Christine Kane's "Been-There-Done-That" Guide to Criticism
[Editor's note: This article turned up in one of our journalers' e-mail box today and was passed along to me. I decided to share it with you because my daughter, who is in her freshman year at college and will be thoroughly peeved at me for mentioning this, recently received some rather harsh criticism regarding a paper she wrote. Because we encourage independent thinking and creativity here at Gatewood, most of the folks who work here have at least one or two stories they could tell in which they were hurt by someone's critique of their work. Most of them choose not to dwell on the slings and arrows of the past, but as long as one continues to be independent and creative, one runs the risk of being criticized. This is for all of you... for the next time it happens. And to my daughter: honey, read this, OK? :) --RC]
"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember - the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you." - Zig Ziglar
Here's one thing I'm pretty sure of:
I'm pretty sure you don't want a "Guide to Criticism."
In fact, you'd probably prefer a guide called: "How to Avoid Criticism and Ensure that Everybody Loves You Unequivocally til the Day You Die."
Unfortunately, that guide would also be called: "How to Have a Totally Boring Life."
Face it. When you play a bigger game, or step into your power - you'll most likely make some people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, in the face of discomfort, most people don't look within to find the source of it. They choose, instead, to lash out, criticize, or get cynical. All of us - myself included - have played this game!
That's because very few of us are taught Personal Responsibility. We are taught, instead, to blame other people for our results, our thoughts, and our emotions. We are taught to react.
The true moment of liberation in anyone's life is when she takes Personal Responsibility for it. When she starts to ask, "What is it in me that created this, or attracted it? How can I learn from it or turn it around?"
Let's assume, however, that 90% of the world doesn't practice this level of empowerment. That means that, most likely, someone will criticize you at some point in your life. And I'm not talking about constructive advice. I mean the harsh stuff. The stuff that hurts - because that's exactly what it's designed to do!
So, how do you handle it?
Well, I wish I could be with you the moment it happens. Cuz I've "Been-There-Done-That" and gotten the t-shirt! Instead, I'll send you a virtual hug and give you 7 practices that have worked for me.
1 - Make a decision.
Marla came to my women's retreat because she was "sick of playing small." I asked her what Playing Big looks like. A determined look crossed her face, and she said, "...to finally stop caring about what other people think of me."
If this is you, then it's time to make a decision. Decide right now that you will no longer live your life contorting your soul in an attempt to prevent criticism or judgment. Start with that one decision.
2 - SWSWSWSW.
Remember this: Some will. Some won't. So what? Someone's waiting.
An example:
After one of my big teleseminars, I received an email from someone who didn't like it. She sent a list of things that was wrong with it. (And me!)
I also received an email from a woman who was literally on her way to end her own life - and upon listening to that same teleseminar in her car, turned around and chose to start over again because of what I said.
This is classic SWSWSWSW. Apply it to your own gifts!
3 - Give yourself space to grieve.
Criticism is designed to hurt. And it often does. If you need some time to cry, then give yourself that gift. Call a friend who will listen.
Do yourself a favor, however, and set a limit. Give yourself til "Tuesday at 5pm." Or set the timer for 55 minutes. Then, choose to move on. Otherwise, it's easy to let it eat away at you indefinitely.
4 - Coach yourself.
A great technique that heals the effects of criticism is Brooke Castillo's Self-Coaching. In her book Self-Coaching 101, she provides fantastic techniques to heal any negative thought pattern. I've had great success using her work. You have to actually DO the work though. Get out your journal and write it all down!
5 - It's not about you.
Criticism is never about you. It's always about the person doing the criticizing. That might not help when you're hurting. But it's nice to be reminded!
6 - Protect yourself.
A university professor told me that there are student websites devoted solely to trashing teachers. Some of his colleagues check these sites everyday.
Don't do this! Don't seek out criticism. There are way too many places for victims and snarky people to congregate on the web.
Also, you can hire someone to filter your website email. My team filters all my email now, so that I can stay focused on my writing, my clients and on the good stuff that comes in!
7 - Decide again.
In the face of criticism, the only option is to decide again. Decide to keep shining and living life fully engaged.
Studies have shown that the most common regret among older Americans is of not having taken more risks. Don't let this be you!
In the awesome words of Marianne Williamson:
"Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
----------------
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember - the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you." - Zig Ziglar
Here's one thing I'm pretty sure of:
I'm pretty sure you don't want a "Guide to Criticism."
