Why I Think “Change” Should be the Name for the Obama’s New Puppy

First, President-Elect Obama promised to bring change to the White House. With a new puppy named "Change" he can deliver on his campaign pledge right away without spending a bundle, especially if his family adopts a puppy from a shelter, in which case its nickname could be “Spare Change.” Spare or otherwise, with "Change" running around in the White House, the pup will always remind the winning Democrat why voters put him there in the first place and that retreating to the old ways of Washington will only come back to bite him. And speaking of biting, when the little yapper gnaws on an electrical cord or some other equally tantalizing, yet taboo item, that'll be a warning for our nation’s new leader not to bite off more than he can chew, or he may be in for a nasty shock. And finally, of course, presidential pups of all breeds are prone to pee everywhere until they are paper-trained and then taken out into the Rose Garden to do their business. This call of nature illustrates one of the most important lessons in government for President Obama, particularly since his astronomically expensive agenda is not filibuster-proof: If you are going to piddle on the Republicans, it’s better not to do it in the House.

Now that is “Change” I can believe in.

Don Gabor

3 Things You Must Immediately Do When a Relative Picks a Fight with You This Thanksgiving

No doubt about it –– there’s going to be some political fireworks between relatives this Thanksgiving. For those people whose candidates won, unbridled gloating will come especially easy. For the losers, predictions of doom and gloom will precede charges of cheating, voter fraud and –– if things get out of hand like they have a habit of doing after a few glasses of wine –– a litany of attacks on you, your candidate and the winning party.

Here are 3 things you must immediately do when your sore loser relative throws down the gauntlet.

1. Don’t react. Do nothing. Say nothing. Keep your face absolutely blank. This infuriates sore losers since their goal is to get you into an argument so they can vent their anger and prove to you that your vote was a horrible mistake.

2. Stay silent and give your relative your best-befuddled look as you shift your gaze upwards and shake your head from side to side. This body language says, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” This will drive them to distraction since they can’t fight with you if you don’t respond to their arguments.

3. Finally, let a big grin spread over your face as you let these honey-drenched words slip from your lips: “Well, you know what they always used to say in Brooklyn when the Dodgers lost? Wait’ll next year!” Then with toothy grin, change the topic to something completely unrelated to politics. Exasperated, your frustrated cantankerous relative will probably give up and go try to pick a fight with someone else. What a turkey!

Avoid Tactless Comments at Wedding Receptions

Don’t be a Boor! Avoid these 10 Tactless Comments at
Wedding Receptions

Now is the time to sharpen your conversational skills so you can mingle with poise and confidence at upcoming wedding receptions. It's easy to be good at small talk and avoid being a boor. Before you go to the wedding reception, take a minute and consider topics you are willing to discuss with the other guests. Keep them light, fun and upbeat! Of course, since you never know who you might be talking to, NEVER SAY:

1. "I hope this marriage lasts longer than his/her last one."
2. "If you ask me, they're making a big mistake."
3. "This will be the happiest day of their lives."
4. "His/her ex- was a lot better looking and had more money, too!"
5. "This food isn't as good as the food at the last wedding I went to."
6. "I hate cheap champagne. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers!"
7. "I bet this wedding and reception cost a bundle. How can they afford it?"
8. "I wonder if she is ... well you know ...."
9. "When it comes to choosing a spouse, he/she could have done better."
10. "No doubt about it — she/he married him/her for the money."

What are the most tactless things you’ve heard people say at a wedding reception?

For free conversation sheets, visit dongabor.com

Avoid Political Blow-ups at Memorial Day BBQs

Talking Politics at Memorial Day BBQs?

If you're like lots of people this weekend, you'll be talking politics at BBQs. But are you persuading your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors that your favorite candidate is the best choice or are you simply offending -- or even worse -- making political enemies? When you hear an opinion with which you disagree, instead of getting into a political argument, use one of these "escape lines" and avoid a blow-up:

1. "I have a different view of the situation."
2. "Let's agree to disagree."
3. “I don’t think this is the time or place to get into a political argument.”
4. "I think we more or less agree on the goals, it's our ways of getting there are different."
5. "Our views probably have more in common than you might think."
6. "I agree with some of what you say."
7. "My experience is different than what you describe."
8. "I'm not coming from the same place as you."
9. "I see your point."
10. "I don't agree with you, but I forgive you anyway."(with a smile)

Please write me your experiences or questions about discussing politics at parties this weekend.

-- Don Gabor

Please visit my website at www.dongabor.com