Cultural Appropriation - I am struggling with this

DISCLAIMER FOR ALL THE POLITICALLY CORRECT SENSITIVE PEOPLE OUT THERE.


I am a human being on this planet, as are you. I have my personal beliefs and rightfully so. I love ALL people and honour them with the respect they (we) all deserve, no matter what life style they live. I have raised my children to have the same respect towards others, to love and care for this planet. I hold no ill will towards anyone of any kind. I also am respectful to those who have endured much pain and suffering at the hands of others; past, present and future. (Also might I add that I am not referring to cultural things like sacred traditions.) If the following blog offends you, then I guess it has done it's job. If it offends you then it means it stirred something inside you that you too are struggling with. I am writing this blog as I am struggling with Cultural Appropriation and it's blatant contradiction. Graciously, let me explain. (with a tad of satire)


Wikipedia definition of Cultural Appropriation:

"Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture. Cultural appropriation is seen by some as controversial, notably when elements of a minority culture are used by members of the cultural majority; this is seen as wrongfully oppressing the minority culture or stripping it of its group identity and intellectual property rights."


Things are getting so far out of control in my opinion I terms of everyone and everything having to be so Politically Correct. At what point are we going to get fed up with all this BS and just start being a Human Race and stop constantly making divisions between us all.


Here are a FEW key points that have brought me to my struggle around this. Remember to refer to my disclaimer if you start getting offended.


A teacher at a local school joined in on the fun one Halloween and dressed up as one of his favorite celebrities - Mr. T. !!! Harmless for the most part but his costume got him into trouble because he colored his face black (last I checked Mr. T IS black there for making his costume correct) He was not mocking the awful things that happened to a whole race, he was dressing up as a real life, living celebrity who happened to be African American. Would a mask of Mr.T's face have been more appropriate?


A University in Ottawa recently cancelled and banned a FREE Yoga class on campus in fear of Cultural Appropriation, where by the Yoga class would offend the ancient practice of Yoga or it would offend other student with different religious beliefs. How about those students that don't want to participate in the free Yoga class just opt out? This is a bright idea.


Jlo was labelled with Cultural Appropriation for her use of Ethnic attire for one of her performances as was Beyoncé a few months latter.


Famous designers DSquared are accused of the same thing. Their new 2016 Spring Collection is apparently not sensitive to the culture it was trying to portray in a rather beautiful way might I add.


So how far are we planning on taking this?


Should only Mexican restaurants prepare and serve Mexican foods? Or any other type of cuisine to treated the same? Isn't that Cultural Appropriation? Food is something very near and dear to each culture. Preparing foods and gathering around the table is right up there in importance with many cultures.  Should we not be able to enjoy these foods outside our own culture because it may offend an entire culture?


How about Kaityn Jenner? She was never a woman and never grew up or experienced the likes of gender inequality or the strife women have had to endure over the years? How is this not Cultural Appropriation? (refer to my disclaimer above) tough question isn't it?


Further more about costume Geisha's wear a white face???? Just putting that out there.


Halloween will be destined to only be about non denominational, not real or historical figures....Hey how about you be Barney this year? The big purple dinosaur! Thank God there aren't any Dinosaurs around to contest.


Why can't a teacher wear a factual costume?, Why can't we have FREE Yoga classes on University campuses? Why can't we appreciate and wear wonderful articles of clothing without the fear of offending?


All these things are beautiful, No? Why can't we appreciate them all as such. I don't want to be afraid of wearing something or doing something that might offend someone when it is NOT my intention to offend.


With all due respect,


If you are a transgender Mexican driving around in your Chevy eating Sushi for lunch and wearing a Sari, I am okay with that........


Namaste & Mazel tov

From one human being to another, thank you for reading.

Double Standards for 407 ETR

Double Standards for 407 ETR

Posted by Tammy Flores on January 10th, 2016

There are so many complaints the public has with respects to Highway 407 and how it’s been operated over the past 15 years. At the heart is 407 ETR’s lack of concern for following consumer protection laws. It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as one of the shareholders in this highway is notorious for ignoring the law in Spain.
Ferrovial is the largest shareholder of 407 ETR, owning 43.23%. They definitely have a say in the day to day operations of 407 ETR and have a double standard for what they expect for the company and what is expected from its customers.
The group “Global Anti-Toll Alliance”, GATA for short, has been highlighting scandals surrounding Ferrovial and questions why governing authorities continue to do business with this foreign company that has a reputation for ignoring the law.
In Spain, the law is that construction companies have 60 days to pay their creditors. In a report released by La Plataforma Multisectorial contra la Morosidad (PMcM), which is available through CNMV, an agency that lists timing of collections and payments in Spain’s construction industry, Ferrovial is reported to be the worst offender of this law. Ferrovial has taken as much as 536 days to pay their suppliers. That’s about 10 times the legal limit. This has put some smaller suppliers out of business and has caused an outcry.
When company’s like Ferrovial practice business this way, it leaves a lot of heartache because it’s not just that the company has to shut down. People lose jobs. They lose their ability to provide for their families. Sometimes a good paying job is replaced with a job that pays far less and so the standard of living is reduced. Our governing authorities have to stop worrying about these multinational corporations providing jobs and look at what their business practices do to good paying jobs.
Although Ferrovial will take as much as 536 days to pay their suppliers, no financial penalties are imposed on the company. In contrast, the company demands that their customers pay after only 34 days. As we have seen here in Canada with 407 ETR, not only does this company demand to be paid within 34 days, but imposes harsh financial penalties to the tune of thousands and thousands of dollars. To make matters worse, our governing authorities help the company perpetuate this gross misconduct by keeping people in what is essentially debtor’s prison by means of Plate Denial, until you pay whatever usury amounts of money the company imposes on you for nonpayment. Talk about your double standards.
Ferrovial can destroy smaller companies, putting them out of business by simply not paying them. Ferrovial can operate a foreign company like 407 ETR and destroy people’s lives by imposing harsh financial penalties for nonpayment and have governing authorities place people debtor’s prison. A double standard at it’s finest. The question is why? Why do we continue to allow large multinational corporations do this? Don’t we, as a democratic society, frown on sovereign nations that treat their people in this manner? Then why is our very own governing authorities doing business with a company that does the same thing?

