Humor requires a target. If you make a bulls-eye out of someone weaker, particularly if you initiate the attack, you look like a bully.  Take aim, instead, at the powerful. Or, rather than getting upset, consider yourself lucky when someone makes you a target first.
Because, as Isaac Asimov observed, “For a humane person, the put-down is [...]

The shocking moment for rising stars is when they meet someone who’s rising faster. For some of us this happens in fourth grade, for others it’s in college or on a job. The good news is that you’ve still got a way to get ahead. Even now. And it’s more fun. Hear how in my [...]

… do you have relatives or friends you can count on to help you whenever you need them?”  That’s one question in Gallup’s recent poll of 140 countries. It turns out that the wealthier and more stable your country the more likely it is that you have friends to whom you can turn. 

(Guess which country tops the list, [...]

“Wall Street swindler Bernie Madoff failed to protect his assets with a bankruptcy motion. His lawyer tried to get all charges dropped. He argued that Madoff is no longer a threat to society because there aren’t any rich people anymore,” writes Argus Hamilton in jest.

Here’s two more mock news items from Argus:
“Earth Day is a day when [...]

After seeing her grandma struggling to hold heavy pans, Celia Gates recruited an inventor as a mentor then designed ergonomic pans. Kayley Vincent and Jennifer Land created a cookbook that turned local business owners into foodie stars – and turned a profit for them. With churchgoers’ support, Henry Pearce raised money by donning a 1920s bathing suit. What sparked their entrepreneurial [...]

Help Others Earn Extra Cash
Launch a business or adapt yours to enable others to squeeze money out of idle resources – especially ones they did not know could generate income.  As the economy continues to wobble you’ll see more businesses that serve this growing need.

Just today one such business got modest funding – for that reason. Got some spare space? Then why [...]

Four college-age Canadians’ bus broke down in here in Sausalito last year so they continued their campaign here – to inspire others to create their Top 100 things list:  A part of their credo: For every item they complete on their list, they help a stranger achieve one of their dreams. These childhood friends’ camaraderie, plan and sense of purpose (three great Me2We traits) have pulled  others into their slipstream including my friend Jan [...]

In our increasingly connected world, everyone must manage “the brand called you” announced Tom Peters years ago. Reluctant to see yourself this way? Your impetus can be to protect your reputation. 

The upside motivation to think of self-branding, however, is to attract the people and opportunities that help make your life the kind of adventure story you want [...]

“Buy local and keep the money in our community” cry many local retailers and restaurateurs.  Yet guilt is not the top motivator to inspire spending – unless you’re a nearby farmer. 

Saving money is top-of-mind for us as consumers. Instead, offer greater value and convenience. Also generate more local visibility without spending more. 

That’s what the online food site, Delish is doing, in [...]

Perhaps the most gratifying way to hone one’s talent is to use it in support of someone who is diligently working on a dream project. Those who work hard on something new tend to appreciate unexpected help. We learn the most when creating or explaining. 
Early in his life as an entrepreneur and serial investor Brad [...]