Cascading thoughts of life as we know it...

UN World Autism Awareness Day

A Clouded World

  By Samya F. Farooq

“Millions of children in the world are unfortunately diagnosed with autism every year. Adequate knowledge and awareness about this developmental disability is essential to help curb the disease and help individuals suffering from the disorder live fuller lives as best as possible”

Countless ailments and disorders have gripped the world. Unfortunately much of what plagues the global community in terms of health; stares and waits before research and a search for a cure. One such medical query lies in the cure for autism.

To help spread awareness about autism and ensure that children around the world receive adequate care and treatment to curb their conditions, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (nominated by the State of Qatar) on December 18^th 2007 , declaring April 2^nd, as ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ WAAD. Thus this year celebrates the very first WAAD, which is to be an annual event.  

The day is designated to garner global attention about the pervasive disorder of autism, ways to treat the disorder and possible cures. It’s important to raise awareness in this regard throughout societies particularly since it prevails in all regions of the world in alarmingly increasing rates.

Children as well as adults with autism typically struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction or general activities. They avoid eye contact, aren’t always responsive, often struggle with basic motor skills and are prone to random tantrums. Autism is a lifelong, complex developmental disability which may be characterized by problems in social communicative responses and incoherent repetitive behavior as identified by the CDC (Center for disease Control).

Autism is one of five disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.

Autism is the most common PDD affecting approximately 1 child in every 150 births, the number unfortunately is on the rise by about 10-17% per year worldwide. This branch of PDD can affect people from all societies, irrespective of race ethnicity or lifestyle. Consistent incidences of autism across the globe do however indicate that boys are four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism.

 ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ aims at focusing on autism as an increasing global health crisis. In fact the autism epidemic is one of the fastest growing disorders, in the world, it is estimated that worldwide more children are likely to be diagnosed with autism than diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined. Since there is no acute medical detection or cure (yet) for autism, it is crucial to be aware of symptoms as early as possible since immediate diagnosis could improve and ease the condition.

Autism is detected in early childhood, usually within the first three years of life, it occurs as a result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, hindering development in social interaction, communication and cognitive skills.

People diagnosed with autism live in a clouded world they are often unable to relate or understand, they are often misunderstood by society, thus cast aside. However many individuals with autism project single well pronounced specific skills. To that end, ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ also focuses on celebrating the unique talents and abilities many with autism posses. WAAD inspires to collaborate with global autism organizations to help those diagnosed with autism become more accommodating members of society rather than being misunderstood, ignored and helpless.

On going research about the reasons leading to autism must be supported to unmask the reasons to as to what causes the abnormalities in the brain structure and function, leading to autism. Research thus far, shows links with environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals like mercury; also it has been seen that autism occurs more frequently among individuals who have certain medical conditions like tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome or untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). Whether or not genetics or hereditary are factors and whether the condition can be prevented are still under research.

Awareness about this epidemic in the form of education and the availability of medical attention is crucial, particularly in developing zones life parts of Asia and Africa; ignorance is the biggest hindrance of all, thus lets hope the ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ inspires the world to educate and help the global society become informed citizens who are able to understand and help without judgment or prejudice.

Archives: 

• The Professional Circuit

• Sleepless Nights of Counting Sheep

• 24.7 Lose Lips FM- Societal Radios Broadcasting Nosy Nothings

• Can’t put a damper on my party

• The Count down to a New Calendar

• One Giant Leap -- a musical integration

Sex Sells!  

From the countless frames of booty in music videos to the pages of magazines and other teen worshipped platforms, the message that discreetly creeps into the minds of girls is you have to be thin and sexy ‘arm candy’. Rather than the message of being intelligent, beautiful people! And this is the stuff of eroding self image and an even faster deterioration of self worth. Thus leading to regrettable backseat sex, date rape, eating disorders and failing grades amidst depressed teens struggling to fit the clique and selling a part of who they are in an attempt to be ‘hip’ like the much talked about ‘idols’. And in trying to fit into this hyped mould many teens loose their right to self discovery, choice and uncovering the real makings of who they are, ought to be and want to be.

The element of sexy is a marketing ploy to grab attention, it is a commodity, and while ad campaigns may manage to procure more sales if a product accompanies a bikini clad model, young girls see that as a mirror of who they are meant to be, who society wants them to be. And things like adorable pudgy 11 year old ‘baby fat’ become tear induced issues of self loathed body image. Consequently tweens, teens and shockingly even a younger crowd obsess over calories and list plastic sugary on their wish lists rather mundane yet charming knickknacks.

