by Richard L. Weaver II
We heard it said on the plane as we approached Barcelona, that the city was nothing like it used to be because it was too westernized. That same comment can be made about most large cities around the world, but it doesn’t mean (or should not mean) that large cities contain unusual or unique sights that should not be explored, seen, or experienced.
Upon landing in Barcelona, we were taken to our hotel (Hotel Diagonal), by taxicab, and if our hotel were representative of all of Barcelona, it is true that the city would not be worth a visit. It was the most modern hotel we have ever experienced with elevators that indicate which of the three will carry you to your designation but with no internal buttons of any kind. Key cards activated the lights in each room; buttons activated two layers of shades that covered the glass window that made up one wall; and a bathroom, that except in the room with the toilet, offered no privacy behind clear glass walls, were some of the “amenities.” Lights, furniture, decorations, telephone, and all other accessories and accents were ultra-modern, “colored” in gray, black, or white, and supported an angular or square decorative scheme.
From our hotel, we took the subway 4 stops to what we were told was a Barcelona “must see.” La Rambla — a one mile long pedestrian boulevard in the old city that blended old building facades with souvenir shops, small restaurants, and the largest collection of “street performers” we’ve ever witnessed. These were people dressed in a wide-variety of costumes who simply pose — standing like statues — to have their pictures taken by themselves or with passers-by, all for a donation. Pedestrian walkways were experienced throughout Europe (in Vienna, Austria, in small cities along the Danube, Mine, and Rhine River, as well as other places we have visited). Strolling, meeting, talking, and eating along these pedestrian walkways is a foreign custom with which many Americans may be unfamiliar, except, perhaps, at American malls. La Rambla, on a Saturday afternoon and evening, was a crowded, mass of people: loud, active, and busy.
The French Riviera — our first cruise stop after Barcelona — was nothing like my image of it. My image included a white sand, beach-oriented, playground. The Riviera consists of a number of cities, of course, and some we did not see may have satisfied my image. We moored and were tendered in at Villefranche, and we enjoyed an excellent excursion to Nice and Eze with a wonderful guide. We did not go to Monaco and its popular and main city, Monte Carlo, but here is what is interesting about that. We were having lunch at a little restaurant in downtown Florence, as part of another (later) excursion, and seated with us was a young lady and her mother from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and, as well, a lawyer and his wife (Jim and Susan Cousins) from Livonia, Michigan. Jim was extolling the virtues of the excursion into Monaco, and the lady from Kalamazoo disagreed with every one of his observations and said the excursion was an absolute waste of money. They had different guides and it was a different time of day (morning versus afternoon), and the experiences were 180-degrees different!
The beach in Nice is nice. It follows the coast for miles and is accented by a pedestrian walkway and palm trees, but the beach is of pebbles, not sand. It was there, just beyond the pedestrian walkway in the center of Nice, where the flower market is located every morning. That same market is turned into an afternoon series of small, outdoor, intimate restaurants. Following the flower market each day, the city hoses down the area and carts away the garbage. Then each restaurant brings out its own chairs and tables to fill each of the vacated, tent-covered metal skeletons.
The place that stands out in my mind thus far, however, is the old, walled-city of Eze that stood perched like an “eagle’s nest” at the height of an imposing cliff. The small narrow roads, archways, stone houses, shady squares, and ancient fountains made this town unique and picturesque. The only open area we discovered was a grassy park at the far end of the village that looked out beyond the walls toward the hills, villages, and other cathedrals in the distance.
Eze is a medieval, fortified village built on the top of a steep hill for protection. It was moved from the nearby coast to the hilltop during a period when pirates were plundering the region, but its history is remarkable. It goes back to the neolithic era towards 2000 BC and its name originated from the port of Avisio located in the bay of Saint Laurent of Eze (east of the commune).
Like so many European villages, Eze experienced numerous occupations and changes in village authority. For example, it was originally occupied by the Saracens. In 1229 it was confiscated by the Count of Provence, Raymond B ranger V, and after belonged (until 1388) to the crown of Anjou-Provence. Until the 20th century Eze was charged to care for plague-stricken leprous people. It was in 1414 that Eze was returned to the House of Savoy. In 1543, occupants of Eze freed themselves of their lords and formed a “communautas.” Following occupation by Soliman the Magnificent at about the same time, the village of Eze experienced destruction of its castle by French troops (1713), creation of the Brotherhood of the Rosary (1764), return of the village to France (1807), return to the House of Savoy (1860), and the final return of Eze to France in 1914. Excursion guides tend to stretch minds with their extensive understanding of history and their willingness to share what they know with their willing listeners.
Eze was an exception to the other cites and villages along the French Riviera because of its location and its preservation of its mediaeval ambiance. Villefranche, Monte Carlo, Nice, and Cannes, however, are all places for the very rich, and all are resort communities for many French people of the upper crust. We chose neither to shop nor eat in Villefrance nor Nice.
We were but four days through a 14-day cruise, and we discovered that just like the river cruise we took of the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers of Europe, the information — like that we discovered about Eze — overwhelms the senses, the experiences have no (or little) reference to what we have known and understood previously, and the boundaries of our minds continue to edge ever outward with the full understanding that minds stretched in new directions never return to their original dimension.
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Everything you ever wanted to know about Barcelona can be found at the VISCA A CITY website — the official Barcelona city website. More information can be found as well at the Barcelona Tourist Guide. Also, at photo.net, Philip Greenspun offers, “A Phtographer’s Guide to Barcelona” which is well worth a look.
Check out FrenchRiviera.com for information about hotels, villas, vacations, rentals, and more. At guideriviera.com, you get information on transportation as well as art and culture, climate, and lifestyle.
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Copyright June, 2009 - And Then Some Publishing L.L.C.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
SMOERs: Words of Wisdom
The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity. —Zig Ziglar
Day #60 - Be a powerful persuader.
Day #60 - Be a powerful persuader.
