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Blog: 20th Anniversary Of Londons Times Cartoons. How Did That Happen?
March 19, 2017 March 20, 2017 / ricklondonsyndication	/ 1 Comment
Today is the 20th anniversary of the launch of Londons Times Cartoons and the time has zoomed by most of the time, and felt like walking through thick molasses at other times. It almost seems like a dream, sometimes mostly entertaining and at other times a vivid nightmare. In many ways it seemed like yesterday that I was back on my hometown in Ms, broke, without a job and no government assistance. My only resources were my wits and they were running dry.
I had been helping my mom in her final days of cancer and selling television ads for a small television station whose employees reminded me of the characters in the sitcom WKRP Cincinnati. I'm not sure which one I was but definitely one too.
A friend owned a tin shed on the outskirts oftown; sort of like a small warehouse full of rotting cans of vegetables on makeshift wooden shelves he'd built on the wall in sort of a rural spot between two counties.
A can would explode every once in a while due to its contents fermenting and it being way past its expiration date. My friend had also installed electricity, plumbing (but no bath or shower) and a phone line. I bathed in the cold-water only sink. I washed my stray dog Thor in it as well. Within months Thor found a friendly calico kitten meowing from a low branch outside who I also adopted. Somehow we managed.
Friends would come by and bring me meals or take me out to eat. Those were exciting, fun, and frightening times. I was but a tin wall from the outside elements. For most that time I had no car. I slept on a concrete floor in a sleeping bag. I bought and way overspent for an IBM Clone PC from a guy near Hot Coffee, Ms who bought old computers and fixed them.
His garage was full of computers, parts, and tools. He was asking $800. We settled on $600. I know now it was worth about $150, but for back then it was a bit of a workhorse and I was so naive about technology I hadn't a clue that he probably would have taken much less for it.
The tin shed had a fenced-in acre and a half yard that overlooked I-59, the main road to New Orleans or in the other direction about 20 miles from The Free State Of Jones.
It was March 19, 1997, and I was a very late bloomer due to a number of issues and events, but the main one being a lifetime of un-diagnosed Autism and punished for it, mainly by family but also by community. The family press release was very much like Joe Kennedy's of Rosemary "Severe issues, she needs to be locked away." As we learned much later, she was probably Autistic with mild depression. She was extremely bright as her brothers.
The big question was, "Could I ever get past those demons? Could I ever get past being unwanted and put away in an attic bedroom with each of my friendships parentally controlled" and my being unwanted? Could I get past the pTSD and low self-esteem it caused? Who was I to think I could be at the helm of a cartoon project (or any project for that matter)?
They say time flies when you're having a good time. I can remember most of those times not being so fun for me. In fact I was not sure if I would make it. By then my heart was giving out but I didn't know it.
I also had vanus (a severe form of flat feet) but had been a long-distance runner and even completed two marathons from Lafayette to Crowley, La. in 1978 and 1979. When finally diagnosed at age 60, the doctors said I had been running (and walking) on "a bag of bones". I was fitted for orthotics which I wear daily. Vanus is inherited at birth. My dad had it, but I was never checked for it until age 60. Lee noticed it first and saw it on a doctor's site poster when I was getting a brace for tendinitis. The orthotic inserts have allowed me to walk without hurting for the first time, and even do high-mountain hikes with Lee. I've learned to love nature and wildlife.
Dial-up Internet was slow. There was no Google, no Twitter or facebook, nor was there any social media. There were forums and Yahoo! Since I was a novice at the Internet, I didn't know. I bartered my way through the whole thing.
I contacted cartoonists who had paved the way long before me. While I could draw, I couldn't draw to the level of which I wanted to to project in this project. I wanted it to be a "Dali meets The Far Side", a cartoon which could be appreciated as art. Sometimes that worked, sometimes not.
I can remember the most generous people with their time were Charles "Sparky" Schulz, Leigh Rubin (Rubes) and also helpful were Dave Coverly "Speed Bump", Jon McPherson "Close To Home" and several others. It seemed the bigger they were, the most generous with their help.
So as per Sparky's suggestion, I wrote the concepts and dialogue, and assigned them to my illustrative partner who rendered them. He only did black and white for a long time but within a year I talked him into color. That year a California tee company paid us $10,000 for the rights to 12 color images. We thought we'd arrived.
Though I made a number of barters, I don't think we made another sale for another 4 or so years so we just kept creating cartoons. I continued to write them and tweak several I'd written years before. I had a shoebox full from early college days. My parents talked me out of doing anything with them so I kept them hidden away and finally used them.
We made a few sales to academic publishers which never paid much but every little bit helped.
I was living out of my suitcase, which was a good thing since every now and again I was evicted. Friend's couches or extra bedrooms became "my best friend". I always had to pay something but never much. I never needed a lot of space; just enough to type and talk on the phone. God bless those who gave me a chance.
By the year 2000, we had close to 3000 cartoons (mostly color), but the unpredictable and dangerous lifestyle was taking its toll. I had my first major heart attack in 2001, and another one in 2010 with three surgeries. In between that time I had a vagus nerve stimulator implant installed to assist my vagus nerve to work properly.
In 2008 I met my later-to-be amazing wife Lee Hiller. She was (and is) a constant support. She was with me during the 2010 surgeries which were touch and go. All the while she has been developing her own line of designer gifts LeeHillerDesigns.com and taking incredible nature photos (many on gifts) in our National Park in her blog titled HikeOurPlanet.com. She's an incredible person and talent.
Londons Times Cartoons had been the Google #1 ranked offbeat cartoon for 3 years. It has now been for the past 12+ years (since Jan 2005). It is usually Bing's #1 ranked too (though it tends to fluctuate there down to #4 or so). I'm happy with that given that on both engines there's about a half million competing offbeat cartoons.
We put a counter up on my cartoon site in Jan. 2005 after Google first named it #1. We were eight years old. It shows we've now had about 8.9 million visitors worldwide. That boggles my mind still. It is very easy to say "Look what I did all by myself" but that's not how it has been at all. I have been but a cog in the wheel of amazing illustrators, managers, tekkies, vendors and Lee all of whom took the time to contribute to a project that had but a slim chance. Alone, I would surely have walked away from computers and try to learn something that didn't require them.
This year I learned I also have type-2 diabetes and she has gone right to work on helping me figure out a lifestyle diet that works. While it continues to be vegan, the portions are different as is some of the food variety. We've beefed up the exercise/hiking (or we've "soyed it up" as we don't "beef" anything).
Today we sit with a gorgeous view of Hot Springs National Park from our office. We see just about every type of flora and wildlife imaginable outside our window. Hawks and falcons fly by often. Squirrels greet us at the window along with a variety of birds and insects.
All the while we create our gift ideas using digital design on our computers. While my cartoons are fun to put on items so are my "Famous Historical Quote Designs" which came much later.
We are going hiking later today on our favorite trail known for its deer and woodpeckers (and much more).
Nature has been very good to us and provided healing, not always so available in cities (where we have lived most our lives).
A well-known quote in the Autism world is "The Internet does for Autistics what Braille has done for the blind and sign-language has done for the deaf". So I accidentally also found my tool for living, by being a part of the cartoon industry. I would probably have never learned the Internet; as the Interest wasn't there. I developed a bit of interest when I returned to college at age 50 at WGU.EDU. I learned a lot and Lee has taught me a great deal also. I would have never have known it to be "my lifeline" as an Autistic.
I was trying to sum things up and our good friend, Sally Jane Paulson in Norway did so for us with a Harper Lee quote she happened to post today. I believe it tells the whole story. It's at the top of this story.
Rick London is an author, gift designer and founder of Google #1 ranked offbeat cartoons and funny gifts Londons Times. He is active with outdoors and environmental, animal, Autism and Veteran's causes.
The Impact Of American Pop Culture On My Life by Rick London c2016
March 15, 2016 / ricklondonsyndication	/ 3 Comments
I can remember what was probably my first, or one of my first record players (turntables), and playing my favorite records all the way back to age 5, though I had it several years before that, and I remember playing it, the details are not as clear.
It was a brown standalone on a metal table about the size of a night table with one big gold and brown speaker mounted in the front.
I continuously played Elvis' "Return To Sender", "Honeycomb", "Purple People Eater" any Alvin And The Chipmunks song and several others. I didn't often dance around the room or get a hairbrush and sing in the mirror as so many kids did, but watched the records continuously spin (as so many with Asperger's/Autistics tend to do. I watched in fascination for hours.
I spent a great deal of time listening very closely to the singers and guitarists and wondering just how they "came to be". Some records I played all day. When I taught myself to play the guitar in my teens, I could play a number of those songs (and later the Beatles, Stones etc.), of course nowhere as well, but I could not read music either. I'd played the records so many times, to keep my mind occupied.
Of course many know I had un-diagnosed autism, lived segregated from my family in an attic; so had plenty of time to listen to music and grew to love it.
Autism is a difficult condition to describe to others not familiar with it as it is a developmental condition. It is not a disease. It is not "a bad thing", it is simply a different type of wiring with which science and education is just evolving to understand.