Thus young girls already struggling through a weave of an overwhelmingly confusing web are further perplexed, frustrated and threatened by what is expected of them, and what they perceive as acceptable as opposed to little girls growing up to be strong, intelligent young women who have the courage to ‘dream’, to realize their aspirations and transcend their strengths to the people in and around their lives. Women who grow up to be leaders, CEO’s, teachers, Scientists, mothers and so forth as opposed to nameless, faceless bodies shakin’ it up to appease a two second consumer ‘itch’.

Women, the mothers, sisters, and daughters among the species are people, with beautiful souls and spirits. They have the capacity to be generous, intelligent, loving, confident individuals. Yet the message fed to young girls is anything but. The message young girls hear is not getting good grades in school, or being successful individuals rather they hear, be superficially gorgeous or be left behind, put out or be forgotten. So what the heck are we selling anyway to the generation that will shape tomorrow?

In other words the notion of sex sells is embraced at the cost of young impressionable, keen observers losing sense of self and crippling their potential. 

So yes, platinum record sales soar, cars at auto shows zip out as sales roll in or another six pack passes a checkout counter at the corner gas station, all with a little nudge, a little consumer interest peeked by images objectifying woman — the mothers, daughters, sisters…

Sex sells, it sells products, sells dignity and self respect. It shelves the rights of little girls and future women to have a chance to grow up to be respected, loving individuals who have purpose. ‘This’ image on the screen, in pages, on posters, etc robs and often adversely influences young women trying to figure out the multitude of confusions the world presents and it ends up affecting  their future relationships, choices and lives. Now ask your self was the ‘sell’ worth it?

Media Fungus ….Talkin’ Trash…..The Obsession…

Don’t blame the paparazzi blame the audience

Britany Spears was caught with her pants down and unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere on an uninhabited island, you know we mean that rather literally and not as a metaphor. So the girl went commando what do you care? Rosie O'Donnell is crass, ‘The Donald’ in his Rosie rebuttal has inexplicably insulted the overweight community in his rage and rants over the never shy and always outspoken Rosie. And while freedom of speech is a right within the free world, can we ask everyone to retract their claws and move on to more pertinent issues to rant and voice opinions over? Say famine, the atrocity of war crimes, child abuse, the ever expanding ozone, tax evasion, fraud, underhanded commerce, etc etc……..

….Celeb X divorced Celeb Y, Celeb B went on a crash diet, Celeb ‘whatever’ looks withered, bloated and prematurely old in non-digitally mastered photos….blah blah blah…..In short the list goes on, as we end up reading headline after headline and numerous blog-spots about………..well essentially ‘nothing’.  In other words there are endless news reports about random callousness and other behavior that if sported by Jane and Tom next door would’ve gone on unheard.

The point is while everyone (as in the misrepresented celebrity) considers the paparazzi and tabloids, media fungus and while the has-beens of last year’s number one movie, song or ‘whatever’ rant and ramble about the pesky media hounds, yet secretly enjoy even crave the attention, (infamy is one kind ‘fame’ after all), the unquestionable fact is, the media whether ‘fungus’ or regular, work to inform the public and reality is the public has an insatiable appetite, obsession even with trash talk. And the media (of all variety) aims to please and for obvious reasons feature stories, gossip and tidbits people want to hear and know about.

Swarming issues of invasion of privacy, character defamation, pending lawsuits and so forth aside, there is entirely too much air time and ink wasted in the media dedicated to stories featured about famous cat fights, reckless partying, over-bleached famous tresses and much more to appease our guilty pleasures in reading and watching nosy tidbits that are much to do about nothing.

So yeas while there are countless commendable celebrity feats to highlight and idolize, like Oprah’s new school in Africa, there is feeble, half minute mentions of the many praiseworthy stories out there in contrast to the many minutes, hours even of wasted brain cells allotted to stories that aren’t stories at all and popularity over bogus.  

While the world still battles and crumbles with issues of pollution, power and human rights and justice for all, we the readers and broadcast audience alike apparently still can’t contain our appetite for gossip and find ourselves picking up a tabloid at the checkout counter and flipping the channel to entertainment gossip just as we pick up the daily newspaper or watch the evening news (hopefully).   

Much like the campaign against animal poaching or the sale of fur, it must be said that “if the buying stops……” than so does the trash talk focus. To that end perhaps 07’ is the year when we let pop princesses and real-estate tycoons alone and redirect guilty pleasures of trash talk and focus on issues that matter and influence the world today. Because isn’t it time we put our energy to good use and let the celebrity front be famous for their jobs rather than personal lives?