SMOERs: Self-Motivation, Optimism, Encouragement Rules! - Daily Reminders for Outstanding Living
An everyday guide full of quotations to uplift your spirits.
Free 10-Day sample: smoers.com
An everyday guide full of quotations to uplift your spirits.
Free 10-Day sample: smoers.com
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
And Then Some News
And Then Some Publishing, LLC has opened a new store for T-Shirts, mugs, and more. From our library of projects, we are adding products every few days. Currently, we have And Then Some Gear, Butterfly Graphic, You Rules, and then some!
Don't forget to visit us often... New luscious SMOERs schwag is on the way!
Click here for our new And Then Some Publishing online store.
----- NOTE FOR COLLECTORS -----
We have released the first printing of the SMOERs book. As much as we love everything about this first printing, changes are afoot. We are making a number of small alterations to the cover and interior.
What does this mean? The current printing of our book is a collectors item and will not be available long. As soon as we sell just 10 books through Amazon.com the changes to SMOERs will be uploaded and the current version will no longer be available. That will make it a very special and treasured prize. Get your collectors' copy of the SMOERs book now before it's too late...
We have sold 3 books... the time is now!
Check out the first 10 days of tasty treats at www.smoers.com or buy now by clicking the book on the right. On sale now at Amazon. Get your hands around this delicious treat right now!
We have released the first printing of the SMOERs book. As much as we love everything about this first printing, changes are afoot. We are making a number of small alterations to the cover and interior.
What does this mean? The current printing of our book is a collectors item and will not be available long. As soon as we sell just 10 books through Amazon.com the changes to SMOERs will be uploaded and the current version will no longer be available. That will make it a very special and treasured prize. Get your collectors' copy of the SMOERs book now before it's too late...
We have sold 3 books... the time is now!
Check out the first 10 days of tasty treats at www.smoers.com or buy now by clicking the book on the right. On sale now at Amazon. Get your hands around this delicious treat right now!
---------
Share your link. Have you written anything on Mediterranean cruising? Have you visited Barcelona or the French Riviera? Do you know someone who has? Can you share some insights about any of your own touring or excursion experiences with readers? What would you like to tell people who want to cruise the Mediterranean? Any personal information you would like to share with them? Share your link with us. We’ll post it and move traffic in your direction. And, a big “thank you,” in advance, from AndThenSomeWorks.com, for sharing your link.
Click here to LINK your And Then Some story
Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview
Barcelona and the French Riviera (Nice and Eze): Minds stretched in new directions
by Richard L. Weaver II
Excerpt:
We were but four days through a 14-day cruise, and we discovered that just like the river cruise we took of the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers of Europe, the information — like that we discovered about Eze — overwhelms the senses, the experiences have no (or little) reference to what we have known and understood previously, and the boundaries of our minds continue to edge ever outward with the full understanding that minds stretched in new directions never return to their original dimension.
And Then Some Works - see you Thursday!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Book Review Mondays
More information at Amazon.com No obligation to buy Click below: |
by Brian David Bruns
Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD.
In this 370-page book, Burns truly takes you behind the glitter and glamour of cruising. Having taken nine cruises (including our River Cruise of the Great Rivers of Europe, which does not qualify as a large-ship cruise) it was easy to understand and identify with Burns, an American, who signed on as a crew member on Carnival Cruise Lines. If you have ever cruised before, you know immediately how unusual this is. Major cruise lines hire their crew from as many as 80 different foreign countries; however, for crew members, you will find very few from the U.S. After reading this book, you will understand why. For many crew members from other countries, especially countries less developed than our own, work for a cruise line pays substantially better than anything they can find in their own country. On most of the cruises we have taken, Filipinos, Indonesians, and Romanians predominated. Burns writes about the internal politics that occur, who gets promotions and why, and who does not. He points out, with specific examples, that his superiors were prejudiced when it came to promoting him, and he noted that one reason was that he was an American. From the hard work crew members endured, to the lack of sleep (often 3-4 hours per night because of heavy shifts piled on top of one another), to the romantic relationships developed, and to the stealing that occurred between dining stewards (those who arrived at the dining room first would stock their station by taking whatever they needed from another person’s station), this book was truly an eye opener. I loved every minute of it, and if you have cruised, you will too. You'll probably like it as well even if you haven't cruised. Burns writes well and tell a good story.
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Through our reading, researching, and writing, And Then Some Publishing (and our extended family of readers) mine volumes of books representing a wide variety of tastes. We use the books in our writing, test and try suggested techniques, and we read for enjoyment as well. We wouldn't spend the time reviewing the books if we didn't get something out of it. Read more reviews on other fantastic books at our BookWorks website.
Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD.
In this 370-page book, Burns truly takes you behind the glitter and glamour of cruising. Having taken nine cruises (including our River Cruise of the Great Rivers of Europe, which does not qualify as a large-ship cruise) it was easy to understand and identify with Burns, an American, who signed on as a crew member on Carnival Cruise Lines. If you have ever cruised before, you know immediately how unusual this is. Major cruise lines hire their crew from as many as 80 different foreign countries; however, for crew members, you will find very few from the U.S. After reading this book, you will understand why. For many crew members from other countries, especially countries less developed than our own, work for a cruise line pays substantially better than anything they can find in their own country. On most of the cruises we have taken, Filipinos, Indonesians, and Romanians predominated. Burns writes about the internal politics that occur, who gets promotions and why, and who does not. He points out, with specific examples, that his superiors were prejudiced when it came to promoting him, and he noted that one reason was that he was an American. From the hard work crew members endured, to the lack of sleep (often 3-4 hours per night because of heavy shifts piled on top of one another), to the romantic relationships developed, and to the stealing that occurred between dining stewards (those who arrived at the dining room first would stock their station by taking whatever they needed from another person’s station), this book was truly an eye opener. I loved every minute of it, and if you have cruised, you will too. You'll probably like it as well even if you haven't cruised. Burns writes well and tell a good story.