In fact, you'd probably prefer a guide called: "How to Avoid Criticism and Ensure that Everybody Loves You Unequivocally til the Day You Die."
Unfortunately, that guide would also be called: "How to Have a Totally Boring Life."
Face it. When you play a bigger game, or step into your power - you'll most likely make some people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, in the face of discomfort, most people don't look within to find the source of it. They choose, instead, to lash out, criticize, or get cynical. All of us - myself included - have played this game!
That's because very few of us are taught Personal Responsibility. We are taught, instead, to blame other people for our results, our thoughts, and our emotions. We are taught to react.
The true moment of liberation in anyone's life is when she takes Personal Responsibility for it. When she starts to ask, "What is it in me that created this, or attracted it? How can I learn from it or turn it around?"
Let's assume, however, that 90% of the world doesn't practice this level of empowerment. That means that, most likely, someone will criticize you at some point in your life. And I'm not talking about constructive advice. I mean the harsh stuff. The stuff that hurts - because that's exactly what it's designed to do!
So, how do you handle it?
Well, I wish I could be with you the moment it happens. Cuz I've "Been-There-Done-That" and gotten the t-shirt! Instead, I'll send you a virtual hug and give you 7 practices that have worked for me.
1 - Make a decision.
Marla came to my women's retreat because she was "sick of playing small." I asked her what Playing Big looks like. A determined look crossed her face, and she said, "...to finally stop caring about what other people think of me."
If this is you, then it's time to make a decision. Decide right now that you will no longer live your life contorting your soul in an attempt to prevent criticism or judgment. Start with that one decision.
2 - SWSWSWSW.
Remember this: Some will. Some won't. So what? Someone's waiting.
An example:
After one of my big teleseminars, I received an email from someone who didn't like it. She sent a list of things that was wrong with it. (And me!)
I also received an email from a woman who was literally on her way to end her own life - and upon listening to that same teleseminar in her car, turned around and chose to start over again because of what I said.
This is classic SWSWSWSW. Apply it to your own gifts!
3 - Give yourself space to grieve.
Criticism is designed to hurt. And it often does. If you need some time to cry, then give yourself that gift. Call a friend who will listen.
Do yourself a favor, however, and set a limit. Give yourself til "Tuesday at 5pm." Or set the timer for 55 minutes. Then, choose to move on. Otherwise, it's easy to let it eat away at you indefinitely.
4 - Coach yourself.
A great technique that heals the effects of criticism is Brooke Castillo's Self-Coaching. In her book Self-Coaching 101, she provides fantastic techniques to heal any negative thought pattern. I've had great success using her work. You have to actually DO the work though. Get out your journal and write it all down!
5 - It's not about you.
Criticism is never about you. It's always about the person doing the criticizing. That might not help when you're hurting. But it's nice to be reminded!
6 - Protect yourself.
A university professor told me that there are student websites devoted solely to trashing teachers. Some of his colleagues check these sites everyday.
Don't do this! Don't seek out criticism. There are way too many places for victims and snarky people to congregate on the web.
Also, you can hire someone to filter your website email. My team filters all my email now, so that I can stay focused on my writing, my clients and on the good stuff that comes in!
7 - Decide again.
In the face of criticism, the only option is to decide again. Decide to keep shining and living life fully engaged.
Studies have shown that the most common regret among older Americans is of not having taken more risks. Don't let this be you!
In the awesome words of Marianne Williamson:
"Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."
----------------
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
Labels: Music, Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 7/29/2009 02:59:00 PM
29 July, 2009
9 Irresistible Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Starting Now
by Christine Kane
In my upcoming Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program, there's a contract.
It's a commitment that each participant will go complaint-free, criticism-free, whine-free, and gossip-free for the full seven weeks of the course. That's 49 days, baby!
What does that have to do with Upleveling your Life?
Everything!
First off, let's get one thing out of the way: It's not about "being nice." This is much deeper.
It's about understanding the power of your Attention.
If you have a big juicy Intention or Dream - then your attention is the daily practice of manifesting that goal or dream. It is the essence of Creativity.
So, if I'm working with you, I want you to experience the power of shifting your attention from the so-called problem, so it can attract the many solutions!
Here are 9 Irresistible Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Today:
1 - When you're complaint-free, you find solutions rather than staying mucked in the problem.
If you don't offer yourself the option of complaining, then you train your brain to actually find solutions and get ideas. As Maya Angelou says, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
2 - When you're complaint-free, you shrink your ego.
