Semi-Tough Questions, Easy Short Answers

 

What does an "upside-down spade" mean?

It means you’re not going to move much dirt until you turn it right-side up.

How do I make a meaningful quote?

For anything in life to be meaningful, you must live it.

How do you say “I don't know” in a professional way?

Got me.

My defenses were so great. The cocky rock and roll hero who knows all the answers was actually a terrified guy who didn't know how to cry. Simple. 

-- John Lennon

How do I tell my teacher that I really appreciate everything she is doing? I don't want it to be weird, I just want her to know that I appreciate her help.

Tell her, “I really appreciate everything you are doing. Thank you for your help.”

What does "Est modus in rebus" mean?

It is Latin for “Moderation in all things.” Words to live by, in my humble opinion. 

What is a word for being confrontational with no malice?

Tactful.

During a very busy life I have often been asked, "How did you manage to do it all?" The answer is very simple. It is because I did everything promptly. 

-- Author: Richard Tangye

What does "Like the wind on a dry branch." mean?

My best guess: You’ll hear no noise until it snaps. It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for.

What is the best complete phrase of 'we live in a society'?

…that is going to hell in a handbasket.

In English language slang, what does it mean if someone says that whatever goes around comes around?

Whatever you do to others, you will get back in kind. 

How do you begin? The answer is simple: you decide to.

-- Author: Anne Lamott

What do you call it when you haven't given up but you've just changed your mind about what you want and coincidentally you have not done very well or decided that it will take too long?

You have given up. And, you’ve lied to yourself, or are in denial.

Does your current social circle have a positive impact on your life?

Yes, or they wouldn’t be in my current social circle.

What are two things you secretly want and you’re ready to pay a lot of money to have them?

A premium 20-carat Tanzanite and a 20-carat Zoisite gemstone.

The paradox of questioning is that simple questions can lead to detailed, on-target answers, but complicated questions get you single-word answers from a subject who doesn't want to talk, and unrestrained answers from a person who does.

-- Author: James Pyle

If you could go back in time, is it a bad idea or a good idea to meet your parents?

Oh, no, no no! You might accidentally see things that you can’t erase from your mind.

How do I tell someone “I love you”?

Start by saying, “I love you.”

Why does no one like me at work? My supervisor just ignores me until I get HR involved and then she just pretends to care but does nothing. I’m excluded from all office activities (they won’t even give me a coworker's birthday card to sign), I hate it.

Why is it you? Find a new place to work where you’ll be happy.

How do people make the judgments and how do they assign decision weights? We start from two simple answers, then qualify them. Here are the oversimplified answers: People overestimate the probabilities of unlikely events. People overweight unlikely events in their decisions. 

-- Author: Daniel Kahneman

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.