2001 was a major year in US history. Politically, the world was thrown into unrest with the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I myself was in lower Manhattan on that day & like most other New Yorkers I watched in horror as our city was attacked and the turmoil of the days after as many people searched and mourned for their lost loved ones. It was a very sad time for the greatest city in the world (yes-I said it!) and for all Americans as we felt our safety violated for the first time on US soil in a very long time. However, the nation showed its strength as we pulled together and took a stand against terrorists, with new president George W. Bush taking the reigns.
Oddly enough, as a large part of the rest of the world seemed caught up in a new war and terrorist attacks, Northern Ireland took major leaps towards peace as the IRA announced it had started to dismantle its arsenal.
Our federal debt was under 6 billion (Remember the good old days when it wasn't in the trillions???)
In sports, Baltimore took the Giants in the Super Bowl & Arizona beat out the Yankees in the World Series...not a great year for New York in general. :(
America's Sweetheart Julia Roberts finally took home the Oscar for Erin Brockovich, after getting robbed for Pretty Woman (in my humble opinion).
The West Wing & the lovely ladies of Sex in the City dominated the Emmys & Harry Potter started it's cult following in film that year, taking in an unprecedented 93.5 million in the box office. (I still have not seen that film...I don't know why but wizards and children really creep me out...)
While the usual music makers dominated the charts, including Jay Z, JLO, Britt Britt, and Blink 182, Bob Dylan made a surprising re-appearance in 2001 with his album Love & Theft.
In science, cloning, stem cell research, and artificial organs were all the rage, causing both controversy & major medical breakthroughs. The first successful artificial heart was even used!
RIP George Harrison & Dale Earnhardt...two beloved celebs that are still sorely missed.
All in all, 2001 was a HUGE year, with many events that ended up changing history in a BIG way. Where would we be in 2012, if not for the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center that launched us into the War on Terrorism?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Y2K
It's hard to believe that Christmas and Hanukkah are behind us and we are mere days away from the New Year! Time sure has flown by! Which is an appropriate sentiment for SWP's next show which is dedicated to chronicle highlights from the past 12 years. We would love to hear from you regarding one of your favorite and most important moments from 2000 to the present.
I am going to kick-off this nostalgic time capsule with the year 2000 (which always reminds of Conan O'Briens old skit "In the year 2000").
How could one forget Y2K! The year the world was supposed to come crashing down as we fall victim to technology. I vividly remember waking up the morning of December 31st, 1999 watching the news to see if people across the globe had become tragic victims of the Y2K disaster. To my "surprise" I watched the broadcasts of people celebrating the New Year in China and all over the world. Phew, I thought, I guess we will survive...(I don't want to fast forward to present times, but if history does repeat itself, I think the hype of the end of the world in 2012 will leave many disappointed)
Speaking of Surviving, I remember a little hit show called (you guessed it) Survivor which aired its record-breaking season finale in the summer of 2000 where over 51 million people witnessed the infamously gay nudo Richard Hatch take home the grand prize of $1,000,000!
Hatch's victory wasn't the only awe-inspiring gay headline in 2000, a little state famed for their amazing ski resorts bucked the cultural trend by passing HB847 aka the law that legalized civil unions for gay couples!
For "some" reason gay unions remind me of the pop sensation NSYNC that ruled pop culture (for girls and gays at least). It seemed as though you couldn't turn on the radio or tv for more than 5 minutes without seeing those sensational sissy's. And if it wasn't NSYNC that was on it was their female counterpart, Britney Spears that was delighting us with her..umm..."vocals". Don't get me wrong, unless this is the first post you've read, you very well know I was and still am a huge Britney fan. That little pop tart always gets me movin and shakin, and to be honest, she inspires me to believe that anyone can become a hit singer...and I mean ANYONE... Some other favorite musicians of 2000 include Lenny Kravitz, Blink 182, U2, All Saints (who the hell are they?!), pre-Lady Gaga icon aka Madonna, Pink, the Clean Christina Aguillara (before she got all dirty) R.E.M and Faith Hill to name a few.