Complaining is like weight-training for your ego.
It makes your ego stronger because it makes someone or something else wrong. And it makes you right. Your ego becomes inflated and puffed up. When you cease the complaining/criticizing/gossiping habit, you tell your ego that your spirit is in charge, not your ego!
3 - When you're complaint free for 21-Days, you've started a new habit and created a new you.
Experts tell us it takes 21-days to form a new habit. And while it does take some trial and error to get through those 21-days, most of my clients notice that after only 7-days, they tolerate negativity less. After 2-weeks, they report that when they slip up, they can instantly self-correct!
4 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation starter.
Imaginary scenario:
Hal rushes into your office to gossip.
You get to simply smile and say, "Gosh Hal, you know, I'd love to join in, but I'm in the middle of Upleveling my Life. I signed a contract to go Complaint/Gossip-Free. Wanna look at it?"
Hal says, "Huh? What's that?"
Poof! The energy of the conversation shifts! It goes in a different direction and you get to experience that wildly exciting lightness where gossip would have once existed!
5 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation deepener.
Hal will listen for a while and then say, "Wow, that's a really great idea. I always notice how easy it is to complain, and I want to be more self-responsible..."
You'll share a deeper connection when you each admit that you want to live happier and more focused lives.
6 - When you're complaint-free, you attract new energy.
My clients have reported this one change so frequently, that I barely blink an eye anymore.
When you go complaint free, you simply start attracting more positive people to you. The negative people will walk away and think you're a complete idiot. But then, you'll start noticing positive curious people entering your life because you're so much fun to be around.
7 - When you're complaint-free, you banish lazy thinking.
Think about it.
You can't get much lazier than complaining and gossiping. It's the same well-worn neural pathway you've trudged down day after day, along with 95% of the population. When you're complaint-free, you go a different route. With alertness and alacrity, you find new ways of seeing things. (Plus, you get to use words like alacrity!)
8 - When you're complaint-free, you create happiness.
It's challenging at first, yes.
But after a few weeks, the common response I get from my clients is this: "You know what? I'm SO much happier!"
That's because complaining is just a habit, and it does nothing but drag us down. When your attention is forced to find new places to land, your subconscious becomes a "happiness-seeking missile." And because you're so powerful, you find it!
9 - When you're complaint free with a group, you get to soar on the updraft of the great group energy.
When groups work together, magic happens. It's why I created a Platinum Coaching and Mastermind group this year. It's why I invite my blog readers to join in on prayer lists each time I lead my women's retreats. When you link up with a group of like-minded people, effortlessness is created.
So - create a cool updraft with the many thousands of people who subscribe to this eZine. Go complaint-free!
==================
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.
In my upcoming Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program, there's a contract.
It's a commitment that each participant will go complaint-free, criticism-free, whine-free, and gossip-free for the full seven weeks of the course. That's 49 days, baby!
What does that have to do with Upleveling your Life?
Everything!
First off, let's get one thing out of the way: It's not about "being nice." This is much deeper.
It's about understanding the power of your Attention.
If you have a big juicy Intention or Dream - then your attention is the daily practice of manifesting that goal or dream. It is the essence of Creativity.
So, if I'm working with you, I want you to experience the power of shifting your attention from the so-called problem, so it can attract the many solutions!
Here are 9 Irresistible Reasons to Go Complaint-Free Today:
1 - When you're complaint-free, you find solutions rather than staying mucked in the problem.
If you don't offer yourself the option of complaining, then you train your brain to actually find solutions and get ideas. As Maya Angelou says, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
2 - When you're complaint-free, you shrink your ego.
Complaining is like weight-training for your ego.
It makes your ego stronger because it makes someone or something else wrong. And it makes you right. Your ego becomes inflated and puffed up. When you cease the complaining/criticizing/gossiping habit, you tell your ego that your spirit is in charge, not your ego!
3 - When you're complaint free for 21-Days, you've started a new habit and created a new you.
Experts tell us it takes 21-days to form a new habit. And while it does take some trial and error to get through those 21-days, most of my clients notice that after only 7-days, they tolerate negativity less. After 2-weeks, they report that when they slip up, they can instantly self-correct!
4 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation starter.
Imaginary scenario:
Hal rushes into your office to gossip.
You get to simply smile and say, "Gosh Hal, you know, I'd love to join in, but I'm in the middle of Upleveling my Life. I signed a contract to go Complaint/Gossip-Free. Wanna look at it?"
