Sep 28, 2012

Bullying Turned Into Sikh Inspiration

Sikh Woman Balpreet Kaur Turns Cyber Bullying Incident into Inspiration

This picture of Balpreet Kaur sparked bullying -- and then inspiration -- on Reddit. (Photo via Reddit)After someone snapped a photo of her and posted it on online, Balpreet Kaur was ridiculed for following the tenets of her Sikh faith. But instead of hiding or lashing out, she politely posted a reply—and turned a bullying situation into a inspiring example of tolerance, support, and inspiration.

Related: Teaching our Kids Tolerance After the Sikh Temple Shootings

The photo was taken apparently without Kaur's knowledge while she was waiting in line at the Ohio State University Library. In the photo, Kaur's hair is hidden by a large, black turban. She's wearing a T-shirt and yoga pants, glasses, and is looking down at her cell phone; her sparse facial hair is clearly visible. A Reddit user posted it to the "Funny" forum with the quip, "I'm not sure what to conclude from this."

Comments started pouring in, making fun of her appearance, asking if she was transgendered, and taking her to task for not plucking, waxing, or shaving.

Related: Lessons from "The World's Ugliest Woman': Stop Staring and Start Learning

After a friend told her about the thread, Kaur decided to respond to the taunts herself—and take the opportunity to educate people at the same time.

"Hey, guys. This is Balpreet Kaur, the girl from the picture," she wrote. "I'm not embarrassed or even humiliated by the attention [negative and positive] that this picture is getting, because it's who I am."

As a baptized Sikh woman, Kaur—who is from Ohio—said that she is forbidden from altering her body, as it is considered a sacred gift from God.

"The overarching principal is this body is a tool for service," she explained. "We have to maintain and take care of it while cherishing its original form." That means that going to the hospital and taking medicine is fine, because one should be healthy in order to be of service to others. But cutting one's hair or removing one's facial hair is forbidden, even if societal norms dictate otherwise.

"My hair doesn't stop me from being normal or doing service so its not a hindrance," she said in a later post. "I've been to the doctor regarding this and it's just a side effect of my hormone levels during my teenage years. The hormones have returned to normal, but the hair is still there. That's fine :) I don't regret anything, nor do I view it as an unfortunate thing."

Sikhism was founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century; there are approximately 30 million Sikhs in the world. Followers believe in the equality of all human beings and in a single, infinitely powerful, omnipresent, genderless God. Instead of heaven or hell, the religion promotes salvation through a spiritual union with God; ego, anger, greed, attachment, and lust are considered the Five Evils. Sikhs do not believe in recruiting converts, though they welcome those who wish to join their faith. Once baptized or formally initiated into the faith, they vow to wear five religious symbols at all times, one of which is leaving their body hair uncut.

"Yes, I'm a baptized Sikh woman with facial hair. Yes, I realize that my gender is often confused and I look different than most women," wrote Kaur, who is the president of the Ohio State University's Sikh Student Association. "My attitude and thoughts and actions have more value in them than my body… by not focusing on the physical beauty, I have time to cultivate those inner virtues and hopefully, focus my life on creating change and progress for this world in any way I can."

Her words quickly inspired readers on Reddit and elsewhere to reevaluate their reactions. A cross-post on the Facebook page for Kaurista garnered more than 6,750 likes and more than 850 comments.

"I know that I don't have the courage to live that purely," Shannon Dolce commented on Facebook. "I am inspired to live MORE true to how my creator sees me, though."

"I think we can agree that even the non-religious can benefit from taking a page from your book -- thank you," wrote a Redditor named "anothertimearound".

"You are awesome. If your faith has made you this well-adjusted and positive and secure in your own skin, and focused on the things in life that truly matter, then I am glad that there are Sikhs in this world." Reddit reader "Anna Mosity" wrote. "The world could use more people like you."

A few days later, the Reddit user who posted the picture started a new thread to apologize to Kaur.

"I felt the need to apologize to the Sikhs, Balpreet, and anyone else I offended when I posted that picture," the Redditor wrote. "Put simply it was stupid. Making fun of people is funny to some but incredibly degrading to the people you're making fun of. It was an incredibly rude, judgmental, and ignorant thing to post."

"I've read more about the Sikh faith and it was actually really interesting. It makes a whole lot of sense to work on having a legacy and not worrying about what you look like. I made that post for stupid internet points and I was ignorant." he continued. "Balpreet, I'm sorry for being a closed minded individual. You are a much better person than I am. Sikhs, I'm sorry for insulting your culture and way of life. Balpreet's faith in what she believes is astounding."

Kaur says that she's happy to spend time explaining her religion and her appearance to people. "I do not think explaining myself and the way I am is a waste of energy because storytelling in itself is a way to fight the apathy in this world," she explained in a follow-up post on Thursday. "By simple interactions like this, we can better understand each other and make this world more open and loving even if it is just one person or many."