-----
Through our reading, researching, and writing, And Then Some Publishing (and our extended family of readers) mine volumes of books representing a wide variety of tastes. We use the books in our writing, test and try suggested techniques, and we read for enjoyment as well. We wouldn't spend the time reviewing the books if we didn't get something out of it. Read more reviews on other fantastic books at our BookWorks website.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Weekend Words
"Words not only affect us temporarily; they change us, they socialize or unsocialize us." ---David Riesman
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Cruising is incredibly self-indulgent
by Richard L. Weaver II
I am writing this from a two-story nook (Deck’s 8 and 9) called “Words,” the onboard library of Celebrity’s ship Millennium, sailing the Mediterranean Sea from Barcelona, Spain, to four other countries (France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey) ending in Venice, Italy. In this dark wood, plushly carpeted nook are a dozen large, comfortable (overstuffed) chairs, convenient tables, and pictures of writers such as Philip Roth, Gore Vidal, Saul Bellow, Norman Mailer, and Isaac Bashevis Singer. It is quiet, the lights are low, and there is a delightful peace here away from the lively pool, spa, casino, and lunch buffet areas. There are close to 2,000 people onboard plus close to 1,000 wait staff — an eclectic crowd gathered from all parts of the globe.
Counting our river cruise with Grand Circle Travel, this is our eighth cruise, and I thought it time to make some observations as I did early in our cruising experience. Obviously, we like cruising, but there are portions of it that appeal more than others. Relaxing here in “Words,” clearly is one of them.
An important aspect of multiple cruise experiences is becoming accustomed to the rules and expectations. For example, we register all online, print out results, sign them, and carry the needed documentation with us. We follow requirements regarding what we carry and what we pack in our checked luggage. Reading ahead is essential for saving time. Getting caught in security, for example, can not only cost valuable time, but in the Amsterdam airport, it prevented us from making a plane connection that cost us 5-6 hours. We now pass through security check points with ease, except for the necessity of waiting in the inevitable long lines which cannot be avoided. I overheard one gentleman who travels a great deal complain that it is those who seldom travel and, thus, do not know the requirements, who make it difficult for others.
Our impression of “cruise types” has been confirmed. When I first wrote about cruising, I thought my stereotypes might be unfair. They have been substantially confirmed.
“Cruise types” include drinkers. Not only is this an important money-maker for cruise lines, but people enjoy their indulgence at all locations onboard, and everywhere you go, cruise-line wait-staff, are there asking if you want something from the bar. A simple “no thank you” is enough to free yourself from one waiter, however, there are often three or four others likely to ask you the same question. There is a gratuity attached to each drink; thus, wait staff have everything to gain from their pursuit. Fortunately, they are neither demanding nor intrusive.
Another characteristic of “cruise types” is the desire to gamble and play bingo. The casino has been a central location on all our ocean-going ships, and seldom when open have we found it sparsely populated. Bingo is a daily activity conducted in all the larger venues, and some people cannot get enough of either. Gambling success or losses is often a conversation topic among “cruisers.”
A third characteristic of “cruise types” is smoking. Although Celebrity Cruise Lines has confined it to the port side of the ship in all venues, it permeates more widely than the left side alone. Just walking through the casino or any of the bars is enough to give non-smokers headaches. One smoking venue — especially for cigar smoker s— on all Celebrity ships is Michael’s Club where the evening entertainment is often a piano player — entertainment that can be annoying for non-smokers simply because of the smoking venue.
Incidentally, and as an aside here, my wife and I have become “cruise types.” No, we have not taken up drinking, gambling, or smoking, but we have enjoyed the cruise experience for getting us to places we would not otherwise see, for providing us good food in abundance (and always available), for being waited on hand and foot, and in having excellent (but expensive) guided tours that are interesting and educational. For example, our excursion from Villefrance to Nice and Eze on the French Riviera had a well-educated guide who revealed a wonderful sense of humor, offered great historical information, and provided insightful personal observations. He began guiding tours in 1973 (34 years ago) when he was picked to be a guide as a teenager who worked on repairing the coaches. He spoke 5 languages (German, Italian, Spanish, French, and English), never completed his education, owns and works on a small farm he inherited from his father, and has one daughter.
When it comes to excursions, we have indulged: “If you’re going to all these places, you need to really see them,” is our thinking. On our Mediterranean cruise we took excursions to see Michelangelo’s original David, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Pompeii, the Acropolis and Forum, an olive farm and a winery, as well as, in Istanbul, The Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Topkapi Palace.
We have enjoyed the people with whom we have cruised. It is true that many have money. You can tell that from the way they act and dress. We had less contact with others on our Mediterranean cruise, and that is partly because we sat at a table for two. Our contacts with others occurred on the many excursions we took; however, unlike previous cruises, we exchanged no email addresses; thus, there is unlikely to be any continued contact with those passengers.
One of the real pleasures of cruising has always been the entertainment. When we sailed on the Zenith from Jacksonville, Florida, to the southern Caribbean, we heard and enjoyed a trio (singers and instrumentalists who played guitars and a bass) from the Phillippines called the Alambre Trio. We liked them so much we kept in contact via the Internet, and we cruised with them a second time on the ship Horizon to Bermuda, and a third time to the Bahamas on the Norwegian ship “Spirit.” It was like going to a concert every night.
Ship entertainment includes dance bands, party bands, pianists, guitarists, and singers. We have heard and seen an accapella group of four men, comedians, jugglers, aerialists, ventriloquists, and a violinist. The variety seems inexhaustible, and I haven’t even mentioned the cruise line’s own singers and dancers who put on regular, elaborate, theme-based performances.
Cruising is self-indulgent, and it is pleasure seeking of the most extravagant nature. Luxurious, hedonistic, and excessive — I would never claim otherwise, and I make no excuses. It is a travel option, and we have found it to not just be satisfying but educational and worthwhile as well. If you’re going to be self-indulgent, why not see various parts of the world at the same time?
-----
At the website Cruises, the “Love to Know” essay there explains cost benefits, cruise vacation benefits, variety benefits, cruise vacation benefits: family benefits, as well as safety benefits. It’s a worthwhile read.
