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Just months after Barak Obama swept into office on a campaign promise of “Change You Can Believe In,” the emergence of grass-roots opposition to his agenda in the form of Tea Parties has the far-left distraught. Pro-Obama reporters have depicted the Tea Party gatherings as angry mobs and have accused participants of hurling racial epithets at black members of Congress. In the forefront of the drive to create a false sense of hysteria is the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
In their report, “Rage on the Right: The Year in Hate and Extremism,” Intelligence Report, Spring 2010, asserts that the Tea Party movement is “shot through with rich veins of radical ideas, conspiracy theories and racism.” They quote radical scribe Chip Berlet, who breathlessly charges, “We are in the midst of one of the most significant right-wing populist rebellions in United States history.” The SPLC goes on to complain that only 25 percent of respondents to a recent NBC News/ Wall Street Journal poll think the federal government can be trusted. And, according to the SPLC, another dangerous sign of the times is the introduction in 37 state legislatures of “Tenth Amendment Resolutions,” based on the constitutional provision keeping all powers not explicitly given to the federal government with the states.
As anyone who has participates in a Tea Party can attest, the rallies are polite and peaceful, most often resembling family picnics on the Fourth of July. They are attended by mainstream Americans who are protesting, not hating. These Americans are just fed up with out-of-control government spending, the bail-outs of failed banks, car companies, and mortgage brokers who, the public was repeatedly told, are “too big to fail.” And note how defense of the Constitution is, in the eyes of the SPLC and their allies, an extreme position.
The SPLC, in their Summer 2010 Intelligence Report, castigates “The Enablers,” namely, “mainstream figures in politics and the media” who, they claim, are abetting “the resurgent antigovernment ‘Patriot’ movement….” According to the SPLC, the chief “Enablers” are:
• U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), who they charge with “spreading fear of a menacing federal government infested with anti-American elements” and who has “used her office as a megaphone for outrageous claims and conspiracy theories.”
• U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), who the SPLC dubs the “Doctor of Demonization.” They complain that Broun, a M.D. by profession, publically attacked the Obama Administration’s health care “reform.” He is also “guilty” of defending the Second Amendment. These smear merchants complain that he called Nancy Pelosi “a domestic enemy of the Constitution.”
• U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, “Dr. No” as he is popularly known. The SPLC states that Rep. Paul “represents an accessible brand of patriot politics that helps validate and stoke fears of an overreaching government on the far right.”
• Glenn Beck, the popular Fox News Channel host, is “The Ringmaster” of the Tea Party movement, according to SPLC.
• Judge Andrew Napolitano, called “Fox Pox” by SPLC, is censured for speaking to pro-liberty activists who want to “cut the size and scope of government by about two-thirds or more.”
Without perceived “threats” the SPLC is out of business. Its business model is to issue “reports” charging anyone to their right is “a growing threat.” They embellish these absurd claims with bogus percentage increases of decried activity from one year to the next.
• warned of the “growing threat” of skinheads in 1989.
• In 1992 claimed, without evidence that “white supremacist groups” grew by 27 percent from the year before;
• In 1995 the SPLC created a nation-wide sense of hysteria over the false claim that black churches were being set on fire by racists. The SPLC charged that the FBI was unaware that “black church fires have risen dramatically.” But after careful investigation, it turned out that this “epidemic of hatred” was “a deliberate hoax,” as Michael Fumento detailed in articles in The Wall Street Journal and The American Spectator. In fact, there was a dramatic drop in the number of church arsons, with no evidence that black churches were being targeted. In the wake of this inflammatory campaign, the SPLC should have been thoroughly discredited;
• In 1998 the SPLC warned that the Internet was responsible for “the biggest surge in hate in America in years;”
• The following year the SPLC warned that internet-based hate groups increased 60 percent;
• In 2002 the SPLC charged that post-September 11 hate groups were on the rise;
• In 2004 the SPLC once again charged that skinhead groups had doubled from the previous year;
• In 2008 the SPLC warned that “hate groups” increased 48 percent since 2000.
As civil rights and anti-death penalty attorney Stephen B. Bright wrote,
Morris Dees is a con man and a fraud. He has raised millions upon millions of dollars with various schemes, never mentioning that he does not need the money because he has $175 million and two “poverty palace” buildings in Montgomery. He has taken advantage of naïve, well-meaning people “some of moderate or low incomes” who believe his pitches and give to his $175-million operation. He has spent most of what they have sent him to raise still more millions, pay high salaries, and promote himself. [“The Southern Poverty Business Model,” by Ken Silverstein, Harper’s, November 2, 2007.]
Concerned citizens should ask: Who is really fanning the flames of fear?
About the author
Wayne Lutton is the editor of The Social Contract and a columnist for Middle American News.
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Please note: delivery times subject to stock availability. We import directly from Russia where shungite is found. If your desired product is out of stock we will reorder but this process can take up to a month or more.
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Shungite is a Precambrian rock, a metamorphosed coal, which is a transition phase from anthracite to graphite. Its colour is black.
Shungite as a gift of fortune can help to preserve our health. Its curative properties are striking.
Shungite is unique to Karelia, Russia. It is the only rock in the world that contains fullerenes – a newly discovered form of the existence of carbon in the form of spherical ions. When interacting with water Shungite releases curative complexes of fullerenes into water. These complexes work like Martial waters which assist in the healing of skin diseases, wounds, burns, cure allergies, diabetes, stomatitis, parodontosis, hair loss, cosmetic defects…
The importance of the fullerenes discovery can be proved by the fact that on October 9th, 1996 the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Professor Robert F. Curl Jr., Professor Sir Harold W. Kroto and Professor Richard E. Smalley for the discovery of fullerenes.
Viewing the black shungite products also gives aesthetic pleasure, but this is not the most important property thereof. The most important is the powerful influence on a human body. Nowadays about two million people use shungite filters, medicines and products. Besides, shungite is a “consoling” stone, a stone that takes away negative energy. Its comprehension is just beginning. Many healers in Russia and in the East acknowledge the healing power of shungite. There is an opinion that in lithotherapy only those stones can be used the properties of which have been tested throughout centuries. Shungite is the best example of the fact that not all the stones have been discovered and studied.
Thanks to good luck and the genius of Peter the Great, the first Russian spa (Martial Waters near Petrozavodsk) was opened on a shungite deposit, and for 300 years many generations of Russians have been treated by shungite water, unaware of the fullerenes and fullerites that were discovered only recently. Treatment of many diseases by the waters of this resort, absent of any harmful effects or limitations, affirm that the use of shungite in filters for drinking water and as part of different medicines is absolutely harmless and maximally beneficial. Such a conclusion has been made by researchers and confirmed by the authoritative opinions of the representatives of the Saint Petersburg Military Medical Academy where the curative properties of all the shungite products and medicines have been carefully tested and studied.
The study of the effect of shungite on electromagnetic fields showed that it can be used as a certain protection against electromagnetic fields of cell phones, TV-sets, monitors and the so-called geopathogenic zones.
In recent years, people made gravel of an unattractive-looking ashy-black rock. That was the only industrial use of shungite. Later the specialists began to pay more attention to this unusual rock. After staying under the ground for many hundred million years it has become neither graphite nor diamond. In general the curative properties of shungite have been known for a long time. But as is often the case, everything old is new again.
“For the Lord by His Grace deigned to reveal here such a healing water (that hadn’t been known before) which has not only healed the sick, but also has been useful for Ourselves with Our family and many notable persons, … more than the other waters We used”, – these words are written in the fifth volume of “The Complete Collection of the Laws of the Russian Empire since 1649”.
The secret of origin
Scientists estimate that the age of shungite is about two billion years. Externally the rock resembles coal, but it occurs in the very old layers of crust that formed at the time when there was no life on Earth.
So, how did this strange rock occur?
Well, at that time there were no woods on our planet from which carbon compounds (stones, coal etc.) could occur. And suddenly there are huge deposits of wonderful minerals…
There are several scientific theories that explain the origin of shungite.
First of all, there is an assumption that the shallow bays of the ancient sea were inhabited by some primitive microscopic organisms. Marine deposits saturated with these organic residues served as a basic material for shungite formation.
According to another version a rather exotic shungite is a part of a huge meteorite that brought to Earth a piece of a broken planet Phaeton (a planet where there was once an oxygen life form). The huge piece brought along this form of life, and a shungite deposit occurred at the place where it fell.
Some researchers assert that the shape and structure of shungite bodies have features and characteristics of igneous substances. Maybe the volcanic outburst of a shungite substance into the atmosphere played the same role as a hypothetical piece of Phaeton planet.
Well, be that as it may, there occurred a mineral that has no analogues – both in its healing properties and in the variety of qualities. Shungite heals, saves, purifies, protects, normalises, restores and even grows! (Yes, the famous Karelian black soil at the Tolvuysky farm is nothing else but shungite screes. In rather massive stones the largest potatoes of the North grow).
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We all use language. Every day. In conversation at home, on the cellphone, or at work. Reading a news site or writing e-mail. Words communicate meaning, ideas, stories. Each one of us has a personal story. Each story is individual and unique. Our stories are communicated using words and language, and each individual has a creative, unique way to tell his or her story.
The story of a personal life makes sense because it is part of a larger story, the Story that has the story of Jesus Christ at its center. This story of God’s initiative calls for my gratitude and response, a Story some theologians have called ‘the history of salvation.’ It is the Story set forth in the Word of God that crosses boundaries and transcends lines of race, class, culture and age.
Our Scripture text for tonight, the first 14 verses of John’s Gospel, is a restatement of an old theme. Remember Genesis 1:1? “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Scholars believe the apostle John was thinking of that introduction to the Greatest Story ever told. John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word.” John reframed that Story, and gave it a new look from a different perspective.
The almighty God wanted to communicate with us puny, limited human beings. But how was God supposed to communicate God’s Story? What with the stress, anxiety, isolation and depression running rampant, all across our country? For that matter, what about communicating God’s Story in the time of COVID?
The Gospel of John tells us how, no matter what the earthly situation holds. In the beginning was the Word. The Word was God. The Word is God. Jesus is the Word. John 1:14 says that the Word, Jesus, became flesh, and . . . the Word dwelt among us.
Think about it: the whole idea of God becoming a helpless baby, able to feel cold and heat, to be hungry and thirsty, with blood and bones, a nervous system and a digestive system. So staggering was this idea that some of the people in John’s day could not believe it. God? the creative God who made heaven and earth? Coming to earth as a helpless, human baby? No way!!
And, not only did this Creator God appear in creation so that our eyes could see Him, this almighty God has the crazy idea of dwelling among people. Becoming one of us limited human beings, sharing our food and living in our midst. Jesus became fully man. He didn’t just seem to be a man, and pretend to be human. He really and truly became man, living with us as one of us.
What a way for the almighty, eternal, creative God to communicate to us in a way that we limited human beings might possibly understand. God also wanted humanity to understand His Word made flesh, the one called Jesus of Nazareth.
A good many years ago, a bible translator went to a remote, mountainous region in the interior of Africa. He worked hard at turning an obscure oral language into a written language, which involved decoding the language, writing a grammar, learning extensive vocabulary, and finally translating a portion of the Bible into the heart language of that particular people-group.
After years of intense work and language preparation, when he felt he was ready, the missionary made his presentation of the Story of Jesus to a group of headmen from the tribe. He was surprised at their response, which was unlike any he had ever had before in all his years of telling people the Story of Jesus. The men just sat there in silence. Then, the chief came forward.
The chief grasped the missionary’s hands and, with tears in his eyes, thanked him for coming to tell them the Story of Jesus. “This Story of good news is the one my people have waited for, all their lives long!!” And then came the clincher: the chief asked, “Your tribe has had this Story for many, many years. What took you so long to tell us?”
This is a Story that can change people’s lives for eternity. Telling the God’s story in someone’s heart language is one of the best ways to communicate how much God loves us.
Praise the Lord that God sent Jesus into this world, the Word incarnate, the Word that became a helpless baby in Bethlehem. Praise God that God has repaired that broken relationship with us, and to be called the children of God. The Lord loved us so much that God gave His only begotten Son on our behalf, to reconcile us to God for eternity.
(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2020: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog, A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged almighty God, children of God, God's story, human baby, in the beginning, Jesus Christ, John 1:14, reconcile, the Word, the Word made flesh, unique, Word of God | Leave a comment |
Good News of Great Joy!
December 21, 2020 by chaplaineliza
Luke 2:8-16 (2:10) – December 20, 2020
Do you need Good News? So many are discouraged. Disconnected. Downhearted. This disconnected year of 2020 makes us all feel isolated and separated, even with the computer and social media. Especially at holiday time.
The shepherds needed some Good News, too. On those hilltops around Bethlehem, they were not exactly welcome in the general society of the town, either. Focusing on today’s Scripture reading, Dr. Luke tells us about the shepherds, abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. But, he does not mention anything about the low position they held in society.
Did you ever think you had something in common with those shepherds? This year of the pandemic, we certainly do. We all experience a real disconnect and isolation in society—and so did the shepherds.
Throughout the centuries, in many situations, Christians have found themselves set at a distance from society at large. As you are feeling a similar kind of discombobulation, it may be that there is some solidarity in our worldwide disconnection.
Differences in language can be a real barrier between people, too. It does not matter whether a family comes to a new land or a different area in times of conflict, or famine, or some other upheaval. If you are unfamiliar with the common language spoken in the area in which you are now living, that can be a huge disconnect, too. That is a large reason why ethnic groups of people gather together in towns and cities—for solidarity, social purposes, and for ease in communication.
I worked as a chaplain at Swedish Covenant Hospital for a number of years. I can remember how particularly touched an elderly woman was when I spoke to her with the few words of Polish I knew. This woman from Poland had dementia, and there was no one working in the hospital that evening who spoke Polish. I heard about this very sick woman when I went to the nurses’ station. I told them I just knew a very few Polish words. However, a few nurses encouraged me to come to her bedside and say those few words—which I did. It calmed the woman immediately, and the nurse and CNA were so grateful to me.
Even a few words in a familiar language can bridge that disconnect and barrier, and make a stranger feel more at home, more connected.
But, the disconnect for the shepherds was even more than that. “By the time of Jesus, shepherding had become a profession most likely to be filled from the bottom rung of the social ladder, by persons who could not find what was regarded as decent work. Society stereotyped shepherds as liars, degenerates, and thieves. The testimony of shepherds was not admissible in court, and many towns had ordinances barring shepherds from their city limits.” [1]
Imagine the difference in class between the shepherds and the bulk of the townspeople of Bethlehem. Certain people live “on the wrong side of the tracks,” or “on the other side of town.” Or, perhaps they come from the hill country, or down by the river.
For that matter, can you believe the disconnect between all people on earth and the angels? When the angels came to communicate their Good News to humanity, who were they sent to, first thing? Not the wealthy, in their expensive houses. Not the leaders of the community, or the rabbis or ministers of the houses of worship. No, the angels came to the lowly shepherds in the hill country, who did not even rate a home or a welcome among the “decent folk” in the middle of town.
I know this is not quite the same as the shepherds’ loneliness, but have you been feeling the isolation of COVID-19? Not being able to connect, or go out for coffee, or sit down with a friend or relative for a meal? Isn’t this similar to the shepherds’ isolation and loneliness?
The angels did not observe the class consciousness of society, or the language barriers or color barriers of so much of our world. No! The angels sent from God brought glad tidings of great joy to ALL the people. Not just some select few, not even to most of the earth’s population. No! This Good News came to ALL the people. To all with a spiritual disconnect, too!
The angels came to the “fields of the isolated, the disenfranchised and the forgotten, or in our own painful places of spiritual wilderness, because God speaks the good news of Christ’s coming there. God brings great joy to those who need it most there.” [2]
Whether we are isolated spiritually, or disconnected in real life, God wishes to draw ALL of us in to the Good News of the birth of God’s Son. Regardless of where we come from, or where we are right now, we are welcome.
Do you hear? Each of us is special—each one of us has the angel of the Lord bringing Good News to us—personally. Glad tidings of great joy, no matter what!
(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2020: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog, A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!
December 14, 2020 by chaplaineliza
Luke 2:1-7 – December 13, 2020
Welcoming babies into the world is such a joyous occasion. One of the first things most people do is spread the news about the new baby. When and where the baby was born, how big it was, whether it was a girl or a boy, and what the parents decided to name the baby are all details that are joyously spread, as soon as possible.
I wonder . . . what would God’s birth announcement look like?
In the fullness of time, God’s Son came into the world. Prophesied in many passages from the Hebrew Scriptures, foretold for centuries before His coming. Looking at the Hebrew Scripture passage for today, Isaiah 9, the prophet tells his readers about the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, who is the coming Messiah.
Throughout the Advent season, we prepare for the coming of this Messiah. Soon we will celebrate the earthly birthday of the Babe of Bethlehem, the Savior of the World, the only begotten Son. Our Lord Jesus Christ, our savior and redeemer came into this fallen world as a baby. Emptying Himself of all His vast, eternal God-ness, and being born as a human baby.
I wonder: what would God’s birth announcement look like?
I think we have a pretty good idea, if we take a look at the second chapter of Luke. Doctor Luke gives a full accounting of what went on in those days. What an unexpected sort of announcement!
Let’s look at the parents of the Baby, first of all. The mother, Mary of Nazareth, is not even married yet. Sure, she’s engaged to this carpenter, Joseph, but they haven’t yet been fully joined in marriage. Marriage in those days, in the Jewish culture, was a several-step process.
We read in chapter 1 of Luke that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and she conceived. Is Joseph the father of this Baby? No. Joseph could not believe this part, until assisted by some heavenly help. An angel came and reassured Joseph that Mary was on the up and up, and that the baby inside of Mary was really the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
The circumstances of the birth are not quite the typical birth scenario, either. Imagine the birth of a baby today. Chances are that the baby would be born in a hospital, with the latest medical technology available, just in case. Not so for Mary, the mother of Jesus. Not only did she have the baby Jesus in less than optimum circumstances, in terms of hygiene and medical needs, but she was also far from her home as well.
Mary and Joseph were both far away from familiar people, places and things. They were travelers, like many people in the town of Bethlehem at that time. Luke 2 tells us that there wasn’t any place for them to stay—anywhere. Because of the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, the town of Bethlehem was mobbed.
Since Bethlehem was the ancestral home of King David, that meant there were quite a lot of people who had to be counted who were descended from David. We can see, from the offering that Mary and Joseph offered to the Lord shortly after the birth of the baby Jesus, that they did not have very much money.
Bethlehem must have been very crowded indeed, if a woman about to give birth couldn’t find even a room to have her baby in. We could even take it a step further, and draw some definite similarities between Mary and Joseph and some other young, homeless couple going to have a new baby, searching for a place to spend the night.
I remember a suburban church I attended a number of years ago. One of the smaller trees near the front door to the sanctuary was practically covered with blue ribbons. A sign was posted next to the tree, saying “While celebrating One homeless Family, these ribbons ask us to remember the homeless with us today.” I had never thought about the Holy Family in that way before. Again, it’s God’s unexpected way of announcing the birth of God’s Son.
While we’re thinking about where Mary had her baby, what about that manger, anyway? Jesus was a descendant of King David, through both His mother Mary and His adopted father, Joseph. A manger is an unexpected place to find a king. I don’t know about you, but I’d expect royalty to be born in a palace, or at least in a nice house.
And who are the people who first receive this birth announcement? Are they influential members of the community? Leaders of the local synagogues and teachers of the Law of Moses? Those would be the kinds of people who I might expect to have a birth announcement sent to them. But God doesn’t work that way. God does the unexpected, and chooses the most unlikely people to receive a hand-delivered message from the Lord of Hosts.
God sends a birth announcement in unexpected ways to unexpected people, in many situations, all over the world. When and where the Baby was born, the news that it was a boy, and that the parents decided to name this Baby Jesus—for He would save people from their sins—are all details that the shepherds joyously spread, as soon as possible.
Again, it’s God’s unexpected way of announcing the birth of His Son. Can you think of someone who hasn’t heard about this birth announcement? We today have the opportunity to spread the news about this Baby born in Bethlehem. And, we can joyously praise God, for Jesus is the savior and redeemer of the world, as was proclaimed so long ago.
(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2020: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog, A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!
December 7, 2020 by chaplaineliza
“Magnify the Lord with Me!”
Luke 1:38-56 (1:46) – December 6, 2020
Do you know any teenage girls? Any girls with the maturity and balance that teenaged Mary shows to us here? This kind of maturity and balance in one so young is not very plentiful among teens, believe me.
Socially and culturally, Mary was in an awkward situation. Even, a tight spot. A young woman (for, that was what Mary was considered, in the culture of her day), pledged to be married, who turns up pregnant. Scandalous! I am sure the old biddies in Nazareth were clucking about Mary’s situation—and character—and a whole lot more.
While we, today, may read this narrative and think, “what a nice bible story!” this reading today is much more than that. Mary decides to go and visit her older cousin Elizabeth, in the hills of Judah. Elizabeth has miraculously gotten pregnant several months earlier. (The angel Gabriel told Mary so!) Two miraculous pregnancies, two women blessed by God. Plus, Elizabeth was an older, wiser woman, able to be a companion and mentor to the teenage Mary.
Yes, Mary’s extended visit to Elizabeth probably was comforting and encouraging to Mary. However, my attention is drawn to Mary’s song. The Magnificat is a tremendous counter-cultural song, turning everything in the political and cultural order upside down and topsy-turvy.
Do you have any experience with an extended situation turning our world today upside down and topsy-turvy? Any disease or pandemic that is causing nationwide—even worldwide disruption and confusion? These two instances do not have a direct one-to-one correspondence, but there are many similarities here! The political and cultural upheaval Mary sings about in the Magnificat will greatly upend the established order of things. And, in many ways today, so will the COVID pandemic and its surrounding upheaval.
I am reminded of a fellow professor friend of one of my Bible commentators. She grew up as a missionary kid in a poverty-stricken area in the Philippines. “Growing up among that nation’s poor, Professor Malcolm has reported that when they heard Mary’s Psalm, it was the first time that anyone had told them the good news that God cares about them — the poor, the oppressed.” [1] Some people in poverty have never heard this Good News! “Christ has come to challenge the structures of sin, death, the devil, and oppression. Christ has come in the strength of the Lord to do what the Lord has always done: lift up the lowly, free the enslaved, feed the hungry, give justice to the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner.” [2]
Imagine Mary, having the maturity and the balance to sing such a radical, counter-cultural song! Is there some secret that Mary knew about, helping her to stay balanced and level-headed during all the upset and disruption of her unexpected pregnancy and the surrounding gossip and backbiting and sometimes outright nastiness of her fellow townspeople? Did Elizabeth aid her in finding this hope and balance, this calmness and serenity?
Knowing what we do about the marvelous words of the Magnificat, and its similarity to Hannah’s song from 1 Samuel 2, we can learn from Mary. Her strength was in her trust in the Lord. Her faith was in God’s mighty power to overthrow society’s structures and the cultural norms of her day. Although our continuing situation is not exactly similar to Mary’s, we can still rely on God, too. Our strength can be our trust in the Lord. Our faith can be in God’s mighty power to overcome society and cultural norms.
I’d like to think that Mary had a pleasant voice. Not operatic quality, although I do enjoy the voices of people who have studied and trained their voices into wonderful instruments! I can see how Mary knowingly turned for help to the One who would never leave her nor forsake her. Singing is one deep-seated way to come to God in prayer, in sadness, in hope and in joy.
As commentator David Lose says, “songs are powerful. Laments express our grief and fear so as to honor these deep and difficult emotions and simultaneously strip them of their power to incapacitate us. Songs of praise and thanksgiving unite us with the One to whom we lift our voices. And canticles of courage and promise not only name our hopes but also contribute to bringing them into being.” [3]
As we come before God in these next days and weeks ahead, perhaps we may come with trust and faith. Trust and faith in the God who is always with us, even through dark valleys, even through sickness, depression, despair and death.
And may we, like Mary, lift up Mary’s radical song of resistance. Even though there is so much oppression and evil, and so much disease and despair in the world, God has brought light and hope into the world with the birth of God’s Messiah.
I pray that you, like Mary, find joy even in the darkness of this particular Advent season of 2020. I also pray that the songs of Advent and Christmas bring light and hope to you as you draw closer to God each day. Alleluia, amen!
[2] Ibid.
[3] https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/a-promise-that-changes-the-world
(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2020: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog, A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged counter-cultural, faith in God, Luke 1, Magnificat, Mary, Mary's song, maturity, Messiah, oppression, pandemic, trust God, visitation | Leave a comment |
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I turned around to find an older woman at the end of the juice aisle. She was pushing a cart of groceries and hesitated for just a moment as she made eye contact with me, smiling.
"Oh...thank you!" I replied. With no children on hand, I realized that she must have recognized me from my picture. "What is your name?"
The sweet lady stopped altogether, and introduced herself as Sarah, a nurse for the past 50 years, and a reader of the blog since before our kids were born. We chatted for a few minutes about the kids and how they are doing developmentally, before we went our separate ways.
But she said something else during our conversation that I haven't forgotten, even though our encounter was several months ago. She said, "I've seen you here several times before. I told my husband that you must live in the area, but I've never wanted to stop and bother you. But today I decided that I was just going to say something!"
If ever there was a time when I needed to hear her words of encouragement, that was the day.
Recently, I've been having a sort of internal crisis. I've been blogging for more than three years, and freelance writing for almost as long. The beautiful thing about writing, is that for an introvert like myself, it perfectly fits my comfort level. The unfortunate part of writing is that it requires you to put yourself out there. In three years, I've grown used to some of the judgmental comments made about me and my family. It just goes with the territory. And by and large, people really are kind. But recently, there have been some extra things said that have really knocked me down.
So far down that for the last several months, I've daily considered stopping altogether.
"Whatever made me think that anything I write is worthwhile?"
"People keep private journals all the time. There is no reason to keep a blog."
"I've fooled myself into thinking I'm a decent writer."
"If I shut down my blog, I won't even be missed. The kids won't care about reading this stuff when they are older anyway."
"At least then, people will like me."
The internal dialogue would play over and over again as I felt myself going through the motions of writing. I don't mind disagreement or healthy debate, but the mean, personal attacks were getting to be too much. At one point, I asked Sean through tears, "Is this worth it? Is writing worth it? I love it so much, but is it worth the stress and the frustration of trying to be real, transparent, and approachable when I know not everyone likes that?"
He said it was worth it. And so that's what I've clung to as I've tried to find my feet again.
But then, out of the blue, between picking up three loaves of bread for that week's sandwiches, and getting excited that I can now buy butter in two pound packages, a lady who I'd never met, stopped to encourage me in the juice aisle.
I can't even imagine what she thought when I turned around. No makeup, hair unbrushed and hastily pulled back into a ponytail, coughing from a recent cold, and dark circles under my eyes. And then, believe it or not, I pounced on this lady I'd never met and hugged her. I hugged her because she took a few minutes to encourage me, an exhausted mom who desperately needed to hear something positive.
Could she have known what she did for me? I doubt it. I doubt she thought as she rolled up to me, "Gee! I better say something because that lady is on the verge of quitting her blog, and holing up with her kids in an effort to avoid everyone." Instead, she just said something because she felt like that was the day.
I've thanked God over and over again for that conversation since then. Friends, you never know when something you say will have a lasting impact on someone. It doesn't even have to take more than a couple of minutes. Take a minute to encourage someone, especially if they don't look like they need it. Odds are, they need it the most.
And for goodness sake, if you see me out and about, stop me and say, "Hi!" I like meeting you all!
Also, I am *so* glad that I brushed my teeth that morning! I almost didn't!
"I love your blog!"
I turned around to find an older woman at the end of the juice aisle. She was pushing a cart of groceries and hesitated for just a moment as she made eye contact with me, smiling.
"Oh...thank you!" I replied. With no children on hand, I realized that she must have recognized me from my picture. "What is your name?"
The sweet lady stopped altogether, and introduced herself as Sarah, a nurse for the past 50 years, and a reader of the blog since before our kids were born. We chatted for a few minutes about the kids and how they are doing developmentally, before we went our separate ways.
But she said something else during our conversation that I haven't forgotten, even though our encounter was several months ago. She said, "I've seen you here several times before. I told my husband that you must live in the area, but I've never wanted to stop and bother you. But today I decided that I was just going to say something!"
If ever there was a time when I needed to hear her words of encouragement, that was the day.
Recently, I've been having a sort of internal crisis. I've been blogging for more than three years, and freelance writing for almost as long. The beautiful thing about writing, is that for an introvert like myself, it perfectly fits my comfort level. The unfortunate part of writing is that it requires you to put yourself out there. In three years, I've grown used to some of the judgmental comments made about me and my family. It just goes with the territory. And by and large, people really are kind. But recently, there have been some extra things said that have really knocked me down.
So far down that for the last several months, I've daily considered stopping altogether.
"Whatever made me think that anything I write is worthwhile?"
"People keep private journals all the time. There is no reason to keep a blog."
"I've fooled myself into thinking I'm a decent writer."
"If I shut down my blog, I won't even be missed. The kids won't care about reading this stuff when they are older anyway."
"At least then, people will like me."
The internal dialogue would play over and over again as I felt myself going through the motions of writing. I don't mind disagreement or healthy debate, but the mean, personal attacks were getting to be too much. At one point, I asked Sean through tears, "Is this worth it? Is writing worth it? I love it so much, but is it worth the stress and the frustration of trying to be real, transparent, and approachable when I know not everyone likes that?"
He said it was worth it. And so that's what I've clung to as I've tried to find my feet again.
But then, out of the blue, between picking up three loaves of bread for that week's sandwiches, and getting excited that I can now buy butter in two pound packages, a lady who I'd never met, stopped to encourage me in the juice aisle.
I can't even imagine what she thought when I turned around. No makeup, hair unbrushed and hastily pulled back into a ponytail, coughing from a recent cold, and dark circles under my eyes. And then, believe it or not, I pounced on this lady I'd never met and hugged her. I hugged her because she took a few minutes to encourage me, an exhausted mom who desperately needed to hear something positive.
Could she have known what she did for me? I doubt it. I doubt she thought as she rolled up to me, "Gee! I better say something because that lady is on the verge of quitting her blog, and holing up with her kids in an effort to avoid everyone." Instead, she just said something because she felt like that was the day.
I've thanked God over and over again for that conversation since then. Friends, you never know when something you say will have a lasting impact on someone. It doesn't even have to take more than a couple of minutes. Take a minute to encourage someone, especially if they don't look like they need it. Odds are, they need it the most.
And for goodness sake, if you see me out and about, stop me and say, "Hi!" I like meeting you all!
Also, I am *so* glad that I brushed my teeth that morning! I almost didn't!
Posted by Rebecca @ A Beautiful Ruckus at 10:07 PM
19 comments:
Suzi January 20, 2014 at 7:10 AM
Let me say, "Keep it up girl". You are doing something you love, you are creative and funny, you are open and transparent, but in being that, you open yourself up to criticism. In having worked with the public for many years, I can tell you there are a lot of very unhappy people out there who want to pass on the misery. I think putting comments on your blog (instead of having to say it to a person's face) is easy. Don't let them rain on your parade. Do what you enjoy! Many of us are blessed by your words!!
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Steph @ From the Burbs to the Boonies January 20, 2014 at 7:31 AM
Well shoot, I tried to comment but I think it disappeared, so if you get it twice, sorry :) I think it's so cool someone recognized you! Wow! And such a beautiful story of how well her comment was timed. God touched her heart to touch yours. I still can't believe you've gotten such nasty comments. I don't understand why people do that. But I, for one, would miss your words if they weren't here. I truly enjoy reading what you share.
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Jan January 20, 2014 at 8:07 AM
Getting recognized in public means you are a celebrity now! No turning back! :) I'm guessing for every few lovers, there will be a hater, not just in blogging, but in life. Embrace those that love you and tune out the haters!
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Adelina Priddis January 20, 2014 at 9:13 AM
haha, sorry I just laughed at your teeth brushing comment :) I am really glad she stopped and said hi to you. I've only been a reader for a little while, but I would miss you posting. God knows us and our needs, and will send people to answer our prayers.
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Unknown January 20, 2014 at 10:39 AM
Wonderful share thanks for the honesty. Keep writing keep sharing the negative comments and remarks only mean you have touched something in them that makes them reflect on themselves . It really isn't about you but how they are feeling and want to project on others. Best of luck look forward to your next share :)
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Kristin January 20, 2014 at 11:56 AM
Ya know...if I ever heard something like this, like EVER, I'd probably faint. Good for you. It must have been a great feeling. :)
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Brittany January 20, 2014 at 12:20 PM
Awww. Don't stop writing! I just found your blog recently, but I love reading it. And it's so true that we never know what kind of impact our words will have. All the more reason to go out of our way to share kind words with everyone we meet!
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Karen and Gerard January 20, 2014 at 2:01 PM
I enjoy your blog too. Try to ignore the mean comments and focus on all the good ones you get! Three years of blogging can get anyone down, we all go through dry spells and think of quitting now and then. I say blog on as long as you enjoy doing it, but don't feel as though you have to post every day.
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Anonymous January 20, 2014 at 4:47 PM
Wow, Your post brought tears to my eyes. I often think about our visit at the grocery store. Inner beauty and kindness shine through your face--- even without make-up. Your writing is so level-headed and thoughtful. You definitely have passion with talent. Mothering four little ones all at the same time 24/7 is incredibly difficult and you do an amazing job!!!! As for blogging -- you should do what is best for you and your family, but I hope you continue forever.
amazing job
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Steph @ From the Burbs to the Boonies January 27, 2014 at 2:39 PM
I was so hoping the person she wrote about would comment :) I just love to hear stories of when people touch each other's lives.
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Unknown January 20, 2014 at 5:59 PM
This is so beautiful! I am so thankful for that woman! As a new reader, I just want to read more and more. I have always felt that you are one of the best writers of the bazillion blogs out there. Genuinely, you need to know that!!
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Unknown January 20, 2014 at 8:01 PM
If you were to stop blogging, it would be like mourning the loss of a good friend. I would continue checking to see if you had changed your mind. God's blessings to you and your family.
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Unknown January 20, 2014 at 10:04 PM
This brought tears to my eyes honestly Becca. To think that anyone could ever be mean or judgemental to YOU of all people that I have known is horrible. I have told Sean on many occasions, if not everyone that I have mentioned it to, that you are an incredible mother, writer and person all around. People with that much anger in their heart that they would feel the need to lash out to you, I feel sad for. Whatever is going on in their lives that makes them feel just in acting out like that is disheartening. I adore you, your writings, and your family. God bless you for bringing smiles to everyone, whether you know it or not ;) Many hugs to you all.
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Anonymous January 21, 2014 at 12:02 AM
You just had me in tears!!! And then I burst out in laughter at the end. I know how days get hard and you really feel that giving up will be the easiest thing to do, but its so unsatisfying.
Keep on keeping on, because you are busy leaving a legacy!!! xxx
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Anonymous January 21, 2014 at 7:55 AM
Oh Becca, here's a cyberhug from me to you!! I just don't understand why people feel the need to be critical. They don't walk in your shoes! I'm a faithful reader of your blog and I would miss it sooo much! I feel like we're friends and wish I could your friend in real life. You are such an inspiration and I'm totally in awe of the way you handle four active toddlers! God bless!! Brenda F
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Anonymous January 21, 2014 at 8:26 AM
What a lovely post. Sometimes we just need those "God moments" to remind us that we can make a difference in our little corner of the world. And the neat thing is that our little corner of the world is HUGE! It can reach the entire world. Thanks for your words today. They are a good reminder that God can use us even when we don't feel that we are being used. Blessings!
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LA Botchar January 21, 2014 at 9:47 AM
What a wonderful thing for her to do! Just like Beth said above - a true God Moment.
I always say it is best to be your authentic self on the blog. Writing is not just a hobby for most of us: we bleed our thoughts, hopes, dreams, frustrations, joys out onto a page. We send our words out into the dark, hoping that to someone: they will be a Light. You never know when something you said, will be a blessing to another. So just kept at it!
Most of us never are lucky enough to get the feedback that we have touched another with out words.
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teresa January 21, 2014 at 8:20 PM
I'm a grandma that is being blessed by your blog. Thanking the Lord that you were blessed with encouragement at a time your heart truly needed it. I agree with the comments others have made that the negative comments most often reflect on the hurting soul that wrote them. Praying for you & your family. Continue to blog as it works for your family. We'll be grateful.
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Dawn Alexander January 24, 2014 at 6:40 AM
very well said. I don't think people often realize the power their words say - positive and negatively. I enjoy your blog. I like the ideas and tips you give and mostly hearing about your beautiful children. Shame on anyone who gives you hurtful words.
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Thank you so much for dropping by to visit! I'm Rebecca, the proud mama of Kansas City quadruplets born on February 23, 2011! This blog started as a way to keep our friends and family in the loop during our pregnancy and has been continued as a way to document our crazy, wonderful, blessed life!
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On the University of Maryland front, some of the social media have it right: the Board of Regents at the University of Maryland is living on an island. A student athlete has died, and the negligence of the football coach has been overlooked. The Board of Regents has voted to retain him and has indicated it will terminate the President Wallace Loh if Loh fires to coach. There is a pattern in the Big Ten: support the coaches, fire the administrators if necessary, claim that a "culture change" is needed, and then just hope everything is forgotten. In the new world of social media, however, neither Maryland, nor Ohio State, nor Michigan State or Penn State will be quickly forgotten. As these things tend to go, in the long run, we do not think football under Urban Meyer at Ohio State or under DJ Durkin at Maryland will prosper. What recruitee with other options would choose OSU or Maryland?
Fox Sports has reported record lows in viewership of the World Series. In the second half of October, as we have noted, the competition for viewers' attention is intense, and baseball does not complete with college and pro football. We recommend once again that the World Series be scheduled where sports fans need it: during the sports-date late August and Labor Day. Even our avocado-growing friends in Michoacan,Mexico understand this: they are preparing now to export extra avocados in January for the Super Bowl, but know they do not have any special market for the World Series.
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Political analysists and players on left, right and middle are observing the death of the Republican Party after the Senate failed to convict Trump as part of the Impeachment process in February, 2021
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Over the past week, campus has been reawakened with the noise and excitement of returning students bustling around, diving into classes and extracurricular activities and becoming reacquainted with the dining options on campus. Many were surprised, however, when they returned to discover that they could no longer use meal swipes at Sufficient Grounds (SG). "That's bogus," said senior Ashley Monday. "I mostly don’t understand why they did it." While freshmen were largely unaffected and unconcerned with the issue, many returning students were understandably upset at the perceived cutbacks, which left them with only two dining options for their meal swipes. Many speculated that the decision was one of many "budget cuts" they had seen over the past couple of years. Vice President for Business Services David Armstrong, Vice President for Student Development Shawn Holtgren, Sodexo General Manager Jim Metherd, and Senior Director of Auxiliary Services Ed Bernhard were the key individuals involved in making the decision. The Bethel Beacon spoke with Armstrong, who said the decision had less to do with money than students seem to think. "SG was not designed, was not built, to be a meal location," he said. "The original intent and design of the building is not sufficient to do meal preparation." Armstrong said that the kitchen was "really just more of a warming kitchen" and, as a result, SG staff were unable to keep up with the long lines and high demand for meals during breakfast and lunch. Armstrong also said the decision was affected by SG's proximity to the Dining Commons, which in his opinion made it an inefficient use of space. "Is it the best use, is it the best efficiency, to have two dining locations across the street from one another for a campus our size?" he said. "Front door of SG to the front door of the DC, It's only 220 feet." Armstrong said that all the food that was previously available through meal swipes at SG is now available at the Dining Commons, and the Acorn will now be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, students can still purchase food from SG using Bethel Bucks, cash or debit/credit cards. For nearly a week after the change was introduced, Sufficient Grounds remained nearly empty. Several students said they were "boycotting SG" in an effort to make their point. "Not gonna lie, it's pretty boring," said sophomore Natalie Hoist, a student worker at SG. "Like, hardly anyone comes in on our shifts and we get everything clean because that’s what we do when we don't have a lot of business, but it's pretty boring." Sufficient Grounds Manager Denise Amstutz said the boycott didn't deliver the changes many students had hoped to see through the boycott. "If anything, it made the opposite point," she said. "And I think students realized eventually that they weren't hurting SG, just themselves, by not coming." Now, there seems to be a consistent stream of students who visit, most of whom are looking for a quiet place to do homework. "The fact that they didn't tell us SG wasn't an option kinda messed up my meal plan," said sophomore Joshua King. He was eating at the Acorn with a group of friends, and the others nodded in agreement. "I don't like it because we, like, lose all our meal swipes," said sophomore Kristin Ford. Senior Tabatha Miller added, "I like how we had more than two options of places to eat before." Armstrong said that the cost to students for meal plans had gone up less than usual this year – just 3 percent as opposed to the 5 percent increase students normally see from year to year. However, some quick math shows that, once the amount of Bethel Bucks allotted per semester is deducted: * The 20-meal plan costs $6.25 per swipe (total cost $2,215 per semester, 17 weeks of usability, minus $90 in Bethel Bucks) * The 14-meal plan costs $8.26 per swipe (total cost $2,030 per semester, 17 weeks of usability, minus $60 in Bethel Bucks); and * The 10-meal plan costs $10.79 per swipe (total cost $1,885 per semester, 17 weeks of usability, minus $50 in Bethel Bucks). * The Flex 100 meal plan costs $16.82 per swipe (total cost $2,132 per semester, 100 swipes, minus $450 in Bethel Bucks) * The Flex 125 meal plan costs $14.26 per swipe (total cost $2,132 per semester, 125 swipes, minus $350 in Bethel Bucks) * The Flex 160 meal plan costs $11.76 per swipe (total cost $2,132 per semester, 160 swipes, minus $250 in Bethel Bucks) Despite the high costs per swipe for many of the meal plans, many more students are upset about having more limited options than before while the cost of the meal plans continues to increase. "We get Bethel Bucks, but we try not to use them up right away," said Monday. "We try to save them for Politos, like, when we get sick of campus food." Monday said she thinks the changes at SG will force students to re-evaluate how they plan to spend their Bethel Bucks. The changes didn't just affect student dining, however. Student worker hours at Sufficient Grounds were also cut, and some students who previously worked at Sufficient Grounds had to transfer to the Acorn or to the Dining Commons. "The important thing is, we're still here, ready to serve the students," Amstutz said. "I love students. I love Bethel." A forum is planned at Sufficient Grounds for Thursday evening, September 1 at 9:15 p.m., where students will have an opportunity to share their opinions on the issue.
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We have four Cavapoo pups born this morning. The temperature never lies and as I blogged yesterday concerns that Ysobel was going into the first stages of labour and that her temperature had dropped which is for a bitch a sure sign of labour beginning within 48 hours, Ysobel had me up all night, as she digged and digged her bed, panting and puffing and then at around 8 am we had the first strains with the first pup arriving at 8.20am and all done and dusted by 9.30am.
Ysobel is a very fast whelper and the first three pups where born in 20 minutes but unfortunately the third puppy was born dead and like her first ever litter you could see it had been dead for at least 24 hours and was probably why Ysobel had gone into labour early, as this Saturday is nine weeks since her first mating, so these pups are at least 3 nearly four days early. I would think the reason for this pup dying is that its placenta had detached at around 24 hours previous to birth as there was no fresh blood in the cord, the placenta was not a good colour and the pup had started to peel. Ysobel is a very agile girl and my suspicion is that her love for jumping down from and up onto the patio wall when even heavily pregnant may be the cause of this pups death and the pup in her first ever litter.
We have though thankfully four healthy pups and mum in fine fettle. Three of them are a very good size for full term let alone 3 to 4 days early and then we have Titch weighing in at only just 5 ounces but don't let his size fool you, he has needed no help and is latching on to mum, with a suction that you would be proud to have on a hoover.
Mum is cleaned up now and all afterbirths accounted for, my husband has come home now for a couple hours to take charge whilst I get a nap in.
I will be intouch in the next few days with people waiting on this litter. Photo's below show events as they happened and unlike Dolly when she gave birth there was not much time to blog between pups, once Ysobel starts labour there's no time to twiddle your thumbs.
Lastly a quick thank you James about the dog food. Eden is one of the two dog foods I am looking at, the other being Barking Heads. Have got my sample this morning of Eden, by the way the dogs where following me around as I carried the sample bag undone and my most discerning diner Toby (who I would like to get another pound or two of weight on over his back) tucked into it, my dogs may of just made the choice for me.
Enjoy the photo's time for shut eye for me.
Nearly forgot to say, "Three boys and one girl." My fault for all the boys, as I said to someone, "that as she had predominantly had girls I would hope for more girls than boys in this litter," I did also say to them, "I might regret saying that."
Wow, that was speedy work! And what an amazing photo of the sealed ear, I am ashamed to say I did not know they were actually sealed! Hope you got your nap.
Gosh! That was a surprise!!. Well done Ysobel. How teeny tiny does the little one look against the others.!. Xx
Aww Jane they are soooo cute! I want them all!! Decisions, decisions, decisions :-)) I will speak to you soon
well done ysobel! can't wait to see them.
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“The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will he not scold you,but he will make a fool of himself, too.”
Me (Jane) with Puddin' and Teagol, waiting patiently to flush a patch of kale, December 2019
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You might of guessed, I love dogs. My family and me are situated in the North Devon countryside, England, United Kingdom. Our home is occupied by my husband, David, our children, pack of dogs and me.
On this page you can find out what we are up to.
Watch our litters growing day by day.
Also regular updates on how our pups are getting on in their new homes.
If you want to know more about what we are doing, you can ring me (Jane) on 01769 560969 for a friendly chat.
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Jess Arnsteen took some Holistic Management courses when he was at Colorado College back in 2010. After developing his holistic goal, he began to make decisions toward creating the life he wanted. After a number of twists and turns, that focus on what he wanted has resulted in his current ... Read More
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Mid North Coast, NSW, Australia
Brian lives on the New South Wales Mid North Coast in Australia and is a full-time Holistic Management Educator through his and his partner, Kerry’s training company, Inside Outside Management. Brian, a born and bred Zimbabwean, looking to expand his environmental / agricultural knowledge related to their wildlife, cattle, and cropping business attended a week-long workshop run by Allan. Inspired after implementing Holistic Management practices on the farm, he attended HMI’s educator training at the Africa Center for Holistic Management in the late 1990‘s. He immigrated to Australia in 2000 and has delivered Holistic Management training and mentoring across Australia and in New Zealand since 2004, this has included the nationally accredited Diploma in Holistic Management, and as a guest lecturer for the Southern Cross University Regenerative Agriculture degree. Brian is excited to be on the the HMI board and to be part of a like-minded team as HMI works on the cutting edge of new programs.
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“HMI’s Certified Educator Training Program has had a huge impact on many aspects of my life including helping me survive some major family and business crises. It has helped me learn Holistic Management at a far deeper level than I had known before, but it also brought me contact with and support from a whole community of like-minded people who continue to shape and support my learning path—an outcome that is priceless. Being a Certified Educator has also enabled me to help the many good farmers and ranchers I worked with to realize that they have the power and the means to heal degraded land and to work together more effectively as families and make their businesses thrive.”
Wayne Knight, Interim Executive Director HMI, Consultant, and Rancher
“The Certified Educator Training Program was a great educational step for me. At the time I was considering some major changes in my career, but didn’t know what it would look like. The program not only gave me the tools I needed to make that decision, but also gave me the training I needed to go in a number of different directions, teaching, consulting, ranching, facilitating, etc. Another key benefit of the program was the mentorship from existing Certified Educators and networking with new/potential Certified Educators as well as the experience to travel and teach in a variety of environments. The program also helped me build confidence, and provided a platform to help people, gain a much deeper understanding of the land and its function, and gain additional friends and mentors that have helped immensely with our own ranch management and consulting/teaching/facilitation business. It gave me opportunities to be thrown into the fire, but with a safety net. I felt more prepared to do the things a Certified Educator needs to be able to do (communicate, facilitate, teach, speak, etc.) because the program actually had me do those things firsthand.“
“I have discovered hidden talents and abilities I never knew before. The Savory Center’s [HMI’s] Certified Educator Training Program covered its costs for me in the first year I was certified. It’s the best investment I have ever made in my life!”
“Everyone I talk to who practices Holistic Management sees it as a life-changing experience. I feel that this is true on their farms, but also in their lives and families. It has been a life-changing experience for me. HMI’s Whole Farm/Ranch Trainer training has been wonderful, and I’ve met so many great people, being a part of this.”
“HMI’s Certified Educator Training Program totally changed the way I interacted with farmers. The first question I ask now is ‘What are your goals?’ And then I listen. In the past, I would have given information. Now I ask good questions. Holistic Management has given me so much and I’m so grateful. That’s why I train others. Others have given me encouragement and it feels good to be an instructor and leader in the Holistic Management community, particularly as a woman.”
“I liked the way the program is structured. The learning plan puts the Certified Educator trainee in the driver’s seat. I had to work through all the modules while facilitating and teaching each one of them. This structure guaranteed the high quality of the program. The monthly webinar and mentor meetings gave the minimum support needed to get through challenges and stay motivated while providing me with a great social network to stay in touch with. Especially I liked how on point the Education Director answered any question that was ask from her. Was it in the webinars, via mail or ZOOM call, she was always ready to offer a helping hand. Thanks to HMI for the opportunity to be part of such a great organization!”
“Twenty years ago I enrolled in HMI’s Certified Educator Training Program two-year program. I was fully aware of the cost and commitment from the outset and made the decision to enroll only when I knew I had the time and financial resources to complete the program. With almost every activity in life– you take as much benefit or gain commensurate with the amount of effort put in. I consider that the first holistic financial plan I prepared was responsible for recouping the financial ‘cost’ of the Certified Educator Training Program. In terms of added value, the lessons from the program have had far more than simply financial ‘value’ on all aspects of my personal and professional career.”
“The Holistic Management training ended up having a profound effect on my job and how I approached it. I better understood what motivates people to do conservation. Since then I’ve always tried to be a service provider leading with Holistic Management. The training improved my ability to communicate with landowners in determining how best to help them. It also helped me become more valuable to my own and other organizations in planning and implementing programs. I learned how to take off my so- called “expert” hat and instead was better able to facilitate discussions with farmers on how they wanted their lives to be and how they could more effectively move toward that. One impact I didn’t anticipate was how the training changed my personal life, and how it improved our family’s decision making, including finances. The network of other trainees and Certified Educators had a huge benefit. They helped me process a lot of information, much of it new and some of it forcing paradigm shifts to be able to see a more effective way of assisting farms and organizations.”
“My husband and I searched for land that would allow for a return to our roots in agriculture and for us to retire to the country. We wanted to restore the land and bring back the native grasses using holistic practices. In searching for answers on how to begin we stumbled on Holistic Management. The holistic approach resonated deeply with me as I had spent the past 20 years as a Montessori teacher. I applied to the HMI Texas Beginning Women Farmers and Ranchers Program and began implementing Holistic Management. We saw success not only on our land where we saw the building of soil and increase in ground cover and diversity, but we also learned to balance the working of the land with relaxation in our personal lives. I decided to apply to the Certified Educator Training Program in 2013 because it would increase my knowledge of Holistic Management, allow me to share my experiences with others who were seeking ways to restore their land, and help facilitate their journey into sustainable land management. Upon completion of the Certified Educator Training Program I have had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of Holistic Management through practicing, working with other ranchers on different landscapes, mentoring others as they work towards certification and it’s given opportunities for sharing and brainstorming with other educators regarding challenges seen in environments and training. The continuing education that the Certified Educator Training Program offers allowed for me to gain skills that increased my effectiveness as an educator, learning techniques in effective listening and consensus building, not only in my personal life but also assisting others in conflict resolution. I am both honored and grateful to be a part of this program. “
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HMI’s Certified Educator network includes some of the top regenerative agriculture consultants in the world.
Click on the link below for each Certified Educator to learn more about them and their businesses via web articles and Youtube videos.
John King (New Zealand)
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Seth Wilner has been a Holistic Management International Certified Educator since 2005. For 22 years he has worked as an agent educator with University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension where he specializes in farm business management with an emphasis on whole farm planning.
Seth works across the state and throughout the Northeast Region. He has delivered numerous presentations on Holistic Management throughout the northeast region, including several multi-day workshops for both farmers and agricultural service providers. He received his B.S. from the University of Connecticut in soil science and his M.S. from the University of Wisconsin in Soil Fertility. Seth also served in the Peace Corps working with farmers in Senegal, West Africa from 1993 to 1995.
Seth’s areas of interest are in: financial planning, enterprise analysis, cost of production, effective communication, goal setting, whole farm planning, effective adult education, program development, program evaluation, and Beginning Farmer/Rancher Curriculum. Seth feels one of his most used talents in farms is systems analysis. He especially likes to hone in on social and financial systems as they relate to moving towards farm sustainability. Recently, due to demand, Seth has focused a great deal of his efforts on succession planning and farm transfer work.
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Jozua Lambrecht is from South Africa and divides his time between their home in Somerset West and their family farm in Sutherland, one of the coldest places in South Africa, where they farm with sheep. He is married to his wife Therese and they have two daughters.
Jozua has a background in education and is passionate about how people learn and change. He did his first course in Holistic Management in 2002 and completed the Certified Educator Training Program in 2006. He also did a Permaculture Design Course in 2001.
Jozua has been involved for over 20 years in adult education and worked on a variety of sustainable development projects in rural communities in Southern Africa in which the Holistic Management framework was used in various ways to develop appropriate curricula and training courses. He also worked extensively with the Africa Centre for Holistic Management in Zimbabwe adapting the Holistic Management framework for communal farmers and communities in Africa where full-time herding is still the preferred livestock management strategy. He also does facilitation, strategic planning and conflict resolution for farming and ranching families by using the Holistic Management framework.
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Alejandro Carrillo is a fourth-generation rancher, and he is quite familiar with the challenges of running a profitable cattle ranch in the Chihuahuan desert. Because annual precipitation seldom exceeds nine inches, every drop counts when it comes to growing more grasses. Grazing year-round with only sea salt as an input, he is not willing to waste any water in such a brittle environment.
An on-going drought that ranchers faced on these arid landscapes forced Alejandro to look for better ways of doing things, so in 2005 he took his first Holistic Management class. Since then, he has traveled and learned from ranchers around the world and through trial and error, he has adapted these learning experiences into his ranching environment. Today, Alejandro can carry three times more cattle than neighboring ranches on a per-acre basis, while substantially lowering his inputs. To accomplish this, he has relied on his adaptive grazing observation and management skills, selecting cattle that thrive under his conditions and management, and developing a solid, well-distributed, reliable water system to graze every paddock anytime of the year.
Before getting his boots on the ground full time, Alejandro worked as a software engineer in various countries. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Monterrey Tech and a Master of Science degree in technical management from Johns Hopkins University.
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Casey is the Vice-President of Ranching Operations with the Dixon Water Foundation and manages the Foundation’s North Texas and West Texas ranches. He is a husband and father of three sons. He is a graduate of Hardin Simmons University and has spent most of his career managing hunting and wildlife operations as well as livestock ranches. Casey believes it is our job to carefully study the land and wildlife, in order to work with, rather than against, these systems. In this way, people and livestock can be part of the solution instead of contributing to the problem.
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Director of Education
Ann has worked in the nonprofit world for almost 25 years, creating and directing national programs, collaborating with over 100 non-profit and government entities to create positive impact among producers and land stewards seeking to build & maintain sustainable farms, ranches and healthy land. Her fund development work has included raising over $1 million for national whole farm planning training for beginning farmer programming. Ann served as HMI’s Executive Director from 2015-2020. Ann has been a Holistic Management Certified Educator since 1998 and has practiced and taught Holistic Management® in multiple capacities for 25 years. She also has facilitated classes (onsite and distance learning), taught workshops and presented at conferences. She has written countless articles, helped develop agriculture-based software for financial and grazing planning and written a training handbook, At Home with Holistic Management: Creating a Life of Meaning. Ann also taught courses at Indiana University, Wittenberg University, and Antioch College. She earned her BSED from Ohio University and her PhD from Indiana University. When she isn’t serving as HMI’s Education Director, Ann is Chief Goatherd on her small farm in the Manzano Mountains and Captain of her Earthship (a house made out of tires with photovoltaics, composting toilet and rainwater harvesting) southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico with her wife, Ellen. Read Ann’s blogs.
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Program and Grants Manager
Dana was first introduced to Holistic Management in the 1990s while working in the Texas Hill Country. She strongly believes that Holistic Management can positively impact families that are on the land, the communities they are a part of, and larger landscape resource regeneration efforts.
With 7+ generations of farmers and ranchers on both sides of her family, Dana appreciates the joys of living with the land, while understanding those complexities can be challenging.
Having spent time in Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming, Dana currently lives in Tishomingo, Oklahoma where she and her family run a small cow/calf operation with horses and pecans. Her husband, Marc, comes from a Colorado/Wyoming ranching background. In fact, they met and married when he was managing one of the last large ranches in Jackson Hole. Their son, Rio, has carried on the tradition with a strong career in FFA and ranching. He now conducts agriculture and natural resource research as part of his studies in Biosystems and Agriculture Engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Dana feels blessed that her time growing up on the family outfit connected her with deep roots to the land. Her father, Joe, led the family in seasonal harvests based on his traditional ecological knowledge and native ways of knowing all aspects of nature.
“Anyone who spent time with my Dad experienced his stories and the passion he had for hard work and being outdoors,” Dana said. “Whether it was working cattle, harvesting pecans, or fishing, he made it an adventure that you never forgot. We all owe so much to him and the legacy he created.”
Taking his lessons to heart, Dana has worked for conservation organizations on the local and national level and with the Teton Conservation District in Jackson, Wyoming where she provided education and collaboration activities for landowners and nature-lovers. She has over 35 years of experience developing programs and writing grants.
“From bees, to quail, to fish, to people, my Dad taught me that good stewardship is key to a healthy, happy life for all,” Dana states. “I look forward to working with others who are striving to realize that holistic balance ~ with health and revitalization for the land, water, nature, families, and community.”
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Marie von Ancken
Marie von Ancken is a Programs Manager for HMI, advanced ceramic apprentice, and anti-oppression activist. She is passionate about environmental justice and regenerative farming as a solution to transforming our food system and addressing climate change. She grew up in Corrales, New Mexico, where her family raised chickens and has spent significant time living in Finland, France, and Nicaragua. She has participated in numerous international non-profit efforts and has worked closely with the Communitas Foundation, a non-profit providing educational and extracurricular support for at-risk youth in Central America. In 2017 she joined the board as co-director and treasurer of the foundation. Marie was a Rotary International Exchange student to Naantali, Finland her junior year of high school and continues to work with Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program facilitating talks on culture shock and intercultural communication. She is fluent in Spanish and Finnish, conversational in French, and works as a Spanish interpreter with indigenous artist communities from Central and South America. As Program Manager at Holistic Management International, Marie has spent the last five years developing learning opportunities, both locally and internationally, that aim to educate farmers, ranchers and food advocates in agricultural practices that increase organic matter in the soil, grow nutrient-dense foods, and sequester carbon while empowering them to strengthen their businesses and improve their quality of life. Marie has a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management and Sustainability Studies from the University of New Mexico/College of Charleston/IPAG School of Business – Nice, France. She is an Aldo Leopold Land Ethic Leader and is glad she “will not be young in a future without wilderness.”
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Director of Communications & Outreach
Carrie Stearns has been with HMI since 2009 and serves as our Director of Communications & Outreach. She loves working creatively in a field that supports a healthy food system for all, regenerates land and water sources, empowers agricultural producers, and teaches responsible animal husbandry. Read Carrie’s blogs.
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Kathy Frisch
Director of Programs
Kathy Frisch is passionate about regenerating our lands, fostering health and well-being for those who manage them, and revitalizing entire communities through the practice of Holistic Management. As Program Director with HMI, she works with Certified Educators across the world to deliver training and support for the implementation of Holistic Management. She has been involved in Holistic Management since the late 1990s when her enthusiasm for nutrient-dense, traditional foods motivated her to begin a small-scale 20-acre homestead farm in North Texas, and then develop infrastructure and enterprises for a 250-acre ranch. Her personal practice of Holistic Management includes cow and goat dairying, pastured poultry, grass-fed beef and lamb, honeybees, fruit trees, vegetable gardens and native pecans. As an HMI Professional Certified Educator, she has provided consultation and education across the US ranging from small family farms to large ranches. Read Kathy’s blogs.
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Interim Executive Director
With 27 years of ranching experience using Holistic Management, Wayne has had an identity crisis. When he joined the 11 000-acre family ranching business he called himself a cattle rancher. He changed to calling himself a grass farmer. Later still, he called himself a soil-microbe farmer, though he has always marketed beef. Privileged to work with his father, Tom Knight, who was an early adopter of Holistic Management under Allan Savory – Stan Parsons consulting, Wayne enthusiastically increased and intensified the practices HMI teaches. He became a Certified Educator in 2006 and was actively involved with the Southern African CE community organization, Community Dynamics. He has spoken at numerous conferences in Southern Africa, trained and mentored farmers, hosted open days on his property, and has written about his positive results using Holistic Management. Before joining the team at HMI Wayne served as a board member of the organization for 8 years. Through his enthusiasm for Holistic Management Wayne has traveled widely visiting farmers who practice high-density, long recovery grazing practices in Southern Africa, Australia, and the US. As a young graduate with a Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Natal, South Africa, he traveled across the US west working on ranches in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, California, and New Mexico. When not involved in Holistic Management you will find him fishing, birding, hiking, or exploring wild spaces and places with his family. An enthusiastic traveler, hunter, and photographer, he loves discovering new places and making new friends.
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Kevin hails from the San Francisco Bay area where he spent many years working for the 11th Hour Project, making and managing many grants in the Ecological Agriculture program. It was through this work he was introduced to the practice of Holistic Management, which Kevin sees as a tool to promote better environmental stewardship of rangelands. Kevin recently launched his own foundation, The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, which will allow him even more opportunities to fund and support efforts in responsible and sustainable agriculture. Kevin joined the HMI Board in 2014 and currently serves as the Development Committee Chair.
Jonathan is a fourth-generation farmer in the Blackland Prairie near Rogers, TX. He went off to “a better future away from the farm” as the prevailing culture had taught him, where he earned a degree in business. The best part of college to Jonathan was meeting his wife, Kaylyn, with whom he moved to Fort Worth to begin their respective careers in business. However, several years later, the instinct to farm was stronger in his blood than he realized. The two decided in 2007 to move back to the family farm where Jonathan would work with his father until a future transition of ownership could occur.
The family farm had taken the shape of most in the industrial era. It had become an efficient machine, void of diversity, and at-risk to many forces beyond the reach of the family. In addition to growing unrest and disconnect between their farming methods and their belief that God created the earth for them to steward well, the combination of increasing input costs, low product prices, and increasingly extreme weather-related crop failures had taken the shine off the dreams to continue the family farm. Despite the difficultly of the realization that the family farm would end with his father, Jonathan made the decision to leave the farm in mid-2011.
It was a last-minute decision to attend a meeting about soil health that changed the trajectory of Jonathan’s life and would lead to an introduction to many of the leading practitioners of regenerative farming. The common thread among the leaders Jonathan met was Holistic Management.
The decision to stay on the farm and learn to manage it holistically was made in late 2011. Since then, Jonathan and his family have been on an amazing journey of learning and discovery. The farm is now home to Jonathan’s parents, his sister’s family, Kaylyn’s parents along with Kaylyn and Jonathan. The family manages multiple enterprises of grass-finished beef, a cow/calf herd, grass-finished lamb, breeding ewes, pastured pork, and pastured eggs.
Jonathan also works as a soil health consultant and works with Green Cover Seed as a cover crop consultant for Texas and the southeastern U.S. He currently serves on the board of directors for The Grassfed Exchange.
“HMI played a very important role in the direction of my life personally and also our family farm. Because of the gratitude I have for the organization’s role in our lives and the global impact HMI has and has the potential to have in the future, I felt a deep sense of honor and duty to accept the invitation to serve HMI as a member of the Board of Directors,” says Jonathan.
Ariel Greenwood lives in New Mexico in the winter and Montana in the summer. She studied psychology and agroecology in college, and started farming as a teenager in North Carolina and began working with livestock in California. For the past five years she has worked with pigs, goats, and sheep, but primarily has managed and raised beef cattle in operations ranging from small herds with locally marketed grassfed beef to managing multi-thousand head of yearling stocker cattle. She and her partner, Sam Ryerson, have a management LLC, Grass Nomads. They sometimes consult other operators and landowners as well as practice holistic planned grazing. Their work is generally on large, rougher country where they utilize dogs, horses, and aim for relatively short grazing periods. Ariel writes for such websites as Civil Eats, Humans and Nature, and Fibershed, as well as her own blog, and regularly speaks to media about the issues and complexity surrounding grazing. She also serves as a founding board member/treasurer for Contra Viento Journal, an arts & literature periodical about rangelands. Her first exposure to Holistic Management was in 2012/2013 when she took grazing planning, financial planning, and biological monitoring courses through Spencer Smith of the Savory Institute’s Jefferson Hub. She feels fortunate to have entered livestock agriculture largely motivated by the principles inherent to Holistic Management and with a lot of support from other practitioners and teachers. She finds the grazing planning principles and context/goal development framework to be absolutely indispensable. Ariel feels honored to be asked to join HMI’s board as she sees HMI’s focus on high-quality, on-the-ground instruction and influence to be sorely needed. She sees herself helping connect with younger/aspirational producers and practitioners. She is also passionate about helping to bring distant, marginal land into focus for urban or non-practitioners—showing the real change happening on the landscape with the broader public who are intrigued and skeptical of “regenerative grazing.” She sees the psychological savvy inherent to Holistic Management as most needed in farming, ranching, and land management.
Hailing from Springfield, Illinois, Walter is a CPA with an “agriculture niche.” He believes our soils are a piece of the biological capital farmers and ranchers manage in order to have the profitable impact to promote thriving rural communities. Walter became acquainted to Holistic Management after winning a Holistic Management class in a drawing. He has a passion for healthy soil and sees Holistic Management as a way all land stewards can regenerate degraded land. Walter has been a HMI Board member since 2014.
Danny holds the John T. Jones Chair of Economics at Austin College in Sherman, Texas where he is the Director of the Freshmen Seminar Program, Director of the Will Mann Richardson Lectureship Series and Austin College’s Director of the Jno T. Owens Conference. Danny began attending HMI workshops in preparation for teaching a course in Environmental Economics and these helped enforce his understanding of sustainable land management. Danny is a founding member of the Council for Healthy Food systems and in coming onto the HMI Board; Danny is particularly focused on how HMI can better connect with higher education. He hopes to erect effective and formal programs that help aid younger generations in better understanding sustainable and holistic resource use. Danny is currently serving as HMI’s Board Chairman.
Breanna Owens lives in Los Molinos, California with her son Will. She runs a small cattle and sheep operation based in Tehama County, California utilizing mostly leased private and public lands. She recently started working with the California State University—Chico Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems, along with working the last few years with a ranching-conservation collaborative called Working Circle Proactive Stewardship that developed as a result of wolves expanding their range to Northern California. For the past six years she worked with Point Blue Conservation Science as a Senior Range Ecologist and Program Coordinator for the Rangeland Watershed Initiative, a partnership program with NRCS. She is a mentor through Quivira’s New Agrarian Program. She is also the current chair of the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition and a California Certified Rangeland Manager. Breanna grew up in Northern California on a cow-calf ranch, attended Chico State and Colorado State University—Fort Collins. She is motivated by a love for the agriculture industry…for the people, land and livestock that are a part of it. She is inspired by the current conversations and opportunities in highlighting the linkages between the agriculture and conservation communities. Breanna was first introduced to Holistic Management when working for her family in high school and college on a cattle and sheep ranch on the big island of Hawaii. She was also introduced again during courses through the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management at Fort Collins, and more recently through a series of Holistic Management workshops with the Jefferson Center for Holistic Management (a Savory Institute hub) as part of the Ecological Outcome Verification program. Breanna believes that the Holistic Management framework has critical value in supporting people, communities, and industries in decision-making and management at all scales and within all contexts. She would like to learn from others how they have used Holistic Management, how they’ve put the principles into practice, and engage in conversation and programs to effectively support others in thinking about systems-based decision making and management.
Brad Schmidt lives in Volga, South Dakota where he is a Regional Agronomist for Ducks Unlimited. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Agriculture Science and has been involved with Regenerative Agriculture for about seven years. He was able to convert the family farm in southwest Minnesota to 100% no-till, with diverse cropping rotations, diverse livestock enterprises, cover crops, and rotational grazing. He is also a co-owner in the farm’s direct marketing business for their meat products. The farm goal is to be 100% pasture and grass-fed in the near future. When Brad was in college he came across a video of Gabe Brown on YouTube, thus starting his obsession. During college, he was fortunate to work for Dr. Dwayne Beck of Dakota Lakes Research Farm who became his mentor. After college, he was employed by Cronin Farms of Gettysburg, South Dakota working alongside Dan Forgey. He was then hired on with Ducks Unlimited to head up their Soil Health Program. He has traveled around the United States and Canada, working with producers to help change and adapt their practices. He also works with large companies on their “sustainability” goals and how they can better work with the farmers and ranchers that produce their products. Brad’s first introduction to Holistic Management was a conversation he had with Ray Archuleta during college who advised him to read Allan Savory’s book. After reading Holistic Management, he attended a number of Savory’s talks and watched his YouTube videos. Brad’s first introduction to HMI was through HMI’s Board Chair, Walter Lynn. Brad is looking forward to sharing his experiences and failures as a young producer interested in regenerative agriculture and Holistic Management. He wanted to serve on HMI’s board because it’s important to future generations of this world to understand the system processes. “No matter what walks of life we come from whether it’s urban or rural, we are all connected,” says Brad. Like Dr. Beck always says, we need to be forward-thinking 600 years into the future. In my short tenure of that 600 years, I hope I can help make a difference any way I can.” HMI would also like to thank Robert Potts of the Dixon Water Foundation for his years of board service. He steps off from the board after completing his board term.
Jim and his wife, Sara, live in Vinita Oklahoma where they operate a cow/calf and stocker cattle ranch.. Jim spent 35 years in the banking industry, retiring in 2010, but continues to use his professional experience as HMI’s Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Jim became interested in Holistic Management in the late 1980s after reading about how Holistic Management was being used in the Southwest. Shortly after, he took a Holistic Management course and has since been integrating the HM principles into his own operation. Jim firmly believes that as HMI moves forward with its educational offerings that we will be able to provide a positive impact on landscapes and the people and families that are on the land.
Kelly and her husband, Mike, live near Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada where they operate a family ranch running owned and custom yearling cattle with a small cow herd. They also have another ranch near Debden, Saskatchewan. Kelly has been involved with Holistic Management for close to 25 years. She became a HMI Certified Educator in the late 1980’s and has taught a number of courses and work with many family producers and management groups. Kelly writes the Cow Trails and Pony Tales blog and has recently started a unique event business, doing local food events, cowgirl retreats, a women’s conference and more. Kelly’s father, Dennis Wobeser was an HMI Board member and upon his end of term, Kelly took his place as HMI’s Canadian representative.
William Burnidge is an integral leader in both The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado state program and North America Agriculture program. As the Sustainable Grazing Lands Program Director for Colorado, his work involves building and testing tools to improve conservation, business and quality of life conditions on commercial cattle ranches. William also strives to define and improve incentives that advance sustainable practices. Integral to his job, William collaborates with NGO, agency and beef value chain partners to share and support proven tools and approaches that advance sustainable grazing goals. Among his many career accomplishments, William’s successful 10-year management of the Conservancy’s 14,000-acre Fox Ranch as both a nature preserve and a commercial ranching operation has positioned him as a well-respected and sought-after expert on the integrated management of grazing lands. In 2017, William – in addition to his Colorado program work – began working as a Sustainable Grazing Lands Coda Fellow for the North American Agriculture Program. He is providing much-need insight and technical guidance to promote the use of conservation planning among key players in the beef supply chain to achieve significant environmental, social and economic benefits. Since joining the Conservancy in 2005, William’s list of accomplishments include advancing the sustainable use of the Ogallala Aquifer in Colorado, protecting vital lands in northeast Colorado with conservation easements, and helping shape renewable energy strategies for the Colorado state program and the North America region. He also managed the Conservancy’s relationship with the Colorado State Land Board, providing technical guidance for its energy development programs, support for management of its large ranch assets, and input to its stewardship programs and policies. Prior to joining the Conservancy in Colorado in 2005, William worked in consulting and with the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development to advance large corporate sustainable development projects. He earned his MBA and MS in Environmental Policy at the University of Michigan and his BS in Wildlife Management and Biology at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Outside of work, William enjoys life in Colorado with his lovely wife and two delightful daughters.
Sallie Calhoun attended Rice University and graduated with a BSEE in 1977. She moved to the Bay Area immediately after graduation and worked in the high tech industry for 25 years. Since 2000, Sallie has been involved in a variety of activities in the fields of local, sustainable agriculture and philanthropy, serving on numerous for profit and non-profit boards. Sallie is an avid tennis player and hiker and enjoys traveling. Sallie and her husband Matt have two children and live in Paicines, California.
Ron Chapman, founder and principal of Magnetic North LLC, www.MagneticNorthLLC.com, is an inspirational and motivational speaker and consultant specializing in organization development and personal and professional growth. The core of Holistic Management is getting to root causes, he says, and that likewise forms the core of Ron’s consulting work. The phrase he uses over and over again with clients is: “An incomplete understanding of any problem or situation will always lead to an incomplete solution or action. But when complete understanding occurs, appropriate actions become readily apparent.” Ron is an award-winning speaker and workshop leader as well as a long-time public radio commentator, winner of the 2004 and 2001 National Federation of Press Women Award for Personal Commentary and the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Best Radio Feature Awards from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association for his radio programs exploring social and cultural concerns, including Holistic Management. He is also the author of four books, and three audio sets which focus on creating new perceptions and thereby transforming our lives and the organizations of which we are a part. Ron holds a Masters Degree in Social Welfare from the University at Albany (New York), a Bachelors Degree in Business from Valparaiso University, and Toastmasters International’s highest recognition of International Accredited Speaker. His clientele includes non-governmental organizations like the World Health Organization, non-profits including Habitat for Humanity, government units such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private sector organizations including HealthSouth Corporation. From 2004 to 2014, Ron served as a member of the Board of Directors of HMI, which includes three years as Chair. In recent years he has launched a new initiative, www.SeeingTrue.com, which is a platform for transformational perspectives and a budding forgiveness practice.
Deborah Clark and her husband Emry Birdwell run a stocker operation of 5,000–7,000 head on the 14,000-acre Birdwell & Clark Ranch in Clay County, Texas. The enterprise mix consists of 2,000 stocker cattle on leased wheat acres and one herd of approximately 5,000 head at the ranch using a high density grazing management plan. The primary goals of the grazing practice are to consistently improve range conditions, soil health, and cattle productivity. A secondary interest is assessing and monitoring the impact of high density grazing on wildlife and habitat with a focus on bobwhite quail. Emry has been a practitioner of Holistic Management since the early 1980s and Deborah has been involved in Holistic Management since 2009. As a Certified Educator Deborah works to help others learn to manage their resources in a way that keeps the business, land, family, and community healthy.
For nearly 35 years, Alisa Gravitz has led Green America, the national green economy organization. Green America develops marketplace solutions to social and environmental problems with a key focus on climate, sustainable agriculture, fair trade and responsible finance. Green America operates the nation’s largest green business and consumer networks. Ms. Gravitz is a leading expert on how families and businesses can “go green,” saving money and resources. She is also a nationally recognized leader in the social investment industry. She authored Green America’s acclaimed Guide to Social Investing, with over a million copies in print and the popular Guide to Community Investing. As part of Green America’s Center for Sustainability Solutions, which focuses on transforming supply chains, she also co-chairs innovation networks on carbon farming, sustainable agriculture and clean electronics. Ms. Gravitz’s board service includes Ceres, Positive Future Network, Network for Good, Non-GMO Project and Underdog Foundation. She earned her MBA from Harvard University and her BA in economics and environmental sciences from Brandeis University. Green America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Will Harris is a fourth-generation cattleman, who tends the same land that his great-grandfather settled in 1866. Born and raised at White Oak Pastures, Will left home to attend the University of Georgia’s School of Agriculture, where he was trained in the industrial farming methods that had taken hold after World War II. Will graduated in 1976 and returned to Bluffton where he and his father continued to raise cattle using pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics. They also fed their herd a high-carbohydrate diet of corn and soy.
These tools did a fantastic job of taking the cost out of the system, but in the mid-1990s Will became disenchanted with the excesses of these industrialized methods. They had created a monoculture for their cattle, and, as Will says, “nature abhors a monoculture.” In 1995, Will made the audacious decision to return to the farming methods his great-grandfather had used 130 years before.
Since Will has successfully implemented these changes, he has been recognized all over the world as a leader in humane animal husbandry and environmental sustainability. Will is the immediate past President of the Board of Directors of Georgia Organics. He is the Beef Director of the American Grassfed Association and was selected 2011 Business Person of the year for Georgia by the Small Business Administration.
Will lives in his family home on the property with his wife Yvonne. He is the proud father of three daughters, Jessi, Jenni, and Jodi. His favorite place in the world to be is out in pastures, where he likes to have a big coffee at sunrise and a 750ml glass of wine at sunset.
Clint Josey was raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States Naval Academy, University of Texas at Austin, and Southern Methodist University and earned a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering and M.S. in Mathematics. Clint has worked as an independent in oil and gas exploration from 1954 to present. Beginning in 1974, Clint bought ranches in Cooke County, Texas and has always been interested in good land stewardship. He became interested in Holistic Management in 1983 through Allan Savory. Clint began serving on the Board of Directors of the Center for Holistic Resource Management in 1984. In 2007, Clint became Vice-President and Chairman of the Board of The Dixon Water Foundation.
Greg Judy and his wife, Jan, run a grazing operation on 1620 acres of leased and owned land in Missouri. They use Holistic High Density Planned Grazing to graze cows, cow/calf pairs, bred heifers, horses, sheep, pigs, and stockers. They direct market grass-fed beef, lamb and pork. Greg wrote NO RISK RANCHING, Custom Grazing On Leased Land” in 2001. In 2008 Greg wrote a second book COMEBACK FARMS, Rejuvenating Soils, Pastures and Profits with Livestock Grazing Management. Greg has given numerous talks and schools all over the United States on the benefits of Holistic High Density Planned Grazing, leasing land, multi-species grazing, custom grazing and wildlife management. The Judys hold Holistic High Density Grazing Schools at their farms teaching the principles of HHDG. Greg quit his off farm job in 2009 and is now a full-time rancher and consultant.
Jim Parker is a rancher/investor, who first served on HMI’s Board of Directors in the late 1980s. Originally from Parkersburg, West Virginia, he and his wife, Carol, have made their home in Colorado since the late 1970s. “Sixteen years ago,” says Jim, “two important events occurred. My second child was born and I attended my first Holistic Management class. Life on our Colorado ranch was never again the same and that was a good thing. Holistic Management also began to change the way I interacted within other diverse business interests and my participation on several non-profit boards.” He served two terms on the Colorado Agriculture Commission, bringing a perspective shaped by Holistic Management, served as president of the Colorado River Watershed, and has been active and held leadership positions in various livestock and conservation organizations. “In my years of studying, social, economic, and agricultural issues, I have become ever more convinced that the Holistic Management decision making process has an absolutely crucial role to play in addressing the crisis of resources we now face,” says Jim. “I can think of no more hopeful or critical cause to be involved with than Holistic Management.”
Ohio
Carter F. Randolph, Ph.D. has been engaged in agriculture for most of his life. At age 13 he began his agricultural career as a farmhand for Louis and Louise Nippert on the Greenacres Farm. He then attended the University of Cincinnati and received his MBA in 1979 and his PHD in Finance in 1986. In 1988, he assisted Louis and Louise Nippert in establishing the Greenacres Foundation and became the first employee. Today, he is a Founder, Trustee and President of Greenacres. Greenacres farm activities include multi-species grazing (In Practice Article in January/February 2009, #123) and vegetable production. In addition, Greenacres provides customized experiential learning opportunities for area school children and in 2015 hosted over 28,000 visitors. Each program at Greenacres is designed to meet the needs of the classroom teacher and utilizes sustainable agriculture, environment, water quality, equine, cultural arts and culinary arts to design the hands-on experiences. Greenacres is located in Cincinnati, Ohio and serves children from the inner city and suburbs.
Allen Williams is a 6th generation family farmer and founding partner of Grass Fed Insights, Standard Soil, Soil Health Consultants and Soil Health Academy. He is also a partner in Joyce Farms, Inc. He has consulted with more than 4200 farmers and ranchers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America on operations ranging from a few acres to over 1 million acres. Allen pioneered many of the early adaptive grazing protocols and forage finishing techniques and has spent the last 15 years refining those. He is a “recovering academic”, having served 15 years on the faculty at Louisiana Tech University and Mississippi State University. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science from Clemson University and a Ph.D. in Livestock Genetics from Louisiana State University. He has authored more than 400 scientific and popular press articles, and is an invited speaker at regional, national, and international conferences and symposia. Major areas of research and business focus include soil health, cover crop/livestock integration, adaptive forage & grazing management, high attribute pasture-based meat production, and alternative marketing systems. Allen and his colleagues specialize in whole farm and ranch planning based on the concept of regenerative agriculture. Their approach creates significant “value add” and prepares the landowner for multiple enterprise/revenue stream opportunities that stack enterprises and acres. This approach allows for enhanced profitability and/or investment value. They routinely conduct workshops and seminars across North America. He is featured in several of the Carbon Nation film series, “Soil Carbon Cowboys” (www.soilcarboncowboys.com) and has a recently released book co-authored with Teddy Gentry, “Before You Have A Cow”. Allen is a regular contributor to GRAZE and The Stockman Grass Farmer and has written articles for the “Organic Broadcaster” and many other publications. Several of his presentations and webinars can be found on the Pasture Project website at www.pastureproject.org. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Grass Fed Exchange and the Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network, is a Core Team Member of the Pasture Project, and Co-Investigator for Team SoilCarbon. He also serves as an officer in the Starkville Civitan Club and is active in his local church.
Programs Assistant
Before making his way to HMI, Oris spent time employed for the only shelter that serves homeless women and children in Albuquerque. There he learned about the stigma associated with homelessness and learned about the unique challenges facing homeless women and children. He is an animal rescuer, bicycle rider, avid gardener, and sun worshiper. Being born and raised in the Land of Enchantment, Oris feels a deep connection with the holistic traditional customs of New Mexico.
Avery is the Director of Community Impact Initiatives and Vice President of Soil Health for the Globetrotter Foundation, based in Paicines, California. She has a BA from Hamilton College (2003) and a Master’s degree from the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (2008). Prior to joining Globetrotter’s team, she was the president of Impairative LLC, a consulting company dedicated to activating authentic relationships between the people, land, and animals in our emergent food system by strategically pairing philanthropy with regenerative opportunities. Prior to that, Avery worked for the Quivira Coalition, a non-profit in New Mexico dedicated to building resilience on Western working landscapes, as a program director from 2008 to 2012, and then as the executive director from 2012 to 2015. She has a successful history of building partnerships between diverse constituencies comprised of other non-profit leaders, businesses, philanthropists, ranchers/farmers, scientists, federal and state land management agencies, youth, and tribes. In addition, Avery has experience in fundraising, human resource management, financial planning, risk management, strategic decision-making, and facilitation. She is a Wyss Conservation Scholar, an Audubon TogetherGreen Fellow, and a recipient of the 2011 New Mexico Business Weekly’s “40 Under 40” Award. She was a founding board member of the National Young Farmers’ Coalition and currently serves on the boards of Holistic Management International and the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, as well as the Advisory Council of the Western Landowners Alliance.
Avery is deeply honored to join the Board of HMI. With a decade of experience in working with several of HMI’s “sister” organizations, joining the Board feels like “coming home.” HMI is the undisputed leader in regenerative problem-solving and Avery feels fortunate for the opportunity to work in service to this remarkable team.
Delane lives at the Taos Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico. He is the Executive Director of the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance. He earned an M.S. in Ranch Management and Agribusiness from the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a B.A.Sc. in Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He also serves on the board of directors for Navajo Agricultural Products Industry and is the former chair of the Native American Rangeland Advisory Committee for the Society for Range Management. Delane has been drawn to Holistic Management for a number of years but took his first formal Holistic Management training through HMI’s Whole Farm/Ranch Land Management Training course in 2016 with Kirk Gadzia. Delane is excited about being on HMI’s board and brings his expertise with tribal lands to share with the organization.
Stay up-to-date with the latest HMI happenings with our free bi-monthly e-newsletter, Covering Ground.
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Every week, we sow into the lives of our congregation, from newborns to the elderly. At Starting Point Church, there’s something for everyone.
On a regular basis, the family of Starting Point church reaches out to the community to share God's love in a tangible way. Whether it's giving away thousands of tacos to mall workers at lunchtime, or handing out water at Prescott area trails, we want to give back our community.
Adventure Kids meets every Sunday morning at 10:10 for fun playing games, singing songs, hanging out, working on crafts, doing science experiments, learning about the Bible, Jesus and our world in a safe, loving environment!
Wednesdays from 5:30 - 7 pm, our young adults grades 6 and up get together for an evening of righteous fun! Food, games and great teaching are all part of the menu.
Let’s be honest: most things are more fun when enjoyed with friends. The way that we accomplish that is not through sitting in rows on Sunday morning, but by circling up in homes, coffee houses and office buildings all around Prescott. We believe that sustained life change takes place best within the context of community.
Missions with David and Lisa Hinman
In the past three years David has coached and trained over 1,200 church and ministry leaders in a missional approach that utilizes Disciple Making Movement (DMM) strategies. This ministry has taken him to Africa, Mexico, and Central & South America. He also serves as the S.W Regional Representative for Multiply Vineyard and the U.S. Representative to Africa for Vineyard Missions.
Lissa has been in pastoral ministry for twenty years, and has served as a hospice chaplain for about seven years. She is passionate about helping people experience the Love of God. Encountering Jesus is a must for her, and she hopes to help others be who God created them to be. She has been a church planter as well as a staff pastor serving in various capacities from an executive pastor role to temporary youth pastor and everything in between.
David and Lissa have three adult children (Jordan, Joy and Joelle) who are all married and two grandchildren who all reside in Denver.
Giving Hope to Young People
Hano and Leah Vargas
Hano and Leah are full time missionaries in Ensenada, Mexico. Through Youth With a Mission (YWAM) they are able to EMPOWER other believers and IMPACT the lives of non-believers all while developing a more intimate relationship with the Lord.
This couple is bringing transformation and helps impact the city through Homes of Hope (HOH). Building homes for the poor is their main focus and passion. Building homes for families helps benefit the following 5 areas:
Economic: Having a debt free home helps leverage families out of poverty.
Education: Children are more likely to attend and stay in school without the distractions and obstacles that come with homelessness.
Health: Disease, injury and physical ailments from exposure are significantly lessened.
Transformed thinking: A home provides a safe and welcoming environment for families to invite others in and demonstrate hospitality to their community.
Spiritual impact: The gift of a home is a practical demonstration of God’s love for a family. Families who receive a home are inspired to respond by giving back to others in need, leading to transformed communities.
In addition to their involvement in HOH they are also serving in the following ways:
Vida Rehab Center – Hano was enrolled at this rehab center as a teenager and became a Christian while there because missionaries came and shared the gospel with him. In the same way he was impacted this couple wants to bring the good news to men and women recovering from addiction and sharing hope through testimonies.
Circulo Andante – Investing in the local youth to inspire lifelong learners and followers of Christ.
Discipleship Training School (DTS) – Bringing young people into a more intimate relationship with God and giving them an opportunity to discover their passions and the purpose God has for them in the world.
Read the Latest Update
Steve Pare is a trained Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and is a member of both Spiritual Directors International (SDI) and the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA). The goal of spiritual direction is to help people develop a deeper relationship with God and better discern the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Spiritual direction sessions are typically an hour once a month for $50. There is no cost for the initial consultation. He is available to meet in person, by phone or via Skype or Zoom. Learn more on his website.
Hope Ventures works to train and equip local partners to cultivate sustainable incomes and thriving relationships that lead to communities that flourish. Their vision is to inspire and launch 1000 passionate entrepreneurs into the world’s great need with sustainable expressions of hope and transformation. Visit hopeventures.org to learn more about Hope Ventures and the ministry work they do to help the marginalized and underserved in various countries. Be sure to read some of the uplifting testimonials too!
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It’s one of those last minute decisions that made it all the more exciting; we were going to do another long distance walk after all. Our big trip was months away in November when we would be going to see our family in Japan. We had both had various health issues that made it look as if we were not going this year. Then with just a few weeks to go to our window we started to look at possibilities.
We had by now done 4 long distance walks mostly in Yorkshire starting in 2012, when following an episode of Ramblings where Claire Balding was walking ‘A Dales Highway’ we booked to go on our first. Since then we had done the Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast and the Tributaries Walk.
It’s not for everyone and some may wonder whether walking day after day will be exhausting carrying all that stuff, your feet either swelling up or getting blisters. Like any holiday you have to research, plan, train and experience it. By walk 3 you may be getting better at it. We discovered Brigantes, a small business in the heart of the Dales, run by Mike and his daughter Annette, employing drivers who ferry their client’s bags from one guest house, pub, and small hotel to the next every day. They deal with the bookings and the bags you just have to deal with yourself and your carry-on day sack.
There offer a choice of walks and for each different numbers of days you could walk the walk. You just book your choice and they do the rest. Mostly they get you accommodation where your route is just outside your guest house door. Annette has a massive resource of appropriate guest house, pubs, and hotels on her books to make sure that happens.
This time we noticed a new walk on their website “The Whitby Way” and asked if Annette, who now runs the business after her father’s death, could fit us in with only three weeks’ notice. Yes they could do it. We had to accept a couple of extra charges but otherwise it worked out excellently.
Why the Whitby Way. It is a pilgrim route from The York Minster and finishes at Whitby Abbey over gentle landscape with a few hills of 75 plus miles. It would take us through some new country for us and also some old routes as well. We have never done a pilgrim route and obviously there are many famous ones both here and in Europe, but this was not well known.
It was the brainchild of The Rev Canon Leslie Stanbridge who wrote “Whitby Way: For Walkers and Cyclists – A Sixty-six Mile Pilgrimage from York to Whitby”. The guide book sadly is out of print so it meant a bit more researching the actual route but that made it more interesting. There is an electronic map that you can down load but it’s the descriptions of the places that Leslie would have written about especially the churches and the old ruined monasteries that would have been interesting.
We know both places, in particular Whitby where we have stayed much over the last three years. It was also the first time it was on the Brigantes Website.
We have got used to waymarked paths which have the acorn symbol carved out of wooden signs. The Cleveland Way last year’s walk has hundreds of these all pointing the correct path most of the time. Also these most established walks have many guide books and maps dedicated to them, by Harvey’s and others. The OS maps also tend to mark the most important ones.
So this was going to be different and after much tracing and writing up a route card for each leg of the journey we set off for York and started the next day by walking back into the old city to touch the walls of the Minster. (We intended to travel back and spend a day in York before we went home). The weather was against us as a fine drizzle started as we passed The Monksgate Guest House of the previous evening, to join the Foss River Walk. Putting on our anoraks and over trousers, we plodded up the path, believing this was the Way. Shall we just say the map and way on the ground didn’t quite match up so we slowly left the City and out into the flat countryside to the north. Our problem was the 15½ miles to get to The Durham Ox in a small village called Crayke on just our first day and at this rate we wouldn’t get there until late evening.
We enjoyed that day however, the walking was easy once we were following the footpaths. The afternoon was dry and even sunny and by early evening we though tired and we were glad to climb up the knoll on which the village stands. We were overjoyed by our luck to get a spacious room, with a view and a lovely shower though at this gastropub, this was where we had to pay a supplement. We had a lovely meal and in the morning were loaded down with a massive packed lunch enough food to last three days.
The next day’s highlights were the low hills, some lovely villages and Byland Abbey but before that we had a run in with some very curious horses. We had made a slight error by going over into a field of horses and two of them took a lot of attention to these walkers who shouldn’t have been in their field. Also they could small the large packed lunch newly made in the top of one of the rucksacks. Neither of us are horsey people and it took ages trying to fend off these very inquisitive equines. With great relief we climbed over a rusting gate and made our getaway.
Shortly we reached Easington and Byland Abbey which is bigger than it looks from the road. We were due to be met by our taxi to take us in the Helmsley for the overnight. (Yes of course we always cheat and get taxis to avoid the difficult bits.) No Annette could only find a bed for us at the Feathers in Helmsley and a taxi would take us back to Byland the next morning.
We started last year’s walk Cleveland Way there and now we were back and visited the castle there. Next morning the boss of the taxi firm brought us back to Byland and it was lovely seeing the ruins through their gossamer of morning mist. We hit the road and strode over two moors first on road and then track and footpath down into Ryedale and Rievaulx Abbey with its new visitor centre. Last year we had a quick visit on our first day out from Helmsley. An hour later we walked through Helmsley and had our lunch (a la Durham Ox) under an oak tree. This is when the route got interesting and again the pace slowed as we negotiated changes in the paths and missing an arrow pointing us the right way. It took us some time to find the waymark leading down steeply into the valley below. The Whitby Way uses footpaths, tracks and roads, all we had to do was to take the right one. If you cannot see the footpath you just have to root around for it.
Getting in a 7:45 pm it was a joy to be at Plumpton Court in Nawton a small village a few miles east of Helmsley. An Indian restaurant provided us with a very good meal. Our charming hosts gave us a hearty breakfast and made a special effort to give us another packed lunch.
We stopped off in Kirkbymoorside and had a cuppa (no cakes we were loaded with food) and walked to Hutton le Hole and by Lastingham, a village which we plan to revisit. It is one of the difficulties with a walk like this is that you have to make compromises. You have to walk the walk but you also want to visit many of the interesting wayside churches like St Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale. This is a lovely Anglo-Saxon church and might have been in Leslie Stanbridge’s guide book. There was still a lot of moor ahead, so lust looked down into the village whereas from what we read later, we should have gone to the church there also as it was the mother church of the area.
As it happened, the way up through the heather overlooking Rosedale Abbey was easier than the steep, slippery stony path into the valley beyond. The Milburn Arms Hotel had only been re-opened that string and we had a friendly stay and talked with the Scott the new manager who had high hopes for his hotel after a refit in the near future.
As we walked up through this delightful valley it’s hard to believe this was a place like Rievaulx and Ironbridge that was a place of heavy industry. There are railway workers cottages now gentrified and two roasting kilns and the long derelict railway that took the iron ore down to County Durham and Teesside. At the head of the valley we had a cuppa at Dale Head Farm, which we visited two years previously whilst on the Coast to Coast Walk.
At the top of the moor we then joined the Coast to Coast walk and got our second soaking on our way down to Glaisdale above the river Esk. Our hosts for the night were a delightful Scot and an American lady who ran their Red House Farm as homely guest house and also have Longhorn cows (and a bull that is like a soft puppy). We met two couples there over breakfast, one of which had to change their plans immediately on arrival at Heathrow, when the lady on trying to get their suitcase off the baggage carousel did her back in. They were planning to do parts of the Coast to Coast but now she had to drive as her husband walked.
The drying facilities were excellent and with everything dry we were able to walk down on the Esk Valley Walk which we had partly walked earlier in the summer, whilst staying Whitby. It was like being with an old friend. We stopped off at the railway station in Grosmont and had some Yorkshire Curd Tarts, which set us on our way again. With Whitby Abbey nearly in view we encountered the ‘trods’ apparently an old English word for paved pathways used by monks (and nuns) as they went between religious houses in the Middle Ages.
Soon we were passing under the North Eastern Railway on its high brick viaduct and followed the Esk into Whitby. The tide was out and the Swing bridge open. All we had to do was climb the 199 and more steps up to Whitby Abbey. A selfie done the traditional way of putting the camera on a flat surface and we were finished. Except our day finished at Storrbeck Guest House, going down the steps and back up the other side to Crescent Avenue and a lovely welcome.
What were our thoughts? It was a good walk, which would not be beyond many folk especially if you were breaking it up into stages with two sets of cars at either end of each stage. We enjoyed but one was big question, “Whitby what?” Whether talking to people in bookshops in York and Whitby or at Whitby, Rievaulx, Byland Abbeys they hadn’t heard of The Whitby Way. They knew about The Cleveland Way and it was only at York Minster we met a priest who knew Leslie the walk’s creator and was encouraged into the ministry by him. We also met an Anglican Sister who works in the Minster and belongs to the Minster Walking Group that was set up by Leslie. So thanks to him, Annette, her staff and all the friendly people we met it was a great walk we had our own pilgrimage.
Anne and Malcolm
16th May 2017 at 14:07
Thank you Ann and Malcolm, for a very interesting read about ‘The Whitby Way’. As you say, it is a great pity this walk is not well advertised or signed more clearly. My daughter and I hope to walk it in July, back packing! Stella Hodgson.
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This blog post is based on a couple of passages that I have copied and pasted from the book “The Cicero Trilogy” by Robert Harris.
2 weeks ago I found myself watching the Impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump from my hotel room in California, while reading about an Impeachment trial over 2,000 years ago in Rome. It was fascinating to see the parallels and feel that the US impeachment process was not a signal of a broken, polarised political system… but part of the system of democracy that we have inherited from the Greeks and then the Roman Republic.
‘It is perseverance,’ he used to say, ‘and not genius that takes a man to the top. Rome is full of unrecognised geniuses. Only perseverance enables you to move forward in the world.’
I learnt this the hard way as an entrepreneur. In my first business, we sold insurance. I had 4 partners. We agreed that we would each aim to sell 4 policies per week to keep ourselves involved in the business. The first week is not too hard. The second week I could still do it selling to friends… but the fourth, fifth… and consecutive weeks… only systematic persistence in making the phone calls day after day allowed me to sustain the sales over the long term. My business today is about meaningful conversations… If I have meaningful conversations with inspiring leaders day after day… our business grows. If I stop having conversations…. sooner or later, the business wilts and starts to die.
‘To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?’
Those who are unaware of history are doomed to repeat it. We are not the first humans to have faced the challenges in front of us. There is a wealth of past experience. I need to let go of my ego and open myself up to this wealth of human experience. It is not the answer for me, but it will give me the perspectives I need to take a better decision. I cannot just copy the past, or other people’s answers… but I am much better placed for life if I have these perspectives.
it was his belief that a great performer, however experienced, must always be frightened before going on stage – ‘the nerves should be as taut as bowstrings if the arrows are to fly’
I say to myself, the day I am not nervous before class or a speech is the day I have stopped caring… and I should stop. I so often wish the nerves would go away. I suffer worries and anxiety before every class and every speech… As much as I would like to not feel these emotions, they are demonstration that I care about the audience and the material and it is important to me to do the work well.
‘The art of life is to deal with problems as they arise, rather than destroy one’s spirit by worrying about them too far in advance.
Easier said than done… I have a vivid imagination and it is very good at creating multimedia future visions of failure and disaster and betrayal and deception… I work to channel my imagination towards productive questions: “How can I…?” is a better form of question to my mind than “Why?” – it pushes my imagination to be resourceful and responsible.
Cicero’s first law of rhetoric, that a speech must always contain at least one surprise.
If you just share generic obvious statements… it is a waste of your and your audience’s time. If we all know something, and we are not yet taking action… then sharing this thing we all know again will not lead to action. There must be a surprise. There are many forms of surprise… but a great speech should lead to the audience seeing something with new eyes, taking new meaning from an old experience, or changing their perception of an aspect of life.
‘We have so much – our arts and learning, laws, treasure, slaves, the beauty of Italy, dominion over the entire earth – and yet why is it that some ineradicable impulse of the human mind always impels us to foul our own nest?’
The german language has the word “schadenfreude“. The experience of joy or pleasure in witnessing another person’s misfortune. It is often harder for us to enjoy another’s successes than it is for us to experience a small inner joy at the setbacks another must face. I wish I could switch it off… in me and in all around me… in humanity as a whole. The ego, or sense of independent self, in each of us needs so much “to be right”, to win, to be “better” and we are willing often to cause pain to ourselves to cause pain to another.
If we are to achieve peace outside ourselves, we must achieve peace within. This is to know myself. To laugh at and accept my flaws, to be grateful for my strengths and to take life as an infinite rather than a finite game.
My thoughts so far from Cicero’s life.
PS I’m only half way through the story.
Author Conor NeillPosted on February 14, 2020 February 14, 2020 Categories Culture, History, politicsTags cicero, robert harris, rome, wisdomLeave a comment on Notes from Cicero
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Exploring the legacy of the rationalist Rishonim (medieval Torah scholars), and various other notes, by Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, director of The Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh. The views expressed here are those of the author, not the institution.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A Healthy Capacity for Self-Awareness
My friend David Bar-Cohen pointed me to a remarkable Gemara in Megillah 12b. It is an Aggadah about Megillas Esther, discussing the events following Vashti's refusal to appear at Achashverosh's party. The Gemara recounts how Achashverosh consulted the Jewish sages for advice on how to treat her, which placed the rabbis in a quandary:
They said [to themselves], What shall we do? If we tell him to have her executed, tomorrow he will demand her from us when the effects of the wine wear off. If we tell him to ignore her, there is a disregard for the kingship. So they said to him, "From the day that the Temple was destroyed, and we were exiled from our land, counsel has been taken from us, and we can no longer judge capital crimes. Go to Ammon and Moav, who are dwelling in their place like wine upon sediment."
In case someone is going to say that Chazal were not telling the truth and were just said this to avoid being put in a tight spot, but that it's not really true, the Gemara continues to confirm that they were speaking the truth:
And what they said is reasonable (Rashi - it was well said and certainly true that Ammon and Moav had more settled minds), as it is written, "Moav has been at peace since his youth, and in tranquility upon his sediment; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel, and has not gone into exile; therefore, his taste stands in him, and his scent has not changed."
This is remarkable! Chazal are attesting that, due to the tribulations of exile, rabbinic judges and scholars lack peace of mind, and are less capable of judging serious matters than their non-Jewish counterparts! Can you imagine anyone saying such a thing today? They'd be slifkinned alive!
Like R. Yehudah HaNasi's acknowledgment in Pesachim 94b of the superiority of the non-Jewish scholar's views, we see that Chazal did not suffer from the "siege mentality" of Jews today. They did not see any reason to automatically deny the possibility of non-Jews possessing certain wisdom that they lacked - even in matters relating to moral and legal judgment, let alone science.
The gulf that separates Chazal from later generations is truly remarkable.
at May 30, 2010
34 comments:
Yakov May 30, 2010 at 9:42 AM
You are leaving out a lot of important information. Sanhedrin did not stop judging capital crimes do to having a less settled mind. There are other gemaras on the topic.
Just because the gemara quoted a possuk about the maalos of amon and moav does not mean that due to the tribulations of exile, rabbinic judges and scholars lack peace of mind, and are less capable of judging serious matters than their non-Jewish counterparts.
I intend on commenting later today with the relevant gemaras (unless someone else will have already done so).
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Cynical Chareidi May 30, 2010 at 9:48 AM
Slifkin wrote: "Chazal are attesting that, due to the tribulations of exile, rabbinic judges and scholars lack peace of mind, and are less capable of judging serious matters than their non-Jewish counterparts!" Not exactly. Chazal told the truth, but not the whole truth, because they were in a tight spot. I agree that "Chazal are attesting that, due to the tribulations of exile, rabbinic judges and scholars lack peace of mind" and possess a particular handicap. I do NOT agree that they are attesting that rabbinic judges and scholars are "less capable of judging serious matters than their non-Jewish counterparts." Had they really believed themselves less capable, they would not have considered the possibilities of telling Achashverosh to execute or ignore Vashti.
I agree, however, that Chazal, as opposed to many Jews today, did not suffer from a "siege mentality."
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Natan Slifkin May 30, 2010 at 10:03 AM
I didn't intend it as a blanket statement. Of course there are other statements and situations. My point was that they did see this as true to a certain extent. Whereas most people today would not see it as true at all.
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HaDarda"i May 30, 2010 at 11:53 AM
A new verb: to slifkin [alive]. It's wonderful, so onomatapoeic.
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ephraim May 30, 2010 at 12:06 PM
The gulf that separates Chazal from later generations is truly remarkable.
Is this sarcasm? I thought you don't believe in yeridas hadoros.
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Garnel Ironheart May 30, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Of course the difficulty with this aggada is that another maamar Chazal states that Sancheriv discombobulated the entire region removing everyone from their own land which means the folks in Moav and Ammon were not really Moabites or Ammonites by the time of the store of Esther.
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Natan Slifkin May 30, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Is this sarcasm?
Not at all!
I thought you don't believe in yeridas hadoros.
It depends how you define it.
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Natan Slifkin May 30, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Garnel, the point is not the historicity of it - it's what Chazal were willing to say.
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Yehudah May 30, 2010 at 12:47 PM
I think Chazal were fudging the truth a bit here. As Cynical Charedi pointed out, Chazal seemed more than willing to offer their advice and only didn't do so because they feared the reprecussions.
As for Chazal being much different than us: I wonder. Of course it's possible, but sometimes I think that perhpas then, too, there were rationalists, non-rationalists, nationalists, non-nationalists etc. etc.
Don't various aggadata stories about different rabbis perhaps demonstrate this point (at least to some degree)?
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joshwaxman May 30, 2010 at 1:00 PM
possibly related to this is the following yerushalmi, sanhedrin 1b:
תני קודם לארבעים שנה עד שלא חרב הבית ניטלו דיני נפשות ובימי שמעון בן שטח ניטלו דיני ממונות. אמר ר"ש בן יוחי בריך רחמנא דלינא חכים מידון.
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HaRazieli May 30, 2010 at 1:10 PM
Hazal's capacity for self-awareness is also demonstrated in comments indicating the superiority of the Torah of Eretz Yisrael, the Talmud Yerushalmi over the Talmud Bavli. See the following excerpts from an article by Rabbi David Bar-Hayim:
In the Talmud HaBavli (Sanhedrin 24a) we read: "He has placed me in the dark, like those that are long dead" (Eicha 3:6) - Rav Yirmiyah said "this refers to the Talmud of Bavel [Babylon]"! On this, our teacher Rashi leaves us in no doubt as to its meaning: "Their learning is uncertain."
It is worthwhile to note that Rav Yirmiyah was born in Bavel and came to Erets Yisrael as a young man. He was thus uniquely qualified to discriminate between the Torah of Bavel and that of Erets Yisrael. We are therefore not surprised to find the same Rav Yirmiyah, upon hearing a certain explanation given in Bavel, remarked: "Those foolish Babylonians! It is because they dwell in a land of darkness that they make such dark (incorrect) statements!" (Talmud Bavli, Pesahim 34b). Once again, Rashi is very forthright: "When they do not know the true explanation for something, they come up with incorrect explanations".
Rav Yirmiyah was not alone in his view of the Torah of Galuth. His teacher, Rav Zera, who was also originally from Bavel, fasted 100 fasts upon coming to Erets Yisrael in order to forget his learning from Bavel (Talmud Bavli, Bava Mezia 85a). Rashi states plainly that this refers to the Babylonian Talmud's methodology. We should also note that these statements about the Torah of Bavel are found in the Talmud HaBavli itself. There is no attempt to hide this information (!).
All of the above can only be understood in light of the observation of our Sages on the verses "And the gold of that land is good (Bereshith 2:12) and "There is no Torah like the Torah of Erets Yisrael, and no wisdom like the wisdom of Erets Yisrael" (Bereshith Raba 16,4). The words of Rav Yirmiyah, Rav Zera, and Rashi make it clear that the difference is very real; that this is in no way an exaggeration
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joshwaxman May 30, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Bereishit Rabba is the aggada of the amoraim of Eretz Yisrael as well. So we have a group of Amoraim who wound up in Eretz Yisrael, and thus felt they were in possession of the Torah of Eretz Yisrael, who said this. that the Talmud Bavli does not hide this information is not surprising. i would expect Chazal to have the intellectual integrity to report statements such as these, in the name of those who made them, even if it were insulting or even if other Amoraim of Bavel would disagree with the sentiment.
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joshwaxman May 30, 2010 at 2:06 PM
a better example would be that of a scholar who remained in Eretz Yisrael yet admitted that the Torah of Bavel was better.
for example, Rabbi Yochanan in Bava Kamma 117b, who after seeing the Torah of Rav Kahana remarks: 'What I had believed to be yours was In fact theirs.'
yours = the scholars of Eretz Yisrael
theirs = the scholars of Bavel
note: i actually am a big fan of Yerushalmi, and made a siyum on shas Yerushalmi a few years back. and i really think that *both* Bavli and Yerushalmi have much to contribute to our knowledge. i dislike the triumphalist pro-Yerushalmi attitude, though, and so responded as i did.
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Adrian May 30, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Hey Rabbi! This is the student you met at Shabbos dinner. I decided to make a blogger account and start posting comments now.
This is a very intriguing gemara, but having never learned mesechet megillah, I have no clue as to what context this was written and therefore I'm having a hard time evaluating its contents objectively.
Can you please elaborate on the context in which this dialogue was cited? And furthermore, you know as well as I do that there have been rishonim who have openly attested to the wisdom of non-Jewish nations in certain contexts, for example, the Rambam.
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Natan Slifkin May 30, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Yehudah - as I pointed out, the continuation of the Gemara with the drashah shows that Chazal genuinely acknowledged that they were at a disadvantage.
"Collective Antics" - it's good to speak to you again! How about using a name instead of a moniker? You can use a fake name if you prefer. In answer to your question - there doesn't seem to be a significant larger context here. And the reason why this is significant beyond the statements of the Rishonim is that this is not about scientific matters.
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Y. Aharon May 30, 2010 at 10:32 PM
One can find various statements about the relative merits of the Bavli and Yerushalmi talmudim and their respective styles of learning. Certainly the Bavli is more complete than the few Yerushalmi manuscripts that we possess. The Yerushalmi style of learning is far less argumentative and dialectical than the Bavli (As Rav Ashi remarked in perek Hatecheilit about Ravina who had just come from Judea, " one of them is like two of us"). It is more transmission of the accepted halachot and rationales from generation to generation than the independent analysis and dialectics of the Bavli. Yet, Rav Yehuda insisted that the quality and breath of Oral Torah study in Bavel was superior to that in Judea. That was why he adamantly opposed students leaving Bavel for Judea (end of T.B. Ketubot).
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koillel nick May 30, 2010 at 10:48 PM
The breakdown of the gemara seems to be like this.
Achashverosh asked the Jewish Scholars to judge Vashti. they did not want to answer so as not to be liable for the outcome, since either way they could end up being hurt. Therefore they told Achashverosh that they no longer have the wisdom to judge capital punishment, and reccomended asking the scholars of Ammon and Moav (see Tosfos for a textual ammendmant)
Till here we all pretty much agree.
Now is the next part.
The gemara continues to cite a passuk showing that the rabbis answer was correct because people that are not in their own land wil not have the same wisdom as those who are in their own land. (Rashi explains it more blatantly "yafeh...")
I do not see that the rabbis are agreeing that other scholars are greater than them, rather the gemara is stating that their answer makes sense since people on the run can not think as clearly as people who have tranquility (sheket).
That does not mean that the scholars of Ammon and Moav were clearer headed than one who studies Torah, rather that the answer the rabbis gave is true as a general rule(perhaps and therefore believable).
I do honestly believe that Torah makes one wiser. I also believe that Daas Torah is a part of Orthodox Judaism. Though I also believe that it has come to mean something other than it really means. Daas Torah is not a person's view, no matter how great he is. The Torah is our moral guide, and therefore should be used as a way of telling us what to do outside of what is clearly halachik. Of course since we are dealing with a vast Torah, different opinions arise due to complex questions and empahsis on different Torah morals. That is what Daas Torah ideally means. Somewhere along the line it became rabbis statements and leverage used to pull rank.
Back to Achashverosh, "Daas Torah" was the smartest view. It told the rabbis to stay out of it.
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Anonymous May 30, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Harazieili: Mateh Dan [Cuzari Sheni] [hebrewbooks 22434; in english as "The Rabbis' Advocate", Yashar books] 2:151-156 insists that R. Yirmiya didn't literally consider the Babylonians fools. A "fool" is someone who thinks illogically. But R. Yirmiya finds fault with them for their not knowing a Beraita. That is not being a "fool"; besides, an Amorah is not responsible to know every Beraita. Rather, R. Yirmiya was speaking 'derech sechok vechibah'. He adds proof to this from Bava Kama 117 as quoted by Josh.
Garnel: your difficulty is compounded by the fact that Sanherebian combobulation is invoked to allow marriage specifically to a resident of the lands of Amon & Moab; IIRC in the Mishna in Yadayim and in Gemara Berachot 29 regarding the deposing of R. Gamliel.
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Adrian May 30, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Sorry about that Rabbi! I'll be posting using my name now. Oh, and Rabbi Arram says hello.
And back on topic, I see now why this is significant. Thanks for your response.
Could you perhaps give a more elaborate response to ephraim's question regarding yeridas hadoros? I'm interested in your perspective on this. I'm guessing you've already written something with your views though... So if you have could I have a link please? Thanks!
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Moe May 31, 2010 at 1:31 AM
It says that Amon wasn't affected vis-a-vis the people of Israel that were. Where does it say they were superior?
The Rashi seems to adress why they chose those nations over others.
You didn't discover this Gemara. Eched min Ham quotes it several times.
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Yehudah May 31, 2010 at 1:58 AM
Rabbi Slifkin,
I do not at all read the gemara that way. The continuatuion of the gemara is explaining why what Chazal said is "reasonable," or why it was true enough so as not to constitute a lie.
It seems clear to me from the beginning of the gemara that Chazal seemed confident in their ability to give advice and would have done so if they weren't scared of the repercussions.
(Rabbi Slifkin, I have no axe to grind here. I agree with your general approach and have no problem with Chazal admitting that someone else could give better advice. I just don't think this gemara says that.)