Hal says, "Huh? What's that?"
Poof! The energy of the conversation shifts! It goes in a different direction and you get to experience that wildly exciting lightness where gossip would have once existed!
5 - When you're complaint-free, it's a conversation deepener.
Hal will listen for a while and then say, "Wow, that's a really great idea. I always notice how easy it is to complain, and I want to be more self-responsible..."
You'll share a deeper connection when you each admit that you want to live happier and more focused lives.
6 - When you're complaint-free, you attract new energy.
My clients have reported this one change so frequently, that I barely blink an eye anymore.
When you go complaint free, you simply start attracting more positive people to you. The negative people will walk away and think you're a complete idiot. But then, you'll start noticing positive curious people entering your life because you're so much fun to be around.
7 - When you're complaint-free, you banish lazy thinking.
Think about it.
You can't get much lazier than complaining and gossiping. It's the same well-worn neural pathway you've trudged down day after day, along with 95% of the population. When you're complaint-free, you go a different route. With alertness and alacrity, you find new ways of seeing things. (Plus, you get to use words like alacrity!)
8 - When you're complaint-free, you create happiness.
It's challenging at first, yes.
But after a few weeks, the common response I get from my clients is this: "You know what? I'm SO much happier!"
That's because complaining is just a habit, and it does nothing but drag us down. When your attention is forced to find new places to land, your subconscious becomes a "happiness-seeking missile." And because you're so powerful, you find it!
9 - When you're complaint free with a group, you get to soar on the updraft of the great group energy.
When groups work together, magic happens. It's why I created a Platinum Coaching and Mastermind group this year. It's why I invite my blog readers to join in on prayer lists each time I lead my women's retreats. When you link up with a group of like-minded people, effortlessness is created.
So - create a cool updraft with the many thousands of people who subscribe to this eZine. Go complaint-free!
==================
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 3/11/2009 02:14:00 PM
11 March, 2009
The Top 10 Holiday "Shoulds" (and Permission to Just Breathe and Let them Go)
Editor's note: We hope you enjoy this wonderful article from Asheville musician/philosopher Christine Kane. I should've posted it earlier in the season, but that's OK. ;) It's never too late to get off the merry-go-round for a bit and BREATHE.
Do you know the "shoulds?" Those voices that occasionally creep around your head telling you that things aren't as good as they could be and that everything would be better if you behaved well?
Yea?
Well, you're not alone. We all go there from time to time. Some of us spend our every waking moment "shoulding" on ourselves!
In the coaching/mentoring work I do, I know one thing to be true about this time of year:
The Holiday Shoulds are a special breed of Should. The Holiday Shoulds are loud and insidious. If you're not conscious, they can make you believe that they're a rational way to think.
After all, during the holidays, people become almost hypnotized into believing that every moment should be a certain way, that every yard should look a certain way, that every family should behave a certain way - and that it's okay to beat themselves up for their own preferences or for not keeping up with the imaginary standard.
Here's a list of the Top Ten Holiday Shoulds, along with a thought or two about simply letting them go, and delighting in this moment. In the words of Byron Katie: "When I argue with What Is, I lose. But only 100% of the time."
1 - I should have a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party!
Last year's outfit is fine. Your shiny happy self tells a brighter story than something you bought at a store.
2 - I should have done hand-made Christmas cards! (Or, I should've done Christmas Cards at all!)
Relax. If you had time to delight in making cards, that would be great. But it's okay that you didn't. And as for not sending cards, you can send them out next year. (Or, be like my brother's family and send out Valentine Cards instead!)
3 - My kids/parents should behave differently!
Everyone is doing the best they can. What would happen if you simply accepted each person's path and choices - and let them be exactly where they are?
4 - I should've bought more expensive presents!
When gifting becomes about competition or keeping up, then it just drains you. Take a moment to remember who you are and how you want to love the people in your life. Nothing beats authenticity.
5 - I should go out and buy more [insert useless consumer good or processed food here.]
When you nervously become a consumer for no reason, challenge yourself to sit down, listen, and experience the emptiness. You might find that it's actually quite peaceful in there!
6 - I should've lost weight this year!
Become a champion of yourself. Make a list of five great things you accomplished this year, and let go of those things you didn't. You can revisit them in January.
7 - The Holidays should look more like the pretty scenes in a snow globe or on Christmas specials!
