WE ARE FLINT, AND WE ARE DANGEROUS!

Our society does find self-deprecating humor endearing, we enjoy when others reveal their life failures, especially if it’s relatable to our own. It might even be good for us to laugh at ourselves once in a while! Yet, can making fun of your Business have benefits?

We’re thinking that to a limited extent, it can. Sure, you don’t normally want to make fun of your employees, product or services. But then again, you just might want to!

Try this one out, for a restaurant: “We have the slowest service in town!” WITH THE TAG LINE: “That’s because we make each order individually with loving care!” This is a fun way to explain to your customers that you care about the food you serve and teaches them that excellent food takes time. Course, it could also be used to cover-up your poor service management! LOL

Or

How about this one for a Rock Band: “Don’t come out to hear us tonight!” WITH THE TAG LINE: “Cuz we turn the volume up way to LOUD!” This might really discourage some attendees, but will energies others. Most likely, those “energetic” ones, knowing what to expect, are the ones that will make a special effort to come out, enjoy your show, and give you the best reviews!

Now, what would it be like if a City used self-deprecating humor about itself? Let’s say a City like the one I live in, Flint, Michigan. Most all of you have heard of my city of Flint; “Murder capital of the country.” “But, we are hoping to get the world ranking soon!” “The most dangerous city in the country, flax vest await you at our border!”” When we say, built Flint Tough, we’re not talking about the cars!” “All our sports teams are named the “Flames,” cause they really are on FIRE!” “Come to Flint, if you’re looking for a job! Everyone else is too!”

Okay, okay, I could go on and on, and although this kind of humor does point a negative spotlight on my city, could it also be used to promote the City?

Could negative promotion create positive results? This might be a dangerous idea in promoting a city, especial, one that has been working so hard to destroy its own negative self-image.

Let’s think about it. Could promoting our bad boy image to the country be used as cover while we actually improve our city?!  Could someday, the very people that laughed at our city actually begin to see that it is becoming a safe, honorable place to live?

Could exploiting our negative image allow us to laugh all the way to the bank? Could marketing our City’s “toughness”, be made profitable? Sad to say, I believe it could. Sad, because our country thrives on the “bad boy” image, the western “shot’em up” mentality, gansta want-ta-be’s, and we could use that craze to make a profit!

I already regret writing this! Some of you will believe I’ve hit on a brilliant idea and actually go about implementing it. This is not what I want my City’s image to be. Not even for a PROFIT! NOT even if it cured our un-employment, not even if it put public services back on our streets.

Sometime the right way of doing things is the toughest way. “WE ARE FLINT, AND WE ARE DANGEROUS!”

Check out some positively dangerous Flint sites!

Facebook:

               “Positively Flint” “Bring Two to Flint” “Flint Home Buying”

Websites:

               “Carriage Town Media” “Damascus Road Church, Flint”

Blogs:

               “Funny Business” “The Way You Should Live”

Flint Photos:

               “Fine Art American/Positively Flint Gallery” Marketplace on Facebook  

               “Positively  Michigan”

Learn more marketing ideas from:

ctmediaflint@gmail.com

Carriage Town Media Social Media Management Starting @ $50.00 per Month. We don't control your site, we just improve it! We can post on all your social media sites! Let us post the information that your customers/friends need to know! Timely and Correctly! This months special: We can TOTALLY run your sites! $150.00 per month! LEARN MORE, CLICK HERE! . https://sites.google.com/site/carragetownmedia/ Email: ctmediaflint@gmail.comThe


Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know.  I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.  I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, "Hi handsome.  My name is Rose.  I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.  "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.

She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel."

"No seriously," I asked.  I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared chocolate milkshake.  We became instant friends.  Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop.  I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went.  She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students.  She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us.  She was introduced and stepped up to the podium.  As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.  Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me!  I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.  There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success.  You have to laugh and find humor every day.  You've got to have a dream.  When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.  If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old.  If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.  Anybody can grow older.  That doesn't take any talent or ability.  The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change.

Have no regrets.  The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do.  The only people who fear death are those with regrets."  She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose."  She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.

At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.  One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

See more uplifting stories at http://www.lecontact.com/uplifting_stories_-_english.htm

The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

Mr. William Grey

Just Stay

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her, "Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed. I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name? "

The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, "Mr. William Grey........."