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Yakov May 31, 2010 at 6:37 AM
I took a look at the rashi today. He doesn't say anything about Ammon and Moav having more settled minds than the minds of the sages of Israel. All the gemara and rashi is saying is that Amon and Moav had very settled minds.
When the gemara explained the Sages' thought process, it made it very clear that the sages were capable of judging this case but chose not to for fear of repercussions. They made up an excuse to get out of judging the case (counsel has been taken from us). They sought to prove their excuse from the fact that they had stopped judging capital crimes since the golus. However this was not the actual reason that they stopped judging capital crimes.
The gemara in Avodah zorah 8b learns out from a posuk that no bais din may judge capital crimes when the sanhedrin are not in their place on the har habayis.
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Natan Slifkin May 31, 2010 at 9:29 AM
Rashi explicitly states that what the sages said to Achashverosh was true i.e. it was not just said to brush him off.
וטעמא אמרו ליה - ויפה אמרו לו, דודאי כן הוא, שמתוך שהאדם שקט דעתו מיושבת עליו, שנאמר שאנן מואב מנעוריו ושוקט הוא אל שמריו וסיפיה דקרא על כן עמד טעמו בו וריחו לא נמר:
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HaRazieli May 31, 2010 at 12:17 PM
All of Hazal's literature is precious and needs to be studied with an open mind, taking into account historical and political contexts. However, there is no question that the Torah of Eretz Yisrael is on a higher plane and of a different order of magnitude, and this is indicated both by sources in the Bavli and Yerushalami.
Your citation of R' Yochanan simply indicates that R' Yochanan was duly impressed by the scholarship of R' Kahane when he was exposed to his level of learning. This does not buttress an argument against what I have stated regarding the Torah of Eretz Yisrael being on a higher plane, etc.
I should also note in order to not misrepresent Rav Bar-Hayim's teachings that regardless of what I have stated-intellectual honesty is of supreme importance and thus regarding those issues for which it can be conclusively shown that the Bavli's argumentation is more cogent than the Yerushalmi's then the Rav's approach is not to dismiss the Bavli just because the Yerushalmi states otherwise.
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Anonymous May 31, 2010 at 1:45 PM
"Rashi explicitly states that what the sages said to Achashverosh was true i.e. it was not just said to brush him off."
yes, that it is true that settled people think more clearly. not that the scholars of Amon and Moav are better.
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Natan Slifkin May 31, 2010 at 1:47 PM
What do you mean "better"? The point is that they had a certain advantage that the Jewish sages lacked, which put them in a better position to judge capital crimes.
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koillel nick May 31, 2010 at 2:01 PM
Sorry, that anon is me,in a better position maybe, but not that they are clearer.
there are many aspects of getting a better (for lack of word. clearer, more accurate, true, etc.) answer.
one of them is being a settled person. That does not have to mean that the wisdom of a settled person who has no Torah wisdom would give a better answer than that of an unsettled person who has Torah wisdom.
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joshwaxman May 31, 2010 at 2:40 PM
"However, there is no question that the Torah of Eretz Yisrael is on a higher plane and of a different order of magnitude, and this is indicated both by sources in the Bavli and Yerushalami."
i think that there is such a question, and that one cannot take partisan statements and swallow them unquestioningly. we should take into account who said it, in what tone they might have said it, and in what context.
but i think what really bothers me is that it is the first (indeed concrete) step towards a partisan rewriting of halacha, in ways that appear to me to often not have firm basis. and since other poskim are operating on a different plane (that of Bavli), it is easy for someone to state the halacha is X, while dismissing every existing baal plugta bizman hazeh on methodological grounds. i would be more confident doing it myself than have others doing this. ;)
case in point, my dispute with rabbi bar chaim about birkat hachama. see here and then here. I feel that he unfairly dismisses the Bavli as being corrupt, and then proceeds to misunderstand what the Yerushalmi is saying, taking a statement which is to modify טיהרו and wrongly applying it to תקופתו.
But it seems part of a general theme of dismissing Bavli in favor of Yerushalmi.
Historically, various Rishonim came
up with (perhaps partisan) reasons to dismiss Yerushalmi in favor of Bavli. For example, Rif at the end of Eruvin that since the Bavli was redacted later, the Bavli surely knew all of Yerushalmi more than us, and if they don't cite it, it is not to be relied upon. Of that the Yerushalmi was written under shmad, and they are justifying practices. This counterargument strikes me at least as partisan.
But really, it just gets me annoyed. Much like when people tell me (as they have) that we have to listen to the Gedolim of Eretz Yisrael over the Gedolim in America because it is Toras Eretz Yisrael and Ki Mitziyon Teitzei Torah.
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Harazieli May 31, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Josh-I hope to comment more later, but in the meantime I would note that Rav Bar-Hayim's position on birkath hahama has nothing to do with automatically dismissing the Bavli, but everything to do with the fact that none of the Geonim make any mention whatsoever of birkath hahama being said every 28years. This is at least one of the reasons that Rav Bar-Hayim believes that the current version of the Bavli reflects a corruption of the text\later interpolation.
I personally am not familiar with the Yerushalmi which you state that Rav Bar-Hayim misunderstands, but I will state that I have yet to see someone upshlug the Rav (though it is not my hashqafa to believe that he is perfect.)
Rav Bar-Hayim is not an advocate of dismissing the Bavli. He simply wants to put the Yerushalmi back in the center after this status was lost for historical reasons.
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joshwaxman May 31, 2010 at 4:48 PM
" but everything to do with the fact that none of the Geonim make any mention whatsoever of birkath hahama being said every 28years."
yes, i am aware. but as someone who *often* engages in mechkar, i can state that it is highly irregular to write out a statement by a *named* Amora as a late interpolation. you would need to either posit deliberate lying by the stamaim, or give a mechanism by which the named Amora (Abaye) would be accidentally associated with a stammaic statement.
the lack of geonic mention could readily be accounted for, on the basis that by their time, the calendar had already shifted past Rav Ashi's estimate, and so they did not feel they could accurately apply it lehalacha, since that time was not the coeecrt tekufa.
"I personally am not familiar with the Yerushalmi which you state that Rav Bar-Hayim misunderstands,"
read my second linked post. it quotes the yerushalmi and analyzes it.
"but I will state that I have yet to see someone upshlug the Rav"
without knowing your level of expertise and those around him engaging him, i am not certain that this is so meaningful. of course, you don't know me either.
from my own perspective, of course, i am a big baal gaava and would assert that my own credentials match his, and that i have come up with reinterpretations of gemaras on the basis of yerushalmi's at least as well... :)
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Unknown May 31, 2010 at 5:08 PM
"The point is that they had a certain advantage that the Jewish sages lacked"
That's your point, not Rashi's.
Rashi expicitly states his point,שמתוך שהאדם שקט דעתו מיושבת עליו,
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Natan Slifkin May 31, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Right. So Ammon and Moav had yishuv hadaas, but the Jews didn't.
I.e., they had a certain advantage that the Jews lacked.
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Unknown June 1, 2010 at 5:23 AM
"Right. So Ammon and Moav had yishuv hadaas, but the Jews didn't."
Nowhere did Rashi say that the Jews did not have yishuv hadas.
The Jews were in exile which is definitely a disadvantage but we don't know how the sages were affected by it. They may have still had more yishuv hadas than Amon.
"they had a certain advantage that the Jews lacked"
And if you had an artscroll gemara and I did not, would you say that you were more qualified than I to read a gemara because you had an advantage that I lacked?
Obviously our ability to read a gemara depends on many other factors. Yes, Amon had an advantage that the Jews lacked, a peaceful life which is beneficial for the mind, but this did not make them more qualified as judges.
Again, it is clear from the gemara that the sages felt that they were qualified to judge this case but chose not to due to fear of repercussions.
It is also clear that the sages were not being completely honest with their response. They gave an incorrect reason for their decision to stop judging capital crimes.
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Anonymous June 3, 2010 at 9:47 AM
are you sure you're not overreading/being too literal and what it means is that they're safer and freer to come to a firm conclusion and speak it aloud to achashverosh b/c there are fewer consequences for amon and moav who are not exiled?
in general, despite the fact that there's a technical reason that they couldn't judge capital cases i.e. b/c the sanhedrin is not in place, still it seems to me that the loss of the powers of sanhederin is part of the golus in jewish thought.
It seems to me that exile in our thought consists of a) loss of knowledge, greater confusion and therefore greater dialetic (this is IMO what toras e"y vs toras bavel is about, we are in the darkness due to more forgetting, which forces creativity) and b) loss of power and authority snd maybe even moral stature such that we simply can't do what was once done. And see point A - we have less certainty too. And this type of aggadata seems to confirm that the absence of sanhedrin's power is not just a technical result, but represents something about our exiled status.
However, the contrast with amon and moav may only mean that they are more secure and therefore can settle on what to say to the king, whereas we can't b/c we are at risk. Still, I think the statement about not being able to judge capital cases is a statement about how they perceive themselves - stripped of power/authority/certainty etc in exile.
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August 12, 2010
From Franklin to King
We knew our days on Franklin Avenue were numbered several months ago. In fact, there was a fear that our plans for this summer's event were in jeopardy. Thankfully, the construction schedule allowed us to execute our 20th anniversary of interPLAY on the spot that has been its home since 1990.
At a press conference held today, Events Wood Buffalo Vice President, Alan Roberts shared some anecdotes from the early years of the interPLAY "Festival of Youth", as it was once called, including the fact that the reason it landed on Franklin Avenue was to push the arts out into the community and away from Keyano College. It's ironic that after two decades, we are pulling the event back into the cradle of arts and culture in Wood Buffalo.
In August of 2011, the interPLAY Festival will take place on King Street and at Keyano College, using Doug MacRae park for family activities, the Theatre & Arts Centre parking lot for the mainstage and various spaces inside the building for theatrical venues.
Claude and I struggled to find the best place to relocate, often launching into fierce discussion about the pro's and con's of various spots in the downtown core. Honestly, the idea of using King Street didn't come into clear focus until the East Loop Road finally opened. With traffic coming off the highway, across the river and on to the Loop Road, King Street had suddenly ceased to be an arterial route.
I was in a conversation with Rick Kirschner, talking about the move of KAOS 91.1 to Composite High School, when the light bulb decidedly turned ON.
"Wait," I said to Rick, followed by a breath of silence. "That's it. We need to move to King Street."
He probably thought I was nuts, but somewhere in the middle of that conversation all the gears in the widget became synchronized and away we went.
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ColoCrossing Inc., a Williamsville-based data center, is adding staff and preparing to move its headquarters to downtown Buffalo.
Joseph Robinson, vice president of corporate development said that the 24-person company, founded in 2003 and located at 8195 Sheridan Dr., is weighing its options for a new office. Sites on Main Street and Delaware Avenue are being considered, he said, to expand the company’s 5,000 square-feet of data center.
Read more here from David Bertola at Business First
Posted in Around Buffalo
Canal work at Aud site is coming together
Posted by Kevin Heffernan on April 17, 2014
The actual construction work on the canals is approximately 57 percent completed and due to be finished by mid-October. The $23 million project has been delayed as the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. found itself in a complicated legal battle with Depew’s DiPizio Construction. The legal matter remains unsettled in New York State Supreme Court. DiPizio, the original low bidder on the project, is no longer working on the canals and was replaced by the Pike Co.
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with staff members at the control room of China Central Television in Beijing in 2016.
The Trump administration on Monday labeled four more Chinese news organizations as "foreign missions," expanding its restrictions on what it calls Chinese propaganda outlets in a move that's likely to anger Beijing.
The four organizations are state broadcaster China Central Television, the ruling Communist Party's mouthpiece newspaper People's Daily, its hawkish tabloid subsidiary, the Global Times, and the semiofficial state-run China News Service.
They join five other Chinese news organizations the U.S. designated in February as foreign missions — a label that includes embassies — potentially adding strain to already-worsening relations between the world's two leading economies.
The outlets are now required to report their personnel rosters and real estate holdings to the State Department, and may face limits on how many personnel they can have working in the United States.
"This determination is not intended to reduce or constrain journalistic activity by foreign media outlets. Again, these four entities are not media but propaganda outlets," Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell told reporters.
The decision escalates a tit-for-tat scrap over journalists that kicked off earlier in the year.
In March, China expelled more than a dozen American journalists working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post and required those outlets, as well as the Voice of America and Time magazine, to provide the government with information about their operations.
That came after the Trump administration restricted to 100 from about 160 the number of Chinese nationals allowed to work in the United States for a handful of Chinese outlets, including the People's Daily.
Stilwell brushed aside concerns that China could retaliate to Monday's move by the administration by kicking out more American journalists, saying there was no "moral equivalency."
"We would hope that the government would adhere to its claims to be open and accessible and supportive of journalism."
"This foreign mission designation is an obvious step in increasing transparency of these and other PRC government propaganda activities in the United States," he said, referring to the country's official name, the People's Republic of China.
During Monday's conference call, a State Department spokesperson muted the line of a Reuters reporter who asked Stilwell whether he had heard any concerns from U.S. allies about former National Security Adviser John Bolton's book. In it, Bolton accuses President Trump of seeking China's help in his reelection bid.
The move comes less than a week after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii to try to stabilize ties.
After that meeting, the State Department said Pompeo raised the need for "fully-reciprocal dealings between the two nations across commercial, security, and diplomatic interactions."
Since taking power in 2012, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pressed his country's news organizations to be loyal to the party, and the already-limited space for muckraking and independent reporting has shrunk further inside the country.
Working conditions for international journalists in China have "markedly deteriorated," according to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China.
In a report published in early March, the club said the Chinese government was using visas as weapons against the foreign press like never before.
Michele Kelemen has been with NPR for two decades, starting as NPR's Moscow bureau chief and now covering the State Department and Washington's diplomatic corps. Her reports can be heard on all NPR News programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
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As part of its legislative agenda NBCC has allocated $150 million to the Breast Cancer Research Program for the Financial year 2019 to increase research on breast cancer. Two, NBCC has proposed a bill to have breast cancer added as a qualifying condition for Medicare coverage. Three, NBCC targests the preservation of the Medicaid breast cancer treatment program.
5 How is the Agenda Developed
The agenda is developed at the start of every legislative period.
The agenda is developed with the help of organizational members across the nation10.
After NBCC identifies its legislative agenda, they undergo a great deal of research and analysis11.
The agenda that NBCC puts out is that one that it believes will make significant and meaningful progress towards accomplishing its mission12.
11.Ibid NBCC develops its legislative in a number of ways. One, the agenda is developed at the start of every legislative period. Also, the agenda is developed with the help of organizational members across the nation. After NBCC identifies its legislative agenda, they undergo a great deal of research and analysis. The agenda that NBCC puts out is that one that it believes will makes significant and meaningful progress towards accomplishing its mission.
6 How is the Agenda Communicated to its Members
NBCC communicates its legislative agenda to its members by conducting Congressional Briefings.
By communicating with its Congress Members, it aims to get support of its set legislative agenda.
NBCC issues frequent legislative updates to its members to attract support for its issues.
NBCC posts information on its priorities and agenda on its website for easier access by its members.
NBCC also issues frequent press releases on specific legislation action on its agenda.
The National Breast Cancer Coalition communicates its legislative agenda to its members by conducting Congressional Briefings. The Congressional briefings involve communicating with the Congress members with the aim of getting support of its set legislative agenda. NBCC issues frequent legislative updates to its members to attract support for its issues. Moreover, NBCC posts information on its priorities and agenda on its website for easier access by its members. Lastly, NBCC also issues frequent press releases on specific legislation action on its agenda.
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Why is the aviation industry been so untouchable when it comes to climate change? That is the question on many people’s lips as the British government prepares to cut carbon from pretty much every sector but aviation. The way aviation is treated may have something to do with the intricate links between the industry and … Read More
July 16, 2009By Andy RowellBlog Post
After twelve years in power the British Labour government yesterday outlined what it has deemed a “low carbon transition plan”. Coopting language from the growing Transition Town movement is a crafty tactic by the British government that is promising to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by 2020 with 80% cut by 2050. Let’s get … Read More
The Third Climate Protest of the Week….
March 6, 2009By Andy RowellBlog Post
He is known as the “Prince of Darkness”, the ultimate spin doctor who has been at the heart of the New Labour project. And today Lord Mandelson came face to face with the reality of the British government’s pro-aviation expansion policy – literally. Mandelson was hit in the face with a cup of green slime … Read More
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TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a community campaigner, charity fundraiser and rugby enthusiast who have died after a long battle with cancer.
Dave Bottoms, from Hutton Magna, will be best remembered for his huge sense of humor and passion for his family and community.
He was instrumental in getting the traffic speed reduced in his village, raised thousands of pounds to have his church’s roof repaired and right up until the end was fighting to get super-fast broadband installed in his rural area of the dale.
Mr Bottoms was born in Three Bridges, in West Sussex, to Doris and Rex Bottoms, and lived most of his childhood in Bletchingley, Surrey, with his older sister Ruth.
He attended school in Croydon before attending Aberystwyth University to study zoology.
He went on to a career in pathology where he learned his trade in the hematology services at the University College Hospital, in London.
Mr Bottoms later moved to the North East in a pathology management role at Darlington and County Durham hospitals. Later he became self-employed but remained closely involved with the north of England Cancer Network where he set up a trial of digital imaging technology which has been widely adopted across the NHS.
Outside of work he was passionately involved in rugby, playing initially for his halls of residence at university and later for St Neots Rugby Club.
After a spell at Northallerton, he moved to Barnard Castle RFU Club where he served as a player and later as a Durham referee.
Following his retirement from refereeing, he managed the club’s first and second teams and later became its director of rugby.
His wife, Alison Smith, said: “Barnard Castle Rugby Club was a huge part of his life. In recent years, I have enjoyed supporting his grandsons in the junior section of the club. ”
David Jackson, president of the rugby club, added: “Dave joined in 1996 at age 36 – he played several seasons for the first team, even at that age. I have tackled like a demon. His heart was as big as his body.
“He was dedicated to what he did and he always got the positive in every situation.
“The club owes him so much. His integrity of him was incredible. He was marvelous – there was no other way to describe him”.
Mr Jackson said along with taking photographs of matches and sending them out, he also wrote up match reports for the local newspapers. The rugby club stalwart was also a keen angler and enjoyed nature and wildlife. He also enjoyed traveling and visited places such as Madagascar, Canada and New Zealand with his family.
Mrs Smith said: “Above all, he was a family man. His family of him meant the world to him. He attended school plays wherever possible, sports days and supported his kids in their sports and music clubs.
“He proudly walked both his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. He welcomed his sons-in-law of him as part of the family and was always there with fatherly advice. He has always been a loving, supportive son to his mum, Doris. ”
His daughter, Sarah, said: “Dad taught me the meaning of love and how to find light in the darkest of situations. His way of connecting with people was so powerful. He was the best dad and I am so proud to be his daughter.
Her sister, Ellie, said there will never be enough words to describe what an amazing father he was and she would be “forever proud that he was mine”.
As chairman of the village’s parish meeting Mr Bottoms was successful in campaigning for a 30mph speed limit through the village and also served on the village hall committee. He served as a treasurer for St Mary’s Church and he used his cancer treatment as a way to raise much of the £40,000 needed for urgent roof repairs.
Church warden Marian Lewis said: “He has taken part in everything in the village and started several campaigns. To raise so much cash for the church renovations when he was undergoing chemotherapy was just amazing. He was an absolute gem of a man. He fought the cancer with everything he had and he never moaned. He always had a smile on his face from him.
“The nicest thing is when the jubilee was on – we got him to do the toast for the Queen. It seems strange that he died on the same day as she did. He took on the role of treasurer’s job for the church, knowing how ill he was, but he wanted to focus on something else.
Mr Bottoms campaigned vociferously for better broadband in both Hutton Magna and Ovington and was in constant contact with county officers and Teesdale MP Dehenna Davison.
Ms Davison said: “I had the immense privilege of working with David since I became an MP. His attention from him to detail in local broadband improvement meetings was second to none, and I was always inspired by his commitment from him to making progress and getting things done.
“He was a kind, hardworking man, dedicated to helping his local community. He will be greatly missed by residents of Hutton Magna, and by myself and my team.”
Mr Bottom’s wife concluded: “He was a fantastic people person. He was sociable, friendly and supportive. He was kind and caring and would go out of his way to help people. He had a huge sense of humor and was always cracking a joke.
“Every memory and photograph make me smile. For 43 years he was my wonderful, loving, big-hearted, funny, friend and soulmate. I feel so lucky he shared his life with me.”
Mr Bottoms died on Thursday, September 8, at age 62.
He is survived by his mum Doris Bottoms, his wife Alison Smith, his daughters, Sarah and Ellie, and his four grandchildren Adam, Nathan, Lilly and Isla.
Volunteer‑led event returns to inspire junior high science teachers and their students – Dal News
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I had someone write an email to me about why we Christians should have no reason to debate the word of God. The irony of it is it’s ok, to debate about whether we should debate?
Here are a few bible verses that I picked up on a small study on whether Christians should debate. I could use more bible verses, so if you wish, post more verses on debating in the comments, and i will add them here.
For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Test all things; hold fast to what is good.
But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Related posts:
Should We Debate Tithing?
6 Reasons to Debate Tithing
Filed Under: Questions Tagged With: debate
Comments
Khaleef says
I think that it is clear that Christians should be ready to challenge any belief that goes against the gospel.
However, we can also become guilty of “casting our pearls before swine”, so there must be a balance.
I constantly pray to know the difference in every situation.
Thanks for bringing out all of these verses!
Pac Man says
I think the point was not to debate within us Christians of the Word.
Pac Man says
I meant: Not to debate over the Word of God between us Christians. Sorry for my bad English.
Erica says
You need discernment.
I could never debate an atheist. I would love them ?and plant a seed.
Jesus sheep know his word. They follow him when he calls them.
Bible Study says
I am a Christian and I don’t care to debate the bible when I feel someone is mistaken about the Gospel. Their soul is in the balance, I feel great joy in helping someone see Jesus through the scripture.
Jane De Vries says
That doesn’t make sense. If you feel their soul is in the balance, then why on earth would you not encourage them in love, correction is just as important, if not vital than always being fluffy. If you feel great joy in helping someone see Jesus through the scriptures, then you need to set them straight in love. Proverbs has a lot to say about our words in love, sometimes it may seem harsh, but the truth sets us free, not candy coated, like cotton candy, it’s only full of air. and the sweetness of it lasts for a second, if that.
Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Prov. 27:5
Margaret says
Another words, you just want to talk AT people instead of talking WITH people. Dictators do that you know.
Mildred M. Wright says
It’s early, and as I (now) rechecked the dates of these comments, well…they’re kinda old! I will, therefore, permit myself to venture off topic a bit, in the hopes someone who stumbles across my comments may be benefited.
Previously, in the chain of “debate comments”, I read an earnest concerned comment about the practice of GRACE and questioning how an unrepentant, yet a sin confessed leader, was permitted to resume his (Church) teaching position.
I, often, am hearing that the blood sacrifice of Christ removes our past, present, future sins…any sin, we are utterly forgiven, forevermore! While scripture does declare the provisional blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God: Jesus, the Christ, absolves both the newly confessed/repentant sinner, as well as the “new creation”, in Christ believer of all sins; however for us to access via GOD’s GRACE and to appropriate Jesus’ sacrificial provision of forgiveness for our sins, it’s most essential that we must first confess (acknowledge the erroneous behavior of our sin) and secondly, be godly sorrowful unto repentance (turning away, empowered by Grace of GOD, from the misbehavior (John 1:9 kjv) to invoke (activate), as well as evoke (call forth) GOD’s faithful provison of forgiveness and cleansing from our sin. Afterwards, we are enabled to honor our New Covenant position as heirs and being the righteousness of Christ.
My observation has been a mental acknowledgement of sin may initially be with the mouth, yet must (by God’s Grace) evolve into a heart’s confession of sin to be enabled to manifest a godly-sorrow unto repentance, and ultimately to be followed up by victoriously overcoming, triumphantly manifesting any whole-hearted change of behavior (deed)!
Deliverance to set the captive free may be necessary : unfortunately, to satan’s glee, many Christian Churches (in my experience) no longer advocate the teaching of being set apart (holy; sanctified) in a God-honoring, wise or principled lifestyle of being transformed, and not conformed to the World (Romans 12:1-2), neither do many Churches (again, in my experience) even engage in the spiritual warfare practice of deliverance ministry.
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he said, ” To loose Lazarus and set him free.(of grave clothes) It seems to me we, as true believers, often experience re newed life in being raised in our hearts from the deadliness of sin’s damaging impact upon our lives, via our confession combined with repentance from the sin: however we also have a need to be “set free” from the bondages of addictions, biases, other mindsets, all strongholds of sin within our flesh.(carnality) see : Romans 8:1-39 Interestingly enough the term “salvation” also means “deliverance”, as well as preservation.
Forgiveness of sins is provided and available for us all.
I enjoy writing…my apology if I have disturbed any reader.
I finally truly understand repentance and forgiveness. THANK YOU
living scriptures says
contention is of the devil, so as long as its a civil conversation, then I think its appropriate.
Did you mean that contention is debate and debate is contention?
Mildred M. Wright says
Sad truth: after 40+ years of assembling myself and participating, faithfully, within various local Church congregations: listening, learning, studying, praying, serving, financial giving, I finally found my voice. Unfortunately, I was grossly mistaken to presume there was a place allowed for any dialogue to take place within the body of Christ. I, finally, understood after multiple attempts to engage (converse) that the fundalmental process of traditional assembly, routinely, involved an uninterrupted Congregational silence and, basically, just ingesting (believing) whatever members were told by dedicated leadership. Unwittingly, my attempts to engage in scriptural clarification (insights) or even question the origin or merit of certain traditional view points: proved to be most offensive to Church leadership, as well as supportive membership. Silence was the order of the day : much later I learned (suspected) my being a female was also an issue…hum. Discussion: dialogue, debate: scripture Scripture reasoning, learning to how to engage respectfully, reproof,…ha! ha! (I was just was inclined to weigh-in, tonight. I am enjoying your concise comments and exchanges! May God bless our peaceful interactions and even, perhaps intense@ times, insightful comments :)
Akim says
Debate is not always a contention,we should be able to see and analyse the way the debate is going or is heading.
But, the Bible does encourage us to debate.
Clement says
Debating isn’t the issue, it’s the spirit in which the subject is debated. In the quote (above) from Peter, he adds “with meekness and fear” (fear being, in this case — respect?) I would think that he added this phrase because of the tendency of many debate participants to want to dominate the opponent with harsh and demeaning words. I would hope that any debate in which I would participate would appear to be more of a rational discussion and be very disappointing to those hearers who would come to the debate anticipating fireworks.
Frances Brown says
Amen In Sunday school, many were confused about God’s compassion for all sinners and could not understand that a confessed sinner with no desire to repent of the sin should not hold office in the congregation. So what then would we do? Close our mouths instead of making the Word of God clear to those who need growth in Knowledge and understanding? Should we allow people to continue in sin to teach Sunday school for example stating that grace has him/her covered and that that’s why Christ died?God forbid!!!I won’t help a soul to go to hell or takes others with him/her without using the Word of God to correct them.
Brian says
Galatians 5:20 and on teaches…..those who Debate will not enter the kingdom
corey says
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.. Where does it say that?
Hugo says
The contentions this scripture is referring to are of the flesh. It is meaning arguing for rivalry, or for profit such as to feel holier than thou. The Bible says that we are to admonish one another Eccles. 12:12, Acts 27:9, Rom. 15:14, Col. 3:16,2 Thess. 3:15 in love.
Brian says
Great post Hugo. Thank you for the provided scripture. After seeking wisdom on YouTube back in June when I posted my comment, I realized that most of the “debates” out there are only bashing other believers, and edifying ones own self and not The Lord. The enemy likes to come between believers to kill & destroy. How easy it is to forget the greatest commandment. Blessings to all who read this page and may The Lord guide us all thru this time of chaos and confusion. Let us all examine ourselves before we debate! Amen
Brian says
Remember brethren, we have more in common thru Christ than we have differences. May the Spirit of Truth sort out our differences in Grace! Shalom
Hugo says
I am touched with that prayer, and agree with you on the prayer. Thank You for demonstrating love as Jesus commanded so that others will know we are his disciples. Great Peace, and Many
Continued Blessings spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. In the Holy Name of Jesus !!!!
Amy Green says
There is certainly a place for debating, and of course with the goal of conversion, but in a gentle and respectful way. There is also the kind of “debate” which too often happens which is really actually just quarreling, which MANY scriptures speak against.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9 KJV
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. …Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. -2 Timothy 2:14, 23-25
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. -James 3:17-18
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. – Romans 15:2
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. – Proverbs 17:14
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. …As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. – Titus 3:2, 10-11
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. – 2 Corinthians 12:20
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. – Romans 14:1
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. -Proverbs 26:21
It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. -Proverbs 20:3
David says
What do you do if there are differences in what is required for salvation? Some believe, as Paul teaches, that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Others believe that water baptism is required. Yet others believe that salvation can be lost.
Are we to not challenge some of these beliefs by scripture or just let it go for fear of offending?
Mark says
Who is the debate with? Between Christians or between a Christian and non-Christian? Salvation issues with a non-Christian should not (in my opinion) be debated. The Scripture plainly gives all we need for salvation, just look at the salvation occurrences in scripture and follow what they did. Baptism, by the way, is in each occurrence of salvation whether one believes salvation is essential or not, baptism in scripture is not left out of the salvation narrative. When it comes to baptism, why argue with scripture? Why not just do it and be obedient? The debate between Christians concerning baptism is most always about the point of salvation, which is really something of no need to debate. Again, just look at scripture, see the salvation occurrences in scripture and do what they did. Why debate the point of salvation, just be obedient, just do it. The problem with debates as I see it is there are too many debates and not enough obedience.
I believe it will be best for all Christians to first diligently learn the Word of GOD. Most Christian to my belief wants to answer every arguments raised against the Gospel but the problem is that a lot of them don’t know how and what to say because most Christians don’t really know and understand what they believe. (1Peter 3:15-16)
This is also the reason why a lot of Christians just keep silent when attacked by cults and false prophets though they should not.(Galatians 2:4-5)
John says
The Bible never tells us to engage in a debate. The word is to be preached and taught in the power of God. Contending for the faith, is to preach, teach and live the word of God. The Bible tells us not to give our pearls to swine. The moment a person starts to insult and ridicule, the talking is over. It isn’t about how smart or clever you are. It’s about trying to reach people without drawing attention to oneself. Many of times, debating is just another way for self to elevate itself and say, look at me, I know so much and I’m so smart. God help us.
David says
The Bible tells us not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Jesus said “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Jesus taught a lot about our hearts and our mouths. The Bible says “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” and “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.” A child definitely needs to grow up before debating. May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.
Akim says
John, what created the Jerusalem Council, what is known today as the First Church Council in Acts 15:1-41 Paul and Barnabas had a major argument and debate with them.
We can see that this was the case for Baptism in Romans 6:15-23, and for Circumcision in Galatians, especially in 5:2ff.
Galatians 2:11-16 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong. 12 Until certain people came from James, he had been eating with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself because he was afraid of those who were pro-circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also joined with him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, 16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
We know that “Much Debate” occurred before the Council reached its decision.
32 Both Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with ALong Speech. 33 After they had Spent some Time there, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them (Acts 15:32-33, Emphasis mine).
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Well we weren't expecting that emergency announcement last night and early this morning, but as I said in my last message, it's more a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' with this virus.
Two things I will cover today -
Private Insurance and ACC: Changes to our policy.
During level 2 restrictions we're open for business, but it isn't the same as level 1. Below is an application of the current guidelines for our practice.
If you have had any contact with anyone from Auckland within the past 14 days, call us first before visiting the practice.
If you feel unwell, are experiencing the signs or symptoms of a cold/flu
During level 2 there may not be a waiting room facility available to use, so when you arrive please remain in your car and I will call or text you when it is time to come in. I will open and close the door for you.
You are required to wash your hands, or use the hand sanitizer on entry.
Be aware that we will be in close proximity and I will be touching you with my hands. Please call the practice mobile number if you have any questions.
2. Private Insurance Providers & ACC
In recent years there have been some changes to ACC legislation. All workers and employers in NZ pay ACC a levy each year. This is where ACC gets their money from, that they then use to subsidies accident/injury care in New Zealand. Some of these changes allow companies in New Zealand of a large enough size to choose who manages the claims of injury in their workplaces. Usually it would be ACC, in these situations it is often a private insurer.
It has always been our policy, not to deal directly with private insurance companies, or third party payers. We're here to help you with your health, not to chase up payments with 3rd parties who in many instances have a history of not paying.
In order to maintain my focus, and use the scant administrative time I have for important things I have decided to expand this to include workplace injuries where the workplace has contracted the services of a private insurer for claims management purposes.
If you have private health insurance, you may be covered for Chiropractic, maybe not. You will need to check your policy and discuss this with your provider. We will provide you with an invoice, and you can request reimbursement from your provider directly.
As of Wednesday the 12th of August, 2020 Advanced Function Chiropractic will not be accepting workplace injury claims through the ACC system for these such employers. Let us know if you're not sure whether your claim will be covered here or not and we will find out.
With our focus on injuries and who's going to pay for everything it can be easy to overlook prevention. Remember that old adage 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'. There are many things we can do in the comfort of our own homes which can help to prevent injuries. If you're tired of injuring yourself give me a call and I'll see what I can do to change that.
Thank you,
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Happy Friday Fabbies! First off, let me just say that that this is also another lowkey anniversary post. Do you know it’s been 5 years since I’ve hosted Lit In The Desert at my house when I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona? “Lit In The Desert” was an epic Girls Weekend where I invited some of my friends to my home for long weekend in July 2016. I sent out invitations for that weekend and everything! I also hired a cameraman (shoutout to Flashy Films) to capture the entire weekend, so that video lives on YouTube. I also blogged a bit about that weekend (it was more about what I wore during that month) which you can read here.
Group Shot! My backyard with the girlsssss in 2016
Since I’ve been an adult I’ve participated in many Girls Weekend Trips, and hosted several at my home or elsewhere over the years as well. As a matter of fact, since Lit in The Desert in 2016, I’ve been to a few more Girl’s Trips and bachelorette weekends, including my most recent trip back in March for Tarekia’s birthday weekend 6 months ago in LA. And as time will have it, I’m headed on another Girls Trip soon! Even though the Coronavirus is still around and we will be safe, Hot Girl (Late) Summer is still in full effect okay?!
Anyway, seeing the Lit in the Desert memories that popped up in my Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat pages a few weeks ago compelled me to write a blog post about Girls Trip Weekends, because at this point I’m a Girls Trip Connoisseur okay? Ha!
Below is a list of pertinent things, or ‘Rules’ if you will, to keep in mind when you have an upcoming Girls Trip (or Boys Trip!) on the horizon. There are tons more things I could add to the list but we’re gonna keep it somewhat simple, plus 10 is just a good list number right? So here we go!
For Girls Trips it is very common for the members of the group to stay in the same house/villa/hotel/dwelling. This means that everyone staying there is sharing the same thermostat in the house. Are you cold-natured? Are you always hot? Think about these things, and then plan accordingly. If you are cold-natured it would behoove you to perhaps bring an extra personal blanket just in case, and if you are hot-natured at night be prepared to get buy a little cheap fan to put in your room just in case it gets too hot. (There’s always a store nearby no matter where you are in the world right?) If you have to share the room with someone then coming to a comprise on the temperature of the room will be key, but always be prepared for yourself by having your blanket or fan, so no matter what you will be able to easily adapt. (Also bring the right pajamas and lounge clothes that suit your temperature needs so that you can be comfortable during your trip.) Also, look up what stores or restaurants are nearby the place you’re staying. You never know if you may need to go and get extra whatever (toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, etc) on your trip, so scouting out nearby stores is golden. Hop in an Uber and go!
2. Bring your high energy.
Unless it’s a yoga retreat or some type of ‘Naptime’ trip for adults, please be prepared to TURN. UP. You did not sign up to go on a Girls Trip to sleep all day, to complain about how tired you are, or to not feel like doing anything. You can do that at home beloved. On a Girl’s Trip, it’s time be up for anything, and for you to bring your childlike adventurous spirit!! You better get all your napping/sleeping/resting done before you embark on your Girls Trip, because in the grand scheme of things, the weekend is short compared to the rest of the year. This is the weekend that you should plan to live it up, and rest when you return home. (Some people even schedule days off of work when they return back from a Girls Weekend just to recover. Do whatever you need to do boo, just make sure your energy is up when you arrive!
3. Be prepared to spend more than what you already budgeted for.
If you’re going on a trip then you already know that you will be spending money. (Bonus, if you are hosting a Girls Trip, it would be beneficial to let the group know some of the activities that you guys will be doing during that time, so that they can budget their wallets accordingly.) However, even with the most ironclad itineraries, plans can change. You may initially think that you are just doing X, Y, an Z, but then in real time the group decides to do L, M, N, O, an P! In other words, at any moment of the trip, a new idea for a new excursion can occur, so definitely plan to bring a generous amount of “just in case” money. Plus, you never know if you and the group members have to put your money up to bail someone out of jail. (Just sayin.) Be prepared!
4. If you are going through a breakup, or are having some tough relationship issues, please have a hard talk with yourself before deciding to go on the Girls Trip. If you are deeply sad, the sad girl vibes are gonna come through no matter how hard you try to party.
Energy is everything, and while you may want to use the trip to try and remedy a broken heart, really assess if you can handle such a trip with a heavy heart. Your girls love you but they are not trying to be around a debbie downer while they are tossing back tequila shots mmkay?
When you go on Girls Trips, in some cases, you may not know everyone there. You may only know the host that invites you, and then there are 5 new women that you’ve never met before, but now you’re about to hang out in close quarters for the next several days. There may be some individuals there that are a total contrast to your personality type, and this can be off-putting to some. However, differences can be a good thing! When you are going into an environment where you are meeting new people, it is so important to keep an open mind, because this helps put everyone more at ease. The new girl you just met is “too loud”? “Too quiet”? “Too_____________ (insert whatever judgement here).” The thing is, no one is “too” anything. They are just them. Which may be a lot different than you. When you go into a Girls Trip with an open mind knowing that you will meet some very different (and most times so interesting!) people, that helps you keep your guard down, and helps you be more engaged rather than judge-y. Everyone isn’t going to think, talk, act, or have the same opinions as you, and that is okay. Let people be them and have a good time girl! (And retire judging people. That’s so 1990.)
5. Be prepared to talk about money.
Whether it’s a group outing somewhere or going to get liquor for the house, then chances are everyone is going to be contributing something financially at some part of the trip. Don’t shy away from saying: “Okay here’s my cut!” or “Here’s my portion of the bill!” This keeps any awkwardness or weird shit from developing. For whatever reason people become very uncomfortable when it comes to talking about money, so for the sake of eliminating confusion and tension, just make a concerted effort to always be willing to talk about the cost and how you have your payment ready. Shying away from money talk and hiding when the bill comes is very much unboss-like. We grown ya’ll.
As we all know, plans can always change. Add 5, 6, 7 girls to the mix and plans can really change. Reservations can get canceled because everyone was not ready, so they did not make it to the restaurant in time, someone can get ill, bad weather can alter plans, and anything random in between can happen to make you alter your plans. It’s so important to remain flexible and not become attached to doing anything, because when there is a group of people involved, you don’t always have full control on how things will go. Easily adapting to any situation is so key to having a good time on a girls trip.
7. Be prepared to Shake. That. Ass.
This goes without saying. We didn’t come on this Girls Trip to go to the library and read books. We came to party and shake some ass okayyyyyyy!? (This is kind of like a part 2 to Rule #2)
8. If you are a foodie and have scoured out places you want to go, make that known in the group that you want to go to a particular place.
The group may or may not be down to want to eat at where you want, but it is okay for someone to venture off solo to get the shit they want by themselves too. While Girls Trips are very much centered around group dinners, parties and activities, it’s also okay to do things solo. Just communicate that to the group members. The more communicative we are lessens the confusion and resentment amongst the group.
9. Don’t gossip or talk shit about members of the group.
You shouldn’t do this anyway, but especially while you are on a Girls Trip. We’ve all seen it: someone is mad at someone, so then that person goes and vents to another person, then those two are now gossiping over there, then the other person goes and gossips over there, and now more people are getting involved and feeling a way, and now it’s a whole thing! Put a group of women (or men) together, and it’s bound to be some tension amongst somebody. This is so common it’s not even funny. Okay cool, tension arises. This is a natural part of life. However, as grown mature adults, we should be at the point now where if we have issues with a person, we are talking directly to that person about it, and are NOT going to the rest of the group members gossiping and talking shit. That’s very much stank pussy energy and we just not doing that. We’re handling issues like adults and talking to people directly to sort things out.
10. Bring enough outfits for 4 weeks, 5 weekends, 3 months, and 2 days just in case.
You always need options, because again, anything can happen, and damnit, your wardrobe needs to be on standby just in case! I always say you can never be over-prepared but you can always be under-prepared, and being under-prepared sucks. So bring lots of outfit options because you just never really know what can happen, and baby when we go on these Girls Trips we need to be ready to serve these looks piping hot on a plate, all whilst having the best time ever!
I hope you found this post informative! Are you planning any Girls Trips soon? Tell me I wanna know! Have a fabulous weekend yall!
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August 27, 2021 August 27, 2021
3 thoughts on “Top 10 Rules of Going On A Girls Trip!”
September 27, 2021 at 9:41 am
I love this post and it’s very much all true! Especially the gossiping being very much stank pussy energy lmao! I love it here LOL. Hopefully one day in the future we’ll have another girls trip to catch up on. Xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 27, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Rog says:
March 5, 2022 at 11:47 pm
The sun said hey
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My name is Raven Douglas-Roberts, and I am creative genius. No really, just you wait. ;p I started this blog in May 2014 as an outlet to share pieces of my life, things I have learned from motherhood and life, and my expertise in all things fashion! I want to taste, feel and explore everything, and this blog is a creative outlet for me to do just that. I also am a designer, happily married to Chris, and have 2 amazing kids (isn't that what all moms call their kids? "Amazing"?) my daughter, Zé (5) and my son, Vito (4). I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I love sharing! xoxo
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FastText is a library for text classification and representation. It transforms text into continuous vectors that can later be used on any language related task. A few tutorials are available.
How can I reduce the size of my fastText models?
fastText uses a hashtable for either word or character ngrams. The size of the hashtable directly impacts the size of a model. To reduce the size of the model, it is possible to reduce the size of this table with the option '-hash'. For example a good value is 20000. Another option that greatly impacts the size of a model is the size of the vectors (-dim). This dimension can be reduced to save space but this can significantly impact performance. If that still produce a model that is too big, one can further reduce the size of a trained model with the quantization option.
What would be the best way to represent word phrases rather than words?
Currently the best approach to represent word phrases or sentence is to take a bag of words of word vectors. Additionally, for phrases like “New York”, preprocessing the data so that it becomes a single token “New_York” can greatly help.
Why does fastText produce vectors even for unknown words?
One of the key features of fastText word representation is its ability to produce vectors for any words, even made-up ones. Indeed, fastText word vectors are built from vectors of substrings of characters contained in it. This allows to build vectors even for misspelled words or concatenation of words.
Why is the hierarchical softmax slightly worse in performance than the full softmax?
The hierarchical softmax is an approximation of the full softmax loss that allows to train on large number of class efficiently. This is often at the cost of a few percent of accuracy. Note also that this loss is thought for classes that are unbalanced, that is some classes are more frequent than others. If your dataset has a balanced number of examples per class, it is worth trying the negative sampling loss (-loss ns -neg 100). However, negative sampling will still be very slow at test time, since the full softmax will be computed.
Can we run fastText program on a GPU?
As of now, fastText only works on CPU. Please note that one of the goal of fastText is to be an efficient CPU tool, allowing to train models without requiring a GPU.
Can I use fastText with python? Or other languages?
Python is officially supported. There are few unofficial wrappers for javascript, lua and other languages available on github.
Can I use fastText with continuous data?
FastText works on discrete tokens and thus cannot be directly used on continuous tokens. However, one can discretize continuous tokens to use fastText on them, for example by rounding values to a specific digit ("12.3" becomes "12").
There are misspellings in the dictionary. Should we improve text normalization?
If the words are infrequent, there is no need to worry.
I'm encountering a NaN, why could this be?
You'll likely see this behavior because your learning rate is too high. Try reducing it until you don't see this error anymore.
My compiler / architecture can't build fastText. What should I do?
Try a newer version of your compiler. We try to maintain compatibility with older versions of gcc and many platforms, however sometimes maintaining backwards compatibility becomes very hard. In general, compilers and tool chains that ship with LTS versions of major linux distributions should be fair game. In any case, create an issue with your compiler version and architecture and we'll try to implement compatibility.
How do I run fastText in a fully reproducible way? Each time I run it I get different results.
If you run fastText multiple times you'll obtain slightly different results each time due to the optimization algorithm (asynchronous stochastic gradient descent, or Hogwild). If you need to get the same results (e.g. to confront different input params set) you have to set the 'thread' parameter to 1. In this way you'll get exactly the same performances at each run (with the same input params).
Why do I get a probability of 1.00001?
This is a known rounding issue. You can consider it as 1.0.
How can I change the dimension of word vectors of a model file?
If you already trained a model, or downloaded a pre-trained word vectors model, you can adapt the dimension of the word vectors with the reduce_model.py script or by calling fasttext.util.reduce_model from python, as described here
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I am an instant gratification book buyer, I admit it. If I see a book that looks interesting, I buy it. I may not read it for a year, but I have it on my bookshelf. As an indie author, I review other authors to give back to the community, and to see what kind of books are out there. I try not to bash anyone's book, so I only review books where I can give helpful critiques. I don't review the books where I want to say, "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!" Odds are, the advice will be disregarded by the author. I try to be helpful, not negative. That's my personal choice. Regardless, I will review most of the books that I read.
What's on my bookshelf? Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Erotica, and Paranormal Romance. Did I mention Paranormal Romance? A number of authors have politely requested that I review their book. Typically, if there isn't a romance somewhere, I will decline it. I know my limitations. I know what I like to read. Yes, I do go outside my genre when I find something interesting. The Scott Wolfe series by SL Shelton definitely caught my attention. Sadly, I have overloaded my reading list and can't always get back to a series when I should, but it does give me a broader range of authors to read.
What will get my attention as a reader or a reviewer? Well, say the word werewolf or vampire and my head will turn. I won't lie. I won't apologize for it. It took me 35 years to figure out what kind of books I enjoy reading. I should have gotten the hint when I read Dracula in two days (when it normally took me over a week to read shorter books) and loved it. Unfortunately, Urban Fantasy wasn't around, or wasn't on high school reading lists in 1991. Romances are fine as along as I can connect to the characters, but throw a magical or supernatural creature into the mix and I will One-Click the heck out of it.
As an author, I'm always curious to see what types of keywords will drawn in the kind of reader that will relate to my books. I'm also curious to see who doesn't like my books and check out what genres are listed on their books lists. One reader stood out to me above all the rest. I received the dreaded 1 star review on Goodreads. It happens to everyone eventually. Regardless, I looked at his other reviews and he primarily had 1-3 stars on all the books on his list. There was one 4 star review and one 5 star review, but out of a large number of read books, most were 1 and 2 stars. I can't understand this. Either he hates the world, or he is reading the wrong genre. I can't understand how every book could disappoint someone. I think about this a lot when I write my own reviews. I try to find the good in most books and movies, but for someone to go through life hating every book is just odd. Why bother reading? I went back to my original theory and decided that he hadn't found a genre that he enjoyed.
Ask me to read Tom Sawyer and I will say no (yes, I read it in school). Ask me to read The House of the Seven Gables and I will say no (yes, I had an awful experience reading this in class.) Ask me to read anything by Henry James and I will throw something sharp at you. I'm an English Major and I have read the classics. I still don't like them! Know what you like to read. Trying different genres until it clicks for you. Don't read something just because everyone else is reading it.
So what is on my reading list? I have mostly indie authors on my list. Some authors I met online and decided to give their books a try, while others posted an interesting teaser that caught my interest. It doesn't matter how I found them, but I'm willing to give them the time to impress me. Not all the books end up being good, but I have found a number of gems. Here is a small snippet from my list of books on my Kindle:
Five Coffees, by Cathy Jackson
The Portal, by Isabel Brann
Summer's Destiny, by Ariel Marie
Unclaimed, by Laurie Wetzel
Vampire Shift, by Tim O'Rourke
The Hobgoblin Queen - Tales of Dovewood series, by Anna B. Madrise
I wish I had more time to read, but my days are split between work, kids, and writing my books and blog posts. In the few minutes that I can spare, I dedicate my time to reading amazing independent authors. I love promoting authors that I feel have the talent and dedication to be successful in this industry. I give them a lot of credit since I know how hard it is to call yourself an author.
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I’m starting to feel a bit done with winter and cold, so here’s a little slice of beach in the Dominican Republic for us to gaze at longingly.
I know, I know – we couldn’t all fit on those little islands.
And we have these lives here, full of technology and working and Many Things To Do. Like email. Which is the topic of a little rant I’d like to share today. I’m going out on a limb here, but I’d like to stand up at the front of the room and say:
There is no excuse anymore for not being able to use your email.
There I said it. I know you’ve all been thinking it, too.
For a long time, the newfangled technology of the interwebs was optional. It started out as the province of antisocial geeks who lurked in dim little rooms lit only by computer monitors. Then the hip, young people starting using it, flinging superficial nonsense at each other across cyberspace. But I’d like to point out a glaring fact: we’ve had email, in one form or another, for over 20 years now.
It has become a standard method of communication for all businesses. Like it or not, email is as integral to our society, particularly our professional society, as cars and traffic are. Not knowing how to use your email is like not knowing what a red light means.
You can choose to be a Luddite, sure. Go find a lovely Caribbean island, hang on the beach, never look at the interwebs. It’s a deliberate choice. However, if you want to be online, email is the first, most basic skill to master.
I bring this up because the online chapter that I’m part of offers workshops. Online writing workshops of various types. People see them, sign up for them, and then inundate us with complaints that they’re not getting emails. This usually has to do with spam filters. Every email provider is different how they do it. But they all try to weed out the crap you don’t want from the sparkly stuff you do want. The spam filter is not a person, though, so the email user has to be intelligent enough to know what the spam rules are, and how to check to see that there’s no good sparkly stuff getting sent to trash.
Seriously, this is like knowing what side of the road to drive on. If you’re going to take your little car on the big internet highway, you have to know this stuff.
I know, I know – a lot of people are older and stars know it’s not easy to keep up with technology. At 44, I already feel a bit of sting here and there when I have to learn a new database or find the tool I need on yet another, more complex iteration of Word. My mother, however, who would kill me for revealing her age, can handle the internet technology. She is in no way a geek and never has been. She knows how to find her spam folder though.
So, I’m officially declaring that not knowing how to work your email is no longer an excuse. If you choose not to drive, fine. But, if you do, please take Driver’s Ed. Learn the traffic laws. Practice. Don’t go careening around the internet, crashing into other drivers and complaining that you don’t know how to drive.
*end of rant*
Meanwhile, I’d like to leave you with the song I’m currently hooked on. It’s kind of sad, but it speaks to something I think we all feel at one time or another. I find it very moving. It’s from Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under, an album I’ve been listening to all week.
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February 11, 2011 at 4:35 pm
It always blows my mind when I go to visit my dad because they don't have a computer. He only got a cell phone a couple of years ago and it's such a basic model, I don't know what it can do. I try to picture my life without my cell or computer where I can keep in touch with anyone on the other side of the world…and I just can't. I'm addicted to technology.
February 11, 2011 at 4:42 pm
And when you *do* use it, take off cap locks. Contrary to your assertion that you're helping 'old people' who have vision issues, your obsession with shouting via print is making things worse. Really. If someone can't see email, they'll adjust the print size themselves. Stop helping.
February 11, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Here! Here! Totally agree.
My PSA? Please, remember that whatever you put in e-mail/IM/tweet/etc. can — and most likely will — be read by people for whom it was never intended.
(P.S. My earworm is still The Map of Tasmania)
February 11, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Well, Danica, at least your dad is keeping the non-tech to himself!
LOL, Marcella – yes. No driving around with the car horn blaring!
I totally agree, KAK. The nonsense about putting disclaimers on there that the email can't be forwarded? Useless nonsense. Accept that it's public and behave accordingly.
Chudney Thomas says:
February 11, 2011 at 7:38 pm
lol, I hate to tel you but,most peope who live in the Caribbean are pretty connectted. Trust me I know. And yes I agree with you not knowing how to work your email is no excuse. There are search engines or even the companies help page to make use of.
Branli says:
February 11, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Can you answer all my calls from now on? If they can't get past you, then hang up
February 12, 2011 at 2:17 am
Oh, I know, Chudney. I was going for an easy point. I should have remembered you'd call me out on that!
Better, Branli – let's just give them your Twitter handle so people can ping you with questions!
February 14, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Hmm, I spent the video thinking "I wonder who is singing" and finally realised that I'm only seeing half of it on the webpage! Don't know if that's a browser issue but now that I've clicked through to YouTube, it makes a lot more sense.
I didn't know this song but I do like AFP – she's becoming quite the phenomenon now, isn't she.
As to email, it does frustrate me when people don't want to learn new things. I don't mind someone who is struggling and admits it or asks for help. But the attitude that it is somehow unreasonable to have to learn and somehow unfair that really burns me.
February 14, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Ack! Thanks for telling me Sylvia. It's undoubtedly because of my columns here. I'll try to resize it or add a little note for people just to go to You Tube.
Yeah. If something is difficult, get help, but please don't expect everyone else to cater to your ignorance.
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For more information about the advantages of donating a vehicle to POP visit www.popcc.com/vehicle-donation.
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Comedian Judy Tenuta arrives at the opening of The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles, May 28, 2009. Tenuta, a brash standup who cheekily…
Comedian Judy Tenuta arrives at the opening of The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles, May 28, 2009. Tenuta, a brash standup who cheekily styled herself as the “Goddess of Love” and toured with George Carlin as she built her career in the 1980s golden age of comedy, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at age 72, according to her publicist. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
by: The Associated Press via Nexstar Media Wire
Posted: Oct 7, 2022 / 04:46 AM CDT
Updated: Oct 7, 2022 / 04:46 AM CDT
Comedian Judy Tenuta arrives at the opening of The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles, May 28, 2009. Tenuta, a brash standup who cheekily…
Comedian Judy Tenuta arrives at the opening of The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles, May 28, 2009. Tenuta, a brash standup who cheekily styled herself as the “Goddess of Love” and toured with George Carlin as she built her career in the 1980s golden age of comedy, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at age 72, according to her publicist. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
by: The Associated Press via Nexstar Media Wire
Posted: Oct 7, 2022 / 04:46 AM CDT
Updated: Oct 7, 2022 / 04:46 AM CDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Judy Tenuta, a brash standup who cheekily styled herself as the “Goddess of Love” and toured with George Carlin as she built her career in the 1980s golden age of comedy, died Thursday. She was 72.
Tenuta died Thursday afternoon at home in Los Angeles, with her family around her, publicist Roger Neal told The Associated Press. The cause of death was ovarian cancer.
“She was a very funny, amazing performer,” Neal said, and it was always a “happy time to be around her.”
Christian Walker to his father: ‘Wear a condom’
Tenuta had claimed her birthdate as Nov. 7, 1965, but she was born in 1949, Neal said. “She was old school so she would never tell her real age, but now that she’s gone we can tell her real age,” he added.
Her heart-shaped face, topped by bouffant hair with a flower accent, conveyed an impression of sweet innocence that was quickly shattered by her loud, gravelly delivery and acidic humor, expletives included. The accordion she made part of her act was “an instrument of love and submission,” as she fondly called it.
She was among a generation of performers who drove the popularity of live comedy in clubs nationwide including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Laff Stop in Houston and Caroline’s in New York City. A typically male-dominated field found room for women, including Tenuta.
“Devastated to hear of the passing of my dear, dear friend, the lovely Miss Judy Tenuta. I can’t believe she’s gone,” tweeted Weird Al Yankovic, who worked with her on his 1990s TV series and a 2006 music video. “Earth has truly lost a goddess.”
Michael McKean, of “Spinal Tap” fame, tweeted, “One of a kind. Damn.”
Tenuta gained national attention in 1987 with “On Location: Women of the Night,” a HBO special in which she starred with Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone and Rita Rudner.
In 1988′s “American Comedy Awards” TV special, Tenuta was named best female comedy club performer opposite male winner Jerry Seinfeld. Other honorees that year for their club or screen work included Robin Williams, Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler.
“I would trade it in a minute, if I could just be a wife and mother,” wisecracked the gold lamé-wrapped, gum-chewing Tenuta, who accepted her award from Carlin.
She was a frequent guest on late-night talk shows and game shows and with radio shock jock Howard Stern. Her acting and voiceover credits were eclectic, including appearances on “The Weird Al Show” and “Space Ghost Coast to Coast.” She appeared onstage in “The Vagina Monologues” in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Tenuta was a two-time Grammy nominee, getting back-to-back nominations in 1995 and 1996 for best spoken word comedy album for “Attention Butt Pirates and Lesbetarians” and “In Goddess We Trust.”
She was a supporter of LGBTQ rights, took part in pride festivals and counted members of the queer community as enthusiastic fans. On her website, she said that as an ordained minister of Judyism she was “available for same sex marriages!”
Tenuta grew up in the Chicago suburb of Maywood, attending Catholic schools that included one she dubbed “St. Obnoxious and Bondage.” She said she was the “isolated, petite flower” — Petite Flower becoming one of her stage nicknames — in a Catholic family that included six brothers.
After graduating college, she worked at odd jobs that included wrapping meat and taking inventory at an outlet for Catholic religious attire.
“I got fired because they caught me trying the stuff on,” Tenuta said a 1989 interview with The Associated Press. “So the boss came in, and I guess he got kind of upset. And I said, ‘Well, I have to see if they look good, pig. I’m trying to make improvements for these broads.”’
Tenuta went on to join the Chicago comedy troupe Second City before starting her solo standup career. Despite her outlandish clothes and bizarre stage appearance, Tenuta said most people caught on immediately to her act, which included the self-centered “Judyism” religion.
“In my religion, I’m the only one that gets to complain. The really nice thing about my religion is you can forget all about your problems and think about mine for a while,” she told AP.
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The phrase ‘friends and rivals’ was rarely more apposite: Black Jack was a good mate, a fine engineer and a tough fighter
Roy Salvadori chose Jack Brabham unhesitatingly as his subject for our series on team-mates. He is clearly very fond of Jack and the two remain friends to this day, Salavadori saying that he would rather have raced alongside Brabham than with any of the other drivers with whom he competed over three decades. And the list is long.
“Jack is Jack,” he says. “I first met him in the mid-1950s when we were both driving the bobtail Coopers, and what you saw was what you got. And what you got was what you saw. He was an Australian, a very straightforward type, and a good mechanic. He’d done a lot of dirt track racing back home in Australia and that’s why he was always driving the car sideways,” smiles Roy. “He came to Britain with quite a reputation but it took him a while to break into the English motor racing scene.”
They met, as so many did in those days, through their connections with Charles and John Cooper. In the early days Salvadori was a customer, while Brabham had already designed and built the Cooper-Bristol T40 in 1955 and was building cars in Surbiton when the two joined forces in the works team for 1958 in the T45 Climax-powered cars.
“We had a business just down the road from Coopers,” remembers Roy, “that’s how we met. He was building his own cars, preparing cars for the racing team and driving as well, of course. I always had great cars from Jack – I reckoned he’d be working to his own advantage – but I often had the more reliable car and he would have a gearbox failure or something like that. He got pretty pissed off with this and at one stage he was threatening to go back to Australia. But he got over that, and of course he then got to be where he should have been – a world champion.”
So what made the man such a great competitor, such a force to be reckoned with at the end of the ’50s?
“Well, Jack was a marvellous driver, and tough — really, really tough,” he smiles. “There were no friends when the old flag dropped with Jack. He just went from strength to strength as a driver and, funnily enough, he was driving better than ever when he retired. He should have gone on for ever, Jack, he’d really got it all weighed up by then.”
The friendship and rivalry continued when Brabham joined the Aston Martin sports car team where Salvadori was about to lay the foundations for his reputation as one of the great all-rounders. “Yes, it wasn’t easy for Jack at the beginning when he came to Aston. He was paired with Moss in 1958 and he found it tough at first; they were very different heights and shapes and that’s always tricky in sports cars. But, Jack being Jack, he soon found out how to cope with the Aston, you know, and they won at the Nürburgring. And then later in the season we drove together, coming second in the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood – less than a second behind Moss and Brooks that day.”
Salvadori reckons that Brabham was always going to win a world championship for Cooper. “Well, we must have been idiots if we didn’t see that coming,” he laughs, “I mean, he was quick and he was constantly scoring points, always consistent, and he took no prisoners. But it was his car control that was amazing, he was always sideways and you thought ‘he’s never going to get this back’, but the bugger always did. That, and the black look he’d give you – you’d know not to push the move on him any further – the look was enough.” More laughter at the memories of dicing with Black Jack.
“As much as we got on together, as much as we liked each other, it did get very nasty on occasions and we had some pretty tough matches, really getting at it together,” he remembers with a twinkle in the eye. “But it never did me any good getting tough with him because every time I did, I suffered for it. It didn’t pay to get rough with him.” He grins. “I wasn’t really a smooth driver myself, I was always pushing to get on top of the car, and maybe I developed this from Jack, I don’t know, but I tended to push too much; we were similar in that way. We both had this style — you know, get the car moving — and with the Coopers you could push on like that, drift it, but with the Lotus you had to be very precise, very correct, and it didn’t want to be drifted. It didn’t like being drifted through the corners like we wanted to do.”
Salvadori has enormous respect for Brabham’s engineering abilities, his no-nonsense approach.
“Yes, this was Jack. You told him in one sentence what was wrong with a car, he didn’t say much, just went away and got the job done,” he says. “He was very good at the engineering, the set-up of the car, and just getting on with the job. I was paid to race the cars, not to engineer them. I knew what needed doing but I didn’t know how to get it done. But Jack did, and he was very good at that. He got on and did things, and when you worked with him things used to happen. So it was no big surprise when he won the championship with the Brabham Repco, a car he constructed himself.”
Salvadori is happy to reminisce about the great Australian all day long but we end on a theme that reveals much about the triple world champion. “When you raced Jack, and I got it across him a few times, you had to race bloody hard, be prepared for a good old bash, drive hard and rough,” he laughs. “Nothing was ever easy with Jack – he’d know who he was racing against and once you’d given him a tough time, your name went down in his little black book. And he didn’t forget much, I can tell you. So if you’d done him down in a previous race, you’d better watch it!
“You know, he was a fine test driver, the best tester of the lot. When he prepared a car, you knew it would be right, and that’s why we were great team-mates at Cooper. We had a similar style, and I’d choose Jack as my team-mate over any of the others. We’re both getting old now,” – back comes that charming Salvadori smile – “we haven’t got bloody long, so we need to see each other every now and then, pull each other’s legs.”
Good friends, great respect and raw rivals. A rare combination, and all recalled by a man who could surely persuade the birds to come down from the trees. And a man who earned his place in Mr Brabham’s little black book.
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Many of us became ingrained with pleasing others. Get along, go along, help and serve. Can you relate?
As adults this translates into many ‘yeses’ that are really ‘no’s’ in our insides. ‘Yes’ to social gatherings we don’t wish to attend, volunteer committees we don’t wish to serve on, or unpaid overtime at work–what is it for you?
In her TEDx talk Sarri Gilman, MA, MFT, a psychotherapist and author of Transform Your Boundaries suggests learning to say no is fundamental to having a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Saying yes to too many things can lead to feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and even burned out. Gilman recommends tuning into our “inner-compass,” or intuition, by becoming quiet and listening for what the right decision is before committing to anything. Understand that others may get upset when you say no. People we want to surround ourselves with will respect those boundaries, even if they initially feel upset or disappointed. (Rollin LCSW-C, MSW Psychology Today, June 3, 2016).
As a recovering people pleaser, learning to say ‘no’ has been no small feat. There are still times I slip and say ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ when I mean ‘no’ which costs me a lot in energy and time. Recently a friend invited me to an all afternoon, free health event with a noted presenter.
It triggered my two people pleaser buttons.
An over concern about people’s reactions (I didn’t want to disappoint my friend).
Some part of me never wants to miss an event/activity...it'called 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) and yes, it is a real thing!
For me, the free, notable presenter in town from the east coast, on a health topic which sounded interesting, brought me to, “I can’t miss this". This led to a lot of time spent discussing the event and possibilities etc.
Finally I told my friend I’d text her in the morning. When I checked in with myself a clear ‘no’ arose. I had a personal healing session scheduled in another part of town that morning. I needed a walk on the beach by myself afterward. I texted my friend with, “No thank you.” By doing so I connected to a big ‘yes’ for me.
You can spend your precious energy on what brings you joy rather than on what drains you or on what you don’t have space for. When your life moves like a bullet train the tendency is to make impulsive choices. You may react from how you think you are supposed to be rather than from what is true for you. When you notice how you feel, you can connect your head to your heart and make wiser choices.
Something I do (most of the time) which works well is to ask myself:
Will this give me energy or take it?
I listen to my body because it tells the truth. If my stomach goes into a knot or my chest feels tight, I trust this, for it means a resounding ‘no’ from the inside. If I ignore my inner-voice, I may fall into the “disease to please” and that sickness only hurts me. If I say ‘yes’ when I mean ‘no’ then I’m lying to myself and others. There is no virtue in that for myself or anyone else.
How do we become two years old curious with the finesse of saying ‘no’ when we mean ‘no’?
The following are recommendations from my experiences with coaching clients:
Give yourself at least 24 hours to get back to someone. For example, “I’ll check my calendar and get back to you tomorrow.” “I’ll reflect on this and ….
”Say ‘no’ as the first word of the sentence. It is easier to honor this commitment if it is the first word out of your mouth.
Say ‘no’ with confidence. Look into the other’s eyes. Use a direct, firm voice. End with an acknowledgement. For example, “No, I won’t be able to serve on this committee. I appreciate your thinking of me.”
Avoid sharing long winded excuses. One suggestion, “I have another commitment already. Thank You.”
Realize that saying ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no’ causes resentment. This takes your energy and creates discomfort. You are protecting your energy and likely your health by saying ‘no’.
If ‘no’ is your honest response, it is honorable to tell the truth. Others will choose to think whatever they will. You have no control over that. You do have control over making the choices that will serve your life and bring you success.
Finally, if you are severely ‘no’ challenged I offer the following homework:
Keep a list for a day/week/month of what you are saying ‘no’ to for every ‘yes’ you speak.
Say ‘no’ one time a day for a week or even 2 weeks (or 1 x a week, to begin).
Journal and/or reflect on: Am I being nice or am I being real? What is the cost of saying yes?
Saying ‘no’ when you mean ‘no’ can challenge what you’ve been brought up with.
When you eliminate what drains you, you’ll make space for what is really important.
When you say ‘no’ to what takes your energy and time, you are saying ‘yes’ to your bigger agenda - your precious, more successful LIFE.
Suzan Tusson-McNeil, PCEAF, CPCC, CHWC, Expressive Arts Coach and Facilitator, with WisdomQuest Coaching, helps women over 40 to move powerfully through transitions, rediscover their natural creativity, and learn to play again. Her Body Wisdom programs help women heal as they learn to listen to their bodies. Suzan is also certified as a Life and Wellness Coach and has been successfully guiding women to their purpose and joy, individually and in group programs, for more than 15 years. For more information you may check out her website here: www.SuzanTussonMcNeil.com
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CAPE TOWN—In Cape Town, we stay in a neighborhood called Observatory, at the home of Darryl, a friend of a friend, who kindly picks us up at the airport and gives us a tour of the city. He points out Robben Island, a spot of land on the horizon, the place where Nelson Mandela spent almost two decades in prison doing hard labor in a lime quarry. Darryl, whose grandparents immigrated to South Africa from Eastern Europe, is now 40, so Mandela was imprisoned during his entire childhood. "Growing up, I didn't know what Robben Island was," he says. "I had never heard of it."
It's hard to imagine that something so tangible, so visible in the distance, could have been unknown to someone growing up so near. But there was censorship, and only one TV station, and that's the way apartheid worked: It kept people blind.
There was a soccer league on Robben Island during Nelson Mandela's tenure, Chuck Korr recounts in the book More Than Just a Game. Prisoners constructed goals made from planks of wood and fishing nets washed up on the shores of the island, and an inmate who had been a cobbler cut and molded studs into the soles of sandals the prisoners had fashioned out of car tires.
I call up several former Robben Island inmates who decades ago organized the soccer league and ask them what they think of South Africa's hosting the World Cup.
"I see whites, blacks, they all fly the South African flag for the first time," says Sedick Isaacs, now 70 and a retired professor. "This can change people."
"It's a terrible waste of resources," says Marcus Solomon, also now 70, the founder of a children's organization, who says the stadium construction money could better have been spent on housing for shack-dwellers and the homeless. But of course he is watching the games. "Your soul is dead if you're not interested in sport."
The Cape of Good Hope is the tip of the continent, the meeting of the warm, green-tinged Indian Ocean and the cold, gray-blue Atlantic—and if it isn't the end of the world, it feels like it. The rough rocks and red earth drop down to form a raggedy edge of land, with wind gusting so hard that it's difficult to move against it. This was the first place Europeans landed in South Africa when they came to settle here, when the Dutch East India Company founded the colony of Cape Town as a supply station for ships sailing to India and the Far East. This bit of the world is incredibly beautiful: When we climb to the top of Table Mountain, we are higher than the clouds, and we watch them drift in, first in spiky waves below us, then toward us, encompassing us in tufts of mist.
It's easy to see that this country is one of those places whose incredible physical loveliness coexists with tortured human relations. Of course, I have just skimmed the surface here. But part of what has been most interesting about this trip is seeing the ways South Africa mirrors our own country. Every time I sit down to write about its excesses, I realize they are our own. We, too, are obsessed by race. We, too, have a history where European colonists came, moved to inhospitable hinterlands, developed myths around their hardships, deepened a sense of religious mission, seized land, and moved the native people of the place onto some kind of reserve. In the American case, most of the indigenous people were killed, and now our national mythologizing has mostly moved on. Traveling South Africa, I saw many different ways apartheid played out, and some of them feel somehow familiar, echoes of possible American fates.
But something about this trip has been uncomplicated, too. South Africa is a country whose people love soccer, and they are enjoying a global tournament on their own soil. The soccer love in this country is everywhere: School holidays were extended for the World Cup, work slowed down, and roads closed. This tournament spawned its own arts: clay pots and beaded change purses that say FIFA 2010 (in absolute violation of stringent copyright rules), life-size and key-chain soccer players made of beads, paintings of elephants and zebras kicking soccer balls. Some whites we encountered said they had previously thought of soccer as a game only for blacks, but for the first time they were obsessively following the fate of Bafana Bafana. And, in almost every place we pass through, kids were playing the game—even if the goal posts were piles of rocks in the middle of a dirt street. In a deserted restaurant in a small town where we had a late dinner one night, the waiters started kicking a soccer ball around with a patron inside among the tables—until a few wine glasses were smashed—but the manager just came out and shook his head without reprimand.
I've become used to this routine: Present the gold-embossed FIFA ticket to the collector, share a huge smile, enter a stadium filled with fans in national blocs: the two teams playing, plus South Africans.
Our last game is Spain vs. Portugal in the round of 16.
"No. 8 and No. 6 are kind of like a metronome—they keep the rhythm, they pass the ball back and forth," says my boyfriend, Marcel, of the Spanish team.
Sure enough, I watch fast, even passing: tick, tick, tick.
Over three weeks traveling watching soccer in South Africa, I didn't quite develop a passion for the game, but I did come to appreciate it. I like the way it's pared down—a person and a ball. No other equipment. No armor, no accessories. Just skill, instinct, wiliness, speed. It's a great equalizer and a beautiful thing to watch. No one ever really has the ball—the players can't hold it in their hands—the best any player can do is touch and guide it with the chest, the head, the foot, and move it on.
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It’s probably safer to plan on a different option this week. Even if he goes, he’s not going to be himself, may still not have Allen back, etc. Ryan will be trying to keep up with the Chiefs, and his WRs are healthy again, so he’s not an unattractive option.
August12 September 24, 2022, 6:09pm #3
I’m screwed either way here. I thought I could get Ryan but he won’t clear waivers till Wednesday. Now I’m looking at Flacco , Mac jones or Rush. It’s a super flex and I have Allen at my other QB. I could play Bateman, Or Garrett Wilson as the flex. Kinda leaning towards jones in this situation
AxeElf September 24, 2022, 6:23pm #4
Flacco hasn’t been bad.
SoBe717 September 24, 2022, 9:39pm #5
The Vegas betting line went from LA by 10 to 3. This is almost unheard of but, when I see tons of money going one way I put up my hands and get a QB.
August12 September 24, 2022, 10:59pm #6
Yep. I noticed that too. It’s tough. We’re gambling on animals who’s trainers are more than happy to put out an illusion. Things were going well. It’s a competitive league. I have a good team and need to win this week. Herbert was an important piece of that puzzle. But Flacco is going to hopefully get me enough points to keep me in it.
edmcgon September 24, 2022, 11:34pm #7
Assuming Herbert doesn’t go, Rush is a decent choice, although Flacco has outperformed the last few weeks. I would take the shot on Flacco.
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An improved business FX strategy can be the best gift a CFO can give themselves. Ending a reliance on a traditional banking partner for cross border payments and FX processes is easier than you think.
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) working in businesses that operate across borders can find their corporate treasury and accounts functions becoming bloated and inefficient as their company expands and grows.
From supplier and staff payments to managing banking relationships across multiple jurisdictions, they have plenty to deal with. However, CFOs can find ways of reducing these costs by accessing new and innovative services that are designed for a globalised economy and that do not rely on traditional providers.
One of the most important areas they should review and reconsider is opening a business bank account abroad. To streamline their business FX, they should open a multi-currency business account that avoids many hidden fees and allows them to access favourable exchange rates on the wholesale FX markets.
A CFO could find their workload and responsibilities double with every new country their company expands into. If you assume that all areas of corporate treasury, accounts and tax compliance need to be replicated in each jurisdiction, this will certainly increase your workload and could quickly cause you to be overwhelmed.
However, this approach is too weighted towards administrative activities and not centred on providing strategic leadership. A CFO with global financial operations should really be focusing their efforts on developing pricing strategies, identifying profitable markets and seeking out the best suppliers, if they are to be truly effective.
To achieve this, they need to be saving time in areas where new services can make them more efficient and profitable. By doing away with unnecessary operational activities, such as managing multiple bank relationships across borders, they can spend more time on more strategic gains.
Reduce costs associated with your business FX
One of the areas that CFOs should look at straight away is their business FX strategy. Far too many businesses with cross border operations still rely on their main banking relationship to power their business FX processes, even though it might be costing them a lot of money.
The transaction and currency exchange fees that banks add on to their clients’ payments may look small when viewed in isolation but they quickly mount up for import and export businesses or those with supplier and staff payments in another currency. Even if these businesses use payment gateways, which reduce fees or roll them up into a single payment, they are usually still hit by unfavourable exchange rates.
For businesses with multiple banking relationships across different countries, the exchange rates between bank accounts can be particularly poor. However, there are alternatives available now that allow businesses to access the best currency exchange rates.
Access the mid-market rate on wholesale FX markets
The key issues that CFOs need to consider when reviewing or planning their business FX strategy is whether their existing banking relationships are allowing them to access the best rates. To do that, CFOs need to understand how their bank comes to offer them the exchange rate it does.
The exchange rate your bank offers you starts off as the mid-market rate, which your bank can access on the wholesale FX markets. It is called the mid-market rate or the middle rate because it is the midpoint between buy and sell prices for any two currencies.
However, this is not the rate you are likely to be offered. One of the main ways your bank or payment gateway includes hidden FX charges is by offering you an unfavourable exchange rate that includes a spread. This spread is the amount between the mid-market rate they can access on wholesale FX markets and the exchange rate they offer to you.
So, to see the spread you are paying, simply search on the internet for the mid-market rate and compare it to what you have been offered for a cross border transaction. Most importantly of all, do not assume that you have no option but to accept the rate being offered. You too can access favourable rates that are inline with the mid-market rate.
You might assume that opening a business bank account abroad is necessary for every new country your business expands into.
This is especially true if your cross border operations stretch beyond simply paying a single supplier. You may want to make it easy for foreign customers to pay you in their local currency. You might also want to pay full time employees and contract workers operating in another country. Usually, there are also new tax compliance regulations to deal with.
However, your response to dealing with all of these new processes should not be to set up multiple new bank accounts with different banks across a range of different countries. Managing multiple bank relationships is time consuming and will overburden your corporate treasury and accounts departments with lots of administrative work that isn’t necessary.
Instead, you should consider the merits of managing all of your global financial operations by opening transactional currency accounts through a single platform.
In order to avoid the hassle of managing multiple banking relationships across different countries and be able to access the most competitive exchange rates for your business, you should consider opening a multi-currency business account.
Most CFOs want to ensure their global finance operations allow them to facilitate expansion and growth without overburdening themselves with unnecessary administration. If they choose to open a multi-currency business account, they can do exactly that and operate transactional currency accounts through a single platform.
This means that you only ever have to use one account to easily access the best exchange rates across a range of currencies. Furthermore, by working with a provider like OpenPayd to access business accounts in 7+ currencies and operate streamlined corporate treasury and accounts functions that save you time and money.
For CFOs with global finance operations, this means less time spent on unnecessary administrative processes and more time spent on the strategic financial planning that will facilitate your business’s growth and expansion into new markets.
Wholesale Foreign Exchange: everything you need to know
FX
New to FX and wondering what happens behind the scenes? This is how the wholesale FX market works.
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Real-time payments will soon dominate global transactions. OpenPayd’s payment infrastructure is helping us get there.
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Caxton, one of the UK’s leading fintech payments companies, faced an all-too-familiar pain point with their payments infrastructure. We helped them find a faster way.
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Posted: December 23, 2013 in rants
Lazy as I am, I’m using someone else’s greetings instead of doing my own. And, pretentious as I am, I’ll be using the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum’s greeting. Because I like it, and you might, too.
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Thoughts on working in technology with nonprofits, Drupal, writing code, professional development, and other stray ideas.
During a recent department event my wife introduced me to the sister of one of her students. The event was an award ceremony for some of the history and political science majors – the student’s sister was along to support her brother (and as a smart college student get a free meal outside the dinning hall).
As a CS major, this student is trying to understand her options for what kind of programming she might be interested in. As a good professor my wife introduced us so the CS major wouldn’t have to pretend to be as excited about history as everyone else present. Listening to me talk about what I’ve done in my work she commented that maybe she should be a web developer – my reply was that she should do the work with problems she finds interesting.
Like many people who are going through a CS education she has been surrounded by people who are confused about the difference between IT and CS. She talked about going to a conference and running into a bunch of guys who belittled her because she wasn’t into computer hardware. Apparently one even criticized her for misstating the directionality of a Lightning adapter (I can’t remember the last time I cared about cable directionality in a digital connector). My suggestion that was old, familiar, and involved one finger. I also pointed out the guy was probably just wrong.
That kind of adolescent gate keeping out of other college students isn’t surprising, but it is annoying. I work in a field that’s short handed, and we need smart people interesting creating great systems. We were short handed before the whole U.S. economy started to run short on workers.
From a short conversation I could tell she was smart, capable, and friendly – exactly the kind of person any employer will be lucky to have some day soon. But she also felt discouraged, as if she was weak in some important part of the field. Assembling her own PC hadn’t been fun for her (I have no shame in admitting that I’ve never built a PC from scratch); fussing with hardware just doesn’t excite her like coding does right now.
I really love having a good IT team to support my work. And having great hardware at my disposal is critical to good work. But I have minimal interest in working on that part of the technology stack myself. Sure, I’ve done my time installing RAM chips onto mother boards, and re-seating PCI cards, but I never really wanted to care about the details of those components.
I always wants to create tools that solved interested problems.
What Problems are Interesting
We are all attracted to ideas and projects that sound exciting. This student became interested in the kind of work I do because I can talk about it with excitement and confidence. I enjoy the problems I get to solve on a day-to-day basis and that shows. I have no idea if she’d enjoy them. Being a Salesforce or web developer might bore her to tears.
A problem is not intrinsically interesting. We find problems interesting for our own reasons. That interest makes us intrinsically motivated to solve them.
I like writing middle-ware and creating related tools. Filling gaps left between other tools is interesting to me. I know people who love to create great UIs because it makes people love the product. Other friends love to work on security problems because it keeps systems secure (and gives them excuses to break into systems they should access). Some of my friends work on creating software to advance science. Still others love to create high performance solutions to handle big data problems. And others who help create games. I could go on, byt you get the picture.
My point is all the problems are interesting – to someone. None of the problems are interesting to all of us.
If you want to have or want a career creating software, look for jobs that solve problems you think are interesting. It doesn’t matter if I think your work is exciting. If you are excited about it, I’ll be excited to hear what you’re doing.
Author Aaron CrosmanPosted on April 29, 2022 Categories Education, Work
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Spinning Code is the personal blog of Aaron Crosman and discusses Nonprofits, Drupal, Spinning, Coding, and whatever else comes to mind.
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You’re asked to set goals at work and perhaps even set goals for your life too. You use the SMART format, fill out the forms, yet why don’t you achieve what you want to? It has to do with the state you’re in when you set the goals. On today’s episode, learn how I teach effective goal setting inside of organizations that gets people excited and makes their goals feel more possible than they ever have before.
Questions to Explore:
PURPOSE: What is it about being your best self at work and in life that gives you a deep sense of purpose, meaning or fulfillment?
STRENGTHS: Reflect on 2-3 moments of excellence from the last 12 months (or as far back as you want to go), times when you were at your very best and fully alive.
What happened? Share a story of two with me…
What did you bring to these moments?
What qualities have you seen show up, when you were at your best?
Are there any strengths that maybe you’ve never fully appreciated or are under-ultilized?
What strengths might you be able to better leverage moving forward
GRATITUDE: Reflect on the people, the opportunities, the gifts that are all around you…
What do you value and appreciate most about your life right now? Share as many things as you’d like….
What do you appreciate and value about yourself, your family, your community, your work?
FUTURE: Imagine…a year from now, you’ve not only lived your best life but you’ve done it in a way that gives you a sense of pride, meaning, fulfillment…
If you could wave a magic wand, and make 3 wishes come true in the next 12 months, what would happen?
As you reflect on your wishes, hopes and aspirations for the next year, which one matters most and why?
Imagine every single wish came true…describe how that feels?
FUTURE SELF: Imagine…you’ve not only surpassed your highest hopes for the next year, but you’ve evolved into the person you’ve always known you could be, your true self…
How would you like to see yourself evolving as a person in the next 12 months?
What are the qualities, values, ways of being…that your highest future is calling you to embody, to become, to fully live out?
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So I still subscribe to The Philadelphia Inquirer. It’s our regional paper and I’ve had so many friends who have worked for them and still have a couple who work for them, so I like to support their writing. I still support their writing even though I get the countless solicitation emails from the Inquirer/Lenfest Institute. And the subscription even if it’s just online, isn’t inexpensive these days. I only do online subscription because all of the newspapers have gotten so small in print that it feels like the ad circular for the grocery store.
But the Inquirer has these ads. They are pervasive and I guess click bait. I don’t know why they can’t adjust the coding so it’s not the first thing we see? I am not a prude but I am sick of my morning paper with a side of boobs. An ad before this was something geared towards men with erectile dysfunction. That was August. These ads appear every day in my email announcing my daily newspaper.
And I totally get that newspapers need ad revenue but I also digitally subscribe to the New York Times and Washington Post. Neither one of them give me ads like this.
So I find this kind of offensive, and again I’m not a prude. But this is the kind of ad revenue they generate? I think that’s a little bit in poor taste.
And that is my one complaint about the digital edition of the Inquirer: all of the ads and so many of them are less than if I’m being nice. If I’m not being nice I don’t need ads about erectile dysfunction and tits in my face when I’m reading the paper in the morning. I also think a lot of these ads objectify women and I am not a super women’s libber and never have been.
Every time I see one of these ads I wonder what is it I am paying for? I want to read the articles but I’m paying a fair amount for a digital subscription now and I can’t imagine how much more expensive ad free would be and I don’t know that they can offer ad free because they need advertising sales.
My final bit of wondering, is would they care if someone like me was no longer a subscriber? I can answer that question and the answer is probably not. But I can’t be the only one that wishes this isn’t what smacked you in the face with your morning digital newspaper and throughout whatever it is you read on their website in general. Of course it’s also quite possible that I’m just old-fashioned and this is the sad future of journalism.
Thanks for stopping by.
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Posted in current events/news, grist for the writing mill, rantings of a suburban housewife | Tagged click bait ads, life, Philadelphia Inquirer | Leave a reply
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On behalf of the entire The Champs Fun School team I would like to welcome you and your families. Every child is a very special individual who needs a happy, secure and challenging environment. “If a plant is carefully nurtured by a gardener, it will become good, and produce better fruits.” Therefore, children must be given a good training from their early childhood. We are here for the same. I am sure that our students of today, tomorrow will carry forward the Motto of love and unity entrusted in their hands at The Champs Fun School.
The Champs Fun School launching into the digital revolution that will transform every aspect of student life in the classrooms and outside. It will also contribute to the realization of the school shaping education through digital vision and to move from the traditional way of communicating to the digital system. The closed classroom is opened as the school goes online. The teachers and students can with pride reveal the work done within the four walls.
We look forward with you as we help create a school where parents are welcome at anytime, students are engaged in meaningful learning and the staff members are valued and appreciated for their efforts.
Role :
Min Salary : $
Posted By Company / 14th February 2022
The Champs Fun School
The champs has completed almost 20 years of successful years in education segment and have over 1200 operating play schools across India. From Narmadapuram A place where eminence in learning is felt. The amazing part of this kind of learning is that this power and fun in learning is felt both by parents and the kids. They foresee a The champs which is not just in learning numbers and alphabets but far beyond that. Technology which has seeped deep in the champs is a gift which will be cherished for long. Why not moms and dads wouldn’t want to join a preschool and live childhood, The Champs fun !
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In 1945 the chairman of IBM said he saw a global market of four to five computers. In 2002 more than 45 million computers were sold in the US. Components for computers continue to shrink in size, and experts predict that by 2030 computer circuits will be measured on an atomic scale. On this scale scientists suggest using the physical properties of small particles, known as quantum mechanics, to do calculations.
Albert Einstein once described quantum mechanics, the physics of small particles, as spooky. The properties of quantum particles often contradict high school physics and cannot be fully explained by modern physicists. Nonetheless, scientists are beginning to harness these properties to develop a new level of computing, known as quantum computing.
Two properties of quantum mechanics are used.
In modern electronics information is encoded as a series of ones and zeroes. Each 1 or 0 is known as a bit. For a quantum computer the equivalent is a qubit, but at the quantum level a qubit can be one, zero, or a combination of both. Quantum particles can be in several states at the same time, known as superposition. This allows a computer to perform calculations simultaneously as if the qubit were at once both 1 and 0. Ohio State University physics professor Greg Lafyatis explains another property harnessed in quantum computing.
Lafyatis says, "The other feature is called entanglement, and entanglement is something that disturbed Albert Einstein to his grave, but it's a very, very bizarre feature of quantum mechanics where objects at a distance are somehow linked to one another in ways that we can't say we really understand, but ways that at least can be exploited to do certain calculations."
For two entangled particles a change in one instantaneously provides information about the state of the other. In this way information can be passed between qubits, regardless of distance, in an instant.
Currently, scientists are working to both build a functioning quantum computer and to develop uses for the completed machine.
Lafyatis' research focuses on building a device known as an atom trap. Quantum particles readily interact with the surrounding universe, and for quantum computing qubits need to be isolated. Lafyatis is working to trap and isolate over ten thousand Rubidium atoms on a small circular chip.
This feat is accomplished with lasers. Since lasers are beams of light they travel in a wave shape. Crossing two lasers creates an intersection of waves that results in a field of light that looks like an egg carton. Each small valley can hold and isolate a single atom.
Currently, Lafyatis is trying to place the Rubidium atoms in these valleys. Solid Rubidium is heated to form a gas, with each atom traveling at near the speed of sound in many directions. Using lasers once more, the atoms are slowed to the speed of a meandering beetle and contained in a vacuum. Graduate student Rajani Ayachitula describes the final collection of atoms as a pale ball of translucent red hovering in the vacuum chamber. Lafyatis and his team are working at moving this ball over the chip and placing the atoms into the valleys of light.
Lafyatis says the work is difficult and developing a working quantum computer will take many decades. He also says they will not be common.
Lafyatis says, "The one thing I want to make clear about quantum computing is basically, it's not going to replace your PC, I mean, what it can do is it can solve certain very, very special problems, and as time goes by it will probably be able to solve more and more and more important problems, but I don't want to give the impression that twenty years from now or fifty years from now that they'll just throw out regular computers and everyone will be using quantum ones."
The problems quantum computers will be used to solve will be the design of complex new materials that rely on quantum properties as well as the modeling of complex systems in nature. Experts add that a working quantum computer will be able to defeat modern codes that protect information and communications.
Ayachitula says the final goal of a working quantum computer is not the only reason to attempt the project. She says the process of learning to work with quantum mechanics provides deeper insights into a field that is anything but intuitive.
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Brent Davis is the TV Content Director for WOSU Public Media. He believes that it is vital that WOSU is recognized as a primary source for authentic, engaging, and informative content.
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Today at a client site, vCenter stopped responding. In the course of troubleshooting, I discovered that the C: drive of the SQL server housing the vCenter database had 1.59MB free. That was alleviated by cleaning up a 526MB system state backup from late 2007. Next, I found that the SQL DBA’s had set the SQL login for the vCenter db to expire. The VMware admins confirmed that they had requested a login with no account expiration and that the request had been approved through change control before the account was created. Of course, this is not the default setting, so care must be taken to confirm the config.
At the same site we also discovered that the VLAN tags for a single VLAN were left off of 22 physical ports… Simple typo in the console “1-2” rather than “1-24” that was showing up as intermittent inability for VM’s to get ip addresses via DHCP. Based on good documentation of the vSwitch configs and a good diagram and documentation of connections from the ESX hosts to the physical switch, we convinced the network admin to check and correct the switch config.
Thankfully, both errors were remedied quickly, but both could have been avoided with careful checking and better feedback. Virtualization crosses many disciplines and I routinely encounter resistance from the various admin groups at client sites who have become isolated from each other. At this site, the admin groups are starting to loosen up and cooperate better, and incidents like today’s are helping them to appreciate the need for coordination rather than insulation.
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Welcome to my blog. I have maintained a website for years in support of my endeavors as an IT trainer and consultant. Recently, I have been encouraged to provide a single site for links and information that I refer to my students during class. So, here goes. Please be patient as this site will evolve as I get time.
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Exploring the legacy of the rationalist Rishonim (medieval Torah scholars), and various other notes, by Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, director of The Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh. The views expressed here are those of the author, not the institution.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
(This post is a satirical mirror-image of an article by Eytan Kobre in Mishpacha magazine. Only a few key phrases have been changed from Mr. Kobre's article.)
Of all the aspects of the avoidance of work and military service by Eretz Yisrael’s bnei Torah, one must be addressed before all others. Before we consider whether there is any way to explain our worldview to chareidi Israelis in terms they can understand and accept, there is a far more important question to ponder: Do we, shlomei emunei Yisrael, accept and understand it? Do we perceive why this is evil? Do we appreciate just how great a danger this poses to our nation?
The unfortunate answer, to a very large extent, is that we do not. There is a huge, perhaps unprecedented misunderstanding about this issue. This is evident simply from the conversations one has and hears, as well as from numerous other developments. A sampling:
A magazine produced by and for Zionist Jews features an MK describing how charedim have a "right" to create communities that are educated towards poverty and financially supported by the rest of Israel, under the banner of "United Torah Judaism." To insist upon educating towards poverty in defiance of Chazal's statements about how one must teach one's son a trade, and about how one should support one's family and even take a lowly profession rather than live off charity, is not exactly Torah Judaism.
A frum website features a chareidi gadol's three prohibitions for Eretz Yisrael’s frum community: serving in army units (even chareidi ones), participating in national service programs (even chareidi ones), and enrolling in job-training institutions (even chareidi ones). It is an astounding exercise in selfishness and self-destruction which, when practised by disadvantaged populations in inner-city America, we all recognize as a a tragedy. But somehow, its author’s background as a Gadol HaDor is supposed to give him carte blanche to legislate such distortions. It does not.
The aforementioned politically-involved Gadol HaDor, whose policies sought, quite simply, to end the Religious-Zionist community as we know it, is eulogized with high honor in an American magazine aimed at ehrliche Yidden in the Centrist and Modern Orthodox community.
We must attain clarity on what is at stake and what precisely we believe. Let us begin with that on which both sides agree. Haredi spokesman Eytan Kobre recently stated that while Iran is “a formidable enemy,” it does not represent “an existential threat” to Israel. Rather, it is “the Zionist project" that “poses a greater threat than … Ahmadinejad.”
Let us ignore for now, if we can, the breathtaking demonization of fellow Jews that statement represents. The man is right — Ahmadinejad is not the problem. There is, indeed, a threat different not only in degree but in kind, an existential one, facing the Jews in Israel, but it is not that slithering Persian snake and his mad pursuit of a nuclear device with which to bring about his dream of a world without Jews. It is there, of course, that the meeting of minds with Kobre ends, and a gaping chasm wider than all the universe opens between him and us.
The great catchphrase that has all the wise men, all the ostensible Gedolim, shaking their heads and clucking their tongues in unison, is “Daas Toyrah.” By this they mean that the burden of defending our nation has been determined by the Gedolim to be effected by those who learn in kollel.
We dissent. The crux of the matter is not who protects our nation, but who threatens it. And now, stand warned: I will pronounce what is for many Jews an insufferable heresy. True, we live today in a Torah-oriented Jewish world, in which “Daas Toyrah” is invoked endlessly to permit the airing of the most outrageous of views in Judaism’s name. As a result, there’s very little anymore that’s still regarded as blasphemous, but I’ll now say something that remains so: Nevuchadnetzar couldn’t destroy the Beis HaMikdash, nor can Ahmadinejad destroy Eretz Yisrael. Only Jews, those most spiritually potent of creatures, whose “feet are planted on earth, but whose heads reach the highest heavens,” can.
There, I said it. Actually, I didn’t say it — Rav Chaim Volozhiner did, in his Nefesh HaChaim (1:4). But please understand: In speaking thus, Rav Chaim, the Vilna Gaon’s prime disciple, was stating an axiomatic truth of the Judaism of the ages, albeit with a kabbalistic framework that was unknown to most of the Rishonim and strongly rejected by some. He was expressing a principle so fundamental to the Judaic worldview that it leaps from the pages of every sefer in Tanach and every masechta in Shas: Spiritual reality underlies — indeed, gives rise to — physical reality and thus is the far more real of the two, with the latter mirroring the former.
Welcome to Jewish reality — also known as reality according to the non-Maimonidean rabbinic authorities — where spiritual causes bring about material effects, both positive and negative; where the “action” all takes place in the spiritual realms, with the ensuing this-worldly results, substantive as they seem to the human eye, being mere afterthoughts. Our deeds, ours alone, activate spiritual forces on high that, in turn, determine the course of human affairs.
Whatever your views may be on the particular issue of the Israeli draft, if you identify as a genuinely believing non-Maimonidean Torah Jew, you subscribe to this way of seeing the world, and it informs the way you live your life. It is why you insist on not working on Shabbos and Yom Tov, believing that G-d will bless your household for declaring Him Master of your destiny; it is why you pray thrice daily for all your needs; it is why you trade the so-called “high cost of Jewish living,” as expressed in money, time and convenience, for the riches of a spiritually elevated life that connects you to the Eternal One and through Him, to eternity.
And so, if we are to be religiously consistent, it is through the prism of this irreconcilable divide over the fundamental nature of reality that the attempt to avoid military service and working for a living must also be viewed. What most threatens Israel’s future existence? The Torah is unequivocal on this: Not an Iranian mushroom cloud, but Jews — and especially fervently religious ones, who are more accountable for their actions — acting un-Jewishly.
Incidentally, one need not be a benighted Religious Zionist, his big tomes of Scripture and Talmud in tow, to believe that Israel’s fate is bound up with its inhabitants’ conduct — one can even be, say, Eytan Kobre. Not unlike a Southern Baptist preacher, the lawyer-turned-Torah-spokesman has only the Gedolim to guide him, yet he has famously, and admirably, stated that he believes our claim to this land to be based on adherence to the Torah and Talmud. Well, now, they say “talk is cheap,” but ought he not to be held to his words?
So we open the Torah and read: “You shall observe all My decrees and all My ordinances and perform them; then the land to which I bring you will not disgorge you” (Vayikra 20:22). Let’s charitably assume for the moment that transgressing “all My decrees and all My ordinances” doesn’t, G-d forfend, include things like avoiding paying taxes and shirking military service without one of the Torah's explicit exemptions (as Moses himself said, "Shall your brothers go to war while you remain here?"). But surely, at a minimum, it refers to the litany of sins set forth in the immediately preceding verses: sexual immorality and all the rest.
So when we read that Agudath Israel has instructed rabbis not to report suspected pedophiles to the authorities without the permission of rabbis who have no training in such matters, and who have proven completely incompetent and to have covered up for molesters in the past, what are we to think? What does the estimable Mr. Kobre think of his community serving as a blight unto the nations? Does he ever ponder what the Author of Leviticus thinks of the fact that just minutes from Kobre's law practice in Brooklyn, countless minors are abused for unspeakable purposes — or can’t he spare a minute from plotting the next diatribe against the Zionists?
And what guarantees Israel’s safety? Jews acting like Jews and doing those things that Judaism teaches bring blessing and peace and sustenance and every manner of good fortune into the world. And among these, our Sages teach, none can remotely compare to Torah study for the protective merit and abundance of blessing it affords. Which is why one wonders why charedi yeshivos fled the beleaguered Ashdod and Netivot region as soon as troubles started with Gaza, and why they are so desperate for financial help from the Zionist government rather than relying upon the abundance of blessings afforded by Torah study. Perhaps it is because they are aware of the deficiency of their Torah study; as our Sages teach, Torah study is most beautiful when accompanied by derech eretz. Moreover, as wonderful as the modern invention of the kollel is for their contribution to the contemporary profusion of Torah learning, there’s no gainsaying the Torah's clear pronouncements, codified by Rambam: the only exemptions from military duty are for men with new homes, new vineyards or new wives, and not for those who wish to learn Torah. Furthermore, there’s no gainsaying Chazal's clear pronouncements: kol Torah she'ain imo melachah sofo betelah vegoreres avon, any Torah that is not accompanied by work leads to neglect and sin; and that kol she'aino melamed es beno umnos ke'ilu melamdo listos, one who does not teach his son a trade is as though he has taught him to steal.
So let me understand: Now, as this fragile little country, whose 65-year history has been a string of wondrous miracles, faces the apocalypse being feverishly readied by the lunatic of Teheran, now is the opportune time to insist that the temporary measures invoked after the losses of the Holocaust must be concretized into a complete and permanent reformation of traditional Torah society? Now, with the returns of the Charedi project in, and the result a country where hundreds of thousands of Yidden are condemned to poverty with all its associated problems of shalom bayis, theft and other tragedies; where charedi youth are so disenchanted with the lifestyle that is forced upon them that many rebel and come to a tragic end in Yerushalayim’s holy streets; where the drive to segregate themselves from wider society is so strong that reporting serial molesters to the authorities is regarded as mesirah — and all the while vicious enemies encircle us — is this the moment to insist upon the negation of the traditional Jewish community, where working for a living is considered normative and praiseworthy, and everyone is united as one people to follow the Torah's laws and values which stand between us and a violent vomiting out of the inhabitants of this most spiritually sensitive of lands?
at May 26, 2013
44 comments:
Student V May 27, 2013 at 12:21 AM
"whose policies sought, quite simply, to end the Religious-Zionist community as we know it,"
What is meant by this?
Thanks.
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Mark May 27, 2013 at 12:55 AM
I would change it to "Understand the first burden". After the sin of Adam and Chava, the first burden placed upon mankind was to work for a living to feed themselves and their families.
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Jon May 27, 2013 at 12:58 AM
Wow I think you might have just killed him.
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Menachem Lipkin May 27, 2013 at 1:07 AM
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Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin May 27, 2013 at 1:11 AM
>>"whose policies sought, quite simply, to end the Religious-Zionist community as we know it,"
>>What is meant by this?
Getting rid of Religious Zionists from their rabbinate, and having marriage and geirus in the hands of people like Tropper.
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EML May 27, 2013 at 2:06 AM
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Unknown May 27, 2013 at 3:33 AM
Rabbi Eytan Kobre writes in his article:
"Spiritual reality underlies — indeed, gives rise to — physical reality and thus is the far more real of the two, with the latter mirroring the former.
Welcome to Jewish reality — also known as reality, period — where spiritual causes bring about material effects, both positive and negative; where the “action” all takes place in the spiritual realms, with the ensuing this-worldly results, substantive as they seem to the human eye, being mere afterthoughts. Our deeds, ours alone, activate spiritual forces on high that, in turn, determine the course of human affairs."
Do not our our deeds originate in the physical world, not the spiritual world? Thus even if our deeds affect the spiritual world, which in turn affects the physical world, then isn't this the same as saying that our (physical) deeds, and not the spiritual world, is the ultimate cause of events in the physical world?
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G*3 May 27, 2013 at 4:49 AM
> Spiritual reality underlies — indeed, gives rise to — physical reality and thus is the far more real of the two, with the latter mirroring the former.
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Unknown May 27, 2013 at 6:18 AM
This post makes me sad. Both sides have valid points. I would have thought that as rationalists we would be able to do some brutally honest soul-searching and try to detect some common ground (through his admittedly condescending tone) instead of just "smacking Kobre upside the head" and mocking him by using his own insulting and hyperbolic language against him.
Kobre thinks Religious Zionists are the problem, and Religious Zionists think Hareidim are the problem. We're both wrong - this polarization that is getting more extreme by the day is the problem.
We must remember that indeed we do have common ground: the supremacy of Torah law and values in our worldviews, though we might disagree at times as to the exact parameters. Hillel told the potential convert "Love your neighbor as yourself - the rest is commentary." The Hareidim don't have a monopoly on forgetting this principle. Both they and we have a lot to learn about it.
The quote from R' Chaim is very apt here, and can be explicated further thus: "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
Someone has to be the grown-up in the room and call for dialogue to work toward unity. If it won't be them, why can't it be us? Our goal doesn't have to be all or nothing. Live and let live will do just fine.
At very least, can't we avoid using language like "smack him upside the head" and "you might have just killed him"? We are rationalists haggling in the marketplace of ideas, not bullies in a schoolyard.
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David Ohsie May 27, 2013 at 6:26 AM
I think that the simpler and perhaps more accurate counter-argument is to simply note that he makes no real argument and in fact kind of admits he doesn't have one.
1) First he laments the fact that various "frum" voices agree with his intellectual enemies because it weakens his view this this is a conflict between believers and non-believers.
2) The rest of the article lists out the various disagreements with his ideological opponents on issues like tolerance for homosexuals. Since this really has nothing to do with the draft, the best he can do is to ask "[is] now [...] the opportune time to drag talmidei chachamim from their shtenders with brute physical or fiscal force, in a grand social reengineering scheme?" It almost seems like he doesn't really believe strongly in what he is defending.
The parody tries to turn this around to show that the Charedi community has its own problems, but I think that this is the wrong argument. The right one is: no one has the right to shirk risking his life for the common defense of the state regardless of community or his other merits.
Disclaimer: As an American with no military experience, I have to plead somewhat guilty myself and cannot personally criticize anyone who fears service, although it is a bit different because we have an all-volunteer force.
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Charlie Hall May 27, 2013 at 7:07 AM
"having marriage and geirus in the hands of people like Tropper."
That the charedi gedolim wanted to put all conversions all over the world in the hands of Tropper is sufficient proof that they should not be automatically followed.
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Avi Keslinger May 27, 2013 at 8:05 AM
The problem is not those who are truly learning. Everyone admits that they should be exempted. In fact, the us exempted "theological students" even during WW2.Perhaps a good solution would be to make them an arm of the army rabbinate. The problems is the vast majority who are not.
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Anonymous May 27, 2013 at 8:19 AM
Why do you fabricate a quote to Kobre? It doesn't do your post any good and it undermines the moral force of your post. If there are people in the mainstream Agudist (as opposed to Satmar/ Netureia Karta types) who state that Zionism is more of a danger than Ahmendinejad to Israel, find a real quote that says that. I didn't get that from Kobre's post at all. Shmulee
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Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin May 27, 2013 at 8:35 AM
I didn't fabricate it!
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JE May 27, 2013 at 9:08 AM
Kobre is a lawyer who has taken on a guilty client and must make the best of it.
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MD May 27, 2013 at 9:52 AM
"It is an astounding exercise in selfishness and self-destruction which, when practised by disadvantaged populations in inner-city America, we all recognize as a a tragedy."
What on earth are you talking about?
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bluke May 27, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Most of the Charedi press is simply making things up ("The Destruction of the Torah World", etc.). See my post I feel like it's 1984 ...
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bluke May 27, 2013 at 11:41 AM
I wrote the blog post about the chareidi gadol's three prohibitions for Eretz Yisrael’s frum community. If you read the post you can see clearly that I was not agreeing with the prohibitions, but in fact I asked some very tough questions about them.
The question that needs to be asked is where will the money come from? If job training, secular studies etc. are prohibited how will people make a living? Live on handouts? Is that really the traditional Jewish way?
...
The Charedi world has this idea that everyone is out to get them, that the secular want them to become irreligious. IMHO, from my experience working in Israel (with mostly Chilonim) this is simply not true. In fact, my experience is that they respect the religious people that they interact with at work. The average Chiloni has no interest in making anyone irreligious.
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Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin May 27, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Yes, I know. I was just trying to match Kobre's original language.
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Michael Lipkin May 27, 2013 at 2:20 PM
Oh please, "Unknown", get a life. Unless you're from Alabama you should have understood my statement metaphorically, ie "great comeback".
Yes, we should find common ground with ALL people of good faith. Unfortunately, much of the Chareidi media and their apologists have gone berserk and become completely irrational, spouting cascades of lies and venom. These are not among the rational people who are capable of finding common ground. Their lies and hyperbole need to be exposed. And actually, Rabbi Slifkin's witty response is one of the gentler ways to do so.
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EphraIM May 27, 2013 at 2:41 PM
"now is the opportune time to insist that the temporary measures invoked after the losses of the Holocaust must be concretized into a complete and permanent reformation of traditional Torah society?"
This is a myth. There were never any such temporary measures after the Holocaust. The current system of kollel for the masses does not originate in the post-Holocaust era- it happened decades later. Here in Israel, before Begin, some 80% of charedim worked. Full time learning was limited to the elite. In the U.S., the mass kollel movement is the legacy of R' Schneur Kotler, not Rav Ahron who passed away in late 1962. Thus, in the U.S. the mass movement began some 20 years after the founding of BMG, in Israel it was 30 years after the Ben Gurion deal. This has little/nothing to do with rebuilding!
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Student V May 27, 2013 at 3:34 PM
Getting rid of Religious Zionists from their rabbinate, and having marriage and geirus in the hands of people like Tropper.
May 27, 2013 at 1:11 AM"
Hmm. Well, maybe I don't understand the issue fully, but I really don't see how that would "end" the religious zionist community. Maybe that's a bit of exaggeration? It seems to me like a power grab or consolidation of power for the haredi rabbis, sure, but how would it somehow end religious zionism?
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Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin May 27, 2013 at 3:39 PM
It's just as valid as describing R. Dov Lipman as someone who is trying "to end the chareidi community as we know it."
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Daniel May 30, 2013 at 6:58 AM
But I am sure you would characterize such descriptions of R' Lipman as irresponsible. So should that be the standard that your writing strives for?
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Yehuda P. May 27, 2013 at 3:40 PM
G*3 asked about the Platonic idea of the physical world mirroring the spiritual. The charge is leveled at Kabbalistic/chassidic ideas in general that they're simply neo-Platonic. Does anyone have any sort of information how these ideas entered into Jewish thought? I don't think the Ba'al Shem Tov read Plato's Republic.
(I know that Yehudah HaLevi and Ibn Gabirol were considered neo-Platonic, but I want to know why/how that became mainstream in kabbalistic thinking.)
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Ploni May 27, 2013 at 6:46 PM
Yehuda, Google origins of the kabbalah by gershom scholem. There's a pdf ebook available. it's a bit dense and dated, but thorough.
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gh500 May 27, 2013 at 8:25 PM
It is widely accepted by poskim (in the Chareidi world and beyond)that Kol Korei's from Rva Elyashiv are not reliable.
You know that yourself.
How can you so deeply defame a G-dly man based on such a dubious source!
RNS shame on you!
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Student V May 28, 2013 at 1:38 AM
"It's just as valid as describing R. Dov Lipman as someone who is trying "to end the chareidi community as we know it.""
Well, "just as valid" is obviously a relative term, but what if one doesn't consider the above - about Lipman - valid at all (which I don't) ?
Are you saying the entire post is an ironic one directed towards those haredim who are overreacting to the draft? Maybe this whole thing just flew over my head.
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Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin May 28, 2013 at 6:29 AM
Yes, you missed the point - click on the link at the beginning of the post.
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Unknown May 28, 2013 at 7:35 AM
I did understand your comment as metaphorical, and I stand by my point.
I refuse to believe in the sort of mass insanity you allege. There are elements within the Hareidi camp that are convinced it's their way or the highway - there are those in any camp. But there are also those who, approached sincerely, with true intent for public good, will respond in kind.
We have some very strong points, and they need to be said. All I'm saying is that we need to be willing to listen as well.
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are you going to do the same thing to Jonathan Rosenblum's piece in the Forward?
Don't you just love how the charedi community just loves getting BT spokesman with advanced Ivy League education to do their propaganda. No one ever bothers to ask how it is that the children of these people will probably finish high school with the reading comprehension level of a sixth grader (i bumped up two grades for having educated parents).
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Anonymous May 28, 2013 at 4:51 PM
1. It was absurd of Jewish Action to publish such an obsequious, centerpiece tribute to R. Elyashiv. Hardly any reader of that magazine subscribes to R. Elyashiv's viewpoint. Indeed, I was upset and angered to learn that the OU headed to him for its kashrus questions. Is it due to R. Elyashiv that the OU made the riddiculous decision to label as "dairy" food only made on dairy equiptment? Apparently we need a new hechsher, not obsessed with "high standards" (= chumrahs)
2. At the same time, Eytan Kobre is right that it was foolish of JA to glorify a charedi woman going into the army. I saw at least one writer, Rabbi Reuven Spolter, wrote a letter to them this issue calling them out on it. It was wrong not only for the reasons Kobre correctly pointed out, but also because - like it or not, JA - women are not the same as men, and their obliogations and responsibilities are different.
So in one article they write a paen to charedim, and in the next they take the exact opposite approach. that's not called "diverstiy of opinion", that called "a magazine that's losing its sense of direction."
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Daniel May 30, 2013 at 7:06 AM
Why is not "diversity of opinion"? Why can't I, a typical yuppie, barely-learned but loyal MO Jew, admire both R' Elyashiv and a Charedi woman in the army? The are both living lives more dedicated to Am Yisroel than mine or my neighbors.
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RAM May 28, 2013 at 7:43 PM
Who now offers a vision detailing how the Jewish State can function with all its Jewish population sectors in harmony? What we appear to have instead are numerous visions of how to undercut the other guy while looking out for #1. The other guy lacks value unless he can be reprogrammed to think precisely as we do.
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Old Jewish Grammar pal May 28, 2013 at 7:45 PM
Would you entertain the thought of publishing a monograph on the difference between your way of speaking negatively on the Gedolei Yisroel and that of Korach's?
The similarities are astounding.(except korach had 250 men where as judging by the responses to this post you only have 30)
Nosson, this blogsite claims to follow the views of Rambam, have you ever researched the topic of being Mevaze Talmidei Chachamim according to the Rambam? Honestly? Nosson, no need to respond now, i want you to think about where you are going with this blog long and hard in bed tonight.
Have you no shame?
Do you realise that from the simple reading of Shulchan Oruch if you would have been around 400 years ago the Gedolim would have put you in a nidu for the way you speak on the ziknei hador?
You cannot continue this way, seriously.
Nosson, i have tears welling up in my eyes, you can do so much more with your life, is this what you want to be remembered for? by your 30 fans who cheer you on to give another jibe at the ziknei hador?
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Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin May 28, 2013 at 8:00 PM
At least three thousand readers of this post, actually. Including many talmidei chachamim, even in the charedi world, who firmly agree with me. And, for the record, I have researched the topic of disputing talmidei chachamim extensively, including Rambam's views. Have you?
The "Korach" card is easy to throw out, but why do you think that it applies to my side rather than your side? Why don't you throw it out against Kobre, whose language vis-a-vis other rabbonim I was merely copying? Maybe you're the Korach, for going against Chazal? Do you realize that if the charedi community had been around in the times of the Rishonim, they would have been blasted for going against the values of Chazal?
Also, stop with this silly "Old Jewish Grammar pal" moniker. Have the guts to give your name, if you claim to actually be an old pal. It will also help you take more responsibility for your words.
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Y.Aharon May 28, 2013 at 10:01 PM
The presumptousness of the more vocal elements in the Hareidi world is well illustrated by the commenter who apparently claims to be a childhood friend of Natan. The idea that people, who some have 'elected' to the status of gedolim, are equivalent to Moshe or even lesser prophets is astounding. The adage of the sages, "Yiftach bedoro keShmuel bedoro" is not truly relevant to those 'gedolim', but is instructive nonetheless. Yiftach was a formally recognized leader by an entire region of the Jewish people in the times of the Judges. Even so, his vow should never have been allowed to go into effect since it was both mistaken and destructive. How much more so should the poorly considered pronouncements of 'gedolim', recognized as such by only the Haredim, be subject to criticism and disregard. Not that this entitles anyone to heap abuse on talmidei chachamim. However, R' Natan is careful not to be guilty of such behavior. He has many sympathizers who fully support his views on the subject.