I was later blessed to have and play some beautiful guitars made by Martin (D28 and D35) and a Mossman, which was dual-backed and sounded every bit as good as my Martins but it was apparently a small indie firm which went under. I now play the beautiful Crafter my beloved wife Lee Hiller-London gave me as a gift several years back. It's a long but fun story how she came to choose that gift and I'll tell it one day if you've not heard it.
As I grew into an adult, (as many Asperger's are prone to do), I found a topic I liked and stuck with it. Asperger's often don't care if the topic is a pragmatic shrewd moneymaker or not, and my choice of "American Culture" was most definitely not. I spent nothing less than a fortune buying music, celebrity, rock and roll, and you name it memorabilia.
My favorite was music, including rock and roll, especially from my various eras; mainly the 60s, but also the 70s-the 90s.
From age seven until age twenty-one or so, I guess I lived for, or to be like, the Beatles, The Stones, The Animals, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin and a host of other (mostly British Invasion Groups). Later of course David Bowie and Al Stewart. Ironically, it was the British Invasion that seemed to influence America with the most impact.
Upon hearing interviews with many of them however, it was (mostly) the Mississsippi blues and rock artists such as BB King, Muddy Waters, Jerry Lee Lewis and the usual suspects that made them tremble at the knees. Nashville's Roy Orbison was also at the to of their list; not to mention Tupelo's Elvis. Life is funny that way.
The type things I wanted to collect did not exist; that is cartoons or caricatures of the famous musicians and sometimes actors featured and engineered onto gifts and tees.
I first came up with the idea of "Panel Hollywood" and created about 200 of them (cartoons only). I sent each one to the actual celeb, business or rock star and asked for feedback or a review. Only a very few were resistant and/or threatened to sue, but the majority were tickled pink I was "keeping their name alive".
Some of the most appreciative were the Roy Orbison Family, Mayo Hospital, Bo Derek and several others. It was quite a surprise.
So I got to work on creating fun memorabilia to keep all their fans happy. Roy O.'s widow Barbara, who sadly died several years ago, used our cartoon of his as their annual Christmas Card and it is now featured in the Roy Orbison Archives. Mayo Clinic features two of them on their library wall.
To see some of the gift ideas I designed, please visit my "Celebrity Shop" at CafePress and first click on "Music And Musicians" and then try "Celebrities And Other Famous People". Throughout the store there are well-known American icons that are enjoyable and make fun memorable gifts. They are also considered collectibles; and since they are affordable, continue to rise in price the moment they are purchased.
At the end of the day (a term I never use), I'd decided I wanted to be a "culture collector" like Andy Warhol; so I'd be sort of like an "Andy Warhol Lite". I never got even close to that elevation. However I do own some authentic Campbell's Tomato Soups in the can for guests. Lee and I don't touch (or illustrate them).
Rick London is an author, songwriter, designer and cartoonist. He is best known for the launching of Google #1 ranked Offbeat Cartoons & Funny Gifts, Londons Times. He is married to nature/ wildlife photographer Lee Hiller-London. They are active in environmental, animal and Autistic causes. Rick's entire humor gift shop can be seen at Cafepress.
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Stanford junior Bradly Klahn rejoices following his 6-4, 6-3 clinching victory at No. 1 singles to help the Cardinal defeat Texas A&M, 4-2, on Thursday in an NCAA Round of 16 match at Stanford's Taube Family Tennis Center. Photo by John Todd/Stanfordphoto.com.
Stanford junior Bradley Klahn clinched an unlikely comeback Thursday night, much to the delight of the hometown fans, to beat Texas A&M, 4-2, in the Round of 16 of the NCAA team tennis championship at Taube Family Tennis Center.
The Cardinal lost the doubles point in a tiebreaker, Klahn and partner Ryan Thacher on the wrong end. Both players made up for it with impressive singles wins. The last time Stanford won a match after losing the doubles was more than a month ago, against USF.
The Cardinal (21-5), which won its 13th straight, its longest streak in 10 years, meets top-ranked and unbeaten Virginia (34-0) in Saturday's quarterfinal match at 4 p.m.
"They are an incredible team; very solid," Cardinal coach John Whitlinger said. "We are going to give it our best shot."
Alex Clayton got the comeback started at No. 3 singles. The senior won his match, 7-5, 6-3, to tie the score. It was his ninth win over the last 10 matches.
"I really liked the way these guys played," Whitlinger said. "They get to come out here again and play on Saturday in front of their home crowd."
Texas A&M regained the lead following Junior Ore's 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 6 singles, but Matt Kandath tied the match with a 7-5, 6-0 victory at No. 5 singles. Thacher followed with a 7-6 (3), 6-1 victory at the No. 2 spot to give the Cardinal a 3-2 lead.
Denis Lin dropped his first set but forced a third set and was in an intense match at No. 4 singles before Klahn finished the game after a lengthy rally on the game's final point.
Klahn, ranked ninth in the nation, won his match, 6-4, 6-3, over No. 17 Austin Krajicek after suffering the rare loss in doubles. Klahn and Thacher lost just their sixth doubles match, and their second since Feb. 20.
"Give Stanford a lot of credit," Aggies' coach Steve Denton said. "I thought that their top three guys played exceptional tonight. They were just a little better than us in those spots."
Virginia advanced with a 4-0 victory over Illinois.
"It was a good effort on our part and a good start to the tournament after a long day," Cavaliers' coach Brian Boland said. "We did not get on until three hours after our scheduled starting time, but that is just part of the adversity you have to deal with so I am proud of our guys. We started well and kept that momentum."
In other Round of 16 matches: Defending NCAA champ USC advanced with a 4-0 win over Georgia Tech; Georgia eliminated Duke, 4-1; Tennessee bounced Cal, 4-2; 4, Kentucky knocked out Florida, 4-2; Ohio State eliminated Tulsa, 4-0; and Baylor took care of UCLA, 4-2.
Four Stanford players earned Louisville Slugger First Team All-West Region honors it was announced Thursday.
Juniors Ashley Hansen and Sarah Hassman and sophomores Teagan Gerhart and Jenna Rich were all named first-team selections, matching the most in program history.
Stanford has had at least one All-American every season since 1998, when Michele Acosta, Becky Blevins and Marcy Crouch became the first All-Americans in school history. Last season, senior Alissa Haber joined Jessica Mendoza as the only four-time All-Americans in Stanford history.
Hansen earned her third consecutive all-region honor after being selected as a first team member as a freshman in 2009 and a second team member a year ago.
Gerhart was named to the all-region team for the second straight year as she was a second-team pick as a rookie. Hassman and Rich are recognized for the first times in their careers.
Hansen became one of eight players in school history to earn three all-region awards, joining Sarah Beeson, Haber, Lauren Lappin, Mendoza, Catalina Morris, Missy Penna and Dana Sorenson.
Hansen, the 2011 Pac-10 Player of the Year, leads the Pac-10 and the nation in batting average (.506), while also topping the conference in hits (88), doubles (24), slugging percentage (.833) and on-base percentage (.568).
In 174 at-bats, Hansen has only stuck out four times this season, making her the second toughest player in the nation to strike out.
Stanford opens NCAA regional play at home Friday night against Pacific at 6 p.m.
Stanford shot an even par 284 on Thursday to open the NCAA Central Regional in fourth place, seven strokes behind leader Illinois.
Senior Graham Brockington and junior David Chung each shot a two-under round of 69 and are tied for eighth. Seven players are tied for the first round lead at 68. Twenty-four golfers shot par or better at the Wolf Run Golf Club in Zionsville, Ind.
Stanford shot a 305 in the second round Thursday, good for 18th place at the halfway point of the NCAA Championship at The Traditions Club in Bryan, Texas.
The Bruins continue to hold the top spot on the leaderboard at 584.
Stanford middle blocker Carly Wopat was named to the 12-player roster for the U.S. Women's Junior National Team, which will represent the United States at the FIVB Women's Junior World Championship (U-20), July 20-31 in Peru.
The team will train July 10-19 at St. Mary's in Moraga, under the direction of U.S. Women's Junior National Team coach Rob Browning, also the Gaels coach.
Stanford will have 19 women competing in 23 individual events and a relay, while the men will have 23 athletes in 28 events and a relay for the NCAA West Region meet in Eugene May 26-28.


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Basic Element – szwedzka grupa muzyczna, tworząca muzykę z gatunku eurodance, powstała w 1992 roku w Malmö. W skład zespołu wchodzą: Peter Thelenius (wokalista, raper), Jonas Wesslander (raper) oraz wokalistka Andrea Myrander. Zespół na całym świecie sprzedał łącznie ponad milion płyt.

W roku 1994 grupa wydała debiutancki album Basic Injection, a ich utwór The Promise Man znalazł się na szczycie wielu skandynawskich list przebojów. W samej Szwecji płyta sprzedała się w 35 000 egzemplarzy.

