Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Few have excellence thrust upon them. . . . They achieve it. They do not achieve it unwittingly by doing what comes naturally and they don't stumble into it in the course of amusing themselves. All excellence involves discipline and tenacity of purpose.

As life runs on, the road grows strange with faces new -- and near the end. The milestones into headstones change, Neath every one a friend.

James Russell Lowell

It is the mind that speaks a woman's heart, not the vaginal walls.

Mary Roach

If you want a thing done, go. If not, send. The shortest answer is doing.

English Proverb

I'm trying to have my own thing, and I don't know if it's even possible. I didn't realize so many people actually think I'm trying to be like my dad. I read comments like 'She's no Elvis.' I'm not trying to be. I never set out to be.

Lisa Marie Presley

The pattern's laid out on the bedWith dozens of colors of threadBut you've got the needleI guess that's the point in the end

Amanda Palmer

Beware the hobby that eats.

Benjamin Franklin

You know, we don't have any decorative sprigs of rosemary we're not placing little matchstick radishes onto an hors d'oeuvre... The food's gotta taste good. The concept's gotta taste good.

Nadia Giosia

Education is not only a ladder of opportunity, but it is also an investment in our future.

Ed Markey

The library was open for one hour after school let out. I hid there, looking at art books and reading poetry.

Lynda Barry

Heads of state are notoriously ill prepared for their mature careers; think of Adolf Hitler (landscape painter), Ho Chi Minh (seaman), and our own Ronald Reagan.

Barbara Ehrenreich

When things are really good, really easy it's not cool for me.

Romario

How it infuriates a bigot, when he is forced to drag out his dark convictions!

Logan Pearsall Smith