Big O

Growing up, I remember my Dad had some really good friends. They had the most amazing, positive and magnetic energy. Arguably, they were also among the "coolest" of their time. One in particular, is not only admired by me, but by countless others who affectionately know him as, "Big O." "Big O" is called "Big O" for several reasons. The most obvious; he's big! Two, his first name is Orin. And three, his son, Orin, Jr., is nicknamed, "Little O."

"Big O" just happens to be big on optimism, as well. Quite frankly, he's one of the most optimistic and friendly individuals you could ever meet. Optimistically, he led his high school football team. Optimistically, he happily married and became a loving husband, father and grandfather. Optimistically, he took the initiative and brought Little League Baseball to a small city that didn't believe it was possible. Optimistically, he mentored children from several communities. Optimistically, he built a state-recognized program for hundreds of troubled youth. Optimistically, he ran -- and successfully served -- as Mayor of my city. Optimistically, he comforted my family when my Dad died unexpectantly. Optimistically, "Big O" did, and continues to do, the most incredible things.

Optimistic individuals are enthusiastic, grateful, and positive visionaries. Optimistic people passionately share their ambition, energy, ideas and plans. Optimistic people stay committed to their dreams, values and goals. Optimistic people not only positively affect the lives of others, but their own lives as well. But, most importantly, optimistic people neither have to be big, nor have a first name ... which begins with the letter "o."

Fran Briggs is an inspirational speaker, author and peak performance coach. She is also the principal of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization which helps groups and individuals take their potential, beyond the max! For more information or to sign up for your free successzine/newsletter, visit http://www.franbriggs.com/

This essay is dedicated to Orin Allen, Sr., in recognition of the tremendous leader he is; and the person of magnificent influence, he has always been.

In The News:


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Updated : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:49:35 GMT

Police say Kentucky woman kills self, daughters - Forbes


WNCT
Police say Kentucky woman kills self, daughters
Forbes - 1 hour ago
AP 10.07.08, 9:30 AM ET Police were still trying to determine Tuesday why a Louisville woman apparently stabbed her two school-age daughters to death and then shot herself.
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:38:46 GMT

IMF Urges Coordinated Action, Sees US Losses at $1.4 Trillion - Wall Street Journal


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IMF Urges Coordinated Action, Sees US Losses at $1.4 Trillion
Wall Street Journal - 1 hour ago
By TOM BARKLEY WASHINGTON -- With losses on bad US assets alone expected to top $1.4 trillion, the International Monetary Fund urged global policy makers Tuesday to coordinate a response to an unprecedented financial crisis that continues to spread.
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IMF in 'severe downturn' warning BBC News
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:21:55 GMT

Kenya Detains US Author Critical of Obama - New York Times


Malaysia Star
Kenya Detains US Author Critical of Obama
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:27 GMT

OTC Cold Medicines to Be Relabeled for Young Children - Wall Street Journal


ChattahBox
OTC Cold Medicines to Be Relabeled for Young Children
Wall Street Journal - 33 minutes ago
By JENNIFER CORBETT DOOREN WASHINGTON -- Companies making over-the-counter cold and cough medicines have agreed to stop marketing the products to children younger than 4 as part of an effort to reduce accidental overdoses, an industry trade group said ...
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:15:50 GMT

McCain, Obama question each other's character in latest campaign ads - Baltimore Sun


BBC News
McCain, Obama question each other's character in latest campaign ads
Baltimore Sun - 3 hours ago
By Paul West | paul.west@baltsun.com Washington - The presidential contest turned increasingly nasty yesterday as Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain launched new personal attacks ahead of the second presidential debate.
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The Note: McCain Brings Attack to Second Debate ABC News
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:47:50 GMT

Study: Using fan on sleeping baby reduces risk of SIDS - San Jose Mercury News


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Study: Using fan on sleeping baby reduces risk of SIDS
San Jose Mercury News - 2 hours ago
By Linda Goldston Ayde Gonzales's mother was surprised when she insisted that her newborn son must sleep on his back, not on his side.
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:46:19 GMT

Senator Warned a Friend That Jail Was a Risk - New York Times


New York Times
Senator Warned a Friend That Jail Was a Risk
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By NEIL A. LEWIS WASHINGTON - The day after the FBI confronted Bill Allen, an Alaska oil services millionaire, with evidence that he had tried to bribe state lawmakers, he reached out to Senator Ted Stevens by telephone to discuss how their ...
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Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:35:08 GMT

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