There is an ezine article, called “Cheap Cruises” by Junaid Ashraf Mianoor in which he offers a variety of ways to get good deals for less online. He makes some sensible suggestions.
-----
Copyright June, 2009 - And Then Some Publishing L.L.C.
I am writing this from a two-story nook (Deck’s 8 and 9) called “Words,” the onboard library of Celebrity’s ship Millennium, sailing the Mediterranean Sea from Barcelona, Spain, to four other countries (France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey) ending in Venice, Italy. In this dark wood, plushly carpeted nook are a dozen large, comfortable (overstuffed) chairs, convenient tables, and pictures of writers such as Philip Roth, Gore Vidal, Saul Bellow, Norman Mailer, and Isaac Bashevis Singer. It is quiet, the lights are low, and there is a delightful peace here away from the lively pool, spa, casino, and lunch buffet areas. There are close to 2,000 people onboard plus close to 1,000 wait staff — an eclectic crowd gathered from all parts of the globe.
Counting our river cruise with Grand Circle Travel, this is our eighth cruise, and I thought it time to make some observations as I did early in our cruising experience. Obviously, we like cruising, but there are portions of it that appeal more than others. Relaxing here in “Words,” clearly is one of them.
An important aspect of multiple cruise experiences is becoming accustomed to the rules and expectations. For example, we register all online, print out results, sign them, and carry the needed documentation with us. We follow requirements regarding what we carry and what we pack in our checked luggage. Reading ahead is essential for saving time. Getting caught in security, for example, can not only cost valuable time, but in the Amsterdam airport, it prevented us from making a plane connection that cost us 5-6 hours. We now pass through security check points with ease, except for the necessity of waiting in the inevitable long lines which cannot be avoided. I overheard one gentleman who travels a great deal complain that it is those who seldom travel and, thus, do not know the requirements, who make it difficult for others.
Our impression of “cruise types” has been confirmed. When I first wrote about cruising, I thought my stereotypes might be unfair. They have been substantially confirmed.
“Cruise types” include drinkers. Not only is this an important money-maker for cruise lines, but people enjoy their indulgence at all locations onboard, and everywhere you go, cruise-line wait-staff, are there asking if you want something from the bar. A simple “no thank you” is enough to free yourself from one waiter, however, there are often three or four others likely to ask you the same question. There is a gratuity attached to each drink; thus, wait staff have everything to gain from their pursuit. Fortunately, they are neither demanding nor intrusive.
Another characteristic of “cruise types” is the desire to gamble and play bingo. The casino has been a central location on all our ocean-going ships, and seldom when open have we found it sparsely populated. Bingo is a daily activity conducted in all the larger venues, and some people cannot get enough of either. Gambling success or losses is often a conversation topic among “cruisers.”
A third characteristic of “cruise types” is smoking. Although Celebrity Cruise Lines has confined it to the port side of the ship in all venues, it permeates more widely than the left side alone. Just walking through the casino or any of the bars is enough to give non-smokers headaches. One smoking venue — especially for cigar smoker s— on all Celebrity ships is Michael’s Club where the evening entertainment is often a piano player — entertainment that can be annoying for non-smokers simply because of the smoking venue.
Incidentally, and as an aside here, my wife and I have become “cruise types.” No, we have not taken up drinking, gambling, or smoking, but we have enjoyed the cruise experience for getting us to places we would not otherwise see, for providing us good food in abundance (and always available), for being waited on hand and foot, and in having excellent (but expensive) guided tours that are interesting and educational. For example, our excursion from Villefrance to Nice and Eze on the French Riviera had a well-educated guide who revealed a wonderful sense of humor, offered great historical information, and provided insightful personal observations. He began guiding tours in 1973 (34 years ago) when he was picked to be a guide as a teenager who worked on repairing the coaches. He spoke 5 languages (German, Italian, Spanish, French, and English), never completed his education, owns and works on a small farm he inherited from his father, and has one daughter.
When it comes to excursions, we have indulged: “If you’re going to all these places, you need to really see them,” is our thinking. On our Mediterranean cruise we took excursions to see Michelangelo’s original David, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Pompeii, the Acropolis and Forum, an olive farm and a winery, as well as, in Istanbul, The Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Topkapi Palace.
We have enjoyed the people with whom we have cruised. It is true that many have money. You can tell that from the way they act and dress. We had less contact with others on our Mediterranean cruise, and that is partly because we sat at a table for two. Our contacts with others occurred on the many excursions we took; however, unlike previous cruises, we exchanged no email addresses; thus, there is unlikely to be any continued contact with those passengers.
One of the real pleasures of cruising has always been the entertainment. When we sailed on the Zenith from Jacksonville, Florida, to the southern Caribbean, we heard and enjoyed a trio (singers and instrumentalists who played guitars and a bass) from the Phillippines called the Alambre Trio. We liked them so much we kept in contact via the Internet, and we cruised with them a second time on the ship Horizon to Bermuda, and a third time to the Bahamas on the Norwegian ship “Spirit.” It was like going to a concert every night.
Ship entertainment includes dance bands, party bands, pianists, guitarists, and singers. We have heard and seen an accapella group of four men, comedians, jugglers, aerialists, ventriloquists, and a violinist. The variety seems inexhaustible, and I haven’t even mentioned the cruise line’s own singers and dancers who put on regular, elaborate, theme-based performances.
Cruising is self-indulgent, and it is pleasure seeking of the most extravagant nature. Luxurious, hedonistic, and excessive — I would never claim otherwise, and I make no excuses. It is a travel option, and we have found it to not just be satisfying but educational and worthwhile as well. If you’re going to be self-indulgent, why not see various parts of the world at the same time?
-----
At the website Cruises, the “Love to Know” essay there explains cost benefits, cruise vacation benefits, variety benefits, cruise vacation benefits: family benefits, as well as safety benefits. It’s a worthwhile read.