The cool thing about snow globes and such is the happy feeling they create inside of you. Instead of thinking everything should make you feel that way, try to capture the feeling you get from those things - and then carry that feeling to each moment in your life. I call this Positive Daydreaming.
8 - I should've made [Insert time-consuming baked good featured in Martha Stewart Magazine]!
See #5. And remember that Martha Stewart has a very large staff. And that there's rarely a shortage of sugary baked items during the holidays.
9 - My house should have better decorations!
See #8. And go take a nap.
10 - I should make better scrapbook pages after the holidays!
Doing good scrapbooks does not make you a good mother, sister, daughter or friend. Doing good scrapbooks makes you someone who has time to scrapbook. If you use photo-boxes or boring albums, you're still a wonderful human, and we'll all still love you.
**BONUS SHOULD**
11 - It should be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Christmas is lovely with all of its twinkle lights and confectionary goodies, AND there are many wonderful times each year. (I happen to love each and every time I hike in the woods, no matter what time of year it is!)
Wonderful is about your delight and how you feel on the inside. When you let go of what is not authentic delight for you, then you might be surprised at how simple the holidays become. You might find that wonderful is right here in this very moment.
**********
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog
Do you know the "shoulds?" Those voices that occasionally creep around your head telling you that things aren't as good as they could be and that everything would be better if you behaved well?
Yea?
Well, you're not alone. We all go there from time to time. Some of us spend our every waking moment "shoulding" on ourselves!
In the coaching/mentoring work I do, I know one thing to be true about this time of year:
The Holiday Shoulds are a special breed of Should. The Holiday Shoulds are loud and insidious. If you're not conscious, they can make you believe that they're a rational way to think.
After all, during the holidays, people become almost hypnotized into believing that every moment should be a certain way, that every yard should look a certain way, that every family should behave a certain way - and that it's okay to beat themselves up for their own preferences or for not keeping up with the imaginary standard.
Here's a list of the Top Ten Holiday Shoulds, along with a thought or two about simply letting them go, and delighting in this moment. In the words of Byron Katie: "When I argue with What Is, I lose. But only 100% of the time."
1 - I should have a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party!
Last year's outfit is fine. Your shiny happy self tells a brighter story than something you bought at a store.
2 - I should have done hand-made Christmas cards! (Or, I should've done Christmas Cards at all!)
Relax. If you had time to delight in making cards, that would be great. But it's okay that you didn't. And as for not sending cards, you can send them out next year. (Or, be like my brother's family and send out Valentine Cards instead!)
3 - My kids/parents should behave differently!
Everyone is doing the best they can. What would happen if you simply accepted each person's path and choices - and let them be exactly where they are?
4 - I should've bought more expensive presents!
When gifting becomes about competition or keeping up, then it just drains you. Take a moment to remember who you are and how you want to love the people in your life. Nothing beats authenticity.
5 - I should go out and buy more [insert useless consumer good or processed food here.]
When you nervously become a consumer for no reason, challenge yourself to sit down, listen, and experience the emptiness. You might find that it's actually quite peaceful in there!
6 - I should've lost weight this year!
Become a champion of yourself. Make a list of five great things you accomplished this year, and let go of those things you didn't. You can revisit them in January.
7 - The Holidays should look more like the pretty scenes in a snow globe or on Christmas specials!
The cool thing about snow globes and such is the happy feeling they create inside of you. Instead of thinking everything should make you feel that way, try to capture the feeling you get from those things - and then carry that feeling to each moment in your life. I call this Positive Daydreaming.
8 - I should've made [Insert time-consuming baked good featured in Martha Stewart Magazine]!
See #5. And remember that Martha Stewart has a very large staff. And that there's rarely a shortage of sugary baked items during the holidays.
9 - My house should have better decorations!
See #8. And go take a nap.
10 - I should make better scrapbook pages after the holidays!
Doing good scrapbooks does not make you a good mother, sister, daughter or friend. Doing good scrapbooks makes you someone who has time to scrapbook. If you use photo-boxes or boring albums, you're still a wonderful human, and we'll all still love you.
**BONUS SHOULD**
11 - It should be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Christmas is lovely with all of its twinkle lights and confectionary goodies, AND there are many wonderful times each year. (I happen to love each and every time I hike in the woods, no matter what time of year it is!)
Wonderful is about your delight and how you feel on the inside. When you let go of what is not authentic delight for you, then you might be surprised at how simple the holidays become. You might find that wonderful is right here in this very moment.