Dyskografia

Albumy
 Basic Injection (1994)
 The Ultimate Ride (1995)
 The Earthquake (1998)
 The Empire Strikes Back (2007)
 The Truth (2008)

Single
 Move Me (1993)
 The Promise Man (1993)
 Touch (1994)
 Leave It All Behind (1994)
 The Ride (1995)
 The Fiddle (1995)
 This Must Be A Dream (1995)
 Queen Of Love (1995)
 Shame (1996)
 Rule Your World (1996)
 Heaven Can't Wait Just For Love (1996)
 Rok The World (1998)
 Love 4 Real (1999)
 This Must Be A Dream 2005 (2005)
 Raise The Gain (2006)
 I'll Never Let You Know (2006)
 To You (2007)
 Out Of This World (2007)
 Feelings (2008)
 Touch You Right Now (2008)
 Turn Around (2008)
 Devotion (2008)
 The Bitch (2009)
 Not With You (2009)
 Got You Screaming (2010)
 Turn Me On (2011)
 Shades (2012)
 Someone Out There (2014)
 Good To You (2016)

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne
 Oficjalna strona Basic Element

Szwedzkie zespoły eurodance

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will rreprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.


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A Little Happier: It's Right to Do the Right Thing, Even When It Doesn't Seem to Matter.
Ever since I read this passage from Leonard Woolf's memoir, it has haunted me.
Leonard Woolf was an English political theorist, author, publisher and civil servant, and husband of author Virginia Woolf.
In The Journey Not the Arrival Matters: Autobiography of 1939-1969, Woolf writes:
"Looking back at the age of eighty-eight over the fifty-seven years of my political work in England, knowing what I aimed at and the results, meditating on the history of Britain and the world since 1914, I see clearly that I achieved practically nothing…I must have in a long life ground through between 150,000 and 200,000 hours of perfectly useless work….
Though all that I tried to do politically was completely futile and ineffective and unimportant, for me personally it was right and important that I should do it."
It's right to do the right thing, even when it doesn't seem to make any difference. And we never can really know what the effect of our actions will be – on the world, or on ourselves.
A lesson that's very much in keeping with the very title of Woolf's autobiography: the journey, not the arrival, matters.
Have you ever poured a lot of time and energy into a project that seemed, in the end, to be futile? Was it right that you made the effort, even if it didn't seem to pay off?
This mini-episode is brought to you by the Platinum Card from American Express. There's a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card–backed by the services and security of American Express.
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The post A Little Happier: It's Right to Do the Right Thing, Even When It Doesn't Seem to Matter. appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Each Year, on September 11, I'm Reminded of Winston Churchill.
For me, and for everyone in New York City and the world, the day of September 11 stands out from the rest of the year.
And each year, I remember how back in 2001, just a month after the terrible events of that day had occurred, I was doing research for my biography of Winston Churchill, Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill, and was reading some speeches Churchill gave during the early years of the war.
And I noticed that it was on September 11, 1940, that Churchill gave one of his most memorable broadcasts — about the "Blitz," the brutal nightly bombing of London.
This was so powerful for me that every year, on September 11, I post the same passage.
For me, re-reading Churchill's speech reminds me to reflect on the values of the United States — and to challenge myself to live up to those values in my own life.
Every year, that aim and that challenge take a different form. The world changes. But I try to let this dark anniversary kindle a fire in my heart, to live up to the spirit of my country.
This year, given the terrible destructiveness of Hurricane Harvey and Irma, we're all focusing on the threats from the natural world.
As happened after September 11, we see that despite the shock and devastation, there's a mood of tremendous determination and desire to help.
Churchill said:
These cruel, wanton, indiscriminate bombings of London are, of course, a part of Hitler's invasion plans. He hopes, by killing large numbers of civilians, and women and children, that he will terrorise and cow the people of this mighty imperial city, and make them a burden and anxiety to the Government…Little does he know the spirit of the British nation, or the tough fibre of the Londoners…who have been bred to value freedom far above their lives. This wicked man, the repository and embodiment of many forms of soul-destroying hatreds, this monstrous product of former wrongs and shame, has now resolved to try to break our famous Island race by a process of indiscriminate slaughter and destruction. What he has done is to kindle a fire in British hearts, here and all over the world, which will glow long after all traces of the conflagration he has caused in London have been removed.
If you want to listen to Churchill give his broadcast, you can listen here. The section I quote above begins at 7:43.
Each year, this anniversary helps me — and many people, I think — to remember the deepest values, and what matters most.
Do you feel this way about September 11?
The post Each Year, on September 11, I'm Reminded of Winston Churchill. appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: Four Tendencies ( 86 ), personality ( 8 ), research ( 8 ), Science ( 10 ), Uncategorized
Exciting: Scientific Research and Experiments Underway to Understand the Four Tendencies Better.
When I talk to people about the Four Tendencies, one issue that often comes up is, "Has your framework been scientifically validated?" People want to know about the research that supports the Four Tendencies.
As I describe in my book The Four Tendencies, as part of my work on these personality profiles, I ran a study among a nationally representative sample, to examine a geographically dispersed group of U.S. adults with a mix of gender, age, and household income. I learned a lot from that study.
I'm excited, too, to announce that a team of researchers has published a scientific article about using the Four Tendencies in health-care. This is particularly gratifying, because one of my main goals for writing the book was to help health-care providers find more effective ways of supporting patients in following their treatment plans.
Why don't people take their medication, do their exercises, manage their blood sugar, follow doctor's orders — when it seems clear that they'd be healthier and happier if they did? I believe the Four Tendencies sheds a lot of light on this question of "adherence" — and how to solve it.
Here's the conclusion:
"Increasing adherence to treatment is critical for improving outcomes and minimising healthcare resource waste. In general, several of the interventions available today are complex, resource intensive, expensive, and lack a firm focus on the patient. We need an effective method to target the specific interventions that provide the most benefit to individual patients, and it is crucial that this method be easy and inexpensive to administer, and widely applicable, as part of everyday practice. Rubin's Four Tendencies model provides an opportunity to test such a targeted, patient-specific strategy. Such a tool is only useful if the interventions that are most effective for patients with a specific Rubin Tendency exist and can be implemented easily. In an environment with already stretched resources where the factors influencing adherence are complex and varied, the ability to tailor interventions to the patient is an important component of a wider problem."
I asked Paul Lavender, who kicked off the process of getting this article written, about why he thought it was worth undertaking this research. He explained:
I think this model makes a huge contribution to the topic of personality and treatment adherence.
I'm generalizing somewhat, but it is fair to say that 'personality' is regarded as fairly unimportant in ensuring adherence. Why? Well, there are factors such as education, financial status, access to treatment, severity of disease, patient-doctor relationship, etc. that are shown to have a far greater impact than personality on adherence in well-controlled trials.
So why does the Four Tendencies add something valuable? I would say three reasons:
It does not focus on 'personality' as a whole, but on the most important aspect of personality from a treatment adherence perspective: typical response to expectations. To give a personal anecdote, my wife, my best friend and I have all taken a well-established personality test and got the same personality 'type' – even though this 'type' only comprises 5% of the population. So you would think we are pretty similar? Well, on the big issues, yes – but she is 100% 'Questioner', he is 100% 'Rebel,' and I'm 100% 'Obliger,' so if we ever had to take a course of treatment, we would be very different – and a detailed personality test did not pick that up.
It does not postulate that a personality type is indicative of poor adherence, but that a Tendency is indicative of poor adherence only in a certain environment. To my mind, this is absolutely crucial, and to my knowledge unique to the Four Tendencies. Knowing someone's Tendency (with the exception of 'Upholder') will not allow you to predict their level of treatment adherence. For example, Questioners may be non-adherent in an environment where they are given little information on their condition and treatment, but absolutely adherent in the opposite environment. Consider that patient-doctor relationship is a large predictor of non-adherence (but treated as a separate factor from 'personality'). If we hypothesize that poor patient-doctor relationships are often a 'misalignment' of Tendencies between the patient and the doctor, then the Four Tendencies model has the potential to have a huge impact on treatment adherence. In short, the Four Tendencies model postulates that 80% of patients are more likely to be non-adherent in a particular treatment environment. It is relatively easy and inexpensive for health care practitioners to change the treatment environment.
It is easy to understand. One problem with many psychological models is that they can only be understood by psychologists. Rubin's Four Tendencies is simple to pick up for all health-care practitioners, from all disciplines.
Research and experiments are also being done by Judson Brewer, MD PhD, is one of the leading minds in the field of habit change, addiction, and the "science of self-mastery." I recently did an interview with Dr. Brewer about how he's using the Four Tendencies to help people have a better relationship to food and eating. Stay tuned for that transcript — I'll post it soon.
I'm very pleased to see the scientific community engage on the Four Tendencies — exciting to see other people grappling with the framework.
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Tags: character ( 27 ), Four Tendencies ( 86 ), personality ( 8 ), Uncategorized
Are You a Fan of Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, the "Big Five," Enneagram, the Five Love Languages, or Other Personality Frameworks?