While we obsess about abominable fashion senses of celeb XYZ or the outrageous cribs money can buy, there are homeless hungry people out there, who are wondering why there isn’t a ‘frenzy’ over issues spawning their plight and why time and energy is wasted poking fun and gossiping rather than helping!

“Be proud of your name and the person it represents and you will find true solace in the confidence and identity it inspires….”

Stupid!? — The New fAd

It’s no secret that people are susceptible to influence. To that end the glitzy world of lights, camera, flash, and air brushed photo finish is by all means at the center of such adverse ‘inspiration’. In this particular field of fancy fare, fantasy and perfection thus the operative term being fiction! Reality is blurred by a kind of perfection that is imagined and emulated rather than truly lived.

To that end with the transaction of every overpriced hand bag, every turn of a glossy, flashy magazine void of content and big on pictorials it’s evidently clear that the fantasy image is bought into every time.

Healthy perspectives as such are lost in impressionable minds as more and more people lose sight of what it means to be an individual. Chasing the trend wagon set by celebrities, fashionista’s and the supposed ‘it’ crowd. However what may be forgotten is the ironic twist in this fan worship. Since while the famed seek constant staged perfection in a desperate plea to hold on to the widespread validity of their name, those who are essentially putting them on the map don’t quite realize that they are in the driver’s seat. It is kind of like the puppeteer following the puppet. 

The Privilege of Being You

Individuality is a truly beautiful thing. However in spite of it’s free willed and liberating stance there are too many people out there who simply shy away from being who they are. Perhaps it is out of sheer fear and reluctance to standout or more importantly a shaky confidence. Individuality is a rare privilege that people need to come to terms with.

Of late it seems whether it’s about intelligence, confidence, beauty or relationships, there are those who are trapped in confusion between what they are feeling and what they assume they ‘ought’ to feel.

This is particularly true for tweens and teens who being confused to begin with are prone to be influenced by warped media exposure like make-over shows that turn pretty girls into artificial mannequins ‘instructed’  to act and behave a certain way. Countless beauty contests, make-over shows and other similar types of programs pretty much teach girls that that they are worthless the way they are. The shows basically ‘hunt’ down the next nameless human billboard; and like wild butterflies caught in a net they are taught to grow new wings and a flap a certain way. The already gorgeous girls are conditioned to believe they walk funny, their waists are a centimeter too fat, their hair is stringy and like objects gathering dust at the flee market, they are hideous and must be completely transformed to be acceptable, the only question is acceptable to whom, who makes the rules?

The notion is mind bogglingly infuriating to say the least, however what’s worse is the tears and backstage drama that highlight the fact that not only have these girls allowed them selves to be treated like rickety cars in line to be refurbished but they tear themselves to pieces trying to fit a glitzy mould of a superficial mere illusion of what gorgeous is suppose to entail. Forgetting all the while that having a team of four or five experts prep you for a two hour photo shoot and produce a single picture after having other people tell you how to stand, smile and basically look, sounds anything but sensational, fabulous or ‘gorgeous’.

Beautiful, Gorgeous Girls

Beautiful, absolutely dropped dead gorgeous girls are confident girls who aren’t chasing magazine covers. Strong independent girls who set examples rather than following them, girls who aren’t afraid to speak up and express an opinion, who aren’t afraid of being smart in fear of being tagged a nerd. Beautiful girls are intelligent girls who don’t ‘dumb down’ to be like Paris Hilton, gorgeous girls are those who are pretty content with their own names, lives and images. Beautiful girls have dreams, ambitions and more importantly the courage and perseverance to reach out and realize their aspirations to build on who they are.

Beauty isn’t about dying to get on stage with Vaseline layered glistening teeth, wearing an empty smile and desperately seeking the approval of millions of strangers marking you down and judging your physical specs as though you were a race horse rather than a person. Beauty is self-respect and an appreciation for the God’s gift that you are.

First Impressions, Vanity and the Image Portrayed

Of late I had come across a group of intelligent girls slipping in the ranks, girls who were competitive and proud to be ambitious, yet who now are desperately trying to be ditzy ‘non- nerds’.

When hair twirling airhead images are constantly flashed in neon lights, when names that exemplify ludicrous tabloid headlines — “At the Oscars in someone else’s dress<!>” are popularized tenfold over names that identify the girl that aced the National Spelling Bee, or the female corporate CEO who started her own company from scratch and made it big or the woman who runs the multibillion success of ebay, or the ER nurses that help save three lives, nurse ten wounded accident victims, and help deliver five new faces in the world all in a day’s work, their names are seldom known.  Thus positive inspiration often falls through the cracks. Instead it seems we are all too overwhelmed and blinded by superficial flash bulbs and glimmer.