I think what I remember most and cherish the most about 2000, wasn't the fact that I not only had my license and kick ass car to drive...but that gas was only $1.26 per gallon! But I don't want to get ahead of ourselves here, we will discuss the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq WAR which has helped make the $1.26 price per gallon a faint memory of the past.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Resources From Last Nights Show
What to Do When Bullying Continues or Gets Worse
If the bullying gets worse and you need additional help, consider the following if:| Someone is at immediate risk of harm because of bullying | Call the police 911 |
| Your child is feeling suicidal because of bullying | Contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) |
| Your child’s teacher is not keeping your child safe from being bullied | Contact local school administrator (principal or superintendent) |
| Your school is not keeping your child safe from being bullied | Contact the State School Department |
| Your child is sick, stressed, not sleeping, or is having other problems because of bullying | Contact your counselor or other health professional |
| Your child is bullied because of their race, ethnicity, or disability and local help is not working to solve the problem | Contact the U.S. Department of Education’s Office on Civil Rights |
he Federal Departments of Health and Human Services and Education
Resources
http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/howparentscanstopbullies.php
To date, 47 states have some type of parental liability law
To find out what your states law on bullying is go to
http://bullypolice.org/
http://www.ncvc.org/tvp/main.aspx?dbName=Bullying
The National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
866-4-U-TREVOR
Yourlifeyourvoice.orghttp://www.flipthescriptnow.org/parents
Resources From Last Nights Show
What to Do When Bullying Continues or Gets Worse
If the bullying gets worse and you need additional help, consider the following if:| Someone is at immediate risk of harm because of bullying | Call the police 911 |
| Your child is feeling suicidal because of bullying | Contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) |
| Your child’s teacher is not keeping your child safe from being bullied | Contact local school administrator (principal or superintendent) |
| Your school is not keeping your child safe from being bullied | Contact the State School Department |
| Your child is sick, stressed, not sleeping, or is having other problems because of bullying | Contact your counselor or other health professional |
| Your child is bullied because of their race, ethnicity, or disability and local help is not working to solve the problem | Contact the U.S. Department of Education’s Office on Civil Rights |
he Federal Departments of Health and Human Services and Education
Resources
http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/howparentscanstopbullies.php
To date, 47 states have some type of parental liability law
To find out what your states law on bullying is go to
http://bullypolice.org/
http://www.ncvc.org/tvp/main.aspx?dbName=Bullying
The National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
866-4-U-TREVOR
Yourlifeyourvoice.orghttp://www.flipthescriptnow.org/parents
Mandatory Anti-Bullying Education & Programs in EVERY SCHOOL in America.
Doing this two-part series on bullying was AMAZING. First, the response from our listeners on the subject was truly touching. So many people have been personally affected by bullying. Secondly, those that participated in the show, allowing us to share their stories and their passion about bullying. We would especially like to thank Chelsea, who shared in part one her experiences with being bullied as a kid. Sarah, who shared her insider's perspective as an educator in episode two. And finally, Dan Puder, MMA champ & undefeated UFC fighter, who has started an amazing organization called My Life My Power to help stop bullying. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful people on our team who want to make a difference. THANK YOU!
We too want to make a difference. Which is why we've started a petition to make anti-bullying education and programs mandatory in EVERY SCHOOL IN AMERICA. We educate kids on so many dangers, from drugs to unprotected sex, yet we rarely educate them on a serious danger that is affecting a TON of kids in this country-BULLYING. We also fail to prepare educators to deal with bullying. Not another kid should become a victim of bullying. Not another kid should be scared to go to school. Not another kid should take their own life or the lives of others. It's time we did something about it.
Please sign our petition and get others to do the same. The more people who speak out, the sooner we can stop this epidemic.
We too want to make a difference. Which is why we've started a petition to make anti-bullying education and programs mandatory in EVERY SCHOOL IN AMERICA. We educate kids on so many dangers, from drugs to unprotected sex, yet we rarely educate them on a serious danger that is affecting a TON of kids in this country-BULLYING. We also fail to prepare educators to deal with bullying. Not another kid should become a victim of bullying. Not another kid should be scared to go to school. Not another kid should take their own life or the lives of others. It's time we did something about it.
