I've always considered myself a "cockeyed optimist," ever since I saw Mary Martin play Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. To me the glass was always half-filled, not half-empty. If the doctor proclaimed that there was a 5 percent chance of recovery, I instinctively knew that I would be in that 5 percent.

I had one friend, Norman, who was my exact opposite. He walked around with a gray cloud over his head much like the character in Li'l Abner, who didn't have a vowel in his name. Tell Norm something and he only saw the downside of it.

Let me give you an example: Lorraine, my wife, came home one day, years ago, and said, "People on my job are thinking of investing in Buffalo Chicken Wings! I think it is a good investment possibility." I mentioned it to Norm. This is what he said: "Who in their right mind would buy and eat hot chicken wings? Are you crazy? They are full of fat and not healthy!" Well, you know the rest of the story. Buffalo Wings are served in many bars and restaurants and I am sure someone made a fortune on them. Not me!

During my friendship we talked about another fad that Norm knew for sure would never catch on. "Nail Salons, what a crazy idea! Women are going to sit and wait in a store to have their hands and feet manicured. Sure!" Well Norm was wrong again. The Korean entrepreneurs have turned it into an industry. On Long Island every mall has at least one nail place with customers in droves.

When you are talked out of something by a negative person, it is your own fault. You should know to whom you are unfolding your ideas. You should see the invisible gray cloud above their heads and not listen to the negativism that you know is coming.

Other than that minor quality, I liked Norm. He always made you see at least one side (the negative side) of every issue. At least he was consistent.