November 12, 2025


BG’s Positively Speaking

PMA…….What Is It?

You will find the abbreviation PMA referred to frequently in writings and discussions related to personal development, success principles, and human relations. It stands for Positive Mental Attitude, which allows our minds to be filled with positive thoughts and ideas while eliminating or considerably reducing negative thoughts. When we have a positive mental attitude, we think, act and speak in a way that encourages those we interact with. We see the good in people, situations and challenges that present themselves to us each day. We are less judgmental, and we see opportunities where we once saw problems. Nothing we face in life is entirely negative; there is always something positive in everything. We often focus on the negative side of our problem, but if we take the time to analyse it, we will discover its positives, which will give us the motivation to move beyond the problem.

People who display a positive mental attitude tend to accomplish more, attracting others to them because they are supportive and encouraging. They believe in someone when they perhaps don’t believe in themselves; they make people feel better for having spent time with them. A person with a positive mental attitude helps others think they’re capable of achieving more. Encouragement and praise are two of the most significant motivating factors in life, especially for children. If you want people to be the best they can be, then you must display a positive mental attitude and lead others by your example. When you have a positive mental attitude, you look at what can be done, not what can’t be done, because you have more confidence in yourself. You then let others know that they can also do it because

PMA Is A ‘Can-Do’ Attitude


Where In The World

(Hover or Click For Answer)

tower1tower2b

Where is this striking piece of architecture located?


A Difficult Case

Two psychiatrists were at a convention. As they conversed over a drink, one asked, “What was your most difficult case?” The other replied, “I had a patient who lived in a pure fantasy world. He believed that an uncle in South America was going to die and leave him a fortune. All day long he waited for a letter to arrive from an attorney. He never went out, he never did anything, he merely sat around and waited for this fantasy letter from this fantasy uncle. I worked with this man eight years.” “What was the result?” “It was an eight-year struggle. Every day for eight years, but I finally cured him. And then that stupid letter arrived!”


Editors Quote Book

“In the long course of history, having people who understand your thought,
is much greater security than another submarine.”

J. William Fullbright


A Touch Of Britain

Two elderly ladies were walking through the park on a Sunday afternoon. The band was playing a catchy-sounding tune, and one of the old ladies said, “I wonder what the name of that tune is”. The other one noticed a sign posted near the bandstand and said, “It looks like they post the names of their selections. I’ll go down and see”. A while later, she came back and told her companion, “It’s the Refrain from Spitting”.


Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

1. Richard Hannay was the central character of which famous book and film?
The Thirty-Nine Steps.

2. Which state is called the 'volunteer' State?
Tennessee.

3. What colour is the M in McDonald's?
Yellow.

4. What was Russian President Yeltsin’s first name?
Boris.  

5. What does SLR stand for as found in a camera?
Single Lens Reflex.

6. In the tennis world. Billie Jean Moffitt was later known by what name
Billie Jean King.

7. John Bonham was the former drummer of which rock band?
Led Zeppelin.

8. The term ‘Pulmonary’ relates to which organ?
Lungs.


Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

Aries March 21 – April 19: Ripple effects from your actions will carry through the coming days. Prepare to pay for mistakes you may have made

Taurus April 20 – May 20: If you can’t play with the ‘big boys, ‘ get out of the game. Take your lead from one who has dropped the ball

Gemini May 21 – June 20: A misinformed friend tries to bend your ear. Gossip is not becoming. Don’t let yourself be misled by humour

Cancer June 21 – July 22: The effort you have put into a project is about ready to pay off. Don’t sit back, keep pushing forward

Leo July 23 – August 22: Avoid the temptation to brag; this is not the time for self-promotion. Stick to the facts and don’t exaggerate.

Virgo August 23 – September 22: Give an older person the respect that they have earned. Even if you decide not to take their advice

Libra September 23 – October 22: Be aware that things don’t always happen at the most opportune time. When that happens, you handle it

Scorpio October 23 – November 21: You win some, you lose some. This looks like it could be your week to win. Enjoy the feeling.

Sagittarius, November 22 – December 21: It’s time to make a decision and cut your ties to someone who is a negative influence. Holding you back.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19: You have your own unique way of doing things. It’s endearing to some, but annoying to others.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18: Allow your imagination to soar. Your creative side needs to be set free. The results will amaze you

Pisces February 19 – March 20: Be positive. Challenge yourself with new activities. You don’t know what you can achieve until you push the envelope.



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The Gentleman Of Music

During th 1960’ and 1970s, The James Last NON-STOP DANCING  albums were popular the world over. His dance-a-long, sing-a-long, up-beat, toe-tapping music made you want to get up and dance. People would travel across countries to attend his concerts, which were always fun and sold out. This video is a great example of his ability to mix Rock & Roll, Brass and Strings with an up-beat rhythm.

 


Keep Taking The Medicine

Patient: It’s been one month since my last visit, and I still feel miserable.

Did you follow the instructions on the medicine I gave you?

Patient: I sure did – the bottle said ‘keep tightly closed.’


Quick Diagnosis

Nurse: ‘Doctor, Doctor the man you’ve just treated collapsed on the front step. What should I do?’  Doctor: ‘Turn him around so it looks like he was just arriving!’