Please sign our petition and get others to do the same. The more people who speak out, the sooner we can stop this epidemic.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tis the Season
Ok, so I thought it was tis the season to be "JOLLY"?! It seems like everytime I step into a store, especially my local Wal Mart, it seems like people are full of rage that only a reindeer slugging a huge sleigh roaming in the world in one night should only feel. Now, I understand that times in general are tough, with the bad economy, and Rachel Crow unjustfully being voted off of the X Factor last week (DAMN YOU NICOLE S!) but come on, can't I shop the kitchenware section without having people cursing at the salesman because their $2.98 waffle maker is out of stock. First of all you angry little elf, who on earth is going to trust one of the days most important meals on a $2.98 machine, no thank you. Second of all, I am sure it is not the salesman's fault they are out of stock, I mean leave the poor guy alone, can't you see he was busy texting...RUDE! What I do love most about holiday shopping around this time of year, is seeing the, how do I put it...I dont want to call them ungratefully obnoxious little children...so I will just refer to them as "future little stars on an upcoming episode of Super Nanny". Why wouldnt their mother be excited to be out shopping with these little tykes when they are so "helpful" by letting their mother know what they want her, I mean Santa (no I really mean her) to buy them for XMAS by SHOUTING at the top of their lungs, screaming that they NEED that toy, meanwhile punching their sibling. I dont mind if thats the way that family celebrates this time of year but I kindly would appreciate not being involved, so if the smaller deamon child could refrain from running into my cart I think that would be nice.
12 MORE DAYS til XMAS....
12 MORE DAYS til XMAS....
Friday, December 9, 2011
People Change But Seldom Do...Do Bully's?!
So I was watching The Big Bang Theory last night and to my surprise the episode was about facing your bully as an adult. In the episode the bully of the past reverted back to old habbits of bullying which in the world of tv sitcoms proved to be a perfect plot for humor...but the fact that in real life former bullys do walk among us makes for a stark reality. What happens to bullys of the past. Do most of them have epihonys and realize the wrong they have done or do old habbits die hard. Afterall, the old addage saying "people change and seldom do". If that is the case, how are these former bully's integrated into society, are they still causing pain in others lives? Which reminds me of another funny show, Will and Grace, where Will's former bully tormented him in the work place in the same sadistic way he did when they were on the playground. I am going to focus my weekend research around the notion of what becomes of bullys.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
An American Tragedy
I was about to dedicate today's blog to something lighthearted and whimsical such as my favorite holiday songs. Afterall, I have had "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" stuck in my head since Halloween (thank you Wal Mart). However, just as I opened this window to type away, I came across a recent story about a shooting that just occurred at Virginia Tech. There is not much reporting on motives etc. since it literally just happened but it's a story that we as a nation are too unfortunately familiar with. Before I rant, I would like to say that those that lost their lives, the loved one's of the deceased and the community it has affected, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
As mentioned earlier we do not know the details of this tragic shooting, but whenever I hear about a school shooting I constantly am reminded of the "9/11" of school shootings, at Columbine. Who can forget that horrific day that left a nation vulnerable and disturbed. A day that reminded us that the essence of school safety was a thing of the past. We understand that we live in a world where violence and heanous crimes occur on a to frequent basis (and thanks to the 24 hour news cycle that won't let us forget) but shouldn't schools be off limits to these levels of terror. Can't we put up signs next to the "Drug Free School Zone" that read "Terror Free School Zone". Couldn't the villains of the world just give us that, peace of mind that kid's can go to school without fearing they will become a victim of utter terror...
Oh wait, I almost forgot! In the case of Columbine the terror was caused within the walls, by two fellow classmates. How could I forget that the terrorist in that horrific situation was a result of two students who were bullied and victimized and took their unacceptable revenge out on their terrorists.
On last night's show I referenced that I truly believe that school bullies are in fact tiny terrorists. Sometimes they inflict their pain on their prey through verbal and, too often, physical warfare. Now by no means am I saying what the two shooters at Columbine did was justified. It is NEVER ok to take an innocent life. However, school shootings have more culprits than just the shooters. What about the people who bully the shooters, and the kids, parents and teachers that stand by and don't try to systematically end bullying, and restore a peaceful place for kid's to get an education.
I think we need to remember the day we sat and watched Columbine unfold, and remember how we felt united in a front to prevent this from happening again. No, not every school shooter is a victim of bullying, but a lot are, and more over, its a huge issue that affects WAY TOO MANY children. Why does this nation need "9/11" moments to act united...UNITED....you know, as in the FIRST word in the name of this county.
Is it because on some level we only function with fear?!?! Maybe that's where these tiny terrorist bullies get their motivation....
As mentioned earlier we do not know the details of this tragic shooting, but whenever I hear about a school shooting I constantly am reminded of the "9/11" of school shootings, at Columbine. Who can forget that horrific day that left a nation vulnerable and disturbed. A day that reminded us that the essence of school safety was a thing of the past. We understand that we live in a world where violence and heanous crimes occur on a to frequent basis (and thanks to the 24 hour news cycle that won't let us forget) but shouldn't schools be off limits to these levels of terror. Can't we put up signs next to the "Drug Free School Zone" that read "Terror Free School Zone". Couldn't the villains of the world just give us that, peace of mind that kid's can go to school without fearing they will become a victim of utter terror...