Do you love a great personality framework? I sure do.
I believe they can be a great tool for self-knowledge — they help to shine a spotlight on hidden patterns of behavior and thinking.
If, like me, you're fascinated by these kinds of frameworks, I think you'll be intrigued by my Four Tendencies model — it divides the world into Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. (Learn more and take the Quiz here.)
People often ask me how my Four Tendencies framework corresponds to other frameworks — for instance, how it matches up with Myers-Briggs or the Big Five. I've even had several people suggest that the Four Tendencies correspond to the Four Houses of Hogwarts. (By the way, they don't!)
In my view, each framework has its own nuances and strengths, which are lost if we try to map one framework onto another. So I don't try to say that "this" equals "that."
At the same time, it's true that the Four Tendencies can be used alongside other frameworks, to provide deeper insights.
For instance, perhaps you've found the StrengthsFinder model to be very illuminating. Thinking about your "strengths" alongside your "Tendency" can give you deeper insight into yourself.
Or perhaps you're reflecting on the results of the quiz you took to learn your score on the "Big Five." Thinking about those results, in context of the Four Tendencies, can help you better to understand those findings.
I have to say, one thing I like about my Four Tendencies framework is that it's narrow. I think that some frameworks try to be too universal in their descriptions; they try to draw a picture of people's entire personalities, and in my observation, people are too complicated for that exercise to work well.
The Four Tendencies model explains just one narrow aspect of your personality. If we lined up fifty Obligers, they would look very different from each other — depending on how ambitious, considerate, intellectual, adventurous, aggressive, neurotic, introverted or extroverted, etc. they were — but as to how they respond to outer and inner expectations, they'd all respond the same way.
Your "response to expectations" is a narrow aspect of your nature, true, but it turns out to be hugely significant in how the rest of your personality plays out in the world.
At the same time, when using these frameworks, it's important not to let these categories to become stifling; they're not meant to box us in or limit our sense of possibility, but to point the way to helpful understanding or change.
My own favorite personality framework is (no surprise) the one I created, but I love reading and thinking about all of them. If you'd like to learn more about other personality frameworks, I list some of my favorite books in the post, "Do You Love Personality Frameworks? These 10 Books Will Help You Understand Yourself."
Some of the most popular include:
1. The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment by Gary Chapman. Argues that people speak different "love languages": Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.
2. Personality: What Makes You the Way You Are by Daniel Nettle. Discusses the "Big Five" personality model (extroversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness) and includes a quiz for self-evaluation.
3. The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Ross Hudson. Divides people into nine categories: Reformer, Helper, Achiever, Individualist, Investigator, Loyalist, Enthusiast, Challenger, and Peacemaker.
4. Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type by Isabella Briggs Meyers. Based on the theories of Carl Jung, argues that people fall into sixteen types, in different combinations of four pairs: Extroversion or Introversion; Sensing or Intuition; Thinking or Feeling; Judgment or Perception.
4. Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham; Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. Discusses the thirty-four "strengths" and helps readers identify and take advantage their individual own strengths.
5. The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. Of course, I have to add my own book to the list!
One question that often arises is: How "scientific" is a particular framework? — what research supports it, has it been validated?
This is a very important question, and I'm thrilled by the work that researchers have begun to provide a scientific examination of my own framework.
At the same time, though, it seems to me that if a particular way of looking at the world illuminates something for you, that clarity has its own validity.
Research in a lab is one way to understand human nature, but it's not the only way.
Has one of these frameworks been very helpful to you? What frameworks have I overlooked?
The post Are You a Fan of Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, the "Big Five," Enneagram, the Five Love Languages, or Other Personality Frameworks? appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: Books ( 222 ), Four Tendencies ( 86 ), Uncategorized, video ( 2 )
Have You Successfully Used the Four Tendencies at Home, in Work, in Life? I'd Love to Share Your Story.
As I've explored happiness, good habits, and human nature — and especially in the context of my Four Tendencies framework — I've found that we really learn from hearing other people's stories and examples.
For this reason, the book The Four Tendencies is crammed with actual examples from real people. (In fact, I was so fascinated by these examples that the early drafts of this book were gigantically long — at one point it was almost twice as long as it is in its final form. I just couldn't resist adding example after example after example. Finally I managed to include only the most interesting and representative ones.)
The fact is, we can all learn from each other. Obligers hear about ingenious ways to create crucial outer accountability. Rebels learn how to harness the power of a to-do list in a way that doesn't ignite their Rebel spirit of resistance. Questioners finally get insight into why their stream of questions (and often, their reluctance to answer others' questions) sometimes drains and overwhelms others. Upholders see how to avoid the choking grip of tightening. And so on.
So I would love to hear your stories. If you've successfully put the Four Tendencies to use — at work, in a relationship, with a child, in a health-care setting — I'd love to get your short video story. And I'd love to highlight it, so that others can learn from you.
If you're game, please share your short video using the #FourTendenciesStory hashtag, and tagging me @gretchenrubin on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. I'm especially looking for short videos I can share. After you create your video, post it on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, wherever you prefer, and tag me. And then email the link to info@gretchenrubin.com.
Maybe the Four Tendencies framework has given you insight into yourself, so you've been able to achieve an aim that had previously frustrated you.
Or maybe the Four Tendencies framework has allowed you to work more effectively with other people, by allowing you a new way to understand their perspectives.
I can't wait to hear your stories!
Over on the "Better" app, which is my free app that's all about the Four Tendencies, I can hardly tear myself away from reading people's comments and questions. It's so fascinating to see how the Four Tendencies play out.
Side note: one thing that surprises me is how obvious the Four Tendencies are. Once you know this framework, it's quite easy to spot the Four Tendencies in the world. How is it possible that I'm the first person in history to notice this model? Because truly, once you know about it, you see Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels all around you. It's not a subtle thing. (Don't know your Tendency? Take the quiz here.)
So if you have the time and the inclination, if you want to help other people to learn and to manage their lives more effectively, if you feel like putting your story out into the world, and if you'd like to help me out, please post your video story. It's a big help, and I really appreciate it. But only if you feel like it, of course. Up to you.
The post Have You Successfully Used the Four Tendencies at Home, in Work, in Life? I'd Love to Share Your Story. appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: Efficiency ( 24 ), Four Tendencies ( 86 ), productivity ( 45 ), to-do list ( 3 ), Uncategorized
How Do You Feel About "To-Do" Lists–Helpful or Not?
How do you respond to "to-do" lists?
When it comes to productivity advice, certainly one of the most common and most-discussed suggestions is, "Make a to-list, and check off the items as you go." Is that good advice?
I enjoy making and using to-do lists, and this is great advice–for me. And for many people. But it's not necessarily great advice for everyone.
If there's one thing I've concluded from all my research and writing, it's that there's no single best way to make your life happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. There's no magic, one-size-fits-all tool that suits everyone. (Well, actually, maybe the twin Strategies of Convenience and Inconvenience work for just about everyone. But that's the exception.)
So how do people of the Four Tendencies profiles respond to the question, "Do you find it easy to complete your own to-do list? What about someone else's to-do list?"
Upholders complete their own to-do lists as easily as they complete to-do lists that others gave them
Questioners more easily complete a to-do list they wrote themselves
Obligers more easily complete a to-do list that someone else gave them and is holding them accountable for
Rebels usually ignore a to-do list, or they may put a Rebel spin on it
People often ask me, "Okay, though, I'm a Rebel. So how do I put that Rebel spin on a to-do list? Or how else can I get things done?"
It's helpful to remember that the minute that Rebels see a list of things they are "supposed" to do, they feel that Rebel spirit of resistance. For them, making a to-do list may make them less likely to complete a task.
They might be better served by doing tasks spontaneously, whenever they feel like doing them. One Rebel told me, "I keep a running to-do list, and when I feel like tackling some chore, I'll do it, but only when I'm in the mood."
Another Rebel turned the prospect of doing routine, scheduled tasks into a challenging game:
Instead of writing a to-do list, I write each task on a separate piece of paper. I fold up all the pieces and put them in a bowl, then select one folded paper and do whatever task is written on it. I don't select another paper until that task is completed. This makes for a fun game of chance, and looking at the little folded papers feels less daunting then looking at a list of tasks.
Another Rebel was able to use a to-do list by making a simple change in vocabulary, by using a "could-do" list: "'To-do' lists almost never get done by me, because as soon as I have to do something, it's the last thing I want to do. A 'could-do' list, however, reminds me that I can choose whether or not I complete the task."
As for Questioners — Questioners need to make sure they see the efficiency and justification for every item on their to-do lists. Then they will follow through.
Obligers need to build in outer accountability for anything on their to-do lists — even items like "read for fun," "practice guitar," or "keep my New Year's resolution." This is crucial, Obligers! Always, outer accountability.
Upholders tend to enjoy using to-do lists, and find them easy to use.
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When we understand ourselves, and how our Tendency shapes our perspective on the world, we can adapt our circumstances to suit our own nature — and when we understand how other people's Tendencies shape their perspectives, we can engage with them more effectively.