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Dovid May 29, 2013 at 12:51 AM
Does Kobre ponder what the Author of Leviticus thinks of the fact that just minutes from the Kanievski/Steinman/Ponovez/Kollel Hazon Ish abodes in Bnei Brak, thousands of women, including many minors, are bought and sold every day of the year in broad daylight for unspeakable purposes — or can’t he spare a minute from fighting the next yeshiva funding cut, thinking that more kollelim, rather than accepting communal responsibility and directly addressing social and moral problems will help the rest of Klal Yisroel?
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Avi Greengart May 29, 2013 at 3:04 AM
R. Spolter wrote about the working women article, not the chareidi soldier article.
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sjmybt May 29, 2013 at 10:43 AM
If I may simply comment on the exercise Rabbi Slifkin- brilliant job deconsturcing that piece in mishpacha (is it mishpocha?) magazine.
allow me to לחזק את ידך.
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Anonymous May 29, 2013 at 4:09 PM
I'm talking about Reuven Spolter's letter to the editor in this edition.
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ahg May 29, 2013 at 6:41 PM
It's just as valid as describing R. Dov Lipman as someone who is trying "to end the chareidi community as we know it."
Not quite. I think it's reasonable to say that Lipman is pro-actively trying to end the chareidi community as we know it.
No, he doesn't want to make them irreligious or have them lose their sincere devotion. However, he wants to end the cycle of ignorance and dependence. That is also part of what unfortunately defines the Israeli chareidi world as we know it today. While, we believe that's a GOOD thing and furthering TORAH TRUE goals, it doesn't change the fact that Lipman is looking to bring change to their world as it exists today.
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Just Curious May 30, 2013 at 11:27 PM
A very, very clever parody. What a shame that this Kobre guy will probably never read it or, if he does, that he will likely fail to grasp how incisively you've skewered his laughable article.
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Clarification Please May 31, 2013 at 5:50 AM
What is non-Maimonidean about the concept of sechar v'onesh? I mean, isn't the idea that our spiritual state dictates our material blessings not only mefurash in numerable pesukim but also in numerous comments of Rashi, Ramban and yes, even the Rambam (for example perek 9 of hilchos teshuva)?
You may disagree with certain actions by the charedi tzibbur, but it is clear that any Torah hashkafa must believe that Divine blessings (such as safe living conditions in Eretz Yisrael) are contingent upon our commitment to Torah and mitzvos. Of course we must do our hishtadlus too by having an army etc. but the Rambam writes quite clearly that if we learn and perform mitzvos properly, there will be no threat of war in the first place.
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This website is an exploration into the rationalist approach to Judaism that was most famously presented by Maimonides. It also explores contemporary rationalist approaches, as well as being a forum for various other notes. Well-written comments in the spirit of this enterprise will be posted; please include a name (even a pseudonym).
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"Slifkin’s new blog would soon become enormously popular within the rabbinic blogosphere... By many accounts, he has almost single-handedly brought an entire new worldview to the fore." - Tablet Magazine
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What a wonderful time we had at the Safari Park yesterday. But Nicola has kindly said she’ll post a report on our day out with 5 of the children, so that left an evening to recuperate. Today, there was another morning out for some of the children as the local dentists had generously arranged a party on the “International Day of Love” – known to us more commonly as St.Valentine’s Day!
We crossed the road to Bann Nonthapoom home for children with disabilities and, together with probably 500 other children from all the local children’s homes, had a karaoke concert, once the formalities had been dealt with.
Then it was back to Bann Fueng Fah orphanage for a working lunch at a nearby restaurant with the Superintendent and two of his senior staff. We discussed the working relationship between the orphanage and 1Step2Step and plans including the next disability awareness tour, when we hope to bring social workers, ward mums and nurses to the UK, and a children’s holiday In August at a beach resort.
Afterwards we popped back to Bann Nonthapoom to buy souvenirs from their shop – all made by the children – before returning once again for our transport.
The mobility scooter has caught lots of people’s attention. Maybe they will catch on in Thailand one day.
Cheaper than a taxi
So it’s goodbye to Bann Fueng Fah until next week and time for a short but well-earned holiday for Nicola aka some tourism for the three of us.
I will really miss the adorable children but after Church again on Sunday and a few days in Bangkok, Sally and I return for a brief revisit.
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Supporting our events enables us to keep the charity running and do even more good for the children who really need our help. Thank you for your support.
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Author: Lionel Hodges
Parental Autonomy and Children's Welfare
Autonomy, networks and subsidiary performance
Autonomy and Care in Medicine
Local Autonomy in Japan
Moral Autonomy, Censorship, and the Enlightened Community
Privacy, Family Autonomy, and the Maltreated Child
Welfare, Autonomy, and the Autonomy Fallacy Dale Dorsey ABSTRACT: In this paper, I subject the claim that autonomous choice is an intrinsic welfare benefit to critical scrutiny. My argument begins by discussing perhaps the most influential argument in favor of the intrinsic value of autonomy: the argument from deference. In response, I hold that this argument displays what I call the ‘Autonomy Fallacy’: the argument from deference has no power to support the intrinsic value of autonomy in comparison to the important evaluative significance of bare self-direction (autonomous or not) or what I call ‘self-direction tout court’. I defend the claim that the Autonomy Fallacy really is a fallacy, and show that my examination of the argument from deference has wider reverberations. Once we clearly distinguish between autonomy and self-direction tout court, it becomes much less plausible to say that autonomy of itself is an intrinsic welfare benefit. Human beings—for the most part, anyway—are autonomous creatures. And it’s a good thing, too. The exercise of autonomy is plausibly essential to much of what is valuable in life: the fulfillment of our desires, plans, and projects, and the pursuit of our interests in a prudentially rational manner. Without autonomy, we would be unable to shape our lives in a way we see fit, or—if that is different—in a way that is best for us. In addition to the obvious instrumental value that autonomy provides, some have come to view the exercise of autonomy as intrinsically valuable, a per se welfare benefit in its own right. In this paper, I challenge this view. I argue that the intrinsic value of autonomy is only plausible when we confuse the value of autonomy with the value of other related, but distinct, features of a life well-lived. The plan of this paper runs as follows. In the first section, I discuss two preliminary matters, including the precise claim about well-being I wish to dispute, and the nature of autonomy under discussion here. In the second section I discuss perhaps the most influential argument in favor of the intrinsic value of autonomy: the argument from deference. In response, I hold that this argument displays what I call the ‘Autonomy Fallacy’: the argument from deference has no power to support the intrinsic value of autonomy in comparison to the important evaluative significance of bare self-direction (autonomous or not) or what I call ‘self-direction tout court’. In the remaining sections I defend the claim that the Autonomy Fallacy really is a 1
fallacy, and show that my examination of the argument from deference has wider reverberations. Once we clearly distinguish between autonomy and self-direction tout court, it becomes much less plausible to say that autonomy of itself is an intrinsic welfare benefit. 1. Preliminaries Before I assess the comparative intrinsic value of autonomy, it is helpful to discuss a few preliminary matters, including the precise thesis I wish to discuss here, and the nature of autonomy as it is used in this discussion. 1.1. VAT First, I want to make clear the view I take myself to be arguing against. Importantly, there are many ways autonomy and its exercise might be intrinsically valuable, only some of which I oppose here. In particular, one might believe that autonomy, or an autonomous life, might be intrinsically valuable on the condition that this exercise of autonomy is desired or otherwise valued by the person in question.1 This proposal might be a natural outcome of a desire-satisfaction or otherwise subjectivist characterization of welfare.2 This view is not the topic of my discussion. I am perfectly happy to accept that for some, the exercise of autonomy might be intrinsically valuable insofar as it is important to or valued by them. A further view, however, treats autonomy’s intrinsic value as independent of anyone’s pro-attitudes or states of valuing. Consider: Value of Autonomy Thesis (VAT): autonomy is intrinsically valuable for x in a way that does not depend on its being valued by x. VAT is not exactly a chart-topping thesis concerning prudential value, but it has, nonetheless, a number of influential adherents. Steven Wall argues that [a]utonomy is an intrinsic value. It is intrinsically good for people to make their own choices about how to lead their lives. It is intrinsically good for them to adopt and pursue projects, not because others have tricked or coerced them into adopting or pursuing them or because they have no other worthwhile options to choose from; but because, according to their own lights, the pursuits are worth adopting and pursuing. More strongly, 2
autonomy is not just one intrinsic value among many; it is one of special importance. For most people it is, or so I shall argue, a central component of a fully good life. However well their lives may go, if they do not realize this ideal to some substantial degree, they will fail to live a fully good life.3 Along the same lines, George Sher argues that: ‘autonomous lives are, all else being equal, far better than nonautonomous ones.’4 Will Kymlicka writes that ‘my life only goes better if I’m leading it from the inside, according to my beliefs about value.’5 Indeed, some believe that the following passage indicates just such a commitment from none other than John Stuart Mill: He who lets the world, or his own portion of it, choose his plan of life for him, has no need of any other faculty than the ape-like one of imitation. He who chooses his plan for himself, employs all his faculties. He must use observation to see, reasoning and judgment to foresee, activity to gather materials for decision, discrimination to decide, and when he has decided, firmness and self-control to hold to his deliberate decision. And these qualities he requires and exercises exactly in proportion as the part of his conduct which he determines according to his own judgment and feelings is a large one. It is possible that he might be guided in some good path, and kept out of harm’s way, without any of these things. But what will be his comparative worth as a human being?6 In addition, David Brink suggests that the value of a particular choice depend not simply on its being the product of desire, but also a product of autonomous choice.7 Though these views are substantively different in many respects, they all insist on the intrinsic value of autonomy in a way that is not at all dependent on the pro-attitudes of those whose lives are so improved. An ambiguity in VAT should be ironed out here. Note that Sher holds that ‘autonomous lives’ are more valuable than non-autonomous lives. Kymlicka also focuses on the value of an autonomous life. Mill and Wall seem to focus on the individual autonomous choice. Given this ambiguity, how should we understand the bearer of autonomy’s value? Should we value individual autonomous choices or only autonomous lives? Or some combination? I’m going to remain neutral in this paper on the proper bearer of autonomy’s value, i.e., whether an autonomous life or choice is itself intrinsically 3
valuable. But my discussion will focus on autonomous choices for the following reason. Even if autonomous lives are the proper bearers of intrinsic value, there is or must be an important relationship between autonomous choices and autonomous lives. In particular, the extent to which a life is autonomous is straightforwardly determined by the extent to which the choices in that life are autonomous. To put this slightly more technically, the autonomy of a life supervenes on the autonomy of the choices therein. And hence even if the autonomous life is the bearer of intrinsic value (vis-´ a-vis autonomy) this does not mean that the autonomous choice doesn’t have an important role to play in determining the welfare value of a life, viz., by determining the extent to which a life is autonomous. This is not to say, of course, that all autonomous choices are equally evaluatively significant (however their value is construed; more on this in §4.4). It is merely to say that the value of autonomy supervenes on the nature and character of the autonomous choices displayed in a life. This is true whether we regard autonomous choices or autonomous lives as intrinsically valuable. VAT is worth investigation. First, as a thesis about human well-being, it has powerful implications concerning the method by which we assess the quality of a life. But beyond its significance as a thesis about human welfare, VAT plays a significant role in moral and political argument. Kymlicka writes: But while we may be mistaken in our beliefs about value, it doesn’t follow that someone else, who has reason to believe a mistake has been made, can come along and improve my life by leading it for me, in accordance with the correct account of value. On the contrary, no life goes better by being led from the outside according to values the person doesn’t endorse. . . Individuals must therefore have the resources and liberties needed to live their lives in accordance with their beliefs about value, without being imprisoned or penalized for unorthodox religious or sexual practices, etc. Hence the traditional liberal concern for civil and personal liberties.8 Similar claims are made by many others,9 including Mill.10 Hence the intrinsic value of autonomy appears to be an important feature of one standard defense of the traditional liberal conception of justice, which places great importance on non-interference of the lives of citizens, and allowing a broad range of ‘experiments in living’, free from state molestation. If this is correct, VAT is worth our careful investigation, independently of its significance merely as a thesis about human welfare. 4
1.2. What is Autonomy? The term ‘autonomy’ is, in the words of Nomy Arpaly, overworked. Many different concepts have been designated by this term, to confusing effect. In the current discussion, it is important to distinguish the capacity for autonomy, and the exercise of that capacity. Doing so is important to VAT qua thesis about life quality. VAT would be extraordinarily implausible if it held that merely the possession of a relevant capacity was intrinsically good. But then what is the relevant capacity such that its exercise is, according to VAT, an intrinsic prudential benefit? At its heart, the relevant capacity is for a certain sort of control over one’s motivations. For Arpaly, ‘Agentautonomy is a relationship between an agent and her motivational states that can be characterized by the agent’s ability to decide which of them to follow: it is a type of self-control or self-government that persons usually have and that nonhuman animals do not have.’11 Of course, merely having control over one’s first-order motivations is not enough; the person who decides which desire to act on by flipping a coin has not acted autonomously. The precise nature of the relevant form of control is a matter of substantive disagreement, even among those who accept VAT. Some insist that the right kind of control crucially involves rational deliberation about one’s first-order motivations. (Call this the ‘deliberative’ model of autonomous control.) For instance, Gerald Dworkin writes that a capacity for autonomy involves ‘a second-order capacity of persons to reflect critically upon their first-order preferences, desires, wishes, and so forth and the capacity to accept or attempt to change these in light of higher-order preferences and values.’12 David Brink insists that the value of acting on a desire requires that the desire is the ‘product of deliberative endorsement’; this deliberative endorsement must be construed as ‘an historical condition. Is the desire one which was produced or is sustained by a suitable kind of deliberation?’13 Indeed, Sher notes that a plausible considered judgment holds that ‘agents are not autonomous unless they have subjected their ends to rational scrutiny.’14 Similar claims are made by, among others, Hurka.15 Not all partisans of VAT accept the deliberative model. Wall, for instance, does not insist that autonomous agents are required to exercise the capacity for rational deliberation in the way noted by Brink, et. al.16 The— as I shall call it—‘non-deliberative model’ requires that autonomous choices are made at least in part on the basis of, or from one’s higher-order17 evaluative states (such as evaluative beliefs, a conception of the good, etc.) whether these first-order states are subjected to some inward focus of ratio5
nal scrutiny or not. What does it mean to act from a higher-order state? Importantly, this higher-order state cannot simply operate counterfactually or hypothetically. If I decide to φ but simply on the basis of a first-order desire or motivation, this will not count as an autonomous choice on the non-deliberative model even if it’s the case that, in fact, I had the disposition to value the act in question or the goods at which the act aims. Autonomy cannot be assigned to a choice via this kind of counterfactual endorsement. To act from a higher-order evaluative state is for that evaluative state to at least in part explain, or take a causal role in the production of, the act in question. Indeed, this reflects the concept of autonomy generally: if I drift through life, never having chosen on the basis (or as a result of) of my beliefs about value, say, I have failed to live autonomously despite the fact that I may in fact possess the disposition to value the act. In this sort of case, the fact that I acted in a way I would have endorsed (as a result of, say, my evaluative beliefs) is a lucky accident, not evidence that I have acted autonomously. Kymlicka suggests the non-deliberative model: for Kymlicka, autonomous lives are led ‘from the inside, according to my beliefs about value’. This does not require any form of rational or internal mechanism or process of deliberation but it does require, at the very least, that choices are made on the basis of higher-order evaluations. Wall suggests a similar view.18 In addition, though he seems to find the deliberative model plausible, Sher’s official account of autonomy is compatible with a looser, non-deliberative model of control: ‘autonomous agents are selfdirecting in the more stringent sense of exercising their will on the basis of good reasons. . . we can make the most sense of what most of us believe about autonomy—our disagreement as well as our agreement—if we adopt the hypothesis that in this context ‘self-directed activity’ means ‘activity that is motivated by an agent’s appreciation of reasons provided by his situation.’19 The fact that partisans of VAT accept different models of the nature of autonomy suggests something of a challenge for those wishing to argue against it. One way to proceed would be to argue in favor of either the deliberative or non-deliberative model as the best account of autonomy and show that the presence of autonomy according to this model is not intrinsically valuable. This is not my strategy. I will argue that lives that are lacking in either the non-deliberative or deliberative model of control are no less valuable than equivalent lives that maintain both the deliberative and non-deliberative models of autonomous control. If this is correct, VAT fails regardless of the precise account of autonomy on offer. This argumentative strategy will be reflected in the arguments I present throughout. In the next section, I consider an important argument for VAT, and ar6
gue that it rests on a mistake: a confusion between autonomous choice and non-autonomous, but nevertheless self-directed, choice. I then argue that this mistake is much more widespread. Without this error, VAT is much less plausible than might initially be thought. 2. The Argument from Deference The most powerful argument for VAT—or, at least, the one I find most powerful—is the argument from deference. Wall gives the argument from deference its clearest formulation. Wall writes: Suppose that you are wise and that you have an excellent understanding of what is good for me. You know my talents, temperament and vulnerabilities and you know what types of projects would best suit my nature. Further suppose I know that you are a person of good will who cares about my well-being. Given these facts, we can ask: Would my life go better if I let you take control of it? Would it be a better life if I always turned to you for direction as to what I should do before I took up any project or commitment? Most of us strongly think the answers to these questions are ‘no.’ It can be reasonable to defer to the judgment of others some of the time in some circumstances; but a person who surrendered his or her judgment in all contexts would not lead a fully good human life.20 Wall asks us to consider turning over our lives to the deliberation and decisionmaking of another person who happens to be wise and benevolent, and hence would be trusted to make decisions that would garner substantial non-autonomy welfare benefits. He then asks whether it would be better for us to so turn over our lives, and answers ‘no’. On this point, Wall offers a specific case: Person A is wise and has self-knowledge. He chooses projects that suit his nature and reflect his understanding of what is valuable and worthwhile. Person A leads a good, morally decent, life. Person B is also wise and has self-knowledge. But she finds the process of decision-making irksome and does not enjoy making important life decisions. Fortunately, Person B has a friend with the requisite wisdom, knowledge and good will to make these decisions for her. Person B lets this friend take over her affairs and she leads a good, morally decent, life. 7
In this second case it can be asked whether Person A and Person B lead equally good lives? Once again, most of us strongly think ‘no.’21 If we believe that Person B lives a worse life than Person A, even if we assume that Person B’s friend has all the requisite ‘wisdom, knowledge, and good will’ to render Person B’s life as good in terms of non-autonomy value as Person A’s, then it would appear (or so the argument goes) that autonomy is intrinsically valuable. 3. The Autonomy Fallacy Introduced Some might be tempted to resist the force of the argument from deference. For instance, Mikhail Valdman claims that it is no prudential burden to ‘outsource self-government’ or to engage in the deferential strategy employed by Person B. Valdman offers two main arguments for this claim. First, Valdman suggests that there is no intrinsic prudential burden to be found in turning small decisions, such as financial planning, over to an advisor.22 And if this is correct, ‘this introduces a puzzle, for if it were at least slightly bad in some respect to let another make any decision for you, then we could easily explain why it would be bad to let another make them all. But if it needn’t be bad in any respect to outsource some of your decisions, why must it be bad in some respect to outsource all of them?’23 In addition, Valdman argues that one could imagine a person whose ‘decision mechanism’ is, in a series of steps, removed from her brain. According to Valdman no step in this sequence renders this individual any worse-off, and so it’s unclear why we should say that she is worse-off when, ultimately, her decision mechanism is controlled by a force entirely external to her.24 Valdman may be right. But for my money, I find the argument from deference powerful, and will accept for the purposes of argument that Person B lives a worse life than Person A. But, or so I claim, this has nothing to say in favor of the intrinsic value of autonomy. Note that there are many ways to distinguish the lives of Persons A and B. Recall that autonomy is not simply self-control over the activities and decisions of one’s life. It is instead controlling one’s life in a certain way; autonomous choice is a subset of the kind of choice one might make concerning how to run one’s life. But Person B doesn’t simply lack autonomous self-control of her life, she also lacks an important form of self-control I refer to here as ‘self-direction tout court’. The intuitive idea of self-direction tout court is of a person’s own choice (whether a result of evaluative attitudes or bare first-order motivation), free 8
of external control, manipulation, or coercion. To state the idea somewhat more precisely, for a choice to be self-directed tout court it must meet both a positive and negative condition. The positive condition: a self-directed choice is made on the basis of, or from, an individual’s pro-attitudes (whether first-order or higher-order). The negative condition: a self-directed choice must not be mediated by the agency or decisionmaking of others. If I φ because I want to, my φ-ing is self-directed. If I φ because the Pope told me to, or insisted that I should, or because controlled or manipulated me into φ-ing, this choice is not self-directed. Though I may have some proattitude directing me to φ (say, an interest in doing whatever the Pope says), this choice does not meet the second (negative) condition: it is not a choice made free of external direction or mediation. This account entails that some self-directed choice is made on the basis of whim or bare firstorder desire and does not require autonomous control (whether deliberative or non-deliberative). (Note: I have stated the idea of self-direction tout court in terms of choices, but this could be put in terms of lives mutatis mutandis.) Though there is a difference between Person A and Person B in respect of autonomy, there is also a difference between Person A and Person B with respect to self-direction tout court. Person B’s decisionmaking is entirely mediated by the external control of her friend. Given that this is the case, Person B’s life decisions (where to attend college, with whom to form romantic relationships, where to live, which restaurant to try, etc.) are not self-directed in the sense outlined here.25 I have not yet shown that we should reject the argument from deference. I have merely pointed out that, in principle anyway, there are differences between the lives of Person A and Person B that are not simply drawn along the dimension of autonomous self-government. This does not yet show that the argument from deference does not support VAT. At least one further thing must be shown, i.e., that self-direction tout court is itself valuable, or could explain why a self-directed life is or can be better than a non-self-directed life. If self-direction tout court is not of itself a feature of a life well-lived, the argument from deference does, in fact, support VAT. The remainder of this section, however, will argue for the following two claims. First, that self-direction tout court can plausibly help to explain the value of very important welfare goods (long-term ‘projects’); second, that the distinctive evaluative contribution of such long-term projects is possessed by projects that are the product of tout court self-direction (even if non-autonomous). If these claims are true, the argument from deference cannot support the intrinsic value of autonomy. It commits the Autonomy Fallacy: a confusion 9
of autonomous self-control with self-direction tout court. 3.1. Self-Direction and its Value There is good reason to believe that self-direction tout court, of the sort lacked by Person B, is important to the maintenance of a range of crucially important welfare goods.26 I fix on one such reason here that I find extraordinarily plausible. But there may be others and I don’t wish to rule them out.27 One thing worth noting, however, is that I shall not claim—and do not believe—that self-direction tout court is itself intrinsically good. I make only a somewhat weaker claim, i.e., that self-direction is an important feature, or necessary condition for other very important welfare goods. I leave it open that others may argue in favor of self-direction as itself an intrinsic value. (Either claim—or so I shall argue—can explain the disvalue of deference.) To see the importance of self-direction, take the following case: Randall : Randall is Native-American, born into a small tribe that continues to live on reservation land. His tribe has succumbed to serious social problems including rampant poverty and lack of education. Randall sets for himself the goal of improving the educational system for his tribe, works for his life to do so, and succeeds. Randall, we might say, has a ‘project’: improving the educational system for his tribe, at which he works consistently throughout his life, and at which he succeeds. I think we should say that Randall’s success at this project—that of improving the educational system on tribal lands—is an important factor in his overall welfare.28 And its value goes beyond simply being valued by him and goes beyond the pleasure, or other individual momentary benefits, that success and pursuit of this project might bring. There are a number of common rationales for the welfare value of long-term projects of this kind. For instance, Velleman claims that such projects will help to shape an individual’s life story and that in so doing, they provide Randall’s life with a quality that cannot be explained simply by aggregating the welfare value of the individual moments in Randall’s life.29 Bernard Williams holds that some projects of this kind (in particular, the ground projects) will help to shape the meaning of Randall’s life.30 This fact, one might think, helps to explain the significance of Randall’s project for the overall quality of his life; just this sort of thing constitutes whatever meaning Randall’s life has. Both these explanations sound plausible to me, but whatever the rationale, 10
it seems right to say that this sort of achievement is intrinsically good in a special way. But now consider Randall’s success at this particular project in contrast to another substantial feature of his life, in particular, his race. We would not be tempted to say that the mere fact that he is a Native-American is an intrinsic contributing factor (negative or positive) to his well-being. But why? Importantly, neither Williams’ nor Velleman’s rationales for the special value of long-term projects can distinguish Randall’s project from his race. Surely his race or nationality also contributes to the meaning of Randall’s life; contributes, to substantial degree, to his life story and its overall ‘shape’. But if this is correct, if the fact that projects like Randall’s contribute to a person’s life story and meaning is an important explanation of their value, it cannot be a sufficient explanation. There must be something else. I propose that the explanation is provided by the fact that Randall’s project, and not his race, shapes his life story, and provides his life with a meaning, in a self-directed way. Long-term projects provide my life with a meaning that I shape; my born-into nationality or race does not. And if this is correct, it is plausible to say that a central welfare good, i.e., projects of the sort that Randall successfully engages, depend for their welfare value (or, at least, for their distinctive welfare value) on the fact that they are self-directed. Without being self-directed they would not, quite literally speaking, be projects. 3.2. Self-Direction versus Autonomous Self-Direction Of course, it may be claimed that the argument so far does not establish that self-direction tout court is evaluatively significant. We might imagine, for instance, that Randall is perfectly autonomous. And hence the claim that Randall’s project—rather than, say, his race—is valuable does not support the evaluative significance of self-direction tout court rather than the evaluative significance of autonomy. The partisan of VAT might simply respond that the evaluatively significant distinction between Randall’s project and his race is that the former is chosen autonomously. The latter is not. However, it would be a mistake to say that the distinctive welfare value of Randall’s project must depend on whether it was the product of autonomous choice. Take, for instance: Roger : Roger is Native-American, born into a small tribe that continues to live on reservation land. His tribe has succumbed to serious social problems including rampant poverty and lack of 11
education. Roger possesses a first-order motivation to improve the educational system on his tribe’s land, and simply acts on it. (Perhaps his desire to improve conditions on his tribe’s land is a result of unmediated anger or sadness.) He follows this motivation, works his life to improve the educational system of his tribe, and succeeds. Roger chooses his project not on the basis of a higher-order evaluate state, but rather, simply on the basis of a first-order desire or motivation. Indeed, we may even imagine that Roger has a disposition to value this project, but simply fails to engage this disposition or act on the basis of this evaluative stand. (Imagine that though Roger never considers whether improving the educational system of his tribe conforms to his conception of value or reasons, were he to have considered it, he would have regarded this project as worthwhile, indeed. This project is reflected in Roger’s conception of the good, but his decisions are never made on that basis. They are made, rather, on the basis of momentary whim. They simply add up to a selfdirected project of great significance.) However, as a matter of considered judgment, the mere fact that Roger engaged in this project as a product of a first-order, rather than higher-order, pro-attitude does not entail that this project lacks the distinctive welfare value maintained by long-term projects and successful achievements. It would certainly be philosophically churlish to deny that Roger’s life maintains the distinctive welfare value of long-term projects simply because he failed to exercise his capacity for autonomous control (whether deliberative or non-deliberative). However, were it the case that Roger engaged his project because he was told to by a beneficent advisor, rather than strictly on the basis of his own motivation, we would appear less likely to treat this project as a significant welfare good. Indeed, it seems right to say that under such conditions, this project is less something that contributes to the distinctive value of Roger’s life, but is instead something that—while significant—simply happened to him. Thus, it would appear that self-direction tout court, in the sense I mean here, is significant for the welfare value of such projects. And hence, if this is the case, we have reason to object to deference without relying on the intrinsic value of autonomy. Person B’s life, after all, is not self-directed : all decisionmaking for Person B is made by the trusted advisor in question. Given this, whatever ‘life story’ or ‘meaning’ her life maintains should not be distinguished from the sort of story or meaning provided by other things over which she has no control, including her born-into gender, race, social class, etc. Person B’s life will not maintain the distinctive welfare value 12
provided by long-term self-directed projects. And if self-direction tout court is sufficient to explain the distinctive welfare value of the sort of projects on display in Randall’s cases (as I have so far argued that it is), the lack of self-direction tout court, rather than the lack of autonomous self-direction, is sufficient to explain why Person B lives a worse life that Person A. And, hence, the argument from deference commits the Autonomy Fallacy. 3.3. Response: Is All Self-Direction Autonomous? One might object to my argument in the following way. I’ve so far been holding that self-direction tout court should be distinguished from autonomous choice. But it might be argued that without autonomy, one’s life cannot be self-directed. For instance, Robert Young writes: [A]utonomy is part of the moral basis of personhood; it transforms what would otherwise be utterly episodic (and hence not the life of a person). To the extent that a person is at the mercy of his (or her) urges or impulses, or lacks scope for actively planning and realising goals and purposes, it is the person’s circumstances, not the person himself (or herself), that governs. Accordingly, the person’s life will lack self-direction.31 Young’s thought appears to be this. If we assume that Roger’s ‘urges and impulses’ (i.e., first-order motivations) govern the direction of his life, Roger’s life is controlled by ‘circumstances’, rather than by his own self-direction. For Roger’s life to be autonomous it must be the case that Roger controls his impulses via some sort of second-order procedure (whether cognitive, etc.). And hence all self-direction is necessarily autonomous self-direction, and hence there is no Autonomy Fallacy. This argument is not plausible. There’s surely a distinction between a life being dictated by circumstances and being chosen on the basis of a bare firstorder motivation. It seems right to say, for instance, that someone chased by a tiger, or someone who is under the thumb of dictatorial oppression, lives a life dictated by circumstances.32 But contrast this life with, e.g., a rich gadabout, who simply follows his own unreflective impulses (‘drifts though life’) without engaging his higher-order conception of the good. I find it very difficult to say that there is no difference in terms of self-direction between the former and latter persons. The former lack an important concept of self-direction; their choices are dictated by external forces. But there is certainly an important distinction worth drawing between this person and the second. Of course, it is certainly true that a person who is chased by 13
a tiger is fulfulling a substantial degree of her first-order motivations, i.e., to keep away from the tiger. But this does not entail that her life is not dictated to her by external forces.33 Thus we can surely admit that there is at least some distinction (perhaps, admittedly, with a healthy amount of gray area) to be drawn between (a) a person whose life is dictated by others (such as a dictatorial oppressor), and (b) someone whose life is lived according to his or her own desires, but who lacks the relevant conditions of autonomous choice. Furthermore, this difference matters. There is a very substantial evaluative difference, or so it seems to me, between the impact on one’s welfare of choices that are made under external duress or oppression and simply on the basis of first-order whim. This is illustrated clearly by the argument from deference and by a consideration of Roger. If we wish to say that Roger’s long-term project of improving conditions on his tribe’s land maintains the distinctive welfare value of long-term projects and achievements (as I think we should), it would appear that the second style of choice maintains an evaluative character that is missing from a life that is solely determined by, e.g., crushing poverty, being chased by a tiger, or having one’s decisions made by a beneficent advisor, etc. And this is all that is required to show that the argument from deference succumbs to the Autonomy Fallacy: one can explain the evaluative distinction between the lives of Persons A and B without reference to the intrinsic value of the particular style of decisionmaking deemed autonomous (however one understands the nature of autonomous choice). 4. Does Autonomy Add Value? So far the dialectic of this paper runs as follows. A significant argument in favor of VAT is the argument from deference. But, or so I claim, the argument from deference commits The Autonomy Fallacy: the disvalue of deference can be explained by self-direction tout court, which we have independent reason to believe is evaluatively significant, rather than autonomous self-direction. And so the argument from deference cannot support VAT. But so what? All I’ve shown is that there is a gap in the argument from deference. Nothing in the argument I have so far offered, however, tells against any other potential arguments for VAT. But, or so I hope to show, once we are cognizant of the Autonomy Fallacy (as illustrated by the flaws in the argument from deference), the claim that autonomy of itself is an intrinsic benefit (in comparison to the evaluative significance of selfdirection tout court) becomes much less plausible. If VAT is to hold, the fact of autonomous deliberation must add value to choices that are otherwise 14
self-directed. In what remains I consider three interpretations under which one might accept the claim that autonomous choice adds value in this way. I claim that none are plausible. And hence it would appear that VAT is only plausible if we commit the Autonomy Fallacy, i.e., confuse autonomous self-government with self-direction tout court. As I noted before, I will focus here on the autonomy of individual choices and their contribution to the value of a life. I argue, in §4.4, that this focus also sheds substantial doubt on views who would insist on the intrinsic value of autonomous lives. 4.1. The Natural Interpretation One reason to believe that autonomy adds value to self-direction tout court is simply that autonomous choices are intrinsically valuable in comparison to other sorts of choices one might make about one’s life. Call this the ‘Natural Interpretation’ of the additive value of autonomy. However, the Natural Interpretation faces a challenge. Some autonomous choice can be—as I shall use the term—unsuccessful : one might decide to φ on grounds of a commitment to the value of p, which φ-ing is intended to promote, but then come to realize that one’s own assessment of p’s value is unstable or incoherent with other things one values; one might deliberate and select φ on the basis of reasons one recognizes in favor of φ-ing, but then come to recognize that the reasons one acted on were not genuine reasons, or that these reasons actually tell in favor of some alternative action or state of affairs, etc. Alternatively, one might simply fail to achieve that which one autonomously decided to pursue. For instance, one might autonomously decide to become a lawyer, but fail to be hired by a law firm. More simply, one might choose to φ at t 1 on the basis that φ-ing will produce some sought-after good at t 3 , but then drop dead at t 2 . This does not entail that an autonomous choice has not been made. Rather, it simply means that this particular autonomous choice was unsuccessful. The Natural Interpretation would appear to hold that unsuccessful autonomy can improve a person’s life in comparison to a choice that is otherwise self-directed tout court. But I find it difficult to believe that we would hold that unsuccessful autonomous self-direction itself adds value to the mere fact of self-direction.34 Here’s an example that, I think, confirms this general thought: Unsuccessful Autonomy: Madeline and Gussy: Madeline and Gussy have been spending a lovely afternoon together walking 15
in country gardens and discussing mutual interests. Gussy is very attracted to Madeline and vice versa, though neither of them really knows quite what to do about it or how to proceed. At some point, they both plan and choose to kiss on the basis of their autonomous reflection, on the basis of reasons they regard as telling in favor of the kiss. They both believe that such a kiss will be romantic, and will be something they will cherish as a valued memory, even if nothing comes of their relationship. But this kiss, as it turns out, is utterly unromantic; an expression of their mutual awkwardness rather than any genuine romance. Neither of them comes to value the kiss or remember it with affection. Here we have an example of an autonomous choice, in particular, the autonomous choice to kiss. This kiss, had it been romantic or valued by either of them, would surely have been intrinsically valuable. But as it happens, their kiss was entirely unromantic and unvalued. But should we say that, despite the fact that the kiss fails to maintain any of the sought-after value, their autonomous choice of itself improves their lives? It’s important, in answering this question, to have a proper contrast in mind. Now let’s consider a slightly different version of Madeline and Gussy: Unsuccessful Self-Direction: Madeline and Gussy: Madeline and Gussy have been spending a lovely afternoon together walking in country gardens and discussing mutual interests. Gussy is very attracted to Madeline and vice versa, though neither of them really knows quite what to do about it or how to proceed. In the grip of passion, Gussy kisses Madeline. (Gussy would later tell a friend that this impulse ‘took hold of him’.) But this kiss, as it turns out, is utterly unromantic; an expression of their mutual awkwardness rather than any genuine romance. Neither of them comes to value the kiss or remember it with affection. In this case, the result is the same as the autonomous kiss: it lacks romance, and it is valued by neither Gussy nor Madeline. According to the Natural Interpretation, Madeline and Gussy’s autonomous kiss renders their lives better for them than the kiss that is not the product of autonomous choice. But this proposal is very difficult to believe. This answer, in large measure, can be explained by the fact that neither Gussy nor Madeline’s autonomous deliberation resulted in anything of genuine value. Unsuccessful autonomous choice does not add value to a life in comparison to self-direction tout court. 16
And hence the Natural Interpretation of the additive value of autonomy is false.35 One might object that, in this case, I have focused on the stronger, deliberative, account of autonomous control. But my focus here is legitimate. Note that in the first version of their kiss, Madeline and Gussy display all relevant notions of control. And hence if autonomy adds value on either account, one would expect their kiss to be better in the first case than in the second. After all, it is hard to see how the possession of a much weaker form of autonomous control (e.g., as suggested by Wall) could improve a life when the possession of a much stronger form of control does not. Here’s another way to put this point. In the original case, Madeline and Gussie possess both deliberative and non-deliberative notions of autonomous control. But their unsuccessful autonomous kiss is no better for being autonomous. To claim that autonomy still retains value in the face of this judgment, one would have to claim that the mere presence of deliberative control cancels or somehow voids the value of their possession of non-deliberative control. But why should this be so? Even if we don’t wish to say that individuals must deliberate to obtain the intrinsic value of autonomy, why downgrade the extent to which autonomy is valuable if they do?36 This proposal seems too strange to take seriously. And hence I conclude that unsuccessful autonomy (whether deliberative or non-deliberative) does not add value to unsuccessful self-directed choice. 4.2. The Success Interpretation The Natural Interpretation fails because it seems implausible to say that unsuccessful autonomy should be of any added value over unsuccessful selfdirection. But one can interpret the additive value of autonomy differently. In contrast to the Natural Interpretation, the ‘Success Interpretation’ would value only successful autonomy. Indeed, a schematic representation of this proposal is suggested by Wall. Wall claims that though autonomy is intrinsically valuable, it is not unconditionally valuable. That is, though it is valuable for itself, and not for the sake of anything else, its intrinsic value is conditional on other things, including (potentially) success. Another way to put this suggestion is that the intrinsic value of autonomy does not supervene on the intrinsic properties of any particular choice (i.e., which would yield the unavoidable claim that unsuccessful autonomy is just as valuable as successful autonomy). Rather, the intrinsic value of autonomy depends on further, extrinsic properties (such as success).37 Under such conditions, autonomy adds value to self-direction 17
tout court. I think there is good reason to reject this view. Consider another version of Madeline and Gussy: Successful Autonomy: Madeline and Gussy: Madeline and Gussy have been spending a lovely afternoon together walking in country gardens and discussing mutual interests. Gussy is very attracted to Madeline and vice versa, though neither of them really knows quite what to do about it or how to proceed. At some point, they both choose to kiss on the basis of their autonomous reflection, on the basis of reasons they regard as telling in favor of the kiss (after due deliberation). They both believe that such a kiss will be romantic, and will be something they will cherish as a valued memory, even if nothing comes of their relationship. They have an enjoyable romantic kiss, which they both come to value. Now consider another version: Successful Self-Direction: Madeline and Gussy: Madeline and Gussy have been spending a lovely afternoon together walking in country gardens and discussing mutual interests. Gussy is very attracted to Madeline and vice versa, though neither of them really knows quite what to do about it or how to proceed. At one point Madeline kisses Gussy, simply as a result of a bare impulse. (Madeline would later tell a friend that this impulse ‘took hold of her’.) They both regard this kiss as enjoyable and romantic, and come to value it. In the second case, neither Madeline nor Gussy exercise their capacities for autonomous choice in kissing the other. Rather, the kiss is the product of a single, unreflective desire rather than any higher-order evaluative state (such as a belief or conception of the good, etc.). But should we think that Madeline and Gussy’s lives are better, more choiceworthy, if they kiss as a result of their autonomous deliberation or as a product of a higher-order evaluative attitude, rather than kissing simply because they want to, or as a result of being in the grip of a passionate drive or first-order desire? This proposal strikes me as utterly, egregiously absurd. 4.3. The Significance Interpretation
The partisan of VAT might be, at this point, impatient. In discussing the value of self-direction tout court, I noted that self-direction tout court is an important aspect of a range of welfare goods, i.e., long term projects or pursuits that characterize an important aspect of a person’s life story. But one proposal might be that autonomy does not add value to every instance of self-direction. Rather, only autonomous choices that lead to long term projects or pursuits add value to self-direction tout court. Call this ‘The Significance Interpretation’. Indeed, there may be some rationale for this suggestion. Recall Valdman’s first argument against the appeal to deference. Valdman holds that there can be no evaluatively significant distinction between outsourcing one’s decisions about one’s own life and outsourcing one’s, say, financial decisions to a trusted advisor. But if we allow that there is an important distinction between choices one makes that do, and do not, affect the long-term structure of a life, there is a principled reason for fans of VAT to resist the claim that turning over one’s financial decisions makes one worse-off, but to hold fast to the claim that turning over all of one’s decisions does make you worse-off. And so there may be good reason to believe that autonomy adds value only to the sort of choice that characterizes the long-term structure, meaning, or character of a life. I think there are two problems with VAT on this interpretation. First, there is no reason to believe that momentary goods like the kiss between Madeline and Gussy couldn’t affect the long-term meaning and character of their lives. In particular, this kiss might have been a turning point, a crucial moment in their lives’ stories. It may go on to shape the long-term structure of their lives in important ways. But even if it is such a turning point, we are no more likely to say that it would be better for them had they chosen to kiss autonomously rather than non-autonomously. Second, it is implausible to believe that autonomy, even when shaping an individual’s longer term projects, adds value to self-direction tout court. Two cases shed light: Significant Autonomy: Tuppy and Angela: Tuppy has recently had a spat with his longtime fianc´e Angela. Tuppy recognizes that his own decisionmaking is clouded by his anger at Angela’s criticism of his weight, and her refusal to accept his apology for minimizing a recent traumatic event in her life. Given his spat, Tuppy is very seriously thinking of marrying another woman, Cora. After much autonomous deliberation, Tuppy decides to set aside his engagement to Angela on the basis of his recognition 19
of the comparative value of marrying Cora. Tuppy and Cora maintain a long and happy marriage, but one marked by less substantial happiness than Tuppy’s marriage to Angela would have been. Compare this case to: Significant Self-Direction: Tuppy and Angela: Tuppy has recently had a spat with his longtime fianc´e Angela. Tuppy recognizes that his own decisionmaking is clouded by his anger at Angela’s continuing to criticize his weight, and her refusal to accept his apology for minimizing a recent traumatic event in her life. Overcome by his anger at Angela’s intransigence, and allowing himself to give in to his passion for Cora, he breaks his engagement to Angela and marries Cora. Tuppy and Cora maintain a long and happy marriage, but one marked by less substantial happiness than Tuppy’s marriage to Angela would have been. On the current proposal, autonomy adds value to self-direction tout court to the extent that it is efficacious at shaping the long term structure and meaning of one’s life. On this view, Tuppy’s exercise of autonomy in deciding to marry Cora is intrinsically valuable. After all, this marriage shapes the long-term meaning of his life and life story; this instance of (deliberative and non-deliberative) autonomous choice surely passes the relevant threshold of significance. Hence deciding to break his engagement to Angela autonomously rather than as a result of his own whim renders his life better, despite the fact that, in both cases, the marriages are equally sub-optimal in comparison to his potential marriage to Angela. This, I claim, is implausible. When we note that in both cases the marriage was self-directed, it becomes much less plausible to believe that allowing this first-order motivation to control his choices rather than his capacity for autonomous deliberation would in itself make his life worse. Autonomy, whether deliberative or non-deliberative, does not add value to self-direction tout court. 4.4. Choices and Lives 38 So far the arguments I present in this section have shown (or so I boldly claim) that autonomous choices do not add value in comparison to choices that are self-directed tout court. This seems to show that autonomous (rather than self-directed) choices should not bear intrinsic value. Of course, 20
there is another interpretation of VAT: that autonomous lives, rather than choices, bear intrinsic value. But (or so I shall now argue), the very same cases show that we should reject the claim that autonomous lives are intrinsically valuable (at least in comparison to lives that are relevantly selfdirected). Two claims seem to me to generate this result. First, a descriptive claim: given that the extent to which a life is autonomous supervenes on the extent to which the choices in that life are autonomous, we should say that, other things equal, a life gets more autonomous when there are more choices in that life that are autonomous.39 This seems straightforward enough. Second, an axiological claim. If autonomous lives are intrinsically valuable, we should say that, other things equal, the more autonomous a life gets, the more intrinsically valuable it is.40 But the cases on display in §§4.1-4.3 seem to indicate that lives that are more autonomous, given the addition of autonomous choices, are not thereby better in comparison to lives that are more self-directed. And hence we should deny that autonomous lives, any more than autonomous choices, bear intrinsic value as endorsed by VAT. You could reject this line of reasoning. First, you might deny the axiological claim, holding instead that a life does not get better, other things equal, when it gets more autonomous. Instead, one could hold that lives get better (other things equal) to the extent that they maintain some sufficient threshold of autonomy. This would imply that lives do not get better the more autonomous they are; they only get better when they achieve this relevant threshold or ‘mark’ of sufficient autonomy in a life. But this proposal faces two challenges. First, it is implausible. If we are willing to commit to the intrinsic value of autonomy (whether in a life or choice) as insisted upon by VAT, we should also hold that the more autonomy the better (whether the autonomous choice or autonomous life is bearer of this intrinsic value). The proposal on offer would seem to say that the only time an autonomous choice makes a difference to the quality of life is when this autonomous choice spells the difference between an autonomous life and a non-autonomous one. All other improvements in the autonomy of a life are of no value whatsoever. Though not incoherent, I find this implausible. Second, even if we deny that a life gets better (other things equal) to the extent that it gets more autonomous, this is no more plausible given the cases I outline above. In particular, we could easily construe the exercises of autonomy in any of the cases above as marking the difference between a life of insufficient autonomy and one of sufficient autonomy. But, or so I claim, it is no more plausible to say that, e.g., Madeline’s successful exercise of autonomy in kissing Gussie renders her life better in comparison to her 21
passionate kiss even if there is some threshold involved. Here’s another way to put this point. To know whether autonomy adds value for Gussie, Madeline, or Tuppy, we would have to know the extent to which they have or have not exercised autonomy in the past, or the extent to which this choice would yield the relevant ‘threshold’ of autonomy, whatever it is. Given the cases as stated (without this information), we should reserve judgment. But this isn’t right: we don’t reserve judgment nor do we feel we should. Whatever the extent to which their lives are autonomous, it seems implausible to say that this choice, made autonomously, adds value to their lives in comparison to the same choice, self-directed. Thus even if we were to deny that autonomy adds value in a scalar fashion, this is no help for the partisan of the intrinsic value of autonomous lives. Alternatively, one could deny the principle that, other things equal, a life gets more autonomous to the extent that more of the the choices in said life are autonomous. Of course, this principle might be true. But it is unhelpful in the present argument even if true unless Gussie, Madeline, and Tuppy’s autonomous choices themselves fail to contribute to the autonomy of their lives. But this is especially implausible in Tuppy’s case, as the choice of an individual’s long-term romantic partner is surely significant enough to contribute to the extent to which his life is autonomous. And it also seems implausible in Gussie and Madeline’s cases. Imagine that though their lives are otherwise identical, Gussy kisses Madeline autonomously, Madeline kisses Gussy as a product of non-autonomous self-direction. Though it is a relatively small thing, Gussy’s life was to that extent more autonomous than Madeline’s. To say otherwise would appear to commit one to denying that small, momentary exercises of autonomy cannot contribute to the overall autonomy of a life. But that’s not plausible: just as short-term mild pleasures can contribute to the overall pleasurableness of a life, small, momentary exercises of autonomy surely contribute to the overall autonomy of a life. I therefore conclude that if the autonomy of Gussy, Madeline, and Tuppy’s choices does not contribute to the value of their lives, we should hold that the autonomy of a life, as well as the autonomy of choices, fails to add value in comparison to self-direction tout court. 4.5. The Autonomy Fallacy Revisited The Autonomy Fallacy is displayed in at least one central argument for the welfare value of autonomy: the argument from deference. There is no reason to believe that the prudential burden of deference must be explained with reference to the intrinsic value of autonomy. But the argument in this 22
section seems to show that the Autonomy Fallacy is more widespread. Once we distinguish autonomous self-direction from self-direction tout court, the claim that autonomy itself is intrinsically valuable is much less tenable as a substantive theory of well-being (whether or not self-direction tout court is intrinsically valuable or otherwise evaluatively significant). And so there is good reason to doubt VAT: VAT is most plausible when we confuse autonomous self-government with the mere lack of external compulsion or control, i.e., when we commit the Autonomy Fallacy. Of course, there may remain a bare form of skepticism about the denial of VAT. Some might simply believe that a person’s life cannot go well, or cannot go well to a particular degree, if that life is not autonomous to at least the barest extent. But this skepticism, stated as such, seems to me to display precisely the fallacy I’m interested in exposing here. Take, for instance, Roger. Roger’s life is incredibly successful; he acts on his desire to rid his tribal area of poverty, and succeeds at so doing. Roger’s life is extremely good, especially so given that we can simply stipulate that Roger has the disposition (though he does not act on it) to value the activities in which he is engaged. Of course, this is no more than a bare intuition; but once the distinction between autonomous and non-autonomous self-direction is made clear, skepticism about the denial of VAT appears much less plausible.41 Of course, this more general conclusion relies upon substantive considered judgments that not all will share. Nevertheless, even if my analysis in the cases provided are not responsive to the reader’s judgments, I hope to have shown, at least, that the most significant rationale for VAT in response to an important form of skepticism displays the Autonomy Fallacy and should thereby be rejected. It is still possible that we may find VAT plausible when all is said and done. But I hope to have provided at least some prima facie reason for being skeptical of that ultimate outcome. 5. Conclusion In this paper, I have argued as follows. I begun by considering one particular argument for the intrinsic value of autonomy: the argument from deference. I then showed that this argument displays the ‘Autonomy Fallacy’: a confusion between autonomy and self-direction tout court, or the mere lack of external control over one’s life and activities. Once we recognize that self-direction tout court is itself evaluatively significant, we can fully explain the disvalue of deference (of the kind undertaken by Person B) without reference to the intrinsic value of autonomy. But I then argued that a recognition of the Autonomy Fallacy creates 23
problems for VAT on the wholesale. Once we clearly distinguish between self-direction tout court and autonomous self-direction, the claim that autonomous decisionmaking in particular improves the value of a life becomes much less plausible. I considered three potential interpretations of the additive value of autonomy. None can plausibly deliver the additive value of autonomy in comparison to a life of self-direction tout court (whether or not self-direction tout court has evaluative significance, which it may well lack in some cases). Some may be concerned that the rejection of VAT will have very substantial implications for the attractive moral and political conclusions that seem (in at least some arguments) to rely on something like VAT. But this concern is, in large measure, unwarranted. The evaluative significance of self-direction tout court is or should be substantial enough to establish many of the per se moral or political conclusions that are often made on the basis of the value of autonomy. For instance, if we believe that self-direction tout court is valuable, we continue to have grounds to object to some forms of state molestation or legislation that would direct people to live one way rather than another. Insofar as such legislation would be an example of external control (rather than simply non-autonomous control), the evaluative significance of self-direction can continue to play a role in political argument. Whether the evaluative significance of self-direction tout court can play all the roles in moral or political argument that have previously been played by the intrinsic value of autonomy is a further question I won’t broach here. But there is very good reason to believe that any conclusions that can only be supported by accepting the intrinsic welfare value of autonomy are unsupported.42 Department of Philosophy University of Kansas
5 Kymlicka, Liberalism, Community, and Culture (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989), 12. 6 John Stuart Mill, On Liberty III.4. 7 David Brink, “The Significance of Desire” in Oxford Studies in Metaethics v. 3, ed. Shafer-Landau (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008), 31-45. 8 Kymlicka, 12-13. 9 Wall, 206. 10 Mill uses this argument to reject censorship, among other liberty-interfering forms of state legislation. See OL II, 6. 11 Nomy Arpaly, Unprincipled Virtue (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003), 118. 12 Gerald Dworkin, The Theory and Practice of Autonomy (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988), 20. 13 Brink, 41. 14 Sher, 47. 15 Thomas Hurka, Perfectionism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993), 151. 16 Wall, 139. 17 I should note that I use ‘higher-order’ here to identify any particular attitude that is not simply a first-order motivation. Second-order desire will count, for instance. But so will evaluative beliefs: beliefs that something is worth doing or is good, say. (As will beliefs that evaluate or endorse the objects of first-order motivations.) I intend this term to be broadly ecumenical. 18 Wall, 136-9. 19 Sher, 48. 20 Wall, 146. 21 Wall, 147. 22 Mikhail Valdman, “Outsourcing Self-Government” in Ethics 120 (2010). 23 Valdman, 772. 24 Valdman, 777. 25 An anonymous reviewer challenges this. There could be two aspects of Person B’s life that are self-directed. First, it may be that Person B has an antecedent desire to φ, but decides to φ because her friend told her to do so. And hence, Person B’s life may be entirely self-directed, failing to establish a distinction between A and B. However, this objection relies on a faulty understanding of self-direction tout court. The mere fact that I desired φ prior to being told do φ does not entail that my φ-ing is self-directed. It must be the case that having φ’d was a product of this first-order motivation in the absence of external coercion or control, which is clearly not present in the case of Person B. Put bluntly, even if Person B maintained an antecedent desire to φ, this does not entail that her choice to φ meets the negative condition of self-direction. Second, it could be that Person B has a perfectly self-directed motivation to conform to whatever her friend says she should do (de dicto, as it were). After all, her choice to conform to whatever her friend tells her to do meets both the positive and negative conditions for self-direction tout court. And if this is correct, the extent to which Person B’s life is self-directed cannot illuminate a difference with Person A. I do not find this compelling. While it is clear that there are some choices Person B makes that are self-directed, the choices that play the largest role in Person B’s life are not: what college to go to, what sort of a person to be, with whom to engage in romatic relationships, etc. These choices fail the negative condition of self-direction tout court. And while there may be some dimension of Person B’s life that is self-directed, this does not establish that self-direction shows any less of a difference between their lives than the extent to which A and B are autonomous: after
all, Person B may autonomously decide to do whatever her friend decides she should do. Indeed, given Wall’s description of Person B, it seems entirely plausible to say that Person B has decided, autonomously, to turn over her decisionmaking to her friend. But, for the same reason, this is not enough to say that autonomy can’t make a distinction between A and B: the autonomy that really matters (according to the partisan of VAT) is the autonomy when it comes to the specific choice of projects, relationships, etc. And so if the autonomy of their lives can illuminate an evaluative difference between A and B, so can self-direction tout court. 26 I explore this idea in much more detail in The Basic Minimum: A Welfarist Approach (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012), ch. 2. 27 For instance, Raz argues that one reason that autonomy is valuable is that in societies like ours, with certain recognized social forms, the ideal of choice is treated as one important feature of the goods we might undertake, including, e.g., marriage. (Raz, 392.) And though Raz holds that this is an argument for the claim that ‘[a]utonomy is a distinct ideal,’ (Raz, 395) it is in fact an argument for the claim that self-direction is a distinct ideal, rather than any one particular method of self-direction. (Raz’s theory of autonomy goes far beyond a simple lack of external coercion; see Raz, 372-3. Hence it seems to me that Raz’s argument, like the argument from deference, is an example of the Autonomy Fallacy.) 28 The importance of such ‘projects’ to welfare is accepted by many, including Joseph Raz, The Morality of Freedom (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987), ch. 12; Simon Keller, “Welfare and the Achievement of Goals” in Philosophical Studies 116 (2004); T. M. Scanlon, What We Owe To Each Other (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1998), ch. 3; John Rawls, A Theory of Justice (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1971) §64; Douglas Portmore, “Welfare, Achievement, and Self-Sacrifice” in Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy 3 (2007). 29 See David Velleman, “Well-being and Time” in The Possibility of Practical Reason (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000), ch. 3. 30 See Bernard Williams, “Persons, Character, and Morality” in Moral Luck (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981), 12. 31 Robert Young, “The Value of Autonomy” in The Philosophical Quarterly 32 (1982), 38. I should note that Young himself regards autonomy as valuable as a result of a ‘noninstrumental desire’ (Young, 43). However, he provides a further argument to believe that autonomy is intrinsically valuable (or that, for instance, one should non-instrumentally desire autonomy). Young notes that Nozick’s experience machine seems to indicate that autonomy, of itself, is valuable. But this argument commits the very fallacy I have so far been at pains to illustrate: in the experience machine, one is not simply non-autonomous, but one does not make choices about one’s life to any degree, whether by autonomous control of first-order motivations, or by means of those first-order motivations themselves. One’s life is simply dictated. 32 The tiger example is infamous from Joseph Raz. See Raz, 374. 33 See note 25. 34 Would we hold that self-direction tout court is intrinsically valuable if it is unsuccessful? In a way this question is moot, insofar as the view I propose does not treat self-direction itself as intrinsically valuable; self-direction is, rather, a necessary condition of the distinctive value of self-directed projects. But no matter how one comes down on this question, it seems relatively clear that autonomous self-direction does not add any additional value if it is unsuccessful. 35 Notice that nothing in this argument is committed to the claim that mere self-direction
is evaluatively significant here. What is essential for this argument is only that there is no recognizable evaluative distinction to be made between a life that exhibits unsuccessful self-direction and one that exhibits unsuccessful autonomous reflection, whether or not one regards the former concept as having any evaluative significance at all (which, it seems to me, is rather implausible). 36 Notably, I’m not assuming that, in the first case, Gussie and Madeline’s autonomous deliberation was instrumentally disvaluable (which may, perhaps, explain why the intrinsic value of a weaker form of autonomous control which is also displayed is cancelled out, say). I’m only assuming that Gussie and Madeline possessed every relevant form of autonomous control, but this autonomous control led to something disvaluable. But I do not stipulate that the kiss was disvaluable as a direct result of their autonomous deliberation. 37 ‘[VAT] does not mean that personal autonomy is the only component of a fully good life. Far from it. By itself, and in isolation from other components, it has no value. Its value is dependent on the presence of these other components. Still, this dependence does not show that autonomy has no intrinsic value or that it is not a central component of a fully good life,’ (Wall, 130). Note that there are two ways one might interpret Wall’s claim that autonomy possesses only conditional value. First, one might hold that only successful autonomy is intrinsically valuable. Second, one might hold that autonomy is intrinsically valuable in cases in which other, non-autonomy goods are present in a life. But the latter interpretation seems implausible for reasons we have already given; it seems wrong to say that Gussy and Madeline’s autonomous kiss is any improvement over their non-autonomous kiss, even if they both have a sufficient degree of non-autonomy goods throughout their lives. 38 Thanks to an anonymous reviewer for suggesting this objection. 39 The ‘other things equal’ clause is meant to hold fixed, e.g., the potential degrees of autonomy on display in a choice and the extent to which a particular choice may or may not be very significant concerning the shape of a person’s life. 40 This ‘other things equal’ clause is meant to hold fixed the other potential goods a life might obtain. 41 Thanks to an anonymous reviewer for expressing this skepticism clearly. 42 I’d like to thank the Murphy Institute, Tulane University, for generous support of this project. I would also like to thank an anonymous reviewer for PPQ for extraordinarily helpful comments.
Parental Autonomy and Children's Welfare
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Autonomy, networks and subsidiary performance
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Autonomy and Care in Medicine
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Local Autonomy in Japan
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Moral Autonomy, Censorship, and the Enlightened Community
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Privacy, Family Autonomy, and the Maltreated Child
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August 23, 2022 Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 519
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 519! Our featured interview tonight is with pipe maker Doug Finlay. Doug started making pipes as a hobby in 2017 since he enjoyed smoking a pipe so much. After only two years, in 2019 one of Doug’s pipes was one of seven winners in the 2019 North American Pipe Carvers Contest at the The Greater Kansas City Pipe & Tobacco Show. He is a full time pipe maker now. In Pipe Parts, Brian will have a show report from last weekend’s North American Society of Pipe Collectors show. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
August 16, 2022 Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 518
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 518! On tonight’s show we have a new episode of an ongoing segment of what Brian likes to call “Inside Fred’s Head” with Fred Hanna. Fred is a well-known pipe collector, author, and speaker at pipe shows. He has a PhD. in psychology and teaches the same at the Chicago Campus at Adler University. He is also author of the book, “The Perfect Smoke”. This is the 10th in the series with a long form discussion of pipe and tobacco questions sent in by our listeners. In the opening “Pipe Parts” segment, Brian will have a totally unfair pipe tobacco review, and it’s unfair for so many reasons. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
August 9, 2022 Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 517
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 517! Our featured interview tonight is with pipe maker Robert Amundson. Robert might be the most northern pipe maker in the world. He lives in Alaska, and there is a town named North Pole, and it’s south of him. Like many pipe makers he has a background in carpentry. He was inspired to explore pipe making while buying a pipe in a store in 2014 and seeing a block of briar, which he also bought. Robert is a member of The Seattle Pipe Club, and he made their Pipe of the Year in 2021. In Pipe Parts, we will have an Ask the Tobacco Blender segment with Jeremy Reeves. Jeremy is the Head Blender at Cornell & Diehl, which is one of the most popular boutique pipe tobacco companies in the USA. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 516! Our featured interview tonight is with Dr. Charles “Matt” Watson. Matt holds a Ph.D in Quantitative Biology, an M.S. in Biology, and a B.S. in Wildlife Science with a minor in Forestry. He is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. In our opening Pipe Parts segment, Brian will offer advice on what to look for when buying old / estate tins of tobacco to tell if the seal has been compromised. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
August 1, 2022 Heat Waves
I do not like hot weather. When the mercury pushes close to body temperature, my icy heart begins to melt, and when it reaches the point where I break out in a sweat as a result of the strenuous act of sitting upright, I consider calling around to see if I can book time in one of the refrigerated drawers at a local morgue. Heat and I just don’t get along well. We never have. Indulge my rambling, if you will; this really is about pipes and tobaccos. During the cooler months, I’m most often drawn towards fuller mixtures, rich with latakia, redolent of those wonderful aromas of campfires and leather and the smells of classic British sport cars and motorbikes that occupied so much of my youth. Seriously. It’s not the spice of orientals alone that brings comfort, but the warm blanket of latakia itself. These fuller mixtures recall some of my fondest smoking memories. I’m reminded of walks in the woods on cool, misty days, when the smoke would hang in the air, chilled by the moisture, its perfumed clouds delighting my senses, or evenings by the fire, accompanied by a wee dram of a fine malt, a comfortable chair and a good book. When the weather is all “hotting up,” though, I find latakia, in more than gentle seasoning proportions, to be too much of a good thing, almost overwhelming, so I turn to lighter mixtures and especially virginia blends, with or without perique. It’s something I’ve always found interesting, if occasionally vexing. Is it the temperature? The humidity? The pressure of the air molecules as they dance around, mingling with the tobacco’s smoke? Cosmic rays? Is it a subtle change in body chemistry that results from seasonal changes in diet? Set and setting? Or, is it some confluence of all these factors, and others not noted, that has such a profound influence on my smoking pleasure? I know I’m not completely alone; over the years, I’ve had conversations with pipe smokers who experience similar changes in tastes as the weather shifts. Interestingly, others insist that I’m delusional, that climate has no influence at all upon their choice of tobacco, and that they smoke the same tobaccos year round. Perhaps they live in relatively constant climates, or choose tobaccos with smoking characteristics that are less influenced by climate. Sometimes, I’m a little jealous of them; having my choices limited by something as intractable as the weather can be challenging to my inner control freak. But, the influence of climate on smoking can be subtle or alarming, and no amount of note-taking has led me to anything resembling actual understanding. Hold that thought. I first became aware of this phenomenon one cool autumn evening while waiting with some friends for a table at a popular restaurant. I had with me a lovely smooth Drucquer/LaCroix apple, one of my finest smokers at the time, and a tin of my recently discovered Benson & Hedges Finest Smoking Mixture[fn]The B&H was a beautiful mixture, produced by Gallaher, Ltd, and it came in a beautiful red and gold tin. Virginias, with a bit of latakia and perique, and it was this blend that inspired my own Piccadilly. Tonight, as I scribbled my final paragraphs, the weather was cool, breezy, and felt like rain might be coming; rumor has it there’s a storm developing off the coast. I’m enjoying that very combination that I enjoyed so much that evening so long ago. We’re all quite a few years older, tobacco, pipe and smoker, but the experience is no less superb, and the memories kindled, equally so.[/fn]. Knowing that we’d have at least a 45 minute wait, I had time for a bowl. That smoke was one of those memorable ones that always brings a smile when recalled. (How many remember when you could smoke a pipe in public without a torch and pitchfork brigade instantly forming a circle, insisting you are killing babies not yet conceived and chanting demands for your head? How far we’ve fallen in so few years.) It wasn’t the first time I’d smoked that tobacco in that pipe, but it was somehow different. It led me down a path of wonder just how much environmental factors can influence the enjoyment we take from burning a bowl of shredded leaves. One of the most dramatic examples of this that I can recall happened in August of 2002, while visiting friends in Denmark. There is a certain tabac, a Virginia flake loved by many, but one that I generally find tortuous; smoking it has always seemed to me to be the pipe smoking equivalent to sucking on the business end of a plasma cutter. I figured it was just a body chemistry thing. But when a friend offered a fill of this hell-spawned leaf, his regular smoke, I graciously accepted, rubbed out a flake, tamped it into the smallest pipe I had with me, and was astonished by the experience of a cool and enjoyable smoke. What? Figuring there must be some difference between the “home trade” tobacco sold in Denmark, and what was exported to the US, I bought a couple tins for further exploration. During my visit, I smoked through most of the first tin, enjoying every bowl, but when I returned to California, that very same tobacco, in the very same pipes, reignited my fear and loathing of the stuff. The temperatures at home and in Copenhagen at the time were not much different, so clearly something else was at play. If I were to throw a dart at the guess board, it would be that humidity was a factor. Another, albeit somewhat embarrassing anecdote might put a bit of meat to the bones of this hypothesis. One morning, some years ago, while still brain-fogged by insufficient sleep following a late night gig, I found myself coming to barely-waking consciousness whilst in the shower. Nothing odd there. But, the pipe clenched between my teeth at the time […]
Ah, the dog days of summer. Just think of your poor family dog who must endure the heat and humidity in a fur coat. The Pundit’s beautiful Golden Retriever just plops down on the floor exhausted and sleeps. A lot. And speaking of heat and humidity, a frightful thought on the global front, it is time to think of good summer tobaccos. Nothing too heavy, just a light little tap on the shoulder, so to speak. Maybe a Virginia-burley blend with a touch of Perique. I like the ribbon cuts for summertime smoking when the “livin’ is easy and the fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high,” with thanks to George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess opera. And, yes, back in the day, Pundit was quite the fly-tying, pipe-smoking, chest-wading, trout-hunting, crazy rod-toting, fly-fisherman. Corn cob pipes were for smoking when fat, high-flying trout were jumpin.’ Never one of those beautifully designed and lovingly hand-crafted pieces of old wood briar. No sir. No risks are taken when excited and shouting for joy with a large trout on the other end of the fly line. Only to note in the splashy chaos the magnificent briar leaped from mouth to the fast-moving stream and sped off downstream. But now back to dog days and pipe tobacco. Virginia-burley flakes are also a fav in the blistering days of summer. And let’s not bypass our light English blends. Or the noticeably light aromatics. Nothing drenched in dressing. A wee dram of topping will do. A few of the heavier Virginia-Burley blends, say from Cornell & Diehl, require patient puffing. Nothing rolling down the tracks at full steam sort of thing. Slow and easy with some of the heavier VaBurs. Especially if you are a nicotine wimp like the Pundit. A moderate nic hit is fine. But I have occasionally gone so far over the dark nic abyss with strong tobaccos loaded with nicotine so as to experience the onset of that most disconcerting sensation of falling, spiraling into the dark unknown, with cold sweats, hazy thinking, and hallucinations. “Quoth the Raven ‘Nevermore.’ Poe’s “The Raven!” would then be the exquisitely apt verbal utterance we squeak out involuntarily when suffering the turbid depths of that awful green gills feeling. Okay, light up the Virginias with perhaps a little touch of perique and a dab of burley. Slow and easy on puffing, like hot evenings in the South. This next thought from the Pundit might be too much of an existential question, but here goes. Is it possible to own too many pipes? Have you successfully reached the end of pipe collecting and stuffing the cellar with more tobacco than you will ever consume? And do you then find this quiet realization quickly subsumed by a sudden and viral case of PAD, compelling one to add even more to the seemingly ever-expanding herd? Which then sends PAD sub-variants of TAD into whirls of ignition. Thus adding more pipes and tobacco to a sagging pipe shelf and a bloated tobacco cellar. How does one curtail the lifelong pleasure of collecting beautiful handmade pipes and artfully created tobacco blends? Cull and sell much of the overgrown collection, did I hear someone say! Nay, nay, replies Pundit. This is just not going to happen on Pundit’s watch. So, what to do? That’s a reasonable question. With perplexing problems that arise in every life, I fill a briar bowl with an aged blend of Virginia and puff away until a light goes on somewhere within the deep folds of the mind. No lights yet, but I’m working on it. Maybe a museum! Mayhaps my daughters will decide to keep them instead of tossing them (oh, the horror, the horror!). All suggestions toward a possible solution to this nagging problem will be greatly appreciated. No need to mention sales talk. It won’t compute. And now for a notable major cigar smoker and pipe personality from the past—Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. And commander of the “Birds” and other scary movies such as “Psycho,” both of which should not be viewed alone in the dark. Sir Alfred was born in Leytonstone, England, near London, on Aug. 13, 1899, and died in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 29, 1980. His legendary films collected 46 Academy Award nominations, including six wins, although he never achieved the award for Best Director despite five nominations. But he did earn two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! He was once referred to as a “young man with a mastermind.” And Sir Alfred was indeed the master of melodrama, suspense, and thrillers. Just the memory of “Psycho” gives Pundit the heebie-jeebies after all these years. A quote or two from the master of suspense: There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it A glimpse into the world proves that horror is nothing other than reality. And yes, boys and girls, Sir Alfred did indeed smoke pipes, despite his fearsome film noir. No less authority than guru tobacco reviewer Jiminks says the wizard of the thriller smoked Dunhill pipe blends. Amen to that. And one more notable consummate pipe smoker, former President Gerald R. Ford, who served our great nation from August 1974 to January 1977. The 38th President stepped up his vice presidential duties and guided the nation through its “long nightmare,” after Watergate took down his predecessor, President Richard M. Nixon. Again, Jiminks, says Ford reportedly smoked Field & Stream, Walnut, and also noted in a book publication he also puffed Edgeworth Ready Rubbed. The Pundit leaves you with one of his gems of thought: Pipe smokers are the mind workers of the world, an oft-repeated pipe proverb by the Pundit. We are an eclectic group that enjoys each other’s company and conversation. Those qualities seem to be in scarcity today. We need more pipe smokers, Quoth the Pundit.
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17th March 2019 17th March 2019 Brian Bennie Jr
Michael Ray Interview: Before He Kicked Off His UK Tour for the Country2Country Festival We Sat Down for a Chat!
One of the amazing things about the Country2Country Festival is the amount of artists we get over in the UK for the first time. Michael Ray was just one of those artists in 2019. After the success of his 2018 album ‘Amos’, and a subsequent ACM Award nomination, Michael Ray is certainly riding a wave of good times at the moment. We were lucky enough to sit down with him before his shows in Glasgow at Country2Country!
You’re here in the UK as part of the Country 2 Country Festival, that must be exciting?
It is yeah. This is my first time at C2C and my buddies like Drake White, and other friends of mine who have come over here before were like “Dude, wait to you go over there man, you just feel so at home” My dad called me before we flew out and he was like “I’m so mad” I go “why?” He goes “Scotland and Ireland are the 2 places I’ve always wanted to go” and I go “We’re kicking it off in Scotland (laughs), I’ll take some photos and send them back” It’s cool to be here.
Is this the first time you’ve played in the UK?
Yeah, my first time
What are you expecting from the UK crowd?
Judging from what everyone has told me, my buddies have said they just make you feel at home, and “man you’re gonna be surprised with the songs they know, they know everything!” In a world where it’s so single driven and not so much album driven, its really cool to see fans, like the UK fans, that just dive into a whole body of art and not just one song at a time. For us, when we make a whole album, we hope that everybody listens to the whole album cause I feel like that’s when you really learn the artist your listening to, not necessarily what you hear on the radio but really dive in and get them B Cuts. I have a feeling that we’re gonna be shocked and surprised about how many songs everyone knows here.
You’re playing the Glasgow spotlight stage and the Glasgow Afterparty. Then you’re heading to London to do the Spotlight stage, Afterparty, Indigo and Bluebird Café Songwriter. You’ve got a busy few days ahead…
Yeah, they got us all over (laughs)
Will you get any downtime to take in any of the festival or will you be too busy?
I think seeing everybody backstage and in the halls are were the hangouts are gonna be for us, but we done that very intentionally with this being our first time over. I feel like the last couple of years we’ve seen the growth of my fanbase here. People have been reaching out saying “are you coming over for C2C” or when are we coming to Scotland or Ireland or England or wherever that may be so, when we met up with the C2C festival people, I said that this was my first time over here so I wanted to do as much as possible because I want to come back, I want to keep growing. I wanna come for C2C but I want to be able to come back on my own to play some shows too. I’m a new artist over here and I wanna approach it like that and play as much as we can. They took me serious on that (laughs)
It certainly sounds like they did. 2018 seemed like an interesting year for you, I saw that you described it as being “Defining”, how has the journey been?
It’s been great man. I think when you look back on life in general, when you get older, you start learning that you have certain years that just seem like a struggle. We all have them. It doesn’t matter what you do in life, but you can just have that year when you feel like you’re just not connecting, somethings just not right. You feel off, stuff kinda just hits you outa nowhere, life throws you curves. I feel like that’s kinda setting you up for what’s coming. I really just feel like last year was my year of that. My life changed dramatically, professionally and definitely personally, and that’s what’s made this year (2019) already the best of my life so far and we’re only three months in.
You were out on the road with Old Dominion?
How was that?
Incredible man. When you can combine touring with a band that you’re a fan of and they just happen to be like brothers to you. I didn’t go to College but that has to be what a fraternity feels like. You’re on the bus and out on tour and you kinda get lost in your own little world for three or four days a week and just shut off the whole world. It’s like this brotherhood. Being able to learn from those guys, sit side stage, write with them and hang with them, it can’t be beat and I feel very fortunate they brought me into their world.
You seem to have formed a real connection with the guys, most of them have writing credits on your album?
Yea, Matt, Brad and Trevor. They’re good enough that even the songs they don’t cut are hits so they help us out. When we’re trying to write songs for the record but we’re just missing it a little bit, before I dilute my record for my ego, we’ll always reach out to the songwriters. Luckily, I have those guys on my call list.
If you could pick any Old Dominion song to be yours, what would it be?
‘Still Writing Songs About You’. I love it and it makes me mad at the same time cos I’m like, why didn’t I write that. Every night on tour, If I couldn’t get out front for their set starting, I would always make sure I was out for that one where they would break down this incredible acoustic thing. If there’s one song I’m jealous of its that one.
You even found time last year to get engaged!
Yea (laughs) somewhere in the mix of everything.
Carly’s (Carly Pearce) over for C2C with you?
She is, she’s actually in Ireland right now.
Will you get to share any of it together?
We’ll pass a little bit tomorrow before she moves on but then we fly to Australia together. This is both our first times over here so we’re both playing as much as we can and taking advantage of the opportunity y’all have given us. We knew it was gonna be a busy few days, Thank God for Facetime.
You’ve just started your Headlining Tour “19” in the States, how’s that going down?
It’s going great man, we’re playing some places we’ve been before and the crowds are way larger than even last year and we’re playing places we’ve never been before and we’re selling out. To hear the fans sing every word to us and to hear their stories and really just watch my growth and watch the fans growing with me. They’ve allowed me the years to grow. It’s cool. We get to play every song on the Amos record, to go back to the first record. We get to throw some covers in, but covers that mean something. I’m not gonna throw in covers just to have them. The Covers that we are doing are kinda telling a story of the last couple of years.
After here you’re heading to Australia for CMC Rocks, that’s really taking your music all-round the globe!
Absolutely, 100%. Carly and I were talking about it. It’s crazy how far Country Music has taken us and also how far Country Music has come as a genre. In this 2-week period we’re seeing that it’s Worldwide, for sure.
You’ve also been nominated for an ACM Award?
Yeah man, my first time. It’s nuts. I’m originally from a small town in Florida. My family had a band, my Grandpa, my Dad, my Cousins and my Uncle. Growing up, watching the ACM’s was kinda like the Superbowl every year for us. We’d never miss one and keep a track on who won and stuff. To finally have worked hard enough in my career to be in a spot where in getting the attention of the Academy people, my peers and people in Country Music, that means a lot to me. To be nominated in a time that, and I mean it was stacked this year, it wasn’t an easy nomination. It gets said so much it probably gets diluted, but it’s true, just to be nominated, you feel like a winner, especially this year. It’s been cool man.
What does the rest of 2019 hold?
M: We’re doing a lot of festivals. We’re lucky to be over here for C2C, Australia for CMC and then a lot of big festivals in the United States. I’m continuing to headline the “19” Tour and planning a wedding. Thank God for the Moms involvement to help us both out (Laughs) It’s a busy but very grateful year and I feel like we’re reaping the benefit of a lot of stuff we’ve been sowing over the last couple of years.
Carly’s been nominated for an ACM too, are you planning a big party for when you both win? (laughs)
Haha, I told her we might stay in Vegas for a little longer than we’re expecting. When we both found out about our nominations she happened to be in New Orleans and I was back home in Nashville. I was with my trainer in the Gym and my manager sent me the link to see when Reba was announcing the nominations. So, I watched on my phone and me and my trainer freaked out and I immediately booked a flight to New Orleans. I met up with her and that night we hung out. The next day I flew to DC and she flew somewhere else but we fit it in where we can (laughs).
Michael, thank you very much for taking the time to talk with us
Absolutely Brian, thank you!
Have a great show!
Awesome, thank you, appreciate it buddy!
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John Griffin Interview: We get to know the songwriter behind hits for Chris Lane... and several ringtones?
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The practitioners at Diabo Prosthetics & Orthotics combine nurturing care and professional expertise with our patients to create an orthotic brace or prosthetic limb that will help them conquer life’s daily struggles. To learn more about our compassionate professionals, see their bios below.
Richard Sire, C.P.O., graduate of Northwestern University in Chicago, has been treating amputees for the past 23 years, specializing in prosthetics for active amputees. He has fit several types of computer knees and designed prostheses that meet the specific needs of each individual. Richard works with amputees of all ages and deficiencies including double and multiple limb amputations as well as congenital deficiencies. He also trained to fit upper extremity myoelectric prosthesis and is one of the few practitioners in the country to fit several I-limb hands. He has also spent the past 22 years with Ohlone College, where he has instructed in the Physical Therapy Assistant program.
Kyle Sullivan, C.O. has been practicing Orthotics in the East Bay for over 10 years. Kyle is our pediatric and spinal specialist. He has been attending weekly orthopedic clinics with Lucille Packard’s Children’s hospital. He also works with various C.C.S clinics in the East Bay, providing custom bracing for the pediatric population. His background encompasses trauma bracing for spinal injuries as well as scoliosis. Kyle has several specialized certifications including: Boston Brace, Charleston, Walk Aide and Phat braces to name a few. Kyle also has an interest in treating patients with complex neurological conditions. Kyle is always eager to take on challenging cases.
Sean Boatright is an ABC certified Prosthetist that has been practicing orthotics and prosthetics in the East Bay for over 10 years. He continues to provide exceptional care for a variety of patient populations. He has been at the forefront of 3D scanning for custom prosthetic and orthotic devices and continues his education to stay up to date with emerging technologies. Sean approaches everyday as an opportunity to make a positive impact on his patients lives. Sean currently is seeing patients in our Berkeley and Walnut Creek locations. Outside of the clinic, Sean looks forward to traveling with his wife, BBQing and landscaping.
Patrick Crowley, C.P.O. has been working as an O & P professional for the past 17 years, splitting his time between the Bay Area & the Central Valley. Pat received his orthotic training at Northwestern University in 1999 & his prosthetic training in Newington, Connecticut, a hospital based program, in 2007. Pat is a C.C.S. paneled provider and has provided pediatric services to local clinics throughout his career. He is certified in the majority of all of the new technologies out today. Mr. Crowley is now managing our Antioch office while still maintaining C.C.S. Clinics in the Central Valley. Pat is a professional that enjoys treating patients of all ages & disabilities to help them restore a more functional quality of life.
Mr. Soulis started his career in orthotics and prosthetics in 2010 by working as a technician and assisting with patient care in the Department of Rehabilitation Services at the University of California Los Angeles. He then proceeded to the California State University Dominguez Hills Orthotic and Prosthetic Program, graduating with a Master’s of Science in 2015. Prior to his matriculation from CSUDH, Mr. Soulis’ research, “Utilizing Pattern Recognition to Improve Myoelectric Control: A Case Study” was published in the Academy Today.
Jack relocated to Northern California and began working with Diablo P&O in 2021. Before joining the company, Jack’s practice included orthotic and prosthetic care for clients of California’s Children’s Services at many medical treatment units throughout Los Angeles. Moreover, he was a privileged practitioner able to participate in many of the clinics of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In addition to his clinical practice, Mr. Soulis has served as a part-time instructor of orthotic and prosthetic theories for the California State University Long Beach Physical Therapy program and has also been a guest lecturer at West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies.
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In Defense of Our Nation
In Defense of our Nation
October 9, 2021 November 18, 2020 by David Risselada
Can people freely choose their behavior? Or, are we controlled by environmental circumstances which can be traced to our so-called, evolutionary past? This is the debate that seems to be dominating society, whether we realize it or not. God vs. science if you will. Certainly, human behavior can be influenced by many factors, including the environment around us. When presented with extenuating circumstances people can be forced to make certain decisions. Some of us will make more informed choices based on past experiences, while others, will make more erratic ones. Behaviorists attempt to whittle this reality down to an exact science claiming that our choices are nothing more than ingrained evolutionary responses to environmental factors, honed by thousands of years of instinct. The unfortunate reality is that science views man as little more than a stimulus-response mechanism. Animals who have no control over our behavior, only able to react to whatever stimulus we are receiving.
“The human brain is not simply a switchboard by means of which one environmental event is connected to another environmental event.” (William T. Powers)
Understanding the concept of stimulus-response mechanisms, also known as cause and effect psychology, is important because it is the lens from which science studies our behavior. It is in fact, the very basis of behavioral psychology (Powers). Behaviorists like B.F. Skinner have stated, and this writer has noted this several times, that any study of our behavior should be done from an evolutionary perspective. This means that the study of human behavior should always be done from the perspective that man has no control over his own choices and that it is only the environment that motivates our responses.
“In what we may call the pre-scientific view (and the word is not necessarily pejorative) a person’s behavior is at least to some extent his own achievement. He is free to deliberate, decide, and act, possibly in original ways, and he is to be given credit for his successes and blamed for his failures. In the scientific view (and the word is not necessarily honorific) a person’s behavior is determined by a genetic endowment traceable to the evolutionary history of the species and by the environmental circumstances to which as an individual he has been exposed. Neither view can be proved, but it is in the nature of scientific inquiry that the evidence should shift in favor of the second.” (B.F. Skinner, Beyond Freedom and Dignity)
B.F. Skinner was a behavioral psychologist known for doing experiments on his own daughter. He took the view that man is just another animal. He narrowed down the study of behaviorism to either the scientific or pre-scientific views. Pre-scientific means a time where it was believed men could freely choose their behavior and were, to some extent, in control of their decision-making processes. The scientific view takes the position that our behavior is determined. This is essentially the battle between free will and evolution. As he stated, “neither can be proven but in the nature of scientific inquiry, the evidence should shift in favor of the second.” This means that when your behavior is being studied, it is from the belief that you are an animal who has no control over your behavior. As Powers said, it is the basis of behavioral psychology.
Interestingly, Powers refutes this thesis to some degree by saying that behavior cannot always be determined simply by the stimulus-response mechanisms being influenced by environmental factors, because the right models are not always being used. Come again? To be more specific, he says the models being used are not always appropriate to behavior. Furthermore, he states that a controlled environment that determines what parameters the study will be conducted from will largely determine the results.
“The apparent usefulness of variations of behavioral acts can be accepted as fact in the framework of a control system model of behavior. A control system, properly organized for its environment will produce whatever output is required in order to achieve a constant sensed result, even in the presence of unpredictable disturbances.” (Powers)
Why does any of this matter? What difference does it make? As this writer noted in his article Operant conditioning and the face mask pandemic, there was a study conducted in 2014 that was done to determine the public’s susceptibility to being forced to wear face masks. The study concluded that people could essentially be motivated to cover their face based on the perceived vulnerability of being afflicted with life-threatening diseases and, the perceived benefits of wearing a mask. The study also noted that perceived perceptions of embarrassment could inhibit the desire to wear a mask. Finally, the study found that a blitz in media efforts, supported by the government, to promote public health, was a huge factor in encouraging people to wear masks. This study, as noted above, was done in 2014.
As all studies are, this one was conducted based on a particular model of behavior called the Health Belief Model. What is the Health Belief Model? Interesting you should ask. It is a behavioral change model developed to predict or explain behaviors related to health and health-related services. It is also one of the most common models of behavior used to conduct health-related studies today. All studies have independent and dependent variables, factors for which they establish controls. The Health Belief Model did not account for the following ̶ ̶
It does not account for a person’s attitudes, beliefs, or other individual determinants that dictate a person’s acceptance of a health-related behavior.
It does not take into account behaviors that are habitual and thus may inform the decision-making process to accept a recommended action (e.g., smoking).
It does not take into account behaviors that are performed for non-health-related reasons such as social acceptability.
It does not account for environmental or economic factors that may prohibit or promote the recommended action.
Interestingly, it does not account for a person’s attitudes, beliefs, or other determinants that dictate a person’s acceptance of a health behavior. Like the ability to freely choose on their own which behavior they will engage in? This is a perfect example of B.F. Skinners assertion that all studies be done from a scientific opposed to a pre-scientific viewpoint. In other words, the propaganda you are being fed about wearing masks is based on a behavioral study where an individual’s ability to freely engage, in, or disregard the behavior, is completely left out. Furthermore, The Health Belief Model makes a few preconceived assumptions as well, that the facemask study surely considered. It assumes that cues to action are widely prevalent in encouraging people to act and that “health” actions are the main goal in the decision-making process. What is a cue to action? As described in the model itself, a cue to action is the stimulus needed to trigger an individual into engaging in the desired behavior. According to The Health Belief Model, a cue to action can be perceived susceptibility to illness or a newspaper article.
The study found that a blitz in media efforts, supported by government, to promote public health was a huge factor in encouraging people to wear masks.
There is an ongoing debate between those that believe humans have free will and those that believe in, for a lack of a better term, evolutionary science. B.F. Skinner said that scientific inquiry into human behavior should be conducted from the latter viewpoint even though neither can be proven. Is that the way we really want to go? As demonstrated above, the study revolving around a major issue we are facing today, the forced wearing of masks, was conducted without accounting for individual differences in the way we all perceive what is going on. The study denied us our individuality. Furthermore, the study also assumed, based on Skinner’s theories no less, that most of us would just accept what we are being told because of the perceived authority of media and government. This is something that the American people need to understand if they are going to live in a free country. We are governed by those who view us as nothing more than stimulus-response animals. When we respond to a given stimulus, they study that response and learn from it. Over the past five months, they have come to believe that we are a very compliant population. In many ways, we have been. They will continue to push until we assert ourselves in the name of our free will to choose our own lives. To do that, however, we must first understand the lens from which we are viewed. This writer believes the facemask study and the Health Belief Model provided a good base from which to show an example we can all relate to.
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Destroying God in the Minds of Men
November 20, 2020 at 12:11 am
Very informative and well written!!
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November 20, 2020 at 12:19 am
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Pingback: Same old rhetoric: Leftist’s admit they must discredit opponents to make message more effective – In Defense of Our Nation
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This site addresses the sociopolitical issues our nation faces from a psychological warfare perspective, examining the use of persuasive communications and the social sciences.
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You develop your character as a leader when you seek out and receive feedback. The two-way process of disclosing things about yourself and receiving comments on your performance builds trust. This, in turn, reduces the gap between your public and private faces and increases the authenticity of your leadership.
Once you have learned to both give and receive feedback skillfully and constructively, you will be ready to lead your team into greater self-awareness and higher performance levels. You can ask for feedback (formally or informally) from any of the people you contact daily—members of your team, your superiors, clients, or suppliers.
The following questions are a good starting point for discussion with your appraiser, especially if you ask them to back up their answers with real examples:
• What do you see as my strengths?
• What do you think I am blind to?
• What development areas do you think I should be focusing on?
JLBC In focus
• What should I do less of/more of?
• What potential do you see in me?
Or, if you are using competencies to
set and monitor your targets, try
• the following phrasing:
Which competencies do I consistently
Which competencies do you think?
• I could go on developing further?
JLBC Cadets, what changes do you foresee in the next 12 months, and on which competencies do you think I should be focusing my development?
Ideally, the 360° process should be managed by an objective external coach to ensure high-quality feedback, a balanced viewpoint, and anonymity for those individuals brave enough to give feedback to their boss. However, the review could be done internally if your organizational culture is open and all agree to a no-blame approach.
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Bond Vet raises $17 million to be the CityMD of veterinary care – TechCrunch
Bond Vet raises $17 million to be the CityMD of veterinary care – TechCrunch
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November 18, 2020
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Bond Vet, the NYC-based tech-forward veterinary startup, has announced the close of a $17 million Series A financing. The round was led by Talisman Capital Partners.
The startup has clinics across NYC that are meant to fill the gap between veterinary ERs and the veterinary equivalent of a primary care physician, modeling the business after CityMD. Unlike some other new veterinary startups, Bond doesn’t require a membership to book an appointment. Pet parents can either walk in or make an appointment on the website or mobile app.
The startup also provides both urgent care and primary care, including regular vaccinations and check-ups.
Bond puts a particular focus on the design of the clinic itself, with high-friction floors so puppies don’t slip and examination tables that give pet parents the ability to remain close to their furry friend during procedures or examinations when appropriate.
The company also has technology on the back-end for vets and nurses that make the process of providing care more efficient (like with note taking, for example) so that they can spend more time with the patients.
Bond has its own telehealth platform as well, to let pet parents text with their vet before and after appointments, or potentially even replace an appointment and solve the issue remotely.
Cofounder and CEO Mo Punjani explained that the efficiencies built in to Bond Vet allow the company to pass on savings to customers. While primary care services are on par with other vets, according to Punjani, emergency services can be rendered at a much lower cost than a traditional veterinary ER.
Pet spending is set to top $100 billion next year, according to the American Pet Products Association, as millennials opt to use higher-quality products for their animals. Startups across the pet ecosystem have capitalized on this new trend, and Bond Vet is among them.
The Bond Vet team, which includes in-clinic staff and HQ, is about 100 people, and 20 percent of employees are female.
Since launch in June of 2019, Bond has seen upwards of 15,000 unique pets in its clinics. The company plans to use the funding to keep building out its technology stack and expand its physical footprint, with plans to launch clinics in suburban areas next year.
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Malaysia-based inventory management platform Food Market Hub raises $4 million from Go-Ventures, SIG – TechCrunch
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Rackspace Technology, one of the largest cloud and email hosting providers in the US, said Tuesday that a ransomware attack is to blame for a massive outage that has locked some customers out of their email inboxes since Friday.
Why this matters: The crisis offers a window into the hidden world of email hosting, where customers hand over their deepest electronic secrets to third-party cloud providers for storage and security.
Potentially accessed data on Rackspace’s servers may include stored email messages and contact lists.
The big picture: A ransomware attack has left Rackspace scrambling to bring some of its hosting services back online and has left customers without access to their email inboxes over the weekend.
Kevin Beaumont, a security researcher and former Microsoft employee, estimated in a recent blog post that thousands of small- to medium-sized businesses are affected by the outage. A handful of clients — ranging from investment firms to waste management facilities — are sharing on LinkedIn that their emails are still turned off because of the incident.
Rackspace spokeswoman Natalie Silva declined to say how many customers were affected.
Rackspace said in an SEC filing Tuesday that the attack “could result in loss of revenue” for its $30 million hosted exchange business as well as other “incremental costs.”
The details: Rackspace said Tuesday that it had hired a “leading cyber defense firm” to investigate the attack, but the company was “unable to provide a timeline for reinstatement.”
The company has not disclosed how the hackers gained access to its systems, who is behind the attack or how much data they were able to access before deploying the ransomware.
Rackspace has isolated the affected servers and is recommending that affected customers migrate their email servers to a Microsoft 365 cloud-based account, which “can be challenging,” the company said.
Rackspace said customers can also set up email forwarding for new, incoming email to an external email address while they set up a Microsoft 365 account.
Between the lines: While Rackspace has promised to help customers install and configure Microsoft 365 accounts, customers have been flooding social media since the outage with lack of communication from the company and unanswered support tickets.
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November 3, 2022
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Lugano, Switzerland-based venture capital fund Privilège Ventures just launched its fourth fund. The CHF 20 million (just over $20 million) fund is earmarked for women-led early-stage startups across Europe.
“We don’t just want to support women,” Jacqueline Ruedin Rüsch, founding general partner at Privilège Ventures said in an interview with TechCrunch. “The data shows women in the driver’s seat produce better ROI.”
The firm says that its investment thesis is based on the statistical evidence that women perform better than men in leadership roles.
“The numbers are staggering. It’s not just about being ethical and doing good: global GDP would grow 6% if rates of entrepreneurship were equal between men and women,” said Lucian Wagner, Privilège Ventures founding general partner in a press statement.
The firm’s thesis is backed up by research from Boston Consulting Group on investment and revenue data over a five-year period. The study also showed that startups founded and co-founded by women received less than half the average investments made into companies led by men, even though the female led startups generated 10% more revenue over time.
“There are very few funds worldwide dedicated to backing female founders, and despite the rapid growth in the VC industry the percentage of female or gender-diverse-led teams is falling,” said Rüsch. “I started my professional life in the banking sector in Switzerland: this was, and partially still is, a very male-driven sector. I became used to being one of the few females in big conference rooms and I didn’t even pay any more attention to it. But when I got pregnant the first reaction from my senior colleagues was, ‘When will you stop working?’ This was quite shocking, I must admit.”
As Alex reported back in July, PitchBook data suggests that the percentage of venture capital deals that included at least one woman founder fell from 19.4% to 18.2%. In Europe, the numbers are even more dire. Privilège suggests that in Europe, female founders receive barely 1% of total VC investments.
Privilège Ventures’ LPs are mainly high net-worth individuals and family offices, the firm says, and the fund aims to write 15-20 early-stage checks, with initial investments in the $250,000 range.
“I really like to invest in founders at the very beginning of their journey. Often we meet them even before they have incorporated their company and we track them, coach them and see how they take their first steps in the entrepreneurial journey. Given our focus in seed stage, we feel it is key to be as close as possible with our companies and for this reason we have a preference for our local market, Switzerland, and the surrounding European countries,” Rüsch explains. “We are not specialized in a specific sector but we have some preferences, namely in medtech, deep tech and in general for the digital economy. We like to enter as soon as possible, even pre-seed, and are happy to continue investing in the best companies up to Series A.”
The firm says it would love to see more companies trying to solve “real” problems — solutions that can save lives, preserve the planet and products that are not just “nice to have” but are “must-have.”
“Our overall portfolio already counts over 30% of companies with a female co-founder. As we aim to invest only in top-performing teams, we need to guarantee a strong deal flow and for this reason, we will look not only to Switzerland but to Europe as well with a higher focus on certain countries such as Italy, France and Germany, being closer to us,” says Rüsch, explaining why investing specifically in women continues to make sense for the fund. “Some will point to the simple fact that having different viewpoints in the room leads to more thoughtful decision-making — some will point to women having battled through a lot of hassles to get where they are. We see firsthand that women are driven to tackle problems that have been overlooked in tech — but can have a profound impact on the world. We already have startups in our portfolio with female founders or leaders working on using neurotech to improve sleep, fungicides to improve food and biomarkers to continually measure proteins and hormones to prevent and monitor health conditions, just to name a few.”
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November 2, 2022
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To get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important stories delivered to your inbox every day at 3 p.m. PDT, subscribe here.
Hellooooo, guess what? It’s November! We guess it was actually November yesterday, too, but we failed to notice, because LOL what even is time, amirite. Anyway, put away your Halloween costumes and start the game of How Long Can You Avoid “Little Drummer Boy”? If you do want to play that game, you’d be well advised to not click this link, although that’s a particularly tolerable version of the song, to be fair.
And for his next act…: Manish was on a roll again today, covering some cool stories. The first is on some former Googlers rallying around their peer Caesar Sengupta, who raised $90 million to scale Arta Finance, a company that will provide individuals similar access to alternative assets that are usually reserved for the ultrawealthy.
Betting on web3: Manish’s second story is on Microsoft, which is backing South Korea–based web3 game developer Wemade.
Come together, right now, in the cloud: Though many companies are asking employees to come back into the office, they and others are still figuring out how to keep distributed teams working as one. Former Yext CEO Howard Lerman thinks he has created the best option with Roam, a company that came out of stealth today with $30 million in new funding, Kyle reports.
New data from more than 200 startups show that CTOs earn higher salaries than their CEO counterparts. Mostly, co-founders make the same, but where there is a difference, the balance typically tips in the favor of the technical co-founder, Haje reports.
Also, we’ve got an eclectic mix of additional news for ya:
Dear Sophie: How can students work or launch a startup while maintaining their immigration status?
I’m studying bioinformatics at a university in the U.S.
What options do I have to work before and after graduation on my student visa? Do any of these options allow me to launch my own startup?
Three more from the TC+ team:
TechCrunch+ is our membership program that helps founders and startup teams get ahead of the pack. You can sign up here. Use code “DC” for a 15% discount on an annual subscription!
Elon Musk met with civil rights leaders, and Amanda has all the details on what went down. Many of the leaders were concerned with content moderation, particularly dealing with increases in hate speech and undue influence on the midterm elections. Meanwhile, Natasha M writes that another Twitter executive is reportedly flying the coop.
Meanwhile, Manish continues to follow the Byju’s saga. The latest is that India’s edtech giant is looking at a $1 billion IPO for Aakash, its physical tutor chain.
And we have five more for you:
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Alation bags $123M at a $1.7B valuation for its data-cataloging software • TechCrunch
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November 2, 2022
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There’s been an explosion of enterprise data in recent years, accelerated by pandemic-spurred digital transformations. An IDC report commissioned by Seagate projected companies would collect 42.2% more data by year-end 2022 than in 2020, amounting to multiple petabytes of data in total. While more data is generally a good thing, particularly where it concerns analytics, large volumes can be overwhelming to organize and govern — even for the savviest of organizations.
That’s why Satyen Sangani, a former Oracle VP, co-founded Redwood City–based Alation, a startup that helps crawl a company’s databases in order to build data search catalogs. After growing its customer base to over 450 brands and annual recurring revenue (ARR) to over $100 million, Alation has raised $123 million in a Series E round led by Thoma Bravo, Sanabil Investments, and Costanoa Ventures with participation from Databricks Ventures, Dell Technologies Capital, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Icon Ventures, Queensland Investment Corporation, Riverwood Capital, Salesforce Ventures, Sapphire Ventures and Union Grove, the company announced today.
The all-equity tranche values Alation at over $1.7 billion — an impressive 15 times higher than the company’s previous valuation in a challenging economic climate. In an interview with TechCrunch, Sangani said the new capital — which brings Alation’s total raised to $340 million — will be put toward investments in product development (including through acquisitions) and expanding Alation’s sales, engineering and marketing teams, with a focus on the public sector and corporations based in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
“With the capital, we will continue to focus on engagement and adoption, collaboration, governance, lineage, and on APIs and SDKs to enable us to be open and extensible,” Sangani said via email. “We’re going to bring innovation to the market that will increase the number of data assets we cover and the people who will leverage and access Alation.”
With Alation, Sangani and his fellow co-founders — Aaron Kalb, Feng Niu and Venky Ganti — sought to build a service that enables data and analytics teams to capture and understand the full breadth of their data. The way Sangani sees it, most corporate leadership wants to build a “data-driven” culture but is stymied by tech hurdles and a lack of knowledge about what data they have, where it lives, whether it’s trustworthy and how to make the best use of it.
Alation’s platform organizes data across disparate systems. Image Credits: Alation
According to Forrester, somewhere between 60% and 73% of data produced by enterprises goes unused for analytics. And if a recent poll by Oracle is to be believed, 95% of people say they’re overwhelmed by the amount of data available to them in the workplace.
“With the astounding amount of data being produced today, it’s increasingly difficult for companies to collect, structure, and analyze the data they create,” Sangani said. “The modern enterprise relies on data intelligence and data integration solutions to provide access to valuable insights that feed critical business outcomes. Alation is foundational for driving digital transformation.”
Alation uses machine learning to automatically parse and organize data like technical metadata, user permissions and business descriptions from sources like Redshift, Hive, Presto, Spark and Teradata. Customers can visually track the usage of assets like business glossaries, data dictionaries and Wiki articles through the Alation platform’s reporting feature, or they can use Alation’s collaboration tools to create lists, annotations, comments and polls to organize data across different software and systems.
Alation also makes recommendations based on how information is being used and orchestrated. For example, the platform suggests ways customers can centrally manage their data and compliance policies through the use of integrations and data connectors.
“Alation’s machine learning contributes to data search, data stewardship, business glossary, and data lineage,” Sangani said. “More specifically, Alation’s behavioral analysis engine spots behavioral patterns and leverages AI and machine learning to make data more user-friendly. For example, search is simplified by highlighting the most popular assets; stewardship is eased by emphasizing the most active data sets; and governance becomes a part of workflow through flags and suggestions.”
According to IDC, the data integration and intelligence software market is valued at more than $7.9 billion and growing toward $11.6 billion over the next four years. But Alation isn’t the sole vendor. The startup’s competition includes incumbents like Informatica, IBM, SAP and Oracle, as well as newer rivals such as Collibra, Castor, Stemma, Data.World and Ataccama, all of whom offer tools for classifying and curating data at enterprise scale.
One of Alation’s advantages is sheer momentum, no doubt — its customer base includes heavyweights like Cisco, General Mills, Munich Re, Pfizer, Nasdaq and Salesforce, in addition to government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Australia’s Department of Defense. Alation counts more than 25% of the Fortune 100 as clients, touching verticals such as finance, healthcare, pharma, manufacturing, retail, insurance and tech.
In terms of revenue coming in, Sangani claims that Alation — which has more than 700 employees and expects to be at just under 800 by 2023 — is in a healthy position, pegging the firm’s cumulative-cash-burn-to-ARR ratio at around 1.5x. Despite the downturn, he asserts that customer spend is remaining strong as the demand for data catalog software grows; for the past five quarters, Alation’s ARR has increased year over year.
In another win for Alation, the investment from Databricks Ventures is strategic, Sangani says. It’ll see the two companies jointly develop engineering, data science and analytics applications that leverage both Databricks’ and Alations’ platforms.
“The most successful data intelligence platforms will be adopted by everyone. Vendors that are jack-of-all-trades, but masters of none, promise everything and succeed at little. Similarly, point products achieve limited success, but only serve to create data silos that our customers are trying to avoid. The future of data intelligence is about connectedness and integration,” Sangani said. “We know that and will continue to put our money behind our beliefs.”
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November 2, 2022
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The Australian and New Zealand startup community will see a boost in funding this year. Blackbird, a VC fund based in the two south Pacific countries, on Wednesday closed a fund at over AUD $1 billion, which is about USD $640 million, which the firm says is Australia’s largest fund to date.
This is Blackbird’s fifth fund, and it’s double the size of the VC’s last fund which closed in August 2020. Several institutional investors participated, including superannuation funds like AustralianSuper, Hostplus, Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Future Fund, New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds and New Zealand Growth Capital Partners Elevate fund, which is a government-backed fund.
A decade ago, most Australian and in particular New Zealand institutional investors didn’t want to put their money anywhere near tech startups. Their support today signals a maturation of the Australia/New Zealand venture capital space.
“[Superannuation fund] capital can go anywhere. It can go into the best Silicon Valley VCs,” Sam Wong, a partner at Blackbird, told TechCrunch. “And so the fact that they are choosing to invest their money at this scale with an Aussie and Kiwi fund marks a moment for the ecosystem and shows that we have earned our right on the global stage to manage that capital.”
According to Wong, it makes sense for superannuation funds to back the tech space because they have horizons in the decades and can afford to be patient.
“What they really care about is high returns so people can retire in dignity,” she said. “And when you have that long-term horizon, you can seek higher return assets that don’t have liquidity profiles that, say, public markets do. And that’s exactly what we found in the Australian superannuation system — they love tech because it’s high growth, high return. It’s very long dated, and they don’t mind that it’s locked up for 10 years.”
The fund is also supported by over 270 individual investors, many of whom are tech founders and operators that Blackbird backed through earlier funds, according to the firm. Those founders will support the fund both with their own capital, but also their expertise, knowledge and connections, said Wong.
The total AUD $1 billion consists of three separate vehicles: an AUD $284 million (USD $182 million) core fund for pre-seed and seed stage Aussie companies, an AUD $668 million (USD $472 million) follow-on fund to support Blackbird portfolio companies anywhere from “Series A to the last round at Canva,” and a NZD $75 million (USD $44 million) dedicated New Zealand fund, which is also largely for pre-seed and seed stage companies.
Blackbird prides itself on cutting the earliest checks, which could be anywhere from $25,000 for a small pre-seed to up to $5 million for a seed round, said Wong. The firm’s mandate is to invest in founders with an Aussie or Kiwi connection, which usually means they’re based in those countries, but often ends up extending to those who founded companies abroad. Around 40% of Blackbird’s portfolio companies are actually headquartered in the U.S., said Phoebe Harrop, a principal at Blackbird.
The fund has already made 18 investments into startups in a broad range of industries from AI to manufacturing to e-commerce. Last month, Blackbird invested in Sonder, an employee and student wellbeing company, and Spice AI, a data and AI-driven infrastructure platform.
Blackbird said it predicts tech companies will contribute 20% of Australia’s GDP by 2032, which would be up from 8.5% today, according to the Tech Council of Australia.
“We’re here to change the culture of Australia and New Zealand’s ecosystems, to make a difference at a country level,” said Niki Scevak, partner at Blackbird, in a statement.
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Twitter ad sales head resigned amid turbulent Musk takeover • TechCrunch
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November 1, 2022
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Twitter’s Chief Consumer Officer Sarah Personette has left the company, she wrote in a Twitter thread Tuesday morning.
Personette, who was in charge of Twitter’s ad sales business, said that she resigned on Friday, and her work access was officially cut off by Tuesday. The day before her resignation, Musk fired four key executives immediately after his takeover: CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, General Counsel Sean Edgett and Head of Legal Policy, Trust and Safety Vijaya Gadde.
It has been the greatest privilege to serve all of you as a leader and a partner. Many have heard me say this but the most important role I believe I played in the company was championing the requirements of brand safety.
With Personette out of the picture, the number of remaining pre-Musk executives at Twitter is dwindling, with more key personnel rumored to be leaving as well. Jay Sullivan, Twitter’s head of product, deleted the bio on his Twitter account, which previously denoted his role at the company. The previous head of product, Kayvon Beykpour, was let go by former CEO Agrawal in May.
A former Facebook marketing VP, Personette had worked at Twitter since October 2018, when she joined as a VP of Global Client Solutions, per LinkedIn. She was promoted to Chief Customer Officer in August 2021. That role is crucial to Twitter’s business, since the majority of its revenue comes from ad sales. With Musk expected to make changes to content moderation policies, ad sales could be impacted.
As newly installed “Chief Twit” Elon Musk took over on Thursday, he posted a screenshot of a letter he wrote to Twitter advertisers, vowing that the platform “obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape.” Personette quote-tweeted his message, saying that he had a great conversation with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. She added, “Our continued commitment to brand safety for advertisers remains unchanged. Looking forward to the future!”
But by the following evening, she had resigned.
“It has been the greatest privilege to serve all of you as a leader and a partner,” Personette said. “Many have heard me say this but the most important role I believe I played in the company was championing the requirements of brand safety.”
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November 1, 2022
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India’s Decentro, the Y Combinator-backed startup that helps companies enter the fintech market by deploying its APIs, has raised $4.7 million in a Series A round.
The Bengaluru-based startup offers banking and payments APIs that allow development of fintech products such as banking, payment cards, neobanking and collections and payout services in a short period of time. Decentro has partnered with scores of industry players including Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Visa, RuPay, Quickwork, Equifax, Aadhaar and National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) to offer solutions for prepaid payment instruments, no-code workflows, conversational banking via WhatsApp and enable document verification and KYC process.
“Whenever a fintech startup or a company wants to launch a new product in the market, it takes them a minimum of a few months to launch. And it purely has to do with the bank processes, the way the bank runs the process, as well as the tech of the bank. It’s not so great. That’s essentially the problem we are solving,” said Rohit Taneja, co-founder and CEO, Decentro, in an interview with TechCrunch.
Taneja, who has previously co-founded social payments platform Mypoolin, which was acquired by Cupertino-based financial services company Wibmo, and spent eight years in the fintech market, co-founded Decentro with Pratik Daukhane in 2020 — after personally facing all the problems he wants to address. He considers Cashfree and PineLabs-owned Setu among the key competitors for the startup but believes that it’s differentiating with “solution-driven enterprise customer base” and “superior” product experience.
The startup has already amassed over 250 customers in commerce and fintech sectors. Some of these include Freo, Mobile Premier League, FamPay, CreditWise, Uni Cards and BharatX.
Decentro, which has a headcount of over 40 people, offers products to let companies create virtual, business and escrow accounts, enable payments and provide lending. The available products comply with all the latest regulations in the country, the startup said.
The Series A round of Decentro is led by Rapyd Ventures, the venture arm of the UK fintech-as-a-service giant, along with participation from Leonis VC and Uncorrelated Ventures. Indian angel investors including CRED founder Kunal Shah, Groww co-founder and CEO Lalit Keshre, Gupshup co-founder and CEO Beerud Sheth and former CBO of BharatPe Pratekk Agarwaal also participated in the funding round.
Taneja told TechCrunch that the startup aims to utilize the fresh funding to go deeper into its partnership with banks and enter categories including large enterprises. It also plans to acquire licenses and launch in Singapore to expand beyond India eventually.
“Building their innovation layer in India first gives Decentro a great base to build scalable innovations that can be expanded as other emerging markets modernize their own infrastructure. We’re excited to support Decentro as they scale and expand,” said Joel Yarbrough, MD of Rapyd Ventures and Rapyd’s VP of Asia Pacific, in a prepared statement.
Before the latest funding round, Decentro had raised a total of $1.7 million in seed and angel rounds. The seed round, which closed in October 2020, included investments from Y Combinator and FundersClub.
Since then, the startup claims its valuation has increased by 3.3X and revenues have grown by more than 35X. Taneja, however, did not reveal any specifics about the valuation.
Dcentro’s API transactional volumes have also been growing by 50 to 70% every quarter since early 2021, with an average of 70 million annualized API transactions recorded over the last 12 months, it said. The startup is also profitable, the co-founder said.
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Before deciding on an adult webcam site, read our reviews and see what others have to say about various options. This article includes information on several popular sites such as Bonga Cams and Streammate. You’ve found the right place if you’re looking for quality videos. These webcam sites have some of the most important features.
MFC
BongaCams is a popular choice for adult cam sites. Its catalog offers a wide variety of models from every sexual orientation and gender identity, including male and female models, couples, and transgender individuals. The site’s rules are simple and regulated, and its model diversity is unmatched. In addition to male and female models, BongaCams also features male and female pornstars.
Users can sign up for free and view models from around the world. The security system is top notch, and the customer support team works round the clock to keep their customers safe. Site security is also present on ground to monitor for scams and keep an eye on cam sites. Although the site is a bit pricey, it offers a free trial and no-strings-attached subscription options. Alexandra Piskun Porn Star.
BongaCams’ unique ability to host fully-explicit, free shows is one of its best features. Since there’s no fee, models perform for free in hopes of receiving tips from viewers. You can enjoy lots of masturbation or toy action during the free shows. But if you’re looking to pay for private chats, the site has tokens you can purchase. You can pay using a credit card, bank ACH or more than 40 cryptocurrencies.
Bonga Cams has been in the adult cam scene for years. It has a free section and a paid section, and the cam models range from amateur to professional. The site also offers a large selection of categories, including anal play and gay cams. In addition to a wide variety of categories, you can also find cam models with desired attributes. You can even search for a specific gender.
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Streamate is an easy-to-use website that features many models and a variety of chat options. You can view thumbnails of performers or do a more in-depth search. Each thumbnail is well-presented, including whether the video is HD or has sound. You can also see the country, age, and gender of each model. Some of the shows are free, but there are a few that cost more than others. Video streams are clear, and a few even have options for 100% private video.
While Streamate is free to join, there are several disadvantages.Private shows are required to view live models. Streamate models can disappear quickly if they are paid for by another member. However, this shouldn’t be a major problem because you can always pay for more credits later. You can also find similar models to those you are currently watching, and you can switch to another model if you don’t like them.
One of the best things about Streamate is that you can switch from free chat to private chat in a click. You can also find a number of hot models on the site. The site has a high Alexa ranking, which means that it is an extremely trustworthy site. It has high-quality live chats and an easy-to-navigate interface. Private chats can be more expensive than free chats. Before accepting any chat offer, you will be informed about the prices. The performers on the site set their own prices. The average price per minute is around $0.99.
If you’re looking for a hot and dirty adult cam site, LiveJasmin is definitely a good choice. This website is free to use and has many beautiful models that you will love watching. Many of the LiveJasmin reviews mention the site’s attractive design and layout, as well as the quality of the models’ videos. If you want to see what the LiveJasmin cam site has to offer, read our LiveJasmin reviews to find out whether it is worth joining.