The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

Tracey Gilmour Whelpley of “The Lunch Studio” restaurant.

The very first place I sat down for lunch in downtown, Flint after having spent 26 years out of state, was at The Lunch Studio. I loved the decor and atmosphere and was very glad to find they served a pork sandwich (They have veggy foods too) very similar to the Cuba Sandwich which I love, called a Midnight. My asking if they could add and subtract a few items in recreating my favorite sandwich, received an excited, positive, “YUP.”

As I sat and enjoyed the sandwich while I took in the all the artwork and do dads within the room, I could not help but overhear a group of young man at the table next to me. Their conversation was full of excitement about how they might put together a social organization that would help low-income folks with getting home mortgages, and education on personal budgeting and finance. (This was the formation of the group then call “PLUTO” which later enfolded into the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce as their Young Professionals Committee, GRYP) I introduced myself to the group and we formed a friendship. (I love these guys.)

Here’s my point; from the very first moment I arrived in my old hometown and walked through downtown, Flint, I could feel the place was full of vibrate energy and opportunity. I decided to relocate in downtown. The very first place I interacted (The Lunch Studio) was also full of that same enthusiasm and optimism.

It wasn’t till later that I got to meet the lady behind the counter, Tracey Gilmour Whelpley. That’s when I discovered that her small restaurant that was so full of enthusiasm and optimism was an extension of her own personality.

You may only know Tracey as the quiet woman who lovingly makes each of our sandwiches, but in real life, she’s a superhero in downtown, Flint. Behind the scenes, she’s an intricate piece to countless fundraiser for our community. She gives her time, money and yes, even the food we enjoy at many of the community social function/fundraisers.

It would be enough that downtown, Flint has a great restaurant and meeting place, but having one owned by a person of such grace and compassion for this city is amazing!

I want to personally thank you Tracey, for all you’ve done for me and my wife, and I want to corporately thank you from the whole of the City, for 10 years of community service. Congratulation, keep up the good work!

The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed reporting on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

Michigan’s embarrassing school reform legislation. We can do better!

Michigan’s embarrassing school reform legislation

By Valerie Strauss

Michigan sometimes gets short shrift in school reform news, what with all of the publicity given this year to Wisconsin — where some Democratic legislators left the state to avoid a vote on Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to restrict collective bargaining rights of teachers — and to Ohio, where Gov. John Kasich just saw voters repeal his effort to curb collective bargaining for public sector workers.

But it shouldn’t. Michigan’s legislature this year has been considered a host of Republican-sponsored bills that public school advocates see as attacks on schools and teachers.

The most controversial are a bill that lifts the cap on the number of charter schools in the state and another that does the same for virtual schools. The legislation, includes very little, if any, quality controls on charters and virtual schools. In other words, just about anything goes.

Joy Resmovits at the Huffington Post wrote in this story detailing Michigan Republican legislators’ reform efforts, that even big supporters of charters and virtual education are opposed to the legislation and that efforts to improve the bills have so far been unsuccessful.

She quoted Harrison Blackmond, who heads the pro-charter Democrats for Education Reform efforts in Michigan, as saying: "Our organization and other organizations that we're working with are not against lifting the charter-school cap. The other side is trying to paint us that way. Our issue is: How do you go about doing this in such a way that it protects children?”

Meanwhile, there is no research showing the effectiveness of full-time virtual schools anywhere, and some critics are opposed to for-profit companies having a big role in public education. Most of the charters in Michigan are now operated by for-profit businesses.

Both bills, having passed the Senate, are now up for a vote in the House, where highly conservative Republican Rep. Tom McMillin now runs the education committee. He stepped in when voters earlier this month recalled panel chair Rep. Paul Scott, who had pushed through legislation that reformed teacher tenure earlier this year and won K-12 funding cuts. McMillin is expected to continue Scott’s agenda.

The tenure legislation, among other things, makes it easier to fire teachers and requires that 50 percent of teacher evaluations be based on student standardized test scores by 2016, an assessment method that experts say is not sophisticated enough for high-stakes use. It also ends using seniority as the basis of staffing decisions.