**********
Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com
WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 12/24/2008 05:34:00 PM
24 December, 2008
Greener Printing
No, we're not talking about getting that alcoholic shade of pink out of your uncle's rosy cheeks. We're talking about a bit of software that takes out the crap you don't want to print (ads, single lines of URL, etc.) and leaves only what you really need on your hard copy.
You can read all about GreenPrint World at the GreenPrint website. The download for the free edition of GreenPrint World is here.
Save some trees, save some ink, and save yourself some money. Rack up a few karma points for yourself too.
You can read all about GreenPrint World at the GreenPrint website. The download for the free edition of GreenPrint World is here.
Save some trees, save some ink, and save yourself some money. Rack up a few karma points for yourself too.
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 4/23/2008 05:10:00 PM
23 April, 2008
Lies, Lies, and More Lies: Must Be Election Time
With the 2008 campaigns in full swing, we encourage you to visit FactCheck.org. It's a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to checking the accuracy of statements presented in political ads, speeches, debates and so on. Contrary to popular opinion, ignorance is not bliss (although it may simplify your voting options), so do yourself a favor and see how the candidates stack up in terms of truth-telling.
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 2/20/2008 01:01:00 PM
20 February, 2008
New Orleans Musicians Redefine 8/29
New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund Redefine 8/29 is now available for download at nomrf.org.
The benefit CD features songs donated for this download by supporters of our musicians. 100% of proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Relief Foundation, the grass-roots organization still getting grants directly to displaced musicians.
Featured musicians on the CD include Dr. John (of course), Edwin McCain & Maia Sharp, Backyard Tire Fire, the Kaiser Chiefs, and Rev. Goat Carson, among others. Tracks are also available for individual download at the NOMRF site.
The benefit CD features songs donated for this download by supporters of our musicians. 100% of proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Relief Foundation, the grass-roots organization still getting grants directly to displaced musicians.
Featured musicians on the CD include Dr. John (of course), Edwin McCain & Maia Sharp, Backyard Tire Fire, the Kaiser Chiefs, and Rev. Goat Carson, among others. Tracks are also available for individual download at the NOMRF site.
Labels: Music, Subversive Ideas
# posted
by P.L. Miller, Contributing Editor @ 8/01/2007 12:58:00 PM
01 August, 2007
DreamHost Goes Green
Kudos to our hosting service for going green by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits and Carbon Credits to offset the environmental impact of their energy usage. (That's what the little button's all about; you may have seen it on our front page or on other sites.) You can read all about it at this page on the DreamHost site.
Labels: Site Updates, Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 5/09/2007 02:11:00 PM
09 May, 2007
How to Build a Flying Saucer
Do I need to add that cautionary disclaimer about how you shouldn't try this at home?
How to Build a Flying Saucer (And Other Proposals in Speculative Engineering)
It's now free online, so go ahead and have a look.
How to Build a Flying Saucer (And Other Proposals in Speculative Engineering)
It's now free online, so go ahead and have a look.
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Patrick Redding, Contributing Editor @ 5/04/2007 12:35:00 PM
04 May, 2007
So Long, Molly
"We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there.... We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it, now!'"
--from Molly Ivins' Jan. 11, 2007 column "Stand Up Against the Surge"
Columnist Molly Ivins passed away Wednesday, 31 Jan. 2007, after a long battle with breast cancer. She skewered several White House administrations and countless Texas politicians with her barbed wit. You can read editor Anthony Zurcher's tribute here:
http://www.creators.com/opinion/molly-ivins/molly-ivins-tribute.html
--from Molly Ivins' Jan. 11, 2007 column "Stand Up Against the Surge"
Columnist Molly Ivins passed away Wednesday, 31 Jan. 2007, after a long battle with breast cancer. She skewered several White House administrations and countless Texas politicians with her barbed wit. You can read editor Anthony Zurcher's tribute here:
http://www.creators.com/opinion/molly-ivins/molly-ivins-tribute.html
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 1/31/2007 11:44:00 PM
31 January, 2007
The State of Things
A couple of comments on the State of the Union address:
"I am disappointed but not surprised that the president has once again chosen to trot out this same old pig — albeit one with a slightly new shade of lipstick."
- Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo
"I hope we won't act like children. The Democrats in the House, if they're not appropriately considerate of the president of the United States, then that will agitate those of us on our side, and then we'll respond in kind, and then the American people will turn us off."