Fifty Years Ago

On November 16, 1975, an early winter storm was raging on Lake Superior. The ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald was taken by surprise by its ferocity, and the crew fought desperately to keep the ship afloat. But the powerful storm was more than a match for them. After a long struggle, the boat sank, losing all 29 crew members. A short while later, Gordon Lightfoot wrote a song to commemorate the event, paying homage to the brave crew. Thus ensuring that the Edmund Fitzgerald will live on as a part of Canada’s legend and folklore.


The World Serious

There was a win for Canada in its loss of the World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays. A victory of spirit for Canada. From coast to coast, people in every province, regardless of their politics, region, or background, came together as one nation, united in pride and excitement as a Canadian team challenged an American powerhouse. For a few shining weeks, cheering for the Jays reminded Canadians of what connects them. Passion, hope, and a shared love for the game. Even without the trophy, the Blue Jays gave the country something far greater: a renewed sense of community and national pride that will be remembered far longer than the final score, helping us weather the storm of changing times.


Humour From Germany

Five Germans in an Audi Quattro arrive at the Italian border. The Italian Customs agent stops them and tells them, “It’s illegal to put 5 people in a Quattro.”  “Vot do you mean it’s illegal?” asks the German driver. “Quattro means a four,” replies the Italian official. “Qvattro is just ze name of ze automobile”, the Germans retort unbelievingly. “Look at the papers: this car is designed to carry 5 persons.” “You can’t pull that one on me!” replies the Italian customs agent. “Quattro means four. You have five people in your car, and you are therefore breaking the law.” The German driver replies angrily, “You idiot! Call your supervisor over, I want to speak to someone with more intelligence!” “Sorry”, responds the Italian official, “he can’t come. He’s busy with 2 guys in a Fiat Uno.


Airport Radio Conversations

Tower: “Lufthansa 893, number one, check for workers on the taxiway”.

Pilot: “Roger, (brief pause), We’ve checked the workers, they are all working”.


Pilot: “Tower, give me a rough time check.” Tower: “It’s Tuesday.”

Pilot: “WHAT?” Tower: “Tuesday afternoon …”


Tower: “Say fuel state.” Pilot: “Fuel state.”

Tower: “Say again.” Pilot: “Again.”

Tower: “Arghl, give me your fuel!” Pilot: “Sorry, need it for myself…”


Controller: “Hawk 20, is this the same aircraft declaring emergency about two hours ago?”

Pilot: “Negative, Sir. It’s only the same pilot.


Controller: “Mission 123, do you have problems?”

Pilot: “I think, I have lost my compass.”

Controller: “Judging the way you are flying, you lost the whole instrument panel!”


The Last Word

The people who know the least about you are always
the ones who have the most to say about you.  


13 Comments

  1. David John Lowe says:

    I have been reading Brian’s paper since its inception over twenty years ago. Brian seems to have a sense of right, of common sense and great values. His compilations of philosophy, humour and brain teasers makes the delivery of the Perkolator one of the best pieces of email that I receive every week. My wife and I always sit back and do the quiz together. With permission, I have copied many of Brian’s articles into my National Newsletters which reach thousands of members across Canada. Brian, thank you. May you live safely and happily for many more years to come

  2. Sharon Baker says:

    I really enjoy receiving the Orillia edition in my inbox each month. 😃

    • Brian Garvey says:

      Hi Sharon, We take great pleasure in sending you a new edition every week, and then we have the pleasure of having you approve of it.
      BG.

  3. Lynn Lehman says:

    What a way to start 2025 Brian! The jokes were hilarious, the quiz was challenging, and the music video an exquisite compiliation of conductor expertise. You can be sure I’ll be coming back to this week’s edition all month long!

    • Brian Garvey says:

      Thank you, Lynn; your comments will spur us to provide you and all our readers with content to start each week with a similar response. By the way, did you know that you can read two years of back issues. Go to the home page, scroll down to Perkolator archives and read all our back issues. BG

  4. David Erkale says:

    Every week, whenever I see this in my email, it brings me joy to see the jokes and the frequent inspiration, so I thank the Perkolator for perking up my inbox. Now I have something to look forward to every 7 days.

  5. Lynn Lehman says:

    Every now and then, when a particular written word moves me, I take a snapshot of it and tuck it away in my ‘Lessons Learned’ file. This edition of ‘BG’s Positively Speaking’ titled “I Can Hear You” is one of them. Thanks for your continuing words of wisdom. Always much appreciated!

  6. Lynn Lehman says:

    Who said…”It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit?” President Harry Truman.

  7. Lynn says:

    My grandmother had a similar saying: .”More haste, more waste”.

  8. Darlene says:

    I hadn’t seen a copy of the Perkolotar for sometime. I was thrilled to find one at the Orillia Bakery. I immediately signed up for the online delivery. I enjoy this little paper so much. I’m very glad I am able to get it.

  9. Linda says:

    Love this online version. Find it much easier to read than the printed copy. Great job!

  10. M. Robertson says:

    I am so happy to receive the Perkolator in my in box.
    Plus I laughed out loud after reading the Irish jokes. Will certainly share with my family when they get home today. Again thanks and keep up the good work.

    M. Robertson

  11. Elena Neij Jansson says:

    I´m so happy I can get The Perkolator to my email! I started read it when our son moved to Canada 1993 when he married a canadian girl. After that he have collected it and sent me in the mail a few times every year. It has been hard to find the last year. Yes, I live in Sweden! Thank yoy!!!

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