Category Archives: Golden Rule

Sally Ann Johnson (88) moved to Paradise in the early morning of March 26th, 2022. She was born Sally Ann Hagge on August 16th, 1933, in Worthington, Minnesota. She often reminisced about her wonderful childhood as the youngest of 3. She had her first pony at age 6 and enjoyed riding well into her adult years. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1951. Three days after her 18th birthday she married her lifelong partner Donavon Johnson. They had 4 boys, so being a homemaker was more than a full time job. Sally Ann supported Donavons construction company. Sally Ann loved antiques and she and Donavon owned a second-hand/antique shop after Donavons retirement. She was a life-long collector of antiques, favoring glassware and dolls. She lived in Worthington her entire life.

Sally Ann had a special kindness and sense of humor that made others comfortable and she used these gifts her entire life, including her last few days on earth.

She had a genuine interest in the struggles and celebrations for all the people whom she encountered. Friends, family, neighbors all wanted to be with Sally Ann.

I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel Maya Angelou.

She was a force for advocacy, especially in the area of the disabled. She joined boards, raised money, volunteered and was relentless until she succeeded.

Sally Ann was a forever servant. Her youngest son Bill had her undivided attention and care for 58 years. She spent much of her life caring for, protecting and enriching Bills life. She succeeded! She also cared for nearly all of her family members who she has now joined in heaven. Despite these efforts, no one that she touched felt slighted but always blessed. Her four sons were the center of her life, and nothing made her happier than time with them and their families.

Sally Anns grandchildren all describe her as just plain FUN! She swam, tubed, kayaked, sang, snowmobiled, danced, and provided wisdom to each of her grandchildren. She met many of the friends of her grandchildren. She was aggressive when playing dominos with grandchildren at the cabin. They would often say This is no ordinary Grandma!

Sally Ann was a passionate musician. She played percussion in the high school band. She played her marching bands cadence during a recent hospitalization. Sally Ann played piano from childhood and into her 88th year. She played the piano every day during the Covid lockdown. She played the organ, accordion and at age 74 bought a cello and began practicing. She played with the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra where she of course added more lifelong friendships. Music comforted her much more than powerful medications in her final hours.

Sally Ann loved and encouraged celebrations. She said that one should always choose to celebrate transitions as there are plenty of times that are onerous and painful. Her favorite celebrations were frequent trips to the cabin with family, and they always included boat rides complete with beverages and snackies.

Sally Ann had a strong faith and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. Her morning devotional book is worn/tattered and full of notes. She lived her life by the Golden Rule.

Sally Ann left her mark on all of us, and we benefited greatly from the example she set.

We celebrate her life and hope that we can all Be more like Sally Ann.

She is survived by three sons, Michael (Janelle) of Worthington, Steven (Teresa) of Worthington, and Thomas (Kristen) of Edina. Ten Grandchildren, Holly Bushard (Jim), Beth Roelfsema (Todd), Matthew Johnson (Amy), Erin Teerink (Matt), Kyle Johnson (Andrea), Jason Johnson (Marie), Laura Johnson (Fianc Thai), Guy Johnson (Leia), Rosanna Hoganson (Adam) and Isabel Johnson. 25 Great Grandchildren: Zachary, Thomas, Max, Micah, Gabe, Noah, Ellie, Elise, Caleb, Lucy, Jaelynn, Tori, Junah, Donavon, Breeta, Audrey, Clara, Miles, Levi, Elouise, Bray, Bryn, Boden, Lo and Poppy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donavon Johnson, her parents Jack and Vera Hagge, her brother Thomas (Tom) Hagge, her sister Betty Jean Hoskins, and her fourth son William Bill Johnson.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Worthington, MN, with Rev. Dr. Daren I. Flinck officiating. Private family burial was in the Worthington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington was in charge of the arrangements.

Originally posted here:

Sally Ann Johnson - The Globe | News, weather, sports from Worthington, Minnesota - The Globe

Published: 3/28/2022 7:01:06 AM

Modified: 3/28/2022 7:00:10 AM

Back in December of 2015, then-President Obama was speaking to both Houses of Congress on national health issues when a loud voice shouted out, You lie! The disruption, in this setting, by Rep. Joe Williams (R-SC) was condemned by all members of the Senate and House. However, if I remember correctly, he was able to raise a considerable amount of campaign cash from the Republican base. I mention this as a possible starting point to the present discordant state of our attempts at political conversation.

The ever-present use of verbal and other forms of violence in America is troubling. Look at just some of the incidences of this in our history since then. The Stop the Steal lie, the subsequent attack on our nations capitol building, the wild statements of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and others on both the left and right, and now the loud and disruptive trucker convoys in Washington, D.C. Good grief, even on the tennis court, a player was subject to the abusive, You suck! Honestly, I realize that it is simplistic, but the common remedy is plain old ordinary civility. Civility, a beautiful word with connotations of the Golden Rule. Civility, the core of the dynamic of democracy. Without it things seem to fall apart. It would appear that in the U.S. we have lost, to a degree, our sense of civility. No human society has ever been perfect, however, I believe, that we, especially those with governmental responsibilities, should try harder.