If you keep telling yourself — or someone else — to use a to-do list, and that method isn't working, it's time to try something new. There are so many different ways to build the lives we want, when we do it in the way that's right for us.
And what works for an Upholder, or a Questioner, or an Obliger, or a Rebel, are often quite different.
Don't know your Tendency? Take the free quiz here. Soon I'll hit the one-million mark for the number of people who have taken it.
My book The Four Tendencies hits the shelves on September 12. Important: if you want FREE access to my five videos about the Four Tendencies (videos: overview; at work; in romance; with children; in health-care), pre-order the book now and get your bonus videos. After September 11, there will be a (hefty) charge for the video set.
How do you feel about to-do lists? Do you use them, or have you adapted this idea in a way that suits your Tendency?
It's funny to remember…years ago, as I was groping for an understanding of the framework that became the Four Tendencies, it was a glance at my own to-do list that gave me the key insight that the response to expectation was the core theme.
The post How Do You Feel About "To-Do" Lists–Helpful or Not? appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: Books ( 222 ), Four Tendencies ( 86 ), Kazuo Ishiguro ( 2 ), The Remains of the Day ( 2 ), Uncategorized
In Some Situations, It May Be "Better" to Be an Obliger Than an Upholder.
I love to re-read, and I love to read on airplanes, so it was with great pleasure that I re-read The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Isiguro on my flight back from the Podcast Movement Conference in Anaheim.
Maybe you're read the book — it was hugely acclaimed and won the Man Booker Prize. Or maybe you saw the Merchant-Ivory movie, starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.
The narrator is Stevens, the English butler of Darlington Hall who is taking a trip to visit Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper with whom he worked for many years.
As the story unfolds, many things become gradually clear to the reader. Stevens is extraordinarily removed from his own feelings; he devoted his life to Lord Darlington, a man whose efforts to further the German cause leading up to World War II led to ignominy; he has deep love for Miss Kenton that he could never express; he revered his father and never told him; etc. etc. It's a beautiful, compelling book.
These days, I see everything through the lens of the Four Tendencies, and it was fascinating — and enormously instructive — to read this novel.
It's an incisive portrait of an Upholder. Stevens shows all the strengths of the Upholder, and all the weaknesses.
But what was most instructive for me was to understand something that truly, I've never quite grasped before: the advantage, in some circumstances, of being an Obliger instead of being an Upholder.
All the Tendencies have their own strengths and weaknesses, and this showed me how Obligers have a strength that Upholders may lack.
Bear with me. This is a little complicated, but it's important.
Obligers and Upholders have a deep affinity: they both respond readily to outer expectations.
Upholders also respond readily to inner expectations, which means that they can much more effortlessly meet their own inner standards. Most of the time, this is a useful quality.
While Obligers (like Upholders) readily meet outer expectations, they struggle to meet inner expectations. This dynamic can lead to the striking pattern of Obliger-rebellion, which is when an Obliger meets, meets, meets, meets an expectation–then snap, the Obliger refuses. Obliger-rebellion can be small and symbolic, or it can be huge and destructive.
I've come to understand that Obliger-rebellion, though it can be destructive, is also highly constructive. It's an escape hatch for Obligers. It's meant to protect them, to eject them from situations where expectations are unrealistically high, where they're being exploited, where they're being ignored, etc.
However, I never before grasped how Upholders were disadvantaged by not having the instinct for Obliger-rebellion. I thought that the fact that Upholders meet inner expectations was protection enough (though to be sure, some UPHOLDER/Obligers do show forms of Obliger-rebellion).
The Remains of the Day shows how this absence of Obliger-rebellion can at times be a problem.
In a real Upholder way, Stevens gets enormous gratification from "dignity"–a word he examines and discusses several times throughout his reminiscences. In his mind, it's his dignity as a professional that allows him to set aside his personal desires and needs in order to serve Lord Darlington's household perfectly. As it happens, the household is entertaining important guests — and is therefore in a time of high expectation — when Stevens's father is dying, and at a crucial moment in his (thwarted) relationship with Miss Kenton. At least until his epiphany at the very end of the book, which takes place years after the events described, Stevens takes tremendous pride in the fact that he could live up to his expectations for himself, and others' expectations for him, to be the perfect servant, even in the face of great personal sacrifice.
Now, according to his lights (until the epiphany at the end), this is right and justified.
But as I read, I thought, "Hmmm….if Stevens had been an Obliger, maybe he would've given that great service, but at some key point, thought, 'After all I've done, what do I get? My father is dying, and they expect me to serve tea? This, I won't do!' or 'I've given Lord Darlington so many years of service, but this demand is just too much, so Lord D can just wait a little while before I rush back to his side."
For Stevens, such moments of Obliger-rebellion might have led to a much happier, richer life. His Upholderness held him in place.
What has struck me most about the Four Tendencies is how much we can learn from each other.
As an Upholder myself, I've learned a tremendous amount from Rebels: we're more free than we think. And I've learned a tremendous amount from Questioners (like my husband): always ask why. And I've learned a lot from Obligers: if someone demands too much, refuse.
Have you seen portraits of the Four Tendencies in books, TV shows, movies, songs, and so on? Send them my way! I'm collecting them.
On a recent Facebook Live conversation, for instance, we had a lively discussion of whether Cersei from Game of Thrones is an Upholder. Upholder or Obliger? I'm still debating.
Don't forget to get access to the pre-order bonus videos after you pre-order The Four Tendencies.
The post In Some Situations, It May Be "Better" to Be an Obliger Than an Upholder. appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: college ( 4 ), family ( 64 ), Parenthood ( 44 ), time ( 63 ), transition ( 2 ), Uncategorized
Some Thoughts on Happiness After Dropping Off My Daughter at College.
This was a big week in the life of my family: my older daughter Eliza has gone off to college.
In her case, she did a pre-program, where she went hiking in New Hampshire with a small group of other incoming freshmen.
This step reminded me of how we did the "Separation" stage when she was starting pre-school.
During pre-school, she began the school-going experience by attending for a short day, I'd wait nearby with the other parents, and she and I got used to the idea of her going off to school by herself.
For this outdoor program, we sent her off, but it felt more like a return to summer camp. Before she left home, the focus was on "Do you have the right hiking gear?" not "Now you're saying good-bye to our dog Barnaby for several months." When I dropped her off with her backpack, we told each other, "See you next week."
This hiking trip made the transition less abrupt. During that week, I told my husband, "I feel like I'm on the mezzanine level — in the mid-way point between two stages." It was helpful to Eliza, because she got the chance to get to know a group of other students beforehand.
Then after a week, my husband, my younger daughter Eleanor, and I packed up the car to meet her. We spent the day unloading, unpacking, meeting Eliza's roommate and her family, buying a trash can, and all the rest.
I can get very tightly wound in situations like this, so in the car on the trip up, I announced to my family, "I'm really going to try to stay calm. I know there will be ambiguous directions [a pet peeve of mine], and it's going to be hot, and there will be a lot of waiting and frustrations, but I am going to stay calm." (My mother is rightly always reminding me to stay calm.) I wanted this day to be a memorable, fun, serene good-bye day. I didn't do a terrific job of staying calm, but I did a pretty good job of staying calm.
If there's one thing I've learned about happiness, and about self-mastery, it's to think in advance about the experience I want to have, the likely pitfalls, the challenges that always trip me up. By using the Strategy of Safeguards, I help myself avoid acting in ways that will cause me regret later.
It's always odd, for me, when I'm going through an experience that I know will be a major life milestone. As we were waiting for Eliza to return from the hiking trip, I said to Eleanor, "I remember so well the day I moved into college. For all of us, we'll remember this day. We'll reminisce, 'Remember Eliza's first day?'" I had a similar thought when Eleanor came home from the hospital. A friend sent flowers, and I remember rocking Eleanor and thinking, "I have a baby who is such a newborn that the congratulatory flower arrangements are still fresh." That happened more than twelve years ago.
Time is so strange, how events can seem so distant and yet so recent. Already, Move-in Day seems like part of the distant past.
Of everything I've ever written, this one-minute video, The Years Are Short, is the thing that has resonated most with people. Now that little girl who rode the bus with me is off on her own.
In episode 125 of the "Happier" podcast, we talked about advice that listeners suggested for dealing with this family transition (also for packing–we got lots of great packing recommendations). The advice was great, and the most helpful suggestion came from the listener who said, "Remember, this is the end of something, but it's also the beginning. You'll have a new chapter in your family life, new favorite restaurants, and spots to visit, new memories. This chapter is short, so enjoy it."
I've reminded myself of that helpful observation often, because of that, for me, addresses the heart of my mixed feelings about this time.
I'm thrilled for my daughter — she's ready for this change, this experience will be terrific, she is so very fortunate to have this opportunity to get more education. And of course this change is a happy change — while often when we deal with endings, it's in the context of loss.
I'm sad because it's the end of her childhood — of her being under our roof. Last week, I got a shock when I glanced into her room in the early morning: her door was open, her bed was made, and for a moment I panicked, where was she?
