Pollydanna

Skinner! doesn't like negativitude:

Skinner Calls on People to be More Positive About Economy - Jan 22, 2009

The Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development says people need to be more positive when it comes to the economy. Shawn Skinner admits it's vital to be cognizant of the global economic situation...but there needs to be a balance between the good and the bad, so we maintain a positive outlook. Skinner says if that happens, when the economy turns around the province will have gained momentum. He suggests focusing on the success we're having and trying to grow more success. Skinner was speaking to the International Personnel Management Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter luncheon.

In related news:

One by one the July days passed. To Pollyanna, they were happy days, indeed. She often told her aunt, joyously, how very happy they were. Whereupon her aunt would usually reply, wearily:

"Very well, Pollyanna. I am gratified, of course, that they are happy; but I trust that they are profitable, as well—otherwise I should have failed signally in my duty."

Generally Pollyanna would answer this with a hug and a kiss—a proceeding that was still always most disconcerting to Miss Polly; but one day she spoke. It was during the sewing hour.

"Do you mean that it wouldn't be enough then, Aunt Polly, that they should be just happy days?" she asked wistfully.

"That is what I mean, Pollyanna."

"They must be pro-fi-ta-ble as well?"

"Certainly."

"What is being pro-fi-ta-ble?"

"Why, it—it's just being profitable—having profit, something to show for it, Pollyanna. What an extraordinary child you are!"

"Then just being glad isn't pro-fi-ta-ble?" questioned Pollyanna, a little anxiously.

"Certainly not."

"O dear! Then you wouldn't like it, of course. I'm afraid, now, you won't ever play the game, Aunt Polly."

"Game? What game?"

"Why, that father—" Pollyanna clapped her hand to her lips. "N-nothing," she stammered. Miss Polly frowned.

"That will do for this morning, Pollyanna," she said tersely. And the sewing lesson was over.