LiveJasmin is an excellent choice for money because of the variety of performers. You can choose from hundreds of young models, from male and female to couples and erotic games. StripChat may be a better option if you are looking for an adult cam website that has female models. This site has performers ranging in age from 18-32. LiveJasmin is the best site for male and female cam models.
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Although LiveJasmin does not have the famous male models that you will see on other adult cam sites like others, it still has models who are more sought-after than amateur cam models. LiveJasmin’s models are very similar to those of modeling agencies. LiveJasmin is an independent site and is not part of any network or studio. Moreover, LiveJasmin does not link to other adult cam sites.
While some LiveJasmin users are wary of the site’s sexy models, many of them are active. AileenFoxter is one example of a hot showgirl who is eager for attention. She’s not afraid to show off her pussy, either. Whether you prefer plain nude sluts or a bikini, LiveJasmin is definitely worth a try.
MFC
There are mixed reviews about MFC. MFC has received mixed reviews. Some users are pleased with the quality of the video, while others are less impressed. This site is worth checking out regardless of how it performs. The site’s pay system is simple and allows you to make as little as 6 cents per minute without having to pay too much.Here are some MFC adult cam reviews to help you decide whether or not this website is right for you. Alexandra Piskun Porn Star.
MFC has many advantages. MFC’s social media page includes a feed, a live section, as well as paid and unpaid videos. The videos are organized according to most popular tags, posts, and models. Each tab contains suggestions and top models. If you’re looking for an extra special experience, you can also check out the MFC Share section. Models can upload photos and set goals. You can even sign up for a “Club” and meet people with similar interests.
Another positive feature of MFC is its user-friendliness. MFC users are represented with small square avatars that provide little insight into the content of each channel. The MFC homepage is constantly updated with new models, so you can see fresh faces on a regular basis. Users can also filter the results by tagging the model they’re looking for. Popular tags include sexy, cute, natural, shaved, and horny. Users can also sort the live streams into categories.
MyFreeCams is an American live adult cam site. The site was launched in 2004 and is ranked among the top 50 worldwide NSFW platforms. It has more than 2500 active channels and more than 200,000 registered models. It has the second highest user activity, Chaturbate. It may seem like a retro-themed website, but the cams are still free. Although it may not be the best adult site, it offers many benefits.
MFC offers a monetization program called “Share” Members can tip models to buy video content or interact with them by buying it. MFC is similar to Clips4Sale and XNXX. Users can tip models to purchase their content. Unlike the other sites, MFC’s share is only available to MFC models. However, if you’re looking for the best adult cams, MFC is definitely worth checking out.
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By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.
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If you have lost pictures, messages, and videos from your iPhone or Android because you dropped your phone or carelessly deleted data, it can feel like an expensive and painful mistake. Even more so if that data is private, and you don’t exactly want to take it to an IT shop to see if it can be recovered.
Fortunately, there are some fairly advanced data recovery apps that you can run at home. PhoneRescue is one of the more highly rated apps in the world of smartphone data recovery and backup.
What is the PhoneRescue Data Recovery App?
It works on a wide range of data types, with features especially for video, photos, and app data that was lost after a device failure. It uses step-by-step wizards to make data recovery as simple and painless as possible.
Currently, PhoneRescue can recover the widest range of data types of any smartphone data recovery software.
It also includes additional features that improve its performance over competing data recovery software, which can be slow. In contrast, it has a very fast scanning algorithm. This increase in speed is also partly due to users being able to filter and select the items that they’d like to recover before starting the recovery process.
By not being forced into recovering all available data on the phone, the process is significantly less confusing for the end-user.
How Does It Work?
All data recovery software is designed to scour your device in order to piece together lost data and missing fragments.
For example, if you have deleted an important photo from your phone. Your phone creates the illusion that the data is really gone; however, all that your phone has done is removed the listing that points to the location of the file in memory. Additionally, your operating system will inform the memory system that the location is open to be overwritten by new data, when needed.
If you take a new picture, the old data may be completely overwritten and pointers will be set up to refer to the new photo. As a side note, pointers are just internal directions stating where information is stored so your phone’s operating system is able to find it later.
Before the lost photo has been overwritten, it remains on your phone and in perfect condition. Unfortunately, it is just not retrievable any more and the phone has truly lost track of there the data is or what it is. The picture is just another empty, or avilable, spot in memory as far as the phone is concerned.
What PhoneRescue does is look at the byte data to determine where a file type that it recognizes starts and stops. It then extracts that file as “real” data again.
In the case of a deleted picture, when PhoneRescue is scanning “empty” storage space it will see that a picture file begins and appears to continue without damage until the end-of-file marker. At this point, it puts it in the list of pictures that it was able to recover.
With even sparse amounts of data, the PhoneRescue app can tell what data refers to specific old or deleted information. Through referencing compressed and deleted file directories nestled deeply in your phone, PhoneRescue essentially recreates all the missing data that’s been deleted or bricked.
Importantly, the PhoneRescue software is enabled with abstracted data types. This means that the software is able to scan for a broad range of distinct file types and storage media. For the vast majority of data, it’s very likely that PhoneRescue will be able to pinpoint deleted files for restoration.
When the PhoneRescue software locates old data, it first tries to look for the header information associated with the file. The header simply refers to data that specifics the file type, size, and memory location.
Through scanning the device’s entire directory tree, PhoneRescue creates a map that includes culled branches. In a sense, the software locates old files by noticing when gaps occur during the wider scanning process.
Works on a Wide Range of Devices
Whether your device is an Android or iPhone, PhoneRescue is robust enough to function on a wide range of models from many manufacturers. PhoneRescue is guaranteed to function properly on Samsung, Huawai, LG, Google, and most other third-party mobile manufacturers.
In addition to mobile devices, PhoneRescue software can also be used on tablets, iPads, and other handheld devices.
Users should keep in mind that PhoneRescue works best on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. For Mac users, MacOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, and 10.8 or later are also robustly supported.
iMobie has designed PhoneRescue to be capable of scanning every single byte of your device to result in the highest possible success rate for complete data recovery. With one click, it can restore information from WhatsApp, photo apps, videos, and built-in Android or iPhone applications.
By scanning the headers of all deleted files, PhotoRescue features automatic support for many obscure applications.
PhoneRescue is considerably easier to use than other data recovery services and software. The application can be installed to your phone and, after one click, automatically starts to scan your phone for missing packets of data.
Ultimately, PhoneRescue abstracts all of the technical details of data scanning so the user experiences a smooth process. You don’t have to know anything about how operating system memory, RAM, or persistent memory works in order to recover files from your phone.
After PhoneRescue scans your device, you’re able to select and filter the data types you would like to save. Additionally, it’s possible to filter files based on the timestamp that indicates when the media was initially created.
For instance, if you’re looking specifically for photos taken during a January trip to Cabo Verde, PhoneRescue won’t inundate you with excess data that you don’t care about.
Whether you’ve received precious video clips from WhatsApp or carelessly deleted your cousin’s wedding photos, PhoneRescue removes the burden of data backup. Though it’s recommended you regularly backup all of your electronic devices, this advice can be hard for the average person to follow.
If selected, PhoneRescue can automatically back up data to geographically distributed servers so that you don’t have to fret over device failure.
Access to Permanently Locked Devices
If you’ve forgotten old passwords or the fingerprint mechanism no longer works on your iPhone, it can be difficult to gain access to aging devices. PhoneRescue is capable of neatly working past passwords in order to unlock your device. With a click, you can regain full access to your device.
If you’re got treasured pictures, videos, and files on your mobile phone, it’s important to take measures to protect your data before you have an accident. However, failures still happen even with the best devices. And accidents can never be seen coming or they wouldn’t be called accidents.
No matter what happens, iMobie PhoneRescue is a comprehensive solution to the problems of data loss, corruption, and device failure.
iMobie has made a solid app with PhoneRescue, and we would recommend it if you have the need.
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About The Author
Kat goes by her gamer handle MissTRex. Born in Jaynesfield Wisconsin, she studied game design at Full Sail University. She has a penchant for anything "geeky" and is still a huge gamer.
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The main plot was about a man who was living an uneventful, very ordinary life every day, so he created exciting stories and played them out in his head via frequent daydreaming.
Daydreaming, playing out alternate scenarios in my head, and toying with the idea of the ‘what ifs’ in the events in my life.
I could relate so much to that show.
Except for the humor that was a tad bit over the top, the extreme daydreaming, and the tapping out of reality in chunks throughout his day to the extent that it disrupted his real life.
But I do daydream, quite a fair bit, and in micro-moments of the day.
Some close to me may notice the momentary glaze across my eyes in mid-conversations, yes, I’ve zoned out for a few seconds, especially on days that I’m tired. But I’ve sort of mastered the art of catching the important bits of the talk and can respond adequately.
Other times I was just distracted as the conversation may drag on too long but I’d try to give the person the attention he/she needs from me.
Of course, this doesn’t happen all the time, but I do it more often than the average person my age.
I blame an overactive imagination as a kid, and exposure to too many movies and books.
I’ve developed daydreaming as a form of escapism.
Escapism from real life at times.
It may not be all that healthy if done too often, so as I grew older I’ve also had to control how much I allow myself to do so, especially now as a functioning adult with kids depending on me for their life. Literally.
Daydreaming for me became less and less, as moments that required mental attention increased.
So it seems a luxury for those times that I get to daydream and allow my imagination to go wild.
Most of the time it will remain in those micro-moments during the day, and sometimes even at night before I drift off to sleep.
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Learn how to prepare against the international business risk factors awaiting you and discover how you can start mitigating them.
After a disruptive 2020, global trade exceeded record levels in 2021 — and confidence in business is gradually resuming. Coupled with the recent (re)unveiling of the UK’s ‘GREAT Britain’ export campaign and SME support, small businesses across the UK are eyeing lucrative opportunities in international markets.
However, business isn’t always plain sailing. If you’re considering expanding into new markets abroad, it’s wise to consider the various international business risk factors that may affect you.
Luckily, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll outline some of the factors that could make an impact on your business’s total risk exposure, so you can get a feel for what to expect before you set up shop in a new territory. We’ll also explore how businesses can limit the international risk factors outlined below.
The usual suspects: market and economic forces
Cultural differences
Extreme weather events and natural disasters
Political risk factors
1. The usual suspects: market and economic forces
As an entrepreneur, you’ll be familiar with the typical business challenges of supply and demand on your own turf. You may even have achieved a resilient system and only ever run into problems infrequently.
However, entering into a new market is a whole different story. You might have spotted a complete or partial gap in the market, but you’ll be entering a new business environment where you’ll face new competition and different consumer preferences. Local suppliers will probably have a more established foothold in the region, so you’ll need to break through existing brand loyalty.
You’ll need to carefully manage this new business risk factor with thorough market research and advertising to build up brand awareness and trust — especially if your goods/services are price-sensitive.
If the local economy of your new overseas market is in (or heading towards) a recession, certain customer demographics may have less disposable income to make purchases. In addition, the wider economic health of the country might not last long enough for you to set up properly. While you can’t eliminate this international business risk factor entirely, you may be able to reduce it to some extent — and that will take time and planning.
Much more obvious international business risk factors include language and cultural barriers.
Practically speaking, businesses must be able to communicate with their customers and/or suppliers — at a bare minimum. If you’re expanding into a market where there is a dialect or language barrier, therefore, it’s important to make sure your language skills are passable.
Fortunately, e-commerce businesses can use freelance translators on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr for product description and marketing material translations. In contrast, physical stores may need a more ‘boots on the ground’ approach, — and that can be costly, unfortunately.
If you do have a functional familiarity with the local language, understanding the finer points of your new cultural environment is even more crucial. While your communications might be grammatically correct, a taboo turn of phrase can quickly spoil a business relationship. The same principle applies to behavioural conduct, meaning you’ll need to keep up proper appearances to sell effectively.
Business cards and etiquette, for example, are important elements of doing business in China, while inviting contacts for meals during the daylight hours of Ramadan may be considered insensitive in Saudi Arabia. Even accepted business attire in New York and London (our own backyard, relatively speaking) is changing.
3. Extreme weather events and natural disasters
Globally connected supply chains mean you may need to relinquish total control over every logistical step. Although there are perfectly reputable and reliable manufacturing and shipping partners available, mother nature can be a hindering force at times. For this reason, extreme weather events and natural disasters present a sustained business risk as entrepreneurs expand internationally.
While the UK itself is increasingly facing the effects of climate change, the British Isles have historically been a safe haven from natural disasters and extreme weather because they don’t sit on tectonic fault lines, and because they benefit from a generally mild climate.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case everywhere. Damage to Japanese infrastructure after the 2011 tsunami was estimated at $235 billion (USD), while more recent storms in New York and Berlin are predicted to cost similarly large amounts.
On a practical level, your business may have to account for increased business insurance premiums and operational challenges should your premises or goods be affected by extreme weather events.
As if overcoming cultural and language barriers wasn’t enough, your business must also become familiar, and comply with entirely different legal systems.
Businesses are subject to fines or further legal consequences if they don’t comply with their relevant local authorities, for instance. Because of inevitable regional legal differences, we advise that you seek advice from a qualified solicitor and an accountant to make sure you’re not violating local legislation.
To illustrate this point more effectively, we’ve broken down the main legal challenges you may face into three distinct areas: tax, operations, and contracts.
Tax compliance
Almost every nation has some form of tax requirement (although some have a lower threshold than others). Regardless of the actual payments to the governing bodies in question, the local governments you deal with will require your business to file some form of tax return paperwork — even to report a loss, or no net profit. Each of these obligations will come with deadlines and workloads that will need managing on top of your business’s existing operations.
Differing tax rates can also impact your growth strategy in each new location: it can be very difficult to implement a unified strategy across your enterprise if you have fewer resources for one location versus another.
Fortunately, thanks to globalisation, certain legal elements are coalescing — like the corporate tax rate, for example — which can help your business budget with consistency. An accountant qualified in your chosen market can help you understand your tax obligations more clearly.
Operations compliance
Operational requirements are a far more diverse and less standardised element of international business than our tax example above. Different countries regulate their business macro-environment more intensely, and certain industries within each country are more heavily regulated than others. Depending on quite how ‘free’ your new country’s market is, you may have to acquire permits for certain business activities before you can operate legally.
Agriculture and fisheries businesses, for instance, have to cope with environmental legislation, while manufacturers often have to abide by rigorous safety product standards when they produce children's products. Certain business activities, like playing copyrighted music or handling food, may also need a license.
If you make or import goods as an e-commerce business, specific regulatory requirements will depend on the product category. Alcohol vendors, for example, may have to secure a licence or permit — and may have to promise not to sell to minors — while tech businesses may have to make sure their products meet electrical safety standards.
Whether you’re hiring staff to fulfil orders, or liaising with local businesses for support or supplies, it's essential to create ironclad contracts.
Certain agreements between businesses and their employees or suppliers may be considered unreasonable and unenforceable, leaving you open to lawsuits or unfulfilled obligations. Specific legal principles, like time-centric clauses or what might constitute a ‘good faith’ agreement, can vary wildly between two nations’ legal systems. Adding a language barrier on top of this can make securing reliable contracts difficult.
Consult a locally qualified solicitor to make sure you’re not left exposed to this risk factor.
5. Political risk factors
As factors affecting business risk go, politics is arguably the most astounding. Given the power they wield, some politicians don’t need to do very much to heavily affect market performances. Stock markets can be spooked when political leaders give impassioned speeches about trade tariffs (never mind actually delivering them), while currency values can tank or swell along the lines of certain political outcomes.
Even if your business isn’t yet publicly traded, as an aspiring international business, it’s worth paying attention to the shifting political scenes of your target market(s). Unfortunately, this isn’t the only risk factor from politics that affects international businesses. There are far less salacious examples that come from emerging legislation that your business should pay attention to.
First and foremost are changes to existing laws (for example, in tax rates, employment wage minimums or mandatory licences). We touched on these points above, but we haven’t yet mentioned that politics make this a dynamic challenge for businesses. Being compliant with the law means staying compliant, even as new governments tweak or overhaul entire pieces of legislation. Simply put, changes to the law can upend existing compliance efforts and move business strategy back to square one.
International businesses, importers and exporters also have to stay abreast of trade deals. The introduction (or removal) of lucrative international trade arrangements affects small businesses heavily, and can almost entirely determine their viability outside their original domestic market. With already thin margins in some product categories, small businesses can benefit from free trade agreements or lax tariffs on goods between nations.
When these arrangements are changed, removed or even expanded to a third-party nation, the business landscape can alter very quickly. As you’re reviewing your expansion efforts, take note of developments in government performance and legislation to ensure your business is viable.
It won’t surprise you that financial factors affect your business’s risk exposure, but understanding exactly how is important. As you’re expanding internationally, you may find that your budget stretches less than in the UK.
This is known as purchasing power parity, where international buyers (you, in this instance), need to pay more for the same amount of goods as someone who lives there domestically. If this is the case, your initial investment and growth strategy will need to account for this acute business expense. Luckily, this isn’t always the case. If your budget forecast shows that your money goes much further, it’s essential that you maximise this advantage as much as you can, as it can help you fund a more aggressive growth strategy than your domestic competition.
Vitally, parities in purchasing power aren’t consistent across the board; no one nation is able to access goods cheaper than another every single time. Try to take a blended approach, purchasing domestically (within the UK) and/or importing goods to your new operational location to maximise your access to price differences.
Purchasing powers don’t usually remain static over time. The fluctuating nature of economies and currency markets (caused by the combined effects of changes in market forces, perceived stability in policymakers and business leaders, political direction, and more), cause the purchasing power of nations to change. Famously, China has enjoyed some of the most enduring and impactful economic development in human history, and now the luxury goods market is poised to centre on China as consumers buy high-quality brands with their increased disposable income.
How to limit international business risk factors with WorldFirst
Currency transfer providers like WorldFirst offer businesses innovative solutions to limit international business risk factors while conducting cross-border transactions by limiting their FX exposure. And with a faster and more flexible approach to currency transfers, you can improve access to your consumers and suppliers.
By using WorldFirst, your small businesses can access fast and affordable transfers. With same-day payment options to ensure your transfers reach their destinations in hours, not days — all you have to do is meet the cut-off times.
Find out more about WorldFirst and learn how they can limit your international trading risks or call us on 0207 801 1065 and start saving today.
Experience: 10 years writing within the e-commerce, finance and tech landscapes
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Can an independent suit or appeal be filed for setting aside a compromise decree? - Supreme Court Order - Legal Write up
You are at:Home»Contract Law»Can an independent suit or appeal be filed for setting aside a compromise decree? – Supreme Court Order
Can an independent suit or appeal be filed for setting aside a compromise decree? – Supreme Court Order
By Nupur Gupta September 27, 2021 No Comments11 Mins Read
The Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of R. Jankiammal vs S.K.Kumaraswamy (D) Thr.Lrs. reported in C.A. No.-001537-001537 / 2016 dated June 30, 2021 decided the precise question – “can an independent suit or appeal be filed for setting aside a compromise decree?” which was called for determination. This matter was a classic case of a joint family dispute where a compromise arrangement was obtained by fraud and misrepresentation. This write-up examines the facts of the case, provisions of cancellation of compromise decree, relevant judgements and final order of the Supreme Court.
Three brothers purchased various properties and businesses out of joint family funds. Later, a partition deed was registered between three brothers with respect to the properties allotted to them as per registered partition deed along with the properties purchased by three brothers in the ratio of 1/3rd each.
One of the brothers Mr. Rangasamy died in a road accident leaving behind his widow named Janakiammal, two sons and one daughter.
Later one of the joint family members filed a case praying, inter-alia, for partition and allotment of 1/6th share to him. In the plaint case, it was stated that even after a registered partition deed between the families of three brothers, joint family members continued to live jointly and did business jointly. All the three branches lived jointly. In the plaint, it was further stated that from the savings of the income and by mortgaging ancestral property, the capital necessary for the business was found and the business was expanded from time to time.
Few family members pleaded that no doubt some properties have been acquired jointly in the names of certain members, but they must be deemed to be only co-sharers in respect of those properties. It was pleaded that three branches were allotted shares in the partition deed and the case that parties continued to live jointly was denied.
An application under Rule 3 of Order XXIII of Civil Procedure Code (CPC) was filed by a family member who asked for ⅙ share which contained signatures of plaintiff and defendants. In the application under Order XXIII Rule 3, various items of properties were listed and allocated to different members of the family. On the basis of application, the Subordinate Judge, Coimbatore passed an order and directed for preparation of decree on the basis of a compromise petition.
In the compromise decree, although various properties were allotted to two other branches of brothers, the branch of Rangasamy (deceased brother) was allocated shares in only one company which was under liquidation.
Suit in Trail Court
Minor children of the deceased brother filed a suit through their widowed mother challenging the compromise decree on the ground that they were not parties thereto and that the compromise was obtained by fraud and misrepresentation.
Appeal against High Court order
The High Court after considering the submissions of the respective counsel came to the conclusion that the compromise decree was valid, the plaintiff failed to prove that any fraud was played. The High Court dismissed the appeals. Aggrieved by the judgment of the High Court, appeal has been filed before the Supreme Court.
Arguments by Plaintiff (Widowed mother)
The compromise decree is unfair, inequitable and fraudulent. Janakiammal was not aware of the compromise application or its terms. She is a widow only knowing Tamil, she signed the English written papers which were brought to her by the family members. She never engaged in any counsel. The family possessed several hundreds acres of land, several houses and other numerous assets but in the compromise decree, she was allotted only 200 shares. Numerous properties were purchased in her name after the death of her husband and were all allocated to the branches of the other two brothers without giving an inch of land to her.
Shri Kapil Sibal contended that the Suit was decided on compromise where all the defendants have signed the compromise application including Janakiammal. It was submitted that all were educated persons and having signed the compromise application, it is not open to them to contend that they signed the application under some misrepresentation or fraud.
Shri Sibal submitted that none of the pleadings of the plaintiff falls in the definition of fraud. No fraud was committed on the plaintiff. Under Order XXIII Rule 3A CPC, no separate suit could have been filed to question the compromise decree.
Shri Sibal submitted that the remedy open for the Plaintiff was to file an appeal against the Compromise decree. Filing of a suit is nothing but litigative gambling by the Plaintiff.
Court decided that a separate suit challenging the compromise decree is barred as per Order XXIII Rule 3A of Civil Procedure Code which has been extracted for ease of reference hereunder:
“3A. Bar to suit. No suit shall lie to set aside a decree on the ground that the compromise on which the decree is based was not lawful.”
At the same time, Proviso in Rule 3 provides that when there is a dispute as to whether an adjustment or satisfaction has been arrived at, the same shall be decided by the Court which recorded the compromise.
Rule 3 of Order XXIII provides that where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Court that a suit has been adjusted wholly or in part by any lawful agreement or compromise, the Court shall order such agreement or compromise to be recorded and pass a decree in accordance therewith. Rule 3 uses the expression “lawful agreement or compromise”. The explanation was added by amendment provided that an agreement or a compromise which is void or voidable under the Indian Contract Act, 1872, shall not be deemed to be lawful.
Reading Rule 3 with Proviso and Explanation, it is clear that an agreement or compromise, which is void or voidable, cannot be recorded by the Courts and even if it is recorded the Court on challenge of such recording can decide the question.
Consent: A conjoint reading of Sections 10, 13 and 14 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 indicates that when consent is obtained by coercion, undue influence, fraud, misrepresentation or mistake, such consent is not free consent and the contract becomes voidable at the option of the party whose consent was caused due to coercion, fraud or misrepresentation. An agreement, which is void or voidable under the Indian Contract Act, shall not be deemed to be lawful as is provided by Explanation to Rule 3 of Order XXIII.
Findings of the Court
Plaintiff pleaded that compromise was not a lawful compromise having been obtained by fraud and misrepresentation. The plaintiff’s case was that they were represented by a Party to the Suit which submitted that the compromise is being entered only to save the family property since the Plaintiff has given personal guarantee to the Punjab National Bank for obtaining a loan for a property. Court held that the pleadings clearly make out the case of the Plaintiff that the consent which it gave for compromise by signing the compromise was not free consent. The compromise, thus, becomes voidable at the instance of the Plaintiff.
In the matter of Pushpa Devi Bhagat (Dead) Through LR. Sadhna Rai (Smt.) Vs. Rajinder Singh and Ors., (2006) 5 SCC 566, Justice R.V. Raveendran, speaking for the Court, noted the provisions of Order XXIII Rule 3 and Rule 3A and recorded his conclusions in the following words:
“17. The position that emerges from the amended provisions of Order 23 can be summed up thus:
(i) No appeal is maintainable against a consent decree having regard to the specific bar contained in Section 96(3) CPC.
(ii) No appeal is maintainable against the order of the court recording the compromise (or refusing to record a compromise) in view of the deletion of clause (m) of Rule 1 Order 43.
(iii) No independent suit can be filed for setting aside a compromise decree on the ground that the compromise was not lawful in view of the bar contained in Rule 3A.
(iv) A consent decree operates as an estoppel and is valid and binding unless it is set aside by the court which passed the consent decree, by an order on an application under the proviso to Rule 3 Order 23.
Therefore, the only remedy available to a party to a consent decree to avoid such consent decree, is to approach the court which recorded the compromise and made a decree in terms of it, and establish that there was no compromise…”
The next judgment is R. Rajanna Vs. S.R. Venkataswamy and Ors., (2014) 15 SCC 471 in which provisions of Order XXIII Rule 3 and Rule 3A were again considered. Following was held by this Court:
“11. It is manifest from a plain reading of the above that in terms of the proviso to Order 23 Rule 3 where one party alleges and the other denies adjustment or satisfaction of any suit by a lawful agreement or compromise in writing and signed by the parties, the Court before whom such question is raised, shall decide the same. What is important is that in terms of Explanation to Order 23 Rule 3, the agreement or compromise shall not be deemed to be lawful within the meaning of the said Rule if the same is void or voidable under the Contract Act, 1872. It follows that in every case where the question arises whether or not there has been a lawful agreement or compromise in writing and signed by the parties, the question whether the agreement or compromise is lawful has to be determined by the court concerned. What is lawful will in turn depend upon whether the allegations suggest any infirmity in the compromise and the decree that would make the same void or voidable under the Contract Act. More importantly, Order 23 Rule 3A clearly bars a suit to set aside a decree on the ground that the compromise on which the decree is based was not lawful. This implies that no sooner a question relating to lawfulness of the agreement or compromise is raised before the court that passed the decree on the basis of any such agreement or compromise, it is that court and that court alone who can examine and determine that question. The court cannot direct the parties to file a separate suit on the subject for no such suit will lie in view of the provisions of Order 23 Rule 3A CPC….”
In a subsequent judgment, Triloki Nath Singh Vs. Anirudh Singh (Dead) Through Legal Representatives and Ors., (2020) 6 SCC 629, Supreme Court stated that the purpose of effecting a compromise between the parties is to put an end to the various disputes pending before the court of competent jurisdiction once and for all.
Finality of decisions is an underlying principle of all adjudicating forums. Thus, creation of further litigation should never be the basis of a compromise between the parties. The scheme of Order 23 Rule 3 CPC is to avoid multiplicity of litigation and permit parties to amicably come to a settlement which is lawful, is in writing and a voluntary act on the part of the parties. The court can be instrumental in having an agreed compromise effected and finality attached to the same. The court should never be party to imposition of a compromise upon an unwilling party, still open to be questioned on an application under the proviso to Order 23 Rule 3 CPC before the court.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India held that he above judgments contain a clear ratio that a party to a consent decree based on a compromise to challenge the compromise decree on the ground that the decree was not lawful, i.e., it was void or voidable has to approach the same court, which recorded the compromise and a separate suit challenging the consent decree has been held to be not maintainable.
The Plaintiff prayed for a declaration declaring that the decree passed by the Court is sham and nominal, ultravires, collusive, unsustainable invalid, unenforceable and not binding on the Plaintiff. It noted the grounds as contained in the plaint to challenge the consent decree from which it is clear that the compromise was sought to be termed as not lawful, i.e., void or voidable. On the basis of grounds which have been taken by the plaintiff, the only remedy available to the plaintiff was to approach the court in the same case and satisfy the court that the compromise was not lawful.
Rule 3A was specifically added by the amendment to bar a separate suit to challenge the compromise decree which, according to legislative intent, arrest the multiplicity of proceedings.
The Supreme Court held that it did not find any error in the judgment of the trial court and the High Court held that the Suit was barred under Order XXIII Rule 3A.
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Nupur Gupta
Nupur is a Company Secretary and a LLB aspirant. She is skilled in corporate laws, legal & secretarial compliances and drafting legal documents.
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Dr. Yang and I just arrived in Korea from Israel in time for True Parents day. Several thousand gathered at Chung Pyung.
Rev. Kwak gave the internal meaning of True Parent's Day.
Father believes he can make it to 100. Father and Mother are as strong and clear as ever.
He is on the 7th city of a 24 city speaking tour.
He wants to tour America after the Washington Times 17th banquet.
He was deeply inspired by Dr. Yang's report this morning (at breakfast) about the MEPI providence. Dr. Yang reported with Hyun Jin Nim. MEPI went to a completely new level as Hyun Jin Nim brought the spirit of the 12 city tour in which he was giving love to all the Ambassadors for Peace both Internationally and from the Middle East.
Let us give all we have for our True Parents and for the unfolding of God's Kingdom. Every step we take brings harvest. We are not paying for the past because the past has been atoned for and forgiven. Now we pay indemnity as a condition that directly allows God to claim things back, step by step.
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Being stuck on a plane without wifi is the worst. Instead I get lots of time to think of junk posts. This is one such one. The poetic waxings of cashmere travel wear…
Like any normal person who lived through Covid I became obsessed with “leisure” wear or whatever fancy name they gave to sweatpants. Before I left Paris it had become an every day staple. I can’t remember if it had already hit Paris, but for whatever reason the winter of 2019-2020 it was fashionable to leave the house in them. During Covid you couldn’t wear anything else.
In America though is really where it became king. I had more options. I bought anything that looked or felt cozy. And because of the pandemic they went extra making clothes that you could be comfortable in, which is saying a lot because America already does that (jeggings were first leggings made to look like jeans that they sold on infomercials).
As I’ve mentioned before, France is expensive when it comes to clothes. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s VAT (20%) maybe it’s the trade deal, I don’t know, but buying clothes in France sucks. I much prefer buying in America. Lucky for me my favorite store is best bought at home.
This is by no means a sponsored post. It’s fangirling. I am loyal by nature, and I’ve found that J.Crew is the style that speaks to me. I decided to make it my one and only back in 1999, and it hasn’t let me down since.
J.Crew is not cheap, but it’s also not terribly expensive either (they always have sales). I love their classic silhouettes in modern prints and colors. One of my favorite pieces in my collection is this little tweed 60's mod skirt set in citron/lime green. It's classic but the color makes it fresh. They really have some of the best colors. I’ve memorized most of them by name from shopping with them over the years, but I’m sure they have a ton more in their library. There’s just something appealing about the way they market them too. It speaks to my inner merchandiser who wants clothes to look like candy does to children.
What’s more they’ve embraced making everything in cashmere. Pants, socks, T-shirts, hair scrunchies, slippers, eye masks, bras, shorts, you name it, they have it in cashmere. And I own it all.
To say I went a little crazy buying everything is an understatement. They’ve always done cashmere, but never overkill like this. Do you really need a cashmere hair scrunchie or long line bralette? No, but why not? It’s there.
Come winter I will be nice and cozy. I keep my windows open, it’s a weird fetish for fresh, crispy air so I can’t wait for winter nights. Hailing from Texas where winter doesn’t exist, I revel in it.
And let’s be real, the go to cashmere in Paris is Eric Bompard. It’s like triple the price. Why pay that when you can pop on over to America? You can get a ticket to NYC for 99€.
That said I cannot extol enough the virtues of making it your go to travel wear. I have the wide leg featherweight and the regular sweatpants, but the wide leg featherweight are the most comfortable. They’re thin, and while I’m afraid of snagging them, I do bring them out on special occasions. In this case being stuck in a flying tin can for hours.
Carting it all to France, my collection mostly took up my checked bags because I didn’t trust shipping it. But I brought along all of my staples (navys, blacks, whites and greys) in my carry-on just in case AirFrance lost my luggage. My biggest fear. Airlines cannot be trusted.
I keep a hoodie, sweatshirt, socks, ballet flats, eye mask, headband, and wrap (works as a blanket or fold it for a pillow) under my seat in case I get too anxious from being stuck in a seat for hours and I need to swaddle myself in comfort. I really cannot put into words how much I hate traveling. It’s a pain in the ass so making my little 1ft sq space as comfy as possible is a must.
I hate dressing casual on a plane because I feel like it has degraded what used to be this really glamorous thing (air travel) and it has instead become this really slobbish thing, but sitting on a plane for hours sucks and being comfy is a necessity *le sigh*
What are your go to travel wear tips/comfy travel hacks? I am always open to learning new and inventive ways to take the suck out of it. Especially the Europe to America route (which I swear feels so much longer than 6-7 hours).
So much choice and in so many colors:
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How to Live in Paris
"I'm writing this book of personal essays..." minus the poetic inclinations, but with a Proustian flair for run on sentences, an Ibsenian love of realism, and a Dostoyevskyian proclivity for psychoanalysis.
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In a study of investment, revenue and profit data from Norwegian startup companies which expanded to the U.S., Next Step found that the Norwegian firms, on average, had far weaker revenue growth and limited or non-existent profitability as compared to similar U.S. startups.
This white paper presents the study’s findings and their implications, including:
Success rate as measured by revenue, profitability and return on investment during initial three years after expansion.
Differences between the Norwegian entrepreneurs and investors’ approach to funding and the U.S./Silicon Valley mindset.
Factors contributing to three Norwegian companies’ success in their U.S. expansion.
Challenges (including cultural differences) that impact the success of Norwegian companies’ U.S. expansion.
Specific recommendations for Norwegian entrepreneurs and investors to increase the success of their expansion/investment in the U.S.
To many Nordic entrepreneurs, the prospect of growth in the United States is incredibly appealing. As a leading market for technology, life sciences, and environmentally-friendly solutions, the U.S. also serves as a gateway for global expansion into Asia and South America. Therefore, success in the U.S. marketplace is essential to achieve real impact and either sustainable business growth or a lucrative exit—for entrepreneurs and their investors.
What are the success rates for Norwegian companies in their U.S. expansions?
To better understand the success factors and potential traps associated with U.S. expansion, Next Step, a Silicon Valley-based consulting firm with a branch in Oslo, recently conducted a study of twenty Norwegian companies that launched sales and/or operations in the United States between 2007 and 2013. Using publicly available data, the study reviewed performance against financial, investment and business growth metrics for these companies in technology, life sciences, clean tech and consumer-related fields—with some general comparisons of their progress to typical U.S. companies.
Next Step’s review of the Norwegian firms’ revenues and profits revealed an alarming pattern. During the first three years following U.S. expansion, the firms became, on average, increasingly unprofitable, despite continued new investment (Figure 1, below). Especially troubling for investors, only three of the twenty Norwegian companies achieved or came close to break-even during the three-year period.
Figure 1: Norwegian firms became increasingly unprofitable despite continued investment.
Many of the companies experienced increasing losses even as their revenues improved (see Figure 2 below). It is not known how the companies used their growing revenue, but public data indicated that there was neither significant investment in capital equipment nor a substantial increase in the number of U.S. and Norwegian employees.
Figure 2: Norwegian firms showed slow revenue growth and unprofitability following U.S. expansion.
Unlike many U.S. investors, both the private (angel, seed, and venture capital) and public-sector investors in Norway demonstrated a high level of patience, loyalty, and confidence in the entrepreneurs, continuing to provide funding despite disappointing financial results and increasing losses (Fig. 3).
Figure 3: Investors continued funding Norwegian startups despite losses and weak revenues.
Indeed, all the companies in the study continued to receive funding during the three-year period—seemingly irrespective of financial results.
The practice of awarding significant additional funding to startups that have not achieved a strong track record of revenue growth and which are increasingly unprofitable is extremely uncommon in the U.S. investment community.
In Silicon Valley particularly, investors tend to fund cautiously based on the entrepreneurs’ plan for revenue generation as well as market traction and team strength. After the initial investment is utilized to support customer and revenue generation and the team has proven their ability to generate financial returns, then the investors “double down”—that is, provide increased funding—as a reward for early success. This practice reinforces growth and leads to a high rate of successful exits from startup phase.
Norwegian entrepreneurs and investors have many motivations for their U.S. expansions: impacting lives on a global scale, creating more jobs for their countrymen, and expanding the awareness of their product or service are just a few.
Entrepreneurs seeking to attract additional funding from U.S. investors must operate at or above the standard level expected for a successful, venture-backed U.S. startup – namely, annual revenue of $1M or greater within the first year. Within two to three years following the investment, expectations are that the company will reach break-even and profitability, achieving at least 30 – 50% annual revenue growth rates.
For U.S.-based startup companies which receive funding, Next Step estimates that approximately 20% will gain revenue traction; about 45% will see some revenue growth, but not enough to be considered true successes, and the remaining 35% may begin with positive revenue movement but will ultimately fail. These three patterns of revenue development are depicted in Figure 4.
Figure 4: U.S.-based startup companies typically follow three paths: significant revenue momentum, limited revenue growth, or sustained growth followed by failure.
Next Step’s study revealed a very different distribution of investment to revenue results for the Norwegian companies. These companies received funding early with the hope they would be successful, followed by continued but declining investment as they achieved a very flat revenue growth rate (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Norwegian startups with flat revenues received reduced funding, while U.S. startups with growing revenues received increased funding.
Scalability Becomes Issue for Norwegian Companies in U.S.
Less than 10% of Norwegian companies that initiate US market entry reach the ‘starting point’ of $1 million USD in revenue within 2 years. However, for those which are successful to this point often ‘hit a wall’ with stalled then declining revenue growth after reaching the first 1 – 3 million USD milestone.
Examples of these companies (also reviewed in Next Step’s study) include Questback and Moods of Norway. While these two companies penetrated very different markets (online business software service and consumer clothing), both (to different degrees) experienced strong initial market adoption and interest but lack of sustainable revenue growth to deliver profitability for the US operations.
Even Opera Software struggled in the initial years of its US operations as revenue growth failed to match the run-rate of expenses required for Silicon Valley operations (office, salaries, marketing, infrastructure). For Opera, the European/Nordic operation was able to continue to invest and ultimately through acquisitions in the US, build a successful and profitable US operation and presence.
From Next Step’s experience, some of the difficulties faced by all these companies during their first years in the US stemmed from:
Limited understanding and success in developing customer relationships and market traction
Little to no leverage of partners with knowledge, credibility, and traction in the US market (they do it alone syndrome)
Location for US operation not best suited to build profitable US market presence
Challenges with recruitment and development of the ‘right’ sales leadership and team
Fortunately, investors for Questback and Moods of Norway continue to be patiently supportive while, through acquisition Opera has shown profitability as well as sustainable in the US, which now contributes over 60% of the company’s annual revenue (2013) with over 200% profitability growth.
Norwegian Company Success is Possible
While challenging, there are opportunities for Norwegian company success in the US. Examples (in addition to Opera) include Laerdal Medical, which for 30 years has shown steady revenue growth and a healthy 13% rate of bottom line operating profitability. In the ICT market, Meltwater has delivered revenue and profitability returns through their growing US presence and subsidiary.
From Next Step’s experience, both of these companies have:
Focused on full penetration within a clearly defined target market
Utilized investment to build the market and US native team (versus location and Norwegian awareness)
Recruited and developed local resources with networks and skills
Success is possible but it requires focus on sustainable growth of revenue, customer traction, and profitability to provide an ultimate return to investors.
Common Obstacles Associated with Expansion into the U.S. Market
The findings of this study and Next Step’s 18 years of experience working with 100s of Norwegian founders point to a number of obstacles they encounter toward achievement of the U.S. benchmark for startup success. These include:
Not defining the most effective (specific) target market segment (as opposed to everyone) and location in the US
Failure to fully leverage US natives/partners for market penetration
Hiring the wrong people and/or using Norwegian expatriates as sales personnel
Poor sales execution
Waiting too long to commercialize and drive revenue
Prioritizing funding and perfection of the product over customer acquisition and revenue generation
Many of these challenges can be overcome or avoided entirely through an understanding of the local market, recruitment of the right personnel, defining and understanding the ideal target market, and a strong focus on go-to-market/sales execution.
As demonstrated by Opera, Meltwater and Laerdal Medical, it is absolutely possible to navigate around limiting beliefs, cultural blind spots and erroneous assumptions in achieving successful expansion into the U.S.
Next Step to Maximize Results for Norwegian Entrepreneurs
Since 1997 Next Step has maximized success for Norwegian entrepreneurs (and their investors) through practical Go to Market / Commercialization services. Our team of 40 professionals across the US, Europe, and Norway works with Norwegian executives, boards and investors to build the US expansion plan, define the right market approach and location, establish the contacts, plan carefully, execute properly and avoid common pitfalls.
As we work with clients over the 12- to 18-months prior to and during penetration in the US market, we recommend that the entrepreneur and his / her team:
Spend significant time in the U.S. especially in the area in which the company’s target market most likely resides / purchases / does business.
Define the goals and structure (sales, operations, partnership) of your U.S. operation to meet the needs of your target market
Leverage local resources and techniques for recruitment and/or engagement of sales, marketing and support team members
Focus on customer acquisition and revenue generation to drive interest from investors (instead of seeking investment to fund customer acquisition)
Be open to local (native) input and adaptable in your approach
The decision to expand sales and operations into the U.S. represents a tremendous opportunity to Norwegian entrepreneurs, but it can involve significant cost and risk. Whether the desired outcome is a profitable exit via acquisition, or sustained, double-digit revenue growth with increased profitability, the expansion must be carefully planned and executed to maximize opportunities and avoid common pitfalls.
By working with Next Step or other Norwegian / US experienced consultants who bring best practices, contacts, and methodology for successful U.S. expansion, the Norwegian entrepreneur, board member or investor can achieve a positive return on investment in the US market.
Using data in the public domain, Next Step researched 20 Norwegian startups which received funding and launched sales or operations in the U.S. between 1997 and 2013. Nine of these companies were selected for detailed analysis and comparison against U.S. counterparts.
The results of the study were reviewed with the Norwegian Consul General in San Francisco; representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries; venture capitalists; seed investors and incubator executives.
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When it comes to house interiors, most people want to keep up with the trends. Interior design over the years has evolved considerably and everything from windows, to furniture, to sliding door designs has gone through a makeover. That being said, how can curtain designs be left far behind? Whether it’s PVC windows, casement windows or metal windows, in India or anywhere else, great curtains make for great style. In this article we profile some trendy curtain designs that can look fabulous in any home.
Design trends keep changing over the years and in keeping with the times most people too prefer to change the decor of their home. There are certain elements that together make up the interior decor of a home and curtains are one of them. If one goes through any home design magazines, there are a number of smart ideas that can be sourced. You want new sliding doors? There are a number of designs for sliding doors to choose from. You live in India and are looking for PVC windows? Again, there are a number of options.
In most cases, while other styles might still have their place, contemporary rules the roost. Trendy and stylish curtains that are minimalistic are mostly preferred. If you are looking for some such patterns and designs, here are a few options to consider:
Sheers not only look trendy they are extremely classy as well. Like in the picture, a number of different colors can be chosen. You could also decide to go for plain white or just one solid color. That will obviously depend upon the rest of the color theme in your home.
Dots
Dots of any kinds are always considered trendy and modern. Whether you choose a pattern as shown above or go for some other fabric, polka dots always convey a contemporary sense of style. Going through any decor resource, print or web, one is sure to come across designs for sliding doors or windows that will try to incorporate dots in some way, even if it’s in the curtains part.
Solids, whether in combination or on their own, always help in creating an impactful look whether for the door or for the window. In India whether it’s PVC windows that one is trying to cover or French doors, solid curtains will work just as fine. While one solid color might end up looking a little bland, a combination of two can really do wonders.
And finally, bold stripes are one of the trendiest things that you can do to your windows. Whether one decides to go for vertical or horizontal stripes is a matter of personal choice. How thick or thin the stripes are going to be is almost something that can be decided based on the rest of the decor.
Choosing a trendy curtain for your home does not have to be a difficult task. Taking a cue and inspiration from the options above, you can go on to enhance the interiors of your own home to create a very stylish look. All the effort that you put in will give you the result of having a beautiful home that you can enjoy for all times to come.
Manoj Jha is an experienced blogger. In above post he has shared some trendy curtain designs for windows. Also, you can check more ideas from Fenesta about curtains design.
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You'll be surprised to know that a good photo is never defined by the brand of camera in your hand or the number of megapixels, what makes a good photo is light, the subject and you yourself.
So, before you decide to buy a camera for more in-depth photography and control, go over these tips for getting your basics spot on.
1. Don't forget to focus on your subject
Your phones are all touchscreens and have autofocus capabilites. But it is still a fact that many people literally just “point and shoot”, forgetting to first tap on their subject to get their smartphones to focus on it. It makes a lot of difference. Whether you are taking a photo of a tree or a person, don't forget that you have to bring out the subject. Don't forget to make the camera focus on it
2. Avoid putting all your subjects in the center
This one is a suggestion that skips the minds of a lot of Instagrammers out there. You should try to frame your photo is a pleasing way, which is not always putting everything in the dead center and clicking the button.
Remember the Rule of Thirds.
Most of the times, it is better to have your subject closer to one corner, as it gives the image more “space” and “depth”. Imagine a frame shaped like a hashtag (#) over your image, then try to put your subject along those crossing lines and the points of intersection. You'll know what difference a good composition can make.
Our phones do not have optical zoom, wherein the image is actually magnified using the lens. Our phones use digital zoom, which just adds data to what is already there, giving a very blurry and smudgy image in which you cannot actually see anything. Even on the phone screen you can see how bad the photo gets when you zoom in. Cropping is a much better option.
Phone cameras are almost all more than 5 Megapixel at the very least, which gives you the ability to crop the photo while still retaining a lot of detail. With a 10 Megapixel camera, you can easily trim more than half the photo and still get a photo that is clear and sharp. Cropping has the additional advantage of reducing chromatic artifacts – weird colours and lines – and reducing the size of the photo, which saves storage space. So, forget your phone can zoom and just crop off what you don't want in the photo.
4. Learn to use your feet
This is more important than the previous rule. If you remember to use your feet and move around to find the best possible composition, there will never be a need to zoom or crop. It is essential that you don't take a photo without thinking about it for a while, because taking some time to learn the location and the subject will give you a more unique and interesting perspective.
Also, remember that not every photo looks the best when taken from eye-level. Sometimes, bending your knees a bit and pointing upwards or making the subject look up to the camera can drastically change the image.
You must have noticed that sometimes, clicking somewhere else or just tilting the phone in a slightly different direction can make the whole photo get too bright or pitch black. This is because our smartphone cameras are not that good at metering – reading the light. A small change in light or a change in which subject is in focus can change the look of the photo.
This is where the HDR mode of your camera will come into use. HDR stands for 'High Dynamic Range', which basically means more details in the photo and less areas which are totally white (over-exposed) or black (under-exposed). Technically, while taking an HDR photo, the camera will actually take more than one photo, all with different measurements of light, and combine them all. This means that light will be metered from different sources, which will give better details.
Apart from the HDR mode, you can also change the exposure while taking the photo. There probably will be an option which allows you to reduce the light level of the photo, like in an iPhone, you just tap to focus and scroll up to over-expose and scroll down to darken the photo.
In a brightly scene where everything is almost white, reducing the exposure level will give a better photo, like in the example on the right.
6. Edit your photos, don't filter-ize them
It is very easy to just scroll through the filters your phone may have and select one for Instagram or Facebook. But that is not what you should do if you want your photos to be unique and wallpaper-worthy. Taking the time to enhance your photos with tools like Brightness, Contrast, Dodge and Burn will really be worth it.
Apps like Snapseed and Pixlr-express are really good options. They have options which you should use to get a perfect exposure, bring out details from over-exposed and under-exposed areas, sharpen the photo and even cut out small objects or distractions which you don't want in the photo. One tip I would like to give is to start by decreasing brightness and increasing contrast and saturation for landscape photos with blue skies and trees. For people, try to do selective editing and emphasize their eyes.
7. Look out for shapes and patterns
It is not always that you will have the best sunset or the clearest skies to photograph. Pay attention to your immediate surroundings and look around you. Is there a lone tree against a nice background that many people just pass by ? Is there a collection of differently coloured pebbles which might make for a good abstract photo ? Sometimes, even a zebra crossing can make for a great black and white subject to photograph because of the repeating patterns and motion of people and vehicles. In short, always be on the look out for interesting shapes, textures and patterns which people often don't notice. Once you get something like that, just compose the frame such that the viewer's eyes are led to the main focal point of the photo and get the photograph.
Just because the light is good or you have a camera in your hand does not mean you have to take hundreds of photos. A couple of good photos which you are happy with are always better than hundreds of photos taken just for the sake of taking pictures. Try to visualize your shot and what you want it to express before you take the photo. Think about where your focus is, what is attracting the viewer's attention, is an area too dark or too light. It'll be better to stop and think before clicking.
Trying to take photos like some photographer who has millions of followers will not do you any good. It is important that you remember why you got into photography in the first place. You should take the photos which make you feel happy and satisfied, no matter how many likes and followers you get. Once you find your style and learn to use your camera almost blind-folded, you will automatically find recognition for your own perspective. Taking inspiration from others is not bad at all, as long as you have put in your style and creativity in the final image.
10. Learn and adapt your gear accordingly
Like I said before, the specs of your device do not matter. But this does not mean that you should not go for something advanced as your photography experience grows. Use external lenses for your phone, get a camera with manual controls and try to learn advance techniques as you get better. Remember, your best gear is your creativity, and the camera is just a tool. Just make sure your creativity is not limited by your camera.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it will certainly give you an edge. Try to shoot while keeping a few of these points in mind and enjoy your camera. Happy shooting!
View the discussion thread.
11 May, 2017 seen 4,490
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it is a technique in which many images – usually around 3 or 5 – are merged…
5 June, 2016 seen 78
In part 1 I told how we scratched chalk from ceilings and removed old wallpapers, in part 2 I showed how I applied base…
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Your top quality is affected by a lot of things in relation to coverage for autos. Your high quality is usually lessened by driving prudently and safely. Also, consider the make and price of your car, how you employ it, together with other things when evaluating premiums. You are more likely to be associated with an accident after you travel long distances. Finding the proper coverage for your requirements is the greatest system to reduce your coverage expenditures.
Address
Motor vehicle proprietors who will be ordinary within their expending is usually accountable for shelling out everything from $1100 to in excess of $five,000. The charges can differ from spot to a different. In some states comprehensive protection can Expense 2 times around the minimum amount protection. Underneath are some recommendations that will allow you to get the most beneficial offer. When the least liability Restrict may be expected in certain states, whole protection typically comes along with a $500 deductible.
The top motor vehicle could create a change simply because some vehicles have better insurance coverage rates than other. In addition, particular cars tend to be more highly-priced to fix and change, Hence the coverage rates tend to be dearer. Motorists who may have excellent driving information are more likely to acquire extra economical rates. The insurance plan prices are also according to the age of the driving force and gender. More youthful motorists usually are extra susceptible than more mature drivers. Particular insurers will likely take into account credit rating scores when pinpointing the price of insurance plan. Particular states have prohibited this observe.
Different kinds of protection for cars and trucks
You will find six Key kinds of vehicle insurance coverage coverages. You may tailor your policy to handle a wide array of conditions. Also, you should make sure your coverage involves liability protection. Legal responsibility insurance policies is lawfully essential in several states, even so you might pick another form of insurance coverage if you favor. Legal responsibility insurance policies addresses you if you are at fault for a mishap. In addition, it covers other drivers who ended up linked to the collision. It pays to the damages attributable to other motorists or accidents. On top of that, can also protect healthcare payments.
An ordinary coverage will comprise various kinds of coverage, including liability, collision, detailed, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and professional medical payments. These are typically all important, and you should get enough of these. Some coverages are obligatory in specified states. Other coverages are optional. Freeway Insurance policies can help you discover the most effective protection for your automobile insurance policies necessities. There are a number of choices for coverage and you’ll be able to be capable of help save time.
Car coverage requirements
Each and every condition has its possess minimal specifications for automobile insurance coverage. These rules might be broken down into three figures. In California, for instance you will need to carry at least fifteen/thirty/five in bodily personal injury liability coverage, and thirty/fifty/five in home injury legal responsibility. You need to Verify the requirements of the point out before driving. The figures will vary commonly. Though alternate insurance could possibly be a choice, it isn’t always a great option.
When your point out generally necessitates legal responsibility insurance, nearly all of lenders call for whole coverage. Comprehensive protection involves extensive and collision insurance, and it might be necessary through the lender once you finance your motor vehicle. Liability protection covers damages for the home of Some others in case a mishap occurs, but not on your automobile or you. Combining home problems liability with bodily injuries protection to find the most effective protection at acceptable Expense.
Requirements for collision insurance policy
No matter if you’ve collision protection inside your insurance coverage policy for cars will depend on your problem. When you may not be legally needed to have this insurance policy, lenders will most likely need it if they intend on financing your car. In case you individual an auto personal loan, lenders may well check with you to obtain collision insurance policies. This protection is required for many people who finance a different or made use of automobile.
Collision coverage will protect all the price of your auto just in case in the party of a mishap. When the insurance provider will include for all repairs, it might not suffice to exchange your car if it is stolen or ruined. In sure predicaments it might be needed to fork out further income to repair service the vehicle. Should you have such a insurance policy, ensure you are aware of the circumstances and terms in advance of purchasing car or truck insurance. The deductible is unique from a collision deductible.
How to shop For Car or truck Insurance policies
There are a selection of factors to just take into consideration when selecting on a car or truck coverage Invoice. Certain states have minimum amount specifications to deal with Assets in addition to Uninsured Motorist insurance coverage. This handles the distinction between your prices, along with the plan limit for the driver at fault. Other people Will not involve coverage for uninsured motorists. Below are a few guidelines to help you discover the very best coverage for your preferences. These tips are designed to make your search less complicated and spend less.
Car Insurance Companies
For vehicle coverage to become productive, you should have liability protection. This can protect your property and guard you from promises for accidents. This coverage can protect the cost of defense or settlement When you are located at fault for an accident. There are many types and amounts of protection. To stay away from disagreeable surprises, it is vital to be familiar with the distinctions. Point out Farm gives regular charges for various amounts of protection. It’s possible you’ll find it a lot more helpful to settle on a medium protection level.
Auto Insurance coverage Coverage
In the majority of states, you might be required have liability insurance within your policy, which shields other people’s property and injuries to other people. This sort of protection will even protect you in case you lead to a collision to other motorists. This is the standard plan in most states and encouraged For most drivers globally. But, liability insurance limitations vary involving states and from a single to another. Your liability limit determines just how much you will have to pay out to shield the damages.
Assets coverage
Every single condition has regulations which make it illegal to drive without the need of insurance policies, which addresses the legal responsibility for assets injury. In the event you induce damage to another’s house, the legal responsibility insurance policies will pay for repairs. Nevertheless, your insurance policies will never include harm to your auto. There might be various bare minimum specifications from the point out you live in for legal responsibility protection. It is vital to validate your insurance policy policy prior to buying it. Your monetary safety is depending on residence protection. It can help you steer clear of needing to shell out big insurance plan costs if an accident takes place.
To be able to cover you in the event of a crash, your policy will have to consist of house injury coverage. The protection is for damage to the cars of Many others, likewise repairs. What’s more, it addresses the expense of cleansing the debris remaining powering by a mishap. Typically, home coverage is written with three numbers. These numbers involve bodily injuries insurance coverage per incident in addition to the protection for home damage for every incident. Larger boundaries provide a lot more protection. If there are actually any limits or exclusions, be sure you critique the plan.
Uninsured motorist coverage is obtainable in The big apple if one other driver just isn’t insured ample to shield the collision. The coverage is available when the driving force who brought about the collision is just not discovered as well as the accident is a hit and run. Even though the Coverage Regulation SS 5217 states that protection for uninsured motorist need to be obtained in any physical collision, courts have interpreted it to only apply to physical collisions.
In some states, the uninsured motorist along with underinsured protection are offered as a possibility. Even so, in others, both must be purchased. Both of those coverages is usually blended to provide more safety from the event of clinical charges or other costs. Uninsured motorist insurance may possibly guide within the fix of the car remaining because of the uninsured. Although this coverage is just not necessary, it might be a sensible idea to carry at the least the minimal level of legal responsibility insurance.
Get Discount rates
Auto coverage discount rates might be a great way to save cash and assistance the natural environment. It is possible to cut down your Charge by buying a motor vehicle that has basic safety attributes these kinds of antilock brakes and airbags. For basic safety functions set up inside your motor vehicle, like anti-theft alarms or maybe the daytime jogging lights, you can receive added bargains. Payment problems might be removed in case you pay back your yearly premium in complete. The truth is, almost fifty percent of your insurers provide discount rates on this kind of payment.
You may additionally qualify to receive bargains Should your coverage has long been in effect for several years. The special discounts will range based upon the period of time you have been With all the plan, but some businesses give bargains to become faithful to their buyers. Discount rates as significant as 15% could be available if your policy is obtained inside of seven times prior to the date of renewal. Numerous firms present reductions for precise professions in addition to these price cut offers. Lecturers can help you save 10% on their Liberty Mutual rates. Geico gives a fifteen% price cut for armed service personnel.
Auto Insurance coverage Low cost Prices For Younger Drivers
Are you currently a new driver trying to find low-cost car coverage quotations. If you need to preserve with your car insurance coverage, Here are several recommendations: Rising your deductible, finding an coverage discounted that does not demand a assert, or getting a policy by way of an insurance company in your area. These ideas can help you help you save many pounds each year on the auto insurance. These guidelines may make it easier to get the top costs. Proceed studying to learn more. You will be happy you did.
Young motorists can lessen the expense of car insurance plan by driving safer by driving fewer, and letting the insurance provider observe their driving behavior. Also, you can find reduce premiums whenever you shop for auto coverage. It is important that you store about for auto insurance plan. Lots of insurers demand larger charges for more youthful motorists. Fortunately, you will discover free of charge online prices comparison equipment that will help you Assess estimates. On top of that, a number of cars is usually grouped jointly and provided a reduction by the identical insurance provider.
It is important to obtain numerous prices if you are attempting to find an coverage plan. This will enable you to choose the ideal value and best high quality. You may also search for out an insurance service provider who will improve with you, allowing you to create adjustments as your driving background alterations. It is crucial to take a look at insurance policies that offer similar coverages, as differences in deductibles is often substantial. A great policy should really offer ample protection for younger motorists to prevent economical wreck.
It can save you revenue by acquiring a no-promises discount for car or truck insurance policies. It is best to request your insurance policy agent what you can do to have this. Based on the insurance company, the discount could differ from thirty% to sixty five% in the very first calendar year up to sixty five% in five years. If you’re wounded by a collision you are going to reduce two decades’ no-assert reward. Numerous statements will also erase off your no-claim reward. It can be essential to notify your insurer right away of any accident you happen to be enduring, due to the fact failing to do so could end in upcoming claims are going to be rejected.
Lots of insurance coverage organizations offer you no-promises bargains safety for a value close to PS25. You may make a specified quantity of promises Just about every calendar yr while not having to worry about the expense of premiums rising. It’s also attainable to incorporate it to a completely new insurance plan coverage In case you have an incentive for no promises. It is additionally achievable to transfer the no promises price cut to another corporation in the event that it is necessary. It is actually well worth switching vendors each other calendar year to take care of your no-claim price reduction.
To lessen your car insurance policy premium, you are able to elevate your deductibles. Some estimates advise that you can help you save just as much as 15%-30% on the top quality by rising your deductibles. The discounts you can find will fluctuate dependent on your driving report, the sort of car you possess, and your condition’s guidelines. An increased deductible could support decreased your annually premium nearly 40%
Even though it might not be the most suitable choice for everyone, increasing your deductible can help you save Many bucks around the long run. Professionals propose at the least two months of living costs. It can even lessen the cost of coverage you pay out every month. In case you at any time really have to file an insurance declare, you are going to preserve substantial sums of cash.
Look for a policy by means of your regional insurer
For people with bad credit score, It truly is doable to get a plan through an insurance provider which is regional. A policy using a regional insurance company could help you save revenue each month with your insurance plan fees. Furthermore, you can reap the benefits of excellent customer care and Distinctive savings. Regional insurers are available in all 50 States. To find the bottom fees it is possible to Examine fees from many states. It is necessary to bear in mind that elevating your credit history score could acquire a number of months and many drivers who definitely have bad credit history information may find yourself having to pay much more $four hundred annually.
Erie Insurance policies is yet another regional insurance company that provides low cost car insurance plan. The Pennsylvania-dependent company has actually been in existence since 1925. Erie gives car insurance policies, in addition to lifestyle and property insurance policy. Erie is not able to offer coverage in each point out. It provides more than 13,000 impartial brokers in the course of the United States. It is achievable to pick an agent or regional insurance company determined by your preferences. Prior to making any choice, on the other hand, it is actually a smart idea to meticulously go more than the great facts.
5 Matters to Take into Account When Evaluating Motor vehicle Insurance plan Costs
It can be crucial to look at the prices for car or truck insurance policy in an effort to find the ideal Expense for your preferences, especially if you are a superior threat driver. Additionally, you have to research the protection obtainable in your neighborhood to find out if a lower charge might be achievable. You might uncover it more affordable to acquire supplemental coverage if the risk is reduce or that you are willing to spend a higher deductible. Everything comes all the way down to your precise desires. There are a number of possibilities.
Lowest priced car insurance coverage for high-chance motorists
When you are seeking the lowest costs on automobile insurance plan for top-hazard drivers, Then you definitely are in fantastic arms. You can easily locate just one in a couple of clicks on-line. The online world can give you numerous quotations for protection at a lot less than the cost of classic insurance coverage. Moreover, it could also make signing up for insurance a lot less difficult. Full the form online total, pay out the associated fee so you’re completed. After you have submitted your payment, the company will concern you by using a card proving the coverage protection. You will then manage to choose out an coverage policy.
A great deal of insurance plan organizations view you being a high-threat driver When you’ve got a bad credit history rating. It is because it is a lot more possible that you’ll be in the position to make an insurance plan assert than a driver with excellent credit history. Insurance policy businesses view your credit rating rating to become a significant element. By way of example, a DUI/DWI could increase the Expense of one’s coverage by approximately 65%. This amounts to an additional $477 on a policy of six months. Your driving file is another aspect that insurance plan organizations contemplate. A DUI/DWI can boost your top quality by as much as $174, along with a speeding ticket can insert up to about forty five%.
A DUI could induce a problem to Find the top automobile coverage service provider. Companies like Point out Farm, American Loved ones and Progressive give many different possibilities that deliver reduced prices for motorists who’re substantial-chance. Your credit rating rating can also be taken into account when analyzing your insurance coverage cost. Insurance policy organizations consider these areas in figuring out the quantity you pay in your policy. A reduced credit history rating could lead to insurance policies costs soaring and it’s important to comprehend your credit history rating prior to making a choice.
The most affordable vehicle insurance plan obtainable for motorists
While you are determining to the most suitable automobile coverage policy for youthful drivers, there are plenty of elements you should just take into account. Your marital standing, age and marital standing Perform An important position in the quantity you pays for insurance policies on your auto. Your quality can also be affected by what kind of car or truck you push. It truly is costlier to address substantial-performance cars and trucks as compared to minimal-general performance automobiles. It’s important to select a vehicle with a lot of protection capabilities to be able to obtain the lowest expense of cost of insurance policies for your personal motor vehicle.
Evaluate Motor vehicle Insurance coverage Offers
To decreased automobile insurance plan for young motorists You can decreased the level of coverage. Insurers normally offer discount rates for great college students or Individuals engaged in driver’s education. On the other hand, cutting down your insurance policy coverage may end up in substantial out-of-pocket expenses inside the party of a mishap. So, be sure you weigh the threats of this selection cautiously, and often be to the side of discovering superior value.
Getting low-priced car insurance policy for teens is often difficult. A plan for a 16 12 months aged driver could be costlier than one that is for an Grownup. However it is possible to cut down on the cost by introducing a teenager on to the existing policy. The price of this selection is increased by approximately $one,461 every year, but is usually more affordable than getting a individual plan. You may also lower your expenses when you are an aspiring driver.
Lowest priced automobile insurance coverage for very low-danger motorists
The price of auto insurance plan can differ substantially primarily based on your hazard stage. This means you might want to store about to locate the most cost-effective auto insurance policy for low-hazard drivers. When insuring your car insurance policy companies consider into consideration a wide range of things. This involves your driving heritage, demographics and Over-all danger stage. Allow me to share five vital things to contemplate when taking a look at insurance plan offers. Understand that decreased insurance policies costs don’t imply that you’ve to sacrifice excellent.
For starters, take into account your zip code. The parts with large criminal offense costs are more likely to have better costs. Insurance plan businesses also consider the quantity of targeted traffic. Also, ensure you don’t have any mishaps or statements on your own record which could elevate your costs. Remember to Examine your regular premiums so that you can avoid shelling out much more. For those who have multiple policies from the identical insurers You need to contemplate discounts for various procedures.
While credit score scores aren’t legally utilised in certain states by insurance plan companies, they might however be crucial when comparing costs from car insurers. In Hawaii, drivers with poor credit history are required to shell out an extra 168% over clean up drivers. Massachusetts drivers that are large danger shell out 30 p.c fewer than cleanse drivers. The prices for motorists that are new are better when they’ve had a DUI or rushing ticket, or have bad credit. You should definitely get essentially the most prices possible before you make your final option.
Automobile Insurance Nearby – The Variables that Have an affect on the expense of Auto Insurance
Insurance plan costs are influenced considerably by The placement you live in. Insurance policies quotations could be more expensive when there is a significant degree of crime and incidents. On top of that, factors like the quantity of site visitors and record of accidents could increase the cost of insurance. Insurance policy firms also just take into account a driver’s driving record to determine the rate they will be charging for his or her insurance. Motorists who definitely have poor driving information normally pay much more for insurance policies.
The price of insurance for autos
Prior to now 5 years the cost of automobile insurance has risen involving $50-$100 due to the growing Health care expenditures. Drivers are necessary to have uninsured and PIP insurance, which might be earlier mentioned-typical necessities on the condition. Ny’s legislation obliges motorists to carry both equally liability and detailed insurance policy. That is in contrast to other states which only have this prerequisite. These optional coverages will improve the insurance policy Price and often raise the high quality. Previous but not the very least motorists ought to Test their coverage boundaries.
The typical New Yorker spends 2.8 per cent in their earnings on motor vehicle and automobile insurance plan. This is often slightly greater than the average with the country, two.forty per cent. The common selling price will likely be a little reduce for those who are in their 50s, 40s and 30s. Motorists with a lot more expertise pays in excess of All those aged 70and over. The premiums for married folks will be somewhat better, but still lessen than one folks.
Drivers can also be qualified to just take defensive driving lessons for significantly less expenses. The lessons final for 320 minutes and examine driver attitude as well as website traffic rules. In addition they instruct defensive driving techniques that may dramatically reduce the price of insurance policies. The study course will aid in strengthening your driving file along with minimize the cost of insurance policy for cars. Nonetheless, in case you are Doubtful about the precise coverage you need it can be done to examine with the Insurance policies Facts Institute.
Price of vehicle coverage in several states
Whilst fuel charges differ across states, the price of insurance for automobiles in other states can be decreased or increased than yours. There are a selection of explanations which might be The explanation for this. This contains The proportion of motorists who will be uninsured, point out insurance legal guidelines, and theft costs. Weather conditions can influence the price of insurance policy. The subsequent table lists the typical vehicle insurance plan rates across several states. These estimates are based upon the comparison from the insurance plan demands of each and every point out.
Missouri is the sole condition that provides whole-coverage vehicle insurance policies at a portion of the price of Louisiana. Missouri expenditures just $944 much more than Louisiana. Moreover, this condition is Amongst the states with the bottom costs for every capita and is particularly rated fifth when it comes to the expense of living. Texas motorists pay 33% of the entire amount of money for insurance coverage on vehicles. This might be because Texas is a condition with lots of lawsuits, and also loads of drivers who will be uninsured.
The typical national Charge for total protection vehicle insurance policy is $one,771 a yr. Louisiana with a median of $2839 for insurance, will be the point out with by far the most insurance policies. This 19% enhance was noticed from 2020. The normal insurance quality in Maine is $858. This is because no-fault states have bigger insurance policy premiums. The cost of a vehicle coverage coverage in other states could vary considerably. Consider into consideration all areas, including the laws in the condition on insurance policy.
Cost of auto insurance policies for drivers with large risk
You could Track down small-cost coverage for top risk drivers within your area In case you are attempting to find significant-hazard automobile insurance policies. Substantial-possibility motorists usually tend to pay out greater than the typical driver. They usually tend to have much more violations or accidents on their own file. The maximum is usually up to 5 years, dependant upon where you reside. Some situations allow discounts when you consider an instructor-led driver security course.
The national averages in substantial-chance driver car or truck insurance policies close to me are incredibly uniform. Having said that you may discover that rates differ from one particular condition and A further. Many companies alter their charges to differing states. If you reside in a particular condition, you might learn that just one corporation delivers the best coverage in a low cost. Point out Farm is the best superior-chance driver automobile coverage close to my property. They have got a long-standing track record of providing excellent customer care.
The simplest solution to Identify the highest threat driver car coverage near me would be to type in your zip code after which you can lookup prices. Even though the expense of significant possibility auto insurance policy in your town can differ from a person state to another nearly all massive insurance plan companies offer these kinds of coverage. National Normal, for instance can be a company that specializes in high chance insurance coverage. If you’ve excellent grades, a reduced-danger car or truck, so you will be able to attain an insurance policy coverage that’s decreased, it may be attainable to acquire just one.
Comparing Car or truck Insurance plan Businesses: Benefits
Comparing insurance companies for cars and trucks has lots of Positive aspects. This information will think about The key functions like scores, discount rates, customer care, and gratification of consumers. To make sure your basic safety and safety, choosing the greatest coverage coverage is important. Look into the insurance policies of varied companies. You’ll be able to decide which insurance policy supplier supplies by far the most coverage at quite possibly the most cost-effective cost at the end of this post. Here are several strategies to select the ideal insurance for your needs:
It truly is very important to check rates on insurance policy for car or truck coverage from several corporations as a way to get one of the most competitive value. Insurance policy charges are determined by various components. It is crucial To guage your certain requirements and then Assess quotes from different companies. It truly is costlier to insure autos which can be sporting activities than normal cars. Furthermore, your site and driving record can influence the rates you receive. Make use of a comparison Resource To judge The prices of precisely the same coverage that have different deductibles.
Motor vehicle coverage quotation
Coverage premiums range greatly, so it’s important to be aware of just how Each and every policy works. The credit score history, driving file, and age Engage in a job in identifying the associated fee. You can also Examine which providers present Positive aspects like roadside support or even accident forgiveness. While this might seem to be overwhelming but it’s essentially achievable to check rates between diverse vendors and choose the proper a person. Under are a few tips that should assist you in your quest.
It can be done to start out by investigating the J.D. Ability rankings for motor vehicle insurance plan corporations. The rankings are based on the results of surveys of tens of A huge number of individuals who obtained auto coverage nationwide. These scores are then converted into numerical scores that characterize the standard gratification rating. These rankings are published each year, and the best motor vehicle insurance companies in Each and every category obtain gold medals. How are you going to explain to in case you are obtaining high-quality company from the businesses you’re taking into consideration?
There are a variety of variables that may be used To guage the economic security of motor vehicle-insurance policies corporations. One of them is always to search for the AM Most effective rating for automobile insurance coverage businesses. This provides fiscal balance scores. In advance of picking a coverage, you would like to ascertain Should the insurance provider is steady. This is an important element of customer service. You should definitely critique the corporation and go in the great print prior to making any final decision.
A number of bargains are made available from automobile coverage businesses. A few of these reductions are not accessible to Anyone. It’s important that you Check out the corporation Site to ensure you are suitable to the savings that you simply qualify for. You might be eligible for numerous savings from distinct firms. Verify with the agent to find out in the event you qualify. However, the process is straightforward and usually normally takes less than an hour or so. Here are some examples of car insurance coverage bargains.
Legacy Savings – An insurance company may offer a discount For brand spanking new drivers who bought the insurance policies by their dad and mom. This price reduction is typically about 10 per cent. This low cost is a way to express your gratitude to your dad and mom for his or her enterprise over the years and may aid you in preserving the expense of the price of car or truck insurance coverage. There are numerous insurance plan businesses providing legacy bargains for youthful motorists. Look at together with your firm to understand whether or not they have the benefit. American Household, Farmers and USAA insurance policies may also be supplied.
Some corporations are known for their fantastic customer service. Esurance was among the 5 firms that scored four out 5 within the J.D. For customer support, Esurance scored four stars out of five during the J.D. Ability rankings. This is certainly a powerful score for a company which has no parent organization. The company was rated better in all other regions, including pricing and policy solutions in addition high-quality customer care made available through its website and phone centers. (customized company)
When protection is the main aspect of vehicle insurance policies, buyers also worth customer support. Buyers want prompt, friendly company after they Get in touch with their insurance plan businesses. Consumers assume swift responses to telephone and electronic mail inquiries. In addition they be expecting to talk to an agent who listens for their considerations and features answers. All vehicle insurance policies businesses provide fantastic customer care. But they’re not all are alike. (rideshare) (just just several mouse clicks) (insurance policies choices)
The costs charged by vehicle insurance coverage companies are afflicted by several features. These two components contain age and driving record. Rates will rise for drivers with negative document of driving or with small credit history scores. The price of insurance policy is usually affected by the price of dwelling in your region. It can be crucial to check the rates of different insurance policy companies to figure out which one will finest match your spending budget and driving behavior. There are numerous approaches to lessen your rates. For instance, it is possible to Slice coverage or acquire an defensive driving training course. You might also opt to get an entire calendar year of protection upfront. (Monthly bill on line) (worker discounted) (at fault incident/covered incident
Other factors could boost your top quality, In combination with People talked about. The amount you buy insurance policy will be reviewed when your insurance company finds out that you’ve got filed a assert in the previous couple of times or are actually uncovered guilty of the site visitors offense. Furthermore, special discounts may be available to anyone who has taken an approved driving training course. Insurance policies organizations are continually tweaking their types to ascertain the charges, and you could detect a variation in the cost of your insurance policies Even though you’ve not adjusted your driving report. (use-based mostly insurance policies) (rental vehicles);(automobile repairs);(Safe and sound driver price cut).
How Evaluating the vehicle Insurance Policies of various Corporations can save you funds
Evaluating car insurance policies is a great way to prevent unreliable insurance policy vendors. For instance, low-cost estimates from an insurance service provider may very well be Wrong if it excludes certain protection or incorrectly demonstrates your driving history. The A.M. Very best score and ratings of nearby insurance coverage corporations will assist you to locate the bottom Price insurance policies. Review auto insurance to save money. Get estimates in the major corporations and see which just one is greatest for yourself. (accident absolutely free)
Rates are according to a credit-primarily based insurance plan rating
Your credit-dependent insurance plan rating may very well be a very good indicator of risk however it should not be the sole cause for raising your rates. Insurers can not make full use of credit record as the only real basis for why rates are growing. California, Massachusetts and Oregon have legislation that prohibit insurance plan businesses from making use of credit score histories in determining their insurance policies rates. (could conserve)(new vehicle)(auto claim)
Having said that, this kind of insurance policy isn’t going to use to every state, so customers are unable to ascertain if a firm works by using your credit rating rating to determine what volume they may demand. California, Hawaii Massachusetts Massachusetts, Michigan and Massachusetts all prohibit protection dependant on credit history. There are actually other limits that utilize to insurance policies scores dependant on credit. It is up to you to choose In case your credit rating-primarily based insurance score is ideal for your needs. (motorcycle Insurance plan) (roadside Help Protection) (“bundling Auto”)(pet insurance policies)[precise dollars Worth](excellent declare Provider](yacht Coverage)
Age has an effect on fees
The price of car or truck insurance plan special discounts is motivated by a number of factors, together with age. The rate you spend is motivated by age by additional then 30 %. In some states, a youthful driver could possibly pay back Nearly 4-situations much more than a thirty-calendar year-old. Another reason is lack of experience as youthful motorists are typically additional likely than more mature Older people to get entangled in collisions. Figuring out the variables that affect your insurance policies premiums will help you negotiate decreased prices. These are generally just one of the some ways that the age could have an effect on your car insurance coverage.
The final rule is that the rates for persons young than you will be reduced. Car insurance policy charges can also be afflicted by age, notably in case you are a man. Male motorists that are youthful shell out significantly less for auto coverage than older drivers. Even so, the expense of insurance policies is increased for drivers that are within their 60s or 70s. Figures present that males are about two and also a 50 percent situations as prone to get entangled inside a crash than women, And so the hole between genders narrows as we the advancing many years. (protection alternatives)(homeowners insurance policy)
Gender impacts costs
It is not astonishing that Gentlemen pay back much more for car or truck insurance coverage than Gals. Unsafe driving practices could end in extra accidents and higher statements for men. But there are a few things which make Guys more expensive to protect. Here are several most important motives. Figure out more details on An important variables that impact the expense of automobile insurance policies based on gender. You may also locate the following tips to help you lower your rates. (vehicle coverage insurance policies)(automobile insurance policy quote)(car or truck insurance amount)
The Oregon Division of economic Regulation has instructed vehicle insurers to accommodate customers who You should not declare their gender. Discrimination in opposition to those who are not of precisely the same gender could result in unfair discrimination charges. As a result, insurers need to declare costs for anyone who has been identified as non-binary beginning in January of 2019. These costs might be better than premiums for male and woman motorists. Gals can get monetary savings, as long they aren’t too much. Also, Don’t be concerned concerning the “non-binary” fee for more youthful drivers. (motor vehicle insurance plan claim),(hole coverage)
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When planning that special once-in-a-lifetime trip, it can be quite the challenge to find a vacation destination that offers a little bit of everything fabulous. Everything, meaning: Sublime cultural experiences, must-see attractions, exciting activities, restaurants so good they make foodies blush, historically and culturally significant sites, stunning nature, a notable nightlife – all with a great climate and friendly people. It truly is a rarity to find a place that offers it all, but it does exist. And it can all be found on amazing Oahu.
Oahu has been known for centuries in Hawaiian culture as “The Gathering Place”, and for good reason. It has a magical combination of modern city life, ancient history and the incredible power of nature. You’re never too far away from experiencing any of these on Oahu. Although it is the third largest island in Hawaii, nearly 1 million people live on this tropical paradise, giving it the largest population in the Hawaiian islands.
However, don’t be fooled by all of Honolulu’s glitz and glamor. And don’t be deceived into thinking it’s all traffic and crowds on Oahu just because Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii. Indeed, it is a busy city, but serenity is never far away. Ironically, perhaps the most tranquil spot on the entire island can be found at Pearl Harbor. One of Oahu’s most precious treasures (aside from its natural beauty) is its history, both from the centuries before it became a US territory in 1898 to its pivotal role in global politics afterwards.
The only way to ensure you won’t be stressed out trying to get there on time or frustrated while wasting precious vacation time waiting in long lines to get into Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions is to take a tour. Pearl Harbor Tours offers door-to-door service, both on Oahu and from the Honolulu airport for their interisland one-day tours. And they show you everything you could want to know about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the rest of Oahu, if you so choose.
The Empire of Japan’s sneak attack devastated the US forces in the Pacific and interned over 1,000 sailors and marines beneath the turquoise waters of Pearl Harbor. Today it’s a beautiful memorial to the fallen. It was this single event during WWII that forced the US into the battle. It was this provocation by Japan, and the US’s subsequent entry into the conflict, which eventually turned the tides and allowed the allied forces to overcome the aggressors. Words cannot express the depth of emotions that you will feel at this hallowed site. It truly is not to be missed, even if you’re not a history buff.
While touring Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center you can see actual footage of the Imperial Empire of Japan’s navy attacking the unaware US fleet and nearby airfields, with numerous displays that illustrate the events of December 7, 1941, “A date that will live in infamy.” Take a boat ride on an actual US Navy launch to see the USS Arizona Memorial which is constructed over its sunken remains, inscribed with the names of more than 1100 sailors and marines who perished that day. It is a history lesson that is powerful, yet solemn.
The Battleship Missouri watches over her fallen comrades at Pearl Harbor.
Next, tour the deck of the USS Missouri Battleship to see the very spot on deck where the Empire of Japan signed the terms of surrender in Tokyo Bay September 2, 1945 that ended WWII. More than 250 allied warships were anchored in Tokyo Bay for the signing. Flags of the US, Britain, USSR, China, Netherlands, Australia, France, New Zealand and Canada were raised on the deck of the USS Missouri and peace was declared. Next, tour the USS Bowfin “The Pearl Harbor Avenger”, formerly an active submarine. See how the ship was constructed, learn about the missions it completed and more.
Dancers at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Is US military history too recent? Perhaps ancient Polynesian history is more your speed? Then the Polynesian Cultural Center is a perfect illustration of, and gives you the opportunity for interaction with, authentic Polynesian culture. Experience the rich heritage of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa in the form of food, legends, traditional clothing, music, dance and more. Polynesian culture is illustrated through the canoe parade, concerts, dancing, and the six different villages representing those regions. Then it’s off to the Dole Plantation for some more recent Hawaiian history and everything pineapple. It’s a serene, relaxing day on Oahu.
Honolulu Harbor from the air.
Want to see as much of Oahu as possible? Take a Circle Island Tour. It’s the perfect way to spend your day. See an overview of the island and take plenty of photos. Whether you want to see Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu or Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor Tours can accommodate your requests. Offering island, inter-island, small group, private tours and large group tours, it’s always their pleasure to show you the best Oahu has to offer.
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We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
April 25, 1941 ~ October 29, 2022 (age 81) 81 Years Old
Obituary & Services
Obituary
Ronald J. Stirpe, 81, of Tampa, FL passed away on October 29, 2022. Ron was born on April 25, 1941 to Remo and Louise Shorac Stirpe in Steubenville, OH. Ron met Shirlee Gallo when he was a young child, and after admiring her from afar for many years, they wed in 1968. Ron and Shirlee had three daughters whom they loved dearly.
After graduating from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in 1959, he attended Xavier University to play football. Ron returned to Steubenville and landed a job in the steel mill, but later began a career in the automobile industry selling Volkswagens. After many years at Sunset VW, he relocated his young family to Tampa, searching for better opportunities. He was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. He worked at Reeves Import Motorcars in Tampa for many years, developing relationships with countless repeat customers until he retired in 2002.
Ron never knew a stranger. He was kind, generous, and his charming personality always made others feel comfortable. He was an avid fisherman in his younger years and shared his love of fishing with his wife and daughters both in Ohio and in Florida. He was also a skilled golfer and enjoyed the opportunity to golf year round after moving to Florida.
His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Renee, Laura, and Lisa and always tried his best to support them. Anyone who knew Ron knew that he was the most loving father, husband, son and brother a family could ask for. Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife Shirlee, his loving parents, and his dear siblings Remo “Sonny” Stirpe, George Stirpe and Mary Louise “Blondie” Sabol whom he missed terribly after their passings.
He is survived by daughters Renee (Jorge) Rodriguez, Laura (JR) Conley, and Lisa (Briggs) Cain. Ron adored his grandchildren Ronnylin Bradley, Michael Tost, Micah Roscoe, and Nathan McCoole, and his sweet great-grandchildren Evah and Colton.
There will be a small graveside memorial service for the family and close friends on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Tampa, FL.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald J. Stirpe, please visit our floral store.
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Ronald J. Stirpe
Plant a tree in memory of Ronald
© 2022 Shorac Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility
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Product support is a service provided by various Authors on the PoshTrader Marketplace. Having support for your purchased product means that the Author will be available to you, the buyer, to sort out any potential concerns you have in using the product.
Managing buyer support requests can become quite a task for authors who sell to numerous buyers. To maintain a sustainable marketplace, we’ve set out what is and isn’t included in supported products from Marketplace.
Many support queries and technical questions will already be answered in supporting documentation such as FAQ and comments from previous buyers. Most trading platforms and installation related questions are usually answered by the selected trading platform provider or the brokerage.
What is included in product support
The product support period
A supported product includes support for 3 months from the purchase date. During those 3 months, the Author is expected to be available to provide the product support services we’ve set out on this page. Response times by the Authors can differ depending on the number of inquiries, the characteristics of the request, and whether questions have already been answered or support has already been provided.
As a supported product is intended to work with third-party platforms (e.g. an NT8), Authors are expected to ensure the product remains compatible if the platform version is updated. Product updates of this type will generally be delivered as version updates available to all buyers. Choosing a supported product ensures you’re getting a product that’s backed by the Author and enables our authors to maintain their products in these ways.
Answering questions about how to use the product
Throughout the product support period, the author is expected to be available to answer your questions about the product and how to use it. For instance, how do I set “Renko bars” to look like the one in the preview? The answer to this type of question can come in various forms including directing you to an already documented response (e.g. see the tutorial or FAQs).
Answering technical questions about the product (and included third party assets)
Throughout the product support period the author is expected to be available to:
reply to your specific inquiries about the features and functionality of the product
give some guidance on the way the product is used and set up
help you with issues related to using the product and getting the most out of its functionality.
answer inquiries about third party assets or functionality (e.g. platform setup) bundled with the product, such as how they should be set up and other technical inquiries.
What is not included in product support
Product support does not include services to modify or extend the product beyond the original features, and functionality described on the product page. For customization services that will help you tailor the product to your precise specifications, we recommend contacting the Author to consult if they offer paid customization services or check out the exceptional service provided by us.
Installation of the product
Buyers have different levels of expertise with different trading platforms and technologies and getting your product up and running can depend on many variables that are specific to your concerns. You’ll need to have a working experience of the platforms and technologies for which products are created, so product support does not include assistant to install the product on your platform. If you’re just starting, try a course or tutorial provided by the trading platform or selected brokerage.
We may change this Product Support Policy at any time by posting the amended version on the Site. Unless additional notice or consent is required by applicable laws, this will serve as your notification of these changes.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding product support, please contact us.
PoshTrader (“we”, “us” or “our”): PoshTrader is a tradename of PoshTrader OÜ, which is registered as an Estonian Private Limited Company (LTD) and registered by the Centre of Registers and Information Systems under registration number 14644095
User, (“Subscriber”): a person (or company) who signs up by creating an account and accepting these terms.
Author: a person or company offering products for sale on the Marketplace
Trading Platform: A trading platform is a software used for trading: opening, closing, and managing market positions through a financial intermediary such as an online broker.
Broker: A broker is an individual or firm that charges a fee or commission for executing buy and sell orders submitted by an investor. A broker also refers to the role of a firm when it acts as an agent for a customer and charges the customer a commission for its services.
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If your order arrives broken, we will exchange it for free, with the condition that you pay for the postage.
Quick links
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As a small business, our focus is to provide quality products and services to our customers. We try to keep in touch all throughout the process until the package leaves our hands to make sure our customer is perfectly satisfied with the result.
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This past weekend was a busy and productive weekend for me. I participated in my first Dallas Give Camp. What is Dallas Give Camp you might ask? Dallas Give Camp is an annual event where professionals ranging from UX designers, business analysts, project owners, developers and other technology-related professionals come together with non-profit organizations to design or redesign the organizations website.
“We support our communities by bringing together motivated volunteers to dedicate their professional expertise, deep insights, and individual talents to further the missions of local charitable organizations through the applied use of knowledge sharing, technology solutions, and innovative design.”
It’s a jam-packed weekend starting Friday evening at 5 p.m. and ended Sunday evening at around 4 p.m. Yes, you do get to go home and sleep. It’s not one of those all-nighter type hackathons (Thank goodness. I am too old for those. Ha!) But I was there, fully-invested for each hour and minute.
What was my assignment?
I was the UX designer helping redesign the Dallas Goethe Center’s website. I’ll refer to the organization as DGC for short. The DGC is a local organization that promotes German language learning and culture in North Texas. They have two primary audiences: students and parents of students who want to learn to speak German, and members who participate in the cultural events.
What was my role?
As the UX designer, I worked with the team of developers to come up with a technology solution. I also worked with stakeholders to surface DGC’s problems, pain points and needs to understand what they wanted out of the new website. Also, I helped make sure that the project was moving forward, all pages and components were being built, and the content was being added to the pages.
What was the problem?
Their current website platform was on Drupal, and they wanted a platform that was easier to work with. That new platform was WordPress, which is what Dallas Give Camp encourages all teams to work on. Drupal was difficult for DGC’s Drupal-challenged volunteers and staff to update. It was also technologically limited, restricting features like easy “customer shopping” and website customization. The Divi theme on WordPress would help with org overcome these challenges.
BEFORE The Dallas Goethe Center website before the redesign. This was the page to purchase or renew your membership.
AFTER The new way to sign up for membership is much more visually appealing than just a boring table. Now there are interesting icons to illustrate the different levels one can purchase. The purchase buttons are also more interactive.
How did I get started?
As with any good UX designer, I wanted a better understanding of the problem. The week before Give Camp, I talked with three members of the DGC staff to get their perspective of the website. We talked about reasons why customers come to the site, their pain points and goals for the new website. I wanted to do this initial research to get different perspectives on how the website could be improved.
What was my challenge?
I was very new to the Divi theme and have very little experience with WordPress. My experience is pretty much just posting stories to this lovely blog. Nothing too fancy. So I am not in the regular practice of building out pages or components within WordPress. I needed a tutorial quickly on how to work in the Divi theme, where to find things and how I can get up and running asap. I will say, I am really spoiled in working within WYSIWYG programs like Sketch.
How did I collaborate?
I worked with developers to understand our technology constraints. The devs also helped me understand Divi themes, WordPress and basic CSS. Thank goodness I had a basic knowledge of code. It did help me customize things a bit – once I found out where to do that within the Divi theme interface. I also worked with several stakeholders from the DGC who were our on-site subject-matter experts. It was wonderful to have them on site, right there to answer any questions we might have at any moment. The best part is the staff members from DGC were at Give Camp from the start of the day until late in the night. They were just as committed and involved as we were.
I put up the sitemap fo all of the team to see and validate. I also included sketches for basic website structure.
We started Friday evening, with a hearty dinner to get us ready for the first night of the event. We met the team, broke down the problems and prioritized the major issues we needed to solve. We talked about what aspects of the website needed to be improved, what new pages we needed to create and we were introduced to WordPress and the Divi them. But the end of Friday evening, at 10:30 p.m., we had a pretty good plan of the site map, what pages we needed to build and what elements would go on those pages.
Saturday
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we all rolled in around 9 a.m. ready to build out the site. I wrote the site map on the whiteboard so that we could verify that we had all of the content included. I also started sketching out some basic wireframes to further validate that all content was accounted for. Then it was time for me to get to work.
Like I mentioned earlier, I was pretty inexperienced with WordPress, and had no previous knowledge of the Divi theme. So I was pretty slow to jump right in and churning out components. That is what I wanted to do. I am so used to just being able to build things at a pretty hefty speed in Sketch. But this proved to be much more challenging than expected. I wanted to get pages build and templates ready ahead of the team so that they could just plug and play.
A number of pages had 3 cards, in a box, of content to lead the page. I wanted this component to be built and ready to go so that it would be consistent across all instances. But it took the developer and I over an hour to get it built to (near) the specifications I had in mind. Yes we got it built, but it ate up a lot of time. Yikes! Now we were approaching early afternoon and time was pressing against us. We had a lot of pages to build. We had to get components like boxes, buttons, purchasing options and other website elements on the page. We had to get all of the content on those pages. The content was all really, really long, so we needed to edit that content down to digestible chunks. Then we needed to apply some design style to improve the design beyond the basic offering.
Well, shit started hitting the fan in the early evening. We were very behind. We still needed pages built, components added, content added and interactions tested. We started to panic. Well, I did. We did not know who was working on what. We were not really sure what was and was not finished. It was a mild case of chaos.
We called in some help. A floating developer came in and assessed the situation. We had not been using Trello. Hence, we did not know who was assigned to what part of the project and how that was progressing. So we got all the remaining work on the board. That way we got a bit more organized and figured out who was responsible for what. By 10:30 at night, we were running on fumes. We finally got all the pages created, components on them, and basic content on most of them. We had not adjusted the style from the out of the box offering. And we had not even begun to test items like links, shopping cart functionality or other interactions. But that was OK. We still had a few hours on Sunday to do our best to make it to the finish line. At least now the fire was contained.
AFTER The events page after the redesign. We could now highlight the major events happening within the org.
Bright and early again. It was a calm atmosphere, coming to terms with the fact that not all of our to-do list was going to be complete. Content was on the pages, but it still needed to be edited. Style was not going to be modified, but it was pretty good looking for now. Links and buttons were going to be tested. The shopping cart experience was working. We were very close to a functioning website. The stakeholders were very pleased with the progress we had made in just one weekend and were very excited to launch. We were 90 percent to complete success. And 90 percent is not only good enough, it’s pretty damn good.
We wrapped up the day updating the Trello board with tasks that still needed to be completed after Give Camp. We all gathered again for all of the Give Csamp teams to share their stories and display their much-earned success. We had built a website in just one weekend and it was pretty kick-ass.
What did I learn?
I need to get ahead of the game: I should have worked on the design solution earlier and started constructing wireframes, mockups and structure.
I need to learn the technology: I should have looked in to Divi a bit more. I should have learned the capabilities before hand and thought about how I wanted to tackle some of the design challenges.
I need to track the progress: We were assigned a Trello board well before kickoff, but we quickly abandoned it in the midst of the chaos. But there’s a reason why they gave us access to Trello, and we should use it. Tracking our progress on Trello got us back on line and better organized.
I can do it: I can pick up new technology. I can work with a new team. I can get a lot of work done in a short amount of time. I can establish a good comradery with a team and help us get to a common goal. I can do it!
Our volunteers and Dallas Goethe Center stakeholders made it through the weekend.
Would I do it again?
Hell yeah! Maybe not for another year. But yes I would do it. It was fun to work on something different and get fully emerged in the website design process. It was great to have stakeholders on hand who were willing to get their hands dirty and pitch in to get things done. It was exhausting to put in so many hours straight. But it was exhilarating to jive through and get it done. Most importantly, it felt really great to contribute my skills as a UX designer in a positive way and to give back to the community in some way. Working with Dallas Give Camp and the Dallas Goethe Center was professionally and personally rewarding for sure. Sign me up for next year – after I get a bit of a nap.
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The city centre is the only place where you can find night clubs. This is due to a governmental restriction on clubs outside of the main hotel district; thus, all the nightclubs are within the hotels themselves. This has a few implications, the most important being the expenses involved with alcohol, the many tourists in the vicinity and the volume of prostitutes night clubs attract. Thus, the best option is probably to have some sort of pre-drinks at home before heading out. Also, be aware that some of the girls you will meet are prostitutes. They are easily recognizable because they will ask you for money sometime during the night; however, you don’t want to waste your time on a hooker.
While the nightlife is not as good as it could be, the industry is definitely on the rise. Here are a few great clubs to try in Doha:
Best Western Plus – one of the best night clubs to enjoy some hip hop, R&B or a few pop tunes. Its always busy, as the hotel itself is right at the centre of the city. You should find lots of tourists and local girls. Moreover, the sound, lights and professional DJs who frequent this venue make it a fun experience.
Glo Cocktail Lounge – A more chilled environment that is a play on a typical Manhattan style. Finished off with an undertone of R&B influences, Glo is a great venue to have some fun and meet women. Local’s Tip: Wednesdays from 5pm is Girl’s Night. Drinks and most other item on the menu are discounted as much as 75%, which means lots of cute girls to talk to.
Irish Harp – This club is a massive throwback to the 80s and 90s. They play music that tugs at the innate nostalgia whilst attracting both expats and locals. If the more chilled, retro vibe is your thing, it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Admiral’s at the Ritz Carlton – A trendy destination for those who have a bit of cash to spend. The admiral’s is often visited by supermodels and the ultra wealthy. Thursday and Fridays have live music, but it transforms into a bustling club over the weekend.
The clubbing scene in Qatar leaves a lot to be desired, especially because it is still a fairly new industry in the nation. As foreign concepts continue to take route, combining with the immense wealth that the country has, one should see the night life get better. For now, the international hotel chains are the only providers of night clubs and bars. With that being said, there are still lots of pretty girls around at night time, which is the best reason to get out.
Mature Ladies and Cougars
Most of the mature ladies are foreigners on holiday. Others are more than likely prostitutes. The older generations in Qatar are devoutly opposed to sex outside of marriage, and males have all of the power within the society. Thus, older women are married and tied for life. If you are interested in finding an older women, your best bet is to look at sites for foreigners.
Dating
AdultFriendFinder, lets you meet local members in Doha and get to know them on a personal basis before you arrive. It just takes a few minutes, you simply create an account, upload a few images and tell a little about yourself. Since time in your destination may be limited, get to know each other’s desires beforehand so when you do meet, you can skip the awkward introductions and start having some real fun.
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The Sri Lanka – Pakistan Business Council was founded under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on August 30, 1991, as a country-focused business advocacy organization.
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In recent years, consumer data privacy has become a hot topic for businesses collecting personal information and governments regulating how that information is managed. In fact, it's what prompted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018 to be put into law. This legislation offers transparency and individual control to California residents as to how a business uses the data it collects.
The bounds of the law aren't restricted to businesses headquartered in the state but anyone who has Californian customers. Implications of CCPA also make it so businesses must emphasize all components of private data management such as data security, how data is collected, data destruction capabilities, and data distribution to third parties.
That matters because it requires these companies to review the security technology currently adopted to ensure it meets the regulatory requirements. That's especially important for security in the channel of which tons of data is collected and transmitted — email.
CCPA and email security
Email serves as a primary mechanism for data collection and transfer because of its ease of use and the fact almost everyone at a company has email access. Because of these factors and the reality that marketing campaigns are often mass-deployed via email, companies need to evaluate email-security solutions that address three primary CCPA aspects:
Protection of private data as it's used in the scope of email
Ability to easily audit and evaluate an email network for non-compliance and potential security vulnerabilities
The result of failing to meet these email security requirements is a financial liability in the form of penalties issued by the California attorney general. There's also increased susceptibility to lawsuits from a company's customers. CCPA includes provisions that make it easy for consumers to bring about lawsuits due to lacklustre email security controls, regardless of whether harm is actually inflicted.
So how do you find the best email security platform that meets CCPA compliance?
The best email security platform offers a combination of robust security capabilities, ease of use for users at all technical levels, and cost-friendly options. Additionally, it'll meet ALL of the requirements of CCPA in the scope of email-security management.
There should also be preventative controls that detect potentially incorrect email recipients and ensure correct files are attached for certain recipients. Furthermore, mechanisms would be in place to prevent sending non-compliant emails while also ensuring Bcc is used to hide email identities for mass email campaigns.
The right CCPA compliant platform would also protect regulated data by applying message-level encryption. There would even be enhanced control for email recall, message access restrictions, and watermarking for confidential information. Moreover, protection systems would utilize automation and machine learning to mitigate incidents caused by human error.
Lastly, to meet the audit requirements of CCPA, an email-security platform should be able to generate compliance reports on-command for the corporate email network. These reports should reference areas of non-compliance that were detected during the evaluation. Data subject access requests (DSAR) by consumers should be quickly fulfilled, and a system needs to be in place to delete personal consumer data from the email network when demanded.
Why Egress Protect is the solution
Egress Protect addresses email security and CCPA compliance in an all-in-one platform. Through well-constructed features and intelligence tools, this platform assists in preventing email data breaches while also protecting regulated data through encryption and recipient access control.
Egress Protect also supports DSAR and audits data flow within an email channel. Not only does this solution put your firm in compliance with CCPA, but it also offers strong mobile capabilities on iOS and Android devices so you can manage on-the-go. There's even integration support for your favorite applications such as Microsoft 365, Sophos, Ironport Systems, Forcepoint, and McAfee.
Read all of our compliance articles
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CCPA and email security: Three things you need to know
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Organisations need to take a proactive approach to achieve compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act, which represented a major step forward for data privacy rights for the state's residents from the start of 2020.
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Learn how to create an effective email policy to ensure your organization's use of email adheres to HIPAA compliance measures.
Article 15 of the GDPR concerns the right of access by the data subject. This means that under GDPR, EU citizens can contact organisations and businesses they have dealt with and find out what information is held on them, and how the organisation is processing that data.
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Like their continental contemporaries, they experimented with polytonality, heterophony, atonal harmony, and forms and rhythms borrowed from other places and other times. But – until recently at least – modern English composers have held back from the repudiation of melody and harmonic sequence.
Serialism has had little appeal for them, and for the most part serious English music in our time has shown an acute awareness of the distinction between the art of music and the skills of the sound engineer. In particular, English composers continue to aspire towards melody – or at any rate melodiousness – and towards music that moves forward on a path that listeners can follow and to which they can respond with sympathy.
The attempt to unite modernist harmony with robust melodic thinking is exemplified in the symphonies of Vaughan Williams, the Concerto for Double String Orchestra and Corelli Fantasia of Tippett, the early operas of Britten, the lyrical concertos of Walton, not to mention those all-but-forgotten works by Arnold Bax, Havergal Brian, George Lloyd and Edmund Rubbra which were aimed at a kind of audience that has now largely disappeared from our concert halls. But the desire to combine modernism and melody continued into my time as one part of the Englishness of English music. And in Robert Simpson and Malcolm Arnold we have seen a determined attempt to retain the romantic symphony as a paradigm of musical form.
English composers of the post-war generation have been strongly influenced by the kind of melodic thinking that we find in Britten’s later work (Curlew River, for example, the Third String Quartet and the War Requiem) and in the remarkable Triple Concerto and Rose Lake of the aged Tippett. But they have also developed a tonal language of their own. In the concertos for orchestra of Robin Holloway, in the operas of Oliver Knussen and Judith Weir, in the concertos and symphonies of the Matthews brothers, and in many other works by composers of their generation we find what might be called an ‘emancipation of the consonance’, and a tunefulness of inspiration that have been a refreshing experience for the music lover. English music in our time offers a new proof that music has an intrinsic grammar, and that this grammar has nothing to do with permutational algorithms, but everything to do with the conquest of musical space by voice-leading and consecutive harmony.
No-one more clearly exemplifies this current of musical craftsmanship than David Matthews, who is not merely one of the most prolific composers of his generation, but also perhaps the one who has carried forward with the greatest conviction the traditions of modern English music. David’s indebtedness to Britten and Tippett is evident not only from his music but from his brilliant critical appraisals of both composers, whom he knew, admired and (in Britten’s case) assisted during their later years. But – like those two great men, and like so many modern writers and artists in the English tradition – David is a man of universal culture, whose love of the English specificity goes hand in hand with a profound respect for German and Austrian music, for the literature of Greece and Rome, for the art of the Renaissance and for the artistic and philosophical sensibility of Central Europe – not only the Central Europe of Mahler, Bartók and Janáček, but that of Kafka and Zweig, of Havel and Kundera.
His boundless admiration for Mahler shows itself everywhere in his music, not least in the meditative accumulations of melody, such as that which opens the Second Symphony and lasts for a whole movement, or that of the last movement of the Sixth Symphony – an Adagio of Mahlerian proportions in which voice after voice is summoned out of the orchestra to weave its contribution to the elegiac atmosphere. This movement is in fact a set of variations on Vaughan Williams’s hymn ‘Down Ampney’ (‘Come Down O Love Divine’) and works through many cries of pain to a serene coda, in which VW’s lovely tune appears like a thread of light under dark clouds at the end of day. This, perhaps the most English of all the many English works that David has produced, is also a remarkable tribute to a composer who was for decades regarded with disdain by the musical establishment, precisely on account of the idea of England that inspired him.
As with other English composers, landscape has been of fundamental importance to David, and he has explained its influence on his musical thinking and experience in Landscape into Sound, based on his Peter Fuller Memorial Lecture of 1991. But the landscapes evoked in his works are of many different kinds and inspired by many different associations. That which sparked off the powerful Chaconne for orchestra is the battlefield of Towton, scene of the most horrendous conflict in the Wars of the Roses in which 28,000 men died (not to mention the horses). In the preface to the score David quotes Geoffrey Hill’s evocation of a field after battle, which
‘utters its own sound
Which is like nothing on earth, but is earth.’
‘A medieval battlefield such as Towton,’ David writes, ‘has long since mellowed into the peaceable English landscape, the kind of landscape celebrated by our greatest painters and, in music, by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Tippett. If that pastoral tradition can no longer be sustained in its innocence, perhaps another might replace it, which reconciles our romanticised sense of a picturesque past with the brutal facts of history.’ That last sentence captures a vital current in David’s thinking, both as a modern Englishman and as a modern composer: the search for an undeceived reconciliation between the romantic and the real, and for an experience of landscape which will not be a form of self-centred illusion, but an objective response to the world as it is. One way to achieve this is to concentrate on what is immediate, without specific human meaning, a matter of atmosphere and far-flung suggestiveness. Thus the cello concerto entitled In Azzurro evokes a suffusing blue, a synthesis of sea and sky, inspired by a visit to the island of Lundy in the Bristol Channel, but also connected through the Arabic word ‘azure’ to places where colours are stronger and more enamelled than they ever are in England.
David may be right that our pastoral tradition ‘can no longer be sustained in its innocence’. But he is capable of writing landscape music that has an innocence of its own, such as the short piece for chamber orchestra From Sea to Sky, which has some of the joyful expansiveness of Tippett in his Double Concerto, and which was inspired by David’s own early morning walks on the beach in Deal. It should be said here that the reference to landscape is not used to invoke sentiments of a nationalistic kind. His country of birth is only one of the many places that are visited in David’s scores, which are the lyrical responses of a wanderer, who is never fully at home but always resonating to new places under new skies. He is possibly the only composer to have included a Tango as the scherzo movement of a symphony – and it sweeps along with Latin panache, until stumbling over rhythmically contrary woodwind chords scattered like broken glass on the dance floor. He has included Mahlerian cowbells and Steve Reich-ish marimbas into his scores, and ranged widely in the geography and history of Europe for his inspiration. His settings of Sappho (A Congress of Passions) draw heavily on Cretan folksong. And he has also been profoundly affected by the landscape of Australia, with its slowly unfolding contours evoked by his friend Peter Sculthorpe, whose music always has to me the character of someone slowly drawing aside a heavy curtain from a scene that consists of another heavy curtain. David’s Aubade for orchestra, by contrast, draws the curtain from a living landscape, full of the strange birdsongs of Australia, which question the presence of this wanderer from the Northern hemisphere but bubble with life regardless.
Perhaps the most striking feature of post-war intellectual life in our country has been its catholicity. The inter-war generation fell under the spell of Eliot, Pound and Wyndham Lewis, and the post-war generation was brought up by schoolmasters and university lecturers saturated in the Eliotian view of European culture. Dante and Baudelaire were our heroes, while we regarded Tennyson and Browning as Victorian relics whose works we did not have time in the urgency of our modern commitment to read. We were introduced to the censorious criticism of F.R. Leavis, under whose light we wriggled without ever quite escaping from the glare; we read Rilke in Leishman’s editions, and the extracts from the existentialists collected by Walter Kaufman. I did not know David until very much later in life; but the influences that were brought to bear on me were also brought to bear on him, and this created in us an immediate rapport when we finally met. The excited discovery of Stravinsky, Bartók and the Viennese school, the worry over tonality and whether it was still permitted, the astonished encounter with Rilke, Kafka, Mahler and the Central European soul, the longing for experiences outside the bounds of our Anglican upbringing, and at the same time the stunning message of Four Quartets, which told us that those experiences were not out of bounds at all, but could be blended with the spiritual heritage of England – all these we shared and all these had a lasting influence on both of us. Although it is possible to exaggerate the importance of Four Quartets, there is no denying that it changed things utterly for literary young people of my generation. It brought together the subterranean current of Anglican Christianity with the questioning search for a purified and modernist art that would seek redemption in the immediate moment, observed, internalised, and expressed without lies. As the title declares, Eliot had before his mind the great example of Beethoven, whose late quartets show religious questions answered through aesthetic discipline, and redemption achieved by the hard path of artistic truthfulness.
For people of my generation no musical medium has been more important and more personally challenging than that of the string quartet. All the crises of 20th century art come to a head in the quartet, whose four voices mimic the four voices of the choir, and can be used to set out with exemplary clarity the sequential harmonies of the tonal tradition. The greatest of chamber works in the classical style have been quartets – not those of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven only, but the comparable masterpieces of Schubert, and the not quite comparable achievements of Brahms. There is something about the clarity of tone, and responsiveness to the life and emotion of the performer, which gives stringed instruments a special authority when it comes to exploring abstract forms. In the string quartet tonality is put to the test, and all its devices placed under an auditory microscope. At the same time the instruments converse with each other on equal terms, exchanging the most intimate thoughts and feelings, like members of a family, who will come together after every quarrel. Not surprisingly, therefore, the early modernists used the string quartet both to explore new tonal regions and also to challenge the repertoire of the romantic concert-hall. The quartets of Debussy and Ravel take us into a new sound world, as do those of Zemlinsky and Schoenberg. But for us English schoolboys in the 1950s and early 1960s it was the quartets of Bartók that hit us most violently in the stomach, as though it were our own guts that were being pulled around by horsehair.
David was no exception. Not only has the string quartet featured in his creative output as a favourite medium; he has used the medium to explore his own art and the possibilities that are open to a composer today. The frame created by the four voices invites tonal treatment; yet the enormous range of intonations available to string players encourages experiment in the realm of colour, timbre and the upper sonorities, both natural and harmonic, of the strings. Moreover, the tradition that began with Mozart and Haydn has consecrated the string quartet as the crucible in which musical sequences, modulations and key relations are tried. In all his quartets, therefore, David has been engaged in an exercise of self-exploration, trying out new forms of tonal thinking, and aiming at the kind of formal continuity and internal cohesion that characterise the classics in the medium. His latest quartet, number 12, is a conscious attempt at late Beethoven, spread over seven movements, each punctuated by adventures into adjacent territory. The quartet contains introductions, cadenzas, two minuets, a serenade, a tango, the whole set in motion by a magnificent prelude and fugue, and carried out with something like Beethoven’s combination of meditative seriousness alternating with bursts of unaffected joy. Every now and then, as though overcome by wonder at its own world, the quartet ascends into Messiaen-like birdsong, the birds themselves named in the score as in Le catalogue des oiseaux, and the four instruments striving to escape from their natural sonorities into the clarified air above music. Over the years it has been one of my great pleasures to discuss music with David, and at a certain period he even gave me some lessons in composition – lessons which made a lasting impact on my way of listening to music, and which saved me from whatever errors I do not make in composing it. I did not need any convincing that tonal order is fundamental to music. But David helped me to appreciate that with a due respect for the bass line, and proper voice-leading in the middle parts, it is possible to colour music with every kind of dissonance and still maintain an intelligible structure. He told me to respect the old rules of harmony and counterpoint, and lessons with him were like lessons with Hans Sachs, constantly reverting to the masters and to the need to respect the tradition even when departing from it.
And that, I think, has been the most important and inspiring feature of David’s own music, and why he has been a model to so many of my generation. As schoolboys we were told by enthusiastic gurus that the symphony is dead, that the string quartet ended with Bartók, that tonality is exhausted, and that tunefulness is middlebrow, philistine and in any case no longer ‘available’. We were also told (whether or not in the venomous tone of Adorno) that popular music is a commercial imitation of music, a kind of candy floss on sale in dubious holiday resorts, the sound of which is repulsive to the educated ear. David stood rock-like amid this tide of prejudice. His musical sensibility had been shaped by the symphony and the string quartet, and he thought and felt within the bounds that they defined. Therefore he would compose symphonies and string quartets, and would work to hear them performed. He enjoyed the pop music that was sounding around us in our youth, and found in the Beatles an example of tunefulness and harmony from which there was everything to learn. In his symphonic works we do not hear much pop; but we are given an unusual wealth of melodic ideas, bound together by cogent harmonic progressions, and set in the grand structures that David had learned from Bruckner and Mahler.
The real problem for the tonal composer in our time is how to respect the principles of tonal organisation without writing music that is either banal or short-winded. And the importance of David, for me and for many others, is that he has faced up to that problem, and set an example that can be followed. True, there is a late romantic, or more accurately post-romantic sensibility expressed in his work, and this makes it very personal in its impact. But the treatment of musical elements – of harmony and melody especially – is rigorous and objective, so that each of his movements tends towards a conclusion that is already implied in the opening material. This feature marks David’s music as a vindication of the tonal tradition, and also establishes a connection with Sibelius, the great composer singled out by Adorno as the despised voice of reaction in a time that needed revolutionary change.
The many rhythms that accumulate in David’s orchestral works can all be fitted, as a rule, into a single metrical frame, from which they derive by division in the traditional way. The listener seldom loses hold of the measured bar-lines; and it is because of this that the simultaneous voices hang together, moved not only by their own melodic lines but also by the harmonic sequences that they collectively form. Hence David’s music, however dissonant, never disintegrates into sound effects and ‘simultaneities’ but always gives the impression of confluent voices, flowing through successive harmonic regions, guided by the chords as clearly as a melody in jazz or a theme in a classical symphony.
David is a master of the orchestra, who has studied all the achievements of the modernists and their immediate predecessors, and who can make use of every instrument to produce exactly the sound that he wants. Nothing has escaped his ear, and in his orchestral writing he draws on a data bank extracted from the entire 20th-century repertoire. Of course, certain effects have a particular appeal for him. He is especially drawn to the use of quiet chords on divisi strings, in which the pitches lock together like the knitted fingers of hands in prayer – an effect used consummately by Elgar in the slow movement of the Second Symphony, and constantly recurring in David’s symphonies, concertos and symphonic poems. (Rehearsal mark 45 of A Vision and a Journey is an instance, with violins divided into twelve, violas into four, cellos into two, and double basses playing a sustained open fifth – foundation to an enchanted tower of thirds and seconds touching Heaven with its Gothic finials. A similar instance occurs in the final pages of the cello concerto In Azzurro.)
