Quote of the Day: Starting Out

Another quote regarding the learning curve. To get into something new you have to start as a neophyte and work your way up.

Quote of the Day:

From Stradivari's Genius, as Tony Faber describes Johann Salomon giving violin lessons to King George III.


When the king asked his teacher how he was doing, Salomon is said to have replied: "There are three levels of skill in violin playing: an inability to play, the ability to play badly, and the ability to play well. Your Majesty, I am pleased to say, has already reached the second level."


I'm pleased to say that I've probably reached George's level, too.

And, I think the sentiment probably applies to many skills. And that's what makes learning difficult things fun...

Ecto test

Testing post capability

Technorati Tags: attitude

Lots of Good Advice from Benjamin Franklin

I love quotes because they can be like good jokes - they can make you look at things from a different perspective and maybe even laugh.

The following quotes from Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) US statesman, diplomat, inventor, and printer make me want to read a good biography on his life.

• He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.

• He that lives upon hope will die fasting.

• Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

• There is a difference between imitating a good man and counterfeiting him.

• Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom to a man in the course of his life.

• If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

• Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.

• To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.

• If you would be loved, love and be lovable

• Fear not death, for the sooner we die the longer we shall be immortal.

• A man is not completely born until he is dead.

• A penny saved is a penny earned

• I will speak ill of no man, and speak all the good I know of everybody.

• Joy is not in things! It is in us!

• Anger warms the Invention, but overheats the oven.

• They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety.

• While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us. (Sounds like the first Covey principle)

• Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.

• God heals and the Doctor takes the fee.

• Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.

• Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?

• Be civil to all, sociable to many, familiar with few, friend to one, enemy to none

• Remember that time is money.

• Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!

• I will speak ill of no man, and speak all the good I know of everybody.

• Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes

Technorati Tags: puppy

You have got to try

You have got to try as its the first step towards failing and ultimately succeeding.

Zap Electric Car

Electric cars are becoming trendy and more practical especially for the daily commute.

http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-23157.html?id=23157&tag=nbbc_mrss
Interesting statistics in the video about the typical use of second vehicles and how this can be met with electric cars.