And even the extra space in our bathroom makes me a little sad. She shared a bathroom with my husband and me, and the removal of her products gives us a lot more room in the medicine cabinet. This change was gratifying to my simpicity-lover side, but it was also an unexpected visual reminder of her absence.
Speaking of echoes to pre-school separation, I keep reminding myself of the wise observation made by the nursery-school director, who as we went through "separation," told us, "This is the first of many times that you will say good-bye to your child."
We'll see her soon. Visiting Day, Thanksgiving, and sheesh, I'll be back in town for an event in less than three weeks! (I told her she didn't have to attend, and she and I didn't even need to see each other, if she thought it would be too unsettling to have me pop back into view.)
It won't be the same, but while it's the end of an era, it's also the beginning of an era.
If you want to hear Eliza's views, you can listen to her podcast "Eliza Starting at 16." I certainly can't wait for her next episode.
We also did a Facebook Live broadcast together where viewers gave both of us advice for this big transition. Watch it here.
For me, it's always difficult when something comes to the end. Even if I'm ready and happy for it to end, I always feel a sadness in the thought that a period of my life is over.
But then I remind myself, "No beginnings without endings. Growth brings change."
Also, I remind myself, "Gratitude." As always is the case, feelings of gratitude crowd out negative feelings. When I think about how very, very, very fortunate we are, that comforts me. And that steels me to handle my own feelings and to turn outward, to think about other people's difficulties and challenges, and the problems of the world.
Have you grappled with this feeling — of dealing with the end of an era?
The post Some Thoughts on Happiness After Dropping Off My Daughter at College. appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: Four Tendencies ( 86 ), The bookThe Four Tendencies ( 17 ), Uncategorized, work ( 112 )
A Four Tendencies Dilemma: What Would You Do with the Office Coffee Mug?
Have I mentioned that my book The Four Tendencies is coming out in September? Oh right, I think I have.
Well, I'm gearing up for my book tour, and thinking about my book talk.
I'm considering opening my talk by describing a familiar situation that illustrates how differently the Four Tendencies see the world. What do you think of that idea? Consider this scenario:
"What Would You Do with the Office Coffee Mug?"
Imagine that you've been hired to work in sales in a small-to-medium sized office.
There's an office kitchen with a sink, fridge, dishwasher, and a cabinet stocked with office mugs.
Although you haven't met the night cleaning staff, you know that a crew comes in every night to vacuum, dust, empty the trash cans, handle the recycling, clean the kitchen, and wash and put the office mugs back in the cupboard.
There's no sign in the office telling you what to do with your dirty mugs, and no one has mentioned the office etiquette to you.
The first time you used a mug and were deciding what to do with it, what idea most likely ran through your mind?
My job is to do sales, and the cleaning staff's job is to clean.
It's more efficient for the cleaning staff to spend the time cleaning, and for me to spend my time making sales.
The cleaning staff shouldn't have to clean up after me.
No one can tell me what to do with my mug.
To be sure, your Tendency is just one narrow aspect of your character; two people of the same Tendency might behave differently depending on how considerate they are, how ambitious they are, how busy, how extroverted, and a million other things.
And of course your life experience influences your behavior. You might automatically deal with your mug the way you dealt with mugs at your last job.
Nevertheless, I think there are some very general patterns, if you identified with those reactions:
1-likely to be an Upholder
2-likely to be a Questioner
3-likely to be an Obliger
4-likely to be a Rebel
However, it's crucial to note that you can't judge people's Tendencies from their actions; you have to know what they're thinking.
And you often can't predict people's actions from knowing their Tendency, because so many factors come into play.
For instance, in contrast to the predictions listed above, a Rebel might choose to clean a mug, with the thought, "It's important to me to be a thoughtful member of this office." An Obliger might not clean a mug, with the thought, "This office is dangerously close to failure. I need to spend every minute I possibly can making sales, or everyone will lose their jobs." A Questioner might clean a mug, with the thought, "If clients come in and see a sink full of dirty dishes, they may assume we run a sloppy operation. The risk of losing sales is a very good reason for me to clean my dishes."
Given the many different perspectives that can arise, even within the same Tendency, it's easy how often people disagree. An Obliger might think, "I can't believe that other people show so little common courtesy for others." A Questioner might think, "If you want to clean the mugs, fine, but don't expect me to help. I'm here to make sales!" An Upholder might think, "I wouldn't empty the trash cans, and I wouldn't vacuum, and I don't feel like I have to wash the dishes, those aren't my jobs." A Rebel thinks, "Why does everyone keep talking about the mugs? Sheesh, do whatever you want, that's what I do."
Studying the Four Tendencies has shown me that very often, there's no single correct way to view a situation.
Want to learn your Tendency? Take the quiz here. (Hundreds of thousands of people have taken it.)
Want to join a lively discussion about the Four Tendencies? Join the Better app to ask questions, offer strategies and insights, and join Accountability Groups.
Want to get free access to my five videos about how to apply the Four Tendencies? To get the pre-order bonus, you can find details here. You'll get the overview video as well as subject videos on using the Four Tendencies at work, with spouses and sweethearts, with children and students, and in health-care settings. Free now; note after the book comes out, there will be a (fairly hefty) charge for the video series.
The post A Four Tendencies Dilemma: What Would You Do with the Office Coffee Mug? appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.
Tags: Four Tendencies ( 86 ), Uncategorized, Video: Habit Strategy, videos ( 3 )
Habit Strategies and Tips for Rebels
After my book Better Than Before hit the shelves, I was surprised by how many Rebels contacted me to request more information about how to harness their Tendency.
As I was writing Better Than Before, I'd assumed that a) Rebels wouldn't want to read a book about habits, and that b) Rebels weren't interested in trying to foster habits.
Well, I was wrong! Many Rebels are very interested in learning how to harness the tremendous strengths of both habits and of the Rebel Tendency to help themselves become happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.
The Rebel section of The Four Tendencies is actually one of the longest sections, because there's so much to say, and so much to try, that can work well for Rebels. I include dozens of examples, including many from Rebels themselves.
One general challenge, however, is that many strategies that work well for other Tendencies — such as the Strategies of Accountability, Monitoring, or Scheduling — don't work well for most Rebels. And some popular strategies — such as the Strategies of Convenience, Other People, and Reward — must be carefully adapted for the Rebel perspective.
If you are a Rebel, or you're working with a Rebel, it's a huge help to recognize that fact! You will have far greater success if you approach the situation in a Rebel-specific way.
In a nutshell: Rebels resist all expectations, both inner and outer alike. They want to do what they want to do, in their own way, in their own time — and if you ask or tell them to do something, they're very likely to resist.
Watch this short video to learn more about the Rebel Tendency:
Habit Strategies that Work Best for Rebels:
In Better Than Before , I describe the 21 strategies that we can use to make or break our habits. Twenty-one is a lot, but that's good — some of the strategies work well for some people, but not others. This is especially true for Rebels. For Rebels, the key strategies are:
Strategy of Identity (most important for Rebels)
For Rebels, the most effective habit-change strategy is the Strategy of Identity. Because Rebels place great value on being true to themselves, they can embrace a habit if they view it as a way to express their identity. "I quit sugar because I respect my body. I want to give myself energy and good health by eating only healthy foods."
Strategy of Clarity
The Strategy of Clarity works for Rebels, because it focuses on why a habit might have personal value for them. The more Rebels think about what they want, and why they want it, the more effectively they pursue it. "I attend this optional seminar about Photoshop because I'm a creative, curious person who loves to learn about new tools and methods. This class is giving me the knowledge I crave."
Strategy of Convenience
Instead of trying to commit to scheduling a habit, Rebels often do habit-behaviors as soon as they feel like it. "What a gorgeous day! I feel like going for a run."
Strategy of Other People
The Strategy of Other People is also a useful strategy for Rebels to consider; Rebels love doing things differently from other people. They do an obscure kind of yoga, run barefoot, exercise late at night. One Rebel wrote to tell me how much she loved being a female bodybuilder.
Note: Rebels tend to resist if you ask or tell them to do anything. It's very important—but challenging—to avoid setting off their spirit of resistance.
Also, many of the 21 strategies that work well for other Tendencies typically don't work for Rebels: for instance, Strategies of Scheduling, Accountability, Monitoring, or Rewards.
Looking for strategies for Upholders, Questioners, and Obligers? Click here.
Rebels may also enjoy this interview on the "Happier" podcast, when Elizabeth and I talked to the brilliant Chris Guillebeau, who's a Rebel.
Chris is the host of the terrific podcast "Side Hustle School," which aims to help people start side hustles to give themselves more freedom, career choice, and outlets for expression of their interests and talents. Freedom, choice, doing things your own way…do those values sound familiar? Rebel! Though lots of people who aren't Rebels love side hustles, too, of course.