But that’s not all. Michigan’s legislators are also considering bills that would strip local districts of their local control and further erode collective bargaining. They include one that allows private and home-schooled students to take elective courses in any private, charter or public school in their district — a move that critics say is nothing more than a voucher scheme. The bill that would have required that school districts admit out-of-district students — which is now voluntary — has stalled in committee.

There are other bills, some less controversial than others. But all in all, Michigan is right up there in the category of really bad school reform legislation.

I believe he’s right!

You can’t help but admire this dynamic young man at the height of his career. I remember when he was just a little guy and then through his problems in high school and college. Somehow he’s gotten himself together and now, not only owns his own successful business but has become a leader in the community. We were sitting together in a coffee shop, just shooting the crap, when I just blurted out “You know, I remember you as a pretty messed up kid, what changed you?” He replied, “I read a book that taught me to believe in myself.” He continued, now with a softer voice, “I found a verse in the Bible, and I struck me deeply.”

STOP! Dear readers, I not going to get all religious on you here. That is what he said. So….

I asked, “What verse was that?”

Without blinking an eye he recited quickly, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes. Mark 9:23”

I believe he’s right!

How many self-help books have you read without having read the Bible as one? Don’t discount a book because of some stigma you hold for it. My personal library contains books from many faiths and religions. You never know, this one might be the one that strikes you deeply.

Sponsored by: Teton Business Solutions. If your company needs staffing, Teton is the business you should turn to for you all your staffing needs. With our leadership having over 35 years of experience we know that Teton can meet your company expectations. Make things happen. Call them today at Phone: (810) 767-5111

Be Yourself.

Be yourself. 

One of the hardest things to do in life is too define yourself.  So many people are willing to define you for you. If you get caught up in what others think, you start to think of yourself as they have judged you to be. I just wanted to be a simple man but I always found myself in extraordinary situation. I’ve loved being in places that I could create something from nothing. To be able to step back and say that just for a moment this happened because of me. But, I  have been labeled and so have you. Define yourself and don't worry about what others might think of you. Just be yourself and work hard on being the best you can be.

Open this site to read parts of this book.

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE DAY:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

BLOG OF THE DAY

http://funnybusinessbystephenjames.blogspot.com

WEIRD, WILD AND FUN FACTS


BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
 Social Media Marketing Service
https://sites.google.com/site/carragetownmedia/

MONEY TIPS

TIP: Check out the sponsors and advertisers on web pages and blogs you like. It’s like leaving a tip for good service.

ONE MINUTE VACATION


JOKE OF THE DAY


So! You like'a the jokes? It's always a good idea to have a book load of them around the house!






Winning with One-Liners: 3,400 Hilarious Laugh Lines to Tickle Your Fun…








HEALTH AND FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY


WORD OF THE DAY

VERSE OF THE DAY


TODAYS TOP NEWS STORIES


CROSSWORD ANYBODY? Problems opening? Refresh page.


HAVE A MEETING TODAY? Find it fast


BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY


SPORT SCORES


TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

FIND STUFF FOR SALE


BEST ADVISE OF THE DAY!


WHAT'S TO EAT TONIGHT: just fill in your main ingredient


SAVE SOME MONEY!


GOVERNMENT


The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

Some Things I've Learned.

Things I’ve Learned

26) When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
27) Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
28) Call your mom.
29) Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
30) You never fail, if you remember the lesson you learned.
31) Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

 Yes, things I wish I knew when I was twenty.

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE DAY:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

BLOG OF THE DAY

http://funnybusinessbystephenjames.blogspot.com

WEIRD, WILD AND FUN FACTS


BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
 Social Media Marketing Service
https://sites.google.com/site/carragetownmedia/

MONEY TIPS

TIP: Check out the sponsors and advertisers on web pages and blogs you like. It’s like leaving a tip for good service.

ONE MINUTE VACATION


JOKE OF THE DAY


So! You like'a the jokes? It's always a good idea to have a book load of them around the house!



Well, since we're talking Egyptian, it reminded me of Steve Martin's song!
If you don't now this one or have never seen it, classic stuff!
















HEALTH AND FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY


WORD OF THE DAY

VERSE OF THE DAY


TODAYS TOP NEWS STORIES


CROSSWORD ANYBODY? Problems opening? Refresh page.