This was copied from Yahoo--Shine

Sep 11, 2012

WHY REPUBS LIKE PRESIDENT OBAMA

"Yes--I'll be casting my vote for President Obama in November."


Well, thank you for saying that, but I think it is true--who wants their kid thrown off their insurance--repubs and dems love their kids and want good for them--that's universal, but the repubs may not want to admit it.

Sep 6, 2012

MY SEWING OBSESSION


I cannot stop sewing.  I began sewing with my grandma as she made my school clothes and I eventually started making my own clothes.  I still had her doing all of the handwork, hems, etc.

Currently...............






the blue pillow from the quilting class..................








Kathy Green is my amazing teacher for quilting--I love sewing but Kathy keeps me moving forward; otherwise I will be stuck on one little stitch and never finish the project.

This pillow is for sale on my website

www.chloetoo.com.............8.88...$$$$$

here is a link to my website---the pillow is on the sterling silver page

www.chloetoo.com





Sep 4, 2012

HOW PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS ALREADY GIVEN US HOPE AND CHANGE



HOW PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS ALREADY GIVEN US HOPE AND CHANGE


You know, President Obama has already given us "hope and change" and one example of that would be healthcare. 

I do not think there is one person, democrat or republican, who wants their child thrown off of their employer health plan---and now the republicans have to address that issue as well, the precedent has been set. 

Really, who does not want to have healthcare for their family?  The idea now is real, and law. 

We can not reasonably go back--its here to stay--Thank you President Obama. 

The repubs may not want to admit it, but they like it, too.  It's a good thing for everyone!  It's a good thing for the citizens of the United States--It's a good thing for people everywhere. 

That is how President Obama has made a very good "change" and it cannot be denied, particularly by any parent. 

Good job, President Obama, thank you VERY MUCH!

--
chloelouise

Aug 28, 2012

A VACATION FOR MOM AND CHLO LANGENDORF

A VACATION FOR MOM AND CHLO LANGENDORF

a pictorial essay.............



chloe louise


We went on our big trip.  


roeese having a drink



At first I did not want to bring my chlo chlo because I thought it would just be too much trouble.


chloe louise in the driver's seat






Ronnie enjoying a dip







Ronnie and I walked on this path in this garden of eden near Brookings, Oregon.  Chloe is waiting in the car with her food bowl full.











Ronnie always has to sit stone still when Chloe is in the vicinity.



























strawberry break Crescent City

--
chloelouise

Aug 25, 2012

Bill Maher Continues to Embarrass Fellow Dems

“Democratic Ball and Chain Bill Maher Should Apologize to Sarah Palin and Dr. Drew Should Stop Drinking The Kool-Aide



Bill Maher continues to embarrass fellow dems....referring to his recent blog in the Huff Post on Akin.


Bill does not speak for me as a dem.  In the first place I am capable of forming my own opinion of Sarah Palin, or other repubs, based on what they say--no profanity has to be thrown in for his own aggrandizement.  Certainly, if he is such a gifted comedian he can find other more innovative and descriptive words to demonstrate his disagreement with the opposite party.


As soon as he uses a sexual slur--then he puts the other person in an awkward position--what shall their equal yet clever response be?  That is the first thing women bashers do- to make a negative sexual comment.  There is no response.  I can't use a word like that back to him, nor would I.  The point is immediately lost and all the focus is on Bill and his supposed cleverness.

I hope is is not a prerequisite to be a member of the democratic party to find Bill Maher amusing.  He is not my cup of tea and his words are way too bold and the point is lost.  I am for women speaking and then I will make my decision to vote for President Obama again and go to the polls.


President Obama has come way to far in his support for women and healthcare , particularly when he spoke against Rush Limbaugh, to have a self-promoter like Bill Maher mess things up.


Bill also does not speak for me about spirituality and religion.  I find his comments offensive in that area, as well.  He does not speak for me as a democrat about religion.

My prediction is that it's just a matter of time before we have to suffer another "controversial" episode by Bill Maher. His big money donation was just a thin veil for self-promotion. His comments are offensive to women. He is a ball and chain for the dems. Then, as if this is news, what he said will have to be discussed again, because he gave the money.

His mom needs to speak to him, or some mom, let it be me--because he is out of line and he does need to apologize to Sarah Palin. He is particularly annoying because he tried to cover his remark with humor and get everyone to laugh with him like it was okay because it was funny. Then he went on Dr. Drew and bragged about being a "potty mouth." Talk about drinking the kool-aid; I'm still disappointed with Dr. Drew because many young people look to him for guidance--he can set the example for how to think with a certain group of people.

I do not agree with Sarah Palin politically. I admire her interest in politics. To me she is a strong women and a good mom--I want to hear what she has to say even though I will not vote for her. I like the political conversation and I think it moves things forward.”

Aug 22, 2012

KOGO 600's Bullying Shock-Jock chip franklin, Hung-Up on by Martha Burk

KOGO 600's Bullying shock-jock chip franklin, hung-up on by Martha Burk

chip franklin, of KOGO 600 morning hate talk radio in San Diego, laid out by Martha Burk--chip is always beat down bad when he gets in the ring with the big girls!