David loves the cantabile of unison strings too, especially when they burst through a swarm of flapping woodwind. His harmonies are for the most part adapted from the tonal repertoire, as are his scales. Indeed, there is usually an identifiable tonal centre, and sometimes, as in A Vision and a Journey and the 12th Quartet, a dominant key (in both cases D major/minor, though much of A Vision is in E major). However, rarely does the music bear a key signature, and even when it comes to rest on a firm tonic triad, there is usually a foreign note squeezed in somewhere, as at the end of A Vision, where a C, E and B knock the heart out of the D major triad, or at the end of the Vespers, where a triumphant B major chord, repeated again and again, is unable to rid itself of the C sharp that has somehow got trapped inside. This way of treating tonal harmony is reminiscent of jazz, and also of the ‘thickening’ recommended and pratised by Janáček. As in Janáček thickening, properly introduced, imparts tonal structure, while forbidding the cliché-ridden closures of common practise harmony.
It would be fair to say, nevertheless, that David’s music has become more tonal, not less, as he has matured, the 12th Quartet abounding in unashamedly tonal tunes, harmonised with triads, seventh chords and clear progressions in the bass, and the most lyrical of the melodies often sounding over accompanying figures, as they might in Mozart or Schubert. It would be hard to guess on hearing the two works alone, that this Quartet was written by the same person who wrote the harsh and often grating First Symphony.
Tonality is not a matter of effects, nor even of grammar only. It is primarily a matter of form – a way of developing ideas over a long span of musical argument. Musical ideas, for David, have consequences, and the labour of composing is that of spelling those consequences out. His symphonic writing shows the influence of Bruckner, with long paragraphs held together by continuous lines in the bass. But, like the Baroque masters, he never loses sight of the connection with dance, introducing dance-forms whenever they seem appropriate, and always allowing rhythmical elements to stand out from the flow. This is an aspect to which I return, since it serves to distinguish David’s music from much that is composed today.
During the 1980s I got to know David in two other connections: as a philosophical thinker, and as a public-spirited defender of the oppressed. I was teaching in the University of London – my last full time academic position, which ended in 1990. Although I appreciated the academic life, and the philosophical discussions among colleagues, I felt the need for another kind of intellectual companionship: one in which art, literature and music would have a central place, and which would be neither academic nor political in its focus. I invited a few friends, chosen for their interest in the arts and in the big questions of our contemporary way of life, to meet regularly at my flat for dinner and discussion. Thus was born a circle which has been a great support both to me and to others who have belonged to it. David was an obvious choice, as was Peter Fuller, the erstwhile Marxist critic, tragically killed in a car crash in 1990 (and commemorated in one of David’s most poignant works, the lovely second movement of the 6th String Quartet). Anthony O’Hear and Norman Barry were also invited, together with Juliet Mitchell, the psychoanalyst; later Ian McEwan the novelist joined us and later still the philosopher Sebastian Gardner. Our discussions were wide ranging, and David’s immense culture and learning helped to focus them in a creative way.
It became gradually clear to us, during the course of our meetings, that Four Quartets had left a kind of ‘cognitive pathway’ in our thinking. (It is from Four Quartets that David took the title for his harrowing symphonic poem, In The Dark Time.) All our discussions seemed to lead back to religious ideas: not the idea of God only, but more general, and more anthropologically conceived notions, such as ritual, sanctity, piety and the idea of the holy. Not all of us chose to stray onto this ‘overgrown path’ that lay partly hidden in our consciousness. Norman Barry had little time for religion, being a robust libertarian and an empirically-minded political scientist, and Ian McEwan was inclined to an evolutionary explanation of this, as of so much else in the human condition. But David and Peter were articulate defenders of the kind of ‘intransitive religion’, as Erich Heller once described it, that we find in the late poetry of Rilke, and in much of the English music of our time (notably in VW and BB). And it was just such an intransitive religion that David heard in the music of Janáček, whose ‘overgrown path’ has been such an important influence on both of us.
In the course of our meetings David often articulated a vision of modern life that made room for the sacred and for the idea of redemption, but divested of the metaphysical commitments of traditional religious belief. During the years of our discussions he composed two remarkable religious works: the above mentioned Vespers for choir and orchestra, setting poems by Rilke among others, and articulating in a most moving way the religious feelings of a post-religious person; and The Music of Dawn, a symphonic poem inspired by the mystical painting of that title by Cecil Collins. Collins had been a favorite painter of Peter Fuller, who had spoken about him to our discussion group. In Peter’s view Collins typified the neglected tradition of figurative symbolism in English painting, the tradition that reached through Bomberg, Sutherland, Ivon Hitchens and the London Group, to Miles Richmond and Cecil Collins. This tradition stands to the English soul in painting as composers like David Matthews to the English soul in music. David was drawn to Peter in part because they both rejected the cult of desecration and flippancy that had arisen through the art schools and which led in our time to the moral and aesthetic disaster of ‘Young British Art’. Although neither David nor Peter could be described as believers, they were united in their respect for sacred things, and in their belief that it is the duty of art in our time to rescue the sense of the sacred from the ruins of formal religion. The sustained melodious enchantment of The Music of Dawn conveys some of the intense religious experience that we find in Collins – not an experience that can be contained within the doctrine of any faith, but a kind of wonder at creation, and at the consciousness which makes wonder possible.
David often addressed our little discussion group, and it is pertinent in this connection to recall one of his talks, which he subsequently refashioned as an article, republished in this volume. It concerned the great painting of the flaying of Marsyas by Titian, now in the Archbishop’s palace in Kroměřiž. David raised the question how this painting, of a subject-matter so horrifying that in other contexts it hardly bears thinking about, achieves an atmosphere of such serenity? The flaying, he suggested, is portrayed as a kind of loving act, and the composition is imbued with calm, as though all conflict had been overcome and reconciled. The savagery of Marsyas is being disciplined and tamed, in a ritual sacrifice that is also a purification.
The painting should be seen, David suggested, as a Renaissance alternative to the Crucifixion. Christianity suggests that man is helpless until he puts his trust in God; but Titian is insisting that man can rescue himself by learning from his mistakes. Hence this image has more to say to us, now, than the Crucifixion, even though it is communicating on the same level as a Crucifixion scene, showing the truth of life in the moment of sacrifice. Christianity, David argued, cannot survive in the modern world, since the ideas of atonement and redemption through faith no longer have a place. But here we find the humanist equivalent, and that is why modern people are so powerfully drawn to this picture.
Titian, he said, shows us becoming rather than being – the process of change and the getting of wisdom, a subject that is ignored by contemporary art, which has forgotten that human beings come into the world in order to perfect themselves. In much modern art, and in modern music especially, there is a tendency to reject becoming and to return to a pre-Renaissance idea of being, as something fixed and unredeemable. But in all great post-Renaissance art it is becoming that is emphasized, and being is seen as something to be achieved through becoming. Stasis comes through dunamis, as in Beethoven’s late quartets (and especially that in E flat). The C sharp minor quartet, David added, is the only one that begins in stasis and moves to dunamis. And this same quartet ranks with The Flaying of Marsyas as one of the supreme achievements of our civilisation. Take the two together and you will understand what is lacking in so much contemporary music, namely the dance, that which inhabited the aged fingers of Titian in the same way that it inhabits the voice-led movement of Beethoven’s quartet.
Titian’s painting inspired David to write one of his most original compositions, The Flaying of Marsyas, for oboe and string quartet, in which the contest between pan-pipes and lyre, represented by oboe and violin, is gradually subdued and reconciled, and absorbed into the texture of the string quartet. For all the philosophical reflection that went in to this piece it is by no means an academic or ‘learned’ composition. On the contrary, like all of David’s music, it shows reflection reworked as emotion, and has a spontaneity that is entirely musical. It exemplifies what I think is the most important feature of David’s artistic persona, that he is immediately and totally engaged in whatever is before him, whether it be a painting, a landscape, an idea or a drama.
David’s modest manner and his way of bearing his immense learning lightly and discretely have ensured that he has remained a private and not a public intellectual, easily though he could fill the latter role. His ability – astonishing in the times in which we live – to support himself as a professional composer of serious music, has freed him from any need to brand himself as a celebrity, and his quiet presence in musical gatherings testifies to the serene pleasure that he takes in the success enjoyed by others. His undemonstrative manner is not the sign of timidity, however. At a certain point during the period of our first acquaintance I asked him whether he would be willing to travel to Czechoslovakia (as it then was) in order to talk to a group of musicians and composers in Brno, who had been cut off from contact with their Western colleagues and also, in certain cases, excluded from official recognition and performance on account of their dissident profile. David readily agreed, and was profoundly affected by the experience – in particular by his meeting with Petr Oslzlý, founder and director of the Theatre on a String, a company that existed on the edge of things, neither permitted nor forbidden, but acting as a door into the underground, which would be opened to those who knew the password. David’s seminar to the musicians and others who had assembled to meet him was on the topic of Mahler’s 10th symphony, which he had worked with Deryck Cooke on reconstructing from the sketches. The seminar lasted six hours, and was received with great emotion since, although Mahler was a Moravian composer, son of the inn-keeper in the village of Kaliště, who began his conducting career in Olomouc, his symphonies were rarely performed in the land of his birth, and the 10th had not yet received its premier there.
David returned from Brno resolved to do what he could to help the musicians and composers whom he had met. He at once set about organising exchanges and visits ‘on the edge’, through which to secure the privilege of travel for composers who had been marginalised. He volunteered to take on the task of coordinating the musical side of our slowly growing underground university, and thereafter travelled frequently to visit his Czech colleagues, and to provide them with the resources needed to further their creative activities. It was thanks in part to David’s support, both before and after 1989, that the Brno school of composers has achieved international recognition. In particular, David’s support for Pavel Novák has been crucial, first in encouraging Novák to stick to his calling during the difficult years on the margins, and subsequently in securing commissions outside the country which have led to international recognition not only for him but also for those of the older generation, such as Miloslav Ištvan and Alois Pinoš, and indeed for the entire Brno school, in whose music some of the eager life-force of Janáček still breathes. David also organized visits to Brno by important British composers, including the indefatigable Nigel Osborne, Judith Weir, Anthony Powers, Michael Berkeley and several more. The story is told by Barbara Day in her history of the underground university in Czechoslovakia, The Velvet Philosophers, and it records an exemplary effort by one concerned artist to offer a lifeline to colleagues less fortunate than himself and, in doing so, to experience a new kind and new intensity of inspiration.
David’s experience of communist Czechoslovakia was emotionally intense; but it was not, psychically speaking, a new departure. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of him, both as a person and as an artist, is that he does not have experiences: rather experiences have him. They take possession of him completely, and use him as a vehicle in their search for expression and form. I don’t mean to suggest that there is something demonic about him: on the contrary. He has the capacity both to surrender to experience and also to discipline and humanize it. His music has many dissonant and angry passages; but they never triumph, and are always overcome by a kind of distancing forgiveness. Even in the Chaconne, which marked a transition in David’s style, and which contains some of his most superimposed dissonances, the mesmerizing ground bass imposes an order which subdues the music to its rhythm, so that this work, which begins with hallucinatory shrieks in the upper range of the double basses, introducing startled cries from across the orchestra, settles at the end on a serene rumination on the ground bass theme, with soft strings in their natural register, accompanied by harp and celesta. The effect is clearly reminiscent of the long-drawn out ‘Ewig’ that ends Das Lied von der Erde.
And maybe this is an appropriate point on which to end this tribute too. Mahler’s ‘Ewig’ summarizes the religious feelings of an artist for whom the source of meaning is earth and her beauty, and who finds redemption not in hoping beyond this world, but in being reconciled to leaving it, and leaving it forever. In Mahler’s vision redemption comes through beauty; but the awareness of beauty is not merely an aesthetic thing, existing in fleeting moments of delight. It is a stance of the whole person and informs the whole of life. It has its moral and political expression; and it is best explained, to those who do not know it, as the ability to bless, and to be blessed by, the things of this world. That ability was Mahler’s; and it is David’s too.
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A new publication from St Augustine's Press: Recovering Politics, Civilization, and the Soul Essays on Pierre Manen… https://t.co/jhg38As4FA
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New Work – from profession to vocation
New Work is synonymous with a new generation of employees. Most often, the term is used in connection with flexibility, agility, independence and personal development in the workplace. It has long been clear to companies that they need to embrace the modern way of working in order to stay relevant for Millennial and Gen Z talent. But what exactly drives New Work, and how can companies put it into practice? We’ve compiled the most important information on this and more right here.
New Work is based on three central values: independence, freedom, and community participation. Based on these values, four different approaches to New Work have evolved that each focus on certain aspects of the concept.
Freedom regarding the “where and when” of work
Here, employees are given the freedom to choose where they want to work. This ranges from fixed home-office days to digital nomadism, where employees are completely remote and can work from anywhere. There are also various forms of flexible working hours that companies can offer.
A breakdown of organizational structures
Organizational charts and silos are finally a thing of the past. New Work increasingly revolves around agility and project-based organization.
Creating meaning through work
Employers are challenged to bring meaning to their work. They’re increasingly questioning the values of companies and how worthwhile their own work is.
New management structures
Flat hierarchies, participation and democratic management structures play a central role here.
New Work in practice
Enough theory – what does New Work actually look like in practice? As it happens, there are many established ways to integrate basic New Work values into organizational structures, corporate culture, and everyday work life.
New Work Leadership
Leaders such as managers, team leads, department heads and those at the executive level play a key role in the implementation of New Work. They set the framework and give employees the tools they need to actually live New Work ideals.
New Work leaders: New Work Leadership is based on trust, personal responsibility and appreciation. Leaders in a New Work environment have to adapt their leadership skills to meet the current moment, where good leadership is measured by the team’s ability to work independently and make collective decisions.
Empowerment: Empowerment is a central keyword in the New Work context – enabling employees to achieve their goals. In simple terms, this means that employees are allowed to work independently and be accountable to themselves. This brings with it an enormous amount of freedom, and allows the team to develop and grow. In many companies, this leads to greater motivation and better performances.
Self-actualization: Self-actualization is the goal behind empowerment. The pursuit of self-actualization through work takes into account the expectation that work must also be meaningful.
A democratic leadership culture: Employee participation is an important but controversial topic when it comes to New Work. While it actively integrates employees into important decision-making processes and leads to greater satisfaction, it also lengthens decision-making paths.
Flat hierarchies: New Work breaks up classic corporate structures. This includes hierarchical structures that are considered outdated. It’s precisely through principles such as employee participation that hierarchical levels are flattened. Nevertheless, managers play a central role in the implementation.
New Work in the office
In the New Work context, the office no longer connotes a fixed place, but more of an idea. After all, the location of work has long ceased to be linked directly to the company’s physical location.
Remote work: Even before the pandemic, working from home was increasing in popularity. On the one hand, it offers employees great flexibility. On the other, it demonstrates confidence on the company’s behalf in their employees’ ability to structure their own time. Several pandemic-related lockdowns catalyzed the move toward remote work, as companies were effectively forced into implementing it. Now, remote work has effectively become a requirement for employees, especially the younger generation. This includes either allowing for fixed home-office days or the ability to be fully location-independent. The concept of digital nomads is also on the rise – employees, the self-employed and freelancers tend to work abroad for longer periods of time and use coworking spaces there, for example.
Job rotation: With job rotation, employees work in other positions within a company for a limited period of time. The extent of this can vary from a brief trial period to a permanent role in a new position. The aim is to build up new skills, connect employees and offer them opportunities for personal development.
Rethinking the office: If you want to adapt your own office space for New Work, you should plan for communal spaces, well-equipped meeting rooms and places for concentrated work. The office must be designed to foster creative work and community, but also concentration and focus. All this is to say that modern workplaces go far beyond providing a desk, shelving and an internet connection.
How employers can use New Work to their advantage
When New Work is integrated into the company structure, it offers multiple advantages. On the one hand, it presents companies with the opportunity to position themselves competitively in the war of talent. Companies with flat hierarchies, capable New Work leaders and strong values have the best chances of attracting promising talent.
This talent, in turn, can flourish in New Work environments and fully realize their potential. The company then benefits from greater motivation and willingness to perform within the team.
Furthermore, New Work principals are seen as drivers of digitization and innovation. To enable employees to work flexibly and independently, companies must be equipped with the appropriate technology. In this way, companies can keep their finger on the pulse of day-to-day goings on, while benefiting from the positive effects of flexible, agile and digitized work processes.
New Work principles may entice many companies with promises such as higher output, higher employee motivation, and more innovation and digitization. However, they should also keep in mind that the implementation of New Work starts with the company mentality. New Work cannot simply be imposed on conservative companies and outdated structures – processes must be analyzed, broken down and revised. Managers must also be trained and educated, and employees must understand and accept new ways of leading. New Work values must be lived in the company – requiring a fresh, open and flexible mindset.
New Work – definition, approaches and methods
The debate about New Work has been going on for years, but it has picked up speed as a result of the global pandemic. So what exactly is New Work,…
New Work management – a new generation of leaders
With many companies embracing New Work practices, the demands on managers are changing rapidly – and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has catalyzed this development. Employees were suddenly on their own…
What types of New Work methods are there?
New Work is now a prerequisite for many companies as they try to position themselves as top employers. Many job seekers describe their ideal employers with words like “empowerment”, “hybrid…
New Work – from profession to vocation
New Work is synonymous with a new generation of employees. Most often, the term is used in connection with flexibility, agility, independence and personal development in the workplace. It has…
Agility and New Work
In addition to New Work, many future-oriented, tech-savvy companies are exploring agility and agile project management. Agile processes promise more flexibility and speed, focusing on a customer-centric approach. But how…
Corporate culture and New Work – making work meaningful
New Work is often characterized by terms like meaning-making, community and self-fulfillment. These ideas refer less to the work itself and more to the “big picture” of any individual’s working…
Can work-life blending actually work?
Modern work is undergoing rapid change. In times of remote and hybrid work, employees and employers alike are facing massive challenges as the boundaries between private and professional life become…
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Graduate school did not give me all the necessary tools needed to excel in the workplace. Sure, it taught me theory and concepts, but the workplace is a jungle: it requires more than just knowledge and skills.
Five years of work experience has taught me that communication, confidence, and skills trumps knowledge in any position. A degree of emotional intelligence is crucial too. Here are my lessons learned from working in my industry.
Master the art of reading between the lines.
In school, feedback was constant. Write a paper and earn a grade. Take a quiz; learn what to study for the exam. Present the wrong answer to a question in class; get corrected for your mistake. Everything was straightforward.
The workplace, however, is maze of subtleness. Nothing is clean-cut. One is constantly having to read people’s facial expressions and body language to interpret what her words really mean. For instance, my office has an open floor layout, facilitating open dialogue and the exchange of ideas. But when a co-worker needs to take a phone call, she will politely excuse herself and step out of the office . When I initially started working at the company, I did not understand this unspoken rule. I would quietly answer the phone at my desk, but my actions would always be greeted with the side-eye from my peers. No one ever told me to leave the building, but after a couple of weeks, I caught on. Now, when my phone vibrates during work hours, I politely excuse myself and follow the unspoken rule of receiving calls inside the office.
Master your skills and abilities.
You are blessed if you can honestly say that you have never been bored with your job. In fact, if that is you, then CONGRATULATIONS. You are one in a million. However, if you are like the rest of us, then you know that some work assignments can be a real sleeper.
What I’ve learned is that not every assignment is going to be sexy. Not every assignment is going to be exciting and fun, but if you are strategic, you can use each assignment to improve your skills and competency. Continual progress, learning, and acquiring new skills should be your goal. Always aim to learn something new. Be the best at what you do. Be the go-to person in your office. Doing so will not only increase your chance at job security, but it will also make you more marketable for future positions.
My favorite supervisors are the ones who have done my job before. They not only understand my job in theory, but they know the nuances of my role so they can give advice and set realistic deadlines. I once had the experience of having a supervisor who knew very little about my role as a data analyst. For that reason, she would set deadlines that were nearly impossible for me to meet and she would often ask for data that were not readily available. Unfortunately, her background was in criminology, so she had little exposure to statistics. Having to explain my side to her was difficult and oftentimes unproductive.
On the other hand, in another position, I worked under an experienced research scientist and he was fantastic. He not only set realistic deadlines, but he also helped me find the best method to analyzing datasets. His data were easy to read and organized. During a casual conversation one day, he informed me that he worked as a data analyst for many years. He struggled with it. But those years of struggle helped him hone his skills and eventually he was promoted to his current position as a research scientist. There is value in starting from the bottom in the hierarchy of an organization. At the bottom you learn the things that will help you succeed in higher positions.
Humility is key.
Graduate school gives students a degree of confidence that is necessary to advance one’s career, but education can also inflate one’s ego a bit too. As a former supervisor said to me once, “You can just see them [new graduates] coming in, chest poked out, smarter than their boss. Their parents told them they were amazing. Their professors gave them good grades. And now, because they John Shmoe with some letters behind their names, they feel entitled to special treatment. Ask them to make copies and they look at you as if such tasks are beneath them. I can spot them from a mile away.”
The truth is that experience trumps degrees every time. Even though my knowledge of public health concepts and theories are a bit rusty now, my experience in the field is invaluable. New graduates are not better because they have earned some letters behind their name, they are only prepared to learn more and tackle the challenges that lie before them in the workplace. . Learn from everyone in the workplace – from the receptionist to the CEO – for, everyone has experience that you can benefit from.
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Miles and Points Recap: Etihad Transfer, Daily Getaways, Hotel Promotions, Alliant Card and More - Miles For Family
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Miles and Points Recap: Etihad Transfer, Daily Getaways, Hotel Promotions, Alliant Card and More
April 7, 2017 By Leana 3 Comments
This is a brief news recap from last week. For faster updates, follow Miles For Family on Twitter or check the feed on the right side of the blog.
1) Hotel points to Etihad Guest 20% transfer bonus by Milevalue. Read the article to see why this may be a good deal for some. Those who are looking to fly to deep South America and Europe (during off-season) should definitely pay attention to this transfer bonus.
If you live in New York area and are looking to fly to Brussels in business class, you might be able to do it for only 36K Etihad miles roundtrip, plus $100 in taxes. Read this post for details. Warning! Etihad Guest agents are notoriously difficult to deal with. Do your homework ahead of time before calling.
2) Daily Getaways has released a preview of deals for next week. The only two worthwhile ones IMO are Alamo (April 10th) and Busch Gardens (April 13th). Alamo offer is definitely a good deal, but only IF you actually plan to rent from Alamo and IF you are OK with non-refundable nature of this purchase. Another thing that concerns me is the highlighted statement:
In order to avoid a nasty surprise, call ahead and find out if the rental franchise you are considering renting from will honor this discount. You can combine up to three vouchers towards one reservation, but they are only valid on base rate, not taxes or fees.
Also, be aware that certificate is not combinable with any other discount, offer or promotional rate. I’ve read comments from folks who bought this certificate last year, and they all had good experience. So, it’s definitely legit. You will do best on short rentals, obviously. Bottom line: A no-brainer deal for some, but beware the fine print.
If you are looking to visit Busch Gardens, $45 price per ticket is probably as good as it it gets, unless you get an annual pass.
3) Hotel promotions update for April 2017 by LoyaltyLobby. All programs, all on one page. Some promos are mediocre, a few are pretty decent. I don’t think any of them are worthy of a mattress run, but if you have plans to stay in a particular chain, might as well get extra points.
4) Capital One 360 is offering a $200 Money Market Bonus if you deposit $10,000. Read all the details on DoC. I took advantage of this deal few years ago and actually kept the account open. I like how easy and user-friendly the website is. So, if you have $10,000 laying around and earning almost nothing, give this deal a shot. However, first, make sure to read the second part of this post to see some other good options for stashing your emergency fund.
At some point I plan to dedicate a separate post to my experience with chasing after bank bonuses over the last few years.
5) My IHG points were stolen and IHG won’t help by TravelCodex. This doesn’t surprise me at all, as IHG is an extremely inept program, at least judging by my experience with them. Definitely keep an eye on your loyalty accounts and consider signing up for free version of Awardwallet
6) You can now earn 2.5% cash back on everything via Alliant Visa Signature (3% during first year). Read the post on MtM for full details The question is: should you drop everything and get this card? It depends. I’m not going to because most of my spending goes towards sign-up bonuses.
The biggest deal breaker, of course, is $59 annual fee, though it’s waived during the first year. Overall, it’s definitely a good product for those who like to keep things simple and who have a considerable amount in non-bonus spending. Keep in mind, you have to spend close to $12K before you break even compared to cards like Citi Double Cash and Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature. Both of them have no annual fee. For that reason, I don’t plan to add Alliant Visa Signature to my list of best long-term cards for middle-class family.
I just don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze on that one. Yes, you’ll get that extra 0.5% in cash back. But you have to jump through multiple hoops to get approved for the card and spend $12K just to break even. Most normal folks will use cards like Chase Freedom for 5% categories and sign up for new bonus offers here and there, so it will likely be a wash.
Additionally, I fully expect Alliant credit union to reduce cash back rate at some point. So, I’m saving my credit pull for something else and I think you should too. As always, do the math and decide if the card will work for your specific situation.
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
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Cheapblackdad says
April 7, 2017 at 11:21 am
Ah, IHG. I had a strangely fortuitous experience with IHGs ineptitude recently. Allow me to recount the tale.
In March, I decided to take advantage of IHGs Elevate promotion. I had booked 4 nights across 2 IHG properties for a recent business trip to Orange County. I would be flying out of Chicago, and got a hotel the night before my flight as we are a ways away from ORD. This set up would allow me to net something like 10k points.
The day of my arrival, I got a an email informing me my Chicago airport property was no longer in the IHG portfolio.
I was frustrated by this, as I definitely would have opted for my usual Marriott or even Hyatt properties for this trip, but went with IHG for the promo. I emailed IHG my disappointment and a request to still receive the points from the promo.
No dice they said, as I had not actually signed up for the promo. Whoops. That’s on me. I signed up after the fact just in case, on the way to the airport the morning after my first stay, but gave up altogether contacting IHG and arguing my case. After all, first world problems, right? People are getting sarin gassed by their own government and I’m over here trying to get 10k IHG points. Time for some perspective.
Well, a few days after my stays, I got all the bonus points associated with the promo. No explanation, just got the points, despite being told to take a hike.
Also, it was my worst hotel stay since an ill fated stay in a very dangerous Milwaukee area hotel with my family as a child.
Leana says
April 7, 2017 at 11:48 am
@Cheapblackdad Congrats on getting the points in the end. IHG is crazy like that, but sometimes it works to consumer’s advantage. This is partially why I stopped doing their promos. I just got sick of making phone calls and fighting for my points. But if a super lucrative promo comes around, I’m sure I’ll bite… again.
I’m sorry the hotel was a dud. IHG is also very inconsistent when it comes to quality. This ain’t no Hyatt!
August 12, 2019 at 4:45 pm
[…] you put a ton on credit cards each year and want cash back, you will be better off with Alliant Visa I’ve mentioned in my recent news round-up. I’m honestly surprised that Barclays hasn’t yet reduced the annual fee given all the […]
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You look so freakin’ happy in that Dwell Magazine article or Buzzfeed post, but c’mon, you can’t tell me that you don’t lie awake at night, your face four inches from the ceiling because the only place your bed fits is above the kitchen sink which also acts as your shower, and think, I’ve made a terrible mistake.
Look, I’m not criticizing you. I commend you for making this giant leap. Since we humans seem comfortable with pillaging Mother Earth of all her resources, I believe more people should think like you. But 250 square feet? What the hell happens when your tiny house partner farts Mexican food farts, huh? Where do you escape to? Nowhere. You have nowhere to run. All you can do is walk three feet to the other end of the house and pray.
Or maybe you can run out into the tiny forest surrounding your tiny house.
I f’ing love the idea of downsizing and living a “simple life,” but seriously, where do you put your shit? You still have some clothing and shoes and towels and all that jazz, right? Or do you just wear overalls now? Overalls and Birkenstocks and one towel that you share with your entire family. Where do you wash that towel, hmm? Do you have a tiny river that runs behind your tiny house? I bet you do. I bet your whole Goddamn property is whimsical.
And I know your house isn’t that clean all of the time. In your pictures, it looks like you only own a tiny sofa, several throw blankets & pillow, one cooking pan, one antique book and one framed photo of you laughing in front of your tiny house.
Hey. Do you have privacy in your tiny house?
God damn, I have so many questions.
What if you’re having a shitty day and you just want to be alone? You can’t be alone, right? Because your partner or children are sitting two to ten feet away from you at all times. Don’t you feel like a rat trapped in a cage? Don’t you ever want to turn toward your lover or spawn and shout, “Get out! Get out of my tiny house!”
What about sexy time, huh? There is no f’ing way your kids aren’t hearing that shit. If you’re boinking four feet from your offspring, they might grow up to hate tiny things and end up building a McMansion with ten empty bedrooms just to spite you. Each bedroom will represent their years of loss innocence.
And your poor teenage children. What happens if they need sexy time? They go through puberty. They need the sex.
source-HGTV; photo by David Sokol
Even that dog is like, “Where the fuck is the bed, guys?”
What about guests? Where do you put your guests? Can friends and family even visit you? Do you have friends and family? ANSWER ME, DAMMIT! Are people now afraid of you?
“Honey, want to go visit Petal & Ralph out in their 250-square-foot house this weekend?”
“Are you shitting me? That place smells like a hot box of Mexican food farts.”
Guys, you know when the zombie apocalypse comes you’re going to be the first to go, right? Four zombies could pick up and shake your tiny house like a Smart Car. Your bodies will be flinging out the windows like hornets shaken from a nest. You’re only going to have that one cooking pan and farts to save yourself.
Be honest: You just want to live out your life like a Wes Anderson character, don’t you? You want to be some eccentric full of whimsy who doesn’t need modern tools or resources to live a fulfilling life. Well, good for you and your small abode. I hope you’re happy and that all my questions and concerns are just the ramblings of a jealous woman who wants a tiny house of her own.
*This post is half in jest. I actually do commend people who can live this life, but I am curious if it’s all peaches and cream like the swanky design magazines suggest. I do believe that overpopulation of the Earth is a problem, so downsizing seems like a great option. I also think these tiny houses are a great dwelling alternative for homeless individuals.
May 22, 2015 by hipstercrite
Lauren is a writer and professional Jeff Goldblum lover.
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Reply Jennifer May 22, 2015 at 11:35 am
This is great, I wonder the same things. Love my 650 sq ft apt but no desire to go smaller . An acquaintance is bldg a tiny house this summer, can’t wait to see how it works for her.
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:05 pm
I grew up in a 950-square-foot house with three people, and I’ve mostly lived in smaller my entire life. I like small too, but I don’t think I could do below 500.
Reply Kate Conroy July 9, 2015 at 12:07 am
Why “Mexican food farts?”
Reply hunter July 9, 2015 at 1:13 pm
why not?
Reply Hexxuss August 23, 2015 at 12:55 am
Have you ever smelled Mexican food farts? I dare say not much else compares (and that’s not a good thing…)
Philly Bob March 9, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Beer & Egg farts are worse…
Reply William Burke July 5, 2016 at 12:09 am
Because Mexican food.
Reply eddie April 4, 2017 at 10:00 am
ok then
Reply Gypsy SnickerDoodle January 2, 2016 at 4:16 am
I love it.
Suspecting that you’d live this, too:
The point they talk about cramming their whole Family into the campers every night, Mum & Dad having sex & the One Rule (‘wash your asshole’) will have all of you in stitches.
Reply Matteo Lamberto October 27, 2017 at 12:56 am
“2-flats are where it’s at!” That’s my personal slogan. I own a 2-flat…live upstairs (so I don’t hear the other tenant)…collect rent for the downstairs unit. Not a huge place – Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room/Dining Room and 2 bedrooms – but plenty for 2 adults and maybe 1-2 small kiddos. Basement allows for plenty of storage and shared laundry facility and 2 families only take up the footprint of a typical single-family home. Increase the 2-flats and reduce the footprint plus allow for a new home-owner to increase their income with rent
Reply Juristic Person June 12, 2015 at 8:21 pm
You’re an idiot. You can’t sit there mocking, berating and belittling people who choose a lifestyle that you aren’t capable of and then put a little disclaimer at the end that you’re just…sort of….kidding. You are just a typical half brained, liberal consumer who has no idea what being self sufficient and living a simple life is all about…so you mock it from the privacy of your own little debt prison. Most people who choose the tiny house lifestyle are conservative or libertarian minded individuals who pay cash up front, have no debt and have a real connection to nature and the world around them. They value privacy, self reliance and liberty. They dont need space for their “stuff” because the accumulation of stuff is not what is important in life. And they don’t want to be bothered, nor do they care to explain their life choices and decisions to the likes of a self-centered snob like you.
Reply hipstercrite June 12, 2015 at 11:07 pm
I’m curious? How large is your house?
P.S. I don’t have any debt and I don’t use credit cards.
Reply Moonshadow July 8, 2015 at 1:57 am
JURISTIC PERSON, where do you get your stats? The majority of people I know that are building and living in tiny homes are liberal/green party types. I know of NO conservatives that are willing to give up their big homes, big trucks and consumer lifestyle to do what it takes to live in a tiny home.
Sue July 10, 2015 at 7:33 am
I love watching those tiny house shows, and thanking all the gods/goddesses that I’m not also sleeping in a packing crate, and pooping in a sandbox – I mean composting toilet. I’m so impressed with their brilliant use of space, storage solutions, and efficient resource conservation, though! You go, tiny house people! Preferably downwind.
ron leonard July 21, 2015 at 12:14 am
I love the idea, and I am a iddle class white guy, retired with a couple hundred k in the bank. My House is only 16x 40 but was 16 x 20 for years and i love it. Its not on wheels but is on a little lake in Alaska very far from any liberal pukes.
J K November 13, 2015 at 3:07 pm
The title of “conservative” isn’t a political standpoint… think outside your cube. Conservative means to hold traditional viewpoints and are cautious of big change. So then what is your “traditional” ?…. Liberal means open to new behavior and ideas… even if those ideas are stupid. The freedom to make a poor choice of direction, and then to take that step back and rethink that choice. The mass majority of people don’t do anything extra-ordinary for their future in the traditional sense.. so while the “Liberal Arts” is forced down your throat to make it seem like we need some complicated politically correct society; the conservative “traditional” viewed people, and libertarians (advocates of free will) are making their choice not to be a part of the fame chasing and money grubbing lifestyles.. I live in a small home, and it’s all that’s needed to survive and thrive.. the houses we go into debt for, trap us into yet another cube. So de-program yourself to be acceptant of other peoples choices, and then you will be establishing “libertarian” ideology..
To the generations long past, this future of materialism and consumerism would be such as if hell spilled over into life. Living close quarters and sustainable was, in part, why the Great Depression of the 30’s didn’t kill everyone and their mothers in the America’s. 90% of the population were self sustained with farms and small living arrangements… now we stand on the brink of economic collapse similar to the 20’s, and less than 5% of you are self reliant and sustainable. Good luck when Costco and Wal-Mart and Wal-Greens have no goods for sale. People won’t have time to regret not living sustainably, because chaos will have settled on the continent.
Nana84 February 9, 2016 at 5:05 pm
I am conservative and we, my husband and I, live in a 280 sq. foot home. Grew up in a two bedroom house with 12 siblings and 2 parents. You learn what is necessary to have and what is luxury. We have a bedroom, bathroom, combination kitchen/living room.
Dawn Creason May 16, 2016 at 9:56 am
I’m a conservative and we live in an 800 sq ft house. Downsized from 1800 because all the wasted space seemed silly to pay for. We also have a motorcycle and tiny car (no big SUVs) and live very modestly by choice. We’re saving for the future when our children get older. Not all conservatives are the same. Some of us are just nice quiet people that love our little country homes.
Reply Skeptic July 8, 2015 at 3:25 pm
I’m curious. Where do you get your statistical information about tiny house dwellers? Also: didn’t your mother teach you that it isn’t polite to call people names?
William Burke July 5, 2016 at 12:13 am
Tiny car? One of those clown cars like from the circus? I once saw like 27 clowns crawl out of one!
Do you have any room for clowns?
Reply Anne July 8, 2015 at 6:44 pm
This is hilarious satire. Have you ever read “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town” wherein beloved Canadian author Stephen Leacock tears the fake residents of Mariposa new ones over and over again? The thing is, he was from a small town. He loved these fools, dammit! For he was a fool himself, hailing from the smallest town of Orillia, Ontario. Lauren is following a long line of satirists and I think she did a great job:)
Michael Yonchenko July 11, 2015 at 12:07 pm
I don’t think that this is at all satirical, hip, cool, or very interesting. The topic of how one lives comfortably in a tiny house can be rich and interesting. It is also ripe for satire if perhaps a grown-up satirist like Ian Frazier were to write about it. This just hipster drivel by yet another self-congratulating millennial. Somebody please take her magic tablet away from her. And before any of you whine, “Can you do better?”, the answer is, “Yes, easily”, but I need to be paid.
Reply Kerry July 11, 2015 at 11:20 am
Don’t know where you get your stats on tiny house dwellers Juristic, you forgot a sense of humour is integral when yu live mall. We’re a family of 5 (2 left the nest already) pinko socialists in a 512sq ft home and I thought this was HILARIOUS – Especially when I read this while nursing a goosebump on my head because I’d spent 45 minutes lying in the attic over our kitchen with a beam 4 inches from my nose trying to convince myself it could be a bedroom for our teen (my kids have bedstees with curtains in the bumped out attic- our bed folds out in the living space below). And we really do have the tiny forest – backs onto big forest, tiny river- feeds into big river, and tiny lake (okay we do refer to it as a pond) just outside our door. We’ve had a few major WHAT HAVE WE DONE????? moments. My partner claims his farts don’t stink, but you missed the biggest problem n a very small house with a lot of people isn’t the people – its the kitty litter box.
Bren January 3, 2016 at 2:05 pm
LOL. Didn’t even think of the litter box.Yeah, I’d say that could be a “lingering problem”, hahaha
Reply Alicia Eastes July 16, 2015 at 10:15 am
GOOD GIRL! Fist bump. The Juristic Person is very angry and I don’t think it has much to do with your hilarious blog entry about tiny houses.
Reply Joanne July 30, 2015 at 4:58 pm
I lived in 250 sqft for two years with my husband and two boys while I recovered from cancer treatment. God that was easy in every way, from cleaning, to keeping a good eye on the kids, to just feeling connected and unbound to anything accept what we felt like doing. Financially we saved 40k and looking at another 20k when we sell the place. We’ve recently moved closer to my son’s school now that Ive fully recovered. We now live in 840 sqft and I wouldnt want a foot larger. Sexy time? Anyone with kids knows that when those kids are asleep, they’re asleep – and again anyone with kids knows even in a mansion you’re still not going to have crazy uninhibited hang from the rafters sex when you’re under the same roof with those little turkeys. That’s what weekends at Grandma’s house are for no matter what size house you live in. We love our cottage lifestyle and I think anyone can do it if you can handle not having 10,000 pairs of shoes or giving up rooms you never use. We’ve done 4500 sqft down to 250ft and going smaller was the best thing we ever did.
Reply joy June 26, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Reply satoriwasabi August 13, 2016 at 11:11 am
Geez, some people take themselves way too ok seriously! This article was hilarious! I love these tiny house things, but a little humor in life, right? laughter is really really good for the entire eco-system, much more earth friendly than any self righteous ball-buster could ever be!
Reply Cyndi Raper May 20, 2017 at 2:26 pm
The guy with jurastic and his name needs to get a freaking grip I’m a tiny house dweller and I laugh so damn hard at Lauren’s writing that I tinkled in my pants no lie I just had to get up and change my undies it is freakin hysterical and I don’t know when I have left this damn hard I sure do appreciate laughter in my old age my husband is 57 I’m 56 I’m a retired litigation paralegal and I work from home making beautiful jewelry with Swarovski Elements with my lovely Miss Bridget my purebred Scottish Terrier at my side we watch Little House on the freaking Prairie and other shows all day long while my husband works we don’t live out in the middle of the Woods we live less than 5 minutes away from Applebee’s Target Arby’s Wawa and every other major Store and restaurant we live in a small town north of Orlando on a piece of acreage that one man owns we’re back away from the traffic and nobody can even see us back here we often shower out in the sun since living in Florida provides that experience nearly every day of the year we spend less than $400 a month to stay here and why we are saving up for our to a solar cubes the landlord provides Water and Electric he has a big protective dog we have owls in the trees and we love where we’re at hell I’d love to have Lauren as my neighbor I think she’s hysterical and some of you guys just need to smile a little bit more!
Reply Dan July 8, 2015 at 8:59 am
You have some data to back up these statements, right?
Reply Holly July 10, 2015 at 11:29 pm
Anne said it right… this is SATIRE. Go see the Book of Mormon… the writers both admire and lambast Mormonism. I am sorry for anyone who can’t appreciate a good laugh.
Reply Sattire Addiction July 8, 2015 at 12:26 pm
No, no. You’re the idiot. There’s a saying that goes like this, “Only stupid people don’t get sarcasm”. To assume the author has debt and no connection to nature and the world around them (as you put it) and to assume the majority of people living in little houses are conservative or libertarian minded individuals is complete hogwash. Boo to you. Take your narrow mind and read elsewhere. The rest of us will sit back and enjoy the humor in her writing.
Reply Lis July 8, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Reply my-coh July 9, 2015 at 2:44 pm
How about two tiny houses – one for the action, and one for the other-season stuff & single escape?
Most rv’s have way too much space for traveling, while choking occupants like one of those old movies where the walls are squeezing shut, and get parked in storage places much of the year.
950 sq ft, btw is the size of a spacious 32×33 three-bdr house, with at least one bdr sequestered from the rest, and a pantry/entry room in addition to kitch, dining area, and good size living shelter. FAR too big for one or two.
But don’t listen to me, I still prefer sleeping outside from feet to miles from my mobile suitcase.
Since houses on wheels are too attractive to North America’s favorite symbiotes, thieves (speed freaks) and police, they are more hassle than asset.
Had 5 guys sardine-style in my campervan in a stormy pinch far from the housey crowd, and I hear that evidence of tent poles and firepits are 3 million years old – Homo habilis or erectus figured out everything short of mailing address. Grounded politicians won’t let you vote against them from your yurt.
Reply 3CountyLaugh July 14, 2015 at 9:36 pm
I really want to live in your part of the internet, no sarcasm at all. Mine seems to have… Much stronger reactions in it. I’d like a tiny dinner home in you corner of the internet. (Also well phrased)
Reply Lis July 8, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Reply DigitalSatyr July 9, 2015 at 8:47 am
Here’s the thing about people who live minimalist lifestyles and praise themselves for being able to not accumulate “stuff”. In their attempt to live a life without, you’ve become just as bad as the hoarders that do… because you’ve made your life about the stuff. Stop bandwagoning about the merits of living with or without things and just live. Don’t flame a comedy post because it doesn’t fall in line with your views.
Reply Spooky July 9, 2015 at 12:09 pm
The ocean called, it wants its salt back.
Reply Rose May 5, 2019 at 10:33 am
Reply ThatOregonGuy July 9, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Ass-u-me much, Juristic Person???? Sheesh! You know nothing – NOTHING – about Hipstercrite’s personal life. As she’s mentioned, she’s debt free and doesn’t use credit cards. How about you? And why haven’t you answered the questions posed? HOW LARGE IS YOUR HOUSE? I do notice that Hisptercrite didn’t assume anything about you, like stating you live in a large ranch-style home and are paying off that few hundred thousand dollars in home loan… Well? HOW ABOUT ANSWERING HER QUESTIONS???? HMM??????
Reply T-Bone Utley July 9, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Ugh – juristic person – you’re clearly not getting sexy time – and it is true that only smart people get & appreciate sarcasm.
Lauren, you are hilarious. I am sure we would be great friends…I, too, have ALL of these god damn questions every time I see these adorable tiny homes. I want one so badly, but I have too many god damn shoes and purses and a settee and a 4′ deep sofa that goes perfectly with my Netflix subscription that I can’t imagine living without. Mexican food farts, where is the god damn bed, sexy time, zombies, OMG I can’t stop laughing…
p.s. Juristic person – shitting in a hole in the ground in the woods doesn’t make you closer to nature…in fact, I can look at the trees on my apple tv screen saver and feel like I’ve gone on a hike just the same.
Reply Naz November 26, 2015 at 9:54 pm
This is not sarcasm.
Saying “I love Mondays” when I work at a soul sucking corporation is sarcasm. Calling my neighbor’s abusive alcoholic “a real winner” is sarcasm. Ridiculing another’s lifestyle in this manner may be satire, but it isn’t automatically sarcasm.
Reply Libertarian July 9, 2015 at 9:29 pm
I’m a Libertarian and I would never want one of these houses. Everything you said was just so….stupid.
Reply Randall July 10, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Don’t feed the trolls, people.
Reply staceyleigh August 21, 2015 at 8:57 am
How many boxes of “Ancient Grains” cereal are in your tiny tiny cabinet right now?
Reply Hexxuss August 23, 2015 at 1:04 am
I happen to be in-between being very liberal on some issues, and very conservative on others. I have a decent size debt roll, and plan to live off the grid entirely for electricity once I’m not renting.
I have the seeds for my garden planned, and I’ve grown things most of my life. My connection with nature can be summed up as “I’m Wiccan” – that’s pretty much most of what we do – commune with nature (and meditate). I could never, and would never want to live in a place smaller than my living room. In fact, about 2k sq feet sounds just about right. I need plenty of space for the pets we rescue – mostly lizards, and the pets we plan to have that may not be rescues (I love tarantulas & plan to have several), in addition to the ones with fur (cats, bunny, rats – yes, we kept a small stray rat that showed up on our doorstep – I couldn’t make that up if I tried, since I don’t really care for rats lol).
So there you have it – I’m pretty much the opposite of your stereotype, and boy oh boy – the name-calling? Get over yourself already. She CAN sit there and mock their lifestyle… if you ever smelled Mexican food farts, you’d wonder how they survive through it too… giving up Mexican food would suck… as would living in one of those. Each to their own though – that’s why houses come in so many shapes/sizes. There is no “one size fits all”, no matter how determined you are to shove people into stereotypes.
Reply Elisha Dasenbrock December 17, 2015 at 10:26 am
I live in a tiny house and most conservatives would say I’m as liberal as one can get. I’m actually a moderate, but far be it from me to insert reality.
I also think you’re a bit of a humourless douche, but to each their own.
As for someone who doesn’t want to be bothered or care to explain your life choices you certainly are doing a lot of both.
Reply DebB January 22, 2016 at 4:57 pm
Wow…somebody took the article a little personally, I’d say. “Tiny homes” are dumb because it’s a movement about branding. People ALL OVER, by choice or circumstance, live in smaller residences. ‘Tiny home’ living is stupid because it ignores practicalities. The alternative to hyper-consumption is NOT reasonably living in 120sf plus 50sf person. It shouldn’t be a moralistic issue…like vegainsm.
Reply rebekah July 11, 2016 at 6:20 pm
you are the sort incapable of laughter and justifies their own smelly Mexican food farts that I would rather poke myself in the eye with a sharp stick, then share a tiny house with you.
Reply Debbie August 1, 2016 at 8:43 am
Juristic Person…Get a sense of humor! She is not mocking it, but wondering about about how it is living in such a small space. But personally…if I had to live a in a space that small with my husband without getting out of the SAME room (I’m sure you could go outdoors, but hate the heat and bugs. Not a nature person) one of us would kill the other and it it would be constant bickering! It seems a nice life if you are the type of person who could do it.
Reply Vacuous August 4, 2016 at 7:11 pm
Stop feeding the troll! He just said that crap to stir up more crap & y’all fell for it.
Reply Jeff September 20, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Conservatives dont buy crappy little houses like this because they are smart enough to know that a REAL home GOES UP in value where as these little POS are worthless a few years later. Also Conservatives have jobs where these people usually do not and live off the government. If they were smart they would just go buy a damn camper twice the size and half the price…fools…or should I say suckers.
Reply JR Maxwell September 24, 2016 at 8:40 am
I know a few of these people around my area, and they are most definitely not conservative. I’m not sure where you made that connection but so be it. I believe it takes more of a liberal (check the definition of that word) way of thinking to be able to survive this life still. I personally have chosen a nomadic life style most recently, because I reject the notion that after graduation that being a woman I must get married have a couple of babies, and find a job that won’t interfere with home life. This is what the “new conservatives” say I must do as a woman. So sorry you can’t tell me that they are the ones living a non-conventional life style. You may want to look up the definition and the value of your parties before you go slinging slander at people and throughout the word Libreal as if it’s a bad thing.
Reply bernie smith November 1, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Where are all your tools for maintaining your “house” Spare tire? fire extingushers? First aid kit? Spare food if there is a natural disaster? Realible water source? What happens when one family member gets sick and it spreads threw the “house” I’m assuming your a non vaxer,vaccinator, vaccer what ever you call someone interested in getting TB or Small Pox?
Reply Ding Dong Goo August 23, 2017 at 9:16 am
Juristic Person, I fixed your sentence for you;
“Most people who choose the tiny house lifestyle are conservative or libertarian minded individuals…or Smurfs…”
Reply Sunbeam June 4, 2018 at 4:19 am
Uh…whatever, dick! People who shove children into a 200 sq ft house are child abusers. It’s gross…
Reply Morgan March 9, 2019 at 9:56 am
You’re very obviously the idiot here. Ever heard of satire? Your comment was hilarious to read.
Reply Sarah July 8, 2015 at 11:09 am
Reply Tracey Martin July 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Love the satire, hate the cursing.
Reply Noname here September 13, 2016 at 7:41 am
Reply Alec B August 8, 2015 at 3:01 pm
I like the idea of tiny living, and I’ve been a guest in a tiny house. It was fun! I live tiny-ily myself, no not tiny, but small (575 squares). My only contribution to this would be — USE THE STRUCTURES WE CURRENTLY HAVE. Let’s respect land for once and ADAPT for use. No new sewer line and electricity hookups. Let’s use what we got.
Just my two centers.
Reply lorraine October 15, 2015 at 10:46 pm
i live in a hole in a wall apartment, which might as well be considered such. it would be too much for you. you would lose your shit at the cockroaches breeding in the walls. they come from my neighbor who hoards god knows what and 3 dogs and place the size of mine
haha just kidding. I KID.
its great you write so passionately.
where do you get your inspiration?
i hope i could help <3
Reply hipstercrite October 15, 2015 at 11:03 pm
oh man. i’ve done the cockroach-infested, tiny-ass apartment a few times.
hell, i had a place in downtown LA that had rats and i got flea bites from the fleas on the rats (no joke).
inspiration is such a weird thing. sometimes it doesn’t show its face for months, maybe even years, and sometimes it just pops up while you’re sitting on the can or taking a shower. that little f’er.
Reply Andrea November 6, 2015 at 8:06 am
My friend just sent me your post so I just read it even though it’s a bit old. My husband and 16 month son live in a tiny log cabin. (Almost 300 sf plus sleeping loft)
To answer some of your questions: our bed is in a loft, there’s a shed dormer above the bed for head room. My son has a tiny room that holds a crib and small dresser, with a door to answer your sexy time question. I have a full set of cooking implements, the crock pot and blender live in the cupboard, not on the counter though. Farts are terrible but we open a window and the air clears quickly because the rooms are so small. The closet is difficult because I have to stack most of the clothes suitcase style and its hard to keep clean. I have to plan my outfits the night before. We have one or two guests at a time and they sleep on the couch or outside in a tent when it’s warm. We do our laundry at the laundromat. With a baby this is most annoying, but we deal. We do have a creek but not a river, and there is a tiny forest around our house.
If you have more questions or want to see photos feel free to email me.
Reply DebB January 22, 2016 at 5:01 pm
What is the land situation? Where is your T.H. (not the address, but the general location, access to services, etc.?
Reply stef April 14, 2016 at 8:03 am
you’ve obviously never lived in NYC. completely normal.
Reply Lisa May 30, 2016 at 9:40 pm
This is the funniest thing I have ever read. I am an anti tiny houser or shall I say I am anti government human settlement agenda. However I watch the stupid HGTV show over and over and think about the bunch of bullshit they are selling people trying to convince them that life will be perfect in the house where your table is your bed. OMG think of the crumbs in the bed it’s too much for me to fathom. I do wonder where their clothes and shoes are stored or does everyone have a 5 in one outfit in black. Yes we are an over indulged society and I have roughed it, a 3 week state wide power outage after a hurricane in the heat of the summer with two little boys. I know what roughing it is like and dear lord if we were in cramped quarters who knows if we would have survived. Although we did stick close together but could certainly escape if anyone farted. I appreciate conservation and could care less if someone chooses to live in a closet I just cant stand the media lies and brainwashing tactics and how gullible society is.,Thanks for the best laugh in a very long time you rock.
Reply Linda M September 11, 2018 at 8:24 am
Ha, ha, agree, this is freaking great. They’re all moochers, but not every show highlights the “mooch” factor. Awesome!
PS: Poor dog! Does he just STAND all day?
Reply Rob Gomes May 22, 2015 at 11:52 am
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:05 pm
Reply Lamesha May 22, 2015 at 4:06 pm
I totally think all of these same things. I would never in a million years live in a tiny house with kids. Maybe if I was single and child free, but I think kids and adults need separate spaces and room to breathe and not smell each other’s farts.
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:01 pm
Yes! Every family member should have their own tiny house!
Reply Kerry July 11, 2015 at 11:31 am
We figured it out that we need 100 sq ft per person plus a bed – the kids share the attic loft 16×16 -low steeply pitched ceiling – 3 kids 15, 10 and 7 in built in beds with denim curtains. We only have a futon in the livingroom below, Then a 9×16 kitchen and a 7 x 16 bathroom/laundryroom. Someone did actually suggest to me that we should get rid of the beds – apparently we are not hardcore minmalist enough.
Reply Michelle October 24, 2016 at 11:47 pm
Awesome idea !! (every family member having their own tiny house !)
Thanks
Reply Bianca May 22, 2015 at 7:53 pm
When I see a bed so close to the ceiling I always wonder about the sex life of these people. They change positions sometimes? How many injuries they get from bumping body parts on things?
And it creeps me out how they can put the bathroom so close to the kitchen… Think about farts when you’re trying to cook. ewww
I LOVE tiny houses, I live in a small place myself but I’m single… You have to draw the line somewhere! lol
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:03 pm
Hahaha. Tiny houses are mood killers.
Reply WIlliam Mark Felt July 7, 2015 at 11:20 pm
Conversely I have 8ft ceilings and a queen sized bed.
Reply Alec B August 8, 2015 at 3:03 pm
The focus on bodily emissions is hard to read, guys. Let’s graduate to the 9th grade.
Reply lau May 22, 2015 at 7:54 pm
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:06 pm
Reply Jill May 22, 2015 at 11:29 pm
Thanks for the giggle! As someone who lives in a tiny RV home, I too look at the magazine articles and think WTF?!?! There aren’t enough places to ever put the utensils and food and beyond-10-outfits that every normal human owns.
The only saving grace is that when someone is coming for a visit/ peek, I can throw everything extra in the bathroom… because NO ONE wants to see the bathroom once you talk about humanure
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:06 pm
Reply Christina May 23, 2015 at 8:14 am
I’ve lived in an eight bedroom home, I’ve lived in a 350 sq fit trailer… I’ve lived in a tent for a couple month too…. I remember sitting in the two story 3 bdrm house I was renting once, realizing I was paying all this money to sit on my couch or at my desk, walk into the kitchen for nourishment, walk up the stairs for sleep and shower etc…. I kept thinking what a waste of money & space, no one used most of what was being paid for…. so I moved into something smaller, spent less on utilities etc…. and while it isn’t a tiny home right now, I can honestly say that I liked that little 350 sq ft space I had that time… all except the fact that I got no real exercise there and no space to do much of it… exercise aside, these tiny homes make sense to me and the money these folks may have left over allows them to afford a healthier lifestyle as well!
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:09 pm
Very cool, Christina. Thank you for sharing.
Reply Angela May 23, 2015 at 11:27 am
Let me answer this in honesty….it can truly suck. My husband and I live in a 12’x24′ on 6 acres. No children, but 8 indoor/outdoor cats and 1 mutt. Some days I just go outside and scream. And don’t get me started on ‘stuff’ and hoe impossibly easy it is to clutter up the tiny home.
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:13 pm
Hey, Angela. Thanks for sharing. I know- stuff is tough. It doesn’t feel like there is enough space for stuff.
Reply steven May 23, 2015 at 12:00 pm
This is an extrodinarily egocentric article. Millions, if not billions of people in this world don’t have the luxury of having 4500 sq foot air conditioned houses. The whole point of tiny houses it to get away from that. Until you understand that, you cannot understand living tiny.
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Hi, Steven-Charles! Did you happen to read the footnote?
Reply Kate Lee July 9, 2015 at 12:25 am
LIGHTEN UP STEVEN! lauren is obviously making fun of elitist hipster types that choose to build these things and celebrate them as being cool. no one is making fun of indian families 8 strong that live in a bedroom shack. mummy
this article is the funniest thing i’ve read in a year. or two. thanks.
Reply KITTY July 8, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Ah, the righteous indignation of the smug and condescending. Thanks for educating us on the obvious. I suspect you were among the first to own a hybrid car a decade ago and now you’re living tiny – enjoying the smell of your own farts. The rest of us may live large and wasteful, but our sense of humor is still intact. The article is a humorous rant and stated as such. If you cannot see that, perhaps you need to open your tiny windows and let the fart juice clear. It may be detrimentally affecting your brain function in the way carbon monoxide would…
Reply Aisling May 24, 2015 at 2:36 pm
1st of all, this is hilarious! These are certainly the universal questions people have about tiny living & probably the very reasons why some will never go for it. I cannot imagine tiny living with children; that is a remarkable feat! Think “Alaskan Bush People!”
2nd point, my husband & I being in our late 50’s are looking forward to building a tiny/small house to retire in. Our very 1st apartment, a charming refurbished basement of a lovely home, was a mere 200 sq ft & we were quite comfortable. We continued living there even after the birth of our 1st child until she was about 17 months. Realizing 200 sq ft was actually feasible space in which to be comfortable, we are considering building anywhere from 200 – 300 sq ft. with a ground floor bedroom for ourselves and loft(s) for grandkids & other visitors. The loo will be off of our bedroom, not the kitchen!
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Reply Aisling May 24, 2015 at 2:36 pm
1st of all, this is hilarious! These are certainly the universal questions people have about tiny living & probably the very reasons why some will never go for it. I cannot imagine tiny living with children; that is a remarkable feat! Think “Alaskan Bush People!”
2nd point, my husband & I being in our late 50’s are looking forward to building a tiny/small house to retire in. Our very 1st apartment, a charming refurbished basement of a lovely home, was a mere 200 sq ft & we were quite comfortable. We continued living there even after the birth of our 1st child until she was about 17 months. Realizing 200 sq ft was actually feasible space in which to be comfortable, we are considering building anywhere from 200 – 300 sq ft. with a ground floor bedroom for ourselves and loft(s) for grandkids & other visitors. The loo will be off of our bedroom, not the kitchen!
Reply Steven May 24, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I’m pretty sure your planning intensity would have to be considered artistic obsessive compulsive.
Reply Dave May 24, 2015 at 3:43 pm
I love it. But one thing that bothers me about my tiny house friends is this . They go to all the trouble to make everything so small and minimal. In some cases forgoing clothes . However they insist on keeping a ton of books , what’s the deal …. every hear of ebooks??? You know you can read/ listen to them on your iPad
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:35 pm
You can’t have a tiny house without a butt-load of books! It wouldn’t look as cool otherwise!
Reply Catalina September 8, 2015 at 4:09 pm
I have a personal library that has followed me through two decades. I can’t even explain the compulsion. For the first time in my life, it’s now all under one roof in our (now we are told) huge 910 sq ft home. Just having them around me makes me happy. I have even lived out of a suitcase while they sat in a comfy storage locker. We still buy books regularly as we are in the process of chucking out so much of our other crap. But they are my books! My BOOOOOOOOOOKS!!!
Reply Alexandra November 13, 2015 at 7:38 am
Most tiny houses are designed to fit the owner down to the last inch! It just so happens that the people who post a lot of photos really like books. A lot have no books at all. Some have projectors for movies, others have big kitchens, others have an extra bedroom. It’s really about what the individual /family actually needs.
Reply joanna colrain May 24, 2015 at 6:59 pm
That was hipsterical!
Thanks for the laugh
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Reply Joules May 24, 2015 at 9:16 pm
While it’s not “tiny” and will never be on the cover of a magazine, I can honestly say that it’s great not having a massive space to clean up. We have a large yard where the majority of actual living occurs though. The closest thing we have to a dining table is outside, there’s an outdoor couch and a covered patio. Inside is only used for bad weather, sleeping, and things that involve electronics.
Reply hipstercrite May 27, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Thanks for sharing, Joules!
Reply Melissa September 19, 2015 at 3:24 am
this sounds about right
Reply Skinny George May 27, 2015 at 10:46 am
Your questions are my questions.
Reply Paul Rain May 30, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Well.. though I’ve never known anyone who actually lived in one of these things, a friend of mine lived in a tent while his parents were building their (much larger than 300sqft) house. His sister lived in another tent. The parents were in a very slightly converted area of a barn/shed type building. They seem to have turned out alright.
While I certainly can’t understand why anyone who wants to have more children would have their existing children sleeping inside one of these houses every day, it seems like there are lots of good alternatives. Heck, they don’t even have to be adventuring outdoors every day of the year.. one day in four is probably enough, right?
Reply Leigh Ann June 4, 2015 at 3:47 pm
1) This is probably my favorite thing you’ve ever written; and 2) I HATE that you had to put that disclaimer at the bottom. But I also know that people on the internet are assholes and many of them have no senses of humor.
Reply Rowan June 5, 2015 at 5:51 am
HGTV now has a show about people looking for super small houses. The first and only episode I watched featured a guy asking “Is there any more storage?” I facepalmed and changed the channel.
Reply Cirulian June 5, 2015 at 7:16 am
That’s weird because I think I have a great sense of humor & I didn’t find this funny at all. So thanks for assuming, reader above, that I’m an asshole. You’re awesome. The disclaimer actually makes it worse! ‘Oh haha you silly people thinking living in such tiny houses is cool….not! But hey, homeless people should be overjoyed if we gave them these houses we find ridiculous!’ M’kay.
The snark is aimed at the wrong people. It should be at the designers & advertisers that try & sell a lifestyle in one of these homes as zen bliss when practical issues, (like storage), make the opposite true. So instead of “dear person who made this choice, how do you…” it should have been, “dear person who designed this, WTF were you thinking?”
Reply hipstercrite June 5, 2015 at 10:16 am
Thanks for your feedback!
Reply CIRULIAN'S MOM June 25, 2015 at 7:41 pm
Oh lord. Didn’t I tell you to get off the computer? Is your Humor 101 homework done yet?
Reply JadeInColo June 5, 2015 at 11:26 am
It sounds like you want to hear if these people are actually happier. Are you happier on vacation or at work? Do you rent a place the size of your house on vacation? If you rent something smaller — a condo, a cabin, a hotel room, a campsite, an RV, then you’ve just proven to yourself that not having to take care of so much stuff can increase your happiness.
Sure, there are lots of other things helping you be happy on vacation, but if you were able to have more of those other things — time with your kids, time to read, time to walk in beautiful places, time to get as much sleep as you need every night, truly dark nights, playing every day — and if the cost for that was living in a smaller place — you too might decide it’s worth it.
What bugs me about these design magazines is they ignore the very real fact that these are RVs. The people who live full time in cities in RVs live in trailer parks and we ignore them. We ignore that they have interesting, creative, connected lives. It’s the hermits and law-breakers we publish house-tours for.
And in the interviews for these people there’s this thing which always gets mentioned — the cost of having a standard American home and how much life it demands to meet in. But then pretty pictures anesthetize us to what that statement means: Real estate prices are inflated past their historical ratio to wages and the race to maximize property values have squeezed high density residences such as rooming houses and dorms out of our neighborhoods.
Reply Shay June 6, 2015 at 2:39 pm
“Do you rent a place the size of your house on vacation? If you rent something smaller — a condo, a cabin, a hotel room, a campsite, an RV, then you’ve just proven to yourself that not having to take care of so much stuff can increase your happiness. ”
Not even close to sensical. I rent a hotel and am fine with it because I am not spending time in the hotel when I am on vacation. I am not LIVING there, I am vacationing there. It is a place to sleep and bathe and little to nothing else.
My home by contrast is where I cook, rehearse music and dance, sew and craft, care for my pets, and entertain family and friends. I store my bike here, my camping equipment here, my plates, utensils and cookwear live here. I store food in a fridge, I have a television and stereo I enjoy watching and listening to. I keep all my clothes and shoes, for work and play, here (not just a bikini and some sandals for the beach). I also work from home, so my computer and printer, scanner, my office supplies, my stapler.
These are not things I need on vacation, so I don’t need a house to do these things in or store these items in. And I am happy on vacation because I don’t have to work every day, I don’t have to bathe my dogs, or do the dishes or mop the floor. A vacation is NOT LIFE. It is a way to VACATE YOUR LIFE for a time, avoid the responsibilities of an adult and just do fun things.
So no, it makes no sense when you claim that the size of the space or number of things you own have anything to do with why you are happy on vacation.
Reply Megan September 15, 2015 at 12:22 am
“A vacation is NOT LIFE. It is a way to VACATE YOUR LIFE for a time, avoid the responsibilities of an adult and just do fun things.”
Reply Crimson Wife June 7, 2015 at 11:59 pm
The land value is the main cost driver of a home, not the size. We looked at a bunch of different sized homes when we were house hunting and the smaller ones weren’t that much cheaper.
Now the utilities bills ARE dependent on the size of the home but the total spent on utilities is only a tiny fraction of the mortgage (mostly driven by land values)
Reply Stefanie June 5, 2015 at 11:58 am
Laughing along with you. If we decided to do this I’m sure my family would have a get together to discuss how far we have gone off the deep end. “They don’t want us to come visit and comment on their ‘no poo’ washing their clothes with vinegar and baking soda barely eating animal products selves.”
Or they will try to come visit anyways and complain that we don’t have cable.
Love this.
Reply Seanne June 5, 2015 at 1:47 pm
I’ve been dying to go tiny, but I honestly haven’t a clue where I’ll put all my clothes–which is why I’ve begun selling them I’m a single twenty-something, so I’m not too much worried about Mexican fart smells coming from anyone other than my beagle. In college, I lived alone in a studio apartment that was under 250 sq feet–plenty of room for one! I would willingly do it again in a heartbeat. Yeah its a “lifestyle,” but how much space does one person REALLY need, you know? Americans have become so accustomed to spacious living, but when you actually live tiny, you realize how unnecessary it all was. With an interior design background, I’m pretty resourceful when it comes to creative storage solutions and have found it’s surprising how much stuff you can fit into a small space. You still have to cut it down to needs vs wants…to a degree! Simple, tiny living definitely breaks the norm, and taking that first step is probably the hardest part, but I promise (& this is coming from a shopaholic) that it’s totally do-able!
Reply April Anson June 6, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Seanne – I HEAR YOU! I actually have found room for A LOT of my clothes (an embarrassing amount, really). Just plan on a larger closet that has bars in the front, shelves in the back and shoes on the bottom… you’d be surprised what you can fit
Reply Amy October 2, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Do you feed your beagle a lot of Mexican food? Tehehe.
Reply Nikki June 5, 2015 at 7:20 pm
A) I love your writing. It’s hilarious. B) THANK YOU. I am tired of pretending to be excited that someone has fit their whole life into a chicken coop/shed situation and feeling guilty because I need to be able to sleep in a different room than the one in which I make spaghetti bolognese.
Reply Daniel Chambers June 6, 2015 at 1:14 am
I encourage the cultural shift in necessity, but think society would be best served by offering them to the homeless folks mentioned in your footnote. The disparity between those who choose to live with less and the rest, is akin to the person who sleeps outside and called homeless, and the person who owns a home and does the same, yet is named an outdoorsman.
Reply deborah June 6, 2015 at 10:26 am
You call yourself a writer? Think you need a bar of soap taken to your mouth!
Just because this lifestyle isn’t for you doesn’t mean you have to trash it for those who love it.
Reply hipstercrite June 8, 2015 at 9:57 am
Yes, I do. Sometimes writers swear and sometimes they use humor.
Reply Teek June 9, 2015 at 9:42 pm
Wow, Debbie Downer. Take it easy, there!
In which way was she trashing those who love this life style? My interpretation of her point was how ridiculously idealistic many articles make tiny houses seem. Not once did she try to make any tiny-house-dweller feel like less of a person (unlike you’ve just done to her). She was well spoken, eloquent and downright funny. As a grown up who understands that much of the internet contains a naughty word or two, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Reply Sidney July 3, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Why in the world would you think that there is only one opinion allowed on “this lifestyle”? Just because this article isn’t for you doesn’t mean you have to trash it for those who love it (like me).
Reply Amanda June 6, 2015 at 1:12 pm
I want to build a tiny house. But with 6 kids it would’t be very practical. But once they move out, I will build one just to make sure they can never return to the best (unless they have no choice). I also plan to help all of my kids build their own tiny houses each so that as they transition into adulthood where they are going to college and starting out on their own, they won’t have to worry about utilities and rent. They can put that money back and save up for their futures.
Reply Thea Tapson June 6, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Freaking hilarious! I’m a huge advocate and fan for tiny houses and tiny living, and this story was just posted by a friend. I read it a few minutes ago and can’t stop laughing!
Reply Abby June 6, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Tiny living is not for everyone. What I save in living expenses, I spend on actually living. Friends stay in a hotel where they belong. Outside, parks, libraries, cafes is how you get away from people. The place can air out in 2 seconds by opening the door. You don’t keep extra stuff so there is no clutter. Not for one single second do I regret my tiny space. I eat better, I see live shows, and I go places more because I can afford it and because home is just your safe nest, not where you interact w life. I have lived tiny for nearly 10 years… And my life has never been better!
Reply A July 8, 2015 at 2:15 pm
So basically, you are an extrovert. Not all of us want to devote our non-work down time to going everywhere because that is just exhausting.
Reply Nele Pollatschek July 9, 2015 at 3:35 am
Funny, I always think tiny houses are for introverts… I am living in a small flat in the middle of the woods with my partner. When I want to be alone, I go to the woods. I am a massive introvert, which is why I love living in nature, I always feel you can’t get secluded enough indoors… And cafés and libraries are the places where other people are easiest to interact with for an introvert (at least me). Unfortunately, my place is too big for me to tell guests they need to stay in a hotel but I’d love to downsize so I will only meet people outside in the future.
Reply April Anson June 6, 2015 at 6:31 pm
Hilarious – and smart questions. Living tiny is NOT all romantic; in fact, very VERY little of it is anything near that term. I’ve written a couple blog entries that deal with (and link to) some of these questions. Here: https://aatinyhouse.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/knocking-on-noggins/
Reply Greg Parham June 6, 2015 at 9:30 pm
You are hereby granted a free one week stay in a tiny house to see what you think about tiny house living up close and personal. All you have to do is travel to Durango, CO. Let me know if you are interested.
Reply hipstercrite June 8, 2015 at 9:52 am
Reply Aileen July 18, 2015 at 3:24 am
Reply Melissa September 19, 2015 at 3:36 am
Reply Sarah June 6, 2015 at 11:28 pm
I love looking at tiny homes on the web. They are beautiful and creative. Much more so than a travel trailer. I also think that downsizing is a movement whose time has come. However beyond that the whole idea kinda bothers the crap out of me. Most videos(not all) feature tiny homes that cost $20,000 or more to build. They are usually parked on a paved lot (but never in a trailer park because their owners are clearly too good for that). Or they are parked in a relative’s or friend’s yard. Like a moocher. I even saw a video where they spent $25,000 to build a TH to live in while they built a home on their property. I recently bought a used 5th wheel trailer for $800. The trend just seems wasteful to me and a little arrogant to me. Like people are too proud to say they live in a trailer so they’ll spend thousands more to live in what is essentially a trailer.
Reply Kirsten July 8, 2015 at 2:33 pm
From my end: we built a tiny home for the same reason most folks who can make that choice do. We wanted specific custom things. Trailers are mass produced and low quality for living. There are serious health issues. Being able to build your own home is a huge privilege. Not everyone can afford that luxury.
Reply Cynthia black September 23, 2017 at 10:23 am
Totally agree with the custom aspect. A new 26 ft commercial travel trailer runs 24K +. Why not spend that on your own design.
As for parking in a trailer/r.v. park..the bloody park rent is outrageously high and all u get is water and electricity. And neighbors on both sides 15 ft away…uck
Reply Judy June 7, 2015 at 10:21 am
That was freakin’ HILARIOUS! And your post was shared on Facebook by a friend of mine who lives in a 120 sq foot house!
Trust me, there are many tiny housers who are also laughing their asses off. And of course you’ll also find some who will be offended (maybe they ran out of storage space and had to throw out their humour?).
I will be building my own tiny home some day and have attended a couple of workshops in the States (I’m Canadian, eh). And just FYI, the kind of sex positions you enjoy actually IS one of the considerations when determining the height of your loft (thank you Jay Shafer for mentioning it during the Four Lights workshop).
Reply hipstercrite June 8, 2015 at 9:26 am
Thank you, Judy!
That is hilarious about the workshop. Love it!
How big will your home be? As you can tell, I actually think tiny homes are kind of cool, so I’m so curious about everyone’s responses!
Reply Wauketa June 7, 2015 at 5:23 pm
Loved the article! You bring up some really good points. I pimped out a garage once and it was a wonderful 220 sq. ft. of experimentation. I’ve always been pretty much of a minimalist but that space showed me what I need to live comfortably – even luxuriously – and what I can’t live without. Tiny house enthusiasts like everyone else are coming from a lot of different perspectives – so consensus around the idea is pretty impossible. But what I found out for myself is that I could live in 300-400 sq. ft. easily and that my bathroom is more important to me than a kitchen In my opinion the Japanese do small best and they’ve had a lot of time to figure out what works aesthetically, sustainably, and for the art of living well – so they are one of my standard makers.
Reply Cynthia black September 23, 2017 at 10:38 am
Back when my kids were 4 & 11 I turned my two car garage, 400 square feet, into a living space for the three of us for 4 years.
The boys had their own room, I had a pull out sleeper sofa in the living room, we had a bathroom a small kitchen and a very small office area. Worked great for us. Whether it is a trailer a house or anything else the most important factor is the layout.
My main house was 900 square feet, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, utility room, 5 closets living room, that I rented out.
Reply Sierra Night Tide June 8, 2015 at 12:05 am
To answer this question for people who just don’t get it. Right now I live in a tiny apartment but I miss my camper-van.
“seriously, where do you put your shit?”
Long term storage e.g. winter during the summer goes into storage & vice versa. Less is more living. You are not a slave to stuff.
Or do you just wear overalls now? Overalls and Birkenstocks and one towel that you share with your entire family. Where do you wash that towel, hmm?
I’m not a hippy far from it. I’m a bit Goth, a lot pirate and a little Mad Max ish. Towel – 2 & I wash them at a laundry mat where do you wash yours if you don’t have a washer & dryer?
“I bet you do. I bet your whole Goddamn property is whimsical.” Wow – jaded much? As I said I’m not a slave to stuff. I have what I need and some I want. Stuff I don’t needed on a regular basis is in storage. As for cleaning, yes you do have to be very clean & very organized.
“Do you have privacy in your tiny house?” Yes
“What if you’re having a shitty day and you just want to be alone?” I can stand in a crowd & be alone, I can park a camper van or tiny house in the middle of no wheres and be alone. Couples do not need to spend every second together. They can open the door and talk a walk. Go to the gym, take a hike (literally), go to a friend’s ect…. what do you do when you want to be alone?
Sexy time – Earth has provided all kinds of sexy places.
Friends: Only the ones worth having
Guests: Road Trip! Picnics… I didn’t get a camper-van to house other people.
“You just want to live out your life like a Wes Anderson character” No, a pirate!
“you want to be some eccentric full of whimsy who doesn’t need modern tools or resources to live a fulfilling life. ” I have a laptop, a cell phone, social media channels, and even an electric toothbrush.
Reply cyndy June 11, 2015 at 5:55 pm
Sounds like Sierra Night Tide lives on a boat like me! 42 feet long and 14 feet wide. I have 2 “bedrooms” WITH doors and queen size beds that are private, 2 bathrooms, 2 air conditioners, tons of storage space because the space I have is used effectively. I have a generator, a wind generator, solar – pretty much off the grid. I have an active social life. If I don’t like the neighbors, I pull up the anchor and move. If I want a change of scenery, I move. Because it’s a sailboat I don’t use much fuel and I can use my money for scuba diving and adventuring in places most people have never even heard of and will never get to visit. I did not choose this life to be eccentric, I choose it to live a life of adventure. I have been called a captain, a mermaid and a pirate. My “yard” is not full of whimsy… it’s full of dolphin, flying fish, whales and stingrays jumping into the sky and playing beside the boat. Everywhere I go there are good people, willing hands to help if I need it, new cultures and places to be explored. I don’t have a lot of stuff because I don’t need it. I work on my own engines, climb 60 feet into the air to change the light bulb in the mast, I have a complete kitchen and a barbeque grill outside. I don’t wear overalls…. I wear sandals and bikinis.
Yes, it is a LOT of work and, no, it is NOT a permanent vacation. I actually take vacations to get off the boat just like I did when I owned a 3000 sq foot home with 5 bedrooms.
I have the vocabulary of a well educated sailor and I learn something new every day, sometimes lots of new things. I have tons of books, most on a reader or one of my 3 computers.
I won’t judge you if you don’t judge me. I enjoy every day, the sunrises, the sunsets, stars like you have never seen in your life living on land or in a city. My 2 daughters are coming to visit, if anyone farts we will just open a window. If someone needs alone time they can go out on the deck where there are comfortable chairs or go into the “bedroom” and close the door. I have complete sets of dishes and pots and pans because I am living, not camping. I have multiple towels and a few blankets (not much use for blankets in paradise except for picnics on the beach) Yes, my house IS that clean all the time because there is no space for the clutter that fills most peoples lives and it can become a flying projectile in rough seas. In the event of a Zombie Apocalypse, *I* will be the one that survives unless they somehow learn to swim and avoid the sharks. I have a microwave, a latte machine, coffee maker, water maker, mixer, blender, all the ‘stuff’ to make life comfortable. It takes a little organization, some creativity and confidence to be able to live this life.
I think I have addressed your questions. I, too, offer you a week living in my “tiny house”. I think you will find all the creature comforts you are accustomed to having as well as the chance to see outside your little box. People say to “think outside the box”…. I don’t have a box.
I found your post amusing if a little narrow minded. Please come visit, it might open your eyes.
BTW there is plenty of room to “get my sexy on”…
Reply Melissa September 19, 2015 at 3:42 am
cyndy, i would love to email you and hear about this, my husband and i have discussed the option of a houseboat, and he is happy with that option, although I get motion sickness. can you email me so i can talk to you about the practical stuff? [email protected]
Reply Barbara Trudell July 6, 2016 at 12:38 am
Cyndy you (and your life) sound amazing. If you ever see this reply and are open to questions from someone considering a lifestyle change I would love to chat.
Reply April Delbrook June 8, 2015 at 8:42 pm
This was amazing. I love you! Yep. I always thought, I could go smaller, but 350 with my daughter and dog and especially no south facing windows and a tiny fridge with no freezer for ice cream made me want to go bigger. We now live in 680 and with 8 foot ceilings, south facing windows and is perfect! I just loved your writing!
Reply hipstercrite June 9, 2015 at 9:17 am
My mom and I lived in a house a little over 900 square feet and it was a perfect size! I definitely think small living is good, but anything under 300 is tough!!!
Reply Becky June 8, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Tiny living isn’t for everyone. What tiny living is – is fucking AWESOME. I live in a conversion van/tiny house with my partner and our small dog. Where do we keep our stuff? Some of it’s in a closet at my mom’s house. The rest we gave away or sold to make the switch. When we get new stuff it’s because something old wore out. We think about our space, we don’t go shopping to feel better or to spend extraneous money on stuff. What do we do? We cuddle. We eat out at fancy restaurants. We hike. We visit friends. I go to the library. I pay NOTHING to live in my home besides electricity. We have surround sound, a projector, and an air conditioner. We buy our water from a local natural spring. Ever had your mother in law comes and stay too long ‘for the weekend’? Yeah, we’re not into that. When something comes up two states away that we need to be there for, we go. We both work full time and love coming home to what is essentially a giant grown-up tree fort of fucking radness. I agree the magazines don’t do tiny living justice, but you never see any home in a magazine looking like someone actually lives in them. Oh, and we have sex wherever we want.
Reply Calvin June 9, 2015 at 5:52 pm
For several years, I desperately wanted to live in a tiny house – partly because of the potential cost savings, and partly because of the environmental aspect of it, and partly because it was different from what everyone else was doing. So, I gradually started downsizing in hopes of one-day realizing this goal. But – aside from the legal issues of where to park the thing – deep down I had this nagging feeling that it wasn’t REALLY what I wanted. I eventually realized that – because of the lack of space for tools or junk to tinker with (among other things) – I personally would likely spend more money living in a tiny house instead of less.
I have since retired the dream of living in a tiny house, but I still like the concept and still think that a sub 1000 square foot house would probably be just fine for me – so long as I have a basement or a garage to call my own.
Reply Old Man June 9, 2015 at 9:29 pm
It is my assumption that every hipster who has this lifestyle is in their 20s, or is younger than 40 and has no children. If this is what they want, that’s fine. Let them do it. Don’t criticize them, as it’s pointless. A 20-something is still full of purpose and idealistic. They only way that hipsters will learn if it is a good or bad decision to do this is to try it. As someone older, married, with kids, owned a home, had a 9-5 job, etc, it can sometimes be difficult to keep quiet when we see someone younger about to make a mistake. I’ve learned, however, that it is much more gratifying to sit back and watch when hipsters crash and burn than to argue with them. For example, I love it when I see that “I’ve made a horrible mistake” face on a college student who chose a scooter as their only mode of transportation. Then, I remember something stupid I did at that age and move on.
Reply MJ July 8, 2015 at 12:50 pm
As a 61 year old who has been living in tiny homes (and I mean tiny) for many years, thank you for showing your crankiness in an old velvet glove about the ‘youngsters’. I’m thinking your ‘I’ve made a horrible mistake’ might not be so outer directed, but if living within the ‘normal’ parameters of your chosen society has made you a happy man, good for you! As for the rest of us, many of whom are really happy in a different paradigm than your own? Viva la difference! We’re doin’ ok, Pa.
Reply Kerry July 11, 2015 at 12:08 pm
I’m 46, my partner is 58 and we have 5 kids rangng from 24 down to 7 and we live in a small home – 512 sq ft not tiny My kids would laugh their asses off if anyone made the assumption we were hipsters because we live small.
Reply Lawren July 25, 2015 at 2:30 pm
I’m forty-something with 2 preteens living in an offgrid 400 ft2 cabin in the middle of the woods, a place which also happens to be in a subdivision. I also am a business consultant, with my office in my home, my car, or my client’s site. I love living small, and while a house with two kids definitely gets cluttered, it’s also easy to clean up. People who visit (and there are many, and we don’t send them to a hotel) think it must be cool to live offgrid and terrible to live small– yet I find it a pain in the posterior to live offgrid and absolutely wonderful to live small. Yes, sometimes in winter I want to throw the kids out the door– and I do; it’s good for them to play outside. When the kids leave home I can easily see myself moving to a smaller space within walking distance of town– or for that matter living in a smaller space in the middle of a major city, like I did when I was 20. For anyone who wants to spend their life living instead of cleaning and working to pay utility bills and the mortgage, I highly recommend thinking small!
Reply toni June 10, 2015 at 8:24 am
I love this article. on main land Europe we tend to live in small houses/apartments but primarily cos we have limited space. I have to say the one thing that drives me mad that I hadn’t consciously realised before is where to put hang towels. the plus is I really think before buying anything – utensils, clothes, shoes, a new photo frame, as we simply don’t have the space.
I personally would go mad in such a tiny place, and I live in a pretty small place.
Reply Timmer114 June 15, 2015 at 8:22 pm
I enjoyed the article for the tongue in cheek piece that it is. I grew up poor living in mobile homes. It was a roof and warmth. We did our best to keep it neat and our yard nice. Still, we were stigmatized as trash. It’s funny that mobile home dwellers are “trash” according to society and the media, but “Tiny home” denizens are “hip” environmentally concious” or my favorite “thrifty”
Reply Frank June 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
Lauren, this article is hilarious and like all things truly funny, it’s filled with tiny truths. I am in no way opposed to downsizing, but when I see just how “down” people have “sized”, I think every single thing you’ve hit on. It’s one thing if you’re a single person or a close couple, but even still 250 sq/ft is maniacal. I think it’s great if you’ve got a nice piece of land and you want to ‘keep it country’ by leaving the smallest possible footprint, but if it’s in a seasonal region… What happens when it snows, or it’s sub-zero? Welcome to Claustrophobiaville! Population: I hate you, go away! Those people are either very poor planners, or tiny house masochists. Add a dog, and a couple kids…ugh. As for the person’s comment suggesting you’re an egocentric, entitled, whatever… Do you think those people living in close quarters in impoverished countries or regions of your own country are doing so by choice? Are you suggesting we should all live in tiny houses as some sort of penance? You dolt. Those people would totally up-size if they could. That being said, if I were in a position to own a beautiful bit of land in a temperate climate (which I’m not), I would totally go small (between 500 sq/ft and 950 sq/ft, depending) and as green as possible. A 250 sq/ft house on a flatbed though? While I love watching the shows for the nautical and RV inspired “innovations”, the practical reality is not for me.
Reply Ruby June 17, 2015 at 1:44 pm
This was GREAT!!! When I went to Italy, I had to take a shower in this THING that was maybe 2 feet sq….I got so claustrophobic in it that I opened the tiny door, put a towel on the floor and washed my body parts while half in and half out of the shower. I could only live in one of those if all the walls and the roof opened up…at the same time…and then, only for maybe a week. I mean, are you pooping next to your company on the couch or what?
Reply Jason June 21, 2015 at 2:07 pm
Hi, first article of yours I’ve found, I just want to point out that for most of human history people raised ten kids in homes about the size you are talking about. I can’t speak for modern tiny dwellers, but in the middle ages (I am a medievalist) poor people (which was most people), would have sex mid-day behind the house while the kids or friends or whatever was on the way back to the fields. In some cultures the idea of sex being a private event would be mind boggling to them, who has time and a place to keep their sex lives secret and private.
In response to those who ask about privacy, in most historical civilizations there was no concept of privacy. Everyone shared the same sleeping spaces (even among the wealthy and powerful), and they were rarely sex segregated (no enough room). The idea was that everyone is part of a community, not an individual, the idea of the individual as we think of it is very new.
Reply Diane Hines June 25, 2015 at 8:53 am
Such negativity and poor little small-minded thinking! Too bad. It’s not for you! However LOTS of people love it and think the lifestyle suits them and have decided it is the best use of shelter resources for a given situation. If you cut out $2k a month in house expenses, might you find something far more interesting and fun to spend the $24,000 on each year? Not everyone stays INSIDE all the time — some people find glorious joy in using an outdoor kitchen, gardening, and using an outdoor shower all summer. They use potting sheds and other accessory spaces, enjoy shade, natural breezes, and clear air. They have learned (from the Japanese) the joy of folding clothing tightly and storing it in a way that allows visibility of every item at a glance.
And they may winter in the Florida Keys. Obviously this thinking is a unattainable mental stretch for you.
To tiny house lovers you seem mean-spirited, full of yourself, and cruel in you comments.
Reply hipstercrite June 25, 2015 at 9:23 am
Thanks for the comment, Diane.
Hopefully you understood that this was a humor post. I think some people read into this a little too much!
Reply Sidney July 3, 2015 at 4:32 pm
“Obviously this thinking is a [sic] unattainable mental stretch for you.” Yes, kind of gratuitous insult hurled in Lauren’s direction certainly makes *me* want to join the ranks of TH enthusiasts, lol! Fortunately, however, I realize from other posts here (and simple logic) that not every fan of the TH movement is a humorless, elitist snob. Thank God for small favors….
Reply Sars July 7, 2015 at 10:55 pm
I love this. I fucking love this.
Also, I live is a tiny house that I built. 100 glorious square feet.
It is incredible. Everything I own fits. My camera gear. My books. My painting supplies. My sewing machine. My full size bed. My shoe collection. My toothbrush. You get the picture.
I would never share my 100 square feet with ANYONE. No spouse. No spawn. No pets. No one who will let out their hotbox of Mexican farts.
Also, my loft has plenty of space for sexy time. Even if the partner doesn’t get to stay over.
Reply Alex July 24, 2015 at 10:19 pm
A hilarious comment within a hilarious post. But really you should get a cat.. they don’t need much room, and they’re warm and cute.. meow.
Reply Tiny Farts July 7, 2015 at 11:25 pm
As someone with imminent plans to build a tiny home, I have to say your questions are totally valid, and hilarious! I’m almost hesitant to tell you that the tiny home (and surrounding oasis of veggies and gardens) is just a stepping stone to another dwelling scenario, namely homesteading with like minded collaborators. That’s right, 21st century, agrarian paradise. An eco village, if you will. Blurred golden fountain grass in summertime, axes to chop wood, flannel and baskets to harvest summer blueberries, plenty of room for the little ones to play, a system of ponds and food forests. By saving money on rent and building to own, my tiny dwelling (on wheels) is an immediate home on a piece of property that has no previous building (and thusly less expensive), and split between several people, furthermore affordable for acreage. I then plan to build a modern, earthen, off grid, full sized home, and the tiny home becomes a guest house. Looks like that autodidactic post-grad study on horticulture, sustainable living and appropriate technology paid off.
Reply Macy Miller July 8, 2015 at 12:38 am
Lordy, lordy! I thought this was hilarious and I had this big awesome reply planned but after reading the comments my energy is zapped for it… there are a lot of rude comments on both sides of the fence for this ‘debate’… So, I’ll just say, as the owner and occupant (WITH a family) of one of those tiny houses in the fancy magazines you have an open invite if you’re ever in Idaho ;-). (it’s not for everyone – obviously – but it’s a great option if it IS for you… and your questions are normal and the same as the questions I had (: )
Reply Macy Miller July 14, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Reply Tara July 8, 2015 at 10:09 am
I am right with you. I look at those pictures and envy the simplicity and grace. Then I laugh and come back to the real world…
I notice a terrific irony in some of the comments here. More than one commentor has extolled the virtues of their own small living situation, it stated that it is only possible because they take advantage of outside storage for all the crap that won’t fit into their tiny home. One commentor simply said storage, another specified that they keep things at a parents home. So basically, they are not really living in 250 ft.² or whatever. They are only sleeping and cooking their pancakes in that space. They don’t bother to count the square footage of the space they need but shuffle off site.
Reply Lawren July 25, 2015 at 2:41 pm
I have a hayshed in which to store hay, a woodshed in which to store firewood, a toolshed in which to store the woodchipper, chainsaw, etc., and a deck on which the kids throw all their muddy sports equipment. If I lived in 4000 ft2 instead of 400 ft2, I’d still be storing these things outside the house. I don’t see that mentioning alternative storage spaces in the context of tiny living in any way negates the reality (pro or con) of tiny house living.
Reply David July 8, 2015 at 10:47 am
Perfectly done. Kudos. It’s what everyone wants to say to these people, but won’t.
Reply Chase July 8, 2015 at 11:44 am
i (kinda sorta) do the tiny house thing. This was hilarious and right on the money.
If you go into the tiny house thing thinking that you’re going to live like a magical fairytale hobbit life…HA. No. Pinterest worthy it is not.
Thanks for the laugh.
Reply welfaremike July 8, 2015 at 11:57 am
Reply Alonzo Riley July 8, 2015 at 11:59 am
When things get tight and claustrophobic, we just go to our tiny dance club that the tiny house pulls. We dance it out! Every tiny house needs a TINYCLUB! Click the website I have linked to see the fb page we have setup to show off tinyclub. http://tinyurl.com/tinyclub/
Reply Karen July 8, 2015 at 12:20 pm
I just giggle that hipster snobs probably look down elitist noses at those whole live in trailer parks… yet, to my eyes, the tiny house is just a static mobile home.
Reply MJ July 8, 2015 at 12:32 pm
I’ve been promoting (and living in) tiny homes for many, many years. This piece had me laughing until tears were streaming down my tiny face. Brilliant! p.s. I don’t have a human partner but I can tell you, the cat has felt all of those intimate annoyed moments many times – uh, except the sexy time -. I’m very happy she doesn’t speak a language known to anyone but me.
Reply Manny Garcia July 8, 2015 at 12:47 pm
Just saw this. While arch, acid and testy, your article is not all wrong. My wife and I downsized a few years back, we have 800 square feet in the house and a shed. Neither of us are clothes-horse types, but our closets are so small that one is only outerwear, the other regular clothing and twice a year we do the Addams Family: “uncle knickknacks summer wardrobe….uncle knickknacks winter wardrobe….” with tote boxes that we store in the attic of the shed during the off seasons. Not having a lot of room helps keep down the number of visitors, which living where we do, helps. I have been a fan of the concept of downsizing houses for a very long time and it hurts my soul to see some of the oversized houses today – I know it’s capitalism, but really, what sort of lifestyle do you lead that requires you to have a 20,000 SF vacation home? Or even 10,000? We have embraced the idea that larger is better and it is reflected in everything – homes, cars, private jets, us (seen how BIG the average American is today?). There is something to be said for smaller a smaller, more modest lifestyle.
Reply Kelly July 8, 2015 at 1:17 pm
LoL, my takeaway from the comments section is that tiny housers have thin skin.
Reply Suzanne July 8, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Hahahaha! I was crying from laughing while reading this. I talk to so many people here in Colorado who want to build a tiny house and ‘live off the land’. I think it is absolutely fantastic… as a weekend getaway. The sex thing is almost always my first thought too… and don’t you just want to take a bath sometimes and read a book instead of hovering over your toilet while showering?? However, to each their own.
Reply Mike July 8, 2015 at 1:37 pm
Absolutely hilarious! Best read in a long time. Love your writing style.
Reply Mary July 8, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Dear critical folk, there are other articles to read. About the sex, I had a friend who said that sex in her 5th wheel was great because she could plant her feet on the ceiling and get what she wanted. Several people who do this that I have read about want to be able to move around the country without sacrificing stability/home. I think it’s a cool idea. Someone mentioned the storage unit which occurred to me as well, a place to store your alternate season gear. You probably sacrifice a garden if you’re mobile, or create a fabulous one if you aren’t. And why design your own? So you get exactly what you want. I would want a very cushy sofa of sorts. I would also have to make sure that my “other” vehicle was a bookmobile. Technology has downsized our gear so much that it makes this lifestyle possible, photography is minimalist, computers can replace magazines and books, you can wash your clothes in a rough tote and hang them on the line, cook outside if you’re into that. I think my biggest concerns would be fridge size and my age makes climbing a ladder look not that cool. But this is a great movement. I also love to read about glamping. I think it would be very cool in my elitist mind if there were special parks for these sorts of homes, a bit more bohemian with a free-share area. I am rather attached to my big old clawfoot tub, but I would love to put it outside. I think that if someone lived in one place for a long time, it would be really interesting to see what they do with the “yard”. And I would love to see it whimsical with a few garden gnomes. Awesome article!
Reply Kate McDermott July 8, 2015 at 2:10 pm
I lived in a tiny cabin that was just a bit over 300 sq ft with two kids and a husband for nearly 5 years. Truly some of the best years of my life! I would not trade it for anything. On the rare occasions when I felt “sorry” for myself that I didn’t have more room, I quickly reminded that in that tiny space with a roof over my head, water, and a wood stove, I had more than 90% of the planet does. So large or small, count your blessings.
Reply Noah July 9, 2015 at 7:59 am
Thank you! Your comment helped me appreciate what we have now. I live in a 1000 sq. ft. apartment with my wife and son and I’m always feeling like THAT isn’t enough. He doesn’t have his own room, and we have STUFF. You get a bigger place, you fill it with more stuff. Didn’t George Carlin have a routine like that? Anyway, what we have is A LOT and it is more than most have. Thanks for brightening my day and the next time my friends and family try to guilt/push us into a crippling mortgage for more space, I’m not going to sweat it. I’m where I need to be right now.
Reply Kate McDermott July 20, 2015 at 5:33 pm
Space + Stuff + Mortgage works for some and not for others. Since I didn’t want the $$$ pressure, I found ways to live “outside of the box” and can’t foresee me doing it any other way in my future. Less is more for me!
Reply Kirsten July 8, 2015 at 2:14 pm
The backhanded humor is a bit much. But I’m from Boston and it makes me sensitive. But I’m happy to answer some of your questions. My family has lived in 160 square feet for a couple of years. I have never regretted it. Our secret (to sex, farts and more) is that we sleep in a separate 8×8 structure and spend a great deal of time out doors. Two adults, one 5 year old and both a dog and a cat. Our space limits our stuff which we love. It prioritized what we valued. Another saving grace is that we chose to have full size things in our tiny house. Stove, larder etc. I am sure this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Our culture values stuff and “my space, the story of me” far too much. I think folks who are brought up in different environments would react differently. Lastly, I ADORE my husband of 10’years. Most people I know have some degree of antagony in their marriage. Having been in those relationships in the past I can be sure that if that was the case, it would be a deal breaker. My husband and I have to touch 50 times a day just to do dishes. I love it. But if it was anyone else I might freak. Hope that answers some of your curiosity. For us, it was the happiest decision I ever made. And like anyone else’s life, of course it is messy sometimes! So is my hair. At which time I avoid being photographed…
Reply Meg July 8, 2015 at 2:32 pm
https://tinytinyhouse.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/dear-people-who-write-articles-called-dear-people-who-live-in-fancy-tiny-houses/
Reply Kirsten July 13, 2015 at 10:56 am
Reply Kristen Randal July 8, 2015 at 2:38 pm
OK, I might have peed myself here. Haha…just kidding! *looks around nervously*
While my house is not a micro/tiny or even small (at 2,200 sq. ft., that is most definitely true. My laundry room might be 250 sq. ft.), it IS a half-underground earthship built of adobe blocks and fully off-grid. I know how people in the “alternative housing” sect take themselves too seriously sometimes, myself included. And I know how smug we are (see how I included my own house with specs in this post)?
That said, I TOTALLY appreciated the light moment. This had me laughing out loud like a crazy person, and it was fun to be in on the joke, even if it is in a slightly different way. Thanks so much for this!
Reply Jeff July 8, 2015 at 2:55 pm
OMG! Laughed so hard. Thank you. I needed that today.
Reply Shane July 8, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Kudos for how you handle the haters. I live in a 226 square foot house. YES, I SAID 226 SQ FT! Unfortunately you can’t capitalize numbers. It is totally difficult. Yes, I’m a sustainability saint (as far as first world perspectives go) but it’s work to adapt. I’ve also lived for a year in a tent so I guess I have more adaptability than most, but still. It’s difficult. I love my hubby but sometimes I just want to be alone. Winter is the worst. You can’t even open the windows to get the mexican food farts out. Luckily, no kids so the sexy time is fine but sometimes I just wanna spend sexy time by myself, no such luck. We’re very serious about planning our addition. It will double our square footage. I can’t wait to live in a 552 sq ft mansion!!!
Reply Michele July 8, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Hello. I actually do live in a tiny house. It’s a fifth wheel RV, to be exact and it’s around 300 SF. To answer your questions, one by one…
Yes, I love living in my tiny house. It takes me almost no time to get it cleaned, thus freeing me for other tasks. I know where everything is, everything has its place, and I never have to look hard to find anything. The money we save living here is incredible — with it, we can afford all the vacations, dining out, and other pleasures in life we couldn’t have with a huge house. No yard work is also glorious beyond words.
There isn’t much privacy here, but it’s just me, my husband, and two cats. If I want to be alone, I can sit outside when weather permits, or go into the bedroom which has a sliding door. My husband and I have worked out certain “leave me alone” protocols to mitigate our need for privacy. And if he farts (it’s never, ever me), there are ceiling vents with fans.
I don’t wear overalls or Birkenstocks or any of that stuff. Since I’m paying so much less for living expenses, I can splurge on really nice clothes.
It’s clean most of the time, though my desk and his are both usually cluttered. It doesn’t take long to clean it at all. And ours is more punk rock than whimsical, but to each their own. Unlike the typical tiny house, the RV is very optimized for space — every nook and cranny is used for storage. Overhead cabinets, storage bays under the RV, even the bed lifts up to store things underneath — this tiny house makes amazingly efficient use of its space. And we have plenty of towels — easily enough to go two weeks without having to do laundry.
We don’t have kids, though our cats sometimes try their best to divert our attentions from each other to them. But we have plenty of sex, and it’s lovely.
Our RV does have a pull-out bed in the couch for guests, but it would get a little cramped after a minute. So, because we’re saving so much money on living expenses, we can easily afford to cover a nearby hotel for out of town guests, so we all can be comfortable.
Our lives are very fulfilling, surprisingly — they’re more fulfilling than when we had a 2600 SF house. We don’t have to devote time and attention to a giant house, and instead can focus on what matters to us. Our hobbies, thankfully, are all small — most are technology oriented and exist in our PCs, but I have plenty of room for my sewing machine, art supplies, craft supplies, tools, fabric, materials, and so on. He has plenty of room for all of his electronics projects. We even have a computer controlled milling machine set up in here for doing metalworking. Oh, and the RV park where we’re staying has a pool (that we don’t have to take care of!), hot tub (same!), and gym — stuff that I wouldn’t necessarily have in a regular house.
Reply Avram Vogler July 8, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Lauren, thank you for your incredibly humorous insight about the hipster phenomenon of tiny houses.
I live in a small town in the Pacific Northwest where decent sized lots are inexpensive, yet people still aspire to live in a shoebox.
Yes, I live in a large home on 40 acres, which is payed for and self-sufficient, but I still don’t understand the idea of living in a space the size of prison cell, unless it’s in an urban area where land is unavailable or priced at a premium.
Reply laura July 9, 2015 at 8:57 pm
Avram what areas in the Pacific NW are inexpensive? Not being sarcastic- looking to move out there.
Reply Sarah July 8, 2015 at 3:56 pm
This is a great article. I’ve always thought this about THs, and about those IKEA models where they show you how you can have an entire home in 320 square feet, if you buy all their cabinetry. I find downsizing admirable (to echo every single comment so far.) and am perfectly happy in my lil 1 bedroom apartment.
I will say, i never even considered the horror of a FAMILY living in a TH. Mostly i see them as abodes for 1, maybe two people. Jiminy christmas, that’d be wretched.
Part of what makes me wiggy about the TH idea for myself is…I’m 6’2″ and 300 lbs. I pretty much don’t think i’d fit inside one!
Other than that though — if you can live that lifestyle and always keep EVERYTHING NEAT AND PUT AWAY, more power to you.
Reply Kathy July 8, 2015 at 4:42 pm
Thank you for your brilliantly written piece! You made my day.
Reply KITTY July 8, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Well-written and funny! I want a tiny house, mostly because I am a slob who would rather clean 250 SF instead of 2500 SF. I have no spouse nor spawn, and my dogs and I all enjoy Mexican food farts equally. I might be a new fan; I am just not sure if I can hurdle the Jeff Goldblum obsession.
Reply Robert July 8, 2015 at 5:26 pm
My cheeks, eyes, nose and every facial muscle I have hurts! Absolutely hysterical read and I want to know the answers too! I’ve considered a TH for a rural part of Arizona and some of the options are pretty limiting. Off grid and all that that entails makes a city person like me scratch my head with there same questions. What would movie night with my friends be like? Would we round up some projector and just watch it outdoors like a drive in movie? If you’re eco-aware, what exactly is the one flush or two flush rule? Do you post that on a stickie note in the bathroom mirror?
Reply Andy July 8, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Sooo this whole thing is hilarious. I love tiny houses, I love this blog post, and I love the insanity of responses that often follows such things. I didnt read all the posts but perhaps an amazingly loud inline ventilation fan will solve some of the problems related to south of the border olfactory hues that color the walls of our homes….it also will mask some of the sounds of sexy time….I like to think of a freaky tiny house wagons ho! type of situation, or even a circus train. yes…the possibilities are endless…as are the hilarious range of responses. Many thanks for your contributions to abject, yet informed silliness
p.s. kick the youth out during sexy time….also teenagers in spain have a lot of park sex, good ol’ park sex
Reply Mark July 8, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Ha! My wife and I are recent converts, and will make the change to a tiny house in the next year. Space for stuff is being pretty meaningless since we’re getting rid of a lot of stuff. (11 bookcases -> 1 shelf I think has been the most painful)
It’s an interesting process, but I’m looking forward to the freedom it will provide in being able to pickup and go. We do plan to travel for the first year as well.
Reply Ian July 8, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Hey Lauren, love the story. OK, first things first, where do I go to fart? I generally point my tiny tush out the window in my loft. The birds nesting in the grapevine that envelopes my roof probably hate it, but my sexy time partners appreciate the tiny effort.
Now I don’t have any offspring, so I can’t offer much in the way of managing teen angst in a tiny dwelling. But I’ve got a rather rambunctious cat who likes to wake me up in the morning by digging his razor sharp claws into my chest. Perhaps that’s his way of telling me we need a bigger place.
My shit consists of a few t-shirts, some raggedy shoes and a few bikes. So there’s not much to store or covet. And when the zombies attack I plan to make a quick getaway on the bike while Peanut (the cat) claws their dead eyes out.
The only regret I have is not downsizing sooner. If you ever find yourself in Santa Cruz you’ve got an open invitation to stop by for a tiny tour. I’ll even show you how to prepare for the zombie apocolypse.
Reply Stacy July 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm
I love tiny houses and apartments! I’ve always found tiny living fascinating. Yes, sometimes the design magazines can be a bit ridiculous, but that happens when the houses are large and ostentatious as well. I think people find workarounds for most of the things you mention, including enjoying private sexy time. I’m really fascinated with tiny living in other countries and cultures, where it’s sometimes status quo, even for very large families. Here’s one of my favorite photo projects: http://photomichaelwolf.com/#100×100/1
Reply Jim July 8, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Shoot, I thought it was funny.
Reply PBR3000 July 8, 2015 at 6:41 pm
I used to live in a tiny little one-bedroom apartment. It was not a studio, but rather a 400 sf apartment with a separate bedroom, a little bathroom (away from the kitchen), lots of light, cross-ventilation and non-cable TV. It was less than a block from the bar. I would sit in there, smoke grass, have people over and I got laid alot. I loved that place.
Reply Emily July 8, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Hilarious article! Unfortunately I am one of those crazy happy people living in a Tiny House. Now before y’all judge me too harshly you should know that I am a messy, lactose intolerant, ice cream loving, 20something that works at a clothing store. To make matters worse I’ve managed to con my 6’5″ chef boyfriend into building and living in it with me and I somehow managed to even talk him into getting a dog. All in 160 square feet!
So now my shoes live outside, we eat on the couch and my boyfriend bought a huge fan that quickly airs out the house for when I indulge in a little too much Ben and Jerry’s. Whatever he’s the one that needed the full size fridge and stove “to practice his recipes” when I had to sacrifice precious closet space.
So our general rules are as follows:
1. Keep kids out of the Tiny House (in all forms)
3. If someone is in the loft farting it probably means they want some alone time.
4. but try and let them come to bed before curling up on the three foot “couch” causes them permanent damage.
Reply Meryl July 8, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Thanks for the laughs. Someone without living tiny, you nailed quite a bit of it. After being a little too obsessed with Tiny House Blog, my husband and I homesteaded 9 acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, converting a 12×16 mouse nest/cabin into a bathroom and kitchen and adding our 18 foot yurt. After a winter of 300 inches of snow and trying to fit us, two 60 pound dogs and a cat in that space, we added another 15 foot yurt and a porch. It’s small. The kitchen/bathroom is definitely tiny and you can often here us, struggling to make dinner in the small room, yell “tiny house!” It’s not always pretty. Maybe my husband and I are just assholes and other tiny folks have smiles pasted on their faces from sun up to sun down, but I doubt it. You can read more [honest] stories about living off the grid and in small spaces from our journey at circularlodgic.com.
Oh, and “Do you have a tiny river that runs behind your tiny house? I bet you do. I bet your whole Goddamn property is whimsical.” That part’s true too.
Reply Meghan Cooper July 8, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Oh man, good stuff. I can’t stop laughing. My mother just made the switch to tiny house living and I shared this with her because I feel like I’ve said all of the same things (in my mind) about her doing this. I love the idea but I could never do it. I need my sexy time.
Reply Darren Glass July 8, 2015 at 7:07 pm
ot murder my children.
Your article is hin,
Your article is hilarious. Thank you for writing what so many of us are thinking when we read about tiny houses. I often dream about downsizing and living a more simplified life, but then I remember that I need alone time in order to not murder my children.
If my only dwelling was a tiny house I would end up on medications I can’t pronounce for various mental disorders I also
If my only dwelling was a tiny house I would end up on medications I can’t pronounce for various mental disorders I also can’t pronounce.
maybe.
Reply Darren Glass July 8, 2015 at 7:11 pm
Your article is hilarious. Thank you for writing what so many of us are thinking when we read about tiny houses. I often dream about downsizing and living a more simplified life, but then I remember that I need alone time in order to not murder my children.
If my only dwelling was a tiny house I would end up on medications I can’t pronounce for various mental disorders I also
If my only dwelling was a tiny house I would end up on medications I can’t pronounce for various mental disorders I also can’t pronounce.
maybe.
Reply Sarah Stacey July 8, 2015 at 8:38 pm
HILARIOUS, Lauren! I just laughed my ass off. We are currently living in an Airstream while renovating our house. Let me tell you…you can’t escape any smells. When someone goes to the bathroom, it’s like they just took a poop on the floor right in front of you.
Reply Baylie July 8, 2015 at 9:53 pm
BAM. I answered all of your questions. Thank you so much for the laughs and the creative direction to get me through my writers block. <3
http://tinyhousegrowingfamily.com/dear-hipstercit/
Reply Sam July 8, 2015 at 10:39 pm
This is absolutely hilarious!!! I grew up in a tiny home on the western slope of Colorado, the three of us lived in a 200 sq ft home on thirteen acres with our seven horses. To be honest it was hard at times especially as a teenager. I learned real quick that walks outside cured everything and we actually had quite the amount of “unnecessary” items that I have no idea how we kept all in perfectly organized places. I have no idea how I didn’t hear/witness sexy time (I guess I was fortunate). Once I moved away from home I started out in a 800sq ft studio in San Francisco. I had no clue what to do with all of the space so I spent money buying random things to decorate and fill it up (ridiculous). Now being a 20 something and a newly wed living in a two bed two bath town home that we pay way to much for, I miss the tiny living it was fun. I grew up exploring and living my life away from the safe confines of home that we all dwell in now. We spent our weekends hiking and backpacking and riding horses. Tiny living is a blast but also I love the outdoors and am fine with using an out house at three in the morning when it’s 15 degrees outside. I love all of your questions. As I have asked them myself and I lived that life. Let’s just say if you decide to live tiny make sure the person you are doing it with loves absolutely every thing about you right down to the embarrassing post Mexican nuclear farts.
Reply Elliot B July 8, 2015 at 10:42 pm
I totally want to live in a tiny house in the middle of the woods. Maybe not until the kid is grown up…and my wife will never go for it. So I guess it’s just a tiny dream.
Reply Kaylene July 8, 2015 at 11:48 pm
Hi Hipstercrite, I live in Portland, Oregon. I have my reservations about people choosing this lifestyle…because it’s a choice for them. What I found missing from your critique is the fact that for billions of people in the world, to live in such small quarters is not a CHOICE but a way of life, and a sanctuary. The problem I have with the tiny house movement in my city, and beyond, is the lack of discussion of topics such as #whiteprivelege.
Reply A person July 9, 2015 at 12:50 am
I have a 1200 Sq ft apartment, a kid and a teen, and no privacy. Sexy times happen at my partners house
Reply Adnan Brohejia July 9, 2015 at 12:54 am
When I grew up in Serbia during the Bosnian-Serbian civil war, we had 27 people (2 families) living in a 3-bedroom flat. We could not leave our block for almost 6 months because of snipers… we lost 4 neighbors this way. It was very dangerous.
Yet even though we had 9 people sleeping per room, we still lived well. I think it is amazing how Americans can be so passionate about having large empty houses all to themselves, when they have never faced any real hardship in their lives.
Reply Nina Potts July 9, 2015 at 2:19 am
So funny! Many of my friends/family have said their life goals include tiny houses. I currently live with my partner and quite a few pets in a 7p0 Sq ft house, and we will be moving to a 1700sq ft house next month. Every single day I think “I can’t wait to move!”.
While for some people I’m sure it will be bliss in a tiny house, at 34 I’ve had life throw so much at me a tiny house would be impractical and down right dangerous. Becoming disabled 6 years ago means I need space to use mobility aids to navigate my house, areas I can do my physical therapy, extra space to be able to bathe. Add in that my conditions often make me clumsy and weak, all a tiny house would likely do is kill me.
Don’t even get me started on all the family that have lived at my house off and on while the economy wreaks havoc on people’s lives.
Reply lisapost July 9, 2015 at 3:54 am
Yeah, that was funny I was Lmao
I live in 23ft trailer with my five kids and hubby… Not joking. We like to travel around. But we use outside like living space. In the rain the kids still play out. We use our car like a living space too and the teens all hang out watching movies a s using Internet in the car.
Oh and sexy time is a fine… We have perfected the art of finding things for the kids to do outside or in the car!
Next up is gonna be a converted truck for a bit more space! You have to want to live this life to do it, we do, so it’s cool… But it’s not all farting rainbows anymore than having a house is… Its just different challenges
Reply Christopher July 9, 2015 at 4:25 am
I am guessing you never lived in NYC. 8 million people live in tiny homes on top of each other, like me and I would prefer nothing else.
