Belgium’s picturesque city of Bruges has issued a request that tourists stop stealing cobblestones from its UNESCO-recognized medieval streets.

Local politician Franky Demon says an estimated 50 to 70 cobblestones disappear per month — even more during peak season.

And it costs 200 euros (about $225) per square meter to replace them and fix the damage.

“While some may see this as harmless or quirky, the consequences are serious,” Demon told CNN.

“The removal of cobblestones poses a clear safety risk to both residents and visitors. Missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards, and city workers must frequently be dispatched to carry out repairs.”

It is a lack of respect for our shared heritage,” he said.

We simply ask for respect. (CNN)

Telling the truth is always the right thing to do.

If you lie, people won’t respect you.

If you tell the truth, people will respect you for your honesty,

This is an especially important rule to teach your children.

This means that you must be a “truth teller” in order for them to follow your lead.

The role of a parent must be leadership.

Leaders lead by example.

There is too much misinformation going around.

If you are in a close relationship with somone, you can NEVER lie.

All important relationships must have TRUST as their foundation.

Trust is the direct result of telling the truth!

If not today, when?

I’m a big sports fan, primarily baseball and football.

I must admit, however, that I love to see families with their dog at the ballpark!

The other professional sports seem to be for adults.

Baseball has been referred to as “America’s Pastime.”

Unlike other sports, the outcome is quite unpredictable.

A team can be behind by three runs in the 9th inning.

And still win the game with one swing of the bat.

It’s called a “walk off home run.”

Take me out to the ball game.

Take me out to the crowds.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, etc.

If not today, when?

If you’re taking a marriage counseling course, the first question may be:

After you are married, how will you spend $500?

As you might imagine, each person has a very different answer.

And those answers could be a prelude to “coming attractions” once the marriage is underway.

Money is a great conversation starter.

The interesting thing about a purchasing decision is that each person puts a different value on what item to be purchased.

And therein lies the rub.

I think you’ll agree that opposites attract.

One person may be a risk taker.

The other not so much. Therein lies another rub.

And on it goes.

The best way to reach a meeting of the minds is open and honest dialogue!

If not today, when?

People are surprised when you pay them a compliment.

Actually, we’re quicker to criticize them.

We need more praise for a deed well done in these times.

I don’t hear people praising someone very often.

I think our spouses deserve compliments for all the things they do to make our lives better.

Young people are growing up in a hostile environment.

They deserve praise for their good deeds.

When someone receives praise, it lightens their load and raises their self esteem.

Give praise when you see something praiseworthy!

If not today, when?

France is planning to build a brand new high-security prison in the Amazon rainforest.

It is near the site of the notorious Devil’s Island penal colony that inspired the 1973 movie “Papillon,” starring Steve McQueen.

Speaking on Sunday during a visit to French Guiana, a French territory that borders Suriname and Brazil, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said the facility would house drug kingpins and radical Islamists.

The prison will be built in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, on French Guiana’s border with Suriname, with space for 500 inmates, including 60 maximum-security prisoners.

Another prison to be rehabbed and put into service is the infamous Alcatraz.

Interesting!

(Definition: To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.)

To Persevere AS A SPOUSE–Obviously the most important relationship of your life. And all couples have their ups and downs. Of course, each of us have faults that must be overlooked in order to be committed to the long term success of the marriage.

To Persevere AS A PARENT–The advent of cell phones and social media make a parent’s job more difficult today. Your children must, through it all, know you love them and expect certain modes of behavior from them.

To Persevere AS A SIBLING–Sibling relationships can become more complicated when a brother or sister marries. Your objective must be to be patient with the new inlaw.

To Persevere AS AN EMPLOYEE–Your superiors must see that you are a team player. This must be your posture even if a new favorite comes along.

To Persevere AS A FRIEND–A long-standing friendship can help you weather the many storms that come along.

If your budget is too tight, is a 2nd job the answer?

And does the 2nd job have to be in your primary specialty?

It might be wise to deliberately get some income in a different line of work.

In this way, your 2nd job won’t compete with your present employer.

It also gives you the opportunity to learn a new business that may give you a better future.

Also, if you are released from your primary job, you already have new relationships established.

It would also be ideal if your 2nd job can be performed at home.

These are just some thoughts to consider.

In this chaotic work environment, you must be nimble!

If not today, when?

If your budget is too tight, is a 2nd job the answer?

And does the 2nd job have to be in your primary specialty?

It might be wise to deliberately get some income in a different line of work.

In this way, your 2nd job won’t compete with your present employer.

It also gives you the opportunity to learn a new business that may give you a better future.

Also, if you are released from your primary job, you already have new relationships established.

It would also be ideal if your 2nd job can be performed at home.

These are just some thoughts to consider.

In this chaotic work environment, you must be nimble!

If not today, when?

Yep, that’s Javier Baez running the bases after his WALK OFF homer against the Red Sox last night!

Yep, I was in bed.

I allways watch the Tiger games to the very end.

Last night, however, I was going to have surgery very early the following morning and I didn’t think they would be able to pull it off anyway.

Having watched the Red Sox batter hit a two run homer in the top of the 11th inning, I didn’t they’d make enough of a comeback to win. So off to bed I went.

The next morning, while sitting in the hospital awaiting surgery, my wife informed me that Baez hit his second home run of the evening to steal a sure victory from the Sox.

So shame on me for having little faith in the boys of Summer.