- Mississippi Senator Trent Lott
...and a couple of comments not specifically referring to the State of the Union address, but nonetheless entirely appropriate to the occasion:
"Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage." - H.L. Mencken
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys."
- P. J. O'Rourke
"I am disappointed but not surprised that the president has once again chosen to trot out this same old pig — albeit one with a slightly new shade of lipstick."
- Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo
"I hope we won't act like children. The Democrats in the House, if they're not appropriately considerate of the president of the United States, then that will agitate those of us on our side, and then we'll respond in kind, and then the American people will turn us off."
- Mississippi Senator Trent Lott
...and a couple of comments not specifically referring to the State of the Union address, but nonetheless entirely appropriate to the occasion:
"Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage." - H.L. Mencken
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys."
- P. J. O'Rourke
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 1/24/2007 07:04:00 PM
24 January, 2007
Iraqnophobia
Spiders invaded our workplace here a few months ago, and we did what any red-blooded Americans would do. We declared war....
Read the rest...
Read the rest...
Labels: Humor, Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Erin Abernethy, Field Correspondent @ 1/20/2007 12:32:00 PM
20 January, 2007
Hang Onto Your Lemons, Baby, It's COLD Outside!
Over the past few days, NPR has been covering the story of how prolonged cold weather in California's San Joaquin Valley has been wreaking havoc on citrus crops. Sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend destroyed about three-quarters of the crop, despite attempts to save as much of the fruit as possible. The loss of revenue has prompted Gov. Schwarzenegger to seek federal aid for the farmers.
We have a different idea: round up some musicians and put together a benefit concert. (Sure, it's tricky to work out logistics and scheduling on such short notice, but it's got to be faster than waiting around for help from the government. Ask anyone who was in New Orleans a couple of years ago how that went.) Do it right, and hey... maybe you could get Robert Plant onstage to sing "Freeze My Lemons."
You can see the NPR story here: California Seeks Federal Aid for Citrus Growers.
We have a different idea: round up some musicians and put together a benefit concert. (Sure, it's tricky to work out logistics and scheduling on such short notice, but it's got to be faster than waiting around for help from the government. Ask anyone who was in New Orleans a couple of years ago how that went.) Do it right, and hey... maybe you could get Robert Plant onstage to sing "Freeze My Lemons."
You can see the NPR story here: California Seeks Federal Aid for Citrus Growers.
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by P.L. Miller, Contributing Editor @ 1/18/2007 10:19:00 AM
18 January, 2007
Over 9,000 Acres of Green
The Rainforest Site reports that combined efforts in 2006 protected over 407 million square feet of forestland. That's over 9,343 acres. For folks who need something more familiar to use as a reference, that's over 100 times the size of the Mall of America.
More than 316.3 million square feet of that figure is due to funding generated by clicks on the "Preserve Endangered Land" button, and an additional 90.7 million square feet were saved thanks to purchases made in The Rainforest Site store.
Clicking the button is free, by the way. Take a couple of seconds and go do something good.
More than 316.3 million square feet of that figure is due to funding generated by clicks on the "Preserve Endangered Land" button, and an additional 90.7 million square feet were saved thanks to purchases made in The Rainforest Site store.
Clicking the button is free, by the way. Take a couple of seconds and go do something good.
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by P.L. Miller, Contributing Editor @ 1/15/2007 08:21:00 PM
15 January, 2007
"Convert Not" - New from Hunter MacKenzie
It's 10:00 a.m. There's a knock at your door. You weren't expecting anyone, so you look through the peephole and see two strangers on your doorstep. They look like a perfectly nice couple, except that one is carrying a stack of church literature and the other one has a plastic donation bucket in hand. They want to share the Good News with you and save your soul, and maybe reserve a ticket for you on the Heavenly Express (although with the amount of change rattling around in your pockets, it'll probably be coach class).
Ever wonder why no one shows up on your doorstep to tell you that you should discover your own purpose in life and take responsibility for yourself instead of depending on someone else to provide direction and salvation?
Hunter MacKenzie's latest is in our Hermetic Perspectives section: "Convert Not".
Ever wonder why no one shows up on your doorstep to tell you that you should discover your own purpose in life and take responsibility for yourself instead of depending on someone else to provide direction and salvation?
Hunter MacKenzie's latest is in our Hermetic Perspectives section: "Convert Not".