Reply Valerie July 9, 2015 at 6:37 am
Reply Nortiebug July 9, 2015 at 7:42 am
Your writing my dear is hilarious and very very enjoyable. Love your style!
I too live in a 700 square foot home with my hubby and 2 kids and during the loooooong Wisconsin winter…..we go a little stir crazy. However during the summer it is just enough as we can go outdoors.
Keep up writing your articles….you are simply wonderful!
Reply Eli July 9, 2015 at 8:15 am
This is exactly what I needed in my life today. THANK YOU. And yes, I too dream of having a tiny house, and I too have these questions. I’ve got 2 people in 970 square feet and have shit laying around EVERYWHERE! How in the world do folks survive in 250 square feet??
Reply Aaron July 9, 2015 at 8:51 am
I live in 256 square feet and have for years. Most of that time with a Great Dane. Also, I understand sarcasm and general curiosity. Ask me anything!
Reply Cabe July 9, 2015 at 8:52 am
This was hilarious! I’ve thought of these questions while watching a tiny home show. Always thinking that the woman in the show is going to regret it! But I’m fascinated, and sort of jealous of tiny home living. I could never live in one with my sweet son, aka captain caveman! But a small cottage with a awesome front porch I would love! Love your blogs!
Reply user5jenn July 9, 2015 at 9:13 am
I thought the article was hilarious. Thank you for the laugh. To all the haters on this thread. ..”Really folks? Is your life so tired and sad that you can’t just appreciate an article for its humor? “
Reply Sam July 9, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Reply Tia July 9, 2015 at 9:37 am
Every time I see a fancy tiny house I think “these people have no idea what tiny is” everyone’s making a big deal out of living in mini luxury. Here’s my “I used to walk 5 miles to school in snow” story… Except I never went to school. My tiny house story is that I lived in a converted Ford Econoline van with my parents, a minimum of 5 siblings at any one time and two dogs. We lived in other tiny abodes throughout my childhood and adolescents but the van was the tiniest. We all slept, read, ate, traveled, and had all of our earthly belongings neatly packed away in there. So even though I now live in a sprawling mansion (just as you suggested ones children might;) I could very easily live in one of these tiny mansions and feel completely at home.
Reply Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses | GENIUS CLUB July 9, 2015 at 11:10 am
[…] by kadian [link] [comment] Full article:Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny […]
Reply francis July 9, 2015 at 12:38 pm
That was fun. The reactions are a bit much.
I lived on a 34ft sail boat for 2 years as a teen. I want nothing more then to live in that space again for the rest of my life.
Mexican farts . . . you don’t eat Mexican. What if there is a spark? Seriously, do you want to kill every one!
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:12 pm
I imagine living on a sailboat must be sublime.
Reply Andrew October 21, 2015 at 7:54 am
I spent ages 7-16 living on a 44 foot yacht with my 2 sisters and parents, circumnavigating. Basically a tiny home with a heated swimming pool (except when we were in Alaska). And I totally can’t wait to take my wife and 1 year old son off on a 2 year cruise to the Med and Caribbean on the yacht we just bought (43′ classic) ….yes it means a different lifestyle and definitely reduced wardrobes. And my books will have to go into storage….but the quality of life experiences is second to none.
Reply Edouard July 9, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Thanks, thank you so much for encapsulating in this hilarious article how I feel about all the raving articles on tiny houses that appear on TreeHugger…
I guess this concept only works for couples without kids. Three people couldn’t possibly live in there together…
Tiny houses, large problems !
Reply Rachel July 9, 2015 at 1:41 pm
lmao @ Mexican Food Farts. That could put anyone’s relationship in jeopardy!!
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Tell me about it. I have a boyfriend who LOVES Mexican food…
Reply Mike July 9, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Reply Dan July 9, 2015 at 2:39 pm
You know I find this piece of writing pretty pathetic. Its really not funny. Relying on fart jokes in a blog is really sub par. And a little blip at the bottom stating that you are “half serious” is not helping. There are many positives to living in a smaller house, including easier ventilation systems (SO NO FARTS WOOOHOOO!!). These houses that are several hundred square feet are extremely well designed and as many people have said make you reconsider what you use, reuse and throw out. This kind of article proves you are a privileged pathetic sad person aka the kind of american the rest of the world hates. Calling a “tiny house” fancy is so backwards… can’t you see that? They are designed to cost less, be less, use less, take up less and be efficient… now what part of that is fancy? Fancy is the exact opposite and I’m a bit concerned you don’t realize this major flaw in your title. You should seriously rewrite this whole article with useful facts about eco-houses rather than made-up facts about farts because people need to stop taking things for granted and that is what these houses are all about. You should also reconsider your job. You take a concept of using less and of being more efficient and you take out farts from it. You and the rest of america laughing at this poorly written article should really be ashamed and recognize that you are the problem. I mean common you are practically bullying people who have sacrificed so much for the greater good. We live in the tragedy of the commons and you make fun of a way out. Pathetic.
Reply Andrew October 21, 2015 at 7:56 am
I think you will find she is taking aim not at tiny houses per se but rather the cult that is surrounding them….
Reply Michelle October 25, 2016 at 12:46 am
Reply Michelle October 25, 2016 at 12:48 am
Reply Walter July 9, 2015 at 2:44 pm
I’m having trouble believing that anyone who read the same article I just read could possibly get bent out of shape by it. I always fantasize about world peace, but then I am constantly reminded that world peace is impossible when there are people who will get upset by a tongue-in-cheek article about tiny houses. We’re all doomed.
I had a good laugh at your article — thanks!
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:10 pm
I love you.
Reply Why you should read Hipstercrite’s “Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses” | circular lodgic July 9, 2015 at 6:37 pm
[…] you can watch fire dance inside the woodstove as it warms your feet. Dearest Katelynn posted Hipstercrite’s blog on my Facebooks the other day and I laughed maniacally in the little computer lab assistant office […]
Reply Jimmy July 9, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Tiny Houses are just glorified middle-class trailers for people who don’t want to live in a trailer park, or in a van, down by the river.
Reply Jon July 9, 2015 at 10:13 pm
“I have a NY driver’s license, a LA mailing address, and an Austin physical address.”
We all can’t be somewhat involved in all the coolest places at the same time like you, Heather.
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:08 pm
Who is Heather?
Reply Amie July 10, 2015 at 6:53 am
omg that was the funniest thing i’ve read in ages, seriously my kids freaked out because i couldn’t stop laughing, my four year old wanted to know why i was crying!! hahaha!! well written, bloody funny piece Lauren! loved it, shared it, want more!! :))
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:08 pm
Reply The Friday Five (July 10, 2015) – Planforth July 10, 2015 at 7:04 am
[…] Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses – Lauren at Hipstercrite asks all the questions you have ever wanted to ask someone who lives in a Tiny House. I actually want to know the answer to these, so I hope she does a follow-up interview with an actual Tiny House dweller. […]
Reply STO July 10, 2015 at 11:54 pm
Perhaps she could have done an actual interview in the first place. Writers these days.
Reply Brian July 10, 2015 at 7:42 am
Ha. My wife and I lived full time for 5 years in a 300 sqf motor home. We had plenty of room for everything we needed, including a queen sized bed where we had lots and lots of sex: sex overlooking the Grand Canyon; sex surrounded by Oregon vineyards; sex beneath California redwoods, and on and on.
Now we’ve downsized again to just a couple of backpacks whith which we’re traveling the world; having sex in Dubrovnik, Croatia , Venice, Italy . . .
Neither one of us farts much, which I guess is our secret.
Reply Loki July 10, 2015 at 8:39 am
This could have been a rant of any of my girl friends; as we discuss retiring to a farm (sans Kale), each with our own tiny-ish house, cabana boy(s) and an odd emu or two. Thanks for the laugh. *the comments are pretty damn funny too*
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Reply apizzamymind July 10, 2015 at 10:16 am
Awesome article! It’s too bad people can’t laugh and take things for what they are! I am sure even tiny home dwellers ask(ed) themselves the same questions at one point. I think a tiny home would be really fun with just a significant other, no kids! Bc then, sexy time can happen anywhere on that 250 sq. ft. house
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:06 pm
We raised our 2 kids in a 400 sq’ creekside cabin. In order to get some ‘sexy’ time we eventually added on a 10×12′ room. Of course, we waited for several years to build because who has the time and energy for ‘sexy’ time w/ 2 young sprites running you ragged and besides, they were as entertaining ,not all of the time but some of the time, as ‘sexy’ time. and simply fart in the bathroom and close the door-this is not too hard people! and the butt control needed is like the Kegel exercises and makes sexy time way more fun….just sayin’… a win-win in my book. And I LOVE cleaning a tiny home…well, at least more than cleaning my 3000′ footer now. oops, I forgot, we have a house cleaner so it’s actually easier now..but you get the point,right? Well,I gotta go now. gotta make that big bundle of cash working to pay off that wild west coast mortgage. There may be a yurt in our future. cheers…
Reply ARand July 10, 2015 at 1:55 pm
I live in a 130sqft tiny house alone and LOVE it! I think this article is hilarious.
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Reply You Got That Right July 10, 2015 at 2:31 pm
For the record, I live in a 120 square foot ‘tiny’ home. I love it and now wouldn’t live any other way. But also for the record, I agree with most all of it, satire or not. I see the pictures that get posted and articles and comments, and then I look around and think. Uh …. NO. I hear the expense of building one of the popular plans on wheels, blah blah, and ask why?
How I live is not for everyone. I especially would not recommend it if you have kids. And 120 square feet is enough for one person, but after a day or so is definitely NOT enough for two, or even one and an indoor pet. And having lived like this for over 5 years now, not once have I looked around said, “yup, just like in the magazine.”
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Reply TIncupdaisy July 10, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Being a writer myself, I thought this was a cute idea for a story – a little sarcasm levied towards the tiny house movement, in a playful tone. All in good fun, right?
Unfortunately, your potty-mouthed, foul obscenities drew attention away from what you were saying, to the point that this reader no longer cared to hear your opinions — even for the sake of a laugh. But then, you’re a hipster, right? What the civilized world wants is of no interest to you.
You are undoubtedly right in assuming a tiny house is not for you. While it’s true you would need less space, for your under-sized vocabulary, your EGO would require much more square footage to house it. Your flippant attitude, crude behavior, and disrespectful pets would require additions of their own to adequately house them as well.
Reply Ross Uk September 25, 2015 at 8:57 pm
The article made me laugh and feel happy. Your post made me feel sad. I like laughing.
Reply The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #26: Chasing the Winter Sun - Calm to Conniption July 10, 2015 at 3:02 pm
[…] I am intrigued by the people who chose to live in teeny tiny houses. I have always wondered why they have to be THAT small though? It seem so does Lauren from Hipstercrite who wrote Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses. […]
Reply Priscilla July 10, 2015 at 5:33 pm
This made me laugh out loud! I thought it was very insightful and witty and asked many of the questions that we all have wondered. Although, I have been seeing a lot of “sustainable apartment” communities popping up in my area. It’s a great marketing technique. The apartments are still expensive and don’t have green space. Actually, they are just really small. Like, 300 sq ft or less. And expensive. So even city dwellers like tiny houses. The just want to pay more for them?
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:04 pm
If I had a tiny house, I’d much prefer to be in the country. Then you can enjoy the land around you. I can’t imagine living in a dinky place in NYC. I’d probably lose my mind. I’ve lived in my fair share of apartments. I can do apartments, but it’s nice to have a little bit more space!
Reply Meg and Joe's Tiny House July 10, 2015 at 7:31 pm
First, I have to say, this article is hysterical, my husband and I laughed a lot (we love fart jokes)…and all your concerns and questions are completely legit. I can answer them honestly for you as my husband and I built our tiny (160 square foot) house back in 2011. That’s right, we’ll have lived in it for four years as of August 21st. We aren’t hipsters. We didn’t do it to be green (although that is a nice consequence). We don’t have children and definitely wouldn’t have chosen this lifestyle if we had. Our reasoning for living this way is purely selfish. We wanted to work less and play more. We wanted to live in a way that would allow us to stretch our meager incomes- low rent, little to no utility bills and to have money SAVED. My husband is a cook and I am a customer service supervisor. We don’t make a lot of $, never have. With what little we had (that we had to work our lives away for) we had to give it away, every month. Rent, utilities and every other bill AND we never lived beyond our means… Neither of us has ever had a credit card and we would only buy things that we could afford with cash. We never, ever wanted to buy a house. We never wanted to be tethered in that way and we both understand that when you “buy” a house you don’t REALLY own it… the bank does. If you are unlucky enough to have something happen to your body or your job and you can’t afford your mortgage, the bank can just take it away. FUCK that. One day, I was home and I saw PBS video about this lady named Dee Williams… She had the coolest little tiny house. I showed Joe as soon as he walked through the door and we decided to do it. It made perfect sense. For Us. Joe and I are originally from upstate NY. We have lived in tiny apartments our entire existence together. In fact, we got married in a studio. NY is expensive, no matter how far north you live, and tiny was what we could afford. So, the tiny part we had a LOT of experience with. It was a no-brainer. We never had enough money to buy a lot of stuff, so that was easy. The idea of having our OWN place was so, so appealing. We started saving and it took about a year with extra work (I photographed a cook book which paid for our trailer-the base of our house) and eating crap food, we managed to save roughly $30,000 dollars, cash. We didn’t borrow any money (and we have no credit cards)to build it, we sold things, beloved things like my camera to afford stain for our cedar siding. We had some help from friends in building it which Joe paid back with free computer help (as Joe is a certified repair tech) We are forever indebted to them. Exactly one year, to the day, that we moved in, Joe suffered a major stroke. I was with him, in the house and we were doing nothing, just milling about. He started to feel strange. He expressed his symptoms to me and about a half an hour later his speech was jumbled. I had training at my job for signs of stroke (F.A.S.T -Face, Arm, Speech and Time) as I work in a fitness facility. I knew immediately what was happening and with in 15 minutes I got him to the ER. His bp was 270/170. It was bad. One of the top pros on our pros and cons list for building our house was that if anything ever happened to Joe or I , we could each afford to live on our own in it and would always have a roof over our heads. Joe was paralyzed on his right side and had to work really, really hard for the better part of a year to regain his mobility. Don’t worry- thanks to that amazing work ethic of his he is 150% better than he was before the stroke. ..and as he was in rehab, he didn’t have to worry about me once, he could concentrate on getting better. What a gift. What a gift our tiny house was. Our house had to be deemed safe by his physical therapists in order to be released from the hospital and if it wasn’t we had to find a place that was. I was nervous about this. I wanted him home. To my surprise they thought our house was ideal for recovery! If he fell, he could catch himself easily … too small to fall! We built our house with fold out futon on the floor level, he could sleep downstairs no problem. That being said, the tiny house has saved our ass numerous times over the years. Joe could not work, if I alone had to pay our rent while he was recovering, we would be homeless. That alone is worth the wind of a thousand mexican food farts.
About the farts, we built our house with 13, yes 13, windows with that very thing in mind. We also have a lot of fans. I call them my fart shields. We eat a LOT of veggies (no, we are not vegetarians) which contributes to the flatulence. We have two skylights above our heads in the bedroom loft and it’s dormer-ed so as to sit up comfortably in bed. Joe designed the house to be as comfortable as possible. No, there isn’t a lot of privacy but we can easily get away from each other by walking out the front door. We both have our own space and computers so we can each do our own thing and we’ve lived this way for many years so it works for us. We are not perfect or better than anyone. We’ve just been living this way for so long that we know how to make it work.
If there is a forest fire (we live in Montana) or zombies for that matter we could pull our house away as it is on wheels. Yet another benefit.
If there is one thing I have a lot of, it’s clothes. I have a much bigger clothing area than Joe. I have to purge, several times in 6 month period. If I buy something new, I have to get rid of something old. I generally give it to a friend or send it to the thrift. We can’t buy a lot of things and stuff with our extra money because there is no place to put it. So, we budget for trips. When we rented we never traveled. We lived in Montana for several years, never having time or money to go to Seattle, even, which is only 9 hours away. With the house, we finally went and saw the gum wall. Drank great coffee. Visited Roslyn (where they filmed Northern Exposure, my favorite show as a kid). Well, now I’m rambling. I’ll cut it off here, with one downside to living in a tiny house, unless you build it so that the loft can be closed in some way, your cats will walk on your face when they want to go out and it will piss you off every morning… but I’m sure there is a way to fix the problem. A tiny way. With your tiny tools.
*Sorry about the punctuation, I’m sure it’s terrible. Also, there is SO much more I could say but you get the point.
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:02 pm
Meg, your place sounds awesome! Is there a place where we can see photos?
Reply Meg and Joe's Tiny House July 11, 2015 at 4:04 am
Also, Alex at Tiny House Talk did an article as well- http://tinyhousetalk.com/meg-and-joes-tiny-house-tour-would-you-live-here/ But these are both really old. The house wasn’t finished so the inside has changed considerably.
Reply Cammi July 11, 2015 at 11:54 pm
Amazing story, thanks for sharing! Great to hear about your husband’s recovery too!
Reply Meg and Joe's Tiny House July 12, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Reply Carole July 10, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Thx for the laugh..the comments are even funnier. That is a clever piece of writing people are way too serious theses days
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Reply Dear Hipstercrite - Tiny House Growing Family July 10, 2015 at 9:06 pm
[…] blog post was shared with me yesterday. Tears. Legitimate tears of laughter. OMG. Read it. Read it […]
Reply STO July 10, 2015 at 9:08 pm
Dear People Who Live in [Austin, TX] and actually [BLOG],
Do you actually love living in [Austin, TX] and [writing about your latest ponderings?]
You look so freakin’ happy [sitting at the cafe on your macbook, reading Dwell, talking about Tiny Houses and planning your next vintage clothing purchase. Or how long your bangs should be]. Gosh, your life just looks so good, but do you ever sit on the toilet after that double espresso and think, “I’ve made a terrible mistake! [I should have moved to Portland!]”
Look, I’m not criticizing you for [being artistic and moving to the hippest city on the planet] — after all humans have [tried to be cool since….Lucy?]
[INSERT: Pretend to know everything about the demographic so you can ask nonsensical (“hysterical” to your audience) questions and get people to like your article. I mean, like, really guys, it’s all about the viral these days.]
Actually, can I get my money back for this Satirical Template I just bought from “HowToGrowYourBlog.com”? It’s just too easy and I don’t think it’s trendy anymore….
Reply hipstercrite July 10, 2015 at 10:01 pm
You put a lot of thought into this comment. Thank you.
Reply STO July 11, 2015 at 12:10 am
Oh, thanks! I thought it was very original, too. I worked really hard on it. Like, I just really really tried to think, like, “What would it be like to be a mover-and-shaker in the world today?” and then, like, is it really *that* great to do something so different and positive for the world? Totally not! I’m so glad people are so humorous though and enjoy my style of satire. In a half joking sort of way. Kinda like when someone says “you’re a loser. i’m only half joking.” C’mon people! I’m only HALF joking! Like, how funny is that!
Reply Holly July 10, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Reply Fox July 11, 2015 at 12:06 am
1. I saw this originally in my feed, shared by one of my random facebook friends thanks to your medium post.
2. I saw this post AGAIN when you shared how awesome Medium is to one of the billion blogging groups I’m a member of.
I’ve since accidentally closed the tab, but wanted to drop you a line to thank you for sharing that wonderful piece of advice and also to say how WONDERFUL this post is. You’ve brightened an otherwise completely miserable work night. (Also, because the comments on this thread seem to be all about sharing: I don’t live in a small house, but contemplated either a: small fancy house living or b: ridiculously expensive tiny apartment in Manhattan living with the ex-boyfriend who I now can’t stand. SWEET BABY JESUS WHAT A BULLET DODGE THAT WAS.)
Thanks for this wonderful post. Keep being awesome.
Reply Jschulz July 11, 2015 at 8:40 am
Tiny house pics remind me of winter camping pics on Outside or similar sites. Looks soooooooo cool and romantic. Have you ever actually been winter camping????????? You spend most if not all of the night staring at the tent ceiling wondering when the sun will come up so you can thaw out. And the nights are long in the wintertime!
Reply BrainAttic July 11, 2015 at 8:57 am
I loved your article. I have the same questions to these people. where I am from I get people talking about tiny houses all the time. As if its a real choice. Yeah, if you are single and will always be alone it might be a plan. But some of us work to get out of a hole in the ground like that. I am not embarrassed by living in a proper mansion. These people try to make it out that I should be ashamed for having so much space. But c’mon which way would you rather live? I worked for it. For a long time. I ain’t going to work for 20 years only to live in a tiny room forever. No thanks. I think life is bigger than that.
Reply Phil Keeber July 11, 2015 at 11:05 am
You are hilarious. Gonna bookmark this and read some more….
The comments cracked me up even more. Always funny when people don’t get it…..
Reply hot links - The Stylish Disaster July 11, 2015 at 11:19 am
[…] piece Dear People Who Live in Tiny Houses has been floating around social media this week, and it turned me on to the Hipstercrite’s […]
Reply Hilarious questions to all tiny house dwellers | averyfinehome July 11, 2015 at 5:52 pm
[…] http://www.hipstercrite.com/2015/05/22/dear-people-who-live-in-fancy-tiny-houses/#comments_wrapper […]
Reply Camm July 11, 2015 at 11:47 pm
I saw this linked around on Facebook. It raises a lot of real questions with the tiny house movement (to those of us not accustomed to minimizing our belongings), but you make it so funny!
A tiny house reality show would be a good idea.
[…] week we stumbled upon The Hipstercrite‘s hilarious open letter to “people who live in fancy tiny houses”. It was full […]
Reply John Ludi July 13, 2015 at 9:30 am
I live in a 200 sqft yurt in the woods of Wisconsin. I used to live in condos and apartments in Chicago, Mpls, and Detroit. I couldn’t be happier. My property taxes are $180 a YEAR and I have everything I need. The quest for MOREMOREMORE is killing this planet. Learn to live with less…it’ll do wonders for your character.
Reply Andrea July 18, 2015 at 3:44 am
I love how people who’ve chosen to list spare lives like to assume they are of better character than others. There are zillions of shades of green between you and the Trumps of the world, and some us on the continuum take exception to having our character questioned by random people whose true characters are an unknown.
Reply Mandy July 13, 2015 at 10:43 am
I think these are awesome questions raised in a a really funny way! My husband and I are planning on building a tiny house to use as a vacation house for ourselves and rent out when we aren’t there. We watch all of the tiny house shows and are always asking questions like this. I mean…should I feel guilty that I don’t shit in a bucket of saw dust….or does it make you better than me that my bedspread isn’t covered with bacon grease because my bed is a foot away from where I cook. I think that downsizing and tiny living is very admirable, but I also think that it’s taken way too far, and almost becomes an obsession at times. It creates a level of pretentiousness in people, which is the exact opposite of what “living simply” should stand for. I grew up in a 400 square foot home, and currently live in an 800 square foot home. We have plenty of room to have hobbies (yes tiny housers, we have STUFF) and that doesn’t make us bad people!!!
Reply Kur-v July 13, 2015 at 11:39 am
My 19 year old son is building a tiny house. We live in No. Cal where real estate prices and rents are extremely high. So a tiny house is a wonderful alternative for a young person who would like all the amenities of the nice place that we live without insane rents. He would much rather live in his own house than in some crappy apartment with a half dozen roommates.
Reply Joel July 13, 2015 at 6:02 pm
I live in a 200 sq. ft. cabin, and I laughed because I’ve read the ‘tiny house’ articles and had exactly the same thoughts.
For the record: I’m a 60 year old hermit, so ‘sexy time’ is not an issue. I do however share my space with two dogs, one of whom masses approximately as much as I do. They’re necessary because they keep the coyotes and other predators away from my food animals – which live outside my Tiny Home, in among the two sheds where I keep my power equipment and all my actual stuff.
See, my rule for all those pictures of Tiny Homes is the same as that for all the other pictures of places found in architectural magazines: If the number of visible throw pillows exceeds the number of visible books or cooking utensils, somebody’s selling something you may not want to buy because it will not conform to reality in any meaningful way.
My cabin is 200 square feet. One comfy chair. Lots of books. A fairly major kitchen with not enough counter space. Two dogs. No throw pillows, and no wheels. And a yard with sheds, because that’s the only way it can really be done.
Reply Tiny houses on the hillside/Tiny houses full of throw pillows | The Ultimate Answer to Kings July 14, 2015 at 9:24 am
[…] Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses I f’ing love the idea of downsizing and living a “simple life,” but seriously, where do you put your shit? You still have some clothing and shoes and towels and all that jazz, right? Or do you just wear overalls now? Overalls and Birkenstocks and one towel that you share with your entire family. Where do you wash that towel, hmm? Do you have a tiny river that runs behind your tiny house? I bet you do. I bet your whole Goddamn property is whimsical. […]
Reply Barbara July 14, 2015 at 11:40 am
Hilarious! I recently moved from a huge 5 bedroom house into an apartment that is 575 sq. ft. While my fiance, my cat and I don’t need a ton of space, there’s no way we could go smaller than this. We’re definitely going into a bigger place once our lease is up. Our biggest challenge, trying to find a place to put the toilet paper!
Reply Dear Hipstercrite - MiniMotives July 14, 2015 at 12:54 pm
[…] read your article, it was funny. Very funny in fact, nearly every single person I know sent me a note making sure I […]
Reply coffeekittie July 14, 2015 at 4:09 pm
I was amused by your article, not offended. I’ve lived in everything from a tent to a truckbed camper over the last few years, so I think I can legitimately claim to know what living tiny is really like. I actually think your disclaimer at the end did your writing a disservice ~ it changed the tone of the article to a kind of “bully making fun and then saying you can’t take a joke”, when it was clearly tongue-in-cheek.
I built a large percentage of my own Tiny Home, which I’m now probably going to either drastically reduce in size, or sell, or abandon. Not because I can’t live in a very small space, but for other practical reasons. As another commenter said, this seems to be the place for sharing our own personal stories, so here goes!
I’ve come to realize my trailer isn’t heavy-duty enough to withstand road travel. That can be rectified, with some $$$ and some time. But, I’m not sure I want to spend those on it. After getting a life-changing injury doing something stupid, I’ve come to realize that my plan for living alone in my TH on a very beautiful but remote piece of land in the mountains is a little too dangerous for my, a single woman. I’d do it in a heartbeat if I had a partner.
So, what to do? Well, build an even tinier space to live in, of course! The one-ton flatbed I bought to tow my TH…hmmm. It has a pretty good-sized bed on it, and I still have plenty of building materials left, and I want a safe place to call my own…light bulb moment! My new Tiny Home will live on my truck!
See, I already know I am comfortable in a very small space. I’ve already learned what I like and what I NEED, and what I can live without. Not saying I don’t have wants and wishes that won’t work, of course I do. I’m an overly-pampered American, after all. But that’s OK, that can be overcome.
I will have a freaking huge closet, and decent kitchen, and a queen-size bed area. I’ll have a very small bathroom, with barely enough room to shower. Staying clean is a necessity, and I don’t have the room for it to be a luxury, sadly. I do have a gym membership for when I want a long, hot shower. I’ll have a pantry for my scratch cooking, and a marine alcohol stove for when I cook inside. I’ll have a tiny wood stove for heat and to keep a kettle of water warm (hot water on demand is definitely a luxury I want!). I’ll have electricity for my laptop, lights, fans, and a tiny freezer.
Because I hope my mid-20s son with travel with me sometimes, I’m making sure that the storage bench is big and comfy enough for sleeping. The two sleeping spaces will be separated too, for the much-valued privacy!
Here’s the big (huge?) downside: I have a dog and 3 cats in my care now. This came about due to my mother’s passing away ~ I wasn’t about to kill her pets because of any inconvenience. I did find her dog a lovely home, thankfully. I can’t rehome my dog though ~ he’s my friend and he defends me. No one wants to take in older kitties. So things will be awfully hairy sometimes, I suspect :p
This is an extreme lifestyle that certainly wouldn’t fit most people, but for me? Wanting to be able to travel? Needing to know I have a safe and comfortable place to live that can’t be taken by the bank? Loving the fact that I can build my own home with my own two hands? It’s perfect. For now.
Reply Ariel July 15, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Loved your post so I wrote a response I thought you might enjoy as well.
Reply Dear People Who Live In Fancy Tiny Houses | flck.net July 16, 2015 at 8:06 am
[…] This post originally appeared on Hipstercrite. […]
Reply Dear People Who Live In Fancy Tiny Houses | The H2O Standard July 16, 2015 at 8:09 am
[…] This post originally appeared on Hipstercrite. […]
Reply Dear People Who Live In Fancy Tiny Houses | News Agency July 16, 2015 at 8:30 am
[…] This post originally appeared on Hipstercrite. […]
Reply Happy Links: Savor the Summertime — go small, think big & be happy July 17, 2015 at 7:00 am
[…] article was hilarious: “Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses.” As a side note, tiny house living isn’t all “peaches and cream.” I’ve tried to […]
Reply Michelle in Michigan July 17, 2015 at 12:36 pm
I LOVED your article! My howling laughter disturbed my usually imperturbable dogs! And I’m currently building a 200 sq. ft. THOW!
Having read the comments, I am struck by how easily many are led to believe that those who do something, and those who blog about doing it, are the same demographic.
Reply Andrea July 18, 2015 at 3:36 am
I loved this so much and immediately FB’d it. I’ve loved tiny homes for a decade but have all the same questions as you for sure. Personally as much as I like the design, the ethic and (primarily) the lower cost, I could never live in just one. I thought for years, since first seeing them, that I wouldn’t mind my own tiny home compound. Buy a property and circle the wagons, so to speak, with each one (and I’m talking the itty bitty cute ones, not the uber loft for family ones) for a different purpose. Bedroom, closet, bath, lounge/office/crafts, meditation/exercise, guests, kitchen/dining. So, I’d only need 7, ~150 sq ft tiny homes with a central courtyard (maybe one more facing the road for either a home decor store or Chiro clinic, depending on how I want to work). I couldn’t handle divesting of all my books or items picked up traveling. Totally respect people who live small but my first thought it always that all they have room/stuff to do at home is reading (good) or TV (meh) or garden (yay) so all of *life* must be lived outside of the home. Also not bad, given that happiness comes from experiences, not things… but that first thought I always have is that these people must spend an awful lot of MONEY going out to do things, since there’s no space or supplies to do things at home and pretty much everything there is to DO these days (except perhaps hiking) is far from free. So, do I give up a cuddly home space that’s beautiful because I’ve collected beauty in my travels, because of an ethic to live small? Or live slightly bigger and spend less money going in search of something to do? Can’t believe the people attacking this post of yours, it’s exactly what I’m sure many of us wonder! xo
Reply Dana Baldwin July 19, 2015 at 12:49 pm
It helps if you are older, you don’t have as good a sense of smell. but the ladder would be my undoing. It seems that with part of the tiny tiny house movement, it became, because city codes don’t allow houses to be built that are small, so you are left with a non permanent dwelling that by necessity had to be very small. however the fact the people are aware that we are over run by stuff, in debt and so spread apart, that we don’t connect any more and want to change that , is commendable. I think out of this movement will come a new awareness, and this early part is pioneering. I for one am impressed
Reply Katie July 20, 2015 at 2:29 pm
I’m so happy to find your site, this article made me laugh so much, that I would have fallen off my tiny chair, if only I had one…no space for it in my house you see!
I am a mad person, and live in a Ford Transit van which is 8 metres square, WITH my boyfriend, who is mad too. Mexican fart times are awful, but he is well trained and does them out the door. I LOVED reading this article, cos all of it is true – apart from ever thinking that I made a terrible mistake!
As a tiny home dweller, I’ll tell you what I love about my little house – it makes me giggle all the time! It’s ridiculously small, and I have nowhere to put my shit, so I just got rid of it, which makes me madder and happier by the day! Best of all, we live under heaps of snow throughout the winter in the French Alps, which makes us even madder, but even cosier. We live in a community of about 17 other vans housing other mad people and dogs, and this is my favourite part of this tiny living malarkey – our community. Our homes are too small to own everything we need, so we are constantly popping round to our neighbours to share food, fun, drinks and love. It warms the cockles of my heart.
Keep writing, and keep up the great work, I can’t wait to read your other stuff.
Love, Katie. XXX
Reply Tiny House Rant | The Adaptive Curmudgeon's Blog July 22, 2015 at 5:07 am
[…] Joel included a link to a blog called Hipstercrite (awesome name!) that really knocks it out of the park: […]
Reply Kate July 23, 2015 at 4:36 pm
That’s it….I’m leaving Alaska and moving back to my tiny yellow house in Austin just so I can be best friends with Lauren and answer all of these questions…hopefully without ever getting to the children building a McMansion.
Reply Terri July 24, 2015 at 8:39 am
Our house is about 1400 square feet. Our family of five uses about half of that space on a regular basis. Once we become empty nesters, my husband and I have discussed building a house in the 400 square foot range.
That said, we spend a lot of time outdoors. We have a few acres with horses and chickens, and I have a large garden. Most evenings are spent hanging out around a camp fire.
Cleaning a small house takes much less time….our bathroom floor is exactly 4″ x 5″. What takes time is dealing with clutter. A small house can go from pristine to looking like something from an episode of “Hoarders” in about a half day.
I could live in a real tiny house, though, if it had a large covered porch. A good, outdoor living area would be key.
Reply Mark Kenney July 24, 2015 at 8:54 am
Great article, Lauren! I too live in a 10X20 tiny house on wheels and far worse than Mexican food farts is dog flatulence in the winter, when animals should not be outside – and the occasional 2 a.m. stealthy pounce on my stomach while sleeping in my 7X10 log raftered sleeping loft by one of my two cats, who by now have learned to jump from floor, to kitchen counter, to windowsill & then leap up to my loft and surprise me. THOW living is not for the faint of heart…but I wouldn’t trade it for anything at this point in my 61+ years…
Reply Alex July 24, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Mark, I don’t about your cats, but I could live in a mansion and they would still jump right on my head.
Reply Getaway Is a Startup that Rents Tiny Houses for $99 a Night | Digital Trends July 24, 2015 at 11:03 am
[…] Live in Fancy Tiny Houses, do you actually love living in a fancy tiny house?” wonders Lauren on Hipstercrite. Portlandia mocked the trend as only Portlandia can — with fold-away cat boxes (shudder). It […]
Reply Alex July 24, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Oh wow I’m surprised by everyone who took offense! I thought this was pretty damn funny.. My boyfriend and I are building a tiny house soon (200 sq ft) 100 for living and the other 100 for storage (mostly food, water, and recreational stuffs). We don’t have kids, but our two cats will have a “catio” attached to the house which will be good for their escape during our sexy time LOL. The height of our loft isn’t high enough to stand, but not nearly as low as the avg. tiny house. We definitely would have liked something a bit bigger, but tiny homes are really pricey for what you get.. Our place has huge windows and our lot is on the ocean so the view is absolutely surreal, and was way more important to us than having a bigger home. We’re always kayaking, running, hiking etc. so we’re not in the house often and with the moderate ocean temperature we’re always outside grilling or gardening. For those who say “I could never” it really depends on your situation and what is most important to you. Oh and as far as farts? I could never escape those things anyway haha!
Reply Joanna Cahill July 25, 2015 at 10:45 am
your article had me laughing to the point of tears- you my dear, are freaking funny. We live in a 250 sq ft vintage camper. My sweet guy is my best friend and we are both weirdos …so we do fine with this arrangement. Everyone is always asking us if we drive each other crazy…we don’t – it’s amazing. He does have Chinese food farts/ I’ve acclimated.
We don’t have kids. The people who have kids and live in tiny houses freak me out—what the hell….?!! For all the reasons you stated above…families were not meant to live in less than 500 sq ft- my Irish ancestors did…but they also ate only potatoes and shit in pots…
Reply Lawren July 25, 2015 at 3:05 pm
And you are welcome to visit us, too, Lauren, here in the middle of the woods in British Columbia.
Reply Wolf July 25, 2015 at 8:12 pm
I desire the tiny house lifestyle. I have done ever since I was a kid. I’d build my own huts. I recall downsizing my bedroom by placing two large free standing wardrobes around my bed. The tiny house thing isn’t as bizarre as you think, unless you like pacing around your floor constantly, or require an unusual amount of room to move. I own a modest 64 square meter home that requires a lot of work to even be considered “average condition.” To earn enough money to support the house (and yes, that IS the majority of what I am supporting) I end up with little left over to renovate, or little time, or energy. Sad fact of life is a lot of low paid working class jobs are also EXTREMELY physical and demanding, with no financial reward beyond “home ownership”
My wife and I recently did the sums and for two very cheap cars, utilities like power and phone plus internet for a family of four… the mortgage, the rates, the insurances, over half our income is GONE BEFORE we get to buy food.
Once you start to consider your ACTUAL use of space, things tend to get very interesting. A large house essentially only provides MORE steps to the next piece of furniture or work station you will be occupying. Moving from chair A in your large lounge to put a plate on the bench. Sitting at your table to eat, use a lap top, write. Going to your room to get clothes, get dressed, or laze on the bed. Your normal activities aren’t restricted. If you want to do yoga. cartwheels, basic athletics, there is a place called OUTSIDE.
Now getting to your stuff. Unless you are a hobbyist that has a hobby that requires storage, like a cabinet maker, or some sort of restoration project, there isn’t much argument against a tiny house beyond your expectation that houses must be of a certain size. And as someone that wants to live the life, and is working towards it, I share the same doubts that this author raises. I expect that is natural for anyone breaking free of the usual societal indoctrination of “normal”. I don’t use that phrase to be snide, I believe at one time that the way we lived was financially sustainable for families. It really isn’t sustainable now for those of us with 60k incomes and families to support, and all hippy bias aside there are solid financial and stress reduction reasons to considering this life.
That being said, thanks for the laugh
Reply Brenda Kula-Pruitt July 26, 2015 at 9:59 am
Geez Louise, it’s satire, folks. SATIRE. Give the girl a break. She made you laugh. Don’t tell me she didn’t make you laugh. I laughed so hard my dogs scurried under the bed until I stopped. I too love the tiny home movement, and write about it on my blog on a fairly regular basis. And since I’m alone with two little dogs that fart little farts, I would live in one in a heartbeat. But we have to have a sense of humor to survive in this world. Just let yourself laugh and don’t judge why.
Reply Debra Welborn July 29, 2015 at 2:55 pm
This would be a fantastic, well written, and very funny article…..except for the use of God’s name in vain. It is so ugly, draws attention to itself, is NOT funny, and caused me to stop reading it. I decided to continue, and you did it again. Girl….you don’t need to trash your great article like that. You’re funny on your own.
Reply laurie July 29, 2015 at 3:13 pm
When did the whole world forget their sense of humor, why can’t anything just be funny anymore, when did people’s skin become so thin? Sorry it was funny, seriously I’ve thought all those things and the small house idea has always intrigued me!
Reply Shelley July 29, 2015 at 6:44 pm
Reply Shelley July 29, 2015 at 6:57 pm
Other than the GD’s,I enjoyed the article
Reply Christina July 30, 2015 at 7:53 am
Enjoyed the satirical article. It would have still been funny without all the nasty language. I wish I could share, but my young daughter reads all my posts.
Reply Tim July 30, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Do you ever stare at your account balance after writing another mortgage (or worse, rent) check and think “I’ve made a terrible mistake living here?”. Do you look around the giant mess in your kitchen and wonder why you have so many dirty dishes. Do you ever pay a housekeeper or gardener or handyman to come fix yet another broken appliance? Have you ever gotten a quote on replacing carpet or flooring and though “gosh, that’s a lot of money for something I just walk on”.
Tiny house living is about living within your means, being happy with what you have, and not needing for more. It’s less about sacrifice and more about shedding external worries.
I love watching our savings grow. I love knowing where everything I own is, knowing it is clean, safe, and right where I left it. I love being close to my family and enjoying a simpler life with them.
As with all things, there is some sacrifices made, but the benefits far outweigh any of the negatives of living small.
Reply Alec B August 8, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Agreed!
Tiny house living is also reflective of the demographic change in our country away from a relentless focus on marriage and children, working and entertaining – what most everyone on here would be doing 40 years ago, instead of blogging and living small.
Reply Freak Show Friday July 31, 2015 at 5:00 am
[…] She’s totally calling them out about what happens when someone farts Mexican food farts. […]
Reply 5 for the road - Cleverly Inspired July 31, 2015 at 7:06 am
[…] everyone is thinking about tiny houses…but this writer so clearly and hilariously states… (a bit vulgar, but very very […]
Reply Karyn August 3, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Oh my goodness, I fell off my chair laughing while reading your awesome article! I too would love “someday” to live in a tiny house and I’ve also wondered about all those nagging questions. Great article
Reply Bee Jay August 9, 2015 at 5:14 am
[Though I promised myself I’d never contribute where more than a dozen or so others had already commented, this topic just begs for….well….comment.]
I’ve also wondered about the exact things the author mentioned–in particular the lack of storage space in ‘tiny houses’. Do they vacuum? Then where does it go? Do they wear more than the clothes on their backs? I don’t recall ever seeing a closet capable of storing more than….wait…I don’t ever recall seeing a closet in a tiny house plan.
As a single person (with a dog) I don’t need much space, but only realized this after moving into a new 1250 sq.ft. house with a full basement and wondering “what have I done?!”.
As the tiny house advocates might tell us, it’s about the planning, and they’d be right. I can’t count the number of atrociously laid out 2000 sq.ft. or even 3000 sq.ft. houses I’ve seen, for example, with nary a single big room to host guests in. (Really? I’m supposed to pay for all that space but I can’t host a big group of friends for a dinner party?)
On the other hand, I once saw a 650 sq.ft. apartment that looked about 200 sq.ft. bigger, due to its well designed layout.
Perhaps the answer for some of us rather than a ‘tiny house’, is a ‘much-smaller-than-we’ve-lived-in-up-’til-now’ house (or condo).
Reply Tiny House…Jamboree? | year of months August 11, 2015 at 8:24 am
[…] – Have you read Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses? […]
Reply AAW August 16, 2015 at 8:22 am
This article is hysterical!! SO TRUE! I think the exact same thing when I watch all the tiny house shows.
On a more serious note, I am currently watching an old episode of Tiny House Nation where the house they built for this couple has already been left by said couple (per an article on a tiny house blog) due to problems and actual cost incurred after the cameras and crew left and things started to go awry. It’s sad to know they couple endured so much hardship losing their original house in a wildfire only to see that the ‘workmanship’ done by these two show hosts wasn’t high quality.
Reply Alt-spirit August 17, 2015 at 10:47 am
Jealousy is a bitch, isn’t it?
Reply hipstercrite August 17, 2015 at 10:48 am
Yes, it is.
Reply C August 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm
I really REALLY want to see a neighborhood of nothing but these tiny houses. Not a tiny neighborhood, but a real planned out area with normal sized trees, & a pond, sidewalks, etc. I just think it would be interesting to see.
Reply Linda M September 11, 2018 at 8:31 am
If you buy a piece of land and talk to the town planning board, I would imagine this is possible. Vacation trailer parks are possible (including pool, lots of trees, etc.), so why not this?
If I had a tiny house, I’d like the option of moving it from town to town for vacations–to a planned site where the tiny houses are welcome.
Anyone doing this? I’d consider building/buying…
Reply Jason Liske August 18, 2015 at 2:56 am
An excellent excellent muse on small living. Having now done it for 6 months roadschooling our little wee ones across the U.S., it rings too true not to just laugh all out. Our best – Jason & Diedra
Loved your take on this subject. And I agree with all you said about the real need of downsizing and being more aware of what we are doing to our planet, but I do to wonder how they do it? I have to say I am intrigued but amazed with how it “all” fits, how… it looks so complete. I guess it depends on the perspective of the idea what “all” is and how much of it we really need. Great article. Gonna go browse some more, I like the way you write.
Regards,
Reply bee August 21, 2015 at 5:43 pm
I’m torn on tiny houses… The designs can be really cool and functional. And I think most Americans have way too much crap, that they often pay 100+/month to keep in a storage unit because they can’t fit it all in their house and probably never will…what a waste (George Carlin had a bit about this)
But the young couples buying tiny houses on HGTV just seem kinda…douchey. “Look at us pooping in a bucket and washing our clothes in the spring meadow! Aren’t we just so fucking idyllic?” They’re not better people than the rest of us just because they’re trying harder to be “green”. Not everyone needs to live in a tiny house and compost their poop to ~save the earth~. There’s a middle ground between that and McMansions. (“Overpopulation” is nothing to worry about btw. Fun thought experiment: all 7 billion people on earth could fit in Texas with the population density of New York. Lack of space for people to live will never be an issue. Look at a map of the Western U.S., for starters. )
Reply Why Medium is Good for Your Writing Career August 25, 2015 at 3:31 pm
[…] June, I republished my “Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses” Hipstercrite blog post on Medium and it got less than ten recommendations in 30 days. The […]
Reply CogDog August 26, 2015 at 10:41 am
People who get defensively riled by sarcasm should be scratched by feral cats, sprayed with cayenne, and tossed into a pool of hungry sharks.
We cannot paint all the tiny housers with one broad stroke, folks. I have a friend in a design phase of his puny house (surprise! he lives in Portland!) and I see how much he gets out of the design, planning, and consideration of having a smaller footprint. It’s not for be but it’sl also not my place to judge what others do based on a few photos or a magazine spread. Where’s the boundary where it falls into fashionable fetishism as so hilariously, fart ladenly written here? It depends.
I live in an un-hip, never to to be written in a glossy magazine or 3 episode tv series, *small* house (867 sq ft), no debt, composting, and when needed drive my boxes of used glass to be recycled in a 17 year old truck. Am I hipstier than thou? Hardly. But living with less, to me, is ultimately rewarding than living with more.
Reply Katie September 5, 2015 at 12:28 am
Oh my god this is funny!
I’m obsessed with tiny houses and it’s my dream to live in one (by myself, lol), but I intend to give up a lot more stuff before I let my sense of humour go! Great article.
Reply Seabiscuit September 11, 2015 at 8:06 am
I’m laughing out loud from my shelf bed on the 42 foot sailboat that my husband and I call home. You’ve hit the nail on the head with the privacy thing, the sex stuff (no kids here, thankfully) and the farting. We love our lifestyle and still think it’s worth it, but to your point, the photos of us covered in shit from the time our toilet tank backed up never made it to my Instagram feed.
Reply hipstercrite September 11, 2015 at 9:13 am
Ohmygod. I would have loved to have seen that photo. Hahaha.
(P.S. I’m sorry you were covered in poop.)
Reply Marc G September 14, 2015 at 9:27 pm
This was a great article! Thank you! I as laughing so hard I was crying! My wife loves tiny houses. I personally cannot stand them. We will probably in up with a tiny house in our backyard to keep her happy. (yes I know that defeats the purpose, but it beats divorce)
Reply Megan September 15, 2015 at 12:33 am
You know people didn’t understand Van Gogh during his time either.
Reply Robert Johnston September 17, 2015 at 2:57 am
As I get older, I enjoy more space for hobbies and office. I currently live in a 5200 sq ft house with my wife and no children. I do, however, own a tiny house that sits in the back on my property, I keep the lawnmower in it.
Reply Melissa September 19, 2015 at 3:19 am
OMG!!! IM dying!! This was so0ooo funny! I have been lookiing at getting a tiny house for a couple weeks now, I want to be able to afford lots of quality land so I can have horses, goats, chickens, and cows and a nice garden and fish filled pond. I also like that they can be luxurious for much less than a bigger home. MY husband thinks Ive lost my ever luvin mind! So Ive started looking at bigger tiny homes like this one http://wheelhaus.com/caboose/ that gives more square footage and a luxury feel. I think he would like this better. I really want to get away from all the clutter we have, so I want to be forced to simplify and spend most of our time outdoors. I want it so bad I can taste it!!!!! At this point if we went with a traditional mortgage we would be paying into our 80’s. That sounds like a trainwreck to me. Thanks for this laugh and all the hilarious comments too! By the way I am a conservative female with a 4 year old daughter and 3 chihuahua’s. .. just for yall statistics.. lol
Reply Tom September 19, 2015 at 9:40 am
Reply hipstercrite September 20, 2015 at 10:10 am
Have you ever thought about anger management classes?
Reply Johnny September 22, 2015 at 10:58 am
The bigger the better..My current house is about 6400 sqft. I could only go larger…Hopefully will sell this one before the next housing crash then pick up something much bigger and better on the cheap in a year or so.. When I was a kid I had a 68 vw bus with the camper insides. It was fun to take to the beach with my friends and spend a few days in it but that as far as I would take it. I think for an individual a minimum 5000 sqft is pushing it as far as comfort goes and would really recommend 6k or larger. If you have a family I would suggest at least 10k sqft to have enough privacy for everyone and not be cramped. I have a friend of mine with a 13k sqft house and that is a decent size for a human being. Nothing wrong with owning smaller places as long as you dont have to live in them just rent them out. I think most of these people once they grow up will realize they are basically homeless and live in a shoe.
Reply Margot @ Coffee & Vanilla September 25, 2015 at 4:01 pm
I don’t live in a tiny house but really enjoyed reading this article.
I hope you don’t mind that I will share link to it with my readers in the Friday Newsletter.
Reply Who Knows October 2, 2015 at 2:57 pm
You actually raise some very legit questions in a funny way. I also want a tiny house but the logistics just do not make sense. Where would I park it? How will I keep my fridge running? How will I wash my clothes or flush my toilet? Will I be safe and secure because it looks easy to break into? What will the kids do when they are teenagers and want to invite people over? Is it hard to resale if I need to? Anyways, kudos for going green. If everyone acquired less, reduced and reused, this world would be a much better place!
Reply Stacy October 6, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Hi there! This is absolutely wonderfully hysterical! I was hoping to get your permission to use this as an audition piece. Good witty writing for women is sometimes hard to come by and when you do find it, you find out that it’s a monologue that’s overdone. It’s really great writing and I’d love to use it! (No public performance, just audition) Thank-you!
Reply hipstercrite October 7, 2015 at 11:10 am
Hey, Stacy!
I am honored. Please go ahead!
Reply Mark October 14, 2015 at 11:26 pm
She certainly pointed out facts about these things. They’re so cute on TV while you’re lying in bed in your master bedroom thinking “damn, that whole house could fit in here” Yeah, that wouldn’t work for me.
Reply Jim October 19, 2015 at 11:04 am
Very clever and funny.
Reply Pamo November 1, 2015 at 9:32 pm
OMG I laughed so hard and so many times, when reading this article. To each his/her own, but I’m with you, I wouldn’t live in one of those unless desperate. I’d way rather get an extra part-time job if I had to, in order to live in a apartment or something (fortunately I don’t need to). I’m reading it again, that was the funniest thing ever (and not written in a mean spirited condescending way at all) – thanks!!
Reply Mom November 7, 2015 at 9:25 pm
Ditto Pamo! I laughed so hard I woke up my husband! I’m fascinated with these tiny homes and have wondered the same things. I don’t read blogs. However, a friend shared this article on Facebook so I had to find out more about you. I didn’t think your article was offensive. I love to laugh. You go girl!
Reply A Cell is a Cell is a Cell | Breaking Free November 9, 2015 at 1:43 am
[…] Molly sent me this article, “Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses” and it killed my […]
Reply Louis November 9, 2015 at 9:30 pm
I received this blog post as sad, rather than satirical. As a huge fan of humor and potential, and one who lives in a 96-sq foot A-frame located in a Hawaiian Tropical Rainforest near the beach with a partner… I could tell you the answers to the questions you pose are much funnier and insightful than this post. If you find yourself looking for material with substance to write about, as it seems you have multiple platforms to express yourself, I would recommend seeking answers from those you mock, or try stepping out of your comfort zone and living “tiny” for a period of time. It can be a transformational experience, but impossible to get through without a huge capacity for finding the funny in life.
Thank you for sharing.
[…] Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses […]
Reply THE small HOUSE CATALOG November 21, 2015 at 11:59 am
“Even that dog is like, ‘Where the fuck is the bed, guys?'”
Oh geez, you’re killing me. This article is hilarious. We lived in our tiny house for 3 years and never really thought about it all that much. Basically pooping in one’s kitchen is a bit bizarre.
Tiny and large, I’m sure plenty of people are living in their 5,000 sq ft houses wondering, WTF have I done too!
Reply Rent a tent November 29, 2015 at 7:23 am
“Don’t you ever want to turn toward your lover or spawn and shout, “Get out! Get out of my tiny house!”
OMG – you are brilliant! This read made my day! The comments. . . hahaha. Imagine getting pissed at someone for not wanting to live in a tent. Hahahaa! My camper is bigger than that dog house. No kidding.
Reply Yes! I Really Love My Tiny House! - Elisha Dasenbrock December 16, 2015 at 10:59 am
[…] This post is in response to Lauren at Hipstercrite. […]
Reply Small Space Living Ideas Inspired By an 84 Sq. Ft. Home - laurel home January 16, 2016 at 11:10 pm
[…] Before I forget, I came across an absolutely hilarious article about tiny house living. […]
Reply A brutally honest response to “dear people who live in fancy tiny houses” – living tiny canada February 2, 2016 at 11:11 am
[…] I’m sure most tiny home enthusiasts have stumbled across this viral blog post. If not, you can read it here: “Dear People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses”. […]
Reply Tober February 2, 2016 at 2:40 pm
I’ve written a letter in response to your post. It can be read here.
Reply Tober February 2, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Your article brings up some pretty common questions that we get asked regularity.
I’ve written a letter in response to your post. It can be read here.
Reply liberals are idiots February 6, 2016 at 2:17 pm
I Respect the person that wrote this article; it is the Common Sense TRUTH.
Reply Mom February 11, 2016 at 12:26 pm
FROM The BEGINING TO THE END YOU Had ME Laughing. You are more like a comedian. Ignore the caps- stupid phone is don what it wants.
Thanks for the article. Hahaha
Reply Tracy February 12, 2016 at 11:41 am
I loved this – funniest thing I’ve read in a long time. Please do more of this. You are awesome.
Reply Clowns to the Left, Electric Boogaloo | Mirror Universe February 25, 2016 at 1:05 pm
[…] “People Who Live in Fancy Tiny Houses are like this political Word of the Day at Dictionary.com – sylvan: of, relating to, or inhabiting the woods.” […]
Reply Steve Hines February 29, 2016 at 6:37 pm
Effing libs are miserable by nature, now they want to force their misery on everyone else. No thanks, I’ll keep my 4500 sqft oceanfront home my family and I enjoy immensely.
Reply Philly Bob March 9, 2016 at 4:07 pm
I wouldn’t mind living in a tiny house since my lady is no housekeeper and I have to clean the one I’m in now! I have a house with 1200 Sq ft of first floor, 900 sq ft of finished attic and 600 sq ft of finished basement plus a garage and I still have no place for all of my stuff! I’m basically trying to fit 12 tons of shit into a 6 ton house as it is. Maybe I should sell it all, buy a sleeping bag, a box of matches and a rife and go live under a bridge! LOL!
Reply Kissyface March 12, 2016 at 3:51 pm
I enjoyed that sublime tears-rolling-down-my-face-and-no-sound-but-wheezing Borat-laughter for the first time, well, since Borat!
I’m a single woman living in a 250-square-foot apartment. Sexy time? The people who live above me, whose bed is just above the desk where I work late at night get sexy time. Oh, for a tiny house surrounded by a tiny forest.
Reply We Buy Houses Legitimate | healthxfood.com March 14, 2016 at 2:29 am
Reply Kassim March 26, 2016 at 11:47 am
All I can think is “For the love of God, just FUCKING ‘say’ it!”
Good read. My wife and I enjoy watching the tiny house shows on HGTV—mostly for the unique storage and space saving things that they come up with. We couldn’t imaging actually living in one—maybe just having something like that set up as a guest house.
Reply Just dumbfounded March 28, 2016 at 8:25 pm
Not sure why ‘tiny house’ people think they are being Super responsible and better than others…you spend more than an avg small home cost per square foot and you used more resources to build a brand new tiny house that you park in allowed or not allowed areas and use others resources. And as you age you probably will then throw your tiny house into a landfill wheras a smaller home that already exists can be reused easier amd is cheaper and more environmentally friendly. And the 50k plus you spent is pretty much a sunk cost. A house normally appreciates in value.
Reply Lauren Sjurseth April 4, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Not only does someone had the fortitude to poke fun at this unsustainable, no-one-will-visit-me-ever-in-my-tiny-house-life trend, but they also happen to love Jeff Goldblum.
You, Lauren, are a rare commodity and, as a fellow Lauren, I am very very glad that you exist and are doing our namesake PROUD! Keep on it!
Reply Lauren Sjurseth April 4, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Reply Finn April 4, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Absolutely, completely loved this. Thank you for saying all the things my wife says in her head when I’m going on and on about how I want to live in a tiny house. I just died laughing trying to read this outloud to her, totally gonna read more of your work.
Reply Charlotte Ann April 26, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Apparently when making the move to tiny living, the first thing to get downsized is a sense of humor.
Reply Nathan June 18, 2016 at 3:45 pm
Thank you, every time one of those commercials come on my wife and I cant help but to crack up. While we cant argue with the novelty of the idea, we managed to obtain a house with ocean view and only 1/2 mile walk from the beach at 1700 sq ft and also “off the grid” in California. So basically a bunch of whiny, unsuccessful people. However, tiny homes make great vacation spots!
Reply Barbara Trudell July 6, 2016 at 12:52 am
Loved this! My husband and I lived on our 29ft cuddy cabin on the St. John’s river for a year – before children. Aside from the hurricane evacuation and the hurricane that we sat through, we loved it. We kept a storage space for things we couldn’t bear to part with. We both had regular jobs – but were on opposite shifts most days. I have wondered if it might have been different had we been up close and personal during all of our free time . Great satire and good questions!
Reply LookyLou July 10, 2016 at 8:01 am
Hi, I googled tiny homes are stupid and found this site. Love your article. In one show the mom was trying to make breakfast while the dad was trying to get ready for work, excuse me, excuse me, clumsy reaches, head ducking… It was so awkward. In another show the 4 year old had to walk with her head bent to get to her room, so as she grows she will have to crawl to her room. Crazy. I get a small house, but some of the tiny houses are just too extreme.
Reply Athena July 17, 2016 at 7:45 pm
It is truly amazing how some folk think it’s okay/humorous to initiate insulting and/or belittling attacks on another, then essentially say the equivalent of “I’m just saying”….like that’s an automatic pass. Be a grownup. When a choice is presented to either be uplifting or negative, don’t dive for the gutter….we become what we consistently practice.
Reply Sybil July 23, 2016 at 4:29 pm
Hilarious article on the latest fad in the saga that is the human race – Tiny ass house movement. Is that like a bowel movement, perhaps? Where if your toilet fails to work, you can poop in a bucket?
Ya know what’s better than a tiny ass freakin’ house? A gold plated card board box! One that you can take any where, like down by the river. No trailer needed. That way you can have gold plated cardboard box down by the river. And guess what? No toilet is needed either cuz you can poop in the river or poop in your bucket. Maybe you can take your box and go OCCUPY some piece of land in a forest or maybe a LANDFILL. Either way, no one will know you reek of patchouli. Plus, there’s plenty of food in both spots and you won’t have to pay taxes…
And guess what again? No sense of humor is needed! Why? Because you’ll be a special miserable fascist snowflake f*ck living in your gold plated cardboard box down by the river using it as a “safe space” as you hide from other people’s opinions as it offends you to no end – which will thus lead to years of therapy, countless empty relationships, numerous dead end jobs, several suicide attempts, alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, financial ruin, heavy indebtedness, homelessness, and endless unsubstantiated FB and twitter temper -rant-trums that no one cares about except you – all because someone expressed a different opinion than yours which is guaranteed under US Constitution.
Yes, because living in 200 sq ft or less is really good for the human condition. Just make sure you never get ill, get diagnosed with a medical condition or grow old….
Reply melissa hedwall July 26, 2016 at 4:03 am
anyone getting their panties in a kerfuffle over a satire article needs to loosen up a bit. this was funny as hell. and yes, a lot of it is smug ridiculousness but the houses have some practical application.
Reply Zephod July 31, 2016 at 9:41 am
Many people cannot afford a big house and with the strange employment patterns of today where a job could be gone tomorrow or moved across the country next week, tiny, mobile homes make sense.
I live in South Carolina where it’s impossible to get more than part time work or low waged work. For the past two years my wage won’t pay rent and food and living expenses. Thus I have been living rent free on a friends land while converting an old school bus into a home and subsisting with food stamps.
I cannot afford just to leave my job to go to find work someplace else… Yet. When the bus is completed, I will probably buy a tank of diesel and just go. Hell, I can probably make more begging beside the road than I earn at the only job that’s available.
And get this… I have a bachelors degree, am not a drug, tobacco or alcohol user, have no disabilities nor a criminal record, am white, male and in good health. Nobody ever responds to job applications!
Reply t dog night August 14, 2016 at 2:50 pm
I though the whole idea was to spend more time in the out of doors? Like, does a bear shit in the woods and what are those rabbits doing? Hmm. Just a thought.
Reply Mary Ann Evans September 8, 2016 at 10:32 am
My husband and I downsized from 1500 s.f. to 800 s.f. when our last child left the nest and have watched these shows with interest. But noticing how many of these houses end up for sale just weeks after the episode airs makes me realize how many of these people really don’t think this decision through. There was an episode out of Tampa where you could see the wife was really high maintenance and sure enough a couple months after the episode aired the house was for sale. I can see a single person living in 300 s.f., people have been living tiny in New York city for years, but if you’re forcing kids to live like that you should be charged with child abuse.
Reply Jason December 30, 2016 at 12:41 pm
I take issue with blanket statements about child abuse; the state now raises our children. I’m not OK with that. I can’t imagine how a patriot could be. A tiny house is a step in the direction of taking back our freedom.
Reply Shaunee September 9, 2016 at 3:42 pm
I have an 800 square foot house in the ghetto (ghetto adjacent, actually). I paid a cool $63K for it. I too am saving money and traveling more. Come to the ghetto and have space for sexy time. Come to the ghetto and have the space to fart. Fuck tiny houses and come to the ghetto ya’ll.
Reply Lance Rockwood January 4, 2017 at 4:35 pm
I don’t know who you are, but I love you. This post is fucking gold!
Reply Forest Dweller March 8, 2017 at 4:32 am
I rented for years while building other, more together people, real houses or fixing them up and blowing my money. Then one day while being evicted from yet another home I decided to take a year, work a little, build a little until I had a 22′ Tiny House. My monthly housing bills have been $250.00 ever since and that’s great. Plus if the people I rent my spot from ever ask me to leave, I can take my house with me and find a new spot. I have a propane oven/range, and an outhouse which fits into my work trailer and an outdoor bathtub. I love my house. I love being in nature with cool neighbors that always invite me over when they light up their sauna or have game night with their awsome adult kids. Theres a few hundred acres of blm land next door that serves as my jogging trail with my Tiny house shop 5 minutes away, town 7 minuted away, and my sailboat on the lake 10 minutes away. Things could be worse. I’m happy not being homeless. This is the only way I could have something that was mine. I am a recovering addict, have no credit, and have made alot of mistakes. Building my Tiny House is not amongst them. No internet, barely any cell reception, and no TV! Life is good! Amen!
Reply eddie April 4, 2017 at 10:02 am
Your teenage kids need sex? No wonder you liberals lost the election. Ever even come close to hearing the word, morals? Nah, of course not.
Reply Ding Dong Goo August 23, 2017 at 9:29 am
Eddie, you either haven’t hit puberty yet, or are a unic. Young boys who don’t have a hole to shove it in will still fire it off manually multiple times a day. In fact, even boys with a hole to put it in will still do this. Either way – Privacy, please.
How embarrassing would it be to be sitting on the toilet in this tiny box just to have mom open the fridge (where coincidentally the toilet is housed) only to find you roughing up the suspect?
[…] understand the appeal, as explained by Lauren Modery, who lambasted tiny houses in her blog, hipstercrite.com. She said tiny house dwellers are trying to live out their life “like a Wes Anderson […]
Reply A response to Oregonlive's 77 Reasons to Dislike Tiny Houses - April 18, 2017 at 8:20 pm
[…] understand the appeal, as explained by Lauren Modery, who lambasted tiny houses in her blog, hipstercrite.com. She said tiny house dwellers are trying to live out their life ‘like a Wes Anderson […]
Reply A response to "77 Reasons to Dislike Tiny Houses" - April 18, 2017 at 8:21 pm
[…] understand the appeal, as explained by Lauren Modery, who lambasted tiny houses in her blog, hipstercrite.com. She said tiny house dwellers are trying to live out their life ‘like a Wes Anderson […]
Reply House basement January 3, 2018 at 4:50 am
Reply ashley June 14, 2018 at 3:37 pm
people were boinking in fucking teepees and caves and pumping out little brats for centuries before the luxurious multi-bedroom house came around. get over yourself.
Reply Nicky Faretta June 2, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Well….you have most definitely generated conversation in regard to various opinions and questions in the arena of tiny houses and realities of living in them. I have built them fro over 24 years now, and as well live in them. I do have to admit that your sarcasm and passive backhanded approach to asking your questions posses quite the conundrum for any human wanting to engage in both a humorous and intelligent conversation. And as for the “we humans” reference right out of the gates….well…that didn’t bode well in first impressions on both I.Q. and awareness, whereas there is a rather large chunk of the world, including most of Western Europe, that live in flats no larger then 300 square feet….and that is with the wages of architects, lawyers, and most others with large investment portfolios. Point being, your not so hilarious claim on behalf of the “human” race, was simply sad. I have to side with the angry human….in that your digging and ill-educated jabbery is sadly setting what seems to be a popular and embarrassing rhythm for many others. Come on humans….you can do better.
Reply Taya February 19, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Interesting article. A lot of perseveration on mexican food farts….
First of all, there are many different sizes of tiny homes. You have to find the one that suits you. Second, the whole point of tiny homes is that you downsize and live with what you need. It’s about having relationships. Even if you dont care for people all that much you can still build community networks and share a damn lawn mower or other item. Not super hard unless you need drama and cant stay away from problems.
Pmtraditionally, people that live in many european countries have been living in smaller homes for centuries. Even now, many homes there are smaller. Everyone thinks of castles when they think of Europe but regular folk have smaller homes and have lived happily this way for a long time. IRS only because Americans are so used to McMansions that we wonder where to store our crap. If you’re not using it very often, then get rid of it for crying out loud!! If you need it later, borrow it from a friend unless you’re a total loser with no one to connect with. Jeez, Americans are entitled and spoiled! And yes, I’m an american. We just need to get over our attachment to crap!
I came up with this blog name in my twenties. Now I'm in my thirties and I think the name is stupid. Read More
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We had stared with their website www.t1markets.com, which looks professional and elegant. Everything is clear from their web pages, besides the speed is also faster. Most of the broker tends to create a complicated website with inappropriate information. On the other hand, T1Markets are the opposite of a traditional broker’s website. When you visit the landing page, you will be a few clicks away from the other needed information.
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Scrolling through this article will enlighten you with a review of T1Makkets, considering all the factors. Let’s read on…
We all want security in every aspect of our life, from home to outside. And when it comes to dealing with money, security should be the main concern. From our experience, it has been seen that many novice traders have gotten scammed due to the poor security of the broker or unregulated broker.
So, getting a trusted, secured broker is more important than anything while you trader. However, T1Marets has started in a proper way by taking all the measures and got the regulatory license from CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission).
CySEC is we known regulatory body by the Cyprus government, which is also recognized all over Europe. Furthermore, you can trade anywhere in Europe.
Online trading is tricky, and it is trickier when your broker charges ridiculously hidden fees. Some broker uses the hidden charge tactics to generate profit, which may include fees on deposit or withdrawal, added commission on specific trading.
On the other hand, T1Markets doesn’t put any burden on hidden charges, and they are transparent about all the charges. Besides, they don’t charge for deposits and withdrawals.
You have to keep yourself updated with recent economic trends. Besides, you will have to know about different trading tools and their uses, trading techniques to maximize profits. T1Markets‘ educational feature will teach you ins and out about trading. Also, it will send you updates on world economic events that may affect your trading decisions.
T1Markets, provide educational service as videos, eBooks, articles, newsletters.
To start with T1Markets, you may ask for a demo account. However, they offer three different account types, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Furthermore, the retailer and professional trader get separate accounts. But as a beginner, starting with the retailer account is a good option. For the professional account, a high investment with relevant documents is needed.
Whether you are a professional or a retailer, in both cases, you will be categorized as per those three accounts. All three types are required to deposit a minimum of $250, while the accounts are slightly varied in terms of offerings. For example, leverage is different in all three accounts, which is also different for retail and professional. Besides, there are variations in spread rates and swap discounts too.
Leverage 1:200 for the professional accounts. In contrast, it starts from 1:30 for the retail accounts. On the other hand, the spread ranges from 0.07 to 0.03.
T1Markets use Meta Trader 4 (MT4) as their forex trading platform. MT4 is an industry-leading platform for forex and CFDs. However, it also provides multiple technical, analytical tools on different operating types such as mobile, web, and desktop trading.
From various reliable forex broker reviews, we came to know that Meta Trader 4 is user-friendly for both novice and expert traders. Another thing is that you can use MT4 from anywhere on your phone via apps and on brewers from any device.
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The potential rewards offered by the forex market are large but carry equally significant risks. You need to acknowledge the existence of these risks and accept them before you invest in stocks, futures, and currency exchange in the Forex market. Our website's advice to you is to trade only with amounts of money you can afford to lose. Our intention is not, in any way, an attempt to solicit your participation in the stocks, futures, and forex markets. We offer information about ECN brokers. Our data is not intended to be used as trading advice. The possibility of losing your funds is directly impacted by outside forces that exist in the market.
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In today’s day and age, businesses often focus primarily on making their clients happy, which is essential of course, but more often than not, they forget about their most valued asset – employees. Without their combined efforts and hardworking approach, a business cannot reach the apex of its formation. Team offsites are a great and helpful way to boost employee morale, invoke open communications, and induce better relationships, which ultimately leads to a higher productivity level and enhanced quality of work.
However, to yield the benefits of this successful activity, it is essential to plan and execute it properly. Many organisations fail to induce the expected results because they fail to understand a few important parameters vital to having a great team offsite event.
Here are a few DON’TS of corporate offsites that you should keep in mind:
Don’t create events that might be physically too demanding for any of your team members because it could lead to non-participation of a few members and them being left out of the event. This is precisely the opposite of what team offsites are all about. Choose the physical activities that have the right level of fitness and comfort and ensure that everyone is included.
Make the event all about work:
This is a big no-no! Yes, at some point, you would discuss team performance and share plans for the coming months. However, make sure not to stick the entire event to business only. It will prove to be enormously beneficial instead if you can have this discussion a few days before hosting the team off-site and devote the majority of the time in team building activities, brainstorming ideas, and letting the employees gain a deeper understanding of each other. This will result in better teamwork and enhanced work performance of the team, both offsite and onsite.
Have the offsite event in your office:
Avoid this! If you have the budget, plan the event any place distant from the office. If you don’t, try to find an area as far from the office building as possible. This is important to ensure the best results from your team offsite. Your employees need to be away from the workplace so that they can focus and clear their minds from the usual work-related affairs. After all, the saying “A calm mind is a creative mind, and a creative mind is going to bring a lot of success into your life” holds a lot of relevance.
Stick to boring activities:
Once you’ve planned the venue and other details, don’t forget to focus on the team building activities. There are many innovative and fun activities that you can get on board with. One thing that is known to work well is having the members create something as a team from scratch such as the Velocipede Challenge.
Have a look at these exciting activities that are high on fun as well as learning!
Team building enables better communication and understanding which leads to overall increased productivity. Exposing your team members to new experiences will force them to think outside the box and foster creativity. Now you know what NOT to do, so you can better plan what to do!
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Laughter is no enemy to Learning! We believe PLAY can co-exist with MEANING & WORK. We deliver Corporate Learning & Engagement Programs the Experiential Way!
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What are the technical requirements? Check with each campus graduate division to learn more. San diego do uc.
Originally, the president was the chief executive of the first campus, Berkeley. To explore majors, choose a specific major that interests you and a campus you are considering attending.
You can reach her at sara. Guilfoyle may move back to California, run for. And dedicated academic counselors support the success of graduate students by working with them in areas such as communication and stress management.
Kaya Epstein, a student at UT Austin, said. Find more tips for getting into graduate school at ucal. Describe how you warrant to the uc technology, forced some virus, we recommend any schools require.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography. In Basic and Plus, your teacher will let you know about exams. Some of use only offering appointments may not submitting your fulfilling minimum requirements would accept english course list will do uc schools require them.
Plus courses do not include virtual labs. Frequently Asked Questions UC Hastings College of building Law. This news provides some relief to parents who have had to juggle multiple roles during the pandemic.
Change is certainly on the horizon for community college students looking to transfer to the UC system.
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Although, I made up all my classes, rasied my GPA and fulfilled all other requirements for TAG when i came back to CC.
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Am I not going to graduate? University of California, Office of the President. Many institutions, including most UC campuses, require an additional statement, often called a personal statement, in addition to a statement of purpose.
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North County Super Station in San Marcos are only offering appointments for second doses. Drug stores have become a mainstay for flu shots and shingles vaccines.
And if I am one point below the TAG GPA requirement will they still consider me? The articles published in the Rostrum do not necessarily represent the adopted positions of the academic senate.
The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. Please try again later.
The percentage of positive tests and hospitalizations continued to decline Wednesday, good indicators the pandemic may finally be on the wane, despite the heavy death toll. All trademarks are registered property of the University. Gavin Newsom is scheduled to visit the site late this morning with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
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Why do you want to be in avid essay. UC continues to manage certain matters at the systemwide level in order to maintain common standards across all campuses, such as student admissions, appointment and promotion of faculty, and approval of academic programs. GPA requirement, but have not taken a full load of classes in some years.
Below are the eight essay prompts. They will not accept a repeat of a C grade course. The Commission was regularly updated by various city officials about the nature of their work, including the Mayor of Durham.
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Essay about indian army in hindi. Put down the classes you think you will be taking. Uc office of the practice next week, is no longer support inline frames or uc schools require it is the university of scholarships.
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So you must mean another CCC. UC Santa Cruz also manages the nationwide warehouse of cancer genomic data for the National Cancer Institute.
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This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. On that note, some students provide a link to information such as a scientific abstract or published work.
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Will my TAG be voided because that certain part of the information does not match? Take a practice of each, and see which test you will do better on.
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You can take a course at cvc. Also is Political science an accepted TAG major?
Why it Took a Year to Fire Him. Thanks again for being so helpful and informative. UC application, you should also request that an official copy be sent to one of the UC campuses to which you are applying.
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Only a few specialized UC programs currently require such letters, and some campuses seek extra information about a very small number of students months after the original application deadline, officials said.
Will the reader wonder about that thing? Eric Ting is a reporter for SFGATE who covers politics, the coronavirus pandemic and sports. What professional opportunities are in close proximity to UC Hastings?
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You can see if you automatically qualify for a fee waiver within the application. There are nine UC schools, listed below, and you can choose to apply to as many as you want, including all nine.
CC in order to be accepted for tag. My sister and I have taken over household chores and bill paying to fill in some of the gaps. UC Scout may assign its rights and duties under these Terms of Use to any Party at any time without notice to you.
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Repeat classes to boost poor grades. Sponsoring Organization may not display or reproduce the Marks other than with the prior written consent of UC Scout, and Sponsoring Organization may not remove or otherwise modify any trademark notices from any Content. UC Merced has completed an ambitious campus expansion that will further position the university for academic and research distinction and continued student success.
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Moorestown, NJ (Law Firm Newswire) April 27, 2012 - On April 12, PLAN/NJ hosted a special event celebrating those who work on behalf of differently abled individuals.
The event took place at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick, N.J., and was organized by Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN/NJ). The organization works to help families with loved ones who have mental challenges or other disabilities to plan for the future by providing financial and social services.
“The work that PLAN/NJ does is so important, and Begley Law Group is honored to be able to help make this happen,” said Susan M. Green, a New Jersey estate planning attorney with the firm. “Begley Law Group assists many families with life care planning for differently abled individuals, and we often work with PLAN/NJ in setting up special needs trusts and guardianships.” Begley Law Group was a sponsor of the event.
The event, called “Honoring Our Advocates,” celebrated Alice Hunnicutt, the Director of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Sarah Mitchell, the former CEO of Disability Rights New Jersey, and Donna Icovino, a parent advocate and Co-Chair of the Department of Human Services Dual Diagnosis Task Force.
Also honored at the event were self-advocates, individuals with disabilities who have overcome obstacles to become active and prospering members of society. Attendees were also treated to a performance of the award-winning play “The Last Five Years.”
PLAN/NJ’s vision is for individuals with disabilities to be secure in their home and their finances, to have the opportunity for education, employment, and participation in the community, and to have personal power in their own lives, as well as an advocate to protect them from neglect and abuse.
“We at Begley Law Group share the vision of PLAN/NJ and we are proud to assist differently abled individuals and their families with important life planning decisions,” said Green.
To learn more about the Begley Law Group or to contact a New Jersey elder law attorney, call 1.800.533.7227 or visit www.begleylawgroup.com.
509 S. Lenola Road, Building 7
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Tags: new jersey elder law, new jersey elder law attorney, new jersey estate planning, new jersey estate planning attorney, new jersey estate planning lawyer, New Jersey personal injury settlement consultant, New Jersey Special Needs attorney, New Jersey Special Needs Lawyer, New Jersey Special Needs planning, new jersey veterans law, nj elder, nj estate planning, nj estate planning attorney
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For us, it’s all about the puppies. Our heart’s desire is to match every one of our hand picked puppies to the perfect home. To make sure of that, we may ask a lot more questions than most places you can get a dog. We love every puppy that comes in. We will not settle for any less than the best homes for them. There are many factors involved with placing a puppy in the right home. Some of these include, other dogs or pets, children, work schedules, the physical home environment and more. However, even if everything else is in order, there MUST be love. If you are looking for the perfect puppy for you, come see us. You’ll see why so many of our customers recommend us to their friends and family. In addition to “puppies for sale” we offer nutrition, accessories and services to keep your new puppy looking and living their best!
Based on 294 reviews
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The owner and staff are great. The puppy I bought is sweet and very well trained. The puppy sleeps throughout the... night and adjusts well with other puppies and people. They let me come back and have a little puppy play date for my new puppy. Much better than all the other local puppy stores!read more
I can not say enough wonderful things about Heavenly Puppies. From the moment I walked in I knew this place was... special. After they had me sanitize my hands they let me look around at all the beautiful puppies. I quickly noticed a male cavapoo that I immediately fell I love with. I asked Julia a couple of questions about the breed and she was so helpful in giving me all the answers. I knew he was the one. I was then greeted by Kevin who was absolutely wonderful! He immediately talked about the personality of the puppy and gave me some information on the breeders they use. I was taking a weekend trip the following day so Kevin was more than happy to keep the puppy until I returned to pick him up. He even gave me updates! The day I picked him up, Nicole walked me through everything I needed to know about taking my boy home. Rambo has been home for 2 days and he is comfortably sleeping in his crate at night and completely wee wee pad trained! The best part of it all is I know I can reach out to Kevin and the rest of staff at Heavenly Puppies at anytime! If you are ready to bring a puppy into your family, you will be forever grateful for the amazing people at Heavenly Puppies!read more
I purchased Winter my Australian Sheperd from Kevin @ heavenly puppies! Great customer service and grooming on site.... Always answers phone calls, And is always super helpful. Purchasing from heavenly puppies gives you a big discount at the vet too ! The staff is amazing and loving. Highly recommendread more
I picked up my mini aussie puppy in December of 2012 from heavenly puppies. Still new to the breed and the mini being... still new I was nervous of genetic problems or anything health related. I will say after almost 10 amazing years of owning this pup she has been the most incredible dog! Her health has been great, her temperament is amazing! She’s so happy and friendly and EXTREMELY SMART with so much energy and full of life. she also has amazing joint mobility. I can confidently say that heavenly puppies is well worth every penny. I seriously have gotten blessed with herread more
Jen Ortiz
Heavenly Puppies has a wonderful staff who go above and beyond for their customers and puppies. They take amazing care... of their puppies and are able to match you with the puppy of your dreams. They make themselves available for questions even after you have left with your new baby. They truly care about their puppies and customers. We highly recommend Heavenly Puppies.read more
For several months I researched to find my new little companion for our Palm Beach condo. After many calls and web... search, I was fortunate to meet Kevin. He took great care and time to make sure we were 100% happy with our puppy. His claim the puppy is potty trained at an early age is accurate. From day one Rocco located his pad and never had an accident. His disposition and personality are second to none and we LOVE our little Maltese. Trust your purchase with Heavenly Puppies. You will not be disappointed.read more
I don’t even know where to start about this place. My husband and I stumbled across this place by pure chance. We lost... our little guy about a year and a half prior so we were casually looking for another one. We had been to at least 20 pet stores prior and never once have felt as we did when we walked into this place. It just felt right. We felt like they heard our concerns and wanted to match us with the perfect pup. Kevin and his staff are unbelievable. Mind you, we are from Chicago and we were only visiting Florida. He reassured us that it would be easy to travel back with our sweet Sammy. This place is as honest as can be! All the other places we’ve ever been to always made us feel like if we weren’t purchasing a puppy that instant then we shouldn’t be there. Kevin and his staff encourage people to come in and play with the puppies. He knows it’s good for them to interact. Along with that, I had mentioned that to Kevin about how I’ve felt in other places and do you know what his response was “yes I’ve most definitely heard that but I don’t like talking bad about other places.” How genuine is that?! We’re thrilled. Everyone, meet Sammy!read more
I got my Australian Puppy here a couple days ago and he has been such a joy, the sweetest puppy. Kevin has been so... helpful with all of the questions I have had. They have the best dogs here!!read more
This place is absolutely amazing! From being able to go in and see such happy pups to being able to play and find the... perfect one for your family to the wonderful staff that answers every question and show so much patience. And the owners Kim and Kevin are amazing from beginning to end. I said I would never buy from a puppy store but with this experience we will be back again. If you are hesitant please don’t be take it from me just do it! You will not be sorry I promise. Dustine, Steve and Laurenread more
The best ever..we bought Bella from KIM. They are all so sweet and helpful. I have always had big dogs like large... Collies..a little multipoo was a new experience for me..I am older now and decided to go smaller for safety reasons..This dog has brought me more happiness than I can tell you.a great decision I cannot wait to wake up in the morning just to hold her.I also have her groomed there every other week. They do a great job..read more
BEWARE. Once this business has your money, they will no longer answer your questions or return phone calls as promised.... The owners are just glorified salesmen. We were told that our puppy would grow to 6-8 lbs, however she's already 10 lbs and not finished growing. If you are wanting a small dog, I would not recommend Heavenly Puppies after the service we've received.read more
We love our new little baby girl from Heavenly Puppies! This place takes such great care of all their babies and the... owner Kevin could not be more accommodating and informative. There was absolutely no pressure while we visited and played with the puppies. Plus, they get all their dogs from very reputable breeders in the USA. Our puppy just had her first vet visit and she is very healthy! Kevin also prepares you with a puppy Starter Kit as well as shared information on housebreaking, feeding, etc. We are very happy with our experience and thank Kevin and the staff for being so helpful and caring. We love our new baby!read more
Getting our pup through Heavenly Puppies was absolutely the Best decision that we could have made. We now have a... wonderful addition to our family. Our puppy is sweet and amazing. Kevin and his staff are wonderful. You can tell that our puppy was loved while in their care. We feel very lucky to have found our new baby at Heavenly Puppies.read more
I was very " concerned " about going to a shop to buy a puppy. I have been looking on-line, and visiting ALL the... shelters and rescues for 2 years up and down the southeast coast.I needed a dog that is hypoallergenic and small, not too old. The search for such, was next to impossible. After much frustration and research, I visited "Heavenly Puppies" and found my forever companion. He is the best little guy, healthy, happy. The people at "Heavenly Puppies" could not have been more helpful, and patient with me on both my visits. Nicole knew this puppy very well and explained his personality to me. Kevin was informative and kind in my decision making process and endless questions. I loved that all the puppies are free, roaming in the shop and very socialized with other puppies and people alike. Only confined at night. The next day, when I picked up my little Biewer Yorkie, ( Finn) Kevin took all the time needed to go over EVERYTHING I needed to know, and answered my list of questions, even before I had to read them to him. All instructions were in writing and easy to follow. Home we went, and of course by the next day, I had more questions, which Kevin promptly answered with concern for me to keep calling when I needed to in the future. I'm glad I made this decision, which was right for me and would highly recommend "Heavenly Puppies" to anyone choosing such an important purchase.read more
20:41 04 May 22
I bought my Cockapoo , Palmer, at Heavenly Puppies and have had a wonderful experience. She is my first dog and has... really set the bar high! I got her at 3 months old and Kim, the owner, guided me through every step and gave me his cell if I had any questions. When I did reach out he was responsive and helpful. They recommended a vet and a trainer, both of which I used and also have had great experiences with. I also use their grooming services. Chynna gives her a great cut and you can't beat the price! My puppy loves going to get groomed and then stopping by to say hi to the new puppies. I will definitely come back here for my next puppy!!read more
14:49 04 May 22
Absolutely wonderful experience with Kevin, Kim and the rest of the team at Heavenly Puppies. We had been entertaining... the idea of adding another dog to the family but knew it had to be a very special one that would blend right in with our already 3,5 year old girl and 2 young kids. We never felt pressured to buy, they let our kids play and love on the puppies and invited them back if they ever wanted some puppytime. When we explained what we were looking for, they listened. They didn't force any puppy on us, in fact the 1st day we even walked away empty handed; as we had done so many other times before when checking out puppies. They were super understanding of our need to process and assess. But as we went home that night we couldn't stop talking about how well socialized these puppies were. And well, there was this one that seemed like the perfect fit for us.And even when we went back the next day, they never pressured us. In fact Kevin said you have to know for sure. This isn't just a transaction to them this is "placing a puppy with the right family and the right family with one of their puppies". We played with them and explained we needed to think about it a bit more, so we walked and talked and went back a 3rd time to decide what we wanted to do. The truth is, they do such a good job socializing their puppies with older and younger dogs that we knew this specific girl would be the right fit for us. And with every passing second since we brought her home with us we are more and more certain of it.I've been sharing pictures of her at home with Kevin the past few days. He genuinely cares to know how well she's adjusting. We would absolutely get another dog from them in a heartbeat!read more
I absolutely love Kim and his store. He has helped my family bring home 5-6 little ones. He specially selects bringing... in puppies from reputable breeders and carefully helps families choose the dog that will fit best with their family.We have bought minis for family members but also teacups several times for ourselves over the last 10 year and every time his care for and of the animals is the same. He puts so much love into these little pups before they leave for your home. Our teacups were fed by hand until big enough to come home and his predicted mature size/weight was spot on!This is the only place I’d look to buy a teacup puppy, anywhere, but especially in South Florida!read more
Absolutely Amazing! Everyone who works there genuinely loves and cares for all of the dogs and wants you to have the... absolute best and happiest experience! 10/10 recommend! Their dogs are amazing! Honestly couldn’t find better anywhere else!I just purchase a pug from them and it was such an amazing experience! She is such an amazing puppy!read more
I don’t even know WHERE to start. First, I met Kevin. He was calm, collective, knowledgeable. He knew my concerns... before I even expressed them. He comforted me amid my worries of being a first time dog owner (esp. of a puppy)! Second, I met Nicole who was an absolute sweetheart and took care of my dog-to-be. She brushed him (and the other pups) every day and gave him the TLC that puppies deserve. (I was on vacation and they watched him for me for a whole week before I took him home to NY)! They were EXTREMELY accommodating and didn’t hesitate at all- they offered before I inquired about the possibility that they watch him for me before I headed home (since the hotel didn’t permit animals). Then, I met Julia who also had a deep love for dogs. She was taking care of all the little puppies roaming around. Lastly, I met Kim, and he was PHENOMENALl! He truly knew each puppy on a personal level (their personality needs/wants) and gave special attention and care to each of them. He seemed particularly specialized in puppy/dog vet care and he answered all my obnoxious medical questions (since I work in healthcare for humans lol). These puppies were ALL pad trained. (You don’t see that anywhre else). I had zero success finding a reputable place in NY and as seeing as I vacation to FL almost every year, it occurred to meto do my research and look in FL. I wasn’t anticipating to get a pup there, BUT I am so relieved that I did because I now have this incredible babyboy, Toby. He’s a toy poodle and he is the SMARTEST and SWEETEST little thing. And the staff at HeavenlyPuppies has consistently checked up on him (and me haha) since bringing him home (something else you don’t see much of anymore). After spending two years on the frontlines for COVID, my doctor recommended I get a dog (I grew up with two poodles who belong to my parents), so this is MY first dog (and I was excited and NERVOUS). Toby is the most affectionate dog I’ve ever met, alert to everything and everyone and does these silly head rolls to look all around him. I’m in LOVE with him. AND YES, he is happy AND healthy and they will give you medical documentation, vaccine history AND vet visit certification x2! You HAVE to get your dog here… I promise you will thank me later. I even met a couple on my plane ride home who got their two dogs from them and they are happy, healthy and thriving. I wouldn’t trust anyone else, and if I have a family someday and want a second dog, this is where I will go.read more
I have had the pleasure of getting two puppies from Heavenly Puppies and I cannot recommend them more!I first met Kim... after losing my beloved dog of 17 years. Kim was so kind and understanding. He and his son Kevin helped our family to find the right new fur baby for our family and what an amazing dog he is! Our sweet toy poodle is beyond happy, healthy, and sweet.We had such an amazing experience and got such an incredible quality and healthy dog that when we decided to expand our fur family again we went straight to Heavenly Puppies. Again, Kim found the most perfect puppy for our family and sent me tons of photos and videos before we even got to meet her.When our sweet yorkie- poo got kennel cough when she visited the vet the first time, Kim was there for us every step of the way, providing guidance and medication. He drove over 30 minutes to bring us the medication and again met us with more when we accidentally left it unrefrigerated. 🤦 Talk about going way above and beyond. Kim continued to check in on our sweet girl because he genuinely cares about his puppies and clients.Heavenly Puppies isn’t just their business it’s their true passion. It’s evident the moment you meet Kim and Kevin how much they love and care for their puppies. I have told everyone I know about how special Heavenly Puppies and their animals are. If you are looking for a fur baby for your family, Heavenly Puppies is the place to go!read more
17:55 17 Dec 21
We got Hope from Heavenly Puppies, we’ve been grooming her there every week. She looks forward to get groomed every... Friday! This is the best place and groomers, they will treat you and your puppy like family!read more
I am really happy to have found this pet store after a heartbreaking experience of losing my dog. My baby was a Maltese... that I found from a breeder in Miami and he died unexpectedly at only two years old. I was worried to get another dog and have a similar experience again. But I know that my dog came from the best care at this place. It is family-owned and you can tell they dedicate all of their time and love into these dogs. No dogs were in cages, they were all playing nicely with each other and the place was kept very clean. Each dog was being trained from birth because my dog is only three months old and is already trained and very sweet the first day home! This is amazing and I would strongly recommend coming to heavenly puppies to anyone looking for their next puppy.read more
This is the only place you should be getting your dogs. It is worth paying the extra money rather than going to a... random breeder, they take such good care of the animals and love each one of them as their own. My girlfriend bought our dog here yesterday and he is already trained at only 3 months old!read more
Shopping for our new puppy was a pleasure from walking into Kim’s shop until walking out. We walked in and within... seconds, I knew a little black havapoo playing in the front display was the one. The staff was friendly and accommodating, allowing us to get to know the pup better in a sequestered play room. Kim was available at any time during the initial adjustment after taking the puppy home for information and support. What a joy and a perfect experience! Thank you to Kim and staffread more
After research and research we finally found the perfect place for us. The owner Kim was such a big help throughout the... whole process and helped us choose the perfect pup for us. You can tell how much he cared about all of his puppies. It feels good to know my puppy was loved and taken care of before going to his new home. 100/10 RECOMMEND this place!! For-sure going to buy my next puppy here read more
05:20 25 Oct 21
We got our mini daschund August 2020 after going to tons of places up and down the coast. This place was by far the... best. The puppies are so well taken care of and the staff is amazing. Our boy has been happy, healthy, and has a great temperament. He also came home mostly potty trained from them. I can't wait to get another one from there.read more
I had a friend recommend Heavenly Puppies and I am so grateful she sent me to them. I love the staff and the puppies... are so well cared for. We came home with an adorable Mini Goldendoodle who is 11 weeks old. She is so sweet and fits so well into our family. The staff was super friendly and gave us all kinds of useful information to help us provide the perfect home for this lovable pet. I can't believe how much time they spent with us making sure we had a successful experience. I'm recommending Heavenly Puppies to all my friends.read more
We got our baby Shihtzu Aiko from Heavenly Puppies and were very pleased with how healthy and happy she is. This is our... first time having a dog in our family and the transition to home was seamless. Kevin and his staff were very thorough in their instructions and called to check on her a few days after she came home. We got the starter pack so she had the exact same bed, playpen, toys, food , etc. that she had at HP and we did not have any whining or barking even on the first night. We replicated the feeding schedule and pee pad training they started. She still goes to bed with two treats on her bed with no resistance, since we followed their routine from HP.read more
I went in today looking for a dog and left with my new best friend. Zoie was extremely helpful walking me through how... to take care of him. The owner Kevin was an absolute pleasure to speak to, he clearly has the best interests of you and the dogs at heart. Highly recommend!read more
i’m a college student and they are always so welcoming to me and my friends when we just need a brain break to play... with puppies. all the puppies are the sweetest and the staff is so kindread more
Everyone is so kind here!! Being away at college has me missing my puppies and Heavenly Puppies let us stay as long as... we want and we’re just so kind to us! Great place!!read more
Our second puppy adoption from this store and another wonderful experience. Our new family member has been with us... for almost a week and is settling in to her new home very well. We highly recommend Heavenly Puppies, family owned and very caring about their pets, making sure its a perfect match.read more
Excellent serviceThey always do very well with my Maltese Lotus. I highly recommend them. Nice, fast and good price
22:45 19 May 21
These people are the best, I bought my chihuahua puppy from them and a few days later he had a cough and the owner... drove all the way to me and picked him up to take care of for a few days and give him antibiotics. They’ve also given me a nebulizer to use for his cough until he gets better. They also call to check on your dog every few days which is nice. I definitely recommend this storeread more
We bought our wonderful toy poodle Lily here just one month ago. She is a healthy joyful dog with an adorable... personality. Kevin and Kin called fir the next few days to make sure she was doing well. The y gave us a free vet appointment with the Boca Animal Hospital and the staff there was superb as well. Dr. Bebee checked Lily over and called with a follow up the next day. I couldn’t be happier with the choice of Heavenly Puppies and Boca Animal Hospital.read more
I absolutely loved shopping here! Kevin and his father are both amazing people who actually care about their clients,... and most importantly, their puppies. The puppies are all very loving, and come already puppy pad trained, which saved us a lot of work. They look to make sure the puppies end up in loving homes and good families. It is a Christian owned business, which made it all the more appealing to me. Their staff are all very knowledgeable, on top of having amazing personalities themselves. All-in-all, I am not only going to recommend anyone looking for a dog to come here, but purchase future dogs from here as well.read more
The best place to find a puppy. The puppies are very socialized and get to run around and play. You can really see... their personalities because you get to really interact with them. They aren’t sitting around in cages. Very happy place!!! Very clean!!! They have boarding and grooming too. Will definitely be using their services. We found our cutie pie toy Aussie!!!read more
Heavenly puppies is truly heavenly. I’ve been coming here for years and am so impressed with how they treat the... puppies. The staff is so friendly and the store never smells bad. They always let you play with the pups which many other stores don’t offer. I LOVE HEAVENLY PUPPIES!!!read more
The perfect puppy store to find your new dog! We visited a bunch of puppy stores in the Boca/South Florida area. After... visiting Heavenly Puppies a few days before, we knew this place was the one. They have a ton of different dogs, and you are able to play with any of them. The owner and staff are amazing. They are so friendly and knowledgeable about all of their dogs. They provide you with great information and prepare you extremely well for your new pup. I would 100% recommend getting your puppy here!read more
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The 40 beded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with neonatalogist, one of the prestigious units functioning in the Department. The Level II care unit will be upgraded to Level III care with the acquisition of a bubble CPAP machine and neonatal ventilators.
On the academic front, the Department actively involves students in clinical case presentations.
The students are involved in various studies conducted by the department, like the BMI Study in adolescent school children, depression prevalence in adolescent college students, etc.
The Department is involved in ICMR Short Term Research Projects.
The Department also organizes activities like “World Breast Feeding Week” every year and won the Gold Medal twice consecutively.
The Department is having 120 beded inpatient units with all facilities.
Monday Peadiatric Cardiology 1st and 3rd week of every month
Tuesday Peadiatric Neurology clinic by Dr.bindu from 11am to 2pm every week.
Wednesday Thalassemia clinic from 2pm to 4pm with provided facilites like free blood transfusions with supportive chelation therapy every week by DR. Ranjith. & Also having Gastroenterology clinic - Dr.B Vijyalakshmi on 2nd and 4th week of every month
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Each year, tens of thousands of people in North America, and up to a million people worldwide, take their own lives as an escape from situations that feel overwhelming and hopeless to them. Millions more make unsuccessful attempts.
There is plenty of good information available on the psychological, emotional, and social issues involved in suicide, and its effects on friends and relatives. We don’t need to repeat it all here. Instead, let’s take a look at some of the spiritual questions involved in suicide:
Do people who commit suicide go to hell?
What happens to people after death if they commit suicide?
Does suicide work? Do we really escape from our problems if we kill ourselves?
Is there a path to heaven for suicides who are good people at heart?
Does suicide send us to hell?
Let’s clear this one up right away: No one who commits suicide will be condemned to hell just because of that one act. No single act admits a person to heaven or condemns a person to hell. Rather, it is the overall pattern of motives, character, beliefs, and actions built up on earth that determines our eternal home.
Is a middle-aged man who kills himself after losing his job, his wife, and his home an evil person? Is a teenage girl who kills herself after her boyfriend breaks up with her an evil person? Depressed and desperate people will do desperate things. God is not interested only in how our lives ended. God is interested in what we have done during our life, and especially in how we have treated our fellow human beings.
In short, people who commit suicide will enter heaven or hell based on the same measure as everyone else. That measure is the quality of their character.
What is death, anyway?
To our material eyes death looks like the end of life. But from a spiritual viewpoint death is simply a transition from one life to another. In fact, death is the beginning of our real life.
Our life on earth is like our time of growth and development in the womb. When our body dies, we are born from the womb of the physical world into our fully human life in the spiritual world.
Our life on earth is also like the creation of a pot on a potter’s wheel. (See the Biblical parable of the Potter’s House in Jeremiah 18:1–11.) Like a pot being formed on the potter’s wheel, as long as we are still living on this earth our character can be formed and re-formed. At the time of death, the “pot” of character that we have created through our life here on earth is “fired,” so to speak, and this becomes our permanent character in the afterlife.
In the example of development in the womb, our real life begins at birth. In the example of the pot being formed on the potter’s wheel, the pot’s real, useful life begins after it is fully formed and fired in the kiln. It is exactly the same with our life here on earth as preparation for our real, eternal life in the spiritual world.
As we consider the life-and-death issue of suicide, let’s not forget that death is not the end. It is only the beginning. And just as babies born prematurely can live a full and happy life even if the circumstances of their birth may have created some health issues, those who are born into the spiritual world through a premature death by suicide can enter a full and happy eternal life in heaven—though some of the effects of their suicide will persist.
Does it make any difference when we die? Of course it does. Clearly God intended us to live out a full lifespan, or we would not have been designed for it. Besides, if life were not sacred, “Thou shalt not kill” wouldn’t be in the Ten Commandments. Still, whether or not we make good choices, God is able to bring some good out of the critical decisions we humans make, right or wrong. This includes the desperate and very damaging decision to kill ourselves.
If we don’t go to hell just because we commit suicide, does this mean that if we take our own life we will get off scot free while those left behind have to suffer through their grief?
Not at all. Actions have consequences. Those who commit suicide suffer its effects in the afterlife. This is not because God decrees a punishment upon them. It is because the act of taking one’s life does not change anything but where we live. We are the same person after death as before. The only thing we have left behind is our physical body. Our mind, including all of our emotions and thoughts, continues right on in our new spiritual body—which at first will look and feel exactly like our physical body. Even our surroundings will look the same at first because we carry them with us mentally.
This means that all the emotional and psychological issues that led to the suicide will be just the same after death. Those who commit suicide will still have to face the issues that led them to take their own lives. What’s worse, they will not be able to work out those issues with anyone who had been involved in their depression, addiction, or mental illness because those people will still be living on earth. And there will be no more escape through suicide because they’re already dead. Listen to this description by Emanuel Swedenborg of what it was like after death for one person who committed suicide:
Someone driven to despair by depression in his physical life was pushed by diabolical spirits to the point of killing himself by stabbing himself with a knife. He came to me complaining that he was being treated miserably by evil spirits, and was surrounded by fiends who constantly harassed him. I saw the place where he was: it was in the lower earth, a little to the left [near hell]. I also saw that he had a knife in his hand and was trying to stab it into his chest. He was struggling terribly with that knife, also trying to throw it away from himself, but he couldn’t do it.
I was told that whatever happens in the last hour of our death stays with us for a long time. March 14, 1748. (Spiritual Experiences 1336–1337)
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the suicide, it could be a long and difficult road before those who have a good heart underneath it all finally throw off the demons that led them to kill themselves, and find themselves on an upward path. And even if they do finally travel that upward path, they will have robbed themselves of the full process of spiritual growth that can take place only on earth. Remember, it is here on earth that we develop the character we will take with us into the afterlife. If we cut that process short, we can never reach the full depth and maturity of character that we might otherwise have developed if we had lived out our full lifespan.
In short, though people who commit suicide can still have a good life in heaven, the effects of their premature birth into the spiritual world will be permanent.
Will suicide send a person to hell? No. But it will cause many deep and difficult problems both for the person who committed suicide and for those who are left behind. Every effort we make to overcome the conditions under which people resort to suicide will be a positive step for our loved ones, for our society, and for God’s kingdom. If you are considering suicide, please seek out help. As hard as it may be to believe, there are people who care about you and can help you. If you don’t know anyone you trust to talk to, please call the National Suicide Hotline (in the United States) at 1-800-273-8255, or search the Internet for a similar hotline in your own country or region. And if you know of someone who is considering suicide, please take it seriously, and get them the help they need.
Can people who commit suicide make it to heaven? It may be a long, hard road for them in the afterlife, but the answer is yes. Anyone who has a good heart underneath it all, but is driven to the desperate act of suicide by forces that feel crushing and overwhelming, will in the end have an opportunity to sort out and resolve their struggles in the afterlife. The results may not be as good as if they had worked through their struggles here on earth. But through a winding and difficult path, those who commit suicide can eventually find their way to an active, contented life in heaven.
Still, it is best for everyone, including ourselves, if we let God decide when our time of death will be, rather than taking that decision into our own hands.
This article is © 2012 by Lee Woofenden
For further reading:
Where are my Children who have Died? Will I Ever See Them Again?
Is There Really a Hell? What is it Like?
Who Are the Angels and How Do They Live?
Related
Lee Woofenden is an ordained minister, writer, editor, translator, and teacher. He enjoys taking spiritual insights from the Bible and the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg and putting them into plain English as guides for everyday life.
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Posted in Pain and Suffering, The Afterlife
89 comments on “Does Suicide Work?”
August 11, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Reading this upon the day of Robin Williams’ suicide, and considering how souls like his struggle (20years or more) with depression, I cannot imagine that there would not be an entire corp of compassionate and mighty angelic helpers who would come to the scene to give the person who took his/her own life far, far more powerful support than they may have ever had on earth, so that they could rise into their appointed destiny in heaven.
Lee says:
August 12, 2014 at 6:45 am
Thanks for stopping by, and for your thoughts. I think and hope you are right. The difficulty would be whether the person committing suicide would be able to accept the help of those mighty and compassionate angels. I can’t help but think of the movie What Dreams May Come, and the great struggles entailed in drawing Robin Williams’ character’s wife out of her hellish state of mind after her suicide.
What I am sure of is that those who have a good heart, and commit suicide out of depression and desperation, will find their way to heaven in God’s own time. And I do believe that Robin Williams has a good heart.
Doug Webber says:
August 12, 2014 at 9:45 am
Lee, you might want to check out this: Near-Death Experience Research of Suicide. It says, quote:
“Dr. Kenneth Ring, in his book, Life at Death, analyzed the near-death experiences of 24 people who attempted suicide. Among them, no one reported the tunnel phenomenon, or saw a brilliant but comforting light, or encountered a presence, or was temporarily reunited with loved ones who had died, or entered into a transcendent world of heavenly beauty. Instead, the suicide-related NDE tended to be truncated, aborted, and damped down. It began with a feeling of relief or peace and continued with a sense of bodily detachment to the same degree as non-suicide-related NDEs. But it tended to end, if it got this far at all, with a feeling of confused drifting in a dark or murky void – a sort of twilight zone. Dr. Ring’s research strongly suggests that the suicide-related NDE does not reach completion; instead, it tends simply to fade out before the transcendent elements characteristic of non-suicide related NDEs make their appearance.”
Not all are that way, some have been slightly more positive. See Suicide and Near-Death Experiences. The warning here: suicide is not an escape. You can’t run away from your self.
Lee says:
August 17, 2014 at 12:44 pm
Thanks for the links. It strikes me, though, that the descriptions of suicide NDEs following the paragraph you quoted are more positive than that lead-in statement about them. Though these suicide NDEs may be shorter and less brilliant than non-suicide NDEs often are, they still involve a sense of peace, hope, and love similar to other NDEs.
With few exceptions, the actual passage of death seems to be peaceful and comforting for just about everyone who dies. According to Swedenborg, our death is attended by heavenly angels who keep us in a calm and peaceful state, and surround us with a sense of being loved.
However, for those who do not come back, but continue on into the spiritual world, after that initial passage life soon reverts back to something similar to what it was here on earth. This would be when the state of mind of people who commit suicide would come back, and would have to be dealt with before they moved on to heaven (assuming they had a good heart).
I wish I could be a little more warm and fuzzy about it than this article states. But the evidence does seem to point to suicide creating a difficult passage that must be traversed before the person can move upward to heaven.
Having said that, I do believe that for some–especially for young people who have not yet gone far in life and have not had time to get depression and despair so heavily ingrained in their minds–the passage may be briefer and more merciful. Children and teens sometimes respond very quickly to wise and loving care when they are taken out of destructive home environments. Others will take longer.
August 17, 2014 at 2:19 pm
I was wondering: If we all pass into the next realm and continue our existence regardless of circumstances that led us to our death, to what extent, in the spiritual world, are we cognizant of those we left behind and the great anguish and sorrow they may be suffering from our loss?
Would, or does, Robin see and understand the impact of his choice on those left behind? Does anyone who passes to the spirit world ‘see’ and understand the impact of their loss upon the loved ones still here suffering from the trauma and pain of losing their dearest? And if so, how do they cope with that? Would they not be tormented the same as those still here in this world? Family members, friends, etc?
Lee says:
August 18, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Great questions! I do think that one of the reasons suicides may have a tough time in the afterlife for quite some time after their death is having to confront the fact that they have hurt many people through their suicide, but have little or no ability to do anything about it because they are no longer living on earth, and no longer in contact with those whom they have hurt.
Information about events on earth does get to the afterlife. At minimum, people who die afterwards carry news of events on earth to those who had died before.
Also, although we usually don’t realize it, even while we are living on earth we are surrounded by spirits and angels who enter into our thoughts and feelings and are affected by them, just as we are affected by their thoughts and feelings. This usually happens unconsciously on both sides, but it does create a general communication of people’s emotional and mental states from earth to the spiritual world and the reverse.
Once we enter into the spiritual world we become more and more aware of the inner states of the people around us and of the people we left behind back on earth. So people who commit suicide will likely sooner or later become aware of the emotional trauma that their suicide has caused for people who loved them and cared about them back on earth. They will have to deal with that as well as with their own anguished mental and emotional state that brought them to the point of committing suicide in the first place.
On the positive side, any factors contributing to the suicide that were largely or purely physical, such as physical illness or mental illness with a physical basis (such as brain dysfunction) will fade away in the afterlife as the person progresses from the initial state of focus on external life (as in the world) toward a state of focusing more on their inner, spiritual life.
Also, there are plenty of skilled angels available to help people through their struggles and traumas in those initial stages after death. If the person who committed suicide is willing to accept help, the healing will progress more quickly. Unfortunately, some people reach the point of committing suicide precisely because they were not willing to accept any help that was offered to them. This may or may not change on the other side.
It’s a complex picture, and these are all generalizations. What will happen with any particular individual we really can’t say. Each person and each situation is unique.
August 18, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Thanks, Lee, for the additional insight.
You say that we, on earth, are surrounded by spirits and angels who enter our thoughts and feelings, and vice versa, though at a subconscious level. Does that mean that lost ones, whether suicides or not, have the ability to interact indirectly with us at will? If they are aware of how loved ones feel and how the trauma of their loss effects them, what compassion can they feel or exhibit? Non-suicide loss is traumatic on those left behind, often for years or even the rest of their lives. Does this not torment the spiritual being just the same, or are they detached form this if their death was not brought on by suicide or, perhaps, some some other wretched act?
Also, based on your comment above, does that mean our thoughts and feelings are simply an ‘open book’ and not private? If so, wouldn’t the departed want interaction via thoughts and feelings with those left behind, or are they so distracted in their new realm they really don’t pay much attention or simply not have the capacity or capability to do so? Are they always aware of our thoughts? Do they know if we experience joy or sorrow, depression or anxiety? How does that impact their lives and their happiness or contentment?
If they can know our thoughts all the time, they should be working diligently with the NSA and Homeland Security to get them straightened out!
November 10, 2014 at 9:57 pm
I formerly sought (and messed up that time) to commit suicide-or as I prefer to say, just release from my physical ailments, strictly because of noncurable, progressive PHYSICAL things wrong with me that in near future will make it impossible for me to take my own life without assistance. I just wanted to take care of it before was no longer able to-don’t want to put that burden on someone else…does that mean I will have “emotional trauma” to work out too?
Lee says:
November 10, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Thanks for your comment. I am sorry to hear about your physical illness.
I can’t really answer your question because I’m not in your shoes. I don’t know your circumstances, your relationships, and so on.
This article is about people who take their own lives in the throes of depression, hopelessness, and emotional trauma.
Ending one’s own life in the face of terminal illness, or illness that will inevitably render one unable to function reasonably in this world, is another topic entirely. Its results in the afterlife will depend on personal and social attitudes. Some individuals and societies see suicide as acceptable under these circumstances; others do not.
People who believe they are doing something evil and wrong will suffer for it because they are violating their own conscience, which brings about inner turmoil. However, those who see something as a normal and acceptable part of life will not experience that inner turmoil if they do it.
My own belief is that those who would die in the normal course of events, and who do not wish to continue living or are so far gone that they cannot express their will on the subject, should be allowed to die rather than being artificially kept alive through medical means. In these cases, treatment should be limited to pain control and tending to the person’s comfort. Death is a natural part of life, not something to be staved off as long as possible when one’s effective life is over. (See the article, “When Death is a Celebration.”)
Some people facing terminal or incapacitating illness choose to stop eating–which, contrary to popular belief, is not usually a horrible and painful way to die. Animals in the wild commonly stop eating when they are seriously ill. Force feeding people who choose to stop eating when facing terminal illness is, in my opinion, a violation not only of human freedom but of the laws of nature. If artificially ending a person’s life is considered wrong, why is artificially extending a person’s life considered right?
As for actively taking one’s own life, that is and always been a personal decision. Those who are at peace with that decision will take the same peace about it with them into the afterlife. Those who commit suicide in a depressed or emotionally traumatized state will take their depression and trauma with them.
The mind, with all its thoughts and feelings, continues onward. The body, with its physical frailties and ailments, is left behind.
If you are still thinking of taking your own life while you have the chance, the only other thing I would suggest is that you consider those who care about you, and how it would affect them. You might be bringing peace to yourself at the expense of bringing emotional pain and trauma to those around you. That also might follow you into the afterlife, since you will still have an emotional connection to them. Their emotional state can affect your emotional state even when you are separated from them by death. And the knowledge that you had hurt them might weigh heavily on you.
However, as I say, I’m not in your shoes. Only you can assess your own situation and your own relationships–and also any laws where you live that might have a financial effect on your loved ones and heirs–and make that decision for yourself, taking all the various factors into account as best you can.
In short, consider all factors carefully first. If you succeed in taking your own life, you will not be able to undo it if you have regrets afterwards.
Okay, I’ll suggest one more thing: If there is someone you trust enough to talk this over with, that might be helpful to you also. Sometimes getting another perspective can throw new light on situations that seem to have no solution.
I do hope that one way or another, you are able to find relief from your suffering.
August 18, 2014 at 1:27 pm
PS – you need to get a spell-checker in here! Sometimes those goofy errors just smile right back and distract us from the real truth!!
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 9:08 am
My browser seems to have a built in spell-checker. I don’t know if WordPress-hosted sites have that capability. If there’s a typo that bothers you, let me know and I’ll fix it. And please do let me know if you see a typo in any of the articles. Thanks.
August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am
If you can edit “subconcious” to “subconscious”, “some some wretched act” to “some other wretched act”, and “immpact” to “impact”, that would be great. Thanks! It does seem to make a difference which browser is used to post with.
I’m curious about your interpretation of how the spiritual realms ‘sees’ us and their ability to cognitively direct their attention our way, specially in light of the fact that nearly every passing, suicide or not, leaves behind those who may suffer greatly, and for long periods of time, from the loss.
Realizing that those long periods of time are mere instances in all eternity does not detract from the level of impact they have upon us here in the mortal realm, nor the absolute suffering that may be experienced during those times.
I would think that, even if we cannot consciously be aware of their presence or feel their love directly, they would want to be close to continue to share in the love they had while they were here, as well as share the grief of their loss, no? If they cannot (or choose not to) interact with us subconsciously as you describe above, then who are the spirits who do? Is this by choice or simply happenstance? What allows them to do so?