Oh wait, I almost forgot! In the case of Columbine the terror was caused within the walls, by two fellow classmates. How could I forget that the terrorist in that horrific situation was a result of two students who were bullied and victimized and took their unacceptable revenge out on their terrorists.
On last night's show I referenced that I truly believe that school bullies are in fact tiny terrorists. Sometimes they inflict their pain on their prey through verbal and, too often, physical warfare. Now by no means am I saying what the two shooters at Columbine did was justified. It is NEVER ok to take an innocent life. However, school shootings have more culprits than just the shooters. What about the people who bully the shooters, and the kids, parents and teachers that stand by and don't try to systematically end bullying, and restore a peaceful place for kid's to get an education.
I think we need to remember the day we sat and watched Columbine unfold, and remember how we felt united in a front to prevent this from happening again. No, not every school shooter is a victim of bullying, but a lot are, and more over, its a huge issue that affects WAY TOO MANY children. Why does this nation need "9/11" moments to act united...UNITED....you know, as in the FIRST word in the name of this county.
Is it because on some level we only function with fear?!?! Maybe that's where these tiny terrorist bullies get their motivation....
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Bullying Resources.
Here are some resources about bullying. Hopefully it provides a little help to those out there who find themselves at a loss on how to deal with bullying.
Gives tips to kids, parents, and teachers on dealing with bullying. Lots of resources. This one is really interesting because it not only provides resources for bully victims, but the bullies themselves. Interactive government website that also provides hypothetical situations so that kids can talk about how to handle bullying. This one is specifically for small children to teach them how to recognize bullying and what to do if they see it. This teaches everyone, including adults, how to stop bullying. And remember that tonight's episode was just part 1 in a 2 part series on bullying. Part 2 will air two weeks from tonight, Wed., the 21st, at 9PM/11PM. We will be joined by special guest, UFC fighter & MMA champ Dan Puder who will tell us all about his experiences with bullying and how he is helping to put a stop to it with his organization My Life My Power. Check it out at www.mylifemypower.org. |
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
O- MMA- G!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HUGE CELEB NEWS
WE HAVE SOME UNBELIEVABLY EXCITING NEWS!!!! As many of you know, we are preparing for our Season Two opening show tomorrow where we are focussing on a topic we are very passiontate about, bullying. Today, Christmas came a little early and we just booked an INCREDIBLE guest who will be our first CELEBRITY guest to date (sorry lady who knew the Duggar family, we, like the Jefferson's are moving ON UP!...listen to Season One's episode on Reality TV to catch that reference)
We just booked MMA's only undefeated champion in the rinks and champion against bullying. He is the founder of My Life My Power, to provide organizations and youth with effective programs to help combat bullying through various avenues such as self esteem , self empowerment and body image.
He has an incredible story which starts with personal experiences as a kid who was bullied because he was in a special education program yet has lived a successful life through the philosophy of "It doesn't matter what you are born with- it's what you do with what you have"- Daniel Puder.
And indeed we cannot wait for what will be an INCREDIBLE show where we can learn how to fight the epidemic of bullying with one of the nation's leading advocates for this cause!
I would love to write more but a) I am SOOOO EXCITED I can barely type, think or tweet, and b) I have to go do some EXTENSIVE research so I do this celebrity proud!!!!!
YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS TOMORROWS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We just booked MMA's only undefeated champion in the rinks and champion against bullying. He is the founder of My Life My Power, to provide organizations and youth with effective programs to help combat bullying through various avenues such as self esteem , self empowerment and body image.
He has an incredible story which starts with personal experiences as a kid who was bullied because he was in a special education program yet has lived a successful life through the philosophy of "It doesn't matter what you are born with- it's what you do with what you have"- Daniel Puder.
And indeed we cannot wait for what will be an INCREDIBLE show where we can learn how to fight the epidemic of bullying with one of the nation's leading advocates for this cause!
I would love to write more but a) I am SOOOO EXCITED I can barely type, think or tweet, and b) I have to go do some EXTENSIVE research so I do this celebrity proud!!!!!
YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS TOMORROWS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Why When It Comes To Bullying, Are We So Slow To Act?