Charlie Stepanek

Concord

Excerpt from:

Letter: Civility is the remedy - Concord Monitor

The 5 days that she spent at her mother's bedside were eye-opening for an oncologist used to being on the other side of the clinicianpatient relationship.

"As a physician, I thought I had a unique perspective of things that were done well and things that were not," commented Pamela Kunz, MD.

Kunz, who was named the 2021 Woman Oncologist of the Year, is director of the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers at Smilow Cancer Hospital and of the Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut

But she was propelled into quite a different role when her mother was admitted to the hospital.

Her mom, who has trouble hearing, was easily confused by jargon and by "all of the people coming in and out with no introductions," she explained.

"She needed someone to translate what was going on because she didn't feel well," she added.

Seeing inpatient care through her mother's eyes was enlightening, and at times it was "shocking to be on the other side."

Physicians get used to "checking boxes, getting through the day," she said. "It's easy to "forget the human side."

"Seeing a loved one, sick, struggle through this I just wished I had seen things done differently," added Kunz,

The experience prompted Kunz to share several "communication pearls" via Twitter. Her thread has since garnered thousands of "likes" and scores of comments and retweets.

She began the Twitter thread explaining what prompted her comments:

"I spent many hours last week observing the practice of medicine while sitting at my mom's hospital bedside and was reminded of some important communication pearls. Some musings."

"1. Introduce yourself by full name, role and team and have ID badges visible. It can get very confusing for [patients] and family members with the number of people in and out of rooms. E.g. 'My name is Dr. X. I'm the intern on the primary internal medicine team.'

2. End your patient visit with a summary of the plan for the day.

3. Avoid medical jargon & speak slowly, clearly, and logically. Remember you are a teacher for your [patients] and their family.

4. Masks make it harder to hear, especially for [patients] with hearing loss (and they no longer have the aid of lip reading).

5. Many older [patients] get confused in the hospital. Repetition is a good thing.

6. Speak to a family member at least once per day to relay the plan.

7. Try to avoid last minute or surprise discharges they make [patients] and family members anxious. Talk about discharge planning from day 1 and what milestones must occur prior to a safe discharge. 'In order for you to leave the hospital, X, Y, X must happen.'

8. Talk with your [patients] about something other than what brought them to the hospital (a tip I once learned from a wise mentor).

9. When possible, sit at eye level with your patient (I love these stools from @YNHH).

10. Take time to listen."

Kunz closed with her golden rule: "Lastly, treat your patients how you would want your own family member treated."

Twitter user @BrunaPellini replied: "I love this, especially 'Treat your patients how you would want your own family member treated.' My mom and grandma always said that to me since I was a med student and this is definitely one of my core values."

Other clinicians shared similar experiences, and some added to Kunz's list.

"Agree entirely, love the list and while none of us can always practice perfectly, my experiences with my own mother's illness taught me an enormous amount about communication," @hoperugo responded.

Twitter use @mariejacork added: "Everyone in healthcare please read if you are lucky enough to not have had a loved on unwell in hospital, these may get forgotten. Having sat with my dad for a few days before he died a few years ago, I felt a lot of these and it changed my practice forever."

@bjcohenmd provided additional advice: "And use the dry erase board that should be in every room. Never start a medication without explaining it. Many docs will see the patient and then go to the computer, decide to order a med, but never go back to explain it."

Patients also shared experiences and offered suggestions.

"As a chronic pain patient I'd add we know it's frustrating you can't cure us but PLEASE do not SIGH if we say something didn't work or [tell] us to be more positive. Just say 'I know this is very hard, I'm here to listen.' We don't expect a cure, we do expect to be believed," said @ppenguinsmt. "It makes me feel like I'm causing distress to you if I say the pain has been unrelenting. I leave feeling worseYou may have heard 10 [people] in pain before me but this is MY only [appointment.]"

Twitter user @KatieCahoots added: "These are perfect. I wish doctors would do this not only in the hospital but in the doctor's office, as well. I would add one caveat: When you try not to use medical jargon don't dumb it down as though I don't know anything about science or haven't done any of my own research."

Kunz said she was taken aback but pleased by the response to her Tweet.

"It's an example of the human side of medicine so it resonates with physicians and with patients," she commented. Seeing through her mom's eyes how care was provided made her realize that medical training should include more emphasis on communication, including "real-time feedback to interns, residents, fellows, and students."

Yes, it takes time, and "we don't all have a lot of extra time," she acknowledged.