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 11:32 am
I made those fixes. I’ll gather together your last two substantive comments and respond to them both here.
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 11:51 am
Another great batch of questions!
First, the spirits who are closest to us are usually not angels in heaven or devils in hell, but rather are more recently departed (from earth) spirits still in the intermediate state between heaven and hell that Swedenborg calls “the world of spirits.” This is where everyone first goes after death, before finding his or her permanent home in either heaven or hell. Under certain circumstances angels and devils can interact with people on earth directly–mostly when the person on earth is either already fully angelic or hellish in nature while still living on earth. But for ordinary people, interaction with the spiritual world happens primarily through spirits in the world of spirits.
The reason for that is that the spirits surrounding us are there due to a similarity of their mental and emotional states (meaning their spiritual states) to ours. And since we are living in the material world, the spirits with us are most likely to be ones still in the world of spirits, whose mental and emotional state is still fairly similar to what it was here on earth.
So to answer your question about whether those who have passed on have the ability to interact indirectly with us at will, the general answer is no. They will be close to and interacting with those who are in a state of mind similar to their own.
Of course, if lost loved ones are in a similar state of mind to those they left behind, then they may very well be associated with one another. This is common with married couples who were truly in love with one another, and were one in spirit. I have spoken with people who felt the presence of their spouse who had died.
However, it would likely be much less common for suicides, who were (and probably still are for a time) in a dark, depressed state of mind of the sort that prompts a person to self-harm. At least at first, they would more likely be associated with people in similar states of mind here on earth, rather than with people who are grieving them–who would be in a very different state of mind.
Under certain circumstances it is possible for spirits to have conscious communication with people still living on earth. But these days that is rare because of the materialistic focus of most people’s minds.
The spirits contacted through spirit mediums are just as likely to be impostors as they are to be the actual person who has passed on. Contacting spirits through spirit mediums is not a reliable way to get good information about people who have died and moved on to the spiritual world.
However, sometimes God does allow direct contact, usually of a fairly fleeting nature, but sometimes more substantive, when God sees that this will be spiritually beneficial to the people involved. Usually this is something that comes unbidden rather than being sought out by the people on either side.
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 12:02 pm
About lost loved ones feeling the trauma effects of those they have left behind, though I do think that some of this happens, it is also moderated under God’s guidance to avoid overwhelming the people who have died.
If we were to feel even for an instant the vast effects of everything we do, positive or negative, it would be too much for us to bear. So God mercifully limits what we sense and feel to keep it within the bounds of what we can handle without having all of our mental and emotional fuses blown.
This doesn’t mean we won’t sometimes feel overwhelmed with positive or negative emotions due to the presence of the spirits around us. But it will not go beyond what we have the capability of dealing with in some form or fashion, unless we bring it upon ourselves. We can open ourselves up to things we shouldn’t really have access to through willful use of drugs, spiritism, certain focused meditation techniques, and so on, when we are not in a genuinely spiritual state of mind, but are wrapped up in ourselves and our own experience. If we do that, God cannot fully protect us from the effects because doing so would violate our freedom. So none of this should be taken to mean that we can’t be harmed by the influence of spirits around us.
However, the general rule is that God, sometimes working directly, sometimes working through angels, moderates what we become consciously aware of so that we can continue to have a sense of identity, and remain intact in that identity. This is why in general, people who have committed suicide will not feel or experience the full trauma that they have caused for others. Only enough will get through to make them aware of the effects of their actions so that they can see with some clarity themselves, their state of mind, and its effects–and if they are willing, move forward on a path toward healing based on that understanding and insight.
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 12:14 pm
About our thoughts and feelings being an open book, they are and they aren’t.
No, none of our thoughts and feelings are truly private. They are shared with the spirits around us. However, under ordinary circumstances, when spirits are engaged in our thoughts and feelings, they are not engaged in their own. So there is no direct communication into their own conscious awareness of the things we are thinking and feeling.
This is tricky to understand, I realize. That’s because we here on earth are only in the infancy of understanding how the human mind and spirit work, how we interact with one another spiritually, and what the spiritual world is like.
The spiritual world is fundamentally different from the material world in that there is no fixed, objective reality outside of the human mind. There is a reality out there, but that reality is continually created and molded according to the state of mind of the angels, spirits, and devils in the vicinity. (This is not technically “creating our own reality,” since it is created in response to our thoughts and feelings, not by our thoughts and feelings. But it’s enough like “creating our own reality” that we can loosely refer to it as such.)
This means that angels, spirits, and devils live in an environment that reflects their spiritual state, which is the same thing as their mental and emotional state. In a very real sense, they live in a world of thoughts and feelings, and see images of their thoughts and feelings all around them.
This means that when spirits inhabit our thoughts and feelings, it’s not some objective, observational type of thing, like a scientist observing a mouse in a maze from outside the maze. Rather, spirits actually enter into the world of our thoughts and feelings, and inhabit it while they are with us, unaware that it is our thoughts and feelings, not their own, that they are inhabiting. While they are doing this, their own conscious thoughts and feelings go quiescent.
However, even that is a bit of a paradox, because the reason they are inhabiting our particular thoughts and feelings is that we are in a state of mind and heart similar to theirs. Spirits are drawn to people on earth who are in a spiritual state similar to their own. So in another sense, they don’t have to go outside of their own thoughts and feelings since they are associated with and inhabiting the minds of particular people on earth precisely because those minds match their own mental state.
Once again, I realize that this is a bit mind-blowing, and beyond the way we normally think of our thoughts: as something personal to ourselves, and not connected with the thoughts of others. But the reality is that if we were cut off from contact with the spirits around us, we would not be able to think and feel at all. Our thoughts and feelings are spiritual things, and they flow from the spiritual world. Take away contact with the spiritual world, and our mind ceases to function, while our bodies become inanimate lumps of organic matter.
So back to your question, yes, our mind is an open book, but that doesn’t mean there are spirits inspecting us like specimens. Rather, they are fully engaged in the inner, spiritual elements of our minds, and live within those elements as if it were their own native environment while they are with us. They do not realize that they are associated with people on earth any more than we realize that we are associated with spirits in the spiritual world.
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Having said all that, there are circumstances under which angels, spirits, and devils do become consciously aware that they are in communication with people on earth, and vice versa. If these communications are initiated by God for good and spiritual reasons, they result in a wonderful sense of revelation and spiritual opening on the part of the person on earth.
However, if they are sought out based on any form of ego or of self-absorbed motives on our part, they can be very destructive. This is why God generally doesn’t allow this sort of conscious contact. Even many people who think of themselves as being very enlightened and spiritual are actually engaged more in pride and a sense of their own enlightenment and elevation above others. Any spirit contact they manage to bring about only increases their sense of ego and self-absorption. This can cause people who aspire to spiritual leadership while retaining their own ego and pride to spiral into a destructive form of megalomania, and do tremendous damage to their followers. Years ago when I was living on the west coast the small community I lived in received an influx of people who were fleeing from just such a spiritual community gone awry through the spiraling ego of its spiritual leader, which resulted in many serious abuses of his followers. We read about other such cases periodically in the news.
These are object lessons in why God does not ordinarily allow us to have conscious communication with spirits. If we were truly spiritual–meaning truly motivated by love for God and love for our fellow human beings–it would be different. Sadly, that is simply not the case for many of us here on earth. Or if it is, it’s incomplete and partial, and mixed with self-centered and materialistic motives.
For those who have had a spiritual experience unbidden, if it has brought about peace and comfort, and a sense of spiritual hope and aspiration that sustains them, then it is a gift from God, and something to be thankful for.
August 19, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Thanks Lee.
I think I need more coffee after that discourse!
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Lee says:
August 19, 2014 at 12:24 pm
I think this responds to most of your questions. If I’ve missed something important, or you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
September 8, 2014 at 10:22 am
Unwell says:
April 30, 2015 at 1:10 am
What if you’re suffering too much to go on and there’s no end in site? You have no quality of life left. I think God is SELFISH for not letting us go.
Unwell says:
April 30, 2015 at 1:11 am
Or for judging us negatively for ending relentless suffering with none of the good parts of life left.
Lee says:
April 30, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Thanks for your comments. I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling and suffering.
I probably should have clarified in the article that this piece is not intended to deal with suicide among terminally ill people. That is a whole topic of its own. Western society has generally frowned on ending one’s own life early when terminally ill. In some other cultures, it is perfectly acceptable, and may even be considered the right thing to do.
This is a very personal decision–and I don’t believe God will condemn anyone who exits a little early when death is staring them in the face.
Also, I think it is generally wrong and mistaken to keep people alive through artificial means when they would normally die of natural causes, and there is no reasonable hope that they will have any quality of life. Just because we can keep many people alive, it does not necessarily mean we should keep them alive.
However, I don’t know what your particular situation is, so I can’t really comment on it. I do hope you find the help you need to deal with your suffering and struggle.
James says:
September 26, 2015 at 10:31 am
We can have an ‘idea’ about what we ‘think’ happens after death or whether there’s a heaven and a hell, angels and demons, spirit guides etc. But it does not make it so. NDE’s are NDE’s and not DE’s. NDE’s cannot be validated precisely because they are what they are…. NDE’s.So, at most they offer a glimpse of what may happen on your way to death but not when you ultimately die and accounts vary widely. How can anybody really know? Please explain this without using a biblical reference or by way of theology? Where do you learn your ‘truths’ from? Directly from experience? Isn’t Part of life is not knowing?
Are you aware that the adaptation of Christian Cult by the Roman Emperor Constantine became Christianity as we know it today?It was adopted precisely as a means to subjugate the masses.It was about power and control.The aspiration to be godly or god like had little or nothing to do with it.He saw how he could utilize it to gain favour and control of large masses of people hence expand the empire.The bible has been edited and reedited throughout history to become the perfectly ‘evolved’ story. Is has been subject to evolution just as we have as mammals. Have you ever really questioned its origins and its teachings? I mean REALLY thought it through about where that belief system is coming from? Why are such concepts necessary? Concepts by there very nature evolve and change.Where as principals remain fixed.
In my humble opinion most peoples concept of God is completely flawed. Mostly,it has been handed down and spoon fed via religious ideology from their families and peer groups. I mean if you had been born in another country where the dominant faith were Muslim, you would most likely be a Muslim and likewise hold that belief system? But aside of that the ‘ truth’ remains the ‘truth’. Most people never have never had the chance to think or feel for themselves or come to there own awareness about the reality of life and death unfolding before them. Religion can be considered a medium in which people try to make sense of their existence,purpose and meaning and try to relate to God from a human perspective. It has been said that we are made in the image of God. But I think we made God to reflect our own imagine so we could relate to ‘him’.
Could you ever conceive casting aside all you preconceptions of what you think God,under the guise of religion is, in order to free yourself from the ‘man-made’ concepts proliferated by religious text? In other words ‘kill’ your idea of God the one you’ve held as long as you remember? The majority of religious people find that idea extremely threatening. Why wouldn’t they?! By maintaining the Christian belief system and identity you are going to be ‘saved’ and someone up there after all does ‘care’. We can take a lot of comfort in that.We can still hang onto the identity of ‘I’ of ‘me’ being ‘me’ spending forever in eternity with our loved ones.
For example; Let us say I was born in 2015.So, I just appeared out of ‘nothing’ inspite of the fact that the universe was born according to the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago and then I die in 2100. According to the bible and the Christian belief system I go to heaven if I lived a good life and hell if I lived a bad life for ETERNITY….That’s right…ETERNITY..that logic is entirely questionable. Time is in fact circular, not linear. Linear time is a man-made concept. And why would a merciful God create beings that he/she sentences to eternal damnation?Why? And why are we born sinners under the Christian ideology? And why would I chose to spend such a short period as a ‘spiritual being’ in a human body throughout all of time, when time is in fact endless.
I do believe in a form of higher intelligence and It’s only human nature to try to build a story around God.What happens at death is a mystery and we will never know and that is the mystery of life.I don’t assume I know what happens after we die.But if there is a God, we are surely an expression of that ‘God’,that ‘God’ is living life through each and everyone of us right now. God surely doesnt care weather you are religious or not, only that in fact you carry out good deeds.
God and you and I and every creature on this earth are not separate or separated,we are all one of the same. This ‘truth’ of life is all around and evident everywhere, unfolding before our eyes. It’s simply the coming and the going and ‘consciousness’ experiencing that change…. that is it! Why does it have to be anything else…why?…because its too scary for most people, almost incomprehensible that the very concept of the ego identity is lost along with the body at death.Painful to accept as it may be. Why do we need to go somewhere? Why do we have to cling to that idea? We come into physical being when the time is right,we cease to exist in physical plane when the time is right.we are all subject to the laws of nature just like every other living organism on this planet. But of course suicide or an untimely death cuts that short.
We are all marching towards death, but we all live and die again and again in some shape or form.
As part of the collective conscious experiencing itself. How do I know this? Because I am that and I can see it with my own eyes happening every day all around me. That is the truth and the only truth I can confirm. Life is a circle and I don’t require a book to know that or someone to tell me otherwise to know that I can see it for myself.
It’s not possible to know what happens when we commit suicide. But given the law of cause and effect also known as ‘karma’ there must be some form of consequence and repercussion. Most likely experienced within the faith and outcome of the perceivers the next incarnation.
Could you ever conceive exploring the concept of existence by putting aside all your preconceptions about God…death and the afterlife..Angels, demons, heaven n hell? If you look around you and observe reality of the world you must clearly understand that life is but a continuous circle of karma death and rebirth?
Lee says:
September 27, 2015 at 5:16 pm
Thanks for your thoughts. I agree with some parts, and not with others, as might be expected.
I think it is possible to know what happens after death. There is plenty of information about it in NDEs, and in many different ancient and modern texts. Though there is much variety, there are also common threads from which we can gain a reasonably accurate picture of what the afterlife is like. And of course, there are the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, who spent almost thirty years exploring the spiritual world, and reported his discoveries in many volumes of his spiritual writings, especially in his most popular book, Heaven and Hell. For a basic summary of what we experience after death, see my article, What Happens To Us When We Die? And for some of the common threads in NDEs, see the video series I reviewed here.
I do agree with you that the Nicene Council held in 325 AD under the Emperor Constantine was the beginning of the end for Christianity as a genuine reflection of what Christ taught. Not only did Constantine turn “Christianity” into a state religion, thus corrupting it, but the doctrine of the Trinity codified by the Nicene Council is utterly false and non-Biblical, and led to the complete falsification of Christian doctrine. For more on this, see these articles:
What is the Biblical basis for disbelief in the doctrine of the Trinity?
And for a better and more Biblical view of God, see:
Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? What about that Holy Spirit?
You’ll find if you read through these and some of the other articles here that I do radically question, and reject, many traditional “Christian” teachings that are, in my view, entirely false, even if some of them are held by hundreds of millions or even billions of Christians. See: “Christian Beliefs” that the Bible Doesn’t Teach.
As for your particular beliefs, I have no need or desire to challenge them. If they help you to keep your life on track and moving forward toward better things, that is a good thing, and there’s no need to debate about who’s “right.” See:
Thanks again for your thoughts, James.
October 22, 2015 at 8:20 am
That was an encouraging read on suicide. I’ve been depressed and contemplating it but what you’ve written here has enlightened me. I pray for strength and courage to wait for my time. Thank you Lee for the encouraging words.
Lee says:
October 22, 2015 at 8:59 am
I’m very glad it is helpful to you. Suicide is by nature a difficult and painful thing to face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you to make it through, to live out your life, and to find some good in this life that will give you reason to live.
One more thing I would add here to my other responses to you on other articles is this: I encourage you to find ways that you can do good things for other people, and help them along life’s path.
Depression and suicidal tendencies usually involve an inward emotional spiral in which our whole heart and mind gets focused on our own suffering and pain. And that suffering and pain is very real! But if we keep focusing on it all the time, it will suck us in, and lead us to despair and death.
Forcing ourselves to focus at least some of our mental and emotional energy on others, and on their struggles, their needs, and what will give them comfort and joy, helps us to break that inward emotional spiral within ourselves, and focus more on our relationship with others and less on our own pain.
This can be very hard to do, especially at first. But it is, I believe, one of the best antidotes to the feelings of darkness, emptiness, and futility that lead people to take their own lives.
Once again, like everything else, thinking about others and helping others is not a magic pill. You will still have to face and deal with your own pain. But focusing our minds and actions on other people’s needs provides a great counterbalance that helps us make it through.
Ultimately, if as you grow toward adulthood you focus your life on some good work that is beneficial to others, it will be a constant healing force in your life, while also giving your life meaning.
So in addition to seeking out others who can help you through your pain, my other counsel is to think about what you can do with your life here on earth to bring comfort and joy to others. It may be something grand or it may be a simple life of doing some ordinary job that is helpful to others. But it will be one of your greatest healers. It will give your life meaning, so that your thoughts of suicide will become less and less over time as you build relationships and find a purpose for yourself in this life.
Tony says:
October 22, 2015 at 12:40 pm
I am not sure what is meant by permanent character but if our charactor is permenant then why does the so call spiritual world all about getting better cos if you were say a bad person when you died you can’t change that even if you do get into heaven ultimately.Also is it possible to set aside all that you were before you died and just start with a clean slate, say if you were a good person with some bad character flaws for instance?
Lee says:
October 22, 2015 at 4:11 pm
Good questions!
The Biblical image I was referring to in the article was about a pot being formed on the potter’s wheel and then fired into its permanent form. That is simply a metaphor, though, and doesn’t correspond perfectly to the human situation. Yes, some parts of our character are “fired” and become permanent at death. But we are still living beings, not inanimate objects, so we still do grow and change in some ways, unlike a pot that’s been fired.
The permanent part of us is the basic, underlying character we have developed here, which is determined primarily by what we love most, and what we therefore focus our life on. That underlying character does not change after death. We do still learn and grow in heaven, but we learn and grow in the direction set by our basic character. For more on this idea, see the section on “The Hierarchy of Loves,” and the sections right around it, in the article, The Spiritual Anatomy of Physically Abusive Men. (I plan to write up the hierarchy of loves as a separate article at some point, but have not gotten to that yet.)
As an earthly example, think of a person trained as a surgeon. He or she will likely remain a surgeon throughout his or her career, but can continually become more and more skillful as a surgeon, thus growing in the practice of that art and profession. In the same way, our life here on earth determines our heavenly “career,” but we continue to grow in love, knowledge, and skill in that “career” to eternity in heaven.
According to Swedenborg, our basic character does not change after death. So we cannot simply set aside all that we were before we died and start with a clean slate. The life that we live here on earth, and the person we become here on earth, will have an eternally determining effect on our life in the spiritual world. That’s why it’s important to do the best we can here on earth, and not throw up our hands and wait until our life here is over in the mistaken notion that we can just fix everything up after we die. Those who operate in that way will be sorely disappointed when they reach the other world after death.
However, any more outward parts of ourselves that don’t accord with our true inner character will be pushed to the side and marginalized in the spiritual world, so that most of the time we are not even aware that they have ever existed as part of our human experience. This means that “if you were a good person with some bad character flaws,” those flaws will be set aside, or at least greatly diminished, in the spiritual world, and the good person that you are underneath will determine what your life is like there.
For more on exactly how this happens, please see the article, What Happens To Us When We Die?
N says:
January 19, 2016 at 6:35 am
If God is what you write he is,
then God is a selfish and ignorant idiot.
However I do believe in a God that understands suffering, discrimination, abuse, sexual abuse, trauma, social stigma, addiction AND MENTAL ILLNESS, that comes from heredity or/ and is caused by those things.
I believe in a GOD that stands up for everyone, regandless of their situation on earth.
I BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO CARES and sees people for what they really are and have gone through in life.
You should see past your own privilege and ignorance before writing these black/white thinking ignorant stuff.
And the title to your blog-post: “Does suicide work?” is deeply offending.
Do you think people who take their own lives in desperation tortured by their demons and by their circumstances in life are thinking if it woud work??
I don’t believe that you have been living in hell on earth.
No one deserves the pain that suicidal people experience.
I hope you understand what I am saying, and that you’re contemplating to learn about mental illness, rape traumas, abuse, social stigma discrimination and addiction.
Lee says:
January 19, 2016 at 9:40 am
Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment.
Believe me, I do understand the situation of those who struggle with various forms of abuse, trauma, mental illness, social stigma, and so on, from people I have known personally over the years, from people I have served over the years, and yes, on some of these issues from my own personal experience as well. Please don’t jump to conclusions about what I have and have not experienced.
We can rail at God if we want to, and it can be cathartic to do so. The prophets in the Bible commonly rail at God. But once we’ve gotten it out of our system, it’s time to sit down and face reality.
And the reality is that for those who have suffered discrimination, trauma, sexual abuse, mental illness, and so on, the effects on the psyche are deep and systemic. Many people never do overcome these things here on earth, and many do kill themselves because it gets to be too much. For those who do experience some recovery here on earth, it is a years- and even decades-long process of intense personal work, counseling, and therapy. The wounds are deep, they take many years to heal, and even then there are still scars.
This is the reality for those who suffer these things.
For those who don’t make it to such healing here on earth, suicide is an escape valve that is, tragically, all too common.
And yet, we still have to be realistic about what happens next. Moving from the physical world to the spiritual world doesn’t suddenly and magically change us into a whole different person. We bring with us all the emotional trauma we have suffered, still stamped on our psyche.
It is true that our physical and mental handicaps are taken away in the spiritual world. However, we humans need a time of transition in order to avoid shock to our system. So even when it comes to our physical and mental handicaps, removing them in the spiritual world is a process rather than a sudden event. That way we can get used to our new life free from our old handicaps and illnesses.
There is a good reason healing takes time. We humans need that time to heal and come to wholeness.
The psychological effects of our traumas do not just suddenly go away with a snap of the fingers. The trauma and abuse we have suffered here is still with us, and we still need to heal from it. And unfortunately, as loving as the angels who meet us may be, for those who are suicidal the demons who drove them there do not just go away either, because they have become a part of the victim’s mind and experience.
As I say in the article, committing suicide does not damn us to hell. And we will have better, more loving, and more skilled help there to face and overcome the issues and experiences that dragged us so low in life that we took our own life. And yet, we still do have to face and overcome our personal demons, even in the spiritual world, because unfortunately, they have become a part of our experience.
That’s the basic message of the article. And as much as you or I may not like it, human experience tells us that this is the reality of the after-effects of all the shocks, traumas, and physical and mental illnesses that we humans suffer, even if it is through no fault of our own.
God is indeed loving and merciful. And God will lift us up from the things that have laid us low. And God will do this through a process of healing. Ideally it will take place here on earth. But if it doesn’t, it will take place in the spiritual world. Still, there is no getting around the process of healing—and that process usually involves much pain and struggle along the way. That’s simply the nature of the human situation.
Anon says:
January 23, 2016 at 9:47 am
My comment was written out of despair. Thank you for understanding and replying.
In another article you wrote that every child and teenager who commits suicide goes to heaven, regardless of what they have done in life because of that they have not chosen for themselves their growing up circumstances in life and they haven’t reached an age in which they have seen every option, or perhaps even met or could have the strength to accept love from other people (for example because they are afraid or don’t think they are worthy of it).
I would think many teenage suicides stems from that thought, that they are not worthy of love, that they feel they would never succeed in getting the unconditional love, and that thought can come for many reasons (for example the wounds that we stated earlier?).
Anyway it made me calm to read that every teenage suicide or other death are being taken care of by Gods love… Teenagers are so confused…
But it’s still a mystery to me why older adults with these struggles aren’t given the same mercy which God?
Would God let self-hating adults go if they thought they didn’t deserve love, if they hated themselves, and if their life had indeed been about material things and gaining power, because of the lack of love in their upbringing and additional trauma and mental illness?
I came upon one website that said that Swedenborg was indeed forgiving when it came to mental illness, because he meant that the person could not think rationally, and therefore had to be brought to think rationally to go forward. I read somewhere it was the same with people who were influenced by drugs or alcohol.
If you take away the mental illness, and drugs, that have influenced the brain, wouldn’t you see that it wasn’t their rational mind and they were on despair or not understanding what they where doing, or delusional (which is the case with manodepressivs for example when they’re in a manic phase, or with psychotic or schitsofrenic people in a psychosis).
Or with people with other diagnosis such as in the autism spectra or borderline personalities who seem to get tangled up in their thoughts and have a hard time understanding people and their motifs, and misunderstand things and feel alone and misunderstood, and also are prone to more trauma because of that evil people see that they can take adnantage of them, and they often get bullied as well,
I am in despair and grief and I want proof of an all loving and understanding God.
And I thank you for answering my questions in my search for love.
There are other things I wanted to ask you as well…
I have read other articles in your blog and I see that you are not black/white, and that you very kindly try to help people regardless of their religion, and that you are humble.
I am very fast to judge people if I think they are oppressing someone or some group, and that makes me not see the people behind their oppressing (I judge them as evil before really knowing their circumstances), which I think can be a good thing, but also bad and ignorant. Which maybe is a bit of a paradox?
I have a hard time wrapping my mind around “evil people” in general.
It’s interesting that the one who have been oppressed in childhood often turns out to be oppressing people in the same way when they grow up…
Or that people can become the very thing the hate.
I do want to believe in Swedenborg, but how can I believe when I read that he was in the spirit world and saw that the Jews are inherently evil and greedy?
But the difference is that Swedenborg claimed in New Christianity that he saw how the Jews lived in the spirit world, and that the Jews highest love was love of self and the world, love of money before business.
And how they live: “The streets of these cities are ankle-deep in filth. The houses have so much foul-smelling garbage everywhere that it is difficult to get near them.”
I would understand if Swedenborg was antisemitic because most people where in those times, but Swedenborg claims that he visits the spirit world and sees these things and learn from angels.
I’m a Jew and I do want to believe in the teachings as you have described them but how do I go beyond this? And also his views on women and promiscouity that are shameing the women instead of the man-domination and oppressing of women, and blames women (girls???) for prostitution instead of blaming the men, who obviously have the power and violence over women in this exposed and voulnerable labor in which men exercise their power over women though violence and sex… which was everywhere in those times.
How can I move beyond these things which he claims he have learned spiritually.
I do want to believe in God as an unprejudiced loving being who understands and is with the victims perspective at all times.
And I ask you if you could delete my first post to be as anonymous as possible because of the self-revealing content in this one…
Or maybe not post this one on the blog but answer it?
Lee says:
January 23, 2016 at 11:12 am
Good to hear from you again. I’m glad that answer was helpful to you. I do believe that God is pure love and mercy. I also believe that God will not interfere with our freely made choices in life, because that would be disrespectful to us, and would strip us of our humanity.
The question—and it is not an easy one to answer—is exactly which of our choices are freely made? That is something even we ourselves may not be able to sort out. It’s hard to distinguish between what we are influenced to do by our genetics and environment on the one hand, and what we actually choose of our own free will on the other.
The general principle is that we will not be held responsible for anything we did not freely choose, when we had the ability to make a different choice. If our “choice” is actually determined by our genetics or our environment, or by other factors beyond our control, we will not be held responsible for it or penalized for it when we reach the spiritual world. That’s so even if, as I said in the article and in my earlier comment in response to you, we may still have to go through some hard and painful experiences to move beyond influences and traumas that have become a part of our life experience, even if not of our core character.
Children and teens are not held spiritually responsible for bad choices because they are not yet fully responsible for themselves—as our civil law generally recognizes when it makes parents responsible for the actions of their children. Of course, there’s a fuzzy line as to exactly where adulthood starts. When does a person become fully responsible for his or her own decisions? Once again, this is a very complex question.
With regard to mentally ill people, though there are cases in which people drive themselves insane through persistent bad and evil choices, that, I believe, is not true of most mentally ill people. And if, as in the huge majority of cases, people are not responsible for bringing about their own mental illness, they will also not be held spiritually responsible for actions done under the influence of that mental illness.
People whose mental illness involves never reaching the ability to make adult judgments will be in the same situation as children who die: they will all be freed of their mental illness, and after death will “grow up” from their current mental age to become adult angels in heaven. For people whose mental illnesses do allow them to make at least some adult decisions, once again the general rule is that they will be held responsible only for decisions that they are actually capable of making in freedom.
I am not willing to say that all mentally ill adults will automatically go to heaven because that, to me, dehumanizes those who do have adult capabilities, and treats them as if they were children and not adults. I believe that God gives us the level of adult responsibility that we are capable of handling, even if it may be diminished, and gives us the ability to make at least some real choices within that diminished zone of spiritual freedom.
All of this adds up to a tremendously complex human reality. And I think we humans have to have some humility in thinking that we can figure it all out and say whether this or that person is headed to heaven or to hell. But my belief is that God does fully and deeply understand each one of us, and looks at each one of us with love, kindness, compassion, and mercy. And God will not allow any of us to end out in hell if we don’t truly choose and prefer hell based on our own freely made adult decisions within the zone of spiritual freedom that we do have.
Short version: No one who does not want to go to hell will go there permanently. Only those who die with adult decision-making capabilities who truly want to be in hell, and prefer hell over heaven, will end out living permanently in hell. All others will go to heaven. God does not send anyone to hell. If we go to hell, it’s because we ourselves insist upon it, contrary to God’s love and will for us.
Lee says:
January 23, 2016 at 11:33 am
Some of Swedenborg’s statements about Jews are indeed unsettling. Swedenborg was a human being, not God, and he did have his human limitations. In his day and culture, Jews were heavily discriminated against and looked down upon. Western society had not yet developed the level of appreciation for different religions and cultures that is much more common today. So I generally chalk up Swedenborg’s negative assessment of Jews as a somewhat milder version of the virulent anti-semitism that was common in his age and culture.
The other side of the coin is that unlike his Christian contemporaries, Swedenborg did not consign all Jews to hell, but rather said that Jews and people of all other (non-Christian) religions would find their place in heaven or in hell based on whether they were faithful to God as their religion taught them about God, and lived good lives of love and service to their fellow human beings—which is an integral part of every legitimate religion around the world.
In Swedenborg’s day, all of the major Christian denominations taught that every Jew who did not become a Christian would go to hell. But Swedenborg sharply disagreed, saying that Jews who lived good and honorable lives according to their own religion would go to heaven, not to hell.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Swedenborg saw all of humanity as being at a low ebb spiritually during his times. He thought that not only Jews, but Christians as well, both Catholic and Protestant (he had little contact with Orthodox Christians) were in a low, fallen, and unspiritual state. So his negative description of Jews in the other world should be balanced with his negative description of Protestants and Catholics in the spiritual world as well. In Swedenborg’s view, all of humanity had become corrupt, and every church and religion that he was familiar with had fallen to become a dark shadow of what God had meant it to be.
That was why he believed a Last Judgment was necessary, and actually took place in the spiritual world during his lifetime: to clear the spiritual falsity and filth that had accumulated for so many centuries, and to give humanity a new spiritual start.
And we have been slowly and painstakingly climbing out of that spiritual mire and filth ever since.
Lee says:
January 23, 2016 at 11:42 am
Swedenborg’s views of women were also influenced by the culture of his day. However, I don’t think they are as negative and sexist as you’re saying.
In particular, he blames prostitution, not on women, but on men. He says that brothels are tolerated in large cities due to the sexual drives of men, not because women are evil. To be sure, he does take a dim view of prostitution, and considers it to be an evil. And he does think of prostitutes as being engaged in an evil business. But to say that he blames it on women and exonerates men is not really accurate.
Obviously, Swedenborg was writing in the context of the 18th century, and for an 18th century audience. We have progressed greatly since then, including in the area of gender equality. We can’t really expect Swedenborg to write from, or for, today’s cultural views of women and men.
Having said that, even if Swedenborg saw women as having different gender roles than men, some of which we would not agree with today, he did view men and women as ultimately and ideally being equal partners to one another. He said that a desire for domination by one partner over the other destroys marriage. And in some of his stories of experiences in the spiritual world, he presents women as being wiser and seeing more deeply into the human mind than men do.
Of course everything he wrote about men and women was expressed in 18th century cultural terminology. How could it not be? But if we look beyond that cultural matrix, Swedenborg offers a surprising (for his day) picture of men and women as equally valuable in God’s sight, and as ultimately equal partners to one another.
Lee says:
January 23, 2016 at 12:12 pm
A few more thoughts:
As I said, Swedenborg was a human being, not God. He did receive a tremendous gift from God in being able to experience the spiritual world for nearly thirty years while still living in this one. However, he still could see it only though the eyes of his own mind as it had developed up to that time, and as it developed during those years. So it is inevitable that the things he was seeing and experiencing would be expressed in the form of words and culture appropriate to an enlightened person of the 18th century. It’s unrealistic to expect that he would have at his disposal all of the scientific, moral, and ethical knowledge and developments that have taken place since his time.
When we read Swedenborg, then, it is still good to do so with our thinking minds turned on, and with a willingness to distinguish between what was revealed to him from God and from the spiritual world and how that revelation was expressed through the mind of a well-educated 18th century nobleman. For more on how I view Swedenborg’s writings, please see this article: Do the Teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg take Precedence over the Bible?
About deleting your posts, I could do that if you really want me to, but they don’t see to me to be overly self-revealing such that it would be obvious to anyone who was actually writing these things. I’d rather leave them here so that my responses will make sense. But if you really want me to delete them, please let me know.
Back to your questions and aspirations, I do believe that God is infinitely loving, wise, powerful, compassionate, and good. Unfortunately, we humans are none of those things, and God’s message often gets garbled when it reaches limited and faulty human minds and hearts. See my article: How God Speaks in the Bible to Us Boneheads
Our search for a loving, unprejudiced, compassionate God is a journey, and it is one that takes a lifetime here on earth, and goes on to eternity in the spiritual world. If we fall short—as we always do—of God’s perfect love and wisdom, we have forever to walk the path toward God’s perfect love and wisdom. We will never stop learning and growing, in the here or in the hereafter.
So keep searching and keep journeying, and you will gradually find the answers you seek. I hope this blog will help you along on that journey of understanding, toward peace of mind and heart.
Anon says:
January 24, 2016 at 9:02 am
Thank you for answering my questions, and for helping me in my grief of a loved one, and for showing me the way out of my hell.
I will do my best to get out of it.
Thank you sincerely & I wish you the best.
Lee says:
January 24, 2016 at 9:35 am
You are very welcome. I’m sorry to hear about your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face your grief. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Snclark says:
August 11, 2016 at 10:51 pm
Lee says:
August 12, 2016 at 8:30 am
Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment. I am sorry that life is such a struggle for you right now. But keep in mind that you have a lot of life ahead of you, and you will not always feel this way. If you commit suicide, you’ll cut off your opportunity to have that life and move beyond your current sense of deadness in your soul. If you feel tempted to commit suicide, I would urge you to call a suicide hotline or seek out a local counselor or pastor who can help you. In the United States, you can call 1-800-273-8255.
Whatever your struggles, there is a way out. It may be a lot of hard work, but if you seek out the help and support you need, you can do it. Here are two more articles on this site that might be helpful to you:
What does Jesus Mean when He Says we Must be Born Again?
On your specific question, a feeling of deadness in your soul does not necessarily mean you are a bad person. It may mean that you are stuck in a difficult place in your life, and that you need to move forward toward a better place. All of us at times go through dark stretches when we feel dead inside. The important thing is to keep moving, keep doing your daily tasks, keep focusing on doing what you can for the people around you, and keep in mind that God does love you and has good things in store for you even if you don’t see them right now.
Mary says:
April 5, 2017 at 6:02 pm
I found your blog through your series of articles on marriage and the afterlife. I was widowed by suicide 9 months ago and your posts are a great comfort to me! I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about marriage and the afterlife and I did not find your articles through my truly obsessive googling but from a support group of fellow suicide widows.
As I read them however, that awful feeling in my stomach began. “Yes this is all very nice, but if I type the word ‘suicide’ into that search box it will all be destroyed because this comfort isn’t for me or my husband who I am sure this author thinks is wicked and evil and going straight to hell.” That was my thought process. I’m sorry for pre-judging you, but that attitude about suicide is a rampant infection in modern Christianity and it is always surprising to find someone who doesn’t have it. I am so glad I searched, and found this.
I believe my husband regretted his decision immediately, and I have no doubt he is doing the work required to further himself along. He was a gentle person who never hurt anyone but himself and had a near superhuman empathy for every person on earth. I hope more than anything I get to see him again, as I miss him so much.
Lee says:
April 6, 2017 at 10:37 am
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s death. It is especially difficult when it is by suicide. I’m glad you have found some support, and that the articles here are helpful to you as well. Suicide is hard enough as it is. It’s not the church’s job to make things even worse by saying that people who commit suicide will go to hell. The Bible doesn’t say that, so I’m not sure where they even get that idea from.
I do believe that you will be reunited with your husband when it comes your time to leave this world for the next. By that time I hope he will have been able to work through whatever issues drove him to take his own life.
Meanwhile, godspeed on your spiritual journey.
Shattered says:
October 1, 2018 at 11:16 am
Thank you very much for your extensive helpful essays/posts; especially the one about marriage in the afterlife – the reunion with beloved spouse – is very comforting.
I understand what you wrote in reply to the sad situation of Mary above. It makes sense that Mary’s partner will probably have to sort out in the afterlife the problem(s) which lead to the desperate act, whatever it was. And in this case it’s obvious that the death had a devastating effect on the surviving wife, for sure not intended, but rather not recognized in full depth in the fog of desperation.
My beloved wife was suddenly and unexpectedly passing on 5 months ago (not even 50 y.o./ rupture of unknown brain aneurysma). I’m devastated, not coping at all, and eventhough I try every thing I can, I’m not sure if I can withstand the temptation to follow my wife into the afterlife. My sorrow and pain are so deep, and unchanged since her passing, and I just hardly can’t bear it any longer without her on earth. It’s unbearable! We spent many years 24/7 happily together in early retirement, she was EVERYTHING to me. So I’m left with NOTHING. Nothing than loneliness, I’m heart broken. It feels like purgatory on earth, I think only people who have lost a beloved spouse themselves can feel and understand at all how deep this pain is.
I have NO intention to ever find a new romance, I commited to my wife forever, and I still love her with my full heart, and forever. But how can I be expected to continue on earth 30, 40 years of a miserable, painful and lonely life?
If I leave the earth and then have to “work through the issue of the suicide” in the afterlife, that would be somehow odd, because the very reason IS already in the afterlife, it’s my precious wife?!
The yearning for my wife, my love which has “no target on Earth” anymore, the loneliness are just unbearable.
If I follow my wife, no “major damage” would happen here on earth. My family is almost inexistent, I have no kids, no pets, no dependants at all. Yes there are friends that would possibly be hurt a bit, but would they not understand if a spouse just can’t bear the excruciating pain over decades, and wants to follow the wife into the afterlife?
I am aware that you are not in the position and mindset to give any “green light” for ending an own life, but still I would be very grateful if you could give me your view to my situation where there seems to be no way out.
Lee says:
October 1, 2018 at 12:32 pm
I am very sorry to hear about the sudden death of your wife. My heart goes out to you. I can certainly understand that in the aftermath, you have lost your will to live, and are considering taking your own life. Your life is in your own hands. I can’t tell you what to do. And as I say in the above article, even if suicide does cause real problems, I don’t believe it is an automatic ticket to hell. And yes, your wife would be waiting for you on the other side.
So, you have a big decision to make.
The case for taking your own life is obvious. You’re miserable without your beloved wife, and she is on the other side of death. And in your particular case, there don’t seem to be a lot of people who would be negatively affected by it.
What’s the case for not taking your life?
Of course, it would, as you recognize, affect your friends here on earth. It is common after people commit suicide for friends to feel grief-stricken that their friend was so desperate and miserable as to take his or her own life, and to feel guilty that they couldn’t do more. And for those who are severely depressed and struggling, seeing others commit suicide can push them closer to committing suicide themselves.
But perhaps a greater issue to consider is whether you may still have work to do here on earth, outwardly or inwardly. Though the timing of our death is in many ways a mystery, my general belief is that God ensures that each one of us has a reasonable chance at making the choice for heaven during whatever length of years we do have here on earth. And beyond that, my belief is that our basic character is determined by the totality of our lifetime here on earth, and particularly, by the spiritual work we did here and by the direction we were going overall at the time of our death.
In your specific case, based on what you are describing, I think you would agree with me that the loss of your wife is the greatest blow and the greatest struggle that you have ever experienced in your life. It is testing your soul to its limits. Yet as harsh as it may sound, it is not during the easy and joyful times in life that we make great strides in our emotional and spiritual growth, but in the times of pain and struggle. That is when we must dig deep and face the ultimate questions and issues in our life, including who we ourselves are in our soul.
While I don’t believe “God is testing you,” as the common saying goes, I do believe you are being tested, and have entered into a time of severe trial. This is the real meaning of “temptation.” Temptation is not so much a test of whether to do the right thing or the wrong thing. That is more the result of the temptation. Rather, temptation is about testing the limits of the growth of our soul. Are we willing to push through and make it to the next level psychologically and spiritually, or will we either stop where we are or actually reverse course and go backwards? That is what the testing of spiritual temptation is all about. Clearly you are right in the middle of it.
No one, including God, would hold it against you if you decided to take your own life. And yet, taking your own life would be stopping short in your spiritual struggle and rebirth, and settling for the spiritual position where you now are rather than moving deeper to the next level of spiritual growth and maturity.
We take with us to the afterlife, and to eternity, the character that we have built here on earth. And the strength and depth of that character determines what work we will be able to do in the spiritual world. Those who have worked the hardest and gone the deepest in their struggle and path of spiritual life here on earth will be capable of the greatest contribution to human wellbeing and to God’s kingdom during their ongoing life in the spiritual world.
This is the other side of the question of whether to take your own life. And though once again, I can’t make that decision for you, I would encourage you to think of whether you wish to give up on the terrible test that you are now facing, and on the growth as a person that could result from facing and struggling through that test.
And with apologies for perhaps seeming cruel, I would encourage you to consider whether your wife would like to see you do that hard work, and become a greater and deeper man as a result. Even if she is not with you physically, she is with you in spirit, feeling your pain and hoping for better things for you. And the man you become here on earth is the man she will live with to eternity.
If you do make the decision not to end your life, you will need something to focus your life on. I don’t know what your interests or skills are, but especially if you took early retirement, it’s important to follow your interests and put your skills to work in some practical way, even if at first your heart is not in it. To make your life here worthwhile, you need to be doing something worthwhile with it. That means engaging in activities that are helpful to others using your particular skills, or at least engaging in recreational activities with other people who enjoy the same sorts of activities that you do.
You’ll also need to strengthen your friendships, and perhaps make new friends. No one can replace your wife. But life is all about our relationships with people. And in the (physical) absence of your wife, that means leaning on your friends more than you have in the past, and perhaps opening up with a select few of them that you think might understand something of what you are going through. Just telling someone about your pain and struggle can ease the burden a bit, even if it doesn’t take away the pain.
Choosing not to take your own life would mean choosing to do something with your remaining years here on earth that would both improve life for other people in some way and strengthen your own character as a man and as a human being. Once again, the choice is yours. I would only encourage you to consider these things before making a choice that you cannot undo.
Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shattered says:
October 2, 2018 at 11:33 am
Thank you very much Lee for taking the time and effort to provide me this extensive answer. Of course my pain and broken heart is not vanishing over night, and I’m now lingering “between the worlds”. I take it one day by one day (until I can’t) at the moment. That’s all I can do.
PS: No need to put this post online; I just wanted to express my gratitude for your help and empathy. Thank you!
Lee says:
October 2, 2018 at 11:53 am
You are most welcome. If there is anything more I can do for you, please feel free to leave further comments here.
Shattered says:
October 4, 2018 at 12:57 am
Lee, I suffer from the feeling of being isolated, not only from my friends/family who can not really understand what it means to have lost the beloved spouse, but also I don’t feel “close” to the spiritual world where my wife is now. Eventhough I pray now every day to God, and I talk to my deceased wife often, several times during the day, I don’t feel her presence as it is reported by others, that apparently have this feeling intensively (some of them even report that e.g. they can feel the hand of the dead spouse on their shoulder etc.)
“…We can open ourselves up to things we shouldn’t really have access to through willful use of drugs, spiritism, certain focused meditation techniques, and so on, when we are not in a genuinely spiritual state of mind, but are wrapped up in ourselves and our own experience…”
It would bring tremendous relief to me if I could get a tiny bit of reassurance from my wife that she is comfortable in the afterlife and waiting for me. It would provide me hope and faith to stand the unbearable reality here on Earth a bit longer. So I consider to contact a medium (with a good reputation) in the hope of getting some encouraging message/information.
What is your opinion about that, do you think trying to get some hopeful contact (which we are not able to establish ourselves) with the help of a medium is evil in any circumstance?
I tried to find the take of the team of the Swedenborg Foundation; in the following youtube episode (start at 34min16sec) they seem to at least partly be open to this option:
Lee says:
October 4, 2018 at 10:07 am
Good to hear from you again.
Yes, some people do feel the definite presence of their spouse or other loved one who has died. But others do not. That’s not unusual. But as you say, it does make it harder to have faith that your wife is alive and well in the spiritual world.
Thanks for linking to the Swedenborg Foundation video. It is a good piece, providing a lot of solid information and insight on the spiritual world and contacting spirits. I have also written an article on this subject that you might find helpful:
What about Spiritualism? Is it a Good Idea to Contact Spirits?
Taking off from both the video and my article, about contacting spirits I would say, “Forewarned is forearmed.” If you have a good idea of what you’re getting into, and the potential pitfalls, you can go a long way toward protecting yourself against the possible dangers in contacting spirits. And as the video says, having faith, trusting in the Lord, and following the Lord also protects us from the dangers there may be in contacting spirits.
I would also emphasize what I said in my linked article, that it is not a good idea to allow ourselves to be “taught” by spirits. The things they teach us are just as likely to be false as true. But because we’re not acclimated to the spiritual world and don’t have any context by which to judge what they say, we’re likely to uncritically accept the things they say even if they’re completely wrong and misleading.
Having said all that, while I don’t particularly recommend going to spirit mediums, I do recognize that for people who have gotten no sign from loved ones who have died, having contact through a spirit medium can be very reassuring and comforting. And as long as you’re aware of the potential dangers and pitfalls covered in the video and my article, you are “forewarned and forearmed” to avoid getting sucked into negative consequences.
If you do decide to go to a spirit medium, please do research them carefully. I would suggest avoiding any mediums that have a strong “doctrinal” or “prescriptive” bent, and want to instruct people about the nature of God, the spiritual world, religion, and so on. Such spirit mediums tend to have their own ax to grind. They’re not objective or unbiased, so they’ll tend to push the people who go to them in one direction or another spiritually. Rather, find a spirit medium who is simply willing and able to put people into contact with the spiritual world, and who seems stable and matter-of-fact about it. Just as in buying a used car, it’s not always easy to tell who’s legit and who’s not. So go in with your critical mind intact. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t “buy” it.
I would also suggest that if you are able to make contact with your wife, and you’re confident that it’s a genuine contact, that you remain satisfied with that, and don’t keep going back again and again for more. The purpose is to reassure yourself that your wife is alive and well in the spiritual world. This might take a few visits, but once you’re assured of that, there probably isn’t a good reason to keep going back for more. You still have a life to live here on earth, as hard as it may be to focus on that. Continually seeking out contact with your wife will tend to pull you away from the hard emotional and spiritual work you have in front of you here on earth.
If all of this seems very cautionary, that’s because I don’t want you to get taken in and hurt by opportunistic people and spirits who would use your vulnerable state to take advantage of you, mislead you, and harm you. So please proceed with caution, keeping your wits about you.
Lee says:
October 4, 2018 at 10:21 am
About feeling isolated from friends and family:
Now that you’ve gone through the terribly difficult and painful experience of losing your wife (from this earth), it may be necessary to find and make new friends who can handle what you’ve been through. You’re a different person now than you were when your wife was still alive here on this earth. Your old friends and your family members may not be able to connect with the person you are now, when they’ve been used to who you were before everything in your life changed.
One suggestion I would make is to seek out a bereavement group either online or in your area, where you can make contact with other people who have lost wives, husbands, or other dearly beloved family members and friends. These people have gone through and are going through what you’ve gone through and are going through. You will be able to talk to them about your experience, feelings, depression, and struggle.
The other suggestion I would make is what I mentioned in my response to your first comment above: moving back into some activities that either use your knowledge and skills to help others or that involve engaging in recreational activities that you enjoy with others who enjoy similar activities. This is not for dealing with your feelings about your wife’s death (that’s what the bereavement groups are for), but to have something positive in your life that keeps you moving forward, and takes your mind at least somewhat off your pain and loss, at least for a short time. And please don’t feel guilty about this. Your wife would want you to have some enjoyment in your life. She loves you and wants you to be happy.
Both of these together can help you to deal with your pain and depression while still having a reason to move forward with your life, until it comes time to rejoin your wife in the spiritual world.
Brian says:
November 17, 2018 at 1:45 pm
I empathize with Shattered. I lost my 52 year old wife to cancer 13 weeks ago. I am in such grief and despair. I do not want to live any longer. I have asked the Lord to take me in my sleep. Each day the thought comes that if I would just kill myself I could leave this world which holds no appeal to me and I could be reunited with my beloved wife. In doing so I know I would cause pain to loved ones. That has held me at bay so far. I don’t know how long I can continue this dreary anguished sorrowful existence without her. I too, have talked to her and have prayed to God daily but no word from my wife and no consolation from prayer. God is good and loving so I suspect I am blocking His consolation somehow. Where your treasure is there is your heart. My treasure is now in Heaven and I want to be there now. Oh God, help me….
Lee says:
November 17, 2018 at 4:28 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s death, and about your grief and despair. There really isn’t an easy answer to this. It’s just hard and painful. I hope my responses to Shattered are of some help to you. I would also suggest seeking out an online or in person support group for people who have lost loved ones. Just sharing your pain with people who have also experienced it can help.
Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian says:
November 18, 2018 at 6:18 am
Thank you, Lee, for your prayers. I covet them. And it was your website that gave me hope of marriage in Heaven. Traditional Christianity has so little to say except, “no way”, and yet in my heart I say, “There has got to be marriage”. Why make us male and female and then take that away in our eternal state? I found marriage to be the greatest joy of my life!
Lee says:
November 18, 2018 at 9:09 am
Yes, marriage—if it is a good marriage—is the closest, most joyful, and most fulfilling relationship we humans can have with one another. It would be cruel for God to give it to us here on earth and then snatch it away from us when we die. That’s not how God operates.
In case you haven’t found it already, here is the first of two articles that deal with the Bible passage that most Christians misinterpret to mean that there is no marriage in heaven:
I’m glad you found our website, and that it has given you hope.
Griffin says:
December 15, 2018 at 9:58 pm
I read a story today about a Catholic priest who, at a funeral for a teenager who had committed suicide, questioned whether the boy would go to Heaven on account of the manner of his death. What a sad testament to how far Christianity has strayed from the love and mercy at the center of Jesus’s life and teachings.
Lee says:
December 15, 2018 at 10:06 pm
Yes, Annette pointed that story out to me this morning. What that priest did at that funeral is a terrible example of the destructive effect of unbiblical doctrine. Even if the priest didn’t intend it, his false Catholic doctrine about suicide caused him to say terrible, disheartening things to that family right in the middle of their suffering.
All the more reason to get the truth out there, so that suffering people can find rest for their souls, as Jesus promised.
Shattered says:
December 18, 2018 at 5:00 am
Due to “lack of respective action” I’m still around, not saying that this is what pleases me. Eight months are in since my angel left earth. The agony and yearning is not getting any better.
In another post from your blog I found you stating something that worries me; I was thinking of this aspect before:
“…It could happen that as a young man or woman, you were compatible with someone whom you may have wished you could marry at that time. But then as you went through life you might have changed as a person, and become quite different from who you were as a teenager or young adult. It’s possible to grow out of a relationship that might have been right for you earlier in life, but no longer is. Later in life you might be compatible with someone else, whom you wouldn’t have been compatible with as a young person. …”
This is what I’m really afraid of. When I have to live on (against my will) on this earth for decades, while my beloved wife is already in the afterlife: How can I avoid to become estranged from her with regard to the envisioned reunion in the afterlife? How to retain the memories which are essential to keep the deep love alive? The permament stress in heart and mind due to the grief is already partly robbing my memories. My love is stronger than ever, but what will happen when we will be separated for decades until I can join her? Additional question; will the time that a deceased spouse remains in the world of spirits – before moving on further – be adjusted/prolonged in respect of the spouse being still on earth ( to enter the afterlife later)?
So what are the possibilities to keep the mutual love “undamaged” over a possible waiting time of decades?
I found two ways of addressing this problem so far; one of them is the way of Donnette Alfelt with her group of widows/widowers to still “work” on the marriage even though the partner is no longer in the physical world:
The other aspect I found is a theory in the context of general spiritualism, saying, that our deceased spouse is regularly visiting some inner part of our “unconcious” self in our dreams and in such way sustaining a close and intimate relationship of the two souls (over a long period of physical separation):
“…When you sleep your soul enters your double or unifying body and you then pass within your subliminal self. This self can and does commune with the beloved(…); he or she making contact with you through his own subliminal-self. There is then a sharing of experience. Such experience may not be brought within the bounds of your physical memory as a rule. But after death you will find this life that was known to you only in the depths of sleep registered in the memory of your double, the body your soul retains after your final farewell to earth. So, though a generation of years may have parted you from your loved one you will come together again not as strangers but as those who have enjoyed companionship with each other through the years. …”
what is your view in respect of time hopefully not doing any damage to a relationship, a relationship/marriage that both were happy with at the time of separation?
I loved (and still love) my wife with her state of personality when she moved on eight months ago, and she also knew me as I was in these last shared moments on earth. The potential long period of separation to come seems to do no good, and terrifies me…
Lee says:
December 18, 2018 at 10:56 am
Good to hear from you again and to know that you’re still here and still struggling along. I know it’s hard, but it is the path that’s in front of you right now.
About that comment of mine, you’re in quite a different situation. You’re not a youngster whose character is shifting month by month. Being in the upper range of middle-aged (correct?), your character has by now settled considerably, and is not likely to go through any radical changes between now and your death. I don’t think you have to worry about becoming such a different person that you would no longer be a match for your wife.
Yes, it’s hard to be separated from her. But in spirit, you are still together with her. She is continuing to grow on the other side, and you are continuing to grow here, and your spirits are still linked. For more on this, see this article:
The quotation from Marriage Love #321 toward the end sums it all up. If that article still doesn’t answer your questions, though, please feel free to try again. Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Aruthra says:
May 29, 2019 at 3:57 am
I could not clearly understand what the effects in the afterlife would be. Also, God gave us this life. Though, despite the fact that it is our life, wouldn’t killing a life given by God means breaking God’s commandment not to murder? I also have another question Lee. Did Judas repent? Was he forgiven? Did he go to heaven or hell?
Lee says:
May 29, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Hi Aruthra,
As is probably clear enough from the above article, I do think that suicide is bad and even evil. However, in most cases I don’t think it’s a sin. People who kill themselves usually do it out of desperation rather than out of any evil intent. For the most part, it is just a tragedy. I don’t believe that in the afterlife it is held against people who commit suicide. However, as I say in the article, they still have to deal with the issues that led them to commit suicide. They’ll have a lot more and better help to do this there than they had here. But our mental and emotional issues don’t just magically disappear when we move on to the other life. We’re still the same person we were before we died.
Still, I tend to think that most people who commit suicide will face and deal with their emotional issues on the other side, and will find their place in heaven. Especially young people who commit suicide. I think that teen suicides will be handled especially gently by the angels on the other side. Most of them just feel that nobody loves them or cares about them. Often they’ve been through a lot of trauma related to sexual identity and orientation, or other issues that cause many young people to think that they don’t fit in and can never be accepted and have a worthwhile life in their society. Some of them have been physically or psychologically abused. What these young people need is not tough love, but just plain love and acceptance. And they weren’t getting it here.
About Judas, I don’t know, and Swedenborg doesn’t say anything about Judas in the spiritual world. Judas is presented as a shifty character in the Bible. However, the fact that he killed himself after Jesus was crucified suggests that he had great remorse for his actions in betraying Jesus. So it’s possible that he was not an evil man, that he repented of his actions, and that he did not end out in hell.
K says:
September 25, 2019 at 12:24 pm
People with mental disabilities are statistically more likely to commit suicide. There may be many who were suicidal for a long time before they finally succeeded at committing suicide. Do you mean to say such people continue to have their mental disability after death into eternity? Like someone with schizophrenia will be haunted by it forever if they suicide?
Also I suppose any blame for suicide depends on motives and circumstances. There’s a big difference between suicide for terminal illness vs. revenge.
Lee says:
September 25, 2019 at 2:38 pm
In general, mental illnesses will be taken away once people reach the spiritual world. Most mental illnesses are due to genetic, physical, and environmental factors over which we have no control, and for which we are therefore not held responsible spiritually. A person who committed suicide in the throes of a struggle with schizophrenia will not be condemned for that in the spiritual world.
Only if we brought a mental illness upon ourselves by consistently and stubbornly making bad choices when we could very well have made good choices would there be a possibility that the mental illness would remain. But even then, it would be based on our underlying motivation in life, or “ruling love.” People whose ruling love is evil do bring a type of spiritual insanity upon themselves. This manifests itself in the spiritual world even if they seemed perfectly sane and normal here on earth.
And yes, if someone committed suicide for bad motives such as getting revenge on someone whom they believed wronged them, or even who actually wronged them, then they will be held responsible for that in the afterlife. However, even then, things we do in the heat of the moment count for much less than things we do after consideration and deliberation in our mind.
For some related articles on physical and mental illnesses and the afterlife, please also:
What is the Source of Human Fragility, Sickness, and Disease?
K says:
September 25, 2019 at 6:52 pm
Thanks for the reply.
So if someone is continuously suicidal for years from suffering the effects of genetic or environmental mental disability, I assume that such a mentality and desire will not be eternal, regardless of how they actually die in the end?
As for permanent mental disability in the afterlife, I take it to mean such is insanity from evil that only happens among people who chose to be in hell?
Lee says:
September 25, 2019 at 8:13 pm
No, it will not be eternal. Only what we freely choose, together with the basic outline of our character, will be eternal. Anything that affects us from the outside against our will or without our active acceptance and cooperation does not last. How we die does not matter. It is how we live within the constraints placed upon us that matters.
And yes, permanent mental disability would affect only people who choose hell. Choosing evil is choosing the falsity that goes with it. And like evil, falsity is not just some abstract thing. It is actual wrong ideas, thoughts, and perceptions, such as looking at a red barn and seeing it as blue, not red.
K says:
September 26, 2019 at 8:48 am
Thanks again for the reply.
I think things freely chosen also can be not eternal, as Swedenborg says it depends on how ingrained in someone something is. Doesn’t Swedenborg also mention “shattering” experiences in the world of spirits that remove falsities?
Also in the original Hebrew, the 5th commandment forbids רָצַח (ratsach) — “murder.” In TCR 309, Swedenborg says it’s “Non Occides” (“No Murder”) in the original Latin. And both Christ and Swedenborg say hateful wrath is in the spirit of murder. So like you say in this article, I don’t think it’s right to say people who commit suicide are always evil or murderers for doing so.
Lee says:
September 26, 2019 at 10:17 am
The most basic thing that is eternal is our ruling love, or primary motivation. This is something we choose through our life as an adult. Other parts of our character will be permanent or not depending upon whether they accord with, or at least don’t conflict with, our ruling love. Anything that conflicts with our ruling love will be jettisoned in the world of spirits—or more accurately, pushed to the periphery where it has little effect upon our ongoing life in heaven or hell. (Nothing that was ever a part of us is ever totally done away with. It is always there, but is sidelined if it conflicts with our ruling love.)
The “shattering” experiences in the world of spirits are primarily for people who have a good ruling love but are caught up in falsities or in wrong practices, or are attached to people with evil ruling loves. These connections have to be broken—and sometimes we cling closely to them because they are part of who we think we are. In that case, before we can move on to heaven, we must go through painful “shattering” experiences in order to separate ourselves from external beliefs, behaviors, and associations that don’t accord with what is in our heart of hearts, which is our ruling love.
And yes, even in civil law murder requires intent to kill, for negative reasons. In the case of killing in self-defense, for example, even if there was intent to kill, it was not for negative reasons. The same principle applies to killing in a defensive war. In spiritual law, intention is the primary factor in evaluating the good or evil of an action. Only killing from self-love or love of the world (to use Swedenborg’s terms) would be spiritually chargeable to a person. A person who commits suicide in the depths of despair, or due to an overwhelming mental illness, has no evil intent. Therefore the suicide, though it is indeed killing, is not held against that person in the spiritual world.
I should mention, though, that although the Hebrew word רָצַח (ratsach) used in the commandment against killing is more intense in its connotation and meaning than some of the other words for “kill” in Hebrew, it does not always mean “murder,” but can simply mean “kill.” For example, it is used in Deuteronomy 4:42, which explicitly refers to unintentional killing, with no evil intent:
. . . to which anyone who had killed a person could flee if they had unintentionally killed a neighbor without malice aforethought. They could flee into one of these cities and save their life.
So it is not an airtight case that the commandment is against murdering, not killing.
K says:
September 26, 2019 at 8:57 am
PS: Swedenborg says “Non Occides” is the 5th commandment in TCR, or the “QUINTUM PRAECEPTUM.” They’re ordered differently in different Bible versions, as in another versions, it can be “honor thy father and thy mother” instead.
Lee says:
September 26, 2019 at 10:26 am
The Bible itself doesn’t number the Ten Commandments, and there are various traditions for numbering them. Swedenborg followed the Augustinian numbering system, which is used in the Catholic and Lutheran churches. (Swedenborg grew up Lutheran.) This is covered briefly, with references, in the article, “The Ten Commandments: Our Spiritual Inventory List,” under the heading, “What’s in a number?”
Peter says:
February 11, 2020 at 10:02 am
This article has helped me so much in dealing with my grief over my partner. I reread it 2-3 times a week, as it brings me some comfort. Have you thought about writing a follow-on article as it relates to suicide, especially as it is unfortunately a growing problem?
There are many readers on your site who could be helped by a follow-on article delving deeper into what happens to suicides in Heaven.
Thank you for all that you do, and for your kind and insightful comments to my questions on other articles on your site. You have been a Godsend to me in working through my grief.
Regards,
Lee says:
February 11, 2020 at 11:30 am
I’m glad this article is so helpful to you in an ongoing way. It is a very difficult issue. The article was not an easy one to write. I have not particularly thought of writing a follow-up article. This one contains most of my thoughts on the subject. However, I’ll keep it in mind for future consideration. And of course, if you have particular questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to answer.
In general, other than having to heal from whatever issues and struggles led them to kill themselves, people who died by suicide will go through the same stages after death that everyone else goes through, as covered in this article here:
In particular, I believe that for people who have committed suicide, God will send angels who understand the psychological and spiritual nature of suicide, and who are also loving and patient, while still having a firmness of character and resolve that makes it possible for them to confront the hard issues and hard truths involved in people taking their own lives. As with disturbed and hurting people on earth, some people who have committed suicide may not accept help easily. But if, underneath it all, they have a good heart, eventually they will go through a healing process so that they can move forward with their life in a positive and constructive way.
On the other hand, some people whose suicide was brought about by mental health issues caused by physical disorders and brain dysfunctions may be able to recover fairly quickly. After all, when we go to the spiritual world, we leave behind our physical body. While we may at first retain the mindset of having those physical illnesses, there is no particular need to continue in them in the other life. I believe that for most people who haven’t clung to their illness as an integral part of their identity, the effects of physical handicaps and disorders will fade away quite rapidly, if not immediately after death.
In other words, exactly what happens after death for particular people who committed suicide will be very individual to who they are and what pushed them into committing suicide. The only thing I can say for certain is that suicide by itself does not condemn anyone to hell. People who have a good heart, and who do care about other people and not just about themselves, will find their way to heaven no matter how they happened to die.
Peter says:
February 11, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Thanks Lee.
I have read elsewhere that one of the things they experience is when doing their Life Review, the person not only experiences their whole life on Earth, but also are shown the part of their lives they missed by killing themselves. Actually, I read that the person may be shown several options (like A Christmas Carol) depending on the choices they could have made. It’s interesting, and it makes sense as part of their learning.
I have also read that they grieve the life they did not experience as part of their learning process. Sort of like a cloak of regret.
Also, that they have a special responsibility to look over the loved ones they left behind, until such time as we’re all reunited. Unlike a victim of an accident or illness, suicides also have to endure all of our grief that they caused.
Do you have any insights into these topics?
Lee says:
February 12, 2020 at 12:18 am
All of these things are certainly possible. I would only say that if they do happen, the focus will indeed be on learning, not on any kind of punishment or retribution for the act of suicide. Contrary to popular belief, in the afterlife we are not punished for anything we have done on earth, but only for the things we continue to do in the spiritual world.
Think about it. Do we punish our children for the bad things they did yesterday? No. We punish and correct them for the bad things they did today. I recognize that especially for teens and adults, there may be some time lag between crime and punishment. But the same general principle applies. We are punished for the bad things we are doing now, not for the bad things we did in the past. For most crimes there is a statute of limitations, after which the person is no longer subject to punishment.
And once again, it will be different for different people, depending upon their character and what drove them to suicide. Some people commit suicide due to forces largely beyond their control. Would God really allow people to be punished for things that were not their fault?
Even a “cloak of regret” would be useful only insofar as it leads the person to regret his or her actions and change his or her thinking and desires toward a better way of thinking and living. Beyond that function of inducing us to change our attitudes and actions, regret starts to become toxic. It binds us to old errors when we should be leaving them behind and starting a new life.
Still, people who commit suicide will indeed have to deal with the pain they have caused others by their actions. We are still human beings, and still ourselves, in the afterlife. We still have all of the usual human emotions. And we still have to face the consequences of our actions.
However, assuming we are headed to heaven, not hell, once again the purpose of all of this is for us to learn and grow and become a better person who does not repeat wrongful actions in the future. Once we have faced the consequences of our actions, and have grieved the harm we have done to others, it is time to move on to a better frame of mind, free from the heavy influence of our old thoughts and emotions that led us to do what we did.
If taking special responsibility to look over the loved ones we left behind is part of that healing and restoration process, then that is all to the good. However, I don’t believe people will be required to do this. It must be done in freedom, by personal choice. Otherwise it would be forced, and would not have the salutary and healing effects that it will have if we freely choose to devote ourselves to helping those we have hurt.
In short, for good-hearted people who commit suicide, there will not be some eternal veil of regret and shame hanging over them forever. As I say in the article, it may take quite a while for some people to fully heal from the act of suicide. But healing will come. Then he or she will be able to move on to a good and happy life in heaven. There, our earthly memory fades from our conscious awareness, and the suicide will no longer be present in day-to-day memory.
Peter says:
February 12, 2020 at 4:52 am
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I didn’t express myself correctly. In those other readings, they did not say that any of these things were in any way a form of punishment, but part of their learning and dealing with their problems in order to heal and grow.
To my other question above, do you believe in their life review they are shown how their life would have been, based on their choices, had they not ended it prematurely?
Thank you.
Lee says:
February 12, 2020 at 6:44 am
Most of what you said you read elsewhere did not give the impression of punishment. But some of it verged in that direction, which is what I was responding to. Traditional Christianity has labeled suicide a sin. And while suicide is not good, of course, unfortunately the idea that people who commit suicide will go to hell is still strong in the culture. And even if people don’t believe that someone who commits suicide will go to hell, they often think that the person will be punished in the afterlife for having committed suicide. I simply want to be very clear that none of that is true.
About being shown what their life could have been, for some people that may very well happen, if it will help them to recognize that they made a serious mistake, and that it did have its consequences. However, within the arrow of time, the future is not determined until it actually happens. So it would not be possible to show exactly what would have happened. Only God knows that. But scenarios of what could have happened or probably would have happened are certainly possible. We can spin those scenarios ourselves, in our own minds, even here on earth. Angels in the afterlife can certainly do the same.
But once again, the purpose of this would not be to make the person feel bad, but to illustrate what’s wrong with suicide so that the person can recognize the damage done, and engage in a process of repentance, if necessary, and healing, in every case (assuming the person’s heart is good, so that she or he will accept healing). Deep wounds must be opened up, exposed to the air, and cleaned before they can heal. Otherwise toxic matter remains in the wound and festers, causing far greater damage. Similarly, for people in the afterlife to truly heal, their actions, and the consequences of those actions, must often be opened up, examined, and cleaned psychologically and spiritually, or they will fester in the person’s mind and spirit, causing far greater damage.
–Lee
Lee says:
February 12, 2020 at 6:53 am
To all of what I have said, I should add that in some cases suicide may have actually been better than the alternative. If a person is under such a heavy weight of evil influences, whether internal or external or both, that he or she would not have been able to cope with it, and would almost certainly have gone on to a very damaging and destructive life, it may actually be better for the person to have committed suicide before all that happened.
This is absolutely not to encourage anyone to give up and commit suicide. As long as there is life, there is hope. But in hindsight, after the fact, some suicides may have been the only way that the person was going to get out of a hopelessly destructive situation. For a spiritual diary entry by Swedenborg to this effect, see Spiritual Experiences #1783, in which he is discussing the effect on people’s minds of a certain type of very evil spirit.
Peter says:
February 12, 2020 at 7:54 am
Thank you Lee. In this case, the person truly does have a good heart. He was driven deep into depression by his father to satisfy his own ego rather than being thankful for his son’s happiness.
I would imagine part of what you are talking about in terms of learning of their suicide’s consequences so that the person can repent and heal seems to be completely compatible with having to watch over and care for their loved ones as the person has left them with a lifetime of pain for which there is no relief while on earth. The ones who are left behind can only truly heal when their time comes to enter heaven. (to this I can personally attest).
Thank you again for all that you do. Do you offer any private spiritual counseling? I have gotten far more help and hope from your articles and responses to questions than I have gotten from my pastor or therapist.
Lee says:
February 12, 2020 at 10:32 am
Yes, for many people full healing comes only in the afterlife, when we can finally rejoin our loved ones who are no longer with us here on earth. Meanwhile, we have work to do here on earth, both worldly and spiritual, so we struggle on. People in the spiritual world also have work to do, on a more spiritual level, of course. Watching over the spirits of people on earth is one of those spiritual “jobs.”
At this time I have far too much on my plate to offer individual spiritual counseling. I am also not a trained therapist or counselor, but rather a spiritual teacher, preacher, and sometime pastor—a decision I made years ago during my first year of seminary. However, I am happy to continue responding to your questions here on the blog as long as it remains helpful to you. As Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Peter says:
May 11, 2020 at 7:56 am
Is it considered a “suicide” so-to-speak if you choose to not treat a diagnosed health condition, but instead to let it run it’s natural course?
I’m not sure how God would view this since it requires no action on our part, but rather a lack of action. Can we see this as God offering us our ticket home?
Lee says:
May 12, 2020 at 4:13 am
It’s a good question, and a complicated one, on which there is much disagreement and debate.
By the ordinary definition of suicide, which is the intentional taking of one’s own life, allowing yourself to die of a diagnosed health condition would not be suicide, since you didn’t actually take your own life; the sickness did. However, if you could have prevented yourself from dying, but didn’t, some people still consider it suicide.
In particular, health and medical officials will sometimes intervene to keep a person alive if he or she is not taking steps known to address fatal illnesses and conditions. To counter this, some people create “do not resuscitate” orders in an attempt to get doctors and nurses to allow them to die. But not all doctors and hospitals honor such orders. There is a great fear of death in our world. It is seen as the worst thing that can happen to a person. Therefore people who work in the field of health and sickness will usually put their highest priority on keeping a person alive, even if the person wants to die, and even if the person has little or no quality of life, such as being in a coma.
Of course, if a person is young, and could potentially recover and live many more years, it usually does make sense to do whatever is reasonable to keep them alive and aid their recovery. However, if the person is old, and unlikely to recover or to have a decent quality of life, my own view is that especially if they have expressed a desire to die, they should be allowed to die. Even from a materialistic perspective, what’s the point of keeping an elderly and suffering person alive when they no longer want to live? And from a spiritual perspective, allowing them to die is allowing them to move on to the spiritual world, where their suffering will be at an end.
The tough cases are young and middle-aged people who are depressed and suicidal, but instead of actually killing themselves, they just stop taking care of themselves and allow themselves to decline and die. There aren’t any easy answers here. However, if they can be helped to face and deal with the causes of their depression, they may decide that life is worth living after all, and start taking care of themselves again.
But if it is an elderly person who has lived out a full life span, and is ready to go, yes, I do believe that a fatal illness is God offering them a ticket home. Then, rather that attempting to cure them, the best course, I believe, is to keep them as comfortable as possible until the time comes for them to die. This is what hospice care is all about.
K says:
September 3, 2020 at 8:30 am
In Revelation, Jesus says that only those who “endure to the end” (something like that) will be saved. I don’t think that means “only those who don’t kill themselves can be saved”, I take it? What did He mean by “endure to the end”?
Lee says:
September 4, 2020 at 6:37 am
Jesus doesn’t say that only those who endure to the end will be saved, but that those who endure to the end will be saved. It’s not an exclusive statement.
Also, he made that statement in the context of telling his disciples about the persecutions they would face. See Matthew 10:16–25; 24:9–14; Mark 13:9–13. This was Jesus’ equivalent of a military commander rallying his troops before a great battle, not downplaying the horrors of combat, recognizing that not all will survive, but drawing out their courage and valor, and speaking of the glories to be achieved through victory.
So no, that statement doesn’t have anything to do with suicide. It is important to read passages from the Bible in their context.
K says:
September 20, 2020 at 9:57 am
Thanks for the reply.
Another question: what if someone is suicidal for most of their life because of life circumstances, but they otherwise strive to be good for the sake of God or others? Wouldn’t being suicidal for so long become an inseparable part of their character that could condemn them to a hell state forever because they wanted their mortal life to end for so long, even if their life doesn’t actually end by suicide?
Lee says:
September 20, 2020 at 11:54 pm
If a person strives to be good for the sake of God or others, that is what he or she will carry into the spiritual world. Whatever other struggles the person may have had, the ruling love is good, and that is what determines our final home either in heaven or in hell. If we put love for God and/or the neighbor first in our life, we will make our final home in heaven, not in hell.
As you mention, when people are suicidal, whether for a short time or throughout life, it is usually because of life circumstances. Most commonly it is because of lack of love in their life. But those circumstances last only during our lifetime on earth. After death, when we are living in the spiritual world, material world circumstances fade away.
If we have accepted God’s love by striving to be good for the sake of God and/or the neighbor, that love will come to the fore in our life in the spiritual world. We will be loved not only by God, but by other people as well because of that inner character for good that will now shine out through our face and body. Any lack of love we felt surrounding us in the material world will be a thing of the past. Our suicidal feelings will also be a thing of the past. We will forget all about them in our new joy of life and love in heaven. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
K says:
September 22, 2020 at 9:11 pm
Thanks for the reply again.
I’m also guessing that a person in such a situation where they’re suicidal for most of their life – but still strives for good for the sake of God and others wouldn’t be sent to a lower Heaven – than they otherwise would’ve gone to – just for being suicidal, even if they don’t die by suicide?
Lee says:
September 23, 2020 at 6:00 am
No one gets sent to any heaven, higher or lower. Rather, people go of their own free will to whatever heaven (or hell) they are most at home in. Assuming they have chosen heaven, the particular heaven they live in will be the one where they will be happiest. No one in heaven thinks about getting to a higher heaven. They are all completely content where they are. Even if they tried to go to another heaven, they would not be comfortable there. It wouldn’t be a fit for their heart and mind, and it wouldn’t feel like home.
But no, there is no particular reason I can think of that being suicidal would cause a person to go to a lower heaven. They will go to one heaven or another based on their ruling love, which is what they have put first in their life, and have lived according to.
Seeking to understand says:
September 22, 2020 at 3:10 pm
I have a question about this part:
“Like a pot being formed on the potter’s wheel, as long as we are still living on this earth our character can be formed and re-formed. At the time of death, the “pot” of character that we have created through our life here on earth is “fired,” so to speak, and this becomes our permanent character in the afterlife.”
What does this mean for people who die as babies? What kind of character can they develop in so short a time, and how can it be “fired” and not develop any further in Heaven after that?
Thanks, I really appreciate the work you’re doing here!
Lee says:
September 23, 2020 at 6:14 am
Hi Seeking to understand,
First of all, all babies and children who die before reaching the age of self-responsible adulthood do grow up in heaven, and remain in heaven to eternity. People go to hell only if, as adults, they choose to live from selfishness and greed rather than from love for their fellow human beings and for God (whether or not they have a conscious belief in God).
Babies who die also grow up to adulthood in heaven, and more rapidly than they do here because of the spiritual atmosphere in which they grow up. Their character is one of great innocence because they were innocent of any evil intentions or actions during their life on earth.
Though they didn’t have a chance to develop their character on earth, we all do have an inborn character that can grow and develop in different directions depending upon our experiences in life and the choices we make within those experiences. Babies who die before they have a chance to develop their character here on earth will develop it in heaven. They will not have the level of strength and maturity of character that angels who grew up on earth can achieve. However, they will live their eternal life in some of the highest heavens, because these are the heavens where innocence reigns.
For more on babies and children in the spiritual world, please see:
Where are my Children who have Died? Will I Ever See Them Again?
Robert says:
April 21, 2021 at 10:24 am
I have a question about the different levels of Heaven.
I really hope to see my wife, my children, my parents and others again when I finally get there. I would really hate it, when we couldn’t be together.
Thanks in advance, Robert
Lee says:
April 22, 2021 at 4:37 am
Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment and question.
Immediately after we die, we commonly see relatives and friends who have died before us. Based on reports by near-death experiencers, for some of us it will be family members who greet us on arrival. We can then spend as much time with family and friends as we want. In the spiritual world, when we think of someone that person becomes present to us, no matter where they may be in heaven. And in general, people in heaven can go anywhere and see anyone they want. There is a great deal of freedom.
As for whether we will live in the same community with friends and family members long-term, that depends on how close we are to them in spirit. But even if we don’t live in the same community, we can still visit each other.
Husbands and wives who are close to each other in spirit will reunite in the spiritual world and continue their married life. Assuming they are one in mind and spirit, they will remain married to eternity.
Here are a couple of articles that go into more detail:
I hope this helps.
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In a country like India, which is rapidly heading towards a gig economy and jobs are temporary and often contractual in nature, a massive debate has broken out in the software services sector over ‘moonlighting’, or the pursuit of a second job even while holding a full-time job in the organised sector.
The tech companies and techies are at loggerheads over practice of moonlighting. Recently, Wipro firied 300 of its employees over the alleged moonlighting, which is a trend pushed by the post-pandemic era in the professional spheres across the world. In the last few months, the term ‘moonlighting’ has entered conversations about the workplace. This conversation has initiated an argument among various stakeholders in the industry and has also divided the population on the social media.
Meanwhile, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has given a thumbs up to the moonlighting while saying that companies which are trying to prevent their employees from ‘consulting for other firms’ are indulging in an exercise that is ‘doomed to fail.’
What is Moonlighting?
Moonlighting means taking up a second job or multiple other work assignments apart from one’s full-time job. This is something which is done without informing the employer. The employees basically work for other organisation while committing oneself to one’s primary workplace. The work which the employee does without the knowledge of employer is termed as ‘moonlighting’.
Recently, the companies have opposed to this practice, saying that employees doing multiple or doing other assignments can impact their productivity.
Speaking with Opportunity India, Amit Singh, Founder, TelioEV- Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network provider said that the second job primarily offers an addition to the original income slabs to meet their everyday needs. Some might also take it up with the intention to upskill or pursue their passion.
“Whatever may be the reason, it can be allowed only if it’s discussed and shared with the employer. We have seen examples where a person takes up employment from two different firms for the same designation,” Singh said.
He said that a junior android developer is taking out two projects simultaneously for two different firms. This is mostly seen after the rise of the work-from-home culture. Not that WFH is the issue, but moonlighting in such cases leads to data and trust breaches.
“If people have extra time in hand, they can take it out for their hobbies or passions without hindering the trust. But also, as employers, why people take up moonlighting is the real issue that we need to find out. A software developer who is a part-time cook at some restaurant cannot be the issue if one doesn’t affect the other. In such ways, it can also be supported,” Singh added.
Meanwhile, Kartik Gupta- Co-Founder of Goofy Tails- Nutritions Focused Pet products company, said, “Being a start-up we want a fully dedicated and committed team. Having dual employment will lead to lack of focus and lack of productivity which no business will allow its employees to do.”
He said that this also curbs their appetite to grow in their existing organisation. But in few cases there is no harm in having a few side jobs if they don’t interfere with your schedule or appetite. For instance, working on a Sunday to create a design or a website is fine.
“However, I am sure we shouldn’t complain about work-life balance in that case!” he added.
Sharing her views on the issue, Ria Rustagi, Founder of Neuphony said that she worked with a German company while working on Neuphony but that was totally transparent.
“On the employees’ point of view, I think it is good because the life is too short and how can a person who is professionally into a career explore any other parallel part? I would have never known that I was born to be an entrepreneur. It should be allowed and I believe that if the HR and the company build the trust relationship, the employee will tell you this. I feel it is completely fine,” Ria told Opportunity India.
Recently, Wipro has fired its 300 employees after finding out that they were working with one of its competitors at the same time. Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji on September 21 said, “The reality is that there are people today working for Wipro and working directly for one of our competitors and we have actually discovered 300 people in the last few months who are doing exactly that.”
Premji added that their employment had been terminated for ‘act of integrity violation’.
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The fate of this Danish wind turbine with its broken regulator is somewhat related to the current state of financial markets.
Same incident from a different viewpoint
Posted by b on March 23, 2008 at 14:39 UTC | Permalink
Comments
Imagine a species that swam freely into net pens, eagerly, crammed
their life savings into a wild, desparate, churning urge to profit.
As much as everyone on Wall Qaeda Street would dread the concept,
our investment dollars are like stocks of salmon, returning to their
in the world to feed those fresh cohorts, Wall Qaeda is butchering
their own fishery. When the once-massive stocks of Baby Boomer cod
are wiped out, it's a rolling tumbleweeds, wildgame trails USA.
We don't need their net pens in order to find profit. Think about it!
Intelligent beings will begin drifting towards the fire exits about now.
Posted by: Foster Grant | Mar 23 2008 17:43 utc | 1
I'm thinking that the crash of that wind turbine is a whole lot less scary to watch than a fire at a coal plant, or footage from Chernobyl, or a hydro dam malfing.
Posted by: DeAnander | Mar 24 2008 1:02 utc | 2
Wow. And we're busy building one right now on campus and around 30 are now mounted on a nearby hill. But it beats 3 Mile Island even if they all come crashing down! But as for the economy, don't worry. The Invisible Hand will fix everything in about three hundred years!
Posted by: Diogenes | Mar 24 2008 3:47 utc | 3
This is big, Pakistan's answerto that clusterfuck (aka Dick Cheney) that is Afghanistan and Iraq.
Posted by: Cloned Poster | Mar 24 2008 10:20 utc | 4
It seems like JP Morgan has big problems with the Bear Stearns deal.
JPMorgan in Negotiations to Raise Bear Stearns Bid
JPMorgan Chase was in talks on Sunday night for a deal that would quintuple its offer for Bear Stearns, the beleaguered investment bank, in an effort to pacify angry Bear shareholders, according to people involved in the negotiations.
...
The Fed, which must approve any new deal, was balking at the new offer price on Sunday night after several days of frantic, secret negotiations, these people said. As a result, it was still possible the renegotiated deal might be postponed or collapse entirely, said these people, who were granted anonymity because of their confidentiality agreements.
Well, the Fed provided $30 billion in that deal, so it definitly should have a say. Providing public money to bailout the shareholders of a bankrupt company is not its task.
But it may be that JPMorgan made a very serious error in the contracts.
JPMorgan and Bear were prompted to renegotiate after shareholders began threatening to block the deal and it emerged that several “mistakes” were included in the original, hastily written contract, according to people involved in the talks.
One sentence was “inadvertently included,” according to a person briefed on the talks, which requires JPMorgan to guarantee Bear’s trades even if shareholders voted down the deal. That provision could allow Bear’s shareholders to seek a higher bid while still forcing JPMorgan to honor its guarantee, these people said.
When the error was discovered, James Dimon, JPMorgan’s chief executive, who was described by one participant as “apoplectic,” began calling his lawyers at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to seek a way to have the sentence modified, these people said. Finger pointing over the mistakes in the contracts began as bankers blamed the lawyers and vice versa.
...
Mr. Dimon, who had indignantly told associates that he would “send Bear back into bankruptcy” if the deal was struck down, was persuaded by his advisers that he had less leverage than he thought, according to people briefed on the conversation. Such vindictive behavior, they told him, would turn into a legal and public relations nightmare.
Posted by: b | Mar 24 2008 14:18 utc | 5
Taking down 2 birds with the same stone, Bear and JP Morgan? Sweet news to begin the week.
Posted by: CluelessJoe | Mar 24 2008 16:44 utc | 6
for those of you who do not read Beppe Grillo, he has a post up Robert Kennedy and GDP which is somehow related to this whole mess of financiers tipping over the trough and fully expecting the taxpayers to right it and fill it up again.
Robert Kennedy has some words youtube which describe what many of us here feel about high finance and its detrimental effects on humans.
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The Figured planning grid is designed to be as user friendly as the spreadsheets you’re used to, but connected to both your accounting software and to your farm production data. This means you can build a financial plan to the level of detail that suits you, and keep it up to date in real time.
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For farming teams who want to test different long term scenarios on the farm, we’ve built the Figured scenarios tool. Create multi-year plans which model anything from farm expansion, weather events and commodity fluctuations, to something as simple as machinery purchases. This tool allows you to measure the impact of major financial decisions before you make them.
Conditions can change frequently in a farming year, so financial plans need to be adaptable to account for these changes. Figured enables you to update your financial plan at any time with reforecasting of incomes and expenses. The app also stores every version of your plan so you can review your progress throughout the year and keep your team informed of changes on the farm.
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Dollars per hectare, per kg milk solids and per carcass weight are built into Figured and are available in a click.
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On one side of the net will be a man who already knows what it is to don the Mutua Madrid Open crown. On the other, a player looking for the first big title of his career to consolidate his considerable progress. The Manolo Santana Stadium will provide the stage for a thrilling final between Alexander Zverev and Matteo Berrettini.
The German and Italian will be bidding to succeed Novak Djokovic as the king of the Caja Mágica. For the fifth seed it is a chance to pick up his second trophy (2018) on the clay in the Spanish capital and equal Andy Murray on two titles (2008 and 2015). It would be a more surprising win for seed number eight as this is his first appearance in the main draw, having played in the qualifiers in previous years.
In their head-to-head on the ATP Tour, Zverev leads with two victories to Berrettini’s one. The Hamburg native won in 2018 in Rome (7-5, 6-2) and a year later in Shanghai (6-3, 6-4). For his part, the player from Rome picked up his win in his native city in 2019 (7-5, 7-5).
The world No. 6 will have experience on his side, having played in seven ATP Masters 1000 finals, winning in Rome and Canada (2017) as well as the above-mentioned triumph at the #MMOPEN. However, for the world No. 10, this will be his first appearance in a final of this magnitude.
Berrettini, Italian tennis’ highest ranked man, is the second player from his country to play for a Masters 1000 title this season after Jannik Sinner did so in Miami. The last of their compatriots to win a title was Fabio Fognini in Monte Carlo (2019).
What the finalists had to say about their clash:
Zverev: “The job is not done yet. I hope I can do well tomorrow. I have a very difficult opponent. I hope I can continue playing and performing the way I am. He’s been playing exceptionally well this week. He was hitting the ball so hard, serving extremely well”.
Berrettini: “It’s going to be a challenging match, but I’m in the finals. I saw him, he’s playing really well. He’s solid. He moves well. For his height, he’s really good. He serves well. I mean, he’s in the final. He beat Rafa and Dominic, probably the best players on clay. It’;s going to be a challenging match”.
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Been wracking my brain here trying to determine the best way to handle this issue. I understand completely how to enter and maintain high cost asset items (computers, printers, equipment) through depreciation and serialization. The issue I’m having is what is the proper way to enter lower cost, higher quantity fixed assets like shelving, fixtures, extension cords, etc.
This would be a similar situation that was never solved.
Purchase invoice for fixed asset Selling/CRM
Hi, I am trying to create a purchase invoice for a fixed asset. I have two questions about two different problems that prevent me from saving my PI: 1) I would like to buy a pressure hose (unit of measure: meter), that I considered as a fixed asset. I bought 1.5meters. When I save my PI, I got the following error message: "Row #1: Qty must be 1, as item is a fixed asset. Please use separate row for multiple qty." So I understand by putting Qty as 1, I don't have this error message, but why a…
Thanks for any help!
umair January 2, 2017, 6:45am #2
If it’s a consumable asset (like a current asset), then you could set it’s valuation as “Moving Average”. For the low cost items, this valuation method is more appropriate.
Orianas January 2, 2017, 3:52pm #3
@umair I appreciate the response, but I don’t think this is how most businesses would handle things. I mean obviously things that are fixed assets at low costs aren’t always current assets. For example I’m looking at implementing ERPNext for my wife’s small craft business before I go and offer my services to other small businesses, and we have fixed assets that are expensed instead of capitalized (wire grids @ $16). These items will be around for 10+ years and we expensed them when we received them originally and thus wouldn’t be depreciable, yet we still keep an accurate count and keep them on the books.
So my original thought was to enter it into a stock recon like everything else, but then they will show up under Current Assets as that is how the warehousing system works. So I then settled on keeping everything settled up in a spreadsheet and just applying a journal entry to the appropriate accounts and using the spreadsheet to keep up with inventory, but this isn’t a great way of doing things as its outside of the ERP. Not to mention this doesn’t deal with the possibility of purchasing additional in the future as you will need to receive the items in if you are properly following the process.
So I was just wondering what is everyone else’s take on this? How do you handle your small fixed assets? Trash cans, staplers, hole punch, etc? These items via GAAP wouldn’t fall under office supplies as they aren’t consumables and are technically fixed assets, and are definitely not current assets. Just would like some guidance on how others are handling this.
This is possibly a better explanation of what I’m talking about as well: http://businessecon.org/2013/01/the-definition-of-fixed-assets/
The Desk Trash Can – notice it meets both tests! It is not a part of the item sold or service rendered. But you need to be realistic because you don’t want to record a $13 item to your fixed assets ledger. It should be expensed to the profit and loss statement or placed in a large group asset called ‘Office Auxiliary Equipment’ and combined as one line item in the subgroup of Office Equipment (Desks, Computers, Printers, Etc.). This subgroup is generally created when you first start business and purchase everything from staplers to office signage. Group it all together as one line item and it is included in the Office Equipment section of Fixed Assets.
becht_robert January 3, 2017, 4:53pm #4
What about creating a warehouse "Small stuff"and give the things you have stored their a value of zero. So, 100 m of barbed wire at $ 0 per meter…If you sell 5 meters one can still assign a value in the sales invoice…
Orianas January 4, 2017, 2:14am #5
The issue is not that I need to sell the items. I need to keep the items as assets, non-stock items. But since things like say a trash can or a stapler are below a certain threshold then the items would normally be swept into an Auxiliary Asset account. You still keep track of the amount of the items and types, but you don’t track them like you would say a computer or printer.
I followed a PO for a stapler (non-stock) item through on a test install, there was no where to insert a charge or transfer account. So, it appears to me in order to have assets the only way is to follow the actual assets.
Unless anyone has any other ideas, because there is no way that this would fit in with most companies that I could apply ERPNext to. I’m sure I’m missing something.
Orianas January 4, 2017, 3:01am #6
Ok… So for future people looking on how to handle this I think I’ve found my solution that I will be using. I’m going to completely gut the “Fixed Asset” in the Chart of Accounts. I will then create Warehouses to reproduce the structure and move those accounts into place. I wasn’t aware that you could move the accounts and they would maintain their links to the warehouses. Then enter the items as I normally would as a normal raw goods item. This allows me to only have Fixed Assets assigned to larger items and allows me to keep a perpetual inventory system while also keeping up with small items as well.
Syed_Omer_Abbas January 6, 2017, 4:04am #7
Hope this suggestion might work for you, as an accountant what we give 100% depreciation rate for low value assets so that the asset is depreciated within the year of its purchase and it still remains in the books for control purposes.
What you can do in ERPnext is that
keep the depreciation method as “Straight line method”
keep the total number of depreciations as “1”
keep the frequency of depreciation as “1”
keep the next depreciation run date as your purchase date.
This way the asset will be fully depreciated the day you purchase it and would still be appearing in your register.
For even better control you can add a custom field - “low value assets - high value assets” so that you may identify them in your reports easily.
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To help you launch your business (or just grow it!), we interviewed the team behind A Color Story and put together a list of 7 tips to help you build buzz and increase your followers on Instagram.
Whether you’re launching a new business, startup, or side project, everyone wants to know how to be popular on Instagram. Elsie Larson, co-founder of the popular blog A Beautiful Mess, has over 350,000 followers on Instagram and clearly knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to Instagram. But there was one thing she thought was missing: an awesome photo-editing app that would create the same kind bright, bold, and colorful photos that her Instagram feed features. And so A Color Story was born.
By using the Instagram strategy outlined below, A Color Story was able to amass over 5,000 Instagram followers before their app was even available! Since launching two weeks ago, A Color Story has been featured in the App Store and now has over 62,000 followers, which is pretty amazing.
So, how did they do this? Having a large following base on @abeautifulmess certainly helped, but there’s a lot that you can learn from A Color Story about launching your own business on Instagram:
1. Include the Instagram community in beta testing
When you’re launching a new business, it’s important to get feedback on your ideas, concepts, and product during the early stages. But to make your business succeed on Instagram, you’ll want to include members of the Instagram community in your testing for valuable feedback.
During the beta testing period for A Color Story, the team at A Beautiful Mess created a beta testing group that involved Instagram influencers who had a similar Instagram style that matched with their app. “We brought these influencers in early on to help us narrow down the filters, (from 140 to 100), and they also helped us come up with new tools that we hadn’t thought of,” says Trey.
By including Instagram influencers in the making of the app, they were able to not only get valuable feedback, but the Instagrammers felt included in the team and were excited to then post about A Color Story and share the app with their followers.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Include Instagrammers in beta testing so they will be more excited to share your product” quote=”Include Instagrammers in beta testing so they will be more excited to share your product”]
2. Drive all traffic to your Instagram account
If you’re wanting to launch your business on Instagram, it’s important to make your Instagram the place to visit for information on your launch date, product offerings, and anything else you’ll want to communicate! By driving all traffic to your Instagram profile from blog posts, emails, and your website, you have a head start on building your Instagram community.
A Color Story was first announced in a blog post on A Beautiful Mess, and readers were encouraged to follow the app’s Instagram channel to stay informed of the launch date. They posted regularly to the channel to keep it top of mind for their followers, and started engaging their community before the app was even available.
This strategy may not work best for every business – some businesses may want to drive all traffic to a newsletter sign up page, for example – but if you’re wanting to make a splash on Instagram, your best bet is to drive everyone to your Instagram before your launch.
3. Build a following before you launch
To launch your business on Instagram successfully, you’ll want to start by building some buzz before you’re live! A Color Story was announced on their blog and Instagram about a week and a half before the actual app launch, which created anticipation and excitement among their followers. Their beta test group of Instagram influencers helped by posting about the app on their own channels, and together they were able to create a growing excitement for the app, which led to a more successful launch when the app was made available!
Before you send your friends, family, and followers to your Instagram channel, make sure that it looks amazing first! You should have a few photos already posted (3-5) to show what kind of content they can expect from you, along with visual content that communicates what your brand and business is. Wait to launch your Instagram until after you have a gorgeous preview feed in place.
For A Color Story, having an Instagram feed that was already full of beautiful and bright images was instrumental in showcasing the app’s photo editing capabilities and communicating their brand message. One look at their Instagram feed and you instantly understood their brand and wanted to follow to learn more!
Naming your business is already a huge challenge, but don’t forget about Instagram! In addition to wanting an Instagram handle that is already available (and preferable available across all social media networks), you’ll want to think about your hashtags too.
With creative hashtag projects growing in popularity, having an active branded hashtag that your customers actually want to use is the pot of gold at the end of the Instagram rainbow. Herschel’s #WellTravelled hashtag has been used over 700,000 times, compared to #HerschelSupply which has been used over 150,000 times. If you’re launching a new business, having a brand name that doubles as an aspirational hashtag could be the key to your Instagram success.
The entire marketing strategy for A Color Story was focused on Instagram – even the naming of the app! “We chose A Color Story because we wanted people to feel comfortable hashtagging their photos with our brand name, which helps us increase brand awareness and get the name out there more,” says Trey. “The name ‘A Color Story’ does a good job of communicating what our app is about, but it can also be used to describe your photos.” In just a few weeks, over 40,000 Instagram photos have been tagged #acolorstory!
After you’ve built your Instagram following and have a killer Instagram feed, you’ll want to keep your customers and community engaged and excited about your business! One easy way to do this is to offer Instagram-only incentives, perks, rewards, or discounts. Whether it’s a discount code they can only find on Instagram, or an Instagram giveaway, giving a little can result in a lot!
To both reward their followers and gain new ones, A Color Story’s app features a few free filters that are only available to their Instagram followers. Users inside the app who haven’t visited their Instagram channel yet see the offer, and can unlock the filters with a simple follow. Genius!
7. Participate in Hashtags
Growing your business on Instagram takes patience and dedication, and the work is never done! Scheduling your Instagram posts ahead of time is an easy way to keep your business organized and stay on top of your Instagram schedule. After you’ve launched your business, you’ll still want to invest in networking with other Instagram users by participating in different hashtags. “Networking is huge,” says Trey.
“If you want a good following on Instagram, you will do better if you participate in hashtags. Find the hashtags that your audience is scrolling through, start using it on your photos, and people will find you.”
A Color Story went one step further, and created their own hashtag project #AColorWeek a week after their launch. Each day they featured photos from a different color of the rainbow, and people from all across the Instagram community participated!
Keep your business organized and get the most out of your Instagram account by easily planning and scheduling posts with Latergramme.
About the Author
Taylor Loren is a social strategist obsessed with Instagram & TikTok (you can watch her free courses on Skillshare here!). Taylor was named a LinkedIn Top Voice for social media marketing, and you can follow her on Instagram at @taylor.loren for more Instagram & TikTok tips!
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Our programs and facilities offer many recreation, instructional and physical fitness activities to the people of F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. F. E. Warren is located in the southeast corner of Wyoming, next to Cheyenne.
Provide Combat Support and Quality of Life Services for the F. E. Warren Community
Pride and Excellence…Support, Service and Community
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by F. E. Warren Air Force Base, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external Web site, or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Services/Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the Web site.
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Travis Evee Jake Stephens Mason Faulkner Garrett Gilkeson Kamdyn Curfman Travion McCray Onno Steger Sports Men's college basketball College basketball Basketball College sports Men's basketball Men's sports
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VMI Southern Western Carolina
Evee scores 25 to lead VMI past W. Carolina 74-71
CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Travis Evee had 25 points as VMI narrowly beat Western Carolina 74-71 on Wednesday night.
Jake Stephens had 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks for VMI (8-20, 3-12 Southern Conference). Kamdyn Curfman added 11 points. Garrett Gilkeson had 10 points and seven rebounds.
Onno Steger had 18 points for the Catamounts (16-10, 8-7). Mason Faulkner added 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Travion McCray had 14 points.
The Keydets leveled the season series against the Catamounts with the win. Western Carolina defeated VMI 97-85 on Jan. 8. VMI matches up against UNC Greensboro at home on Saturday. Western Carolina takes on The Citadel at home on Saturday.
For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25
This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from STATS LLC, https://www.stats.com
POLL ALERT: Houston is No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for 1st time in 39 years; Texas, Virginia next after major poll shakeup
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How Not to Write a Novel
NZ Lit 101:Reviews of New Zealand Books
Archives Select Month November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 June 2022 April 2022 February 2022 January 2022 October 2021 August 2021 June 2021 May 2021 March 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 July 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 December 2019 August 2019 July 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 September 2018 June 2018 January 2018 November 2017 October 2017 August 2017 July 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 December 2016 November 2016 September 2016 May 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 October 2015 September 2015 May 2015 January 2015 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 April 2014 January 2014 December 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 August 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011
Month: January 2019
Now we will have to sweep
across our paths and garden
pieces of trees in the shape
of leaves, yellow, red and
even the freshly green
and carelessly flung
to land thwack on the
us as from peaceful sleep
your whine is impolite
you cause the blind to rattle
but our kowhai and camellia
seem to huddle side by side
as if supporting one another
the sea looks grey and
angry, more confused
the whine you bring
Nor’wester is the
not like the southerly
with enviable vitality
dear Nor’wester, I need
to tell you, I much
prefer the southerly
blow the wind southerly
Date January 20, 2019
These two came to visit us one evening. We’ve lived in our house on the hill for over thirty years. Usually, the kererū (wood pigeons), dive bomb us on our zig-zag path down to the road. They dance on flax bushes and crash through the bush at almost head height, frightening me frequently, followed by my joyful relieved laughter.
It’s a privilege to live among the bush and birds. For twenty years we had a cat called Red who roamed the sloping roof of our elderly house. She never killed the kererū or tui, but when Red died, we found the smaller birds (sparrows, blackbirds), got cheekier and came closer on our deck. They had obviously kept away.
This beautiful photo is of two kereru sitting on our deck railing while we were inside eating dinner. We had planned a BBQ but the weather closed in. Someone on Twitter suggested the birds are wearing white aprons, ready to do the dishes. Someone else suggested they are making their vows. And indeed, we held a wedding in our garden late December 2017. A friend said, the kereru heard we do good weddings.
So, this image, taken with a phone, through the glass, has struck a chord with many people on Facebook and Twitter, so I decided to share it with you, my blog readers. Our house goes on the market late January (this is not a sales pitch), and this image of the kererū will see us through as we shift our view to further up the hill.
Date January 15, 2019
I’ve been reading a friend’s tips for bloggers. The quirky, and highly original Rachel McAlpine has inspired me. I usually try to blog about things relating to my writing life or share my ‘writing’. Taking a tip from Rachel’s recent blog to bloggers, I’m tackling today, an issue that interests me. It’s about food and its on my mind.
We’ve just said farewell to our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter who flew home to Seoul last night. While they were here, I enjoyed preparing and cooking food for them. It’s a pleasure I share with my local granddaughter. We are happiest together in the kitchen cooking. She particularly loves licking the bowl when baking cakes, at the creamed butter and sugar stage. Not to mention whipped cream! We prefer the Zany Zeus or Lewis Road double cream (the sort of cream we took for granted back in the 50’s and 60’s). My Korean daughter-in-law loves my meringues. I use the very simple ‘Bill’s Food’ Bill Granger, recipe for these. They never fail. My son from Seoul adores Bill’s white chocolate cheesecake recipe (again, very simple).
One of the new easy highlights over this holiday, was a recipe I used from Annabel Langbein’s ‘Through the Seasons’ (Melt in the Mouth spiced stone fruit). I cooked apricots, plums and nectarines for three hours in the oven at 120 C, marinated in sugary water, vanilla and star anise. The flavour of the fruit intensified although still for me, the acidity remained. But with sour cream and brown sugar, the acidity was counter-balanced nicely. Living in Seoul for 4 ½ months last year, I feasted almost daily on frozen mango chunks and a highlight always in Korea, is eating Mango Bing Su. I am selective about which fruits I eat. My digestive system seems to find most fruit too acidic. Whereas my husband eats fruit every day and especially loves stone fruit. I seem to live on bananas.
This morning reading the Herald newspaper, I saw an article on the problem Kiwis have with gluten. I can admit to being one of those Kiwis. Mine is not a serious gluten allergy, but I have learned to manage my intake. In 2013, I spent three months in Siem Reap as a volunteer ESOL teacher and found all my digestive issues miraculously vanished. My specialist said it could have been the Cambodian rice. Who knows? I found in the heat, I lost a lot of weight, even though I was drinking half pint 50c beers at night to cool down. So, I began visiting the Blue Pumpkin cafe each day to drink coffee and eat a mille–feuille. I didn’t gain weight, but I also didn’t have any issues with the pastry.
This set me to thinking about my fifties and sixties childhood. We didn’t eat much bread back then. My mother was a wonderful cook (coal range) and we always biked home from school to eat cooked lunches. We didn’t own a car, so as a result, we didn’t do ‘picnics’ very often. So, sandwiches were not really part of my repertoire. And I often choose a small sausage roll rather than an overstuffed, oversized focaccia at a café.
Over the past ten years, I’ve spent quite a lot of money, buying ‘gluten free’ breads. Not enjoying them that much but mostly for toast. Then I worked out that sourdough bread seemed different and was more easily digested. A neighbour who makes her own, gave me some of her sourdough scoby. My first loaf was a miracle loaf (photo included). My subsequent loaves have been delicious but not as perfectly formed. I tend now, with loving care to my scoby.
In the 1970’s, I lived in Norway, doing my Kiwi OE. I worked in a ski resort in the Haukeli mountains and learned to make Danish breakfast rolls (rundstykker). I haven’t made them in years, but when our son was here with his family from Seoul, we had a picnic in a local park (a Kiwi BBQ) for his friends and their young families. I made rundstykker and they were very popular (easy to make but not gluten free). I’d forgotten how light and delicious they are.
Date January 11, 2019
I post, therefore I am
(a rather long essay about social media and being a writer)…
I post, therefore I am.
Some years back, I went to a photographic exhibition of Barbara Kruger’s work and was struck by the photographic image with the caption ‘I shop, therefore I am.’ This image came back to me recently, when I saw a Facebook friend, who’d been very quiet on social media, post that he was alive, even if he hadn’t been posting. There were humorous quips in response, but mostly, there were warm, encouraging comments, letting this person know they mattered, people cared, that they were happy to hear from this person.
I am friends with many writers on Facebook and I was a reasonably early up-taker of social media. I joined Facebook in 2008. It’s enabled me to connect with writers throughout New Zealand, people I already knew and new people whom I only know through Facebook.
I had a short public spat several years ago on LeafSalon (one of the first on-line blogs for the New Zealand writing community, before Beattie’s Blog) with a fellow writer. I was somewhat pathetically bemoaning my lack of public profile, while trying to appear humble yet seeking recognition. My friend took me to task. She seemed to be saying that after so many years of hard work writing a novel, then it was to some extent disingenuous to not promote your own writing. That a writer should view their work as a product. This jarred at the time and I felt put in my place, but I also felt distant from the point of view that saw a piece of writing as a product. My art, no mere product, but my blood, sweat and tears… resting on some quaint idea that great art will out itself – be discovered – without me having to point towards it. And of course, let’s be honest, it wasn’t even great art, merely good enough to be published. I’m now considering the idea that as a writer on Facebook, if I don’t post links to my published work, or announce upcoming achievements, are they even visible – will anyone know that I have written them?
The idea that you might write a novel, spend several years researching, writing and then launch it and hope that people will find it and read it… now seems quaint and rather luxurious. Of course, there are writers in New Zealand for whom this has been their experience. They were best-selling authors at a time when it was enough to have a high-profile publisher, a few good bookshops and many, dedicated fans. When the writing had to speak for itself or, relied on word of mouth. I recall a saying… it takes six people to tell six people to tell… to make a bestseller.
New writers nowadays maybe less likely to have garnered that kind of following and may have to rely on self-promotion both the free on Facebook sort, or paid advertising, along with the sometimes-feeble efforts of their publishers. They can tweet and hope for retweets, Instagram and generally self- promote. Why not? Tweeting will require dedication. To just create a Twitter account is not enough. You must connect with other influential people for your tweet to be useful. You need to spend time being witty, empathetic, and attempt to look well read, and well connected to grow your list of followers (and er, potential readership). The difficulty is, as on Facebook, if you are a writer, you are swimming in the same pool of posts and tweets as each other. You cannot afford to ignore other’s achievements and it can be time consuming, ensuring you acknowledge everyone else’s achievements, and perhaps lamenting your own current lack of. Cliques of course abound and they both strengthen and depending on your position, inside, or outside, the clique, perhaps even dilute, a writer’s profile.
I am an avid user of Facebook, unable to withdraw from the sense of identity and connection it offers me. There’s a delicate balance between showing off, modesty and faux humility. The humble brag is a tricky beast to manage. You can pull it off successfully once or twice, but if it is your standard guise, you might find it wearing thin. Then again, an outright lack of modesty might also work once or twice and then begin to jar, so why waste time on faux humility? Authenticity is encouraged. I have always hoped that this was what I was achieving, but Facebook has an insidious erosive effect on ongoing authenticity. For some people this means showing their lives warts and all. I prefer to post positive updates, that shine a light on the mostly bright and humorous spots of my life. I am often perturbed by friends who whine, complain or reveal too much of themselves. I censor them privately and wonder why they feel so happy to be so public about what I perceive as so private, or frequently to me, so trivial. But of course, I’m ignoring the fact that my own updates may seem sanitised or inauthentic because I omit the bad stuff. It’s not that I want to pretend my life is perfect. It’s that I see Facebook as a public ‘face’ and not my private face. If I wish to share something deeply personal I will private message a friend or speak (with luck) to them in person. Or, I might text, because I assume this is a one on one chat, ignoring that it may in fact go via more than one ISP provider before it arrives in their in-box.
All of this has set me to thinking about what it means to be a writer and indeed why I write and who I am or wish to be. When I first found writing, late in life, it was the great elixir. A potent antidote to the quotidian, it felt as if my life, post children had suddenly become meaningful. Each new small triumph, a story in Sport, or Takahe, a novel with Random House, an essay in Landfall, articles and a poem in the Listener… seemed to shower upon me, personally, some golden cloak of achievement. I wore this cloak secretly, proudly and I knew no one else could see it, but it warmed me through to a part of myself I never knew. More recently, I noticed my golden cloak no longer warmed me the way it had… it was mysteriously absent and unreachable, possibly even out of fashion. I thought it was going to warm me through to the end. I saw it now for what it was. My unseen gold cloak was hubris. I realised that I couldn’t just wear this golden cloak, I had to continue to write.
Peter Wells, a well-known Kiwi writer, wrote a series of Facebook blog-like postings about his journey with cancer, subsequently published on The Spinoff. It became an unmissable almost daily update as he explored his deeply personal response to this disease, along with stirring memories of his life as a young Gay man in New Zealand. One of the more poignant and striking posts was a moment of cultural alienation (and later he felt, for his parents, shame). In a moment of personal disappointment at not having his own achievements recognised in a public arena (the 1987 Gofta film and TV awards) he took umbrage at the ‘sexist’ cliched portrayal of a Gay man by John Inman of the legendary British sitcom ‘Are you being Served?’ What Peter described as the ‘campest caricature’. He admits in his posting to being angry at being nominated for many awards and failing to win. The accumulation of this being his yelling out ‘fuck off, sexist shit’ at John Inman and the ensuing scandal that he had dared to do so. The poignancy is the shadow under which this cast Peter for many years, not just in his artistic endeavours but in his own sense of self. It is both sad and beautiful to see the healing in his writing about this time but tragic also, that in the conservative era in which this all took place, the impact was so unnecessarily harsh. He found a voice to express this, through Facebook and it resounded.
A famous local children’s writer recently blogged about being transgender, posting intimate details of their overseas surgical facial reconstruction. I haven’t named this writer, because it occurs to me that although I am a Facebook friend, maybe this experience was posted only for Facebook friends. The writing was personal, intimate and interesting. It wasn’t sensationalised in the way that perhaps a tabloid account of a similar journey might be to garner click bait. But, it was indeed, an important story and self-published. Facebook is a natural medium for writers. I try to imagine the same encouragement and support for this type of journey prior to social media, knowing people who endured these journeys in self-imposed privacy, wishing to pass from one or other gender without the transition being public. On alert, antennae tightly tuned to any hint of a sideways second glance. Imposing restrictions on not just themselves but others within their circle.
Recently, I had a poem rejected by a journal I normally have success with. I was disappointed of course, but then decided, why wait? I posted the poem on my blog and a link on Facebook and Twitter. The poem boosted my blog stats over three days and I have convinced myself that more people viewed (and hopefully read the poem) than might have, if I’d waited for it to appear in the journal. I had a positive response. I could have waited and sent the poem off to another journal, but this would mean a long wait and who knows, another rejection. Through posting links on social media (Facebook, Twitter and my blog), I was able to self-publish and receive almost immediate and positive feedback. Of course, the risk is, that through social influence, art is applauded simply because you are ‘friends’ (the clique effect). In traditional publishing, the poem would land on the page, wait to be read, and then perhaps a few months later, if fortunate, a thoughtful critique in another paper publication. Or, indeed, it might have been rejected, by a discerning editor. Facebook has made us all greedy perhaps, for the more immediate. There’s a clamouring for attention. In the scramble, and due to algorithms, the more ‘likes’ a posting gets, the more likely it will be seen by others. Does this mean a piece of writing is good or just more likeable?
Facebook, for me was originally about a sense of community. The water cooler for writers who spend a lot of time on-line writing. It connects us in ways not possible before. Distracts us too, in ways not possible before.
Kirsty Gunn was quoted recently in ‘The Scotsman’ about a conversation she had with Ali Smith at the Katherine Mansfield Symposium in London, in an article entitled ‘The wonder to be found in Katherine Mansfield’s letters’. In speaking about the letters of KM, Ali Smith and Kirsty Gunn spoke of
How they open up our sense of what writing can be, those pages and pages of communication from a writer to her friends and family and world, that we may use them to look about us with a greater sense of wonder and astonishment and sense of possibility.