There is an ezine article, called “Cheap Cruises” by Junaid Ashraf Mianoor in which he offers a variety of ways to get good deals for less online. He makes some sensible suggestions.
-----
Copyright June, 2009 - And Then Some Publishing L.L.C.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
SMOERs: Words of Wisdom
Live up to the best that is in you: Live noble lives, as you all may, in whatever condition you may find yourselves. —Henry W. Longfellow
Day #59 - Live a noble life.
Day #59 - Live a noble life.
SMOERs: Self-Motivation, Optimism, Encouragement Rules! - Daily Reminders for Outstanding Living
An everyday guide full of quotations to uplift your spirits.
Free 10-Day sample: smoers.com
An everyday guide full of quotations to uplift your spirits.
Free 10-Day sample: smoers.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
And Then Some News
We're cruising this summer! No... we're not taking it easy. This summer we are telling the tales of the "Cruising Experience" via essays by author Richard L. Weaver II, PhD. Get lost in his first-hand experience... This summer it's time to "cruise"...
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Share your link. Have you written anything on cruising? Are you a “cruise type”? Do you know someone who is? Can you share some insights about any of your own cruise experiences with readers? What would you like to tell people who want to take their first cruise? Any personal information you would like to share with them? Share your link with us. We’ll post it and move traffic in your direction. And, a big “thank you,” in advance, from AndThenSomeWorks.com, for sharing your link.
Click here to LINK your And Then Some story
Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview
Cruising is incredibly self-indulgent
by Richard L. Weaver II
Excerpt:
Incidentally, and as an aside here, my wife and I have become “cruise types.” No, we have not taken up drinking, gambling, or smoking, but we have enjoyed the cruise experience for getting us to places we would not otherwise see, for providing us good food in abundance (and always available), for being waited on hand and foot, and in having excellent (but expensive) guided tours that are interesting and educational. For example, our excursion from Villefrance to Nice and Eze on the French Riviera had a well-educated guide who revealed a wonderful sense of humor, offered great historical information, and provided insightful personal observations. He began guiding tours in 1973 (34 years ago) when he was picked to be a guide as a teenager who worked on repairing the coaches. He spoke 5 languages (German, Italian, Spanish, French, and English), never completed his education, owns and works on a small farm he inherited from his father, and has one daughter.
And Then Some Works - see you Thursday!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Book Review Mondays
More information at Amazon.com No obligation to buy Click below: Mindset by Carol Dweck |
by Carol Dweck
Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD.
In February, 2006, I wrote an essay entitled, "Some people succeed because of their growth mindset." The essay explains my support for the book Mindset by Carol Dweck, so I have included, as my review of her book, the following essay:
Every now and then you hear or read something that explains a fact you’ve always been concerned about but never directly pursued with enthusiasm or interest. When you hear or read it, however, you think “Ah-ha, that’s it!"
As I was reading the March/April issue of Psychology Today (2006), in the section labeled “PT Road Test,” and under the heading “Self-Help,” in an article entitled “Press for Success,” Lee Billing reviewed the book called Mindset by Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck. Her theme for the book can be captured in the statement: “the further you reach, the more you grow.”
Mindset is based on more than 20 years of research into personality, intelligence, and development, and it isn’t her theme that caught my attention.
What I found captivating is that in her book she identified “two distinct approaches to life, a divide,” writes Billings in his review, “with powerful implications.” This is how Billings explains Dweck’s bifurcation (dividing all of human behavior into two aspects):
“Those who believe that intelligence is God-given or intrinsic (the fixed mindset) are likely to stagnate, while those who think that aptitude is flexible and honed through experience (the growth mindset) tend to flourish and thrive” (p. 37).
Why is this piece of information so important? There are two reasons. First, throughout my professional career I have written and given speeches about motivation—how to be motivated and how to motivate others. Whether or not people are motivated is determined by mindset.
For persuaders, this is one piece of demographic information that might help them approach their listeners, because they would know, in advance, which listeners would be more likely to be affected or moved by their message.
Second, it offers a method of self-evaluation. That is, if you discovered which mindset best characterizes your own approach to life, in the first case it would provide information that would be self-explanatory. That is, it may reveal why you are unwilling to reach out, face challenges, and risk failure. It may reveal why you are more likely to protect yourself, seek security, and guard your safety. Your inability (or lack of desire) to face the unknown can be motivated by a desire to defend your vulnerability or to insulate yourself from danger.
If you discovered, instead, that aptitude is flexible and honed through experience, you would be able to build on this knowledge by taking further steps that would contribute to your growth, development, and change. It may explain how your personal program of reaching out, facing challenges, and risking failure directly correlates with your success and happiness. What a terrific incentive for continuing your program.
This equation is insightful. Also, it is invaluable for its self-motivating, self-determining, self-sufficiency.
The problem with the bifurcation that Dweck offers, of course, has the very same drawback as any bifurcation. Life tends to be made up of shades of gray and not aspects best defined by the starkness of black and white.
The problem can best be explained by saying that in situations where you feel qualified and knowledgeable, you are willing to take risks and face challenges. In traveling, for example, you may seek out unusual locations off the beaten track. In situations, however, where you are unqualified and less knowledgeable, you are less likely to take a risk or face a challenge. For example, you might be a terrible politician or lobbyist and rather than stick your neck out, you would rather crawl into a hole and hibernate.
Circumstances, too, would dictate the rate of speed by which success and happiness might occur. In some situations, growth and change would happen rapidly and with ease because you felt comfortable, encouraged it, and were determined.
Be this as it may, think of the freedom and license that discovery of a growth mindset (instead of a fixed mindset) might release. For some, it may, indeed, be liberation. There are many people, of course, who already believe in personal growth, development, and change, and there would be little result from such a discovery as this, even though it might spur greater or quicker progress. For them, it may not be a discovery at all.
If you believe that intelligence is an intrinsic, unmoveable, God-given entity then it is unlikely that any kind of outside influence—even highly persuasive, evidence-based, credibility enhanced arguments or presentations—are likely to move you in any way. It is similar to those who believe that the “theory” in “evolutionary theory” means that evolution is merely speculation or a guess.
The term “theory” as used by scientists, carries much more weight than in its common use; it means a concept that has been extensively tested and validated by specifically designed observation and experiment.
The point is that just as evolutionary theory has a long, extremely intensive, published record validating its various aspects and implications, some people still dismiss it entirely as mere conjecture.
In much the same way, it has long been known that aptitude is flexible and honed through experience. Knowing this, the implications for self-improvement are powerful.
One clear conclusion from reading Dweck’s book, Mindset, is that mindsets are not set in stone. Thank goodness, because rigid thinking benefits no one. Thank goodness, too, because mindsets create our whole mental world. They not only explain how we become optimistic or pessimistic, shape our goals, determine our attitude toward work and relationships, affect how we raise our kids, and predict whether or not we will fulfill our potential, they are the path of opportunity and success.
With a growth mindset, the proper attitude is in place so that parents, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, executives, and others not only know there is something solid with which to work, that there is an internal motivation in place to realize and take advantage of constructive criticism, and there is a determined and specific effort to move forward in a positive direction. Some people succeed because of their growth mindset.
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Through our reading, researching, and writing, And Then Some Publishing (and our extended family of readers) mine volumes of books representing a wide variety of tastes. We use the books in our writing, test and try suggested techniques, and we read for enjoyment as well. We wouldn't spend the time reviewing the books if we didn't get something out of it. Read more reviews on other fantastic books at our BookWorks website.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Weekend Words
"No word can be judged as to whether it is good or bad, correct or incorrect, beautiful or ugly, or anything else that matters to a writer, in isolation." ---I. A. Richards
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The need to be right means being crippled by your own judgment
by Richard L. Weaver II
Sitting in the barber’s chair, we (my barber and I) overheard a conversation between two gentlemen sitting in nearby chairs. The two gentlemen were discussing political issues, and their discussion began as a friendly, casual conversation that involved the sharing of opinions. What was so intriguing was how quickly their voices rose and the escalation from pleasantness to hostility stunned others in the barbershop as each man tried to prove the other wrong and himself, right. Suddenly, noticing that everyone in the shop was listening, they cut their conversation off. This was one example of how the need to be right is one of the most prevalent needs in our society today.
We all have a touch of the need to be right and control others, and we all have areas of self-righteousness where we believe we know better than others. The need to be right is probably learned early in life when we did not have power and someone else was critical, angry, or abusive with us. When we observe that mean adults or bullies who are the loudest or the angriest often get their way, or that putting power trips on others is rewarded, we rationalize that it’s okay, and soon it becomes habitual behavior whenever we feel threatened.
Sometimes we feel the need to be right no matter what the circumstances or even the consequences. Our egos become so enmeshed in the moment that it can feel like we’re defending our life, and we no longer hear anything the other person is saying. The amount of emotional energy exerted can be enormous, and it can even turn a good day into a rotten one all in the name of being right.
If you have the need to be right, consider the fact that we are all fallible human beings viewing the world through our own filter systems. Every belief, opinion, or observation is affected by our values, needs, goals, interests, other beliefs, attitudes, expectations, wants, knowledge, feelings, language, education, and experience. What is the likelihood any two people would share the same view of the world? We are all at different points on our paths and depending on how far apart those points are, often determines how easily our feathers will get ruffled by someone else’s beliefs.
The problem with the need to always be right is the way it manifests itself in our daily behavior. Because of the way it is seen by others, it is likely to negatively affect, even destroy, relationships. The more we display a rigidity of thought, the more anger and disapproval we are likely to experience. The need to always be right is revealed in our inability to say “I don’t know” or “I was wrong,” a high need to expect others to see things our way, feeling threatened when new ideas come from others, fear of hearing new information that threatens our beliefs, fear of letting go (not being in control), a preoccupation with winning approval from others, our need to be seen as tough, powerful, and strong, our pride at always being rational and logical, discomfort in expressing sensitive feelings, shame and fear of being perceived as vulnerable and insecure, belief that others who disagree should “just get over it,” and use of charm, anger, withdrawal, or blaming to settle arguments.
Freud labeled the fear of being wrong “omnipotence of thought.” He considered it a psychological defense to avoid inner anxiety and a sense of becoming fragmented when there is disagreement.
The reason some people feel the need to be right all the time is that it validates their self worth and self confidence. Often, these people are preoccupied with imagined shortcomings of others and perceived attacks from them. Feeling betrayed by others, they justify their criticizing and blaming of others to avoid the insight that they themselves might be in error. Because of the fear of losing power, they use anger to keep others from asserting themselves.
The beauty in all of this is that we are not confined to nor restrained within “the need to be right” prison. Change is possible. The questions we need to ask ourselves are, “Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy?” “Do I want to get my way, or do I want to feel closeness with others?” or “Do I want to think about me, or do I want to think about we?” Often, our need to be right transforms us into a person we don’t want to be: an arrogant, self-righteous, sanctimonious, narrow-minded, “I know better than you” personality that drives people away.
“I always need to be right” shuts the door to new knowledge, refuses to consider the opinions of others, and obliterates new ideas. Edward de Bono, one of our greatest thinkers, said, “The need to be right all the time is the biggest bar to new ideas. It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong than to be always right by having no ideas at all.”
The first step to overcoming the need to be right may be the most difficult. We have to become aware of our thoughts, and ask the right questions. Suppose you are in a relationship, and you are always arguing with your spouse. The questions are: “Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy?” “Do I want to be always right, or do I want to be part of a loving relationship?” “Do I want to be right and hurtful, or do I want to be accepting and caring?
The second step is to become more open-minded — willing to embrace the ideas of others. When others speak, don’t look for points to disagree with; look for wisdom you can add to your own. Try not to interrupt when others speak. Allow people to have their say, and consider it an interesting perspective instead of one that is all wrong and just plain ignorant. Let them know it’s an interesting way to see something. Tell them you never thought of it that way. When you disagree, summarize the other’s point of view first, before presenting your own.
