CURRENT EVENTS

I’ve been around for over 70 years and I recall the word “Christmas” being used to describe parties, sales, and a host of other events around this time of the year.

I can’t help observing that I see the word “Christmas” used far less frequently today in any sort of public announcement.

It seems to me like the word “Christmas” has fallen victim to political correctness.

I don’t always say “Merry Christmas” and especially to people I know are Jewish or Muslim or of some other faith, but when I do say Merry Christmas

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I don’t believe this is a fair portrait of Russia, but that seems fairly typical of the books you find on today’s Russia in America bookstores.  I read it anyway, because I wanted to learn more about Russia.

I’ve met a few Russians over the years and I found them to be excellent people and when I was at the WPC World Championships in Portugal back in 2015, other than Team USA, the Russian were my biggest fans.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This particular version of A Christmas Carol didn’t do that well in last week’s poll, and I think the “Spirit of Christmas Past” in this version was lame.

I have watched a number of versions of this story, so I wanted to see this rather well-known version.  Perhaps, you might also wish to see it, if you are watching various versions of “A Christmas Carol”.

A Christmas Carol (1999)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

For all you people offended “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, here is something for you.

Baby, Just Go Outside

By The Holderness Family

ART OF THE WEEK

Zoos all over the country are generating some additional much-needed revenue, while also providing a unique Christmas experience.  We again went to the Christmas Light Show at the Detroit Zoo with some friends.

Christmas Lights At The Zoo

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

This week I chose one of the greatest managers of all time.  One that I tried to emulate myself, but never came close.

Mr. Fezziwig

Here is an exchange one of Mr. Fezziwig’s employees had to say about him in an exchange with a spirit at a Christmas Work Party.  I wish every employee could speak this way about their manager, but unfortunately many can’t.

Spirit, “A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.”

“Small!” echoed Scrooge.

Spirit replies, “Why! Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?”

Scrooge, in defense of Mr. Fezziwig, “It isn’t that, Spirit. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light of burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count ‘em up: what then? The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.”

The following is taken from http://www.chiefoutsiders.com

Employees who feel valued and respected are happier. They provide better service. They’re more creative and more productive. They work harder, bounce back better and support one another more vigorously.

As a result, your products and services are delivered more enthusiastically. Problems are solved more quickly and the “vibe” your prospects get when considering a relationship with your company is better. 

By setting high expectations, providing the resources to meet those expectations and celebrating great outcomes, you can make your company a place where everybody – employees, neighbors, suppliers, customers and prospects – are all happier. With “words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count ‘em up…”. You can can build a culture where “the happiness he is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.”

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

This is always a good question to ask, but especially this time of the year when many are making their New Year’s Resolutions.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

More and more people are trying to eat healthy, but some do seem to carry a good habit to extremes.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS 

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.