Oh, I thought I was being nice." chip said after Martha hung up on him.

Martha Burk was recently admitted to the Augusta National Golf Club as the first female member along with Condoleeza Rice.  She has already experienced a long battle with Augusta National so chip franklin's ill-fated attempt at an interview, where he was planning on talking about his chauvinistic ideas, was small potatoes to her. 

Perhaps chip's reputation as a bully and bragger preceded him.  Maybe it was the way he often calls for vigilante justice.  Maybe it was the way he said he thought a girl's ass should be kicked--the politician from San Francisco.  Maybe she heard about the way he humiliated Ray Lutz speaking for the Occupy  group  on his show. 

He simply would not let her talk--she gave him three warnings to let her talk but chip's hard head would not let him heed her stern warning. 

chip--here's my tip--In an interview it might be more interesting if we get to hear what the person you are interviewing has to say--that would be instead of you!

Right chip--you were real nice--you said in your set-up several times, "Wait 'til she hears from me,  she won't like me after she talks to me." 

He said he thought he was not adversarial.  Are you kidding, chip.  Your ambush style interview never got off the ground and she won.  Nice try chip.

The bullying man, chip franklin laid out bad by Martha Burk.....he said he wouldn't back down--back down--he never got up--he's dreaming!

When chip goes up against the professionals he loses big time as was also evidenced when the nanny, Fran Drescher, slammed the screen door in his face  when he tried to say he didn't think there was a need for the equal rights amendment for women.  He did not get one word in--he was really undone that day!

Nice try chip, but you lose

Oh, maybe she heard you say you wanted to body-slam Gloria Allred?
Then  he further embarrassed himself when he made a joke about turtles being abused.....
And chip--just another loud, foolish, environmentally backward, conservative talk radio host--don't make a joke about turtles--it gives plenty of people out there the idea its okay to be mean to animals.  What if someone flew your dog around then dropped him, then laughed about it on the radio.  You would be sad and mad about that.
chip---you've had a bad morning.

.............................................
Page 2 of 2 --
When it came to working in television, what Johnny knew — and what far too few of his successors in the late-night arena seem to understand — is that although it’s called a talk show, the essential skill is to listen. Carson represented the host as perfect audience. Time after time in “King of the Night,’’ former guests marvel at how Johnny, as an interviewer, gave them room to shine. “He had the perfect barometer in his head of when to go and when to stay out,’’ says Arsenio Hall. “He could save you if the show needed it or he could let you do your thing — his ego could let you do your thing.’’

 By Don Aucoin
Globe Staff / May 14, 2012 
from the Boston Globe---A Closer Look at the King of Late Night



--
chloelouise

Aug 21, 2012

THE REAL GEORGE SMILEY.......

THE REAL GEORGE SMILEY........


Here is a picture of George Smiley.

He is a secret agent functioning at the highest level of British intelligence.

He is always "watching" and collecting information.

Special abilities:  blending in with the average workaday commuter--waiting for the tube at rush hour.
george smiley



connie sachs
This is a photo of Connie Sachs, a research specialist, George and Connie are friends:   big boned and beautiful--this girl really likes to call all the shots.......

JIm Prideaux   "the pit bull"





Now, this is Jim Prideaux.  No one will admit it, but at the top of every spy ring there is always a muscle man who works in the field.  The circus has Jim, aka "the pit bull."




"Ronnie"  famous London nightclub owner
                                                                                                                                                                        
Unrecognizable, indeed!  This is actually a picture of Jim using one of his "work" names.  Even though his establishment is quite famous and well known the name cannot be revealed in fear of his cover being blown.  Jim, "Ronnie," is a big and admired fixture on the London nightlife scene.




George Smiley loves to begin his day of gathering information with a big bowl of mackerel.  A good parapet is a perfect place for observation.

 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/Kings_chapel_roof.jpg




Aug 19, 2012

Jesus would oppose the Paul Ryan budget


Jesus would oppose the Paul Ryan budget

By Brent Budowsky - 04/11/12 11:27 AM ET




 I fully respect the Catholic faith and sincerity of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and do not question that he believes his budget is consistent with his faith, as he stated in an excellent story in The Hill. But, with all due respect, I must suggest that Jesus would oppose the Ryan budget. Jesus did not teach government preferences for the most wealthy, cruel punishment for the most poor, attacks on programs that benefit women, decimating cuts that hurt the poorest children and the sanctification of greed in economics. Ron Paul and Paul Ryan may believe in Ayn Rand and Austrian economists, but Jesus taught a much different ethic: those who have the most should not game the system to get more but should help those who have the least, including selling their possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor.



Let’s keep Ayn Rand in the past. Let’s keep the Austrian economists in the dusty and outdated books of failed theories. Let’s keep Jesus out of the business of helping the rich and punishing the poor.


copied from THE HILL online newspaper by chloelouise