When you're only one person...just say so.

In these tough economic times, a lot of people are going the entrepreneurial route and striking out on their own. Fine. Very courageous and a respectable thing to do.

What irritates me is people who hide their solo status with the use of the royal "We." What's wrong with being a one-person operation? The double whammy to my intelligence is referring to yourself or your company in the plural while using generic photos of good-looking strangers. Look, I want to support you in your new venture, but be straight with me about who, and how many, you are. Tell me YOUR name and post YOUR picture. Then I know you are sincere and probably legit. The fake photos are a dead giveaway, as are the absence of contact names on the Web site or the owner's initials taking the place of a genuine company identity.

All I'm saying is, stop trying to be something you are not. Don't make up recommendations and accomplishments and don't pretend to be more than you are. Be honest! Then the success that follows will be all yours.

Disheartening Post-Thanksgiving Realization

Over the years, I've received some nice hand-me-down clothes from friends. In not one instance has the friend weighed more than I do.

More proof that I am old

I was nonplussed when I heard how excited people were that the Beatles' catalog would finally be available on iTunes. Doesn't everyone already have their albums? Just play them on your turntables!

Oy.

Tips for the tardy to aerobics class

When the class is already full, DO NOT insist on making a place for yourself at the very back of the room, blocking everyone from the exit, the mats and the weights. DO go to the front of the room where there is almost always space for one more. If you don't like to see your awkward close-up reflection in the mirror, come earlier next time.

You're already late; don't be thoughtless, too.

How my least favorite sentence in the world starts

"You know what you should do..."

Women say the smartest things! (Vol. 1)

"The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war."

Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (1900-1990)-first woman to be elected president of the U.N. General Assembly.

Encouraging thought for the day

So many of our activities and accomplishments are denigrated as , "not rocket science" or "not brain surgery," that I am starting to wonder...What do rocket scientists and brain surgeons say?

Obviously, those professions are not placed on as high a pedestal by the people who are in them as they are by the rest of us. But come on. These otherwise brilliant people must be stumped by something you or I find relatively easy. Perhaps writing an interesting sentence in a coherent way is one of them. How about balancing a checkbook? Or following the storyline on "Lost"?

We each have our talents in the form of things which come easily to us. Don't undervalue yours just because it's not something a stupid scientist or a stuck-up surgeon can do.