In all our research on bullying, we have read so many horrific stories. It blows my mind that this type of abuse occurs in schools every day. The physical violence, the harassment, the emotional torture...all happening in school hallways, playgrounds, and classrooms. But what blows my mind even more, is that it seems in those instances when students finally get up the courage to report the bullying, it's often downplayed, overlooked, and swept under the rug. This attitude towards bullying victims seems to start at the top, with our government and law makers, and trickle down to local police, teachers, and parents.
For example, recently an anti-bullying bill was put before the Michigan State Senate. The bill was intended to protect bullying victims under law (which in my opinion is like, duh. Why wouldn't they be? But anyway...) At the last moment, some individual we'll refer to as a SUPER SWEET GUY suggested modifying the bill to protect anyone who bullies for religious or moral beliefs from being persecuted. Now, the bill was passed without that modification (THANK GOD), but it still brings up some very good issues. First of all, what kind of person thinks it's okay to bully someone, or abuse them, because they live a lifestyle that you don't morally agree with (i.e. they happen to be gay)? These are LAW-MAKERS suggesting this...government! This isn't some back-woods, third-grade educated hillbilly. This is somebody in the senate. And it wasn't just the person who suggested it that seemed to think it was a good idea---people backed him up!
Second issue: Why are we just now creating these bills? Yes, I agree that in recent times bullying has become a bigger issue. But it was happening 15 years ago when I was in high school and teachers looked the other way. Why do we need special laws that allow us to punish kids, teens, and adults who bully? It should be a no-brainer. It is the job of adults and law-makers in this country to protect children. I assumed they were a protected class. Why is taking so long to protect them? When a child in a home is being abused, we pull them out. These days a parent can't even spank a child without fearing that social services is going to take their child away from them. But when a student is being viciously attacked to the point where they fear returning to school to get the education they need and deserve, the adults who know about it often do nothing. When we handle bullying that way, we send a message to kids that it's okay to bully. I mean, if it were wrong, they would be punished right?
I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
P.S. Here's the links to a petition & some articles about this Michigan State law.
http://www.change.org/petitions/help-michigan-students-stop-the-license-to-bully-bill
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/29/michigan-senate-approves-_n_1119438.html
http://detnews.com/article/20111128/SCHOOLS/111280351/Anti-bully-bill-debate-heats-up-in-Michigan-legislature
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/michigan-senate-passes-anti-bullying-bill-without-religious-exemptions/
For example, recently an anti-bullying bill was put before the Michigan State Senate. The bill was intended to protect bullying victims under law (which in my opinion is like, duh. Why wouldn't they be? But anyway...) At the last moment, some individual we'll refer to as a SUPER SWEET GUY suggested modifying the bill to protect anyone who bullies for religious or moral beliefs from being persecuted. Now, the bill was passed without that modification (THANK GOD), but it still brings up some very good issues. First of all, what kind of person thinks it's okay to bully someone, or abuse them, because they live a lifestyle that you don't morally agree with (i.e. they happen to be gay)? These are LAW-MAKERS suggesting this...government! This isn't some back-woods, third-grade educated hillbilly. This is somebody in the senate. And it wasn't just the person who suggested it that seemed to think it was a good idea---people backed him up!
Second issue: Why are we just now creating these bills? Yes, I agree that in recent times bullying has become a bigger issue. But it was happening 15 years ago when I was in high school and teachers looked the other way. Why do we need special laws that allow us to punish kids, teens, and adults who bully? It should be a no-brainer. It is the job of adults and law-makers in this country to protect children. I assumed they were a protected class. Why is taking so long to protect them? When a child in a home is being abused, we pull them out. These days a parent can't even spank a child without fearing that social services is going to take their child away from them. But when a student is being viciously attacked to the point where they fear returning to school to get the education they need and deserve, the adults who know about it often do nothing. When we handle bullying that way, we send a message to kids that it's okay to bully. I mean, if it were wrong, they would be punished right?
I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
P.S. Here's the links to a petition & some articles about this Michigan State law.
http://www.change.org/petitions/help-michigan-students-stop-the-license-to-bully-bill
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/29/michigan-senate-approves-_n_1119438.html
http://detnews.com/article/20111128/SCHOOLS/111280351/Anti-bully-bill-debate-heats-up-in-Michigan-legislature
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/michigan-senate-passes-anti-bullying-bill-without-religious-exemptions/
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