The image that is portrayed time and again is empty vanity, whether it’s advertisements of ridiculous beauty products that promise a girl success only if she looked a certain way and not her merits or names written in big bold glittery letters of faces seen in music videos that portray woman as automated dancing dolls with little to offer than sultry looks and strategic choreography. 

True beauty is about success, humanity, heart and an unyielding spirit to be one’s own person, someone who contributes, inspires, cares and accomplishes.  It’s the smile that says ‘I’ve won” the twinkle in the eyes that reflects passion to strive, and the glow of success.

Lost in Hype

While the glare of fantasy lights and dimwitted concepts of over hyped and incredibly un-pragmatic plotlines of soaps and other limelight fixtures consume the airways, it’s important to not be lost in hype, and realize that there is more to life than mere images and hype.

It’s about self confidence and reaching out for things that suit you, things that intrigue and interest you and not things you are conditioned to like.

Thus it’s not cool to be stupid or come of as some one else, rather it’s cool to be self respective enough to recognize your self and wear you own smile and be proud.

Stepping Up

This trend of sheep like behavior simply needs to be downsized and over shadowed by the kind of confidence that if we look within we all possess. It’s time people step up and hype up the positive and productive.

Positive Role Models

Though seldom highlighted or popularized, positive role models are all around, it comes down to keeping an open prospective to reap positive inspiration rather than misguided, and realizes that the most important thing to hype is innovations, positive change, and knowledge.

Rage on Ember

Excessive wrath is one of those convulsive cycles of emotion that are in desperate need of captivity. Alas there is little to nil way of lassoing such incredibly passionate yet detrimental modes of emotion.

It comes down to control which when attained leads to peace, harmony and more importantly solutions! However predominantly people tend to lash out which only leads to more chaos, loss, and added problems rather than resolution.

It seems like such a simple formula that is when there is a problem; zealously seek justice and solution rather than adding fuel to fire and making things worse. Yet as logical as that may seem it’s a rare breed of people who actually embrace such notions.

In fact anger is one of those things that pour out of us uncontrollably and more often than not out of reason or even practicality. It goes without saying how detrimental and unproductive all this unfolds as, however we keep at being angry and discontent nonetheless.

It is a regular event for things to go disarray around us, and every time the slightest pinch of dissatisfaction props up. It comes across as a habituated reflex to unravel like a frayed rug to binge on exasperation, agony and endlessly vacant venting.

While all that happens the core of our sanity decays like stale bread and we find ourselves in a rather negative boat where everything is blah and absolutely nothings is great.

Thus begins a population of brooding people who use terms like ‘hate’, ‘loathe’ ‘why me!’ more often than they stop to say ‘thank you’ or express any other kind of gratitude or satisfaction.

Anger is the core of all destruction it’s venting by means of words or fist rather than venting by means of a fix. In other words if we haven’t noticed it already, anger and violent rage seldom solve anything or result in anything positive, it only heightens the problem and leads to loss and anguish which could’ve otherwise been avoided and prevented.

It is a matter of perspective to reach out to people and think about others, rather than selfishly venting for self release yet oppressing someone else’s right to the same privilege of happiness.

As such unchecked emotions revolve and rotate like a repetitively played out bad jingle that creates a cycle spinning aimlessly round and round without ever reaching any point of rationale.

It all comes down to reason, patience and enough control to recognize that, it is much sweeter to be productive and proactive, rather than self destructing in flames of barbaric rage.

As unfair as it may be reality is as such that in a queer twist of poetic justice we tend to be followed around and plagued by the very things we fear or are repelled by. Perhaps it is a means to strengthen and educate our senses to learn that there are more pieces to the puzzle of our existence then we pay heed to and it’s high time we wake up and come to terms with this very real realization. After all we don’t control our individual fates but we do control and have absolute say over the lessons and knowledge we choose to reap from every experience, good or bad and choose whether to persevere and come out stronger and better off or ceaselessly complain and fall flat on a path of self-erosion by spreading mayhem rather than the gift of the human spirit that overcomes upheavals to embrace that which we have rather than sorrowfully nitpick over that which we don’t.

