Sometimes I wonder if we have become too overly sensitive and PC about life in general?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11567212&ref=NZH_FBpage
This young Kiwi dancer in the New Zealand Herald article link above has made the big time and good on her for it, in my view.
Parris Goebel is now backup dancer and leading choreographer for the likes of Justin Beiber and Jennifer Lopez.
Her decision to use another international cultural dance style seems to have brought some controversy.
I'm sure Parris is aware of cultural sensitivity and its importance to the various communities from which it belongs.
Let's applaud and encourage her progress on the international stage and screen because it was probably not easy to have made it as she has.
Well done Parris and Beating the Odds wishes you well with your own incredible talent and on your continued journey in supporting these incredibly talented singers.
What do you think about dancers and singers using cultural dances and songs from other cultures?
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Petition for raising the age for children to leave foster care in New Zealand
The letter below encouraging people to participate in a petition is on the Fostercare Share ActionStation site and I thought it was an important enough issue to publish on the BTO blog:
LETTER STARTS:
LETTER STARTS:
"Did you know that in New Zealand young people are exited from foster care on their 17th birthday?
While most 17 year olds are worrying about things like exams, these young people are worrying about where they’ll live and how to support themselves.
With no support networks and no place to call home, many young people struggle to cope.
Leaving state care at 17 means teenagers can end up on to the streets for years.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There’s a simple change we can make – raising the age of leaving foster care from 17 to 21.
I just signed a petition calling for exactly that, will you join me?
Our government is currently reviewing Child Youth and Family’s role. This is the perfect opportunity that Kiwis from all walks of life to show that we don’t stop caring when our young people in state care turn 17.
By signing this petition, we can help ensure young people won’t be left out in the cold when they turn 17."
Please add your name now: www.actionstation.org.nz/wedontstopcaring
LETTER ENDS
BTO says:
The vulnerability of youngsters who are dependent on the state and the need for them to continue to have the safety nets of kind people who are willing to take them in, is important in today's society.
It is not acceptable to have a situation where they have nowhere to go and slip through the cracks of legislation because of their age, in this great country of ours.
I would hope that like me, you would get behind this petition for our young displaced people and help ensure they have loving, caring, warm homes to go to until they can fend for themselves.
Beating the Odds
BTO
Saturday, 5 December 2015
A place to take a quiet moment
When Ren Haskell's friend told her about a colleague who had taken her own life during work hours the tragedy became a catalyst to the women creating a quiet space in the middle of a busy city for people to reflect and relax.
During a work break the colleague stepped out for a short time but when she failed to return, staff members later learned what had happened.
"My friend was of course devastated about what had happened so we looked for a way to help people when the tough things happen to them and around them," Ren says.
Ren had been working for the Hari Krishna movement at its café in Water Street, Whangarei in Northland, New Zealand.
The HK movement ran a programme to help the homeless and children from low decile schools by providing meals - particularly breakfasts based around the well-known motto: 'feed the body and feed the mind'.
"I went to Buddi - the movement's leader and apparently they had considerable difficulty growing vegetables in the small garden next to the movement's café. So he told me the land was ours to do with it what we wanted and said they entrusted us with it," she says.
So the healing garden was created in the former vegetable patch and has been going for a year now.
Ren says she realises people can 'chill out' or take time to think anywhere, such as the beach but it takes the cost of fuel to get there and it's not the same as a purpose-created space where it's needed.
"The idea of a healing garden being in such a central place is that people may be stressed by work or by life's events, they may have just received that dreaded phone call with bad news, or even hearing a certain song that brings back memories out of the blue. They can take time out at a place that is close to where they are at that moment," she says.
The garden is surrounded by a wall where people can sit and enjoy it.
She says although the small 4 metre by 10m space is in a busy area of the city, the way it is set out gives people that feeling of solace and fresh air, with something beautiful to look at.
Ren is starting to organise monthly gatherings at the garden, where people can bring something to exchange with others; such as a plant, or ornament and they can share their experiences if they want to.
"When I've been working in the garden, often people will come and talk to me about what they've been through, so that's how I know about many traumatic things that have happened to and around people," Ren says.
Hearing these stories has shown the garden is therapeutic as well as a place to enjoy, she says.
Do you know of any ideas that have been created in your community to beat the stresses of life?
Tell us about them as they may help others facing difficulties.
Beating the Odds
BTO.
During a work break the colleague stepped out for a short time but when she failed to return, staff members later learned what had happened.
"My friend was of course devastated about what had happened so we looked for a way to help people when the tough things happen to them and around them," Ren says.
Ren had been working for the Hari Krishna movement at its café in Water Street, Whangarei in Northland, New Zealand.
The HK movement ran a programme to help the homeless and children from low decile schools by providing meals - particularly breakfasts based around the well-known motto: 'feed the body and feed the mind'.
"I went to Buddi - the movement's leader and apparently they had considerable difficulty growing vegetables in the small garden next to the movement's café. So he told me the land was ours to do with it what we wanted and said they entrusted us with it," she says.
So the healing garden was created in the former vegetable patch and has been going for a year now.
Community at heart: Ren Haskell and friends have created a sanctuary where people can relax and reflect when the difficult times come.
Ren says she realises people can 'chill out' or take time to think anywhere, such as the beach but it takes the cost of fuel to get there and it's not the same as a purpose-created space where it's needed.
"The idea of a healing garden being in such a central place is that people may be stressed by work or by life's events, they may have just received that dreaded phone call with bad news, or even hearing a certain song that brings back memories out of the blue. They can take time out at a place that is close to where they are at that moment," she says.
The garden is surrounded by a wall where people can sit and enjoy it.
She says although the small 4 metre by 10m space is in a busy area of the city, the way it is set out gives people that feeling of solace and fresh air, with something beautiful to look at.
Ren is starting to organise monthly gatherings at the garden, where people can bring something to exchange with others; such as a plant, or ornament and they can share their experiences if they want to.
"When I've been working in the garden, often people will come and talk to me about what they've been through, so that's how I know about many traumatic things that have happened to and around people," Ren says.
Hearing these stories has shown the garden is therapeutic as well as a place to enjoy, she says.
Do you know of any ideas that have been created in your community to beat the stresses of life?
Tell us about them as they may help others facing difficulties.
Beating the Odds
BTO.
Monday, 9 November 2015
Inspiring Kiwis lead the way
This guy in the link below published in the Northern Advocate is an inspiration to all.
Being recognised, for his selfless work in helping youth, months following his death at only 30 years old.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11542760
People like this are great losses to not only their families and friends but to their communities.
This guy had pushed the boat out for local youth, even in the face of being ripped off at his café.
But he still saw the need and filled it.
In talking about selfless people, I often consider how lucky we are to be in New Zealand when I see the violence and oppression in other countries.
I have been proud of Kiwis small and great, generally.
The All Blacks - with the actions of Sonny Bill Williams giving his medal to the young boy in England last week and now the team taking their strongly-fought Rugby World (Webb Ellis) Cup to a hospice to share with people who are going through their last moments in life.
The above examples, I like to think, are what being Kiwi is all about.
However, I've been really disappointed in some attitudes that are not in agreement with SB Williams gesture and I agree that although they have been accused of wrong, the inmates at the detention centre at Christmas Island need their country to stand up for them in at least ensuring basic human rights are adhered to.
In the two cases, referred to in the immediate latter, lets put the Kiwi back in our approach to these situations and lead the way on the international scale.
Just an opinion. Would love to hear what you think.
To your health!
Beating the Odds - BTO
Being recognised, for his selfless work in helping youth, months following his death at only 30 years old.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11542760
People like this are great losses to not only their families and friends but to their communities.
This guy had pushed the boat out for local youth, even in the face of being ripped off at his café.
But he still saw the need and filled it.
In talking about selfless people, I often consider how lucky we are to be in New Zealand when I see the violence and oppression in other countries.
I have been proud of Kiwis small and great, generally.
The All Blacks - with the actions of Sonny Bill Williams giving his medal to the young boy in England last week and now the team taking their strongly-fought Rugby World (Webb Ellis) Cup to a hospice to share with people who are going through their last moments in life.
The above examples, I like to think, are what being Kiwi is all about.
However, I've been really disappointed in some attitudes that are not in agreement with SB Williams gesture and I agree that although they have been accused of wrong, the inmates at the detention centre at Christmas Island need their country to stand up for them in at least ensuring basic human rights are adhered to.
In the two cases, referred to in the immediate latter, lets put the Kiwi back in our approach to these situations and lead the way on the international scale.
Just an opinion. Would love to hear what you think.
To your health!
Beating the Odds - BTO
Sunday, 11 October 2015
Former foster child's heartening story from displacement to family love
In the wake of the recent negative report on the performance of New Zealand child welfare organisation Child, Youth and Family (CYF), this heartening American former foster child's story below, is inspiring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cdnnIt0s4Q
I think we need to remember CYF here in NZ is an organisation run by governmental legislation which is created by various people and organisations based on professional knowledge and experience.
Perhaps we need to ask: Is society being a bit too harsh on organisations like CYF? CYF is people who are charged with the unenviable responsibility of sorting out social issues at grass roots level, particularly in regard to displaced children in dysfunctional family situations. The responsibility entails doing what is best for the child and it would seem that it doesn't always come out right. When it doesn't, it sometimes sadly, has devastating effects on children who are totally reliant on the state to ensure their ongoing care, wellbeing and overall safety.
It is easy to pick up on the negativity though, especially when it comes to vulnerable children but it would be good to hear about the CYF success stories too.
One can only imagine how exacting the job of keeping children safe must be and how there would be little room for error, as one child slipping through the cracks is one too many.
American former foster child Steve Pemberton found a place in this world after having been rejected as a child and it would appear, had difficult foster experiences during his young life.
But he survived all that to find his feet and later, also found the love of his life in wife Tonya and the couple have three children.
There are various talks and presentations by Steve Pemberton on YouTube, I'm sure you will find interesting.
Would love to hear from you!
Have you been a foster child?
Tell us at Beating the Odds about your experiences. You can use an assumed name or remain anonymous in the comments if you wish. Your story might help someone else.
To your continued health and wellbeing!
BTO
Steve Pemberton: An inspiration to foster children all over the world. Photo - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cdnnIt0s4Q
I think we need to remember CYF here in NZ is an organisation run by governmental legislation which is created by various people and organisations based on professional knowledge and experience.
Perhaps we need to ask: Is society being a bit too harsh on organisations like CYF? CYF is people who are charged with the unenviable responsibility of sorting out social issues at grass roots level, particularly in regard to displaced children in dysfunctional family situations. The responsibility entails doing what is best for the child and it would seem that it doesn't always come out right. When it doesn't, it sometimes sadly, has devastating effects on children who are totally reliant on the state to ensure their ongoing care, wellbeing and overall safety.
It is easy to pick up on the negativity though, especially when it comes to vulnerable children but it would be good to hear about the CYF success stories too.
One can only imagine how exacting the job of keeping children safe must be and how there would be little room for error, as one child slipping through the cracks is one too many.
American former foster child Steve Pemberton found a place in this world after having been rejected as a child and it would appear, had difficult foster experiences during his young life.
But he survived all that to find his feet and later, also found the love of his life in wife Tonya and the couple have three children.
There are various talks and presentations by Steve Pemberton on YouTube, I'm sure you will find interesting.
Would love to hear from you!
Have you been a foster child?
Tell us at Beating the Odds about your experiences. You can use an assumed name or remain anonymous in the comments if you wish. Your story might help someone else.
To your continued health and wellbeing!
BTO
Monday, 5 October 2015
Encouraging thoughts
This group has some great thoughts to share so I thought I would post this URL on my blog for others to enjoy.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/108449557877765188939/posts
https://plus.google.com/u/0/108449557877765188939/posts
It's so important to keep the positive things going in this sometimes difficult world we live in.
There are a lot of people hurting, struggling, ill, down on their luck, displaced, among other things that challenge the human spirit in so many ways.
I think it's great for us to encourage each other as much as we can.
I've been inspired by several people over the past few months having spent a short time back doing journalism work.
Meeting people who seem to find their way to accepting their lot without grumbling, is incredibly inspiring.
I hope you are encouraged by this group's sayings and thoughts as I have been.
To your health, joy and general peace of mind!
Beating the Odds - BTO
Find us on the pages below. We'd love to hear from you!
Monday, 3 August 2015
A much loved music icon gone too soon
Fame journey: Enduring entertainer who is now at rest but will never be forgotten by people all over the world who loved her records and her great sense of fun and stage presence. Photo - Lisez Ceci.
The passing of another music icon has come as a great shock to the world.
Cilla Black was probably a regular on most radio waves and television screens in the 1960s and 70s.
She had that vocal depth that would have fitted the American music market well but unfortunately, was another one who never seemed to be accepted there.
Once dubbed one of the richest women in Britain, the late veteran singer and television presenter charmed audiences around the world during those years.
I remember my father saying, as we watched her television variety show in the 70s, "she has a wonderful stage presence, that girl," he'd say.
Described by friends as funny and a lovely person, Cilla Black will be missed all over the world.
Hits like Anyone Who Had A Heart and Alfie, of course not forgetting her signature song which opened her tv show, Step Inside Love will never be forgotten.
We wish her family our deepest condolences and we will have to enjoy reruns of all those great songs.
Cilla seemed to have gone into retirement over the past few decades and appeared to be enjoying life in places like Barbados and Spain.
Well, she earned it and it is hoped that the latter years of her life were happy ones.
We thank her for all the happy memories she gave the world.
Beating the Odds
BTO
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