Labels: Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 9/20/2006 01:42:00 PM
20 September, 2006
Stop the Arboreal Madness: An Open Letter to QPB
After opening my mail this morning, I was annoyed enough to fire off an e-mail to the Quality Paperback Book Club. (They don't normally annoy me; in fact, I usually enjoy browsing their catalog over breakfast, but not this time.) Then it occurred to me: not only could I e-mail them but I could post the e-mail here, giving anyone else this may have ticked off the opportunity to copy and paste (and modify as you see fit, of course), send off your own e-mail, and join me in my joust with this particular windmill.
The letter:
I enjoy QPB. However, I was quite irked when I opened my latest catalog to find emblazoned across the front, "We're killing more trees to bring you a BIGGER, BETTER CATALOG!" Perhaps this was an attempt at levity, but I don't see the humor in destroying more trees, especially at a time when we should be making every effort to become more environmentally responsible.
I neither needed nor wanted a "bigger, better catalog," and while I can only speak for myself, I'm sure that others might also welcome the opportunity to have less paper involved in interactions with QPB.
You offer the option of responding to this month's main selections online, yet the catalogs go out to everyone regardless of whether or not we've already responded. Why not offer members the option to not receive the catalog mailings if they prefer to enjoy QPB online? At least one music service does this type of paperless monthly selection process, and it works quite well. I would imagine it also saves a great deal of postage and printing costs for the company.
How about it?
The letter:
I enjoy QPB. However, I was quite irked when I opened my latest catalog to find emblazoned across the front, "We're killing more trees to bring you a BIGGER, BETTER CATALOG!" Perhaps this was an attempt at levity, but I don't see the humor in destroying more trees, especially at a time when we should be making every effort to become more environmentally responsible.
I neither needed nor wanted a "bigger, better catalog," and while I can only speak for myself, I'm sure that others might also welcome the opportunity to have less paper involved in interactions with QPB.
You offer the option of responding to this month's main selections online, yet the catalogs go out to everyone regardless of whether or not we've already responded. Why not offer members the option to not receive the catalog mailings if they prefer to enjoy QPB online? At least one music service does this type of paperless monthly selection process, and it works quite well. I would imagine it also saves a great deal of postage and printing costs for the company.
How about it?
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by P.L. Miller, Contributing Editor @ 8/13/2006 11:44:00 AM
13 August, 2006
What a Little Gunpowder Can Do
V for Vendetta is now out on DVD, and you have a choice of two versions: one with just the film, or a two-disc version with all the "extras." Despite some disgruntlement among die-hard lovers of the original graphic novel, the Wachowski brothers came up with a worthy and provocative successor to their Matrix trilogy. One of our staffers who would probably be better off remaining anonymous in this instance commented, "If you've ever had happy thoughts of blowing up the government, you need to see this film." For more on that subject, I suggest that unless you're really into the details of the filmmaking process, you can probably skip the "extras" on the two-disc set. Go for the single disc, read the book, and research Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Treason Plot for yourself. Shadowgalaxy.net is an excellent place to start. Go read.
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Rob Colfax, Senior Editor @ 8/02/2006 11:48:00 AM
02 August, 2006
A Few Thoughts on the State of Our Disunion
"Bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate which would be oppression."
--Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address, 1801
"We have not done too well with that concept... and the proof of our failure is the wreckage of Jefferson's dream that haunts us on every side, from coast to coast, on the TV news and a thousand daily newspapers."
--Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Better Than Sex
"Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity...."
--W.B. Yeats, "The Second Coming"
--Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address, 1801
"We have not done too well with that concept... and the proof of our failure is the wreckage of Jefferson's dream that haunts us on every side, from coast to coast, on the TV news and a thousand daily newspapers."
--Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Better Than Sex
"Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity...."
--W.B. Yeats, "The Second Coming"
Labels: Subversive Ideas
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 7/04/2006 11:44:00 AM
04 July, 2006
Bertrand Russell on the (In)Sane Society
"No one can deny, in face of the evidence, that it is easy, given military power, to produce a population of fanatical lunatics. It would be equally easy to produce a population of sane and reasonable people, but many governments do not wish to do so, since such people would fail to admire the politicians who are at the head of these governments."
--from Bertrand Russell's essay "An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish" in Unpopular Essays
--from Bertrand Russell's essay "An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish" in Unpopular Essays
Labels: Literary Arts, Subversive Ideas, Think Tank
# posted
by Fraser MacKenzie, Online Editor @ 6/15/2006 08:01:00 AM