the gym!
Seeing the funny side of life can help us re-focus and maintain a sense of equilibrium when the going gets tough. It enables us to cope better in all situations. There is even evidence to suggest that a bit of daily laughter is the key to a longer life! And where relationships are concerned, consider the suggestion of American entertainer, Victor Borge:
"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
So, make it your goal to start and end each day with a genuine smile and ensure there is plenty of energising laughter in-between. Focus on embracing the joyful moments. Think how you feel when you laugh - notice the sense of warmth, relaxation, joy and freedom that laughter brings.
Let some whole-hearted laughter transform an ordinary moment and you'll soon realize the power that you have within.
Need some ideas to bring on the laughter? Try these for size...
1. Go do something totally crazy, fun and unexpected with family or friends. Allow yourself to be completely daft for a few hours.
2. Watch your favourite comedy films and spend an evening laughing your socks off. Invite a few friends and see just how infectious laughing really is.
3. Next time you trip up or do something unexpectedly silly, have a good laugh at yourself. Open up to your funny side!
4. Go out and play! Who said playtime was just for kids? :)
Enjoy your day! :)
Labels: fun, inspiration, quotes, self-development
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