Posted in Media Articles Tags: 407 billing, 407 billing problems, 407 etr, 407 etr billing practices, 407 etr collection company, 407 etr collector, 407 ombudsman, 407 toll road, 407 toll route, 407 transponder, BBB, Better Business Bureau, Beverley McLachlin, billing dispute, billing practices, billing problems, Chief Justice of Canada, conservative goverment, consumers rights, CPPIB, ctv, dalton mcguinty, Darryl Singer, etr billing dispute, Ferrovial, fijlaw, harinder takhar, high interest charges, Hydro One, J.D., Jack Lakey, jim bradley, Justice Andromache Karakatsanis, Justice Clément Gascon, Justice David Doherty, Justice Janet Simmons, Justice Marshall Rothstein, Justice Michael J. Moldaver, Justice Richard Wagner, Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, Justice Sarah Pepall, Justice Suzanne Côté, Justice Thomas Albert Cromwell, kevin sack, lawsuit for bankruptcy, litigation lawyer, March against Monsanto, Metrolinx, ministry of transportation, Monsanto, mpp, mto, North Carolina, ontario drivers, ontario limitations act, ontario provincial police, ontario supreme court of justice, ontario taxpayers, open media, opp, OPSEU, P.C., P3's, plate denial, poor billing practices, punitive damages, queens park, Rob Prichard, Smokey Thomas, SNC-Lavalin, SQM, steve spenser, Supreme Court of Canada, tammy flores, the fixer, the Service Quality Measurement group, thousands in high interest, toll road, toll roads, toronto star, transportation minister, Warren (Smokey) Thomas, Warren Thomas, yelp

Top 6 YouTube Workout/Trainers for 2016

Exercise in any form is essential for your overall health, whether you are a Runner, do Yoga, hit the gym, Weight Train, Cardio or Walk as long as you keep moving and push yourself to your max, you will see results. (Of course paired with a healthy eating plan)


Working out can be a daily struggle for some. So we have broken down for you our top 6 favorite workout YouTube trainers in an effort to make working out fun and easy for you right from the comfort of your own home and all for FREE.


In our list there is literally something for EVEYONE and for EVERY level so there is NO excuse whatsoever.  Here they are and in no particular order.

1) Jessica Smith TV is a fitness expert who really connects to her followers. Along with her side kick "Peanut" she can take you from a 15 routine up to an hour and has something for all levels. Her workouts are deliberate, functional and very well explained. Her form is spot on and I'd recommend Beginners start here, however intermediate and advance workouts are available too. Walking, Kickboxing, Cardio, Sculpting, Barre and everything in between.


Almost 216,000 subscribers


https://www.youtube.com/user/jessicasmithtv/featured

2) Dana Lee Real Fit TV has a little je ne sais quoi about her. Her down to earth approach is refreshing. From Kickboxing to Step and Bosu there is a lot to choose from and they are all very challenging.


Almost 25,000 subscribers


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJixbfERD-s8alYKKQaQrrA

3) Fitness Blender is a husband and wife team that have professional quality videos. From short and sweet workouts to 1000 calorie burners, you are sure to find something here. All levels.


2,687,098 subscribers (wow)


https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender

4) Shelly Dose is an upbeat up and coming YouTuber. Her HIGH energy and fun cardio based workouts will get your heart pumping. Good music and fast paced. Intermediate to advance.


Over 3,000 subscribers and counting


https://www.youtube.com/user/SheSweats

5) Melissa Bender positive energy with tough workouts. Generally 10-20 minute workouts. Her web site has break downs of all her workouts and meal plans as well. She just announced that she is expecting so I'd imagine some baby workouts will soon follow


68,511 subscribers


https://www.youtube.com/user/mdloughy




                                                   


6) Body Rock TV with Lisa-Marie has it all. You will find 21 day challenges, 30 day challenges and quick fit options as well. Lisa-Marie is highly motivating and a fun workout partner. Along with other feature trainers (including Melissa Bender noted above) You can find just about any level of fitness with tons of options for all.


896,683 subscribers


https://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975


So there you have it - now you can surf through these and find which ones works best for you - OR rotate through them all and you will feel fit and fabulous in no time.


JUST GET STARTED AND KEEP AT IT!


HAPPY FIT NEW YEAR :)

Super Cereal

Here is a healthy homemade Super Cereal packed with tons of good stuff, enjoy!


Watch the YouTube video here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMN5aqcTIQo


Healthy Super Food - Yummy homemade Cereal


How to make the best homemade cereal for you and your family:


This wonderful homemade Super Cereal is so good for you, is just heavenly & so easy to prepare.
Combine the following in a large bowl:

•Golden Raisins
•Ground Flax Seed
•Goji Berries
•Sliced Almonds
•Sunflower Seeds
•White Ground Bran
•Chopped Peanuts
•Pumpkin Seeds
•Organic Ground Kale
•Slivered Almonds (yes more almonds)
•Honey
Stir well and serve with your choice of Almond or Soy Milk when ready to eat. OR Sprinkle the cereal over Greek Yogurt.

Check us out on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Mrs-Hollywood/491132047652130
Our other Blog page:
http://hiit-blog.dailyhiit.com/author/mrshollywood/

I am offended that saying Merry Christmas offends you, here is why

I am offended that saying Merry Christmas offends you, here is why....


You see it is very simple and easy to understand actually; the Holiday that occurs on and around the 25th of December annually is actually called CHRISTMAS! Easy enough to understand right?


It all began over 2000 years ago with the birth of Jesus Christ as is CHRISTmas. Every year on the date of his birth Christians around the word celebrate his birthday and usually joyfully greet one another by saying Merry Christmas.


Now, I appreciate that this is a culturally diverse world we live in duh! Not everyone celebrates CHRISTmas and guess what that is okay!!!


Of late people seem to think that it is politically incorrect to say "Merry Christmas" and opt to change that to Happy Holidays - well that offends ME!!!


Albeit I am not a practicing Christian but it doesn't mean that I don't acknowledge it.


Kwanzaa is Kwanzaa, Hanukah is Hanukah, Diwali is Diwali  - I don't go around and say to others that celebrate those holidays by saying happy holidays to you - NO I am respectful and say to them Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Diwali. CAUSE GUESS WHAT? Those ARE the names of their holidays - I would NEVER ask them to change that - even the White House started calling their Christmas Tree a Holiday Tree. How dumb is that?


I'd NEVER ask Jewish people to change the name of the Menorah to a Holiday candle - how selfish would that be of me, or anyone for that matter????


We have gone radical with respects to being politically correct and this is just taking it way too far.


Christmas is Christmas because that is the actual name of the holidays - no other reason!


Therefore I am offended that saying Merry Christmas offends you.

and when it comes time..... (just to name a few)

and to every other wonderful celebratory holidays out there ENJOY!!!

Please watch this Mad TV YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVS-Dyc5Hds

Kathleen's Babble Blog: It is YOUR fault your kids feel entitled

Kathleen's Babble Blog: It is YOUR fault your kids feel entitled

It is YOUR fault your kids feel entitled

Are you finding that your child(ren) just doesn't listen, are constantly afraid of an embarrassing public meltdown, do your kids demand things all the time?


This is not a behaviour that just started one day - patterns were started unbeknownst to you long before and you are the common denominator.


A child without boundaries, limitations and hearing the word NO (and meaning it) will eventually feel entitled period end of story.


So what to do?  Well, for one start as early as possible with,


1) FOLLOW THROUGH!!! Do not make a statement or threat of punishment (like: you are going to go to your room if said behaviour doesn't stop) and not follow through. If you say you may not go out with your friends and then you let them - just what kind of message are you sending?


2) Do not fall in the trap of blindfully rewarding bad behaviour. What do I mean? For example Suzy misbehaves and continues to do so even after being asked to stop the behaviour. Once grounded Suzy pleas emotionally that she is sorry, Mom/Dad accept said apology and then reward the child with an ice cream or the like. Instead of saying "I am sorry Suzy your behaviour earlier was not acceptable and I will not reward you with a treat at this time. Let's try again tomorrow."


3) Say NO more often. Saying NO to your child(ren) is actually healthy for their development. It teaches them amongst other things that there are boundaries and they are to be respected. Ever see that child in the shopping mall where a parent tried to say NO and a meltdown ensues only to have the Mom give in to avoid embarrassment? Well had the Mom said NO more often this would probably not have happened. Think of it as building up a mental muscle in the child. Every NO helps to increase the muscle making no easier to hear and feel. Not to mention when the YES happens it will be that much more enjoyable and appreciated.


4) Stop doing EVERYTHING for them. Let them carry their own backpacks, let them dress themselves, let them make mistakes. Don't micro manage them. Here is a blog I wrote on that.
http://kathleensbabble.blogspot.ca/2015/11/stop-doing-everything-for-your-kids.html


Doing these few things will greatly improve your child's behaviour and help them along in life.


What are some of your parenting tricks, tips and advise?


Thank you for reading, please comment below.