If you're intrigued by the Four Tendencies, and want to join the lively discussion on my Better app, sign up! It's free. You can start or join an accountability group (Obligers, I know many of you want to do that!), ask questions, have discussions about your own Tendency or dealing with someone else's Tendency. Say, you're a Rebel who is having trouble controlling your blood sugar, or you're the parent of a Rebel who wants to drop out of high school. You can swap questions, ideas, and solutions.
The post Habit Strategies and Tips for Rebels appeared first on Gretchen Rubin.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Bath & Body Works is setting up for Halloween 2015..More Goodies to come!
And, I received my Yankee Candle orders and I LOVE, LOVE the Jack O' Lantern Multi-Tealight Holder. It is truly stunning when lit, way better in person and I think one of my most favorite pieces that Yankee Candle came out with this year for Halloween.
Here is a picture of these adorable items!
Top Left is the Yankee Candle Jack O' Lantern – the tea light holder slides into the Jack O' Lantern which is the same on both sides – so it is perfect for a dining table! It lights up amazingly!! It's truly awesome!
Bottom Right is my Bath & Body Works haul, Scary Cat Mini Candle holder, Ceramic Ghost Pedestal, Ghost Mini Candle Holder on top of that, and the Jack O' Lantern Mini Candle Holder. These are just darling, especially the ghost! What a scream!!
Now that my kids have settled back into school, and the weather should be cooler this week, I am going to full on decorate the house for Fall and Halloween. I will wait for the outside, but the inside will be transformed this week! FUN!!!
PS. I have a great Scentsy Holiday / Christmas preview coming up soon and more Bath & Body Works Holiday to share…Sheesh, it is always something :)!!
How 'bout a little Bath & Body Works 2015 Winter / Holiday Hand Soap Preview?!?


text:
03/23/1999 01:40 PM House FIN
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
TAPE HFC 99 - 52, Side 1.
Co-Chair Therriault called the House Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:40 P.M.
Co-Chair Therriault   Representative Foster
Co-Chair Mulder    Representative Grussendorf
Vice Chair Bunde   Representative Kohring
Representative Austerman  Representative G. Davis
Representative J. Davies  Representative Williams
Representative Moses was not present for the meeting.
ALSO PRESENT
Douglas Gardner, Assistant Attorney General, Oil, Gas &
Mining Section, Department of Law; Eddie Grasser, Staff,
Representative Beverly Masek; Matthew Robus, Acting Deputy
Director, Wildlife Conservation Division, Department of Fish
and Game; Dave Kelleyhouse, Alaska Outdoor Council,
Fairbanks.
HB 102 An Act imposing certain requirements relating to
cigarette sales in this state by tobacco product
manufacturers, including requirements for escrow,
payment, and reporting of money from cigarette
sales in this state; providing penalties for
noncompliance with those requirements; and
providing for an effective date.
HB 102 was HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 114 An Act repealing the prohibition against the
taking of antlerless moose.
HB 114 was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a fiscal note by the
Department of Fish and Game dated 3/16/99.
"An Act imposing certain requirements relating to
payment, and reporting of money from cigarette sales in
this state; providing penalties for noncompliance with
those requirements; and providing for an effective
date."
MINING SECTION, DEPARTMENT OF LAW, stated that during the
past two years, the Knowles Administration with the help of
the Alaska Legislature has addressed the problems caused by
tobacco and the challenge of limiting access on a number of
fronts.  Joint efforts have included legislation to increase
taxes on tobacco products, measures to limit youth access to
tobacco, stepped-up enforcement activities, and litigation
and participation in the national settlement with the
industry.  The Department of Law's efforts have been closely
coordinated with the Department of Health and Social
Services and Department of Revenue, local tobacco control
groups and other state attorneys general.
Mr. Gardner pointed out that the bill was contemplated by
passage of the Master Settlement Agreement.  Every state and
territory legislature is considering the same legislation.
The State is not required to pass the model statute included
in the settlement to receive settlement payments.  However,
if the State does not pass the model statute, the State will
risk a possible reduction in payments under the
nonparticipating manufacturers' payment (NPM) reduction
formula of the settlement.  The settlement provides for an
adjustment to the State's payments if the participating
manufacturers experience a disadvantage and lose market
share for sales of their tobacco products to other
nonparticipating manufacturers as a result of the marketing
restrictions, payments, and other limits in the settlement
Mr. Gardner continued, every state is considering basically
the same bill, however, stylistic changes have been made to
it with the inclusion of the Department of Revenue.  The
bill has resulted from a lot of negotiations.  With passage
of the bill, the industry will not come back to the State if
there is a decrease to the participating manufacturer's
market share as a result of passage of the settlement
agreement.  Any changes to the bill could change the
industry's position whether or not it continues to be a
qualifying statute.
Mr. Gardner continued, under the terms of the settlement
agreement, the objective is to prevent small tobacco
manufacturers from taking unfair advantage given that major
companies have signed an agreement.  That action would
"level the playing field" and prevent the dumping of cheap
cigarettes.
Representative Grussendorf referenced Page 3, Line 11,
"..and generally perform its financial obligations under the
Master Settlement Agreement".  He asked the legal authority
of using the word "generally".  Mr. Gardner advised that
language was taken from the model.  He did not believe that
industry intended to somehow loosen up their obligation by
using that language.  He emphasized that the Department of
Law had changed this area.  Those changes were made
primarily to the enforcement section, tailoring it to the
Department of Revenue and the Department of Law concerns.
Representative Bunde asked where the escrow money would be
placed.  Mr. Gardner explained that the money would be
placed into a qualifying escrow account.  The money would be
in escrow, not necessarily for the State to use.  It would
act as an insurance policy.  The fund would continue to grow
so that when an Alaska citizen had a claim, they would be
able to satisfy the judgement.  The escrow account would
prevent the small manufacturer from being "judgement proof"
in the event that they had a lawsuit.  The funds would
remain in that account for 25 years.
Representative Bunde stated that if there is a pool of
money, people will sue to get at it.  He suggested that
establishing such an account would create a "carrot" for
additional lawsuits.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if the State enters into a lawsuit
against one of the small, non-participating manufacturers
could those settlement costs and the legal court fees come
from that account.  Mr. Gardner replied that whatever the
State receives would be a judgement and it could be
satisfied out of that account.  It is possible that the
State could go against the fund to receive the recovery,
whereas, if the fund were non-existent, the State would be
out-of-luck if there wasn't "something" existent to satisfy
such a claim.
Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that large manufacturers
build possible settlement costs into their price structure.
Mr. Gardner reiterated that the legislation would "level the
playing field" and that the "dumping" of cigarettes would
not be industry driven.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if the "Findings and Purpose"
Section of the bill was necessary.  Mr. Gardner explained
that section of the bill could be important to the extent
that it would be subject to a constitutional challenge or
other litigation by another participating manufacturer in
the future, who somehow felt that this was unfair or
unnecessary on commerce.  That Section magnifies the public
health problem in using tobacco and it keeps the statute
consistent with the other bills throughout the nation.
Representative J. Davies questioned what a "releasing party"
was.  Mr. Gardner responded that Alaska is one of the
releasing parties as would be each settling state.
Representative J. Davies asked if a municipality could sue
to gain recovery from the escrow account.  Mr. Gardner
replied that they could and that anyone could access that
account, i.e., the State, a municipality, or an individual.
It would be necessary for them to have a judgment and
settlement to make that claim.
Co-Chair Therriault asked what the reference to "financial
obligations", on Page 3, Line 11, would be.  Mr. Gardner
explained that those obligations are the ones, which the
participating manufacturer would be required to undertake as
specified in the Settlement Agreement.  There is a sixty-day
(60) wait period for a person to become a manufacturer;
there has been discussion of extending that wait period.  At
this time, approximately 99.8% of the market shares are not
either participating or subsequent participating
manufacturers.  Most companies are involved in the deal.
Representative G. Davis noted that the proposed legislation
would provide a means for the State to "catch" those
manufacturers who did not sign the master agreement.
Representative Bunde questioned how that law would be
enforced.  Mr. Gardner advised that the Department of
Revenue currently tracks all tobacco volume coming into the
State.  They have a long-standing practice of doing this
accounting.  The importer is responsible for paying State
taxes.  He elaborated that the tobacco industry is a very
"cut-throat" business and self-policing industry, and
consequently, if there is any deviation the Department hears
about it quickly.
Co-Chair Mulder referenced Page 3, regarding the amounts
placed into the escrow account.  He asked if that amount was
determined per pack or per cigarette.  Mr. Gardner replied
that it had been distilled down per unit, per cigarette.
Mr. Gardner did not know the formula used to determine that
Co-Chair Therriault referenced Page 4:  "The Commissioner of
Department of Revenue shall adopt regulations to ascertain
the amount of excise tax on cigarettes".  Mr. Gardner
explained that the purpose of that section was to guarantee
that to the extent that the Department of Revenue could,
under existing statute or regulation, they would be given
the regulatory authority to adopt regulations.  The escrow
account will be based on taxable sales of tobacco into the
Representative J. Davies asked if the deposit of money into
the escrow account would limit the liability of these
companies.  Mr. Gardner acknowledged that was an interesting
perspective and that the industry might try to make that
argument, however, he thought such an argument would be a
"loser".  There is no intention to limit liability but
rather to provide for some sort of compensation.