"But some of these elements don't take that much more time to do. They can help build trust and can, in the long run, actually save time if patients understand and family members feel engaged and like they are participants," she said. "I think a little time investment will go a long way."

In her case, she very much appreciated the one trainee who tried to call her and update her about her mother's care each afternoon. "I really valued that," she said.

Sharon Worcester is an award-winning medical journalist at MDedge News, part of the Medscape Professional Network.

For more from Medscape Oncology, join us on Twitter and Facebook

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'Eye-opening' Experience on the Other Side of the Hospital Bed - Medscape

TERRE HAUTE Kalina Long and Rylee Huebner, both second-graders at Dixie Bee Elementary, understand the importance of celebrating diversity and accepting those who may be different from them.

We should accept and include everyone. Skin color doesnt matter because we are all different, Long wrote in an essay about diversity. If someone that has a disability doesnt have someone to play with, join them. Its the right thing to do.

Huebner wrote in a similar essay, We are all different and that is what makes Earth awesome.

Huebner also wrote, It is important to accept people who are different because it will hurt their feelings. It will make them cry. Also, other people will see you. Then they will do the same thing. We need to be nice because it will make other people feel good.

On a recent Wednesday, the two received Diversity Writing Awards from the Vigo County School Corp.

The second-grade contest began many years ago and in past years was sponsored by the Terre Haute Human Relations Commission.

Second-grade students district wide celebrate diversity while showcasing their writing skills that have been developed through weekly lessons with the districts writing team: Patty Curley, Sarah Freeze, Shelly Gardner, Melissa Sawyer and Sandy Sell.

One student from each second-grade class was recognized. Matt McClendon, VCSC director of civility, diversity and international exchange presented the awards. He was accompanied by Frank Bailey, district reading and writing coach.

Until this year, these second-graders have not had a normal school year due to the pandemic, Bailey said. The emphasis on positive interactions with other people could not come at a better time.

The springboard for the contest consisted of two parts. Students listened to the story, All Are Welcome, and watched the video, Being Different is Beautiful.

Writing coaches led brief discussions with their classes then asked their students to write to a prompt, Why should we accept and include people who are different from us? Explain how you can show others how to respect and celebrate diversity.

The second-graders were encouraged to use all the writing skills they have been practicing throughout the year: sentence fluency, word choice, voice, organization, idea and conventions. Winners were chosen by a committee.

Diversity award presentations took place at schools over several days.

What you wrote about is what I do every day, McClendon told students. Its about accepting others, other people for who they are, so no matter how short or tall they may be whether they have no hair, mohawks, long hair its all about accepting everybody and their cultures.

When he presented the award, he asked for a drum roll, with students pounding on their desks. You all did an amazing job, he told all the second-graders. I want you to continue to think like that as you get older. Never, never lose that.

The goal of the diversity writing contest is to encourage acceptance and increase the sense of belonging, especially for new students, McClendon said. Its about practicing the Golden Rule by treating others fairly and with respect and spreading the love.

Kalina Long, a student in Cheryl Thorntons class at Dixie Bee, said that when she was a littler kid, I did think that skin color mattered because there was a kid in my class and her skin was brown. I thought I couldnt play with her, but then my mom told me it doesnt matter what the color of her skin is and she was my best friend.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com Follow Sue on Twitter @TribStarSue.

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Read more from the original source:

Second grade diversity writing award winners share the love - Lebanon Reporter

The CHI St. Vincent 'addiction recovery center' has observed their first year anniversary.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. About every healthcare provider in America has gotten involved in the fight against COVID-19. THV11 has another example of the virus' far reaching impact.

Meet Dori Haddock, regional program director for the CHI St. Vincent Recovery program. Like all mental health effort, needed now more than ever, we're definitely seeing an increase in not only substance abuse and treatment, but mental health and suicide rates have skyrocketed.

Drinking is at the top of the list with something Haddock has heard a lot.

Well ever since the pandemic came its allowed me to drink or I get to drunk just because I've got nothing else to do, Haddock said.

The anxieties associated with a time like no other in our history also includes narcotics and so much more.

Eating, shopping, pornography, video games, we're seeing a huge thing with video games and our youth, Haddock said.

But as Haddock points out, your brain doesn't know what it is that gives you an addiction. So how do you know if you have a problem? Remember the golden rule:

If you have to ask yourself if you've got a problem chances are probably yes, Haddock said.

Friends and family will be the first to notice, and that can lead to one of the biggest misconceptions regarding addiction.

Family and support systems is usually why don't they just quit?

What is understood in clinics nationwide, there is no magic switch. It's a disease like no other.

If somebody is diagnosed with a terminal illness, their symptoms are being sick and frail and weak and the the community wraps around that person, Haddock said.

