Even though he was only 5 feet 3 inches tall, Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues didn't let ridicule from others get in the way of his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. His resilience helped him become the shortest NBA basketball player during his career. Resilience was one of Bogues' defining qualities - important characteristics we all have that drive us. Patrick Sweeney, president of Caliper Corp., a management consulting firm, says finding these qualities is ... [full story]

Do you find it difficult to fit both your job and outside life obligations into the day? Learning to balance responsibilities in both worlds can make daily life less stressful. Bernadette Kenny, chief career officer of Adecco USA, a human resources solutions company, says productivity and technology add to the challenge of pursuing a reasonable work/life balance. Although employers and employees seem to understand that stability leads to a healthier lifestyle and long-term working environment, ... [full story]

Even though the holiday decorations are put away and the parties are over, the "post-holiday blues" don't have to occur in the workplace. Happiness and excitement shouldn't end with the year. Don't look back at regrets; look ahead and decide to make a difference. Kevin and Jackie Freiberg, authors of "Boom! 7 Choices for Blowing the Doors off Business-As-Usual," say that the post-holiday blues can be avoided through choices. Workers have the choice to motivate ... [full story]

When in need of career advice, where do most workers seek guidance? Forty-six percent of executives initially turn to spouses or significant others when considering a job change, according to a survey by Accountemps, a staffing service that questioned 150 senior executives. Only 42 percent of respondents answered the same in 2002. Mentors are also highly regarded when it comes to career guidance. Forty-one percent of respondents say they would first contact mentors, compared to ... [full story]

Don't dread going to work every morning. Instead, make work fun. Fun results from productivity and fulfillment, according to Sharon Livingston, a psychologist and president of The Livingston Group for Marketing Inc. Bring some short-term artificial fun into the office. Play games, wear funny hats, tell jokes, build friendships, bring toys, play a practical joke on co-workers, do tasks backward or take a walk. In order to gain long-term fun in the office, pick a ... [full story]

If you think the Super Bowl is only about the game, think again. It's also about the grub. In fact, 75 percent of Americans who watch the big game Feb. 3 will be munching while watching, according to the Alexandria, Va.-based Snack Food Association, a trade group representing the makers of snack foods.   BIG MIX FOR THE BIG GAME - This Chipotle-Honey Nut Mix is sure to be a hit at your Super Bowl party. ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a pitcher that my grandmother had for years and I inherited when she died. It is in very good condition, stands approximately 10 inches tall, and the background shades from tan to brown.   PITCHER PERFECT - The Warwick China Co. of Wheeling, W.Va., made this pitcher in the early 1900s. It would probably be worth from $275 to $325. CNS Photo.    HULL POTTERY MARK - The Hull Pottery of Crooksville, ... [full story]

Q: Recently when a friend came for dinner she gave me an antique porcelain plate filled with cookies. She told me she bought the plate at an antiques mall and thought, along with the homemade cookies, it would make a nice little hostess gift. It is 8 inches in diameter, hand painted and in mint condition. Marked on the back are the words "George H. Bowman - Cleveland - Findley," and below two crossed daisies ... [full story]

Q: I found this unique vase in my dad's greenhouse and I think he got it at a yard sale. It is green and white and in perfect condition. Marked on the bottom are the letters "U P CO - 1800." Is it a planter and what can you tell me about the maker, vintage and value? A: You have a planter that was decorated with a forest green glaze with   PLANTER - This forest ... [full story]

Q: The wooden pull toy seen in this photo is circa 1947. It is 8 inches long and 3 inches wide and is in very good condition. The top of the car and the four "passengers" can be removed. There is a round label on the car that is marked with three trees and the words "Holgate Toys - Made in U.S.A. - Sturdy - Educational - Safe."   TOY TRAIN - This wooden pull toy ... [full story]