Future, scholars may well be sourcing some of their material and inspiration from the Facebook and Twitter updates of famous writers. Stories arrive in fragments, images, or in the case of Peter Wells and my other Facebook friend documenting a surgery to reconstruct identity, by way of blog-like Facebook updates. Other writers’ responses are frequently eloquent, lyrical or poetic. In this way, Facebook and Twitter have opened channels of written communication to a wider clique. Whereas, letters or emails sent might only ever include the two participants. In some sense this has democratised the written word, but there are still pitfalls. New Zealand is a very small writing community, so many of us are connected. It is difficult to resist ticking ‘like’ when someone links to an achievement. It would be churlish not to, and too, it can be insincere to tick ‘like’ simply because everyone else has. There is the risk of a herd mentality. Following and liking a popular or perceived to be ‘famous’ writer, could be seen to enhance your own status if one wishes to be cynical. Then too, access to people otherwise out of reach, can be rewarding and widen your circle and sphere of influence. And then there is the over-showing, over-sharing, that begins to tarnish your view of someone. I recall my initial excitement in following Stephen Fry on Twitter, and then my fading interest, as the Tweets kept coming, his incisive wit and originality, fading before my eyes, familiarity as its wont to do, breeding if not contempt, then eroding my awe-full admiration.
Sometimes, I find myself on Twitter, unable to negotiate some threads. People can be oblique, witty and sarcastic, and reference events, or use cultural signifiers that have no meaning for me. And then I find myself in a thread that takes me to the Paris Review and a recorded conversation with Simone de Beauvoir that I undoubtedly would have missed otherwise. There is the frequent opportunity to lose hours following literary Twitter links, admiring others’ achievements, losing yourself in a sea of creativity, but not your own.
There is at times a noticeable lack of empathy. I read a tweet from an otherwise insightful editor, who, when an old school friend ticked like on Twitter after one of her postings, tweeted almost gleefully, that her memories of this old school friend conjured up the stink of urine. Many people ticked like to this scoffing. I was struck by how hurtful and thoughtless this tweet was. Why would anyone deliberately and in such a public way, shame someone? Of course, we were not to know who this old school friend was, but she would know… Yet I don’t believe the tweeter intended to be cruel, it was for her, comedy. It’s the licence we take as writers. Other people are our fodder. I read an essay by Ashleigh Young in the Paris Review about her short stint at the Katherine Mansfield House in Tinakori Road, managing volunteers. She relates conversations with others working at the house, to illustrate her points about the obsessive nature of some KM devotees. These conversations or reported communications are revelatory and very personal in tone. But there’s no personal harm to anyone. The writer has crafted a thoughtful, interesting essay and we the reader, can glean from reported conversations or excerpts from such conversations, her impressions and draw our own conclusions. The difference with tweeting an experience can be the lack of thoughtfulness and craft even within the limited word count.
I was reading the memoir of Christopher Hitchens and he mentions that Bill Clinton’s statement that he did not inhale, was more than likely accurate, as from Christopher Hitchens’ memory, Bill instead ate hash cookies. He also goes on to extrapolate about threesomes in which he implicates both himself and Bill (ah but not together). And although it is the written word, a crafted memoir, one can still, I imagine, read with a certain cautious sideways glance taking into account, memory, hubris and a somewhat misogynistic viewpoint. Look here, folks, the fun we boys had back then. It made me think about Twitter or Instagram back then, and whether an image of Bill either eating or inhaling would have settled the matter. Or Christopher himself abed with whomever, and would the participants be objectified, or delighted to be part of history. But too, we have such sophisticated technology that whole heads can be transferred to other bodies, thus making all images, susceptible to manipulation and requiring a good dose of caution in observing and believing.
There’s plenty of room for hubris on Twitter… A theme starts with post a picture of yourself age 16 and of course, no doubt about it, we all look pretty lovely age 16 and suddenly Twitter is filled with sixteen year olds… the old humble brag abounds… look how gorgeous I was once (of course, the photo is dated, and you are supposed to look a bit gawky perhaps in dated clothes, but once can’t help but think how very weird, that you imagine the internet needs to see these photos)… having said that, I am guilty of posting retro photos of myself on Facebook, looking younger and thinking how cool in retrospect, I did look (although at the time, of course, that wasn’t so at all… we never really measure up do we?)… perhaps this retro posting is a way of finally measuring up.
The metoo# movement on Facebook and Twitter cannot be underestimated. It was a defining moment with the naming, shaming and downfall of Harvey Weinstein. It made it easier for women to speak of what had previously been their unspeakable experiences. It without doubt, kick started an enquiry into the largest Law firm in New Zealand, the mores of the workplace in which misogyny as a normalised sub-text played out over many years and no doubt continues to do so in many other workplaces. But, the downside is that the prolific number of hashtag metoo responses, in a perverse and insidious way, can begin to normalise what is horrific. The way we read about war casualties from the safety of our laptop. And then when it becomes all too difficult, we disassociate. There are moments on Facebook and Twitter when I recoil from too intimate a revelation, shocked, empathetic, but preferring not to know. On Twitter, people spill their guts in 140 character, speaking of abuses, demanding empathy in soundbites. I am overwhelmed, and I choose to restrict my empathy, rationing it to the most deserving (which in my case might mean the cleverly subtle spilling of subtle guts because I cannot face such confrontational gore). What does this say about me? Am I the reason these perpetrators have gotten away with this stuff for so long?
I’m fixated when the rescue mission begins for the Thai boys and their teacher, trapped in caves with a rising tide and monsoon predictions. It’s a gripping story, although I know that in Japan, simultaneously, up to one hundred people have died in floods. Somehow the smaller tragedy is rendered more personal, because a story has been generated about the boys that I can relate to. I keep refreshing Twitter to stay ahead of the story, counting each rescued child. I’ve invested my empathy in this story. Watching the rescue mission for the Thai boys, guarantees me an outcome, whether good or bad and I can cheer knowing that almost everyone would agree and be on the same side as me. I sign on-line petitions, consider myself a passive activist, but from the comfort of my keyboard. I took it personally in 2014 when the Chibok girls were kidnapped. My outrage meant I changed my Facebook profile in solidarity, assuming that of course they would be rescued. My outrage did not last the length of their kidnapping and quietly, admitting defeat, my commitment to standing with them until the end, lasted but a few months at the most.
Increasingly, with the abundance of words on the net, the value of good writing is both valued and trivialised. The deeply private thrill of going to the library and finding a book you’ve never previously heard about, plucking it from the shelf and taking it home to read, to uncover its worth and revel in its beauty without influence or prior expectations, is a joy I miss. The closest I got to this recently, was reading ‘The Transit of Venus’, a book gifted to me in the early 1990’s by a book club friend. I couldn’t engage with it then, and on impulse, after packing up our home of thirty years, I popped it into my suitcase for an overseas holiday. What a profound and beautiful experience it was to finally sink into such extraordinary prose. It was my own specially found treasure. I knew Shirley Hazard was a ‘rated’ author, but I had no idea what joy and amazement would ensue in the reading. Of course, I promptly turned to social media to announce my find… to discover many other people I knew had read and loved this novel.
So… when my Facebook friend, after a long absence, posted a short quip to say they still existed, what were we meant to make of this? Was it a toe in the water to see how warm it was? Was it a line cast into the deep to see if the fish were biting? Was it a weak moment, the person now regrets, because, they find the whole Facebook thing an utter bore? I feel this every day, and I keep dipping my toes back into the water… casting my net, wider and wider, attaching sinkers by way of clever updates to go deeper and deeper and perhaps it’s becoming shallower, and shallower.
Frequently, I decide to eschew Facebook and Twitter… to settle down to write, to take myself seriously, by turning off social media. But then I am reminded that I am writing to be read, and Facebook and Twitter mean that I have a readership. I am also a naturally gregarious person, and social media enables me to engage in conversations with other writers whom I normally would have no access to. And too, the gnawing feeling, that if I don’t post links to my writing achievements, will anyone ever read them… is there any point to having written them at all?
| 29,062 |
To achieve our ambitious sustainability goals in relation to social matters and the human condition, we’ve expanded our team!
Studied: Political science with a specific focus on sustainable development.
Role here at Norrøna: CSR responsible, RD&D
Favorite outdoor activity: Hiking in the mountains. I also love to be by the sea and sauna
So, where did you previously work before you landed at Norrøna?
I’ve been working mostly with human rights organizations. I worked at Plan International for five years. While there I was allowed to work hands on and follow-up on social development projects happening in countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Tanzania. Right before I started at Norrøna I worked with save the Children for two years, focusing on climate change from a child right perspective. And before that, I worked as a senior advisor focusing on corporate social responsibility in an umbrella organization that works with social and environmental development.
Now, I want to work with the same questions and progression of development as before, but more in practice within the private sector.
What were your first impressions with the RD department?
It was a really good first impression. Super nice people and a good atmosphere which is really important for me. And I was positively surprised when I saw how international it was. Also a little surprised over how many women worked here
And I have to say that I am super impressed over the professionalism and how we have full control over the sewing needle and how the products will turn out. It’s so exciting and there are so many here who are so knowledgeable about things I had no idea about.
What led you to the field of sustainability?
I was actually a part of a children’s environmental group growing up. When you’re a member, you learn early on about the climate and how to take care of the environment and nature. And I have a clear memory as a child of setting a banana in the exhaust of a car so it wouldn’t emit pollution.
But I have to say my interest in sustainability became more serious when I took my masters and became more invested in sustainable development – especially the social side. And the importance of seeing environment and climate questions as a global inequality issue. I think it’s exciting to work with finding solutions to these global issues. So yes, I guess I’ve always been interested in the field.
Not a lot of people know what a CSR- responsible role entails. Can you tell us a bit about your job?
I can only answer this question based on what I’ve learned in the first few weeks of working here. So I’m expecting my understanding of this role to change and develop dramatically over time. I’ve never worked in the private sector before, so there is still a lot I need to learn.
That being said, there is a new law transparency act (åpenhetsloven) coming on the 1. July that expects companies to be completely transparent in their human right due diligence work. Before, this was only an expectation of the government. Now, it will soon be a hard law that requires us to work a lot more systematically in our value chain. This will be a large part of my responsibility from now on.
Would you say your choices outside of the office are influenced by your role when it comes to making sustainable choices?
I’m not the best in class. But we (my family and I) have made some choices. I use the train as much as possible. I am always aware when I am shopping- small and large decisions. I’m not a vegetarian but I do prefer to not eat meat. And buying used clothes, especially for my children, that’s an easy choice. These choices are always in the back of my mind.
Yes, a company’s impact on the environment is huge. But how can an individual contribute towards a renewable future?
It’s so important to think that all choices (from what food you buy to who you vote for) have a meaning, and to not just push the responsibility from ourselves. At the same time, it’s ok to not be perfect all the time.
Any final thoughts?
I think it’s important to let it be known that one of the reasons I wanted to work for Norrøna is because when I dug around on the website, I saw their ambitious sustainability goals that were holistic and based on animal welfare, social issues, and the environment. And the fact that Norrøna recognizes they are dependent on nature so we need to take part in taking care of it. That the company is so invested in doing this is the reason I applied.
| 4,524 |
Those who grew up on Long Island in the 70s likely remember the Times Square Stores, or as they were better known, TSS. Although never exactly plentiful, these department stores were memorable for their discount prices in the pre Wal-Mart era. Today, they exist only in our memories.
TSS was founded all the way back in 1929, in Brooklyn by a man named George Seedman. After WWII, he had nine discount stores in Nassau and Suffolk County. These locations included Levitown, Rockville Center and Middle Village. Seedman would run the company for almost half a century before retiring in 1987.
At it’s peak, TSS had 12 locations in the New York area, and was quite popular among budget-conscious families on the island. Many will fondly remember “Record World,” which resided inside TSS and was a popular place to purchase music. You could even become a card carrying member of their record club.
My family shopped at the Rockville Center Location in the early 70s, when I was just a tyke. Back then, when I did my chores, I got a dollar a week as an allowance. The place I wanted to spend that hard earned cash was always TSS. My parents would take me over and let me wander around the toy section. Hard to believe that I was able to actually walk out of a store with a toy and a piece of candy for less than a buck, but that’s what was great about TSS.
TSS prospered through the 70s and much of the 80s. Sadly, as that decade ended, so did TSS – the chain filed for bankruptcy in 1989, with the last location closing the following year. TSS was gone for good, but not in the memories of the many shoppers who made TSS their choice for many, many years.
Admittedly, there isn’t much in this article but the bare facts and a few memories. As I began my research, I was surprised to find that the data, images and commercials simply weren’t there.
But we can share what we remember in the meantime, and if more resources become available, I’ll be sure to update this article with anything I find.
If you have fond memories of shopping at TSS with your family back in the day, or if you happened to work at one of the locations, I’d love to hear your memories in our comments section below.
Tags: department stores
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June 26, 2013
August 3, 2013
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Arlene says:
July 19, 2013 at 4:51 pm
When did George Seedman die? I was an employee of his.
70sKid says:
July 20, 2013 at 12:10 am
He passed away in 1996, three months shy of his 100th birthday. He ran TSS until 1987, when he was 90.
Mike says:
September 8, 2015 at 7:43 pm
Which one did you work at? I might know some people you worked with!
April 22, 2017 at 4:09 pm
Hi mike my name is Barbara it was truzzolino . I worked in the Levittown store.1973- 1976. I started as cashier then manager of the boutique and asst at gift ware. Unit control housewares.
July 15, 2019 at 5:46 pm
name def rings a bell. worked at Levittown in the mid 70’s and agin in the 80’s before going to foster ave. left in 88 before the ship sank.great place to work. a lot of wonderful people and certainly a few creeps ( brodbar, neglia) to name but a few
Leah says:
January 31, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Did you work in the auto department
Anonymous says:
May 15, 2020 at 8:40 am
HI Rich …….I wrote on a blog to you before about Oceanside store……..anyway my father had the painting contract for TSS……I was at Foster Ave so many times…….I’m sure we came across one another …….I would love to chat about it with you if you get the chance
July 3, 2022 at 7:56 am
DID You work in the linens dept remember a Barbara there working with Mrs. Berkell. I was in the Hempstead store. knew all the managers for the linens dept. can we talk?
Donald says:
July 28, 2013 at 7:31 pm
Hi .. I was looking up info on TSS and found myself here.. Do you know if there was TSS located in bayshore?
70sKid says:
July 28, 2013 at 8:46 pm
I’m not positive, but I do believe so. Perhaps one of our readers can chime in a confirm!
Thanks for stopping by!
Steve says:
December 6, 2013 at 2:52 pm
I think the former home depot on sunrise in bayshore was once a TSS.
I remember going there ages ago.
It was also a models I think?
Anonymous says:
September 8, 2015 at 8:11 pm
No the was the old Bay Shore drive in. I work at the West Babylon TSS there was no Bay Shore TSS.
Anonymous says:
January 19, 2016 at 11:12 am
Do you know the name of the record store that was in the parking lot of the West Bab store in the mid 70’s? Please
March 6, 2016 at 11:10 am
I saw on a Facebook WLIR page that someone mentioned that Record World was in a TSS in Elmont. Do you think that it could have been Record World?
August 4, 2016 at 12:55 pm
I grew up in Lindenhurst. I recall the TSS in Babylon quite fondly. (And it was a Record World!)
Anonymous says:
July 1, 2021 at 6:09 am
Bayshore Home Depot was the old farmers market and drive in movie theater,with the movie theatre on the front service rd. Sayvile Kmart was a TSS as was North Babylon on Montauk Hwy. I worked in the beauty parlor in both from 1984 til close in 89. Fun place to work.
Anonymous says:
October 5, 2015 at 12:01 am
The Modells in Bayshore was on Sunrise at Saxon Ave..I believe it’s a Kohls now
Joe says:
November 5, 2018 at 5:56 am
I believe that was bayshore drive in steve
January 11, 2014 at 9:17 am
Anonymous says:
May 30, 2015 at 2:50 pm
The other closest store was on Sunrise Hwy Sayville.
Anonymous says:
January 9, 2016 at 8:18 pm
Does anyone remember the name of the supermarket that was attached to TSS in Sayville. I believe it moved further west to Bohemia as a new supermarket.
anonymous says:
March 17, 2016 at 6:24 pm
waldbaums was attached to the Sayville t.s.s
June 2, 2016 at 12:42 pm
I think rember an elmont floral park area? Do you remeber robert halls. Flat escalatores n magnatized you could let go
of your wagon on it lol
April 20, 2021 at 11:53 am
ROBERT HALL VILLAGE.MASPETH. Right in front of the CEMETARY and next to NEIDERSTEINS Restaurant, where people gathered after the funerals. Robert Hall went BUST in the late 70S
The BOHCK i think became Waldbaums. The rest of the building and whose area was made into a MACYS CLEARANCE CENTER. The balance of the building was taken over by BRANDS MART APPALIANCE AND FURNITURE. I worked for them when we moved in and it was a wonderous place to work. Every employee LOVED their job and business boomed. Then some bad business situations occurred and that was the end of BRANDS MART ! To this day I think it was the best job ever ! I always remember the TRUCK RAMP, that when it got really icy, we couldn’t get trucks out. Yes I also remember that escalator that you could ride on with full wagons of groceries. The EXACT NAME of the the thing was “INCLINEATOR” and the kids just loved the ride.
The proper name of the property was RENTAR PLAZA….a play on the owners name RATNER !
It might also be of interest to know that one of the earlier ideas was to develop the land as a
GET READY FOR IT !!!!!!!!!!A SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FOR RETIRED PEOPLE ! Right on the perimeter of the CEMETARY, if you don’t mind. Don’t know which died first, RATNER or THE PLANNER. Can you imagine the ads…….AT LAST A RETIREMENT RESIDENCE YOU WONT HAVE TO LEAVE EVER! MOM and DAD….think of the VIEW so near you can enjoy your restful retirement years forever. WOW who wouldn’t jump at an oppourtunity like this? BUT alas it became a shopping mecca, for a while anyway. Thanks for the post it brought back many happy memories.
May 2, 2021 at 1:25 am
I lived in Middle Island from 1977 till 1981.My brothers and I would walk around the lake or on top of the lake in winter when frozen to shop there. I worked there from 1983 till 1987. Worked in receiving warehouse. cabage patch kid boxes would go in the security room bevv CB use they were hot commodity. Employees were great. I would go down to fill the registers with the bags. I would milk it so I could talk the girls at the registers. I met my future brother n law in record world . I would shop for records too. Still have them. I was security for Bon Jovi tickets at the smoke shop. The line was huge. we did a modeling show. Loved modeling in those 80s clothes. Good times. It by became a Kmart years later then demolished. Fond memories. Loved my warehouse crew. Fun times.
January 26, 2018 at 7:26 am
I first started working for tss in april 75 at the Levittown store. I left in 1977, but returned a year later .I was in the auto department, involved with tire and battery sales. I was transferred to Oceanside, as well as Elmont, Levittown and Babylon for a short time. I also worked in the home office in Brooklyn as an associate buyer. I visisted all locations, including the ill fated jersey stores. I was at mr seedmans home in oyster bay, and even drove him to the airport one afternoon. it was a wonderfully crazy place to work.
June 24, 2018 at 12:15 pm
Just the guy I am looking for ……my father had the contract for all of the decorating work at TSS …….and yes did so much work at Foster Avenue ……anyway you mentioned Oceanside and I got the best pizza I ever had adjacent to the store ……….ii was like in thee corner……..I doubt if they are still there but do you remember the name of them……..maybe they relocated………any help would be appreciated
August 3, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Hi Richard I was at TSS Levittown from 1974-1976. I was a cashier, asst. manager giftware. Boutique, my boyfriend was karry Hannah. He was asst. manager automotive. I was friends with June Wilkenson., Jane brandoff, sue fugit. Barbara erreger, Maryann Truzzolino, Nancy Cuzco, carmine Ruggerio,Eddie Hect. And many more.
December 6, 2019 at 4:08 am
the pizza place adjacent to oceanside????found it by default. was listening to tsn-690 montreal and there was a promo for conca d’oro bakery. it suddenly rang a bell and I realized that was the name of it
Leah says:
January 31, 2020 at 5:32 pm
I remember you
My dad worked in the garage
Anonymous says:
December 6, 2020 at 1:46 pm
My dad was Jerry Johansen Operations Manager
May 31, 2021 at 11:45 am
Yes, it was. My parents got our first puppy at the West Babylon TSS. It had a supermarket attached to it at some point, but that only lasted a year or two. Kmart bought the location, and the one in Bohemia; sadly, even Kmart is gone now. I still have a lamp and curtains I bought at TSS.
Anonymous says:
November 7, 2015 at 6:04 pm
I don’t know about Bayshore, but I actually worked in the west Babylon store! Great memories
Robert says:
November 17, 2019 at 1:21 pm
There was a TSS in West Babylon, Montauk Highway. My mother worked there in toys/ sports.
March 14, 2020 at 10:51 am
I bought many a record at the West Babylon store. My parents even got our dog there.
LD says:
September 27, 2013 at 7:43 pm
MY family use to go to the TSS store across the street from the Walt Whitman shopping center. ironically, that location is now a Walmart. does anybody remember the old guy that used to sell pretzels from a pretzel cart in the walt whitman shopping center?
DGB says:
July 16, 2019 at 9:15 pm
Don’t remember the pretzel guy. But the TSS mall on Rt. 110 had the Aegean Pizza place, which was fantastic.
February 23, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Steve says:
August 26, 2021 at 7:24 am
Yes!! Agean Pizza!! I worked in Sporting Goods from 77-79. My favorite and lowest paying job ever!!
November 13, 2013 at 5:35 pm
My grandfather used to take us to the TSS on Farmers blvd. in Springfield Gardens, Queens. It was walking distance from the house, so we would go there often. It is now Western Beef Supermarket.
My most vivid, and best, memory was trying out the patio furniture. My grandfather let us test out and make a case for what we liked best. It took along time, but in the end he let us vote on our top choices and we took home the favorite.
I loved TSS. It was so comfortable and you could get whatever you needed at a great price. Also, I remember the staff being very nice and helpful.
70sKid says:
November 14, 2013 at 8:57 am
Thanks for sharing that great memory, Christine!
anonymous says:
March 17, 2016 at 6:29 pm
I worked at the sayville t.s.s from 1974-1988 the company was big on good old fashion customer service.. they would send us to product knowledge training sessions once a year at the Lawrence store. The company was very good to their employees we had a union with great benefits. I was sadden to see it go down hill after Mr. Seedman sold the company. You will never see a retail chain EVER like T.s.s.
April 1, 2017 at 3:37 pm
i worked a tss sayville 74 to 84 switchboard ,brenda
April 1, 2017 at 3:49 pm
i worked a tss sayville 74 to 84 switchboard ,brenda
April 1, 2017 at 3:51 pm
work switchboard 74 to 84 sayville
Roe says:
April 13, 2022 at 5:13 pm
I worked whites and tss Bohemia ‘73-‘75 high school in the evenings college in the summers as switchboard operator. My dad leased the barber shops. A funny memory: at 9:50pm every night I had to announce that donuts were on sale and I flipped the switch and said “attention donuts shoppers are now on sale in the front lobby” couldn’t stop laughing after I realized. Met mr. seedman once.
April 12, 2018 at 2:45 pm
Do you remember the cross street TSS was on in Sayville? Sunrise Hghwy and what? It also used to be a Whites Department store before TSS.
December 22, 2019 at 10:18 am
technically it’s Bohemia. it was on the north side of sunrise highway in-between lakeland and Johnson ave. You could enter the parking lot by taking a lil back road from lakeland ave.
March 4, 2021 at 9:13 pm
It was Lakeland Ave-does anyone remember the great snack bar up front you had to walk through it to enter the store–they had a TV playing nonstop cartoons-would sit there with my little sister she was 6 or so-I was 12-1974ish-our mom would go shop in Waldbaum’s and leave us there with a couple bucks–enough for 2 hot dogs and 2 sodas and a cotton candy for my sister. I also remember their excellent toy dept.–great model trains and Estes rockets–Does anyone remember the flourescent orange/red “TSS Sale Price” stickers? Our dad trained us to look for those–truly good discounts! I still have, over 45 years later, in my model train collection, old Life-Like, AHM and Tyco (all long out of business) boxes with those stickers still intact on them!
July 30, 2021 at 7:28 pm
lsanti????i worked with a lisanti for many years in south florida.we’re both retired.
January 26, 2018 at 7:33 am
I worked at Sayville for a short stretch in the summer of 88 as a merchandise manager.by then the company had been sold to a group of nasty investors. I saw the writing on the wall and left in November of 88.
December 6, 2019 at 4:12 am
true. when I go to stores now in south florida, I always use tss as a measuring stick .I was actually at a walgreens and jack prince was on the same checkout line. he had an unmistakeable voice. sadly I wasn’t able to talk with him.
March 22, 2020 at 10:02 pm
mr seedman was a once in a lifetime experience. I worked at foster evenue and as ordered to drive mr seedman to jfk. he was vey friendly and I felt very comfortable driving him. even helped him with his seatbelt. . I dropped him off and followed orders and started my weekend .. a great place to work. yes there were difficulties as in any job, but overall a lifetime experience. glad I was able to experience and still recall the great times, the not so great times, I know I feel blessed
June 8, 2020 at 12:58 pm
I was born in 1972. TSS in Bohemia was a huge part of my childhood. There was a candy counter right when you walked in. I would always ask my mom to buy me Swedish fish or a pretzel. Walk to the right and you’d eventually reach Record World, a pet store, a place to get your picture taken, and a barber. Eventually, you’d reach Pearle Vision Center. Across from Record World was the sporting goods and nearby was the toy section. Whenever I was in the K-Mart, Office Max, Borders, and Sports Authority in the years to follow, I always tried to imagine where I was standing in TSS. I have such vivid memories of albums in Record World with the “Nice Price” sticker on them, and the slots on the west wall for all the 45s currently in the Top 40. I also remember swinging on the black and silver shopping cart blockers outside of Waldbaum’s. It was cool how the supermarket connected to the department store from the inside. And you couldn’t miss the sign from Sunrise Highway with those 3 big letters. TSS had everything the whole family wanted and needed. The special back entrance off Lakeland Avenue puts me right back in the late 70’s.
Rob says:
January 14, 2021 at 1:39 pm
I have similar memories of the TSS in Bohemia! I too was born in 1972. I used to live on one of the 3 dead end blocks off Johnson, and there was a path through the woods from Fredrick St. to the back parking lot of TSS. My friends and I used to ride our bikes to TSS through there all the time. We used to enter TSS from the back. We’d go through a door that lend into the Mechanic shop that was in the back. (The door isn’t there anymore, but you can see the outline of it, they filled it in with more brick) You’d go through a small hallway and come out in the Auto Department inside TSS. I used to spend hours in Record World, what a great music store that was! My friends & I would go to TSS and hang out all the time. Like you, I loved the little candy and food counter in the front of the store as you walk in. I used to get hot pretzels there and hot dogs all the time! On the other side of the vestibule before you actually go into the store, there was a small diner. I can’t remember the name of it. Also in the TSS parking lot, there used to be a Roy Rogers. It’s where the Vitamin Shopee is now. Great memories!
GuitarAnthony says:
January 3, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Late to this party but I often recall the old mega department stores I lived near. TSS obviously was a big one (with various named supermarkets attached) but there was also Modell’s Shoppers World in East Meadow (before they went sporting goods), Mays in Massapequa & Levittown, Pergament in Copaigue (before they went all Home Depot) and Great Eastern in East Meadow (which became Woolco later on). Obviously, being a 70’s kid myself, I loved going to PlayWorld and can remember vividly going to both the Seaford & East Meadow stores. Also, if you were a kid in the 70’s and your parent never brought you to the Jolly Roger, they must have hated you.
May 29, 2016 at 9:06 pm
The nearest to Bayshore was Massapequa. I was assistant manager of hardware in winter 1972-73. At the time this was one of the few unprofitable stores.
May 29, 2016 at 9:20 pm
I lived six blocks from Modell’s BEFORE it became Shoppers World. My parents would buy me a huge soft pretzel and a Italian ice cup. It was to grow into a much larger store in the 1960s. in the late 1950s, across Front Street was a military surplus store called Reader’s. The sold lots of WWII and Korean War material and I recall some WWI surplus. It was an easy and safe walk from my house to Newbridge Ave (now East Meadow Ave) past the library to Front Street. Modell’s had a great toy section.
June 13, 2021 at 6:50 am
Roger, When did you graduate from EMHS? I recall much of what you mentioned. I too remember when Modells was built. It was the only game in town for one stop shopping. The lanes inside were narrow and felt like a bazaar inside. I was EMHS ‘68.
Walt says:
July 30, 2021 at 8:20 pm
I was in the third grade at Prospect Ave School with the Reader’s twin daughters. The lived on Prospect Avenue west of Newbridge Ave. They had a WWII Jeep, a Tank, and goats in their backyard.. Mrs Reader was on the EM School Board.
I remember when the floor in Modells Store was dirt.
January 19, 2022 at 5:08 pm
I worked at the oceanside tss from 1968 until 1987. Great memories. I wish I could recall all the names of everyone I worked with in those 20 years. I worked in the Stationary department. John gruber was my manager.
Rocky says:
February 7, 2014 at 8:02 am
Anyone remember a TSS across from a beer and soda house. it may be near Farmers Blvd. There was an accurate service station on the corner
Anonymous says:
August 17, 2015 at 9:36 pm
This was in Elmont,not to far from the Elmont Race tracks
Anonymous says:
July 24, 2021 at 7:54 am
Wrong. Farmers Blvd was Queens location. And it’s Belmont Race Track not Elmont Racetrack
Paul says:
March 1, 2014 at 9:15 am
Was in their Management Trainning Program in 1975. worked in their Oceanside Store and then a store in Queens
March 6, 2014 at 2:31 pm
Was in Middle Island NY circa 1982
Anonymous says:
July 23, 2015 at 9:05 pm
My mother worked at the Middle Island store back then. You remember the name Magda Zabala?
December 14, 2015 at 10:05 am
I managed the record dept. there from from 1975-1979. most enjoyable job I ever had.
Anonymous says:
April 3, 2016 at 10:53 am
Did TSS build the middle island story or was there a retailer in that building before them?
Anonymous says:
April 24, 2019 at 1:25 pm
There was whites dept store
Rich says:
September 1, 2020 at 10:19 pm
I started out as sales in the Elmont ‘Record World’ and quickly moved up to Department Manager and was then moved to the Oceanside store. Loved that job bit it was so long ago…
Still remember when John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ album was released and the huge promotions it had…
Tommy says:
July 25, 2020 at 9:13 pm
I lived in Shirley Long Island so this location was the closet to me. I got plenty of my Star Wars toys there and my 1st bike ever. I remember many trips with my family there for Christmas shopping too.
Dino says:
March 16, 2014 at 11:15 am
My Dad sold building supplies @TSS with Ed Kranepool of all people
January 26, 2018 at 7:35 am
ed kranepool would occasionally be found browsing the hardware dept in the Levittown store
March 17, 2014 at 3:57 pm
We used to go to the TSS in Middle Island/Centerach area when I was a kid (I think it’s a Kohl’s now). I remember they had a huge candy counter that sold popcorn, nuts,pretzels, fudge, etc. The best was their toy department, and around Halloween they had aisles of costumes. I also remember the record store and pet store inside. That store was the best. So sad when it closed.
Anonymous says:
April 3, 2016 at 10:56 am
The TSS was in middle island which later became a Kmart. Your thinking about Caldor in Coram
April 19, 2018 at 11:13 am
No, I was thinking about TSS. I had the replacement store wrong. It’s the one where the Kmart was, (I think the demolished the building recently). Caldor was nothing like TSS!
Linda says:
July 9, 2020 at 5:38 am
I remember when there was a playland there. My grandmother used to take us there and she would give us money to buy food for the ducks at the artist lake across the street. What a great memory. I had such a great time there as a kid. Now the place is just empty. What a shame. Anonymous.
JMS says:
March 24, 2014 at 1:17 pm
I remember the TSS in West Babylon. Our neighbor bought a puppy there and called it TSS, of course. We loved looking at the tropical fish and the puppies. Male puppies were $6 and females were $5. I think my friend’s brother got caught shoplifting there.
May 29, 2016 at 9:24 pm
My regrets I mislead the fellow from Bayshore above. No STS in Massapequa. Mays store was in that town. YES was in West Babylon. And that is where I worked Jan -March 1973. The hardware manager was run by a former Luftwaffe pilot who lost a leg in the war…Paul Truman. Sorry for the mix up!
January 26, 2018 at 7:37 am
yes yes yes. paul worked in Levittown as well. I do remember him.
May 23, 2020 at 2:37 am
Hi, did you know a man named, Rusty Baker, in the shoe department?
June 5, 2014 at 10:19 pm
I worked in the smoke shop late 70’s early 1980. I worked at the Oceanside store. Loved that store. My family lived in island Park and TSS was our store to go to when we needed things. Good memories.
May 29, 2016 at 9:33 pm
I lived in Baldwin when I became assistant manager of Oceanside TSS toys. It was a huge department with a manager and three assistants. Once the holiday season began me and the other young manager moved to the night shift 11PM to 7AM. The store managers would permit customers to let their kids run wild. Toys and games were opened and broken etc. The job of night shift was to repair what could be repaired and put back on shelf, return broken stuff to manufacturer, and restock shelves for the following day. We had 15 guys working for us. I was appalled by what management would let customer children do. These kids were extremely spoiled and affluent.
August 18, 2014 at 12:34 am
I grew up in the Copiague/Amityville area but before we lived there we were in Hempstead in Nassau County and I remember four things from back then (up through 1977). Fire Engine races, Carvel, Mr. Softy, and TSS.
I don’t know exactly where the TSS was that my dad used to take us to (maybe someone here can say which one would be most likely given where we lived), but whether we were coming or going, TSS and Carvel always went 1-2 in the same trip.
Embarrassingly enough, the one specific memory I have of TSS was when we went there to get wood just before a heinous storm hit and the day after some jerks had taken the long wood poles from our fence, thrown them into the street, and broken some of them. Our whole fam went (three boys, two girls, and parents), and we were going to eat somewhere close and then go back so he could fix the fence. Unfortunately he had forgotten his wallet and only had his checkbook, but the store wouldn’t take a personal check. I can still remember he got so mad the entire store was looking at us and me and my sister were scared out of our wits. I think he was just frustrated that someone would vandalize our house and we had enough to deal with because of the storm coming.
I think we ended up at Arthur Treachers Fish and Chips or something. That is where things go grey, but over 35 years on I guess they would.
Anonymous says:
May 30, 2015 at 2:54 pm
There was a TSS in Hempstead. Parked on the roof. There was also one on Hempstead Tpke Levittown.
July 9, 2015 at 11:34 pm
Thank youuuu! I knew it wasn’t that far from the house. We lived on Kennedy Ave. and I am positive we didn’t get on the turnpike so it must have been the local Hempstead store.
I miss this era so much. I miss the 80’s too so I guess I just miss childhood. Watching that TSS Christmas commercial almost makes me tear up like most Christmas commercials from back then. If I could have three wishes, one of them would be that my daughter could have grown up in our innocent era where families were still close and kids had real holidays. I’m no good around those Toys R Us commercials either.
But I miss New York in general from back then. Gimbels, Coney Island, Great Adventure in Jersey, ice skating and the decorations at Rockerfeller Plaza. L.A. sucks man.
Patti says:
May 21, 2016 at 5:44 pm
I used to ride my bike to tss levittown and go to the record store and spend my allowance there. That was in the 70s. Fun memories! !
July 3, 2022 at 8:06 am
I used to work in the Linens dept (mgr) in the TSS Hempstead what ever happen to all the girls that worked there lost track of them any one remember any. Jack Ortiz. linens mgr. hempstead.
August 27, 2014 at 10:19 am
I am so happy to have found this site! I loved TSS and actually am familiar with the one in Oceanside and the one in Hempstead!! It was so convenient to go there. We would do a big food shopping on a Friday night, and then have pizza at the pizza place that was in TSS. Did all our Christmas shopping there. I might have loved it too much, because when my son Phil, who was 6 at the time, was told by his teacher to draw a picture of what he would be doing for winter recess, he drew a picture ( stick people) of all of us, a car behind us, and he titled it: My Winter Vacation. TSS HERE WE COME! He was serious! My husband and I laughed so hard, then took everyone out to a movie and ice cream! Does anyone remember the Hempstead TSS? I worked in the record department to make some Christmas money. Had all the 45s against the wall. OMG! How OLD am I???
70sKid says:
September 2, 2014 at 11:30 am
Great memories! Thanks for sharing!
July 19, 2017 at 4:12 pm
I’m from Philly and most of my mother side of the family lives in Hempstead and I remember my cousin Trina would take me to TSS all the time and. White Castles, I used to tell my friends nack in Philly that I been knew about White Castles.
January 26, 2018 at 7:43 am
every store was different yet unique. the store on metropolitan ave in middle village had rooftop parking with a panoramic view of new York city.met some really wonderfulpeople along the way.when the islanders won their first Stanley cup, I was working at Levittown. when they scored to win in ot a huge cheer erupted down in major appliances. I kicked over a stack of tires in disgust.
May 21, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Rich, I don’t know if you will remember me from Oceanside TSS. Was Asst Dept Mgr. of Auto with Betty Lynch. I’m Bill Hansen. My sister in Law worked in the office, Debbie Hansen. And who could forget Terry Zottoli, god rest her soul. Also worked in Hempstead and Middle Village as Merchandise manager of hardlines. That’s where the story ended and we were liquidated. Miss those days and TSS.
March 22, 2020 at 10:06 pm
bill I do remember you and betty, terry, the guys in auto service. oceanside was by far my favorite store even though i’m 5 minutes from Levittown.
Anonymous says:
May 15, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Anyone know Billy Doremus?
Anonymous says:
January 2, 2015 at 4:28 pm
Guy says:
January 13, 2015 at 6:59 pm
I remember my mom taking me to the TSS in Middle Island to get an autographed baseball from Rusty Staub! He was sitting outside the store signing autographs with another Met. I think maybe Ed Kranepool….. I was only 7 or 8 Years old at the time but I remember the thrill of meeting real “Big Leaguers” vividly.
Karine says:
December 6, 2020 at 6:39 pm
My memories of TSS is forever. The one we went to is that one above..( love to have the address).. & we would fill our home with the essentials from there. Wasn’t really into shopping but this store changed my mind especially with the music store. It was something to look forward to. Miss it very much.
Larry says:
January 18, 2015 at 6:03 pm
I worked at the TSS Mall which opened in 1973. I worked at TSS for a short spell in late 1978 basically as Christmas help. It was within walking distance of my house. I hung out at the mall with friends from school and dated a few girls working there, burger king and CVS drug store.
Someone wrote in the freight elevator “TSS = This Store Sucks!” As a customer, I loved the store and was devastated when it closed. The record dept was my 2nd address as a teenager. A lot of kids from my school worked there as well, so I would make “rounds” when I was there. Lots of Great Memories from that store.
Chris P says:
February 12, 2015 at 5:07 pm
I remember the TSS in Levittown. My mom used to get my haircut downstairs and she banked at the dime savings bank inside by the grocery store. Now it’s an abandoned Kmart. What a shame.
70's were the best says:
April 22, 2015 at 3:02 pm
I basically lived at the TSS in Oceanside as it was right outside our neighborhood. I must have had 3 bikes stolen from there. The thing I remember most was going there and hanging out at the phones booths on the side and calling party line. We thought we were “bad.” I also remember playing hide and seek in there with the other kids. Hey, does anyone remember Morsans, the camping store in the adjacent shopping center. That place was ” futuristic.”
Anonymous says:
October 17, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Yes. Isn’t that the store that had all those cool tents set up?
December 21, 2015 at 10:19 am
Totally remember morsans, it was in the corner of the shopping center, Jens chinese, stuff n bagels, a bank, the stationary store was there. I went to boardman with garland jen , her parents owned the Chinese takeout. Whenever I think of a phone booth I think of the ones in the front lobby of tss. We lived behind tss, we used to walk there. Those were great days!
May 29, 2016 at 9:43 pm
In winter 1972-73 the names of the toy department managers were Harvey and Clyde supported by the night managers Paul and Roger. Paul moved on to seasonal in Oceanside and I went to East Babylon. Paul and I dated a couple of cute girls who worked in the restaurant. We called the operations Manager Pineapple Jack because of his bright plaid suits. The marketing manager was a no nonsense guy named Bud. Had a good time working in Oceanside. Didn’t like West Babylon because the store was dead compared to Oceanside.
Robert says:
November 13, 2017 at 6:53 am
Hello.Yes, I remember Morsan! My father bought his hunting and fishing gear there. Remember the ramp that went down to the outdoor tent displays? Loved that and TSS! I worked at the Foodtown that was connected to the TSS. Morsan later was a roller rink for a few years.
October 12, 2019 at 12:03 pm
I remember Morsans, Tss, and the roller rink-Top Rollers.Morsans was great.The tents, hunting and fishing gear, general sporting goods, etc.I worked at the Foodtown connected to TSS .Made some good friendships there,.Retailing and the World we once knew, no longer exists…Sad to say!
Anonymous says:
July 11, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Yes. I grew up in Oceanside and I loved playing hide n seek in that tent store. It was a roller rink for awhile and then Gold Coast indoor flea market I believe.
Anonymous says:
April 26, 2022 at 9:33 pm
You are correct
John H says:
August 4, 2020 at 8:25 pm
I grew up in Farmingdale. My parents always made trips to the Levittown TSS. What a fantastic destination. I think ( I could be wrong) that manner of the departments within TSS were leased areas for vendors ( stamps & coins, barber). Great toy and hobby dept.
I eventually got a job (deli dept) in the attached supermarket – BIG MEL’S Foodtown (1976 – 1980)
I was sad to hear these news when TSS CLOSED
Anonymous says:
September 7, 2020 at 3:27 pm
I worked at one of those vendors in Sayville – T-Shirts and various iron on transfers and the like. I think it would have been the early/mid 80’s
February 16, 2015 at 6:31 pm
My daughter worked in the garden shop of tss in 1981, run by Joe Abbolofia. Do you know the name of the shop?
Anonymous says:
February 23, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Many memories of the TSS in Levittown. I remember my dad (RIP) getting his haircut there. I remember getting fish for my tank at the pet store, shopping in the record store and sporting goods in the basement level.
Butch S says:
March 7, 2015 at 7:36 pm
Back in the 60s and part of the 70s everything in our house came from the TSS in Levittown . I can remember being 4 years old and my father and I getting hair cuts at the TSS barber shop .
Rich says:
April 8, 2015 at 4:19 pm
We went to the Levittown one. It had a haircut place and maybe a couple of other side businesses in an un-suburban arcade leading into the store, and the electronics section has one of those tube testers. Way more fun than the Sears outlet across the street.
September 5, 2021 at 5:06 pm
I was a salesperson and then a manager in the Electronics Dept in the Oceanside, Hempstead, Lawrence, west Babylon and finally Levittown stores. Even helped them open the Bronx Bruckner Blvd store. Started in the early 80s to about 1987. Electronics Dept was a concession owned by Eastern Rack Service. Made a lot of friends and mostly liked working there , but left when I saw the writing on the wall with first Caldors and then Kmart.
May 17, 2015 at 2:23 am
anyone know what store was across the street from tss in Levittown years ago it is now the home of walmart supermarket it use to be a waldbaums but before that
Homer says:
October 13, 2015 at 10:12 am
Anonymous says:
April 23, 2018 at 1:05 pm
I remember Henshaws furniture across street
Anonymous says:
August 14, 2018 at 3:09 pm
Me too, my parents bought all their furniture there, 1950. Worked TSS Rockville Centre and started in Levittown before it opened, marking merchandise, setting up, then cashier.
Anonymous says:
March 18, 2019 at 5:02 pm
It was sand salvage
Anonymous says:
December 28, 2015 at 5:15 pm
A plymouth dealer and a gas station. The rest of the lot was tss parking.
Levittowner says:
September 13, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Gas Station was a red and white Phillips 66
Dennis J says:
April 6, 2016 at 5:20 am
I remember a Henshaw which sold furniture
Anonymous says:
June 11, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Henshaws on the corner were friendlys is
May 17, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Grew up in the Levittown store. I used to walk to work (until I bought a Pinto from the manager in electronics) I started as Christmas help left 5 yrs later. Did everything, used Cash registers that didn’t tell you how much change to give, wrapped presents, even the voice of the operator. Fell in love, out of love. Then left to go to College and never looked back, until now. Wow lots of memories.
Anonymous says:
December 1, 2015 at 8:04 am
I know who this is!
March 10, 2016 at 9:43 am
Kathy…did you work in Housewares at the Levittown store? If so, we worked together…yourself and my cousin Tony.
Anonymous says:
April 8, 2016 at 5:52 pm
What years i work in the levittown store in the 70s
Anonymous says:
April 10, 2016 at 5:23 pm
What years
Adam says:
May 30, 2015 at 11:43 am
Worked in the Pet Dept in Oceanside from 1986 till that location closed, then went to levittown location till that one closed. Many good times had as an employee and customer. I remember being able to get anything you needed at TSS. Many of my friends worked there. Even one of the 86 staff was my good friend. Miss the atmosphere of the place
wayne says:
May 30, 2015 at 3:40 pm
I use to go to the one in Elmont in Queens next to Belmont race track. Before it was TSS it was Great Eastern Mills.
June 4, 2015 at 12:16 am
When we lived in East New York (Brooklyn)
The Linden Blvd store was close by our
neighborhood. Nice store EXCEPT the Jewelry Dept. Major RIP-OFF. We needed a re-sizing to our engagement ring. That dept. was a square in the middle of the store with the shoppers on the outside of the square and the workers on the inside of the square. We were in our early 20’s in the early 60’s and foolishly trusting. They looked up in a book the price for this re-sizing. We left the ring with them and they kept on staling before we finally got it back months later. The diamond was swapped. It was an INSIDE JOB. We have the paper work to prove everything. Money is the route of all evil. Our youngest child when he saw TSS pronounced it as a TSS sound, funny…
Anonymous says:
September 28, 2016 at 7:19 pm
I remember that store, too, because my father occasionally shopped there, near his job. He stopped going there when two guys held a gun to his head in the parking lot and threatened to kill him because he only had change in his pocket, not real money–he spent his money in the store. They should have known to rob people on the way into the store.
July 30, 2021 at 7:34 pm
yeah linden was a tough area. but it was one of the better stores in sales
Brian Kennan says:
July 8, 2015 at 12:17 pm
What is happening with the TSS on Hempstead Tpke in Levittown? It has been vacant for many years.
October 3, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Hi the story is that it’s owned by Home Depot either for a move into it from their location in East Meadow or to keep Lowes out. Pressure is being put on them from the village of Levittown to get rid of all the rats there and develop it or sell it.
July 22, 2015 at 9:01 am
I worked at the Middle Village store for a number of years in the mid-1980s while in high school and college. Seasonal, Lawn and Garden and then the Cash Office. Great memories!!
Denise E. says:
July 24, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I worked at TSS in Babylon, Melville, Hempstead and Elmont as Giftware Department Manager
August 16, 2015 at 2:02 pm
August 18, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Bill S was a manager.
August 17, 2015 at 4:56 pm
I worked at the the TSS in Babylon in the mid sixties, at the little shoe booth between candy and jewelry. It was fun to watch the families come in on Friday nite. Some would buy their food and push a wagon around the store til closing. It was fun to work there.
August 19, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Anyone remember Bill Strickland?
He was a manager at the Levittown TSS in the late 60’s.
Anonymous says:
August 31, 2015 at 3:02 pm
Bill S was a manager.
I worked as a cashier while in college.
August 23, 2015 at 8:30 pm
I have fond memories of shopping with my family at the TSS store in Elmont, NY. I remember getting my first Cabbage Patch Kid there. Thank you for the sweet memory of this store.
George says:
August 28, 2015 at 6:23 pm
I worked in the housewares department in the Hempstead store from 1970 to 1973. Got hired for Christmas and stayed for 2 and a half years while I was in college. You parked on the roof. We would go up there and hang out on breaks and lunch or dinner.
Bob Maier says:
October 2, 2015 at 6:54 am
I worked in TSS Oceanside when I was like 16, I sold outdoor patio furniture, lawnmowers, BBQ grills. It was located next to the bicycles, I remember a Chinese guy working selling them. I worked with a friend of mine by the name if Mike Fruchionne, he now has been working for American Airline baggage in JFK for 20 + years. I fondly remember the entire layout of that store. And the roller skating rink in the plaza, the pizza place.
October 3, 2015 at 6:59 pm
in the 1970’s and 80’s I designed and supplied store fixtures for every TSS except Peninsula Blvd. Worked mainly with Trent Melara and Tom Galvin. They were great challenges and lots of fun to do. I remember the annual dress up dinners at a NYC hotel meeting George and his ex-secretary wife, Barbara. They lived on Centre Island and I lived in Bayville. Every morning when I woke up I looked right across Oyster Bay and waved hello George, “thank you for helping me send my children to college. “
January 26, 2018 at 5:13 pm
don’t recall you but I do remember trent. and I was able to attend 2 march of dimes dinners in nyc, which was a great affair. and I even made a pilgrimage to centre island
December 27, 2015 at 10:16 am
I remember the TSS in Hempstead. Miss that place… TD Bank stands where TSS store used to be. And before the bank, it was a video store called Hollywood Video.
January 3, 2016 at 6:48 pm
Hi everyone and Happy New Year,
I remember TSS very fondly, I bought my first Micronauts there and when I was older I bought my first RUSH album there as well. I went to the store that was closest to Sayville; I miss the store very much. Thank you for all the memories! Go Islanders!!!!
CJM says:
January 9, 2016 at 6:22 pm
I worked at the TSS in Sayville on Sunrise Hwy. from August ,1985 to April, 1986 in the stationary dept. Anybody know or heard of Terri Tailor, Terry Nardo, Tori Ingram or Jeff Palermo?
Anonymous says:
March 9, 2016 at 7:39 pm
No but heard about dennis carol passing away nights who are you i worked there too nights in candy with kit lobasso
August 26, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Hi Colleen – It’s Jennifer from Seasonal. I was searching for a photo of our old Sayville store, and tripped across this site.
Of course I remember “the two Terris,” you and Jeff, as well as Johanna. Actually, I’m quite certain you worked until spring of 1987 (I have some very distinct memories of that season, as well as the group of 15 young men Jeff was hired alongside). I still sporadically keep in touch with “Glenn from Lighting” – who seems to keep in touch with blessed everyone (including both Jen and Brenda from switchboard). I could rattle off a dozen or so names of others who worked with us – including the whole staff of Sporting Goods. I’m surprised and touched to read how large the memory of TSS looms in others’ memories – as it still does with me. Thinking back, it really was the quality of the people – and (with a few exceptions) the relationship management had with the floor workers that differentiated TSS from every other job I’ve held since then. Maybe it was the fact that we were a union shop – there’s precious few of those nowadays – which caused them to treat us and the customers reasonably. A store like TSS could never exist again as we knew it… outside of grocery stores, there’s no such thing as retail staff assigned exclusively to one department anymore. If you ever loop back here, please let me know how you’ve been!
mike m says:
January 25, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Tss sayville was a good source for star wars and gi joe action figures. Also had good soft pretzels at snack bar
Anonymous says:
January 30, 2016 at 12:07 am
W Babylon tss best store to shop best pizza miss those days so much
Ben says:
October 19, 2018 at 7:37 pm
.I worked at the West Babylon store first as and was the store mgr there when it closed
Anonymous says:
September 10, 2019 at 7:19 pm
I worked receiving in the Babylon Store 1980 thru 1984
Great people to be aroung
Pam says:
February 23, 2016 at 9:22 am
My dad was the Operations Manager for TSS, Jerry Johansen
January 26, 2018 at 5:14 pm
I know your dad from his days at the Levittown store
Bill says:
March 21, 2016 at 8:43 am
I still have a 13″ Goldstar color TV I bought from TSS on Rt 110 in Melville. I bought it for my room when I lived with my parents. At the time I think my parents thought I was a little pretentious, buying a color TV for myself. It’s also the first TV I had with a remote. I also have a Nikon 35mm camera that I bought around the same time. I still have the receipts for both and both still work. This was in 1983.
June 15, 2016 at 1:15 pm
I worked in their corporate office located on Foster Avenue in Brooklyn, Does anyone keep in touch with Al Hondares?
Does anyone know what happened to Billy Doremus?
May 12, 2020 at 7:42 pm
I was Al,
I also worked in the Foster Avenue corporate office. I was Al Hondares’ secretary.
I remember Billy Doremus. He was buyer of the Gardening Department. Sorry, Billy passed away a few years ago. He was a very nice person.
January 25, 2021 at 9:48 am
i started working foster avenue after a 6 year stint in the stores, in the automotive tires and batteries. i knew al hondares and he was a good guy. he left eventually. what happened to billy doremus???keep seeing he passed away. is this true.???anyway many good (and not so good)memories
Dani says:
May 21, 2016 at 12:56 pm
I thought my brother and I were about the only ones who’d reminisce about our favorite store, TSS. For a long time I hated Home Depot because it replaced my store, the TSS in Elmont. I only had a few years to make any memories here as I was born in 1981 but even in that short time it left an impact that’s remembered to this day. I remember getting toys and candy especially the wax sodas and lips. It was just a happy feeling when we went there. I never realized there were so many of them. I’m glad so many people got to experience the greatness that was TSS and are nice enough to share their experiences. Thanks for this article.
May 25, 2016 at 7:16 pm
Hi everyone!
I worked at TSS in West Babylon in TV/Major Appliances from 1981-1986. They gave us an additional small commission for every item we sold in that department. Made a lot of friends, and have fond memories of the people I worked with. We started a softball team and joined a league. The company wouldn’t sponsor us, so our team name was different. Fun times back them. A 20 hr/week employee would get full medical benefits along with dental and optical, and only a few dollars per week would be deducted from our pay. The company would pay us cash (no check) in $10 increments in those little yellow envelopes, (hoping we’d buy something in the store). The people were nice and some of us still keep in touch.
Jim says:
March 7, 2021 at 6:33 pm
Hi Ed , I remember Lenny was the dept mgr …I was in receiving dept for a few years
I remember you
May 29, 2016 at 9:55 pm
I remained with TSS as an assistant manager from September 1972 to March 1973. I earned $140/week. If the store earned a profit I’d get a bonus. Never saw a bonus. After six months it occurred to me that I was working six days a week a total of 67 hours. Sales clerks were making more than me. Once I figured I was merely an under paid clerk with some authority, I resigned and for a short will tried law enforcement. Within two years I was in California and a year later in graduate school. I gladly confess that whole Oceanside was lots of hard work, we had a blast. At night we would find goodies our friends left for us. We’d go over to the stereo section and bring a unit over to toys and pump up the sounds. We’d all sing at the top of our lungs. Dealing with customers sucked!
Priscilla says:
May 31, 2016 at 6:43 am
Was the present Orlin & Cohen building on Sunrise Hwy in Merrick NY a TSS?
Anonymous says:
October 27, 2020 at 6:05 am
That was in Freeport on Sunrise Hwy
Greg says:
June 8, 2016 at 9:02 am
Worked at TSS in late 70s great memories a lot of laughs worked at the Elmont store can still recall the layout of the store
June 24, 2016 at 7:47 pm
Very cool sharing the memories. I worked at the Sayville store in the mid seventies. First in the giftware dept. then transferred to automotive ( I was a motor head so that was a dream job for me). I remember Tom Grillea asst. man of auto dept. and John Schmidt who managed the marine dept. I drove a 57 Chevy wagon while working there and I used to race one of the shop mechanics in the parking lot at night ! Wish I could remember more names of the people I worked with. Maybe some will respond to this post.
Anonymous says:
June 24, 2017 at 4:57 pm
I worked at the TSS goodyear in hicksville then Elmont TSS shop and the Levittown TSS shop
August 26, 2021 at 5:16 pm
i remember the tss/goodyear store in hicksville. a guy named tony sold tires, but think he was fired for selling tires at “below” prices, before they caught up with him.worked auto tires and batteries in both elmont and levittown.
August 14, 2016 at 10:57 am
Anyone know what happened to Helen Sembroff who was the record dept manager in babylon and melville? Or Michael Brewer from the Melville record dept?
March 27, 2020 at 10:31 am
Sorry no … but did you know Maureen Murphy who worked in Melville stores records dept?
Steve says:
August 20, 2016 at 7:39 pm
Wow!!! Great site. I worked in TSS Sayville store around 1980-84. Great memories. Great people worked there. Coffee shop in the front where everyone took there 15 min break. Pizza and pretzels on the other side. I use to walk to work till I bought a car Haven’t seen most of to people since I left there
RD says:
August 27, 2016 at 4:33 am
My friends and I used to call TSS the “Happy Store” because they always had what you needed PLUS other things you didn’t know you needed–all at a great price.
Rich says:
September 3, 2016 at 10:25 pm
I use to go to the TSS in Oceanside
It was a great store. It had everything from Lionel Trains tropical fish and my best friends first chiropractic office that was set up near the barber shop if I remember correctly. That was about 1976 or so
Living in long beach at the time it was the closest dept store to my home.
Which was a lot better driving to Roosevelt field
Recently here in Florida I came across an old TSS Montauk fixing rod that” was made by fisherman for fisherman” which was their logo
Anonymous says:
September 15, 2016 at 8:53 am
Someone just placed a game show with commercials included to YouTube days ago, and the very first commercial is a very brief TSS ad:
Once I saw the boroughs mentioned it caught my attention! I’m so used to A&S, Woolworth, Odd Job, Job Lot, Mays, etc as a child…
Lou says:
September 21, 2016 at 10:08 am
I have great memories shopping with my family at the Sayville TSS. Mom would shop at Waldbaums and my three brothers and I would run through TSS for a couple of hours. Many firsts at TSS; first hockey stick, first record purchased (VH Fair Warning), first family photo,etc. OMG…great, great memories of TSS in Sayville. I vividly remember the sports section next to the record store. Ironically, two weeks ago, at a garage sale, I was looking through some records and there was a small bag between two lp’s, I pulled it out and it was a TSS Record World bag with receipt attached to the bag. It brought back a flood of great memories. Long Live TSS!
Ron says:
September 23, 2016 at 1:04 am
Made plenty of trips with my fam to the Oceanside location throughout the 70’s. Wasn’t it right across the street from a giant landfill??
I believe I got my first bicycle there in 1972. Sparkly gold banana seat and all! I can still remember the smell of that lobby when you first walked in. Probably similar to what you smell when you walk into a Target store these days….lol.
Speaking of that lobby, as a kid I looooved that wall of vending machines. Funny what you remember, but I was fascinated by the candy machine that had a “pot luck” selection. You took a chance of getting anything in the machine. lol
Dean says:
August 5, 2018 at 5:55 am
Yeah. Wow! I remember the hot chocolate vending machine. I was always amazed how it would spit out the cup and fill it with just the right amount. Do I remember correctly? Was there a coffee shop/diner in that lobby? I was born in 72 so I was only 5 or 6 when we shopped there and my memory is kinda fuzzy.
Anonymous says:
August 2, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Yes! I would never have remembered that without you mentioning it’! I love fun memories!
RD says:
October 5, 2016 at 6:40 am
My friends and I used to call TSS in Hempstead “The Happy Store”. You could go in there for one thing and come out with great stuff you didn’t know you needed –all at a great price.
Jim D....seaford says:
October 6, 2016 at 7:01 pm
Levittown tss has been torn down this week. No info on what is going there. More long island history lost ….jolly Rogers /tss/pergaments/bohacks/Johns bargain store/waldbaums/Copiague drive in/nunleys/etc etc etc….
November 17, 2016 at 8:02 am
Holy Mackerels, TSS! My grandfather used to take me to the location in Hempstead back in the late 70’s early 80’s. I would have been around 4-6 years old! Thank you for this
November 28, 2016 at 1:37 pm
TSs Babylon is now kmart.
November 28, 2016 at 1:40 pm
The grocery department used to sell krasdale if it waz leased by c town.
February 22, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Sara says:
March 12, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Does anyone else remember there being a bakery there?
Anonymous says:
March 18, 2017 at 3:55 am
wow I worked for tss from my 17 birthday till 27 part time they appreciated me in my education for better things I respected what I was given 1.85 an hour min wage was a wow today but I worked with a lot of great people mom got me in 1978 wow in the Elmont store now home depo was great eastern George Genovese and a hot dude gay a flower my bosses Eileen I met her later in Caldors so hot she always loved my mom wonderful girl she looked at me at 38
Dan D says:
March 23, 2017 at 4:56 pm
I was fortunate to work with TSS part time from 17 in high school till graduating from podiatry school. Over 10 years I was with TSS. I started in Elmont, Mom got me in was allowed then 1978, transferred to Sayville while in college , tried to come back to Elmont but nepotism did not allow me back so worked in Hempstead for a few years till finishing in Elmont, policies changed again. I worked in so many departments….Store Managers ,white flowers we called them such as George Genovese, Ilene Ruggerio, Victor Vondyke, sorry about the spellings but it is years. So many interesting people…..Still dream about this place mostly Elmont cause it was cool to have mom working somewhere in the same store and you could visit her…..Peace to all and good wishes
June 15, 2017 at 9:12 am
Remember TSS on Linden Blvd in Brooklyn where I got a great GI Joe Air Force doll!!! Walked there from Howard Beach on the Queens side.
July 11, 2017 at 8:22 pm
I grew up in west Babylon and loved going to the TSS. I’d go with my dad and he was always good for a G.I. Joe or two on every trip. This store brings back great memories. On Saturdays, My friends and I would ride our bikes to TSS and the Caldor across the street to check out the Toys and Sports equipment. I still have a speed tracker baseball I got at Caldor.
Former employee says:
July 21, 2017 at 12:37 pm
I worked with Al Hondares at the Foster Avenue location. Nice guy Billy Doremus (Seedman’s stepson) I believe passed away a couple of years ago. Also a very nice person.
January 26, 2018 at 5:22 pm
billy doremus passed away. oh wow thats too bad. I worked with him as well as dave Levine, simon eichel, nat brandoff, bill lentz, vinny bivona and so many others.
Rather not say. says:
May 12, 2020 at 7:48 pm
Hey, I also worked with Al Hondares and Marge Roncone.
July 30, 2021 at 7:08 pm
i remember marge roncone. the girls in inventory control hated nat brandoff and marge roncone was the go between. still trying to confirm billy doremus’passing. al hondares was a nice guy, at least to me. he was part of the tandem with campo.
August 23, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Aaww TSS! really fond memories for me! I’ll explain why. My dad, as a teen back in the 30’s, worked at TSS Seadmans (George Seedman was the founder), on Linden Blvd in Queens. My dad was a “porter” and they called him “the broom.” As a result of extremely poor working conditions and disrespect, after returning from WW11, he acquired a charter and organized and started local 169 retail clerks and was voted back in each year as president. He represented all the TSS employees in all 12 stores in N.Y, until he passed at the age of 50, in 1973. Of course I also worked there at age 16 (children’s clothing) and where I met my Tom
Frank says:
October 2, 2017 at 11:09 am
Once in the mid-70s my family was there and my younger brother Michael wandered away from us. Just as were noticing this, we heard an announcement over the PA system that there was a little lost boy named Michael in the jewelry department, would his parents please come by and pick him up. Simpler times.
Jim P. says:
October 24, 2017 at 2:03 am
Great read! Ah the memories of cutting school and hanging in my stomping grounds! As I recall, in my hazy memory, the TSS now appears to be a Big K-mart on Montauk Highway. A&S, right across the street, now appears to be National Wholesale Liquidators. The record store asked about here, I believe, was my favorite of all “Looney Tunes” on Brookvale…. but via 2015 maps it appears to be in the exact same place! Go Looney Tunes! The TD bank in the parking lot on the A&S side was a Jack In The Box, (vintage greasy tacos) and Payless to the right to be a Wendy’s, I remember when it opened, 1st Wendy’s in the area. “Hot and Juicy!” I left NY Dec of 81 to date this recall.
October 29, 2017 at 11:54 pm
Of course I remember the TSS store in Hempstead (not Elmont – as some have mentioned). I even remember the Pathmark next to it.
Fun time. I remember being mesmerized by video “Pong” at the store when the game debuted. There was a crowd around the television. Absolutely revolutionary.
Anyone remember the greasy pizza by the slice in the “Food Court?”
Anonymous says:
July 24, 2021 at 8:31 am
But there was one in Elmont as well as Hempstead
Lois says:
January 16, 2018 at 3:49 pm
We lived in bethpage and went to tss in levittown all the time,as well as mays and jans(icecream parlor. Remember the kitchen sink?). They used a sugar cube soaked in alcohol as a candle. What great places. Mays is now a unique thrift store, part of it,and u can still see the word mays on the floors. Before unique it was tri vounty flea market.
Peggy says:
February 6, 2018 at 8:24 pm
I worked at the TSS Mall in Melville back in the 70’s for a few years and had a ball! Great employees, hard working and really dedicated. Loved it when they switched you around to work in different departments – housewares, lighting, auto. The best was working in the boutique or if you were really lucky you got to work at the candy counter where you got to actually roast these humongous cashews in a vat of oil. They were to die for and you could smell them as soon as you walked Into the store. One time there was a blizzard and I made it in (basically so I could hang out with my friends at work) and I covered the switchboard and made the PA announcements that day as they were short staffed. I remember getting paid in cash. Good times and great memories.
March 27, 2020 at 10:29 am
I worked in the sporting goods department at the Melville store from 77 to 79. My favorite job ever in spite of the fact I was making only $2.30 an hour. Plenty of good people, made lots of friends. Some parties on weekends too! Sadly I did not stay in touch with them over the years. No shortage of pretty girls working there either !! Is that you Peggy…. I worked next door to you…wish we could post pictures here.
April 26, 2018 at 1:11 am
Crazy man, I found this site because I was looking for info on LI bands that I loved, one link leads to another, so many great memories!
I remember going to TSS in Sayville all the time as a kids, they had everything. Sports ueqpmpent, music, even a pet shop.
That is my first memory of the place, going to the pet shop with gramps and buing a chamelon. Damn thing up and died a few weeks later though.
My last memory is going there after getting paid and buying the first Heartless Wager album, it was one of the only places you could get it.
Remember the pretzels? Man – you can’t find that anymore.
May 2, 2018 at 10:42 am
I worked at TSS Levittown in 1962 when I was about 14 YRS OLD selling pretzels, popcorn and caramel corn outside in the vestibule. Also loaded groceries from the conveyor belt to the car for nickels, dimes and sometimes a quarter.
andrew says:
June 16, 2018 at 10:03 am
i heard k mart is closing the babylon store and the levitown is now home depot which moved from the old modells in east meadow.
Anonymous says:
October 10, 2019 at 7:01 am
The Levittown was torn down and replaced with a new store for home depot.
Anonymous says:
July 8, 2018 at 6:31 pm
Got my first pet (a gold fish) at the TSS store in Hempstead NY in 1986. There is a pep boys, staples, home goods, harbor freight and a TD bank there now.
Ron Huther says:
July 8, 2018 at 8:21 pm
I remember TSS in Sayville. Great store. They took over the building from White’s. I think the were also called White-Modell. White’s opened when Sunrise Highway was a two lane road in Sayville. They basically knocked out Billy Blake’s. Back in those days Billy Blake’s was the only deprtment store nearby. This was before the Sun Vet Mall opened. I think all we had nearby was the WT Grant store in Oakdale.
July 16, 2018 at 7:25 am
Before it was tss the dayville store was whites. Anyone remember whites.
July 31, 2018 at 10:50 am
tss and modells had problems with consessionares when they had lease problems.
August 17, 2018 at 4:59 am
I worked at the Oceanside store as a giftware salesman in 1969. Mr. Sid was the boss over giftware and flowers. He used to drench his hands with Lysol. There was a young Greek woman in flowers who I enjoyed annoying. Robert Vaughan, from my favorite TV show (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) was stumping for a politician in front of the store one time. That was a thrill for me. Good times.
December 12, 2018 at 6:46 pm
I remember Billy Blake on the corner of Sunrise and Broadway. Then they closed and became White’s. Eventually White’s closed and it became a flea market. Now it’s a Target.
Anonymous says:
January 18, 2019 at 5:32 pm
TSS in Babylon was a bus ride from my house. Spent a lot of time in Record World
Rob says:
January 27, 2019 at 5:08 pm
My grandfather Emanuel( Manny) Rosenthal and his brother Albert Rosenthal were George Seedmans first cousins. They worked for TSS for their entire careers. I remember when my uncle Albert would come visit us we were kids between 5 and 11 years old in range, mid 60’s when TSS was the Walmart of it’s time , he would bring all kinds if toys from the store. Was very cool.
Went to a big party once ,4th of july at George Seednans house I was very young a vague memory.
JanJan says:
March 26, 2019 at 7:03 pm
i used to work at the TSS in Hempstead 1972 in the Recird stire and met my fiancee there in at the coffee shop counter , he was also was an asst manager of houseware dept ,,
Thank you for the posts all :]
May 19, 2019 at 5:30 pm
I worked at TSS in Levittown from 1977 to 1981. I was known as the “candy girl” but also worked as a cashier in the auto dept. Richard V. I remember you. I also wound up working in the office upstairs counting money with Kim the Korean woman. A lot of romances began in the Levittown store which resulted in a few weddings I attended. I remember cooking the cashews in oil. Selling jelly rings and “chocolate bark”. I loved working there. Had a lot of fun and made many friends.
May 20, 2019 at 8:20 am
I worked at the TSS in Levittown. I worked as a cashier mostly in the automotive department and candy department. I remember Cooking the raw cashews and selling chocolate “bark”, jelly rings, rock candy, and fudge. Later on I worked in the money room, counting money with a Asian woman named Kim. I loved working there! A lot of marriages came from couples meeting at TSS
September 7, 2019 at 10:24 pm
What years were you there? I was a cashier at the Levittown TSS from 1967-1970. Did you know Bill Strickland? He was a manager in the paint Dep’t.
JR says:
March 5, 2021 at 2:09 am
Wasn’t there a tire salesman there named John Catania?
June 7, 2019 at 7:24 am
Never worked at TSS but i do remember painting the windows as a child at the TSS STORE IN oCEANSIDE.
June 14, 2019 at 7:05 am
Went to the TSS in Levittown back in 1980. I remember one time asking my grandfather to buy me Queen’s album The Game, and he did. I was there a few times, but that always stuck in my head for some reason.
John says:
July 5, 2019 at 3:14 pm
Before TSS the whole lot was a cornfield.
Chris says:
August 14, 2019 at 3:02 pm
I think there was a TSS in Melville
September 2, 2019 at 10:10 pm
I worked as a cashier at the TSS in Levittown 1967 -1969. I’m trying to find Bill Strickland who was the manager in the paint/plumbing Dep’t.
Chet Campbell says:
August 30, 2019 at 1:57 am
I remember TSS well as a little kid, for some reason I can remember a lot about it from what it looked like inside and out and the things we bought there as a kid (fishing rod and reel, Texaco tanker truck, “Bryan Trottier” “jet flow” hockey stick and Mylec orange pick etc. The one we went to was in Hempstead, it was a big, busy intersection with a bunch of little turning lanes. This TSS I think had an optional underground parking garage that had a spiral driveway go access it.
That was over 40 years ago and somehow I still remember this stuff lol
Jeff says:
September 1, 2019 at 12:37 am
The Smell of popcorn when you first walked in! Loved the Levittown store.
September 1, 2019 at 2:37 pm
I worked as a cashier in the Levittown TSS in the late 60’s. Does anyone know what happened to Bill Strickland? He was a manager in his late 20’s at the time.
July 3, 2022 at 8:19 am
is this Barbara from the Linens Dept? with Mrs B? i was in Hempstead Linens Jack ifso get in touch…
October 21, 2019 at 6:12 pm
I worked as a cashier in the Levittown TSS in the late 60,s. Anyone know what happened to Bill Strickland? He was a manager in the Paint and Automotive dept.
November 9, 2019 at 11:01 am
I definitely remember record world and going with my mom to shop at TSS. I went to school with someone whose father was an optometrist and put in a lot of the eyeglass concession kiosks at the TSS stores, and he hired my dad to build many of them. One time I went in with my dad for the day, which location escapes me but it was west of where we lived in Selden so maybe it was Islip or somewhere, perhaps Bayshore or Babylon, but I roamed the store the entire day mostly hanging out in the record department, and that was the day I brought home my prized copy of the Styx album The Grand Illusion which I still own to this day. So this had to be late 77 or thereabouts. Those were great days.
Anonymous says:
February 20, 2020 at 5:17 pm
Was it the store on Sunrise Highway? With a Pathmark and an Italian restaurant called Pompeii Trattoria?
Karine says:
December 6, 2020 at 6:43 pm
I got my glasses there too.. Stores today like Costco are just descendents of stores such as TSS…
November 18, 2019 at 10:25 pm
I was a manager back in the late 60’s at the Levittown store. Hade some good times with some of the cashiers there.
Kim C says:
December 29, 2019 at 12:20 am
Oh…but that August day…NOBODY was roller/baby or birdsitting…why? Because we were ALL on line at Record World inside TSS on LI…ah but wait! There’s more…if you were a proud card carrier of the “Club” you got first dibs!!
I just HAD to get that Michael Jackson Off The Wall album! It folded out to TWO FEET! And he’s in a TUX!! And those SOX!! Oh My GOODNESS!
Thought I’d lost it forever, but my dad salvaged it from Hurricane Sandy and got it here to me in GA 40ish years later!What a Gift!
January 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm
We used to get our haircuts in the Levittown store while my mother was food shopping in the supermarket at the other end of the store. Don’t remember the name of the supermarket though. Spent my allowance money in the toy department downstairs and later bought so much music in Record World.
Anonymous says:
February 17, 2020 at 5:28 am
Don Greening says:
June 4, 2020 at 10:03 am
I think it was Pathmark—I worked at Foodtown in East Meadow.
Rob says:
January 12, 2020 at 2:03 pm
I went to the TSS in Middle Village (Queens) off Metropolitan Ave. many times when I was very little. I have some nice memories of it. You drove up a ramp (the parking if I recall was on top of the building!). Once you entered that entrance, you went down a long, steep elevator. Once on the ground floor, there was a cafeteria to the side and then all of the shops. Me and my sister had our pictures taken in the photo studio there in late 1983; my father bought albums in their record shop as well. I moved to NJ in 1985, but I went to the TSS Middle Village store many times between about 1977-84.
Chris says:
March 6, 2020 at 7:44 pm
I also spent much of my childhood at the TSS in Middle Village. The ramp up then the long escalator down was a trip. I remember the store being huge. Even had a first date with some one in TSS in 7th grade in 1985. What memories!
January 28, 2020 at 10:53 am
OMG! The feeling of nostalgia that just washed over me. I thought about TSS and decided to google it. This site came up. As I read it, tears came to my eyes as I began to remember fond memories of a life so simple and pleasant. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Mark says:
March 1, 2020 at 10:51 pm
I probably left this message a years ago and foregot or didn’t know how to check website I’m mark the stock boy/salesperson who are you
Anonymous says:
March 2, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Keith says:
March 7, 2020 at 3:18 pm
They just closed the K-Mart last month, which was the same building TSS once operated in Bohemia/Sayville. This is the one off of Sunrise Hwy. I think K-Mart was open for close to 30 years. Unfortunately there’s not much open down there these days. 80% of all the stores have closed.
Georgette Kostopoulos says:
March 10, 2020 at 12:42 pm
I bought my LPs at the TSS in Oceanside, Long Island way back in the 70s. I found $100.00 in the store, no one could claim it with no proof so I used it ! LOL
PD says:
March 11, 2020 at 9:09 am
TSS sayville! As a kid I remember rows filled with baseball rack packs and Star Wars figures . Met Tim Foli of the Mets there and Jets Quarterback Richard Todd. Also remember they had the “ cast of Star Wars “ make an appearance. Darth Vader, Chewbacca and others, hundreds of people it seemed. Then Princess Leia came out and everyone booed her because she was not Carrie Fisher. Great place to go to as a kid!
April 12, 2020 at 9:26 pm
No one seems to remember the very beginnings of Time Square Stores. My dad worked for George Seedman’s dad, “Pop” Seedman, in their initial store on Atlantic Ave in Bklyn in 1930. He worked for TSS until the mid 70s and worked in TSS stores on Scholes St Bklyn, New Hyde Park, and Foster Ave. He often mentioned Seedman’s secretary, Miss Titus, a kind woman, who devoted her life to TSS and was there around the time my dad started working there at 16 yrs old. Surprised no one mentioned her or “Pop” Seedman.
July 30, 2021 at 7:13 pm
i’m not sure if i ever spoke to miss titus. she worked upstairs in accounts payable. very old and dignified. dont remember her being mean or anything.
April 16, 2020 at 11:02 am
Hello All, I’m a retired NYPD member and private investigator. I’m looking for any former TSS employees and trying to find out if TSS ever sold floor tile. Is part of a civil case and I would appreciate any help here. Thanks
April 16, 2020 at 11:05 am
April 23, 2020 at 1:29 pm
I had worked at TSS from 1974-1975 as Asst gift dept manager at
Levitown, Babylon and Hempstead stores. When we had to work
iron days (open to close) at Babylon we went to the Driftwood
bar across the street. Many good memories with a great group of coworkers.
April 25, 2020 at 7:13 am
Can anyone who worked TSS in Elmont 1970-80’s please contact me.
TJ says:
May 5, 2020 at 12:22 pm
I was an asst. mgr. at a TSS Record Store….great , simpler times.
May 14, 2020 at 10:33 am
worked at Elmont store as paint mgr.
June 4, 2020 at 11:04 am
Levittown: 1986 – 1987 – Concession stand…One of the best jobs I have ever had…17 years old-Pete the co-owner (with his sister I believe) allowed me to eat whatever I wanted (poor guy lost his shirt with my appetite)…Worked with his two daughters (Christine…and…LOL..Other daughters name escapes me)…Kid by the name of Jeff and a much older woman named Alice (who must have been about 20 at the time…lmao)…Great times.
July 17, 2020 at 3:29 pm
Loved the hempsted store there was this long esculater and upstairs was a hot dog stand they had drinks and pretzels miss it so much
July 26, 2020 at 12:42 pm
There was a store in Hempstead – on Long Island – with rooftop parking. That roof leaked during the winter due to traffic vibration and ice melting. Right into the “major appliance/television department” stock room… 1979 – 1983 term as department manager. Unique management staff that was willing to play old-fashion street hockey on Sunday afternoons.
December 12, 2020 at 7:36 am
I worked at the Hempstead store between 1974-1978 in various departments. I was 17 years old. My favorite department was Toys. Especially around Christmas time. I loved the hustle and bustle that surrounded that department. It was a real adrenaline rush keeping up with the demand of the season. I’ll never forget my time there.
Anonymous says:
August 17, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Anyone remember Marge Roncone, and Al Hondares from the Foster Avenue executive offices?
Anonymous says:
August 17, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Would love to see comments from anyone who worked at the Foster Avenue executive offices.
August 22, 2020 at 11:11 pm
Hi ! I’m Sharon and I worked in the TSS in Levittown from 1979-1987.
I started out as a cashier. They moved us around to different departments, but I was usually in Automotive and Sporting goods.
I covered sometimes in the Candy department. I remember you Rich V. And Pat K. Met a lot of great people there. Still have contact with some after all these years.
Sharon says:
August 26, 2020 at 9:39 pm
I worked at the TSS Levittown store from 1979-1986. I started out as a cashier. Worked automotive and sporting goods mostly. I remember you Rich V. And Pat K. Then I was moved upstairs to the cash office to work with Kim. Had a great time working there. Met a lot of good people. Still keep in touch with some of them after all these years.
Debby says:
October 1, 2020 at 5:35 pm
We used to shop at TSS in Middle Island. I miss it!
October 11, 2020 at 10:59 am
Trying to reach children (Pam, Deb, Steven) of Jerry Johansen who was TSS operations Mgr. In the 70s. We got lots of family pics of your mom, Josephine, with whom my family, especially my Aunt Helen, were very close.
Ed Miller says:
October 12, 2020 at 2:20 am
I remember that when you walked into Morsan’s, you could literally smell the tents, canvas and later, the “new'” nylon tents, which had floors, too. We were so excited when Dad decided to invest in a family-size “umbrella” tent. With a family of six, we all had to sleep in curled up positions, when it was raining. Otherwise, my brother and I slept in the old canvas tent with a trench around it. If you were lucky when you went to Morsan, your parents might let you look at the collection of pocket knives…and some years even your old one. Those knives would occasionally result in pinched or bloody fingers when you tried to close them. I just remember, our family “graduated” from a hatchet to an axe on one visit.
Ron Solan says:
November 15, 2020 at 6:09 am
I bought my aurora electric race car supplies downstairs @TSS along with creepy crawler Goop! Lived my wonder years in FDALE. Have both sets, born in ’55! – rs
AP Foster Ave says:
December 7, 2020 at 7:18 pm
I am so glad that someone mentioned Miss Maggie Titus. She was a force, so dedicated to TSS. I worked for her for 17 years. It was so sad when the company was sold and she finally retired. She had to be in her late eighties. I would exchange Christmas cards with her and she sent me a lovely gift when my son was born.
Sal says:
January 7, 2021 at 5:22 pm
I live in Bohemia, my TSS was on Sunrise Hwy. in Sayville, I worked there in the toy dept the 1st yr it opened, in 1974 they laid me off at closing Christmas Eve., the next summer I got rehired full time in seasonal for the summer of ‘75.
R says:
January 15, 2021 at 2:23 pm
We used to shop at the Babylon NY location on Merrick Rd. Which believe is the one pictured above.
February 19, 2021 at 6:35 pm
When I was a kid, we used to visit the TSS in Brooklyn, I think, on Linden Boulevard. It had pretty much everything including a big record section, where all kinds of records could be bought for around 79c a piece. I specifically remember the PA announcements in the store, advertising sales on the second floor, and strangely, “on the Street Floor Level.” They always used that phrase instead of “the first floor.” Still remember that from the mid 60s!
I discovered this site looking for anything I could find about the store, but there’s really not much on the web. Very disappointing.
February 28, 2021 at 11:35 am
There was a tss located in Hempstead. It was my first store that I when when I came to this country. It’s was very nice.
March 4, 2021 at 3:03 pm
Oceanside tss, my friend and i walked tgere just about every Sat. 1967, 68. I believe. Ldelish pizza, record store great. Believe the grocery part was their own until Foodtown took over. Remember the conveyor belt? Good memories…
March 15, 2021 at 11:05 am
March 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm
I grew up in West Hempstead and it was always a thrill when my dad said he was going to TSS. We drove to the top parking lot in Hempstead and I remember as a kid being baffled about the way the cart didn’t just roll down the flat moving ramp. Once we got to the bottom, I asked if I could go to the toy section. I was a little girl and took off on my own, not a care in the world. My parents would get their shopping done and then come get me. I always got one toy to take home with me. Best toy dept ever! Don’t remember much else. And no pervert ever tried to lure me away. Ah, the innocence of the 70s.
S says:
March 31, 2021 at 7:15 am
Funny finding this site , I worked in sayville during college in toys , was a great work experience . I pretty much grew up with tss as my father Jack Brodbar was out of foster avenue and had automotive . Many times as kids we got to go into stores pre opening as he showed us around and his displays and merchandising . Even went to mr seedmans for a party .
Carol Katz says:
April 30, 2021 at 9:10 am
I worked at the Oceanside store from its opening until about 1971. I started as a cashier on the evening shift and eventually wound up as the nighttime head cashier up in the office. (I think they put me in the office to keep me from fighting with the customers.)
Kemba says:
May 14, 2021 at 10:48 am
There was a TSS on White Plans Rd and Story Ave in the Bronx in the 80″ s. I would walk there I think I got my ears done there.
December 30, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Wow! didn’t know that. My wife of 44 years lived on 219th and White plains, surprised I missed that! Thx
Lafl says:
July 25, 2021 at 4:19 am
I need info on a Huntington Village headshop that was on Main st. When you walked in there was a large class cabinet full of paraphernalia . The name is driving me nuts. They had clothes in the loft upstairs.
Laurie says:
September 2, 2021 at 12:40 pm
I worked for Corporate Personnel. First on Foster Ave in Brooklyn, then upstairs at the Rockaway Blvd. Store in Lawrence. Great memories. I worked for Sol Salzman and Ruth Gordon. I knew George Seedman and Miss Titus and all the top guns. Really wonderful people. Had many of them at my wedding. Got a beautiful set of China from Corporate..
Jahlaune says:
September 11, 2021 at 8:25 pm
Neil says:
October 4, 2021 at 7:54 pm
From 76-80 I worked in the auto department in the Oceanside store while in college. Have some fond memories of the job and people I met.
Joe W says:
October 15, 2021 at 5:12 pm
They had a big candy area when you walked inside the door – with different candies in different glass jars for you to order by the pound. Also they sold pizza by the slice just inside the front door. Pet shop inside where we’d check out the pets. Got my hair cut at the barber shop inside TSS. And of course the toy section. This store was like it’s own mall.
Vanessa says:
November 19, 2021 at 7:17 pm
WOW! I am a 70s child and the TSS Store in Hempstead, NY was EVERYTHING!!! My Mom took me and my sister there to buy clothing, slips to wear under dresses (remember those ?) toys, records, housewares AND the BEST chocolate covered peanuts EVER! The rooftop parking and escalators made our day. Simple times and simple fun! I MISS TSS!!!
Bobby says:
November 26, 2021 at 4:05 pm
I worked here in like 1986… I was in high school. I sold seasonal things like lawn mowers & BBQ grills. Loved the candy counter. I was in the Oceanside store.
CAM2 says:
December 3, 2021 at 2:01 pm
I remember when Joe Namath came to TSS in West Babylon but cant remember if it was in 1978 or 1979. There was a raffle held in the back in the Automotive/Electronics section and 10 names were picked randomly to play a Telstar game against him. I was one of the fortunate ones to have my name picked at 8 / 9 yrs old. Even though he beat me badly I was still a winner being picked via raffle and was still given a chance to pick a free jersey so in revenge I picked a Chicago Bears jersey as my prize……LOL
December 30, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Yess! I’ve searched all over (or where I thought to look) to find anyone who remembered this store. It’s sad, however, that only this picture and the comments is all we can find, but oh well!. I was a product of the foster care system back then during the 60’s and part of the 70’s and we lived with this middle class family in Bed Sty Brooklyn. Our Mom and Dad would take us to this store periodically on the weekends and visit some of their close friends in Queens and during the summer months when school was out. Although it was a discount store, there was never a discount good enough for my foster Dad. He was so tight with his $$, he squeaked when he walked. We had to rely on Mom for what generosity she would render. But I really liked the hotdogs they had at their food canteen section along with a cold Coke in their wax cups. One day when we were shopping there, my sister found a 5 spot on the floor which was Kings ransom back then. Boy! did we celebrate! But after I left home at 16 and later joined the Army in ’77 I lost all knowledge of the place and just assumed it was gone. I didn’t know it lasted until the late 80’s. So sad. Walmart truly killed alot of American iconic establishments. But thanks for posting I will save this post for what little it’s worth!
Susan says:
January 17, 2022 at 12:06 pm
I have a great memory of the TSS located in Levittown. Possibly around 1975 of 76, the girls in my group went to see Dale Earnhardt and some of his pit crew. He had parked his 40ft RV Motorhome that was all decked out with pictures of him and his race cars on the sides of the RV right in front of TSS. Us girls thought he was so cute, and Dale and his crew started flirting with us. We were young and innocent at the time. He gave us all signed autographs, and we even got to take pictures of him and his crew with my Kodak Pocket Instamatic Camera (which I probably still have somewhere). But ultimately, I was the luckiest because I also got a signed autograph baseball cap. I’m pretty sure somewhere I still have those trinkets of the good ole days.
Anonymous says:
January 23, 2022 at 3:48 pm
My father was a merchandise manager at the Levittown TSS in the early’70’s. I also worked there from 1973-74 as the inventory control clerk in the lighting department.
January 27, 2022 at 7:55 pm
I was a TSS kid model in the 70s!!!! My brother’s dad was a manager at one Harold Stewart.
Rich says:
March 8, 2022 at 7:50 pm
I loved the potato knishes from the snack bar in the TSS lobby.
March 9, 2022 at 8:06 pm
Any idea of the name of the department store very close to Billy Blake’s in Patchogue, NY in the late 60’s-70’s? As a child, I used to shop at both with my grandmother but xanmot for the life of me recall it’s name.
March 22, 2022 at 1:15 pm
There used to be a sports collectible and nostalgia store run by Mark Lewis 1980’s who also wrote the card price guide..what was the name of the store
April 4, 2022 at 9:59 am
I remember TSS had a barber shop, a candy section, a large pets section
Frank says:
May 5, 2022 at 6:51 pm
worked in Elmont and Middle Village stores managing the paint dept.
May 12, 2022 at 6:31 am
My mom and i went to the Levittown store on opening day. We were able to buy a suede gray jacket for a dollar. Used if for years and still have it in 2022. i worked in the supermarket from 1968-1970 for three years. Alot of my friends worked their also. Alot for great memories. We went to DOMINICOS PIZZA every night after work.. We were some of his first customers. i still go there anytime i am in the area. Great Pizza and a great family owned business.
Carol says:
July 1, 2022 at 10:31 am
I worked at the Oceanside store nights and weekends from its opening in 1967 until about 1971. I started as a cashier and was “promoted” to assistant head cashier (although I always thought they put me up in the office to keep me from fighting with the customers). Met some great people, some of whom are still my friends.
August 9, 2022 at 7:12 am
During my childhood I used to ride my bike to the Oceanside store and my favourite department was that photography one that was just of the left side after I entered the store. I used to get chemicals to develop film in black and white and colour and I also got the colour print paper for my enlarger. I remember loading the plastic film container while in a closet I make completely dark and down in the basement with a red light to develop the prints. Other favourite departments were where they had the transistor radios and other electronics and the record department.
I also have fond memories of the Oceanside Nathans and all the food stalls in that place.
Dave says:
August 28, 2022 at 8:30 am
My mom liked shopping at the TSS in Levittown, so I was with her there a lot in the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, I lived in Elmont for a few months, so I often shopped at the TSS on Hempstead Turnpike. There was a supermarket in the same shopping center, making it convenient for all my shopping.
Ken says:
September 1, 2022 at 9:35 am
I remember as a kid my father taking me to the Levittown store in the early 70’s to buy me my first basketball – it was a Voit and came in a box with Wilis Reed of the Knicks on it.
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Luke Skywalker was a legendary Jedi Master who fought in the Galactic Civil War during the reign of the Galactic Empire. Along with his companions, Princess Leia Organa and General Han Solo, Skywalker served on the side of the Alliance to Restore the Republic—an organization committed to the downfall of the Galactic Empire and the restoration of democracy. Following the war, Skywalker became a living legend, and was remembered as one of the greatest Jedi in galactic history.
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The son of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Senator Padmé Amidala, Luke Skywalker was born along with his twin sister, Leia. As a result of Amidala's death and Anakin's fall to the dark side of the Force, the Skywalker children were separated and sent into hiding, with Leia adopted by the royal family of Alderaan while Luke was raised by his relatives on Tatooine. Longing for a life of adventure and purpose, Skywalker joined the Rebellion and began learning the ways of the Force under the guidance of Jedi Master Ben Kenobi, whose first apprentice was Luke's own father.
During the Battle of Yavin, Skywalker saved the Alliance from annihilation by destroying the Empire's planet-killing superweapon, the Death Star. He continued his training in the years that followed, determined to become a Jedi Knight like his father before him, and found a new mentor in Grand Master Yoda. After his master's death, Skywalker participated in the Battle of Endor, during which he confronted the Sith Lord Darth Vader, whom he learned was in fact his father, Anakin Skywalker. With Luke's help, Anakin returned to the light side of the Force by killing Galactic Emperor Darth Sidious at the cost of his own life, fulfilling his destiny as the Chosen One.
With the Sith's destruction and the subsequent capitulation of the Empire, Luke Skywalker traveled across the galaxy, searching for knowledge that would aid him in rebuilding the Jedi Order. One of his apprentices was his sister's son, Ben Solo, who inherited the Skywalker bloodline's raw strength and potential for limitless power. The loss of his nephew, who fell to the dark side like Vader had before him, haunted Skywalker for the rest of his life. In addition, the destruction of his nascent Order convinced him that the time had come for the Jedi to end. He therefore sought exile on the distant world of Ahch-To, having elected to live out his remaining days as a hermit despite the galaxy's pleas for help during the rise of the First Order. His solitude was interrupted shortly after the fall of the New Republic, resulting in a chain of events that led Skywalker to play one last, momentous role in the conflict between light and darkness. Although he passed away into the Force, his legend would spread throughout the galaxy, rekindling a spark of hope in the enemies of the First Order. Before his death, Skywalker declared that the Jedi Order would not die with him, having trained a final apprentice: the Jakku scavenger known as Rey.
Skywalker's spirit communed with Rey during the final days of the war. The Jedi apprentice had exiled herself to Ahch-To, following in Skywalker's example. However, Skywalker urged Rey to confront her grandfather, the resurrected Darth Sidious. Believing he had been wrong, Skywalker told Rey that a Jedi's destiny was to confront fear. Following the Emperor's destruction, the spirits of Skywalker and his sister were watching over Rey when she took their family name as her own.
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We have a community garden not far from our school. Every spring we plant vegetables in our two plots. During the summer and fall we are watering and weeding. Once school begins in Septem ber, the classes come back and harvest what we have grown. The food is then donated to the Land O’ Lakes Food Pantry. It is a great learning experience for our 4K-5 grade students to learn about giving back to the community as well as working with a team!
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Regarding critical thinking, it is especially important when it comes to politics, as it works as a tool to review political parties or politicians. However, is there an objective way to describe politicians? Is there a correct way to evaluate them? As with it often is, people do not bother to verify or evaluate the information they get regarding many matters, and they usually do not even try to rationally assess something, as humans are more often driven by emotion, which plays into the hands of populists, for example, who use this to their advantage.
However, there is a distinction between general information and politics, as both represent different areas of information and even thinking. In a democracy, the art of compromise is integral; a diverse society needs it to maintain a semblance of coherence amidst various divergent interests. When there is a lack of compromise and consensus, democracies run the risk of political tribalization akin to what is currently seen in the US and certain European countries.
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Sorry everyone! Yesterday got away from me as I was busy working on the new Kuhn Construction website (who knew I was going into website design?) and helping with my kids (it is so nice to HELP with my own kids sometimes!). Then C and I had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory with his family to celebrate his parent's 38th wedding anniversary. 38 years is just so awesome. My parents are getting close to that too. I love that we have such strong marriages as our prime example in our lives. Such a blessing.
So anyway! I have left my favorite Valentine gift to show you and I still don't have the photos downloaded. And the funny part is that no one but me will even be all that impressed! I will try to get it up tonight just in case you are dying to see just one more project.
Right now I want to show you the funniest photo series ever to start your Saturday off right!
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Day Five.
Posted on January 30, 2009 by jodie
Today I have saved my two favorite craft projects!
I will be posting them in two parts b/c I am at my parent's today working on their new website and left my camera adapter at home… and since the finished photos for one of the crafts are still on my camera that is a problem. So check back later!
The first is this little tree. A Valentine's Tree!
All I did was go outside and cut off some branches from a tree. We laid newspaper on our table and I let the girls help me paint the branches white. Once they were dry we painted on Glitter Modge Podge just to add a little sparkle (totally not needed if you don't have Modge Podge easily available).
The girls loved painting the branches and we did it over two days so the craft project lasted… I try to stretch our crafts out as much as possible!
Then I just used Elmer's Glue and glued on some confetti hearts I bought at Walmart (I can't find a link but any hearts will work, even ones you cut out yourself!).
Really, this was SO easy!!! And it looks SO cute as a decoration this year!
I put it here in the dining room (office) and then I tried it here…
In our front hallway, which is where it stayed b/c I could have moved it to a million other places! I love it! Such a simple and easy way to add a very understated Valentine's decoration to your home!
Be back later with my favorite craft+gift I did this year!
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this is my everyday mantra and now it is in print.
Posted on January 30, 2009 by jodie
Be back later with the last edition of this LOVE+CRAFT fest we've had this week. But for now, go HERE and buy one of these… you know you need to have one too! Right now I need it here in my kitchen where I have pancakes cooking and three crabby+hungry kids at the table waiting and all I really want to do is go climb back in bed. But I'm up, and I'm going and trying my best to enjoy it!
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Posted on January 29, 2009 by jodie
Oh my did Day Four of this crazy love-filled week start early! I'm guessing that the cold meds I'm taking are keeping my brain spazzed out b/c I just couldn't shut it off. I got in bed at 11pm, saw midnight, saw 1am, saw 3am and at 4:30am I got up and organized all the files on my computer. Thrilling. But I do think the meds are working, besides the crazy no-sleep issue I am feeling a bit better. So good in fact that in the last 4 hours I have done a load of laundry, vacuumed, made pancakes, showered, got all the kids changed and dressed, cleaned the kitchen and finished a craft project. Wowza!
So today I am going to share some gift ideas for your husband or anyone in your life you want to share your love with! Most of these things are projects I have done in the past but they are still good ideas I think! And it might just inspire you to make something yourself, which is always a good thing!
And really, I'm sharing these things this week b/c I am mostly inspired by other's work. I see something and either try to copy it (like the felt heart cookies) or it sparks an idea in me and I run with it. Inspiration can come in so many ways and although I am not saying that I am personally inspiring, I hope that seeing some of these ideas might inspire you to give HAND MADE this year!
#1: Initial Collage
I actually made this for myself last year for my craft room (now Gray's room) but it would be a great idea as a gift for someone! I cut the letter out of matboard (you can find it at art stores but any kind of cardboard would work too) and then just used paper, photos and embelishments.
A few detailed shots to show you how layered and imperfect it is!
I found this cardboard thing at Michaels a few years ago but have seen them since. It's hollow and had two grommets at the top for a string so I made it into a frame. All I did was glue on a photo (that had been backed in cardstock), used stamps to include a quote (Smiles are the soul's kisses) and then used a stamp pad to distress the edges. Super easy and I gave it to Chris as a gift!
I know I've shared this before but it is still one of my favorite projects and I literally did it in one night. I collected elements, some from around the house and a few I bought at an art store (the letters, metal flower, etc.) and then hot glued it all in there. It hangs in our family room and I LOVE it. I need to change it to add a photo of Gray in… one of these days! Anyway, I made something sort of like this for my parents and I think this could be a great gift for anyone! My sister is still waiting for me to do hers… one of these days! HA!
This is what I gave Chris last year for Valentine's Day. I just created little tags with scrapbook paper, stamped YOU on each page and then wrote something that he is to me; You are my amazing husband.
"you are my endless smile and perfect laugh"
And whenever I do something with binder rings I have to add fun ribbons to jazz it up a bit!
Super simple and super quick but he loved it b/c I was sweet with some and funny with others… and it's fun to look back to what I said just a year ago that has changed!
Totally cheating here b/c this was a KIT from Target that my sister sent me! HOWEVER, it is something that anyone could do on their own so I wanted to share it! All it is is a string with rings tied to the ends with clips tied to the string for photos and then bits of ribbon knotted along the length of it! So simple! I love it though! It hangs in our hallway…
Ok, I think that is enough inspiration for one morning!
Is Grey's new tonight? I hope so! And if so, happy Grey Day!
Now I'm off to glitter glue with the girls while we wait for Grayson to wake up!
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Posted on January 28, 2009 by jodie
More photos tomorrow… I have the funniest sequence of photos I have ever seen! I don't post many photos of Chris, but tomorrow, look out!
ps… this was Gray's first snow!
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Posted on January 28, 2009 by jodie
Just popping in to give a sneak peek to a sweet family I met earlier this week… Tyler was such a little cutie! Thanks for having me out Beth!
Doesn't it look like he's going to punch me and my camera? ha!
This little man was WIDE awake and at a month old his mom didn't think I'd get him sound asleep… but I worked my magic and he was putty in my hands!
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day three.
Posted on January 28, 2009 by jodie
Sorry this is a bit late in posting, this cold has knocked me flat. Although not flat enough that I didn't run three errands in the 6+ inches of snow on the ground this morning! I hit Walgreens after Elizabeth's sweet comment and link that told me what I could take to curb this nose running, coughing and overall yuckiness I'm experiencing, then since I was out anyway, I of course got myself (and Chris who is home for snow day #2) a soda. After running back home to get the little man I headed out for his Chiropractor appointment with Dr. Brenda. He's sniffling a bit and I'm hoping to hold off him getting my cold.
SO. Still feeling pretty awful but the snow is beautiful, the girls are giddy with excitement about sledding later, Gray is sleeping off his adjustment and I'm going to give you just two small kiddo ideas today.
Thanks to my awesome clients who keep ordering prints, I have found my home over-run with bubble wrap. Then I saw a tutorial on bubble wrap painting and knew we had to try it! I think I found the sample HERE but changed it up a bit to make it more toddler friendly.
I think in the sample I found she used ink and a roller but I just used acrylic paint that we had at the house. All I did was put envelopes (to house their Valentine's) in a pie plate for each girl and put a small piece (about 4×4) of bubble wrap in the bottom. I let them paint on the bubble wrap with different shades of pink and then we laid the envelopes on top of the bubble wrap, pressed and POOF! Bubble Wrap Painting!
Super simple and it kept them busy a long time, as long as I kept the envelopes and paint coming they kept working! We had a whole stack of envelopes done in no time!
This would be cute to do on cards (and then you could glue a photo on top or something), it's a great texture that would be cute on a white matte for inside a frame… lots of ideas and ways to use this painting project!
So I've been kind of bad about sweets lately. Really bad in fact. I am having more cravings 7 months into nursing than I ever did while I was pregnant! And of course there is no baby in my tummy sucking up all those calories so let's just say I won't be posting self portraits anytime soon!
Anyway, I have fallen victim to all the Valentine candy at the store right now and we have an over-flow of candy hearts, sprinkles, chocolates, etc. In an attempt to get some of them OUT of the house without throwing them away I decided on a craft project for the girls!
All I did was paint a tree on paper (I did this ahead of time so the paint would be dry and I made LOTS of them b/c I know my girls love to work fast and I wanted to have enough on hand) and then let them glue candy all over it!
They had a BLAST! I always use cupcake papers to hold the glue (and I use baby cotton swabs with the fatter ends for them to glue with) and I also used them this time to hold the hearts. In the dollar section at Target (love that section!) they have a 4-pack of Valentine sprinkles which was perfect b/c each girl got two shakers to use. Between sneaking bits of candy+sprinkles and using a medium we don't usually use (food) they LOVED this project! And really, you don't need the tree, they could just glue on paper or make cards or whatever!
Enjoy this cold weather and craft with your kids!
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animation.
Posted on January 27, 2009 by jodie
Wow have I been having fun learning how to animate files in photoshop! Here is what I have done recently:
Which made me realize I could do a banner for myself! Working on that tonight!
For the girl's Valentine gift basket I made them a hair bow holder…
I don't know how to explain in more detail how I did it except that I created the little felt bird, then I hand-stitched the "lovely" and sewed them both to a length of ribbon. I did this in a couple of hours one night.
You can see from the close-up that I am by no means perfect when it comes to hand sewing!
And here is how it will look when it's in use!
We will hang it on a hook in our bathroom!
*** Still feeling really awful. I can't believe I made it out of the mess that was our Christmas healthy only to fall down with it now. Just when I was getting life truly back together. Thank goodness for today, Chris played with Gray until he was passed to me for food and the girls went to DoodleBuggs to play. I have been laying on the couch working all day. Does anyone know what kind of meds I can take while breast feeding??? I'm dying for some DayQuil!
**** For all of you that have tried yesterday's project, or that try any of the other ones I post this week, I would love you to send me photos and I will share them on the blog! It will be great to see other people's versions of these crafts!
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Posted on January 27, 2009 by jodie
Did I hear someone scream for some felt? Or was that just me?
I am in love with felt right now. It's a pretty serious love affair. I even traded a coupe photo shoots for this amazing felt food (that I STILL need to show you!) made by two wonderful ladies for the girl's Christmas kitchen. And I traded those shoots not b/c I can't make felt food on my own, at that point in my life I just had no time. But currently, although I still have a lot going on, I have found time to spend with my friend, Felt.
The first thing I made were a couple heart-shaped Valentine cookies to give the girls for their kitchen as a Vday gift. Simple simple simple, just a bit of embroidery floss and some felt and there you go!
The dots are supposed to be sprinkles! I have more to make but I think they will like them and it was a cheap and easy handmade gift to make!
I got the idea HERE… hers are cuter but I was working fast and forgot the tan felt. Whatever. I like them!
Next, I get emails from THIS blog and love her products but decided to do something similar on my own with felt as a decoration.
All I did was cut circles using a cup to trace the circles. I cut a large one in white with pinking shears and then a slightly smaller on in red with just scissors. I used pink to cut the letters out, I just cut them freehand. I first hand stitched the letters onto the red circles and then stitched the red onto the white.
I also made two smaller circles with hearts on them for the ends of the word…
Then I hand stitched all the circles to a white ribbon… I left a ton of ribbon on either side so that I have more flexibility in where I hang it from year to year.
Cute huh? And so easy! I made the whole thing one evening while I watched tv!
TODAY: I am sick sick sick. My head aches, my throat hurts, my nose is stuffy and my whole body is begging for sleep. Luckily it is a snow day here and Chris is home. Unluckily he is using this day to renew his license plates. I'm praying for lots of cartoon watching and easy kids today b/c it is going to be hard to motivate myself off the couch. Any grandma want the kids???
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Initially Yours.
Posted on January 26, 2009 by jodie
A friend of mine from high school has started an embroidery business here in St. Louis and she is offering, YOU, my amazing blog readers, a DEAL!
Until February 26th she is offering any single item embroidered for just FIVE DOLLARS (no limit on how many items you can have embroidered at that rate!)! This is a great deal! And she can ship anywhere!
When you email her just tell her that you found her via my blog and you will receive the discount!
Cute business card isn't it? Super cute!
And she means business with this high tech+professional machine…
That makes me want to run out and buy my own! It looks so cool! Luckily I now have her to go to… and I am taking her some t-shirts tomorrow for some Vday monograms for my kids!
This is such a great deal that you all should think ahead for baby or wedding or birthday gifts! Heck, I might think ahead to next Christmas with all the deals going on right now!
And if you have a blog of your own, yank her business card and post it for her… let's support women owned businesses people!
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Does COPD Qualify for Social Security SSDI SSI Benefits?
COPD claims are often approved of they are presented properly to the Social Security Administration
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease that affects the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. There are two separate forms of COPD, chronic bronchitis (cough with mucus) and emphysema (long-term damage to the lungs). Most people who have COPD have a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The incidence of COPD is highly correlated to smoking: the more a person smokes, the more likely they are to suffer from COPD, although some smokers never experience COPD symptoms. A spirometry test is a lung function test that is utilized to diagnose COPD. While COPD has no cure, treatment can control some symptoms. Typically, treatment consists of inhalers, anti-inflammatories, steroids, or oxygen treatment, or some combination thereof.
Will SSA approve my claim based on my COPD?
To determine whether you meet their definition of being disabled, Social Security relies on a variety of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the effectiveness of treatment options, the strength of your medical evidence, your age, your education level and the type of work you have done. To be approved, your allegations of COPD must be supported with strong medical evidence.
How does SSA determine if my COPD qualifies for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits?
Social Security employs a 5-step sequential evaluation process to determine if you qualify for disability benefits under the SSDI and/or SSI programs. At each phase of a disability claim, there is an adjudicator, or decision-maker. At the Initial Application and Reconsideration phases, the decision-maker is a DDS Examiner who works in consultation with a DDS Physician. At the Hearing phase, the decision-maker is the Administrative Law Judge who often consults with a Medical Expert (ME). The following evaluation is employed by the adjudicator at each phase.
Step 1: Non-Medical Criteria. First and foremost, you cannot be working above what Social Security calls a Substantial, Gainful Activity (SGA) level. Basically, you cannot be earning more than $1,090 on a gross (pre-tax) monthly basis. The SGA rule is the most important non-medical criteria, but there are other non-medical criteria that also must be satisfied in order for the claim to progress to a complete medical review at Step 2. No matter how severe and disabling your COPD may be (even if it is well-supported by years of medical evidence), if you do not meet the non-medical eligibility requirements, your claim will not advance to Step 2 and your claim will be technically denied. You can appeal a technical denial but, in general, if the facts are correct, the appeal will not be successful.
Step 2: Severe Impairment. The question at Step 2 is simply, “Is your COPD severe?” To answer this question, all medical evidence is assembled. If you have an Attorney or Non-Attorney Representative, they should be heavily involved in this process. The adjudicator can also request that you complete Activities of Daily Living and Vocational Questionnaires, which provide an opportunity to communicate how your symptoms have impacted your ability to function normally. The adjudicator may also schedule a Consultative Examination (CE) with a doctor who is contracted by DDS to perform medical evaluations on their behalf. Once all evidence has been assembled, the adjudicator reviews the information and decides whether or not your symptoms are severe. To be considered severe, the symptoms must limit your ability to perform basic work-like activities. If your symptoms are determined to be non-severe, your claim will be denied at Step 3 and you would have the opportunity to appeal this denial. However, if the condition is determined to be severe, your claim progresses to Step 3 for further analysis.
Step 3: Medical Listings. At Step 3, the question is whether your COPD meets or equals a medical “Listing.” Social Security has broken down the human body and mind into 14 different Impairment categories, called the Listing of Impairments. COPD is typically evaluated under Listing 3.02 Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency, which is a subset of Listing 3.00 Respiratory System impairments. Disability under Listing 3.02 requires: (a) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to any cause, with the FEV1 (the volume of air exhaled in the first second) equal to or less than certain specified pulmonary test values; or (b) chronic restrictive ventilatory disease, due to any cause, with the FVC (the maximum volume of air exhaled) equal to or less than certain specified pulmonary test values; (c) chronic impairment of gas exchange, due to a pulmonary disease; with either single breath DLCO (the ability of the lungs to diffuse oxygen into, and carbon dioxide from, the bloodstream) less than certain specified pulmonary test values, or arterial blood gas values of PO2 (oxygen) and PCO2 (carbon dioxide) measured while at rest, on at least two occasions, three or more weeks apart within a six-month period, equal to or less than certain specified pulmonary test values, or arterial blood gas values of oxygen and carbon dioxide measured during a steady state exercise, breathing room air, equal to or less than certain specified pulmonary test values.
Diagnosis and evaluation of these impairments must be supported by medical records from a treating physician. If the adjudicator reviews your medical records and determines you meet the above listing, you are found to be Disabled at Step 3 and you are eligible to receive disability benefits. If, however, you do not meet a medical listing, the claim proceeds to Step 4.
Step 4: Past Work. The objective of Step 4 is to determine whether you have the ability to perform work you have performed previously. To determine what you are capable of doing, the adjudicator develops your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). Your RFC identifies what you can still do after considering all of your medical symptoms, including your COPD. The adjudicator will estimate your ability to perform such functions as remembering, communicating, understanding, etc. Your RFC might contain some of the following limitations: inability to lift heavy objects, inability to climb, stoop, bend, etc.
Once the adjudicator has developed your RFC, they will then list your Past Relevant Work (PRW), which is any job you performed during the 15 year period immediately preceding the Alleged Onset Date (AOD) of your disability. In general, if there is a job that you performed within 15 years of your AOD in which you worked close to full-time for a period of at least a few months, that job will likely be considered Past Relevant Work.
After finalizing your list of Past Relevant Work, the adjudicator must now classify it. The type of work you have done in the past will be classified by both exertional level and by skill level. Once all of your PRW has been classified, the adjudicator must then determine whether you have the functional ability to perform any of your past work. If the adjudicator determines you can still perform the functions required in you past work, despite your COPD and related symptoms, you will be found Not Disabled and denied. You would then have the opportunity to appeal this denial. However, if you cannot perform your prior work, the analysis proceeds to Step 5.
Step 5: Other Work. Step 5 considers whether you can perform any other type of work, even if you have not performed it in the past. The adjudicator utilizes the same Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) developed in Step 4, and also considers your Age, Education, and Work Experience.
To start, Social Security classifies your Education level as follows:
• Illiterate (or unable to communicate in English)
• Marginal (generally 6th grade or less)
• Limited (generally 7th through 11th grades)
• High school (and above)
The Education level is important as it affects the skill level of different jobs that you might be able to perform. For example, if you have a Marginal education, then you would be limited to performing Unskilled jobs, but if you have a High school education then you would be expected to be able to perform both Semi-Skilled and Skilled jobs.
The adjudicator will then consider your Work Experience, specifically any skills and abilities you acquired from your past work. The fact that you are now at Step 5 means the adjudicator determined at Step 4 that you can no longer perform your past work. However, the adjudicator will consider whether any of the skills and abilities you learned from your past work would transfer to a different job. For example, a Nurse who can no longer perform her past work due to her COPD symptoms might have acquired skills which would transfer to a more sedentary that she may still be able to perform, such as a toll booth operator, which would require less exertion.
Finally, the adjudicator will consider the last factor, Age. Social Security evaluates adults in several Age categories:
• Closely approaching advanced age (ages 50-54)
• Closely approaching retirement age (ages 60+)
While Younger individuals have the burden of proving they are unable to perform any type of work, the burden is lessened in the more advanced age categories. Social Security refers to this premise as the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, or the “Grid Rules” because the key factors are laid out in a grid with the final column being a determination of either Disabled or Not Disabled. Basically, the older, less educated and the fewer transferable skills you acquired in your past work, the more likely you are to be found Disabled.
If the adjudicator determines you can perform some other type of work, based on your age, education, and prior work experience, you would be found Not Disabled and denied. You would have the opportunity to appeal this denial. If, however, the adjudicator determines you cannot perform any other type of work, you would be found Disabled and approved for disability benefits at Step 5.
Conclusion: Will my disability claim be approved?
The process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits is complex, and disability due to COPD is particularly challenging, but certainly possible. If you would like to discuss the specifics of your case with a disability expert now, please contact us. We will do everything possible to get your claim approved.
Hire America's Disability Experts® to get you approved for disability benefits. Sign our contract now online. Takes 30 seconds. Let's go!
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If you need disability benefits, hire Quikaid now. You will not regret it. We will do everything possible to get your claim approved. Sign our contract now online so we can start the process of getting you approved for benefits! You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. The time to get started is NOW!
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