All For A Pair Of Pants

The story of a couple that were sued for $65 million dollars over a pair of pants - just unbelievable what can happen. Two pair of pants brought in for alteration, one pair completed on time and the other not quite ready. When the owner of the pants came back, he claimed they were not his.

When this customer wanted more than $1000 for the cost of a brand-new suit, the couple said no. The alteration was only $10.50...but the lawsuit was on. This couple won out in court through support of donations for lawyer fees which dragged on for more than two years.

Alas, the business was sold as the strain both financially and mentally wore them down. A couple put out of business, our society moves on all we can say is that issues get "overlawyered".

It is life throwing stuff at us that we just wouldn't expect. My hope is that the Chungs will recover both financially and personally. It is an enduring positive belief in themselves and in the goodness of others that will pull them to better times. When you find yourself in a tough spot, remember you're not alone. There are others that are suffering just as much if not more. You will get through the situation and move on.

Have faith and belief in others even with the oddity of a small number of people such as the Chungs encountered.

Open Road To Change

Today I'd like to share an update from a friend of mine (Paul O'Connell) down in Lima, Peru.

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Hello Everyone,

Well it has happened..the website is up..yeehah..its been a long road, http://www.openroadmissions.com/. Check it out if you have not already. I will endeavour to update it regularly and keep you informed of what is going down here in Lima.

The latest big news is that the weather is getting warmer..big deal you may think..well it is..it has been grey and overcast since I arrived in July..did I mention cold and humid..a lethal combination..to say the least..but summer is fast approaching and what a difference it makes to ones outlook.

It is amazing how much more positive a sunny day can make you. Last weekend we did another medical outreach, it was a great time. I learned to take blood pressure readings and after about 30, one after the other, I think I developed high blood pressure myself !!!

I travelled up to a jungle city called Iquitos a few weeks ago and met up with a guy who started an orphanage for the street kids. This city is a major child prostitution center with many people travelling there just for that purpose...sickos. Anyway, this guy has done a great thing..it was inspiring to talk with him and hear the stories..amazing.

I will be heading back up to Iquitos this time for some well digging projects. It should be a good time providing a source of fresh water for villages in that area. OK I'd better get back to my Spanish homework. Hope to see you all in January. I would appreciate all your prayers and if you would like to help out financially..more power to you..click on the DONATE button at the bottom of the website...hasta luego. Paul
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One person in life, each person in life, making a difference in big and little ways around this world. Please consider helping out my friend with your donation. Make a change in some one's life.

Veterans Day

A short note to all veterans of wars, Happy Veterans Day (Sunday, November 11) and thank you for your service. Veterans all over the world that have given their time, courage and service to keep nations free.

This is not a political blog, but to peoples living free throughout this world there are those that have fought for your nation to preserve that freedom. It is these men and women that we honor on this day. Being an American, I thank my own countrymen and women. I thank my son for his current service overseas. Be safe and true.

The picture came from a site called the "Danz Family - American Flag Project"

How To Spread Goodness

Wow - here it is November 9th already and I haven't written since the end of October. I am in a period of time where my work seems to consume all of my time. It leaves little time for my family, which I know is a bad thing and I have always had a difficult time balancing the two. So during these periods, the blog has to take a rest.

In all of what I do though, I never forget you folks - faithful readers and supporters. I also never forget all of those people that each of us can help. Spreading a smile here, a nice gesture there or just doing a small good deed will go a very long way in improving someone's life.

As the holiday season approaches, here are a few tips to help spread some goodness around:

1. Smile more often, life really isn't so bad and a smile changes an entire room.
2. Slow down and relax a bit more often, driving isn't a race against others, it is just getting from point A to point B.
3. Tip more and more often, those working in the restaurant business really don't get paid all that much...15-20% tip regardless will help them with the holiday season.
4. Send a note to a soldier overseas more often as they need our support and encouragement. I'll write more about this soon.
5. Lend a helping hand more often, service to others has it own reward that will make them feel better and you much better inside.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and be safe.