Tag: Quote

Poetry

The Daily 3/2/26

M.A.D. Works

“What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle and giving 110% all the time.” – Don Zimmer

Alice blue, a shade of pale Azure that sparked a fashion sensation in the early 20th century, and was named after Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth. Her eyes were set to match the shade. The color even made it to Broadway in the 1919 musical Irene, featuring a song called “Alice Blue Gown.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I overuse the soft, peacekeeping phrases — “it’s fine,” “no worries,” “I don’t mind,” “sorry.” They slip out before I even think about them, tiny verbal bandages meant to keep everything smooth and easy. I also lean on fillers like “I mean” and “honestly” when I’m thinking out loud. Together, they paint a picture of someone trying to be gentle with the world, even when the world isn’t always gentle back.

Commentary, Music, Quote

The Daily 3/1/26

M.A.D. Works

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”- Brian Tracy

The phrase shrimp on the barbie comes from an Australian tourism ad starring Paul Hogan, the future Crocodile Dundee- and what he actually said was “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for ya,” not “I’ll throw another shrimp on the barbie.”

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

The trait I most deplore in myself is the quiet belief that I must bend to be accepted. It’s the old echo that whispers I’m only worthy if I perform. I’m learning to silence it, to stand in who I am without apology.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/28/26

M.A.D. Works

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.”– Helen Keller

Wendy’s burgers were originally square for marketing purposes. According to Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, wanted customers to be able to see how high-quality the meat looked, so he made sure the patties extended beyond their buns.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?.

My greatest achievement is my ongoing journey to manage my social anxiety and to fully embrace the life I want to live. Tackling social anxiety is not just about overcoming fears; it’s about understanding myself better, recognizing my triggers, and actively working towards building confidence in social situations.

Every small step I take, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger, participating in group activities, or simply allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of others, is a victory. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel discomfort and that growth often happens outside of my comfort zone.

Living my life authentically means prioritizing my mental health while pursuing my passions, interests, and connections with others. I’ve crafted a life that aligns with my values, seeking out supportive communities and relationships that uplift me. This journey has taught me resilience, as I continue to challenge myself and redefine what living fully means to me. Embracing this process has become my greatest achievement, one that I proudly celebrate every day.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/27/26

M.A.D. Works

“Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Not only is California the most populous state in the union, according to recent census data, but it is also the state with the largest Asian population, at roughly 6 million. In recognition of that significant demographic. California has made the Lunar New Year an official state holiday.

Which living person do you most despise?

I don’t usually hold strong feelings toward specific people, but I do struggle deeply with the kind of leadership that thrives on division, cruelty, or disregard for others. When someone in power represents those values, it clashes with everything I believe in.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/26/26

M.A.D. Works

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” – Nelson Mandela

Abraham Lincoln kept the first two cats to ever officially occupy the White House. Tabby and Dixie. The two had Lincoln in the palm of their paws. He supposedly described the latter as smarter than the whole cabinet.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

“I’ve spent years picking myself apart, so the thing I dislike most is the habit of judging my appearance instead of appreciating it. I’m working on changing that.”

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/24/26

M.A.D. Works

“Just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done!”- Cinderella

Disney once explored the idea of adapting the medieval European tale of Reynard the Fox into an animated feature. But Reynard’s reputation for mischief and morally questionable tricks was ultimately considered too dark for a family film. Instead, when creating Robin Hood in 1973, the studio simply made their hero a fox.

What is your current state of mind?

Lately, I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions that have left me in a bit of turmoil. I’m unsure about certain aspects of my life, whether it’s decisions I need to make or future plans that seem uncertain. This uncertainty often leads to feelings of worry, as I find myself overthinking possible outcomes and what they might mean for me.

Alongside that worry, there’s an underlying anxiety that I can’t quite shake. It feels like a constant buzz in my mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. I’m anxious about how things will unfold and whether I’ll be able to handle whatever comes my way.

Lastly, there’s also a sense of fear that creeps in, especially when I think about situations that are out of my control. It can be overwhelming at times, feeling that I’m facing the unknown, and that fear can often feel isolating, as if I’m standing afar from the things I want to engage with or achieve. Overall, these feelings are interconnected and create a challenging emotional landscape that I’m trying to navigate.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/23/26

M.A.D. Works

“The man who has confidence in himself gains the confidence of others.” – Hasidic Proverb

Unclaimed Baggage in Alabama, a company that sells the contents of unclaimed luggage, has come across some pretty strange stuff over the years. In 2023, memorable items included two live snakes, prop body parts from Saw 2004 in a Halloween card signed by Richard Nixon.

Commentary, Daily Prompts, Quote

The Daily 2/22/26

M.A.D. Works

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”- George Addair

Interviews done as part of a 2023 study by the UK’s University of Exeter and Channel 4 revealed that one major trigger of the Sunday scaries was getting work-related emails over the weekend- so keep your computer shut down on your days off.

Daily writing prompt
What bores you?
View all responses

If it doesn’t challenge me, inspire me, or let me be creative, my brain quietly leaves the room

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/21/26

M.A.D. Works

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” – Michael Altshuler

Cows are usually known for their personality or their ability to be trained- but Ghost, a charming bovine in Nebraska, was taught by owner Megan Reimann to perform 10 tricks. Ghost can come when called, spin, nod her head, and even bow. She did it all and more in just one minute in March 2023, setting the record for mist tricks performed by a cow in that time span

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/20/26

M.A.D. Works

“The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will’. Consider nothing impossible then treat possibilities as probabilities.” -Charles Dickens

In 1943, to conserve copper and nickel for the war effort, the US Mint began producing pennies made of zinc-coated steel. However, a small number of copper-alloy coins were inadvertently struck during that time. Today, a 1943 copper-alloy penny can potentially be valued at around $336,000.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/19

M.A.D. Works

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”- Walt Disney

In 2002, Steven Spielberg enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, and he earned his credits by turning in assignments under a pseudonym. For his advanced filmmaking class, he submitted his Best Picture winner, Schindler’s List ( 1993)

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/18/26

M.A.D. Works

“When we get to the end of the story, you will know more than you do now…” – Hans Christian Andersen, The Snow Queen

Ernie Hudson, known for his role as Winston in the original Ghostbusters (1984), auditioned to voice his character in the animated series The Real Ghostbusters. However, the director felt that his voice didn’t match Winston’s enough, so the role was ultimately given to Arsenio Hall.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/17/26

M.A.D. Works

“With a smile and a song, life is just like a bright sunny day. Your cares fade away.” – Snow White

Collegedale, Tennessee, is the proud home of Little Debbie Park, a unique and whimsical destination for families. The park is designed around playful structures that resemble giant versions of popular Little Debbie snacks, including Cosmic Brownies, Oatmeal Creme Pies, and Nutty Buddy Bars. Children can explore and enjoy these creative play areas, which offer a fun and imaginative environment where the sweetness of these treats comes to life in the form of vibrant playground attractions. Whether climbing on the Cosmic Brownie or sliding down the Oatmeal Creme Pie, the park promises a delightful experience for kids of all ages..

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/16/26

M.A.D. Works

“It is only when we take chances, when our lives improve. The initial and the most difficult risk that we need to take is to become honest. —Walter Anderson

“The Safety Dance” band Men Without Hats got their name from a few founding members’ habit of never wearing winter hats, no matter how cold it was in their hometown of Montreal (they thought hats would wreck their style)