But for somebody with a substance abuse disorder, their symptoms are lying, manipulation, isolation, not showing up on time, and when you confront that person a lot of times it's met with resistance and anger, Haddock said.

It all seems so impossible to overcome unless you stay focused on the mission.

What people have to remember is that underneath the symptoms of this disease is a person; a human that you remember as a person before they started using, Haddock said. That's where family and friends remember that person and want to know how they get back to that.

The CHI St. Vincent 'addiction recovery center' has observed their first year anniversary.

See more here:

How to get help in overcoming addiction - THV11.com KTHV

Story and Interview by Gracie Williams

With country culture turning from taboo to trendy in the modern mainstream, its easy to assume that all of these new additions have created a diluted version of the culture. But for artists like Kansas-based Ned LeDoux, who was born and raised in it, it brings back tradition, and genuine family pastimes into the beloved lifestyle. With the release of his third studio album Buckskin, LeDoux continues to explore this culture the only way he knows howby simply painting a pretty portrait of country life as he experiences it.

Growing up on a ranch in Wyoming, LeDoux learned to write what he knewcowboy stuff as he puts it, family, friends, and wide-open spaces. In addition to this outward nostalgia, LeDoux often explores for Buckskin, it all began with a bit of introspection, and a single poem with the albums namesake.

Ive been a big fan of Cowboy Poetry for most of my life, LeDoux tells American Songwriter. I played at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering out in Elko, Nevada a couple of times, and got to meet some of the legendary poets that go out there every year. So, I just thought Id try my hand at it.

Now, as LeDoux resides in the great Kansas plains with a family of his own, he makes a conscious effort to keep themes of family and tradition alive in every projectespecially when it comes to the legacy of his late father, beloved country singer Chris LeDoux.

Collaborating with acclaimed producer Mac McAnally, a member of Jimmy Buffetts Coral Reefer Band and an established artist in his own right, who produced for both LeDouxs over the years, LeDoux worked at keeping things fresh while also giving a nod of the cowboy hat to his fathers extensive body of work. This ode occurs on every album by LeDoux, choosing a song from his late father to cover, but for Buckskin, it became less of a choice and more of a stroke of fate.

When McAnally was working on producing LeDouxs final original studio album Horsepower in 2003, the eldest LeDoux ended up shelving a song titled Upside of the Ground, which remained untouched and unknown until McAnally presented it to the younger LeDoux nearly 18 years later.

When I was working on new material for another album, I got the email for Upside of the Ground, says LeDoux. I got about a third of the way through the song and thought, Man, Im going to include this on the album. This will be fun.

Once I got the album done, and I was letting the whole band listen to the albumbecause weve been working up some of these songs to play liveour sound man said, Thats Chris, LeDoux continues. One of the guys in the band said, No, thats Ned. Hes like, Well, no, thats not what I mean. I mean that sounds like a song that Chris would do. And hes totally right. Im pretty proud to have this one.

To celebrate the release of Buckskin, LeDoux recently graced the historic Grand Ole Opry stage, performing new and old songs alike, and even sharing a special moment by inviting McAnally on stage to sing Upside of the Ground. Although this wasnt his first rodeo after making his Opry debut in 2017, LeDoux still acknowledges the surreality of the whole experience.

Thats probably one of the biggest honors any artists could have, says LeDoux. Just knowing the history of the place, and that they have that circle right there at center stage that was cut out from the original Opry The people that stood thereJohnny Cash, Hank Sr. Patsy Cline, the list goes on and on. It was pretty neat.

On top of his passionate fan base and impressive stage feats, LeDoux has gained accolades like Male Vocalist of the Year at the Rocky Mountain Country Awards throughout his two decades of performing. But despite it all, LeDoux always reminisces back to those days on the ranch in Wyoming where it all started. And he always will.

I remember when me and my siblings were kids, wed all go to town and my mom would say, Dont forget where you came from, shares LeDoux. This is just the work ethic they instilled in us. Just to do your best, to live by the golden rule. Simple as that. Im very proud to carry on the family tradition.

Courtesy All the Buzz

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Ned LeDoux Carries the Cowboy Tradition with Third-Studio Album Buckskin - American Songwriter

Global markets have had many ups and downs since the start of the year. Inflation, central bank policies and geopolitics may keep markets volatile for the foreseeable future.

For most investors, volatility isnt fun. Investor sentiment has slumped to notably pessimistic levels, so its no wonder questions are being asked whether its time to exit the market and hold on to excess cash until the storm passes.

The short answer: not yet. In fact, for most long-term investors, its probably the time to stay invested or get in.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket, the adage goes. This is the golden rule of investing for the long run.

The idea is that a diversified portfolio can help mitigate losses in the event of a market downturn.

In this years sell-off, both stocks and bonds have seen a decline but even a basic diversified portfolio has offered protection.