As you control your need to be right, you will get in touch with your feelings, learn to deal appropriately with things that upset you, develop your intuitive, creative side, learn to deal with anxious feelings, handle the challenges others bring up, become more self-sufficient, open up new possibilities, have more energy to spend on important things, and discover the fun in life. As a result, your self-esteem will soar. Ralph Marston, writer and publisher of The Daily Motivator, writes, “Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You’re able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment.”
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At ResultsThroughIntegrity, Peter G. Vajda, in his essay, “Do you need to be right?,” offers a short reflective essay that ends with the following questions for self-reflection: What will happen if I let go of my need to be right? What won’t happen if I let go of my need to be right? What will happen if I don’t let go of my need to be right? What won’t happen if I don’t let go of my need to be right? What is threatening to me about not being right? Do I feel enslaved by a need to be right? If so, how does this feeling affect me? Affect others? How do I feel when I am “wrong?” Why do I feel this way?
How do I deal with the “unknown?” Would you rather be right or happy?
At Audreymarlene-lifecoach.com, Marlene has an excellent essay that covers the following topics: 1) Mr. Right, 2) The Need To Be Right - What Does It Mean? 3) Inflexible Thinking, 4) Give Up the Mr. Right mentality!, and 5) Quotes on Being Right.
At Bizymoms.com, the essay by Stephen Hopson Is called, “How to Deal With Difficult People,” in which Hopson offers readers 7 things to do in the presence of a difficult person. The suggestions are specific, to the point, and practical.
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Copyright May, 2009 - And Then Some Publishing L.L.C.
Sitting in the barber’s chair, we (my barber and I) overheard a conversation between two gentlemen sitting in nearby chairs. The two gentlemen were discussing political issues, and their discussion began as a friendly, casual conversation that involved the sharing of opinions. What was so intriguing was how quickly their voices rose and the escalation from pleasantness to hostility stunned others in the barbershop as each man tried to prove the other wrong and himself, right. Suddenly, noticing that everyone in the shop was listening, they cut their conversation off. This was one example of how the need to be right is one of the most prevalent needs in our society today.
We all have a touch of the need to be right and control others, and we all have areas of self-righteousness where we believe we know better than others. The need to be right is probably learned early in life when we did not have power and someone else was critical, angry, or abusive with us. When we observe that mean adults or bullies who are the loudest or the angriest often get their way, or that putting power trips on others is rewarded, we rationalize that it’s okay, and soon it becomes habitual behavior whenever we feel threatened.
Sometimes we feel the need to be right no matter what the circumstances or even the consequences. Our egos become so enmeshed in the moment that it can feel like we’re defending our life, and we no longer hear anything the other person is saying. The amount of emotional energy exerted can be enormous, and it can even turn a good day into a rotten one all in the name of being right.
If you have the need to be right, consider the fact that we are all fallible human beings viewing the world through our own filter systems. Every belief, opinion, or observation is affected by our values, needs, goals, interests, other beliefs, attitudes, expectations, wants, knowledge, feelings, language, education, and experience. What is the likelihood any two people would share the same view of the world? We are all at different points on our paths and depending on how far apart those points are, often determines how easily our feathers will get ruffled by someone else’s beliefs.
The problem with the need to always be right is the way it manifests itself in our daily behavior. Because of the way it is seen by others, it is likely to negatively affect, even destroy, relationships. The more we display a rigidity of thought, the more anger and disapproval we are likely to experience. The need to always be right is revealed in our inability to say “I don’t know” or “I was wrong,” a high need to expect others to see things our way, feeling threatened when new ideas come from others, fear of hearing new information that threatens our beliefs, fear of letting go (not being in control), a preoccupation with winning approval from others, our need to be seen as tough, powerful, and strong, our pride at always being rational and logical, discomfort in expressing sensitive feelings, shame and fear of being perceived as vulnerable and insecure, belief that others who disagree should “just get over it,” and use of charm, anger, withdrawal, or blaming to settle arguments.
Freud labeled the fear of being wrong “omnipotence of thought.” He considered it a psychological defense to avoid inner anxiety and a sense of becoming fragmented when there is disagreement.
The reason some people feel the need to be right all the time is that it validates their self worth and self confidence. Often, these people are preoccupied with imagined shortcomings of others and perceived attacks from them. Feeling betrayed by others, they justify their criticizing and blaming of others to avoid the insight that they themselves might be in error. Because of the fear of losing power, they use anger to keep others from asserting themselves.
The beauty in all of this is that we are not confined to nor restrained within “the need to be right” prison. Change is possible. The questions we need to ask ourselves are, “Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy?” “Do I want to get my way, or do I want to feel closeness with others?” or “Do I want to think about me, or do I want to think about we?” Often, our need to be right transforms us into a person we don’t want to be: an arrogant, self-righteous, sanctimonious, narrow-minded, “I know better than you” personality that drives people away.
“I always need to be right” shuts the door to new knowledge, refuses to consider the opinions of others, and obliterates new ideas. Edward de Bono, one of our greatest thinkers, said, “The need to be right all the time is the biggest bar to new ideas. It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong than to be always right by having no ideas at all.”
The first step to overcoming the need to be right may be the most difficult. We have to become aware of our thoughts, and ask the right questions. Suppose you are in a relationship, and you are always arguing with your spouse. The questions are: “Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy?” “Do I want to be always right, or do I want to be part of a loving relationship?” “Do I want to be right and hurtful, or do I want to be accepting and caring?
The second step is to become more open-minded — willing to embrace the ideas of others. When others speak, don’t look for points to disagree with; look for wisdom you can add to your own. Try not to interrupt when others speak. Allow people to have their say, and consider it an interesting perspective instead of one that is all wrong and just plain ignorant. Let them know it’s an interesting way to see something. Tell them you never thought of it that way. When you disagree, summarize the other’s point of view first, before presenting your own.