HAVE A MEETING TODAY? Find it fast


BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY


SPORT SCORES


TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

FIND STUFF FOR SALE


BEST ADVISE OF THE DAY!


WHAT'S TO EAT TONIGHT: just fill in your main ingredient


SAVE SOME MONEY!


GOVERNMENT


The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

Peace, bro!

Notes from a recent meditation given at Damascus Road Flint,Michigan
Most of my failings can be tied back to losing my peace, an easy task.
1) I have unmet expectations.
2) I have over-obligated myself
3) I am a people pleaser
4) I face difficult decisions with no clear answer
5) I am disordered

Check our more way to get back your peace: http://www.facebook.com/notes/damascus-road/keeping-your-peace/10150095153042829

The Peace symbol is a combination of the semaphore signals for the letters "N" and "D," standing for "nuclear disarmament". In semaphore the letter "N" is formed by a person holding two flags in an upside-down "V," and the letter "D" is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down.Superimposing these two signs forms the shape of the centre of the peace symbol.  The original drawing by Gerald Holtom of the CND symbol is housed in the Peace Museum in Bradford, England.


Have some Peace in your life today!




RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE DAY:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

BLOG OF THE DAY

http://funnybusinessbystephenjames.blogspot.com

WEIRD, WILD AND FUN FACTS


BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
 Social Media Marketing Service
https://sites.google.com/site/carragetownmedia/

MONEY TIPS

TIP: Check out the sponsors and advertisers on web pages and blogs you like. It’s like leaving a tip for good service.

ONE MINUTE VACATION


JOKE OF THE DAY


So! You like'a the jokes? It's always a good idea to have a book load of them around the house!



Well, since we're talking Egyptian, it reminded me of Steve Martin's song!
If you don't now this one or have never seen it, classic stuff!
















HEALTH AND FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY


WORD OF THE DAY

VERSE OF THE DAY


TODAYS TOP NEWS STORIES


CROSSWORD ANYBODY? Problems opening? Refresh page.


HAVE A MEETING TODAY? Find it fast


BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY


SPORT SCORES


TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

FIND STUFF FOR SALE


BEST ADVISE OF THE DAY!


WHAT'S TO EAT TONIGHT: just fill in your main ingredient


SAVE SOME MONEY!


GOVERNMENT


The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.

Walk Like an Egyptian!

The ancient Egyptian had the idea that when you die you meet your relatives and they ask you two questions.
Have you had joy in your life?
Have you brought joy to others?










The many achievements of the ancient Egyptians include the quarrying, surveying and construction techniques that facilitated the building of monumental pyramids, temples, andobelisks; a system of mathematics, a practical and effective system of medicine, irrigation systems and agricultural production techniques, the first known ships,^[6] Egyptian faienceand glass technology, new forms of literature, and the earliest known peace treaty




RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE DAY:

QUOTE OF THE DAY

BLOG OF THE DAY

http://funnybusinessbystephenjames.blogspot.com

WEIRD, WILD AND FUN FACTS


BUSINESS OF THE WEEK
 Social Media Marketing Service
https://sites.google.com/site/carragetownmedia/

MONEY TIPS

TIP: Check out the sponsors and advertisers on web pages and blogs you like. It’s like leaving a tip for good service.

ONE MINUTE VACATION


JOKE OF THE DAY


So! You like'a the jokes? It's always a good idea to have a book load of them around the house!



Well, since we're talking Egyptian, it reminded me of Steve Martin's song!
If you don't now this one or have never seen it, classic stuff!
















HEALTH AND FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY


WORD OF THE DAY

VERSE OF THE DAY


TODAYS TOP NEWS STORIES


CROSSWORD ANYBODY? Problems opening? Refresh page.


HAVE A MEETING TODAY? Find it fast


BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY


SPORT SCORES


TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

FIND STUFF FOR SALE


BEST ADVISE OF THE DAY!


WHAT'S TO EAT TONIGHT: just fill in your main ingredient


SAVE SOME MONEY!


GOVERNMENT

The Way You Should Life: Discover better ways to create closer relationships, better health, increase wealth and learn tips on becoming the best person we can be. We will give detailed examples on how you can start living the life you always wanted, NOW.