When Adele debuted her 2011 single “Someone Like You,” her bittersweet ballad resonated with millions worldwide.

More than a decade later, it remains one of her most popular tunes.

Her artistry, as well as that of many others who have mastered the art of tugging at our heartstrings with slow and emotional beats, has a way of managing the emotional pain of heartbreak and loss.

There is no doubt that music can soothe the soul for some, and it turns out that it could also be a temporary soother for physical pain.

Listening to favorite songs could reduce people’s perception of pain, according to a new study published Wednesday in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research.

And the most effective pain relievers were found to be melancholy songs detailing bittersweet and emotional experiences.  (CNN)

Hopefully, for those who suffer from emotional and/or physical pain, this may be a temporary source of relief.

Yep.

None of his friends wanted to celebrate his birthday.

All they could think of was costumes and trick or treating.

So, he told me his birthday brought him bad luck.

He was a co-captain of a high school football team of which I was an assistant coach

This Halloween he’ll be 28 years old.

He has had a hard life thus far.

I’ve invited some of the guys from our team to surprise him at a restaurant this Saturday.

It may be the first birthday party he’s ever had.

Maybe his luck will change.

If not Saturday, when?

If you feel lonely, you’re actually in good company.

Nearly 1 in 4 adults across the world have reported feeling very or fairly lonely, a new Meta-Gallup survey has found.

The new survey, taken across 142 countries, found 24% of people age 15 and older self-reported feeling very or fairly lonely in response to the question, “How lonely do you feel?”

The survey also found that the rates of loneliness were highest in young adults, with 27% of young adults ages 19 to 29 reporting feeling very or fairly lonely.

The lowest rates were found in older adults.

Only 17% of people age 65 and older reported feeling lonely. (CNN)

I’m amazed.

I thought the older folks were the loneliest.

Rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison had a game to remember as the Minnesota Vikings stunned the San Francisco 49ers 22-17 on Monday.

The 21-year-old finished the game at US Bank Stadium with an impressive stat line, seven catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including one particularly memorable moment.

He took the ball away from a would-be interception.

We all know what it’s like to be a rookie.

We’re filled with excitement and apprehension.

My first day as a rookie salesman at IBM was memorable.

The suit I wore was not nearly as expensive as those worn by other salesmen.

One of them came up to me and said, “Nice suit, where do you get it shined?”

60 years later, I’m still embarrassed!

Are you a diminisher or an illuminator?

A diminisher is a person who makes others feel small or unimportant.

An illuminator is a person who makes others feel good about themselves.

I have not read this book yet, but I saw an interview with its author, David Brooks.

A diminisher shows little or no interest in another person.

An illuminator, however, does just the opposite.

He or she asks questions and shows a genuine interest in learning about the other person.

Knowing that someone really wants to know you has the effect of raising your self esteem.

So, I’m going to buy his book and learn how I can be an ILLUMINATOR!

Stay tuned!

Let’s first admit they won’t ever go away.

They’re here to stay in some form.

I think one of the biggest “GOODS” is the ability to reach someone quickly in an emergency,

One of the “BADS” is the constant scammers.

Another GOOD is the magic of Facetime.

Another BAD is that we seem to pay more and more for the privilege.

Another GOOD is that they are portable and enable you to talk, text, send email and access apps of your choosing.

Another BAD if you lose a phone is the loss of passwords and other private content.

Another GOOD is that it is easier to keep in touch with loved ones.

HOWEVER, ARE WE ADDICTED?

Money needed to fund two wars & the U.S. Gov’t and no takers!

We now have the unenviable position of having children running our country.

They play a daily game of tallying political points instead of serving America!

Meanwhile, our adversaries are watching a great country that’s not so great.

It’s really demoralizing to watch our leaders who won’t lead.

Does our gov’t reflect our society?

In a 1838 speech, Abraham Lincoln said “At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected?” “If it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us!”

It’s the first time I’ve used two photos to make a point.

I believe we all must rise to possess two human traits.

As shown above, I believe the most desireable traits to possess are COURAGE & COMPASSION!

Yes, the bookstore giant, with over 600 locations, is permitting complete freedom in decorating decisions at each store.

There will be no oversight by senior management nor professional decorators.

This new approach is being implemented in dozens of its stores.

HURRAY!!!

I hope this is the beginning of a new corporate trend.

I believe there are many good ideas in the minds of the people at the bottom.

They know their customers.

After all, they are the ones who must live with the decisions made by someone in some distant ivory tower.

I also believe Barnes & Noble will enjoy stronger EMPLOYEE RETENTION with this idea.

Each employee will feel that someone above cares about me and my thoughts!!!!!

I hope the giant company you work for will jump on the bandwagon!

If not today, when?

Are you ambitious?

Most people aren’t

Playing it safe, however, won’t necessarily help you get ahead.

Let’s talk about the things you can do to climb in an organization.

Always arrive early for work. (This tells the boss you love working here.)

Offer suggestions on how to make customers happier. (Happy customers come back often.)

Help fellow employees from time to time. (Employers reward team building.)

Perform your job well. ( Employers tend to promote reliable employees.)

Do more than is expected of you. (Employers notice employees who care about the company.)

If not today, when?