As such it’s time we watch our step and put a lid on all that aggression and rage and rather than being angry with tools of destruction it’s time we redirect and open our minds to what we can all truly accomplish when anger is sought as courage and passion to create and build rather than destroy or break. Redirected to make things happen for the greater good and to strengthen and grow stronger against adversity, injustice and the thieves of human rights, and rise as people who have courage to seek what they want, and the intelligence to know how to go about attaining such goals.

‘The Professional Circuit'

Persistently and constantly we’re kneaded and molded like over-processed dough to learn the ropes responsible for stringing together the many segments of the corporate arena.

In fact for the most part our goal’s and objectives are all directed towards one single concept that being success and happiness as defined by each respective person.

Various skills, lessons and points of view are grinded into our inner psyche, and while we take our route to the big bad grown-up world, the brutalities of ‘reality’ begin to seep through our brain, eating away at and eroding our once innocent and naïve little mind and thought process, much like rust on an ornate silver cup.

Toothless, clear as day sincere smiles begin to contort towards sly smirks, as it becomes exceedingly clear that the world is anything but black and white. Rather it’s a cloudy shade of gray and a dark one at that. 

Success and achievements are unraveled in various styles and forms; though the merits are to a certain extend clear on the academic podium, things begin to get murky outside the classroom. Where there are no set curriculums and form-fitting grades are trashed. Here it’s all about potential, capability and acquiring the best tools and sources to gain the most out of your aptitude. We are commodities in the social mall; as such we fumble through our experiences, and learn from our mistakes all the while trying to find the store shelf or aisle that best suits our surge. A resume for instance is known best as a promotional self-marketing tool, like a concert flyer by the side of the road we put our selves on the banner.

Once we’re done polishing each and every attribute we may possess, our compiled ad campaign introduces uncertainties as we stand before a potentially intimidating gate and shimmy our way through the corporate circuit.  Here infinite characters are introduced as we truly grasp the notion of how varied and diverse people truly are. Disappoints are never in short supply and in compliance with ‘professional’ norms the secret rule is develop somewhat of a skeptical attitude while self-shielding ones self from more a myriad fibs, just another charcoal aspect on life below flawless clouds. 

In this mix we sharpen our skills and position ourselves as an essential and perhaps even an indispensable member amidst the hullabaloo that is our career. However it’s also essential to not get stuck or feel obligated towards designations and responsibilities to such extends that our wings to succeed are clipped just enough to cripple but not completely stifle our drive for advancements. We find ourselves in a corporate fix, “to stay and be content on one single step or keeping keep climbing the many flights that are ahead and in tune with our potential ” is the conundrum that needs sorting out. A riddle that at times is complicated by several notches compliments and professional fibs handed out by our organizations, that’ll always admit to what we offer but never encourage what more we could offer and disserve.

We’ve tapped our own value to our above average potential and efficiency, becoming dire assets to our respective corporations, in turn praises and approving pats on the back may follow. And though these verbal recognitions are by all means essential to only our own level of confidence but also our track record. But at the same time it pays to take heed so as to not get super dependent on praise, as this all tends to stagnate a person to a particular spot without credible promise to reach the next step.

Ascending success hence requires developing skills that enable you to step out of the box to reach your full potential while not being gullible enough to merely accept thumbs up and give into to promises that are verbally made but seem be lost parcels in an incredibly unrewarding mailing service.  As such beware, as corporate fibs are solely designed to benefit the company, (without any regard to you) as when it comes to profit the rule organizations live by evidently is to get the most while giving the least.

All things considered perhaps the most crucial thing to consider is to keep our own set of ethical values intact, after all a climb to the top is done most efficiently and with valid promise on a clear consciences and actual ability rather than an attempted façade, a notion that implies both ways. After all sooner or later everyone wises up to fibs and all the trite hullabaloo presented within the professional circuit.

Spinning to a Wayward Rise

Flip through the television channels in search of any news media, the six, eight or ten o’clock news, and the chances are that a rather familiar story is likely to unwind. Twenty nine injured, another three-year-old orphaned, hit and run accidents, losses over profit, another life lost and yet another image of an amputated, scar faced individual who paid the price of a society that seems to often act like a spoiled brat wayward child.

North, east west south whichever direction we look the (news) factor remains the same. A kidnapping here, a rebellious group in some tiny island gone haywire over causes only they value or a neighborhood brawl that ends in blood shed. Whether it’s an unpaid debt in some small town or a rejection from unrequited love the scenario sadly ends on a familiar note. Someone always gets hurt, physically mutilated or even dead. Every morning as you toddle over to your door step to pick up the morning paper you’re likely to be greeted by graphic pictures of corpses smothered in blