April 8, 2026
On The Upside with Marley
The surprising strength of quiet persistence
Many people imagine success arriving in dramatic bursts of brilliance or luck. In reality, the quiet engine behind most meaningful progress is persistence. The ability to keep moving forward when enthusiasm fades is far more powerful than the brief excitement that often accompanies a new idea.
Persistence is rarely glamorous.
It looks ordinary from the outside. It is the writer returning to the page after a difficult paragraph, the musician practicing scales no one will ever hear, or the worker who steadily improves a small skill each day without applause. Yet those small repetitions gradually shape ability and confidence in ways sudden effort never can.
One reason persistence works so well is that it removes pressure from the outcome. Instead of demanding perfection in a single moment, it allows improvement to unfold over time. Each attempt builds on the last. Mistakes become adjustments rather than failures.
Over months and years, quiet persistence often outpaces raw talent. Talent may open doors, but persistence keeps people walking through them long after novelty fades.
Great achievements rarely arrive in one dramatic moment.
They grow slowly from the quiet discipline of continuing when others stop.
Strange Laws From Around The World
Legal systems evolve over time, but occasionally unusual laws remain on the books long after their original purpose has faded.
- Switzerland – In some areas it is illegal to flush a toilet late at night in certain apartment buildings because of noise concerns.
- Singapore – Chewing gum sales are heavily restricted in an effort to keep public spaces clean.
- Japan – Certain companies measure waistlines during health checks to encourage fitness.
- France – It was once technically illegal to name a pig “Napoleon.”
- United Kingdom – Members of Parliament historically were not permitted to wear armor inside the House of Commons.
- Italy – In parts of Venice feeding pigeons in popular squares can lead to a fine.
Many of these laws originated from practical concerns in earlier eras, even if they sound unusual by modern standards.
Odd Headlines That Actually Happened
“Town installs new bench so people have somewhere comfortable to complain.”
“Man forgets password he just reset moments earlier.”
“Local gardener grows pumpkin large enough to require parking permit.”
“Study reveals most people pretend to understand instructions.”
“Dog waits patiently for owner who is inside looking for the dog.”
The Cost Of Lamb Chops Is Insane!
The Forgetful Professor
A professor absent-mindedly left his house wearing two different shoes. When a colleague pointed it out he sighed and said,
“That’s strange… there’s another pair just like them at home.”
The Library Visit
A man asked the librarian, “Do you have any books on paranoia?”
She whispered, “They’re right behind you.”
Cooking Advice
A chef told his student, “Remember, cooking is an art.”
The student replied, “That explains why my dinner looks abstract.”
Editors Quote Book
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
—Benjamin Franklin
Trivia Quiz
(Click Question For Answer)
Your Horoscope
For Amusement Only
Taurus Apr. 20 – May 20: Practical choices guide you well now. A calm approach to a lingering issue brings clarity and a welcome sense of stability.
Gemini May 21 – Jun. 20: A thoughtful conversation offers insight. Pay attention to subtle hints because useful advice may appear in an unexpected moment.
Cancer Jun. 21 – Jul. 22: Home life benefits from patience. Small gestures of understanding rebuild harmony and strengthen connections with those closest to you.
Leo Jul. 23 – Aug. 22: Your natural confidence draws attention. Use it wisely by encouraging others rather than pushing too hard for recognition.
Virgo Aug. 23 – Sep. 22: Organization restores peace of mind. Clearing one unfinished task creates space for creativity and renewed enthusiasm.
Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21: Observation becomes your strength. Taking a step back allows hidden details to appear before others even notice them.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 21: Curiosity sparks opportunity. Exploring a fresh idea may lead to a rewarding experience you had not expected.
Capricorn Dec. 22 – Jan. 19: Discipline pays off again. A steady routine helps you complete something important that once seemed difficult.
Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18: Creative thinking leads the way. Trust your unusual perspective because it reveals solutions others miss entirely.
Pisces Feb. 19 – Mar. 20: Reflection brings calm understanding. A quiet moment of clarity helps you decide where your time truly belongs.
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The Last Word
“Persistence is the quiet habit of continuing long after excitement fades.”
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
I really enjoy receiving the Orillia edition in my inbox each month. ?
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
Who said…”It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit?” President Harry Truman.
My grandmother had a similar saying: .”More haste, more waste”.
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.
Love this online version. Find it much easier to read than the printed copy. Great job!
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
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!!!