Representative J. Davies questioned the earnings of the
escrow account.  Mr. Gardner advised that no money could be
released from the escrow account for a period of twenty-five
(25) years.  It is intended that it become an income-
producing stream for companies.
Co-Chair Mulder calculated that the State would need to sell
130 million packs of cigarettes in order to arrive at the
$20 million dollar amount for the escrow account.  Mr.
Gardner suggested that Department of Revenue would be better
able to generate information regarding those calculations.
Representative Grussendorf asked if payment on an agreement
would be tax deductible.  Mr. Gardner did not know, however,
thought that there would be a difference between a
settlement and an agreement.
Representative Foster referenced the letter from the
Governor in member's packets.  He asked if the items
recommended by the Governor would be the best use for the
funds.  Mr. Gardner reiterated that the proposed statute
would create an escrow account.  The purpose of the statute
would not be revenue generating for the State but rather to
provide a claim to potentially satisfy a judgment or
settlement against a company.  Discussion followed between
Representative Foster and Mr. Gardner regarding the
Governor's letter and its relationship to the legislation.
Co-Chair Therriault referenced Page 4 & 5, "Certificate of
Compliance" requirement.  He asked if that action would
consist of a written letter.  Mr. Gardner agreed that the
"letter" was not well defined, leaving that statute open, in
order that the Commissioner of Department of Revenue,
through regulation, could recommend considerations.  Mr.
Gardner suggested that the letter would need to address
taxable volume coming into the State.
(Tape Change HFC 99 - 52, Side 2).
Representative J. Davies asked the intent of the model
issue.  Mr. Gardner explained that within a provision under
state law, advertising would be restricted from those
companies and would be considered unconstitutional.  There
is a limit as to what the State can legislate.
Co-Chair Therriault asked without a settlement, could the
State require tobacco companies to set up an escrow system
like this.  Mr. Gardner believed that it was possible that
the State could have done that, however, it would be
difficult because the litigation brought out all the
problems with tobacco and health related issues.  If there
had been no litigation, it would have been difficult for the
Legislature to make a "finding" to create such escrow
accounts for protecting the public.
Co-Chair Therriault stressed that there has been no court
finding, only a settlement.  Mr. Gardner agreed that it was
during a settlement, however, that the litigation process
unearthed the documents which illustrate all the problems
and health effects.  Ultimately, those documents have
painted the picture of serious health problems.  Without the
litigation and settlement, it would have been difficult for
the Legislature to have done this.
Representative Bunde characterized the model legislation as
a "take it or leave it" piece.  Mr. Gardner pointed out that
every word and punctuation mark in the bill was determined
through extensive negotiation with the industry.  He
reiterated, it took 1.5 months of hard bargaining to create
the bill before the Committee.  Three (3) of the 46
jurisdictions have adopted the model legislation.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if the State does not participate
in the program, would payments be reduced by 60%.  Mr.
Gardner explained that if the model statute is passed, the
way that it is, the State of Alaska would not be subject to
any non-participating manufacturer adjustments, however, if
Alaska determined that the statute was unconstitutional,
that would not be the result.  In that event, the State
would be subject to a 65% reduction.  Co-Chair Therriault
asked if it were not passed, would the State be subject to
100% lose.  Mr. Gardner replied that it could be zeroed out.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if there had been any unanswered
questions from the meeting in the House Judiciary Committee.
Mr. Gardner replied that the Attorney General Botelho had
testified before that Committee.  He did not know if all
questions had been answered.
Representative Grussendorf requested that if amendments were
being offered, on Page 3, Line 11, the word "generally" be
deleted.  Co-Chair Therriault additionally request further
clarification of "financial obligation".  Representative
Bunde asked why the bill would sunset in 25 years.
HB 102 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
"An Act repealing the prohibition against the taking of
antlerless moose."
EDDIE GRASSER, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY MASEK, advised
that HB 114 would remove the statutory stipulations
requiring advisory committees to approve anterless hunts
before the Board of Game can implement them.  He stated that
it would effectively reduce the time involved in
implementing anterless hunts, as well as save money.
Mr. Grasser continued, since 1975, the Board of Game has
been required to obtain the approval of a majority of the
local advisory committees in proximity to the game
management unit for which the hunt is proposed.  The
requirement has caused the Department of Fish and Game and
the Board, time and expense to pursue antlerless moose
hunts.  Originally, the provision was instigated on behalf
of Alaskans who felt that cow moose hunts were wrong for a
variety of reasons regardless of the biological evidence.
Since then, the Department has managed to educate most
Alaskans about the benefits of anterless hunts in relation
to overall population dynamics and quality of habitat.
Mr. Grasser stated that HB 114 would benefit the State and
the Board of Game by streamlining the regulatory process
providing a cost savings to the State in time and money.
The Board costs about $10 thousand dollars a day in order to
be in session.
Co-Chair Therriault questioned if the Department of Fish and
Game's fiscal note adequately reflected the anticipated
savings.  Mr. Grasser ascertained that the Department
hastily had calculated the fiscal note, however, he believed
that there would not be huge savings.  In response to Co-
Chair Therriault, Mr. Grasser informed members that an
antlerless moose is a cow moose.
Representative Grussendorf voiced concern with the
Department not being able to call emergency closures to
regulate the stocks.
Representative Bunde spoke in support of the legislation.
He went on to say that scientific research has proven that
anterless harvest can be beneficial.  Representative
Austerman asked if the reason for the legislation was that
the advisory board was no longer needed.  Mr. Grasser
explained that historical record has proven that they are no
longer required.  He pointed out that anterless moose hunts
are the only regulated hunt in the State, which require this
special step to take place before the hunt can begin.  He
added that in Alaska, it is legal to hunt cow caribou, nanny
goats and sows without cubs.
MATTHEW ROBUS, ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, stated that the
Department supports HB 114 which would repeal the
requirement to annually reauthorize each moose hunt in the
State.  Current law causes an unnecessary burden and some
extra costs to the Department staff.  The present Board of
Game cycle addresses four regions of the State once every
two years.  The Department is forced every spring to address
every anterless moose season in the State.  Each spring,
area biologists and advisory committees are required to go
through this process.
Mr. Robus commented that the fiscal note was based on the
increased costs from the annual reauthorization exercise at
the Board of Game level.  There have been increased costs
for area biologists to travel to advisory boards.  Those
costs are not well reflected in the note, and he admitted
that there could be additional savings.  Mr. Robus urged
passage of the legislation to achieve better wildlife
management while saving money.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if the "other" travel by the
biologists would be listed in the Fish and Game fund or the
general fund travel expenditure.  Mr. Robus replied it would
be listed in the fish and game funds and the federal program
receipt funds.
Representative Grussendorf commented that if the advisory
boards were no longer used, the Department would be called
upon more often to address questions and give advice to the
Board of Game.  He suggested that would result in not much
savings.  Mr. Robus replied that the Department meets with
the advisory committees quite regularly and offered
assurance that if there was a problem, it would continue to
be addressed.  Area biologists have emergency authority
delegated to address any harvest season.
Mr. Robus continued, there has been much effort put into
working situations out with advisory committees.  He
recommended that it is always better to address concerns at
a local level.  Advisory committees will continue to be
involved in the management process.  Mr. Robus added that
the federal subsistence process and the dual management
system have substantially modified the State's jurisdiction
for wildlife.
Representative Bunde advised that the legislation does not
preclude advisory board participation; it simply removes
their statutory veto power.  He added that advisory boards
will participate on many subjects and would continue to be
involved on important concerns.
DAVID KELLYHOUSE, ALASKA OUTDOOR COUNCIL, FAIRBANKS,
acknowledged that the test of any good government is its
willingness to take unnecessary and expensive regulations
off statute when the opportunity arises to save money.  He
urged the Committee's support of the legislation.
Representative Foster MOVED to report HB 114 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
fiscal note.  There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 114 was reported out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a fiscal note by the Department of
Fish and Game dated 3/16/99.
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 P.M.
H.F.C. 9 3/23/99


Toronto – June 1, 2017 – The news today out of Woodstock is heart wrenching and incredibly tragic. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families impacted, but also with the residents and staff at these homes, and indeed all others across our province.
This is the first time something like this has ever occurred in Ontario's long-term care sector. In the midst of this difficult time it's so important that we do not lose sight of th e crucial role that long-term care homes play in caring for our loved ones. Each and every year there are over 100,000 seniors receiving high quality care and support through our homes and therefore it is crucial that we continue to reinforce just how rare this incident was.
Ontario's long-term care homes continue to be the safest in the North America and we are proud of our staff who do so much to care for the thousands of residents who have increasingly complex medical needs. We encourage everyone to not use the actions of this individual to pass judgement and negatively characterize the important role our nurses, PSWs and other front line staff that play in supporting and caring for the thousands of seniors and families our homes serve each and every day.