As you control your need to be right, you will get in touch with your feelings, learn to deal appropriately with things that upset you, develop your intuitive, creative side, learn to deal with anxious feelings, handle the challenges others bring up, become more self-sufficient, open up new possibilities, have more energy to spend on important things, and discover the fun in life. As a result, your self-esteem will soar. Ralph Marston, writer and publisher of The Daily Motivator, writes, “Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You’re able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment.”
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At ResultsThroughIntegrity
How do I deal with the “unknown?” Would you rather be right or happy?
At Audreymarlene-lifecoach.com
At Bizymoms.com
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Copyright May, 2009 - And Then Some Publishing L.L.C.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
SMOERs: Words of Wisdom
Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy. —Wayne Dyer
Day #58 - Do not dwell on your unhappiness.
Day #58 - Do not dwell on your unhappiness.
SMOERs: Self-Motivation, Optimism, Encouragement Rules! - Daily Reminders for Outstanding Living
An everyday guide full of quotations to uplift your spirits.
Free 10-Day sample: smoers.com
An everyday guide full of quotations to uplift your spirits.
Free 10-Day sample: smoers.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
And Then Some News
Please be patient... we're updating our blog. Over the next few weeks you can expect better integration of our links and easier navigation to all of the content in the And Then Some Publishing family of websites.
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Thursday’s essay is the second one in this two-part series about having to be right, and the essay is entitled, “The need to be right means being crippled by your own judgment.” It is simply a slightly different slant on the same topic as last week. Once again, if you are a person who always needs to be right, if you know someone who has a need to always be right, or if your relationship partner is the one who always needs to be right, you will love this essay.Share your link. Have you written anything on people who always need to be right? Are you such a person? Do you know someone who is? Can you share some insights with readers? What would you like to tell people who always need to be right? Any personal information you would like to share with them? Share your link with us. We’ll post it and move traffic in your direction. And, a big “thank you,” in advance, from AndThenSomeWorks.com, for sharing your link.
Click here to LINK your And Then Some story
Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview
The need to be right means being crippled by your own judgment
by Richard L. Weaver II
Excerpt:
The problem with the need to always be right is the way it manifests itself in our daily behavior. Because of the way it is seen by others, it is likely to negatively affect, even destroy, relationships. The more we display a rigidity of thought, the more anger and disapproval we are likely to experience. The need to always be right is revealed in our inability to say “I don’t know” or “I was wrong,” a high need to expect others to see things our way, feeling threatened when new ideas come from others, fear of hearing new information that threatens our beliefs, fear of letting go (not being in control), a preoccupation with winning approval from others, our need to be seen as tough, powerful, and strong, our pride at always being rational and logical, discomfort in expressing sensitive feelings, shame and fear of being perceived as vulnerable and insecure, belief that others who disagree should “just get over it,” and use of charm, anger, withdrawal, or blaming to settle arguments.
And Then Some Works - see you Thursday!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Book Review Mondays
More information at Amazon.com No obligation to buy Click below: The Last Lectureby Randy Pausch |
by Randy Pausch
Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD.
Randy Pausch's 224-page book, The Last Lecture, is exactly what most would expect from an expanded last lecture: a great deal of "live life to the fullest" advice about remembering to laugh, seizing every moment, overcoming obstacles, appreciating the gifts you receive, and enabling the dreams of others. In ease of writing and types of advice, it reminded me of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie. Pausch's advice is that we can face any challenge in life as long as we face it with optimism and determination. Of course the message has been stated before, but it never hurts to hear it repeated again. What I found most lasting from his book are the timeless lessons of showing gratitude, setting goals, keeping commitments, tolerating frustration, maintaining a sense of humor, telling the truth, working hard, and celebrating victories. Because his live lecture is more succinct and reveals Pausch's character and the emotion accompanying the ideas, it is more inspirational. If you watch his lecture (free) on youtube (or you were fortunate to see it live), you know that he is a charismatic, intelligent, funny man who easily and comfortably connects with his listeners. There is no doubt that the book is upbeat and moving. Also, it is full of love, courage, wisdom, decency, intelligence, helpful life lessons, tips, and examples from the people and students he knew. If you want to give someone a gift of hope and affirmation, this would be an excellent choice.
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Through our reading, researching, and writing, And Then Some Publishing (and our extended family of readers) mine volumes of books representing a wide variety of tastes. We use the books in our writing, test and try suggested techniques, and we read for enjoyment as well. We wouldn't spend the time reviewing the books if we didn't get something out of it. Read more reviews on other fantastic books at our BookWorks website.
Randy Pausch's 224-page book, The Last Lecture, is exactly what most would expect from an expanded last lecture: a great deal of "live life to the fullest" advice about remembering to laugh, seizing every moment, overcoming obstacles, appreciating the gifts you receive, and enabling the dreams of others. In ease of writing and types of advice, it reminded me of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie. Pausch's advice is that we can face any challenge in life as long as we face it with optimism and determination. Of course the message has been stated before, but it never hurts to hear it repeated again. What I found most lasting from his book are the timeless lessons of showing gratitude, setting goals, keeping commitments, tolerating frustration, maintaining a sense of humor, telling the truth, working hard, and celebrating victories. Because his live lecture is more succinct and reveals Pausch's character and the emotion accompanying the ideas, it is more inspirational. If you watch his lecture (free) on youtube (or you were fortunate to see it live), you know that he is a charismatic, intelligent, funny man who easily and comfortably connects with his listeners. There is no doubt that the book is upbeat and moving. Also, it is full of love, courage, wisdom, decency, intelligence, helpful life lessons, tips, and examples from the people and students he knew. If you want to give someone a gift of hope and affirmation, this would be an excellent choice.
-----
Through our reading, researching, and writing, And Then Some Publishing (and our extended family of readers) mine volumes of books representing a wide variety of tastes. We use the books in our writing, test and try suggested techniques, and we read for enjoyment as well. We wouldn't spend the time reviewing the books if we didn't get something out of it. Read more reviews on other fantastic books at our BookWorks website.
Friday, May 22, 2009
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