At their worst point in January, global stocks were down 8 per cent while the diversified portfolio dipped by only 6 per cent.

To be clear, a diverse portfolio cannot keep up with one consisting only of equities, when the stock market is rising. Instead, this concept is all about mitigating the downside.

By helping investors avoid the full brunt of market downturns, diversification has historically helped a portfolios value recover sooner and smooth out the ride along the way.

Dalbar, a financial services research company, analysed how emotions affect investment decisions by studying the timing of mutual fund flows.

Based on that analysis, Dalbar estimated the return achieved by the average investor over a 20-year period. It found that most investors are bad at timing the market but still attempt to do it.

Amid strong index returns over time, the average investor has underperformed a basic, indexed 60/40 portfolio by 3.5 per cent annualised.

For instance, on a $100,000 investment from the year 2001 until the end of 2020, that adds up to about $170,000 worth of missed gains.

A diverse portfolio can help mitigate losses in the event of a market downturn

Steven Rees, head of investments for Mena at JP Morgan Private Bank

Diversification can help reduce the pain investors experience during a market correction. It may also help avoid the temptation to sell out of investments when markets are volatile.

Many people believe they can time the market better than the average investor. However, its crucial to consider the risks of doing this.

The next time market volatility makes you second-guess your long-term investment strategy, have a good think before you exit the market. There could be a 70 per cent chance that you may miss capitalising on one of the best days.

In 2020, investor worries focused on Covid-19. Last year, they were worried about new variants of the coronavirus, Chinas property market turmoil and regulatory action. Today, they are concerned about inflation, central bank policy tightening and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Whats next?

Do not dismiss prevailing risks; instead remember that markets tend to right themselves as these risks pass.

Volatile times are when active management and thoughtful portfolio construction can earn their keep by adjusting exposures to better weather the bumps.

Diversification, time in the market and a steady head can help investors achieve their long-term financial goals by avoiding the pitfalls of emotionally driven, badly timed mistakes.

When times get tough in markets and make you feel nervous, remember the lessons from tried-and-tested investing principles.

Steven Rees is head of investments for the Middle East and North Africa at JP Morgan Private Bank

Updated: March 29, 2022, 4:30 AM

Originally posted here:

Why you should remain invested in a volatile market - The National

As an investment option, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) has been the subject of extreme opinions. There are lovers and haters for the cryptocurrency. Amidst these opinions, Bitcoin has been the best-performing asset class in the last decade.

Source: Shutterstock

There is a golden rule of investing in what you understand. The new age investing rule is to invest (what you can afford to lose) in asset classes that 95% of investors fail to understand. Any new investment theme goes through a phase of price discovery. If the utility is established, the price discovery phase will translate into multi-fold returns. Bitcoin and dozens of altcoins are good examples.

As a matter of fact, Bitcoin still seems to be in a phase of price discovery. I believe that the cryptocurrency is positioned to trend higher in the coming years.

Lets discuss the reasons to be bullish on the blue-chip stock of the cryptocurrency world.

The number of cryptocurrency holders have been increasing globally. In 2021, crypto holders increased by 178% on a year-on-year basis to nearly 300 million. Its estimated that the number of crypto holders will triple to 1 billion by 2023.

Assume a new investor in equities. Even with the slightest of knowledge, the individual would know about companies like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) or Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA). Further, in all probability, these stocks would be the first investment for a newbie.

Similar to this, new cryptocurrency investors would look at top coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH-USD) as initial investments. Given the projected growth in the number of investors, the demand supply scenario for Bitcoin is likely to remain tight. With a limited supply of 21 million, the cryptocurrency is positioned to trend higher.

Institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies has been accelerating. For Q4 2011, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) increased its institutional customer base by over 50%. This includes big fund houses like Franklin Templeton. Increasingly, major institutional investors are recognizing Bitcoin as an asset class that deserves a place in a diversified portfolio.

One factor that will significantly increase institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies is regulations. According to Brookings Institution, the White House is seeking to strike the right balance from the positives of crypto financial efficiency, inclusion, American leadership in global finance with its negatives: potential illicit financing, consumer and business abuse, and regulatory arbitrage.

I believe that major economies will regulate cryptocurrencies. While that would disappoint from the core perspective of decentralization, crypto survival and growth seems likely.

Historically, gold has been an effective hedge against inflation. The latest data indicates that inflation is at a 40-year high in the United States.

These inflation numbers do not account for the surge in energy price due to geo-political tensions. Therefore, inflation is likely to accelerate further in the coming months.

Its important to understand why gold is considered as an inflation hedge. First, gold has limited supply and its supply cant be increased at the same pace as fiat money. Further, gold has historically been considered as a currency. Even central banks hold gold in their reserves.

These two factors also hold true for Bitcoin. As mentioned earlier, the cryptocurrency has a limited supply of 21 million. Bitcoin is already being used as a currency by individuals. It might still not be recognized by governments. However, there are no questions on the utility of Bitcoin as a means of payment. Factors such as money laundering concern governments more than Bitcoin being used as an alternative to fiat money.

Therefore, there is no reason to believe that Bitcoin cant serve as an effective hedge against inflation. Investors will argue that with multiple rate hikes, Bitcoin might trend lower. However, even with four or five rate hikes in 2022, real interest rates are likely to remain negative. This is likely to translate into continued fund flow into risk asset classes.

Bitcoin has been volatile with a downward bias in 2022. The key reasons include regulatory headwinds and tightening of global liquidity.

However, it seems that the concerns are largely discounted in the current price. Its likely that Bitcoin will move to new highs after consolidation around $40,000 levels.

On the date of publication, Faisal Humayun did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to theInvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Faisal Humayun is a senior research analyst with 12 years of industry experience in the field of credit research, equity research and financial modeling. Faisal has authored over 1,500 stock specific articles with focus on the technology, energy and commodities sector.

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Bitcoin Will Make New Highs In Its Next Rally - InvestorPlace

Each week, we ask agency experts from across the world and across the ad business for their take on a tough question facing the industry, from topical concerns to perennial pain points.

Last week, Arbys decided to take a pot-shot at rival fast food joint McDonalds with a campaign boosting its own pescatarian sandwich offering.

The fish feud was cheeky, but there is a lot to be gained from taking aim at a competitor in your ads points for humor, the fun in playing up a rivalry and the chance to create not just consumer loyalty, but fandom.

Briefs like these can be tough to land, however, and spending precious airtime asking your audience to think about your competitors carries its own risk. So, how should brands and agencies approach the assignment?

Chris Campbell, group account director, Fallon (the creative agency behind Arbys Filet-O-Fish diss)

Taking on the originator of fish sandwiches takes two things: an agency that trusts its client has a better product and a client that trusts its agency will find a provocative way to tell the world about it. Omar Little of The Wire said: If you come at the king (in this case the Arches), you best not miss. And we knew that working with Pusha T would ensure we didnt miss.

Jon Evans, chief marketing officer, System1

We tested the Arbys spot to see how real consumers felt. While going after the square shape of McDonalds Filet-O-Fish is a bit leftfield, our testing found that the ads Spike rating (the intensity of emotional response) and fluency rating (which is driven by the amount of viewers who recognize the brand) were both exceptionally high. While the ad was a little light when it came to generating an overall emotional response, Arbys still won where it counts: with laughs. People naturally engage with humor in advertising and, in this instance, fun elements like Pusha Ts claim that he could sell water to a whale have earned Arbys significant short term sales potential.

Christina Miller, head of social, VMLY&R

Theres a stark difference between throwing punches as a mechanism to gain attention and poking fun to raise the standards of a category. Here, punching with purpose is key to getting it right. Brands must have their consumers backs and always have their best interests at the very heart of their actions. If a rival is selling a product or a promise that is letting down their consumer or lowering the standards in its category, poking fun can help open consumers eyes to what they deserve and what they shouldnt settle for. Any brand looking to adopt this tone needs to look inwards and really understand what value they are bringing to the table, whether thats offering a different perspective, raising expectations or giving consumers a better option.

Dustin Tomes, executive vice-president and executive creative director, Saatchi & Saatchi NY

Its important to establish an undisputed, strategic reason for poking fun at a rival. Without a watertight case, you could set yourself up for a counterpunch that makes you wish you never stepped into the ring. Even then you should scenario plan potential responses from your rival or consumers.

Understanding the brands place in the market and its relationship with rivals is crucial. Category leaders cant behave the same as challenger brands. It could mean the difference between coming across as fun or a bully. This all informs the shape the work takes and the tonality you wrap it in.

Pablo Rosas, group strategy director, Gut

Interacting with other entities out in the world including competitors makes brands feel real. It adds a new dimension to the basic interplay brands have with their audiences. You go from a straight line to a triangle. It broadens the space where brands play. They gain presence. Positioning and tone should be kept in mind, but its OK to stretch. If youre worried about risk, remember theres also risk in refusing to participate in newer ways of making brands feel present in the world. If the brand is the boss, the internet is god. And as we say, #NoGutNoGlory.

Chris Jefford, chief executive officer and co-founder, Truant London

Truant clients often have competitors with deeper pockets, so were always looking to poke the bear. But were very selective and use three filters before taking action. Firstly, is the dig around something audiences care about? If the ideas too niche and doesnt land a wider point with audiences, we park it. No one is interested in brands bickering about shit they don't care about. Second, is the work mean-spirited? Are we being mean or are we having a bit of fun? If its the latter, game on. Lastly, are we ready for comeback? Preparing for a bite-back is essential. If its an area were not happy bantering around, its probably not right.

Simon Richings, executive creative director, We Are Social

If youre going to mention your competitor youre inevitably going to do a mental availability favor for your rival. So, two things become super-important. Firstly, make sure the brand actually delivers on its promises. Arbys Spicy Fish Sandwich needs to be a world better than the McDonalds offering or people will quickly discover and share that the claim is fishy (sorry). Secondly, the creative execution itself has a bigger job to do. It has got to be great genuinely funny, surprising or exciting because people are not paying attention and messages with multiple brands mentioned may have it tougher.

Melanie Welsh, founding partner, Strat House

Our response to this would be to avoid getting your snark on. Its just not the constructive, purpose-driven use of marketing budgets the world needs right now, is it? Indictment sits very uncomfortably with many cultures and generations and, frankly, we dont blame them. Poking fun at your competitors reeks of insecurity and having nothing positive to say about your own product. As my mum used to say, is it kind, is it necessary? No? Then go back to the drawing board.

Mick Mahoney, creative partner, Harbour Collective

If you can back up your claims then I think its fair game. Particularly if youre a challenger brand. Everyone loves the small guys sticking it to the establishment. The only time it gets ugly is when its the corporate big guys beating up on the little guys. That never plays out well. Generally, however, Im a fan of advertising that polarizes and creates sides. Better to have fewer people loving you than more people feeling ambivalent.

Charles Faircloth, joint managing director, Who Wot Why

This sort of advertising strikes me as lacking, rather than demonstrating confidence. Defining your brand by the denigration of others, regardless of how entertainingly you do it, feels back foot. Doesnt the kid in the playground who rises above the mud-slinging always win on kudos?

What this strategy fails at is surprising the audience. Of course youre going to say youre better, faster, louder. But if you must take this approach, challenge people with a real reason to think about the comparison, like Avis did with When youre only No 2, you try harder. Then consumers may see the value theyll get out of it.

Dino de Len, executive creative director, IN Connected Marketing

Before using paid or owned assets to name check a competitor, I would first ask why? Am I a scrappy challenger brand? Trying to break into a new vertical? Reach a new audience? Or just thirsty for PR?

Then, Id arm myself with data and strategy to create a solution that is authentic, self-aware and entertaining. And the product better be able to back up the banter. Sure, we can quickly test, target and adapt creative, but the biggest watch-out is how your (new?) audience will receive your message. Consumers are brutal in calling out marketing mishaps and underdogs can turn into underperformers quickly.

Heather Lewis, strategy director, 180

Its a classic challenger move, taking down the undisputed leader. Success lies in executing three things confidently. Firstly, attack head on. Veiled slights arent memorable. Be direct. No apologies. Leverage borrowed mental equity. People need to know your opponent by name and be able to picture it in their minds, so you dont waste time (or attention) describing what youre tearing down. Entertain above all else. Marketers think calling out another brand is bold. Real people dont care about your tactics, they remember and engage with communications only if its truly worth their time.

Fran Docx, strategy partner, 20something

The golden rule is always punch up, never down. If youre a small (filet-o-) fish, theres much to be gained by posturing next to the big guys. Youre basically borrowing the equity of their stature. But when the establishment punches down, its just a cheap shot. The best executions Ive seen also trust their audiences intelligence. My favorite example of this is the Pepsi vending machine ad from 2001. Theres no I told you so end line to whip you back into the strategy. Its simple, confident and sophisticated. Pepsi trusts that its audience is with it.

Want to join future debates? Email me at sam.bradley@thedrum.com.

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Here's How To Poke Fun At Rival Brands And Get Away With It - The Drum

OXFORD James Meredith is on his third mission from God.

The 89-year-old civil rights icon is a Mississippi legend and one of the preeminent figures in the states long struggle with racism and desegregation.

Meredith says his first mission from God was to integrate the University of Mississippi, which he successfully did in 1962 despite fierce opposition from white supremacists and even then-Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett.

His second mission was to expose and challenge the fear that kept white supremacy our way of life. To accomplish this mission he led the Meredith March Against Fear in June 1966, a 200-mile march from Memphis to Jackson that was intended to show Black Mississippians that they were free to walk anywhere within the state without fear of intimidation from white supremacists.

Meredith was shot by a white supremacist in Hernando on the second day of the march. He was rushed to the hospital, but later rejoined the march shortly before it arrived in Jackson.

His third mission is to uplift the moral character of Mississippi through the teaching of the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule, he says.

That is why he founded the Bible Society, an organization that he says is dedicated to spreading the gospel and uplifting Black Mississippians through the use of scripture.

Meredith said he was afraid to use the phrase moral character because of its association with segregationists during the Civil Rights Movement.

Segregationist leaders often used morality as an excuse for racism, citing a perceived lack of moral character among the Black population as the reason to continue segregation.

The use of the phrase was popularized by James P. Coleman, the 52nd governor of Mississippi who shifted school classifications from color to moral character in the 1950s in an attempt to continue the practice of segregation in schools.

Some of the smarter people that use slick techniques like Governor [James P.] Coleman, they were not rough like Ross Barnett. They used sophisticated trickery, Meredith said.

Meredith said he was hesitant to use the phrase in the past out of fear of being judged, but he claims the fear that paralyzed him for so long is part of the reason why Mississippians are still dealing with these issues of racial inequality decades after the Civil Rights Movement.

Most people dont know: fear is not only the most powerful thing in the world, theres a million things to fear. Violence is one of the mildest forms of fear, the greatest fear is that people wont like you, he said. Everybody wants to be liked, most people want to be loved.

Meredith said nobody wants to upset the status quo because of that same fear of judgment, but he believes it is his duty to help shake that fear from Mississippians.

Meredith argues that the breakdown of traditional family structures among Black Mississippians is one of the primary factors that continues to drive social and economic inequality.

Black families are forced into the cycle of poverty and crime due to systemic racism and institutional biases. Meredith says Black elders, especially Black women, must rebuild the family structure and help lift their families out of that cycle of poverty.

Everybody knows it is the breakdown of the Black family that is causing our moral character decline, he said. Only Black women know what a family should do . they run everything thats anything.

Meredith said that is another reason he founded the Bible Society: to serve as a Black think tank that can advocate for the rights and well-being of Black Mississippians.

The other purpose of the Bible Society is to act like a think tank, Meredith said. To my knowledge, theres never been a Black think tank.

He hopes the Bible Society will help uplift the moral character of Black families through the teaching of the Ten Commandments and a renewed emphasis on scripture.

He argues that is the quickest way to help bridge the gap between Black and white society in the United States, which he says is the most important issue in Western culture today.

Other civil rights leaders disagree.

Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., quoted her father in an interview regarding the teaching of critical race theory in Texas, saying, if a nation has done something against the people for hundreds of years, then it must also turn around and do something for those people.

Joe Feagin, a professor of sociology at Texas A&M University, said that the push for equality does not mean that Black people should have to improve their circumstances, but that white Americans must take initiative to concede some of the privileges they enjoy from their higher place in society.

We whites created slavery, Jim Crow segregation and contemporary racial discrimination over 400-plus years now, Feagin said. Whites are the main racial villains in this story and have most of the political and social power to change that racial discrimination and inequality now. We cannot have a truly free and democratic society, with liberty and justice for all until we do that.

To help bring awareness to his mission, Meredith embarked on a quest to travel to all 82 counties in Mississippi in the hopes of speaking with community and civic leaders about his Bible Society and the divide between Black and white Mississippians.

Ive been to every county, most counties more than once, but the only reason I went to all 82 counties was to get the leadership of the counties to invite me back to meet with elders and officials from every county to explain how we can solve our problems through a moral character uplift, he said.

He met with leaders across the state to share his vision for a better Mississippi, a Mississippi that is just and fair to all its citizens regardless of the color of their skin.

Meredith said the first step towards building a more equitable society is recognizing the truth and making an effort to be truthful in all endeavors.

It aint easy. Ive been lying all my life, like most people, Meredith said. But when you set out to do good, if you discover that what youve done does not result in good, the first thing you do is change. But if you dont set out to do good, and you find out that what youve done doesnt result in good, you cover it up.

Meredith said because of its history of racism and segregation, Mississippi must be the state that leads the country in the push for civil rights today.

I believe that Mississippi is the center of the universe, and I believe that Mississippi is gonna lead the world in straightening out this Black-white race issue and in straightening out this economic division between rich and poor, he said.

He cited the failure to come to grips with uncomfortable realities as the reason disparities continue to exist.

Nothing is more important in Western Christian civilization than the Black-white race divide, Meredith said. Everybody lies about it but there aint nobody that dont know Im telling the truth.

Meredith said the stories of hurt that most Black people experienced during the desegregation processsomething he said was never fully realized should be written down and kept in a mission in every town.

Meredith returns to Oxford this weekend for the showing of a new documentary, Mississippi Messiah, that chronicles his life and showcases the power of an individual to inspire dramatic social change.

Meredith hopes his message will be heard throughout Mississippi, and that this final mission will give him peace of mind when he is finally ready to rest.

Believe you me, if theres anybody scared of anything its James Meredith scared of dying, he said. God tells me if I dont do better I aint gonna get through His gates. So thats my greatest motivation: a desire and a wish to get through the gate.

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James Meredith hopes to "uplift the moral character" of Mississippi through the teaching of the Ten Commandments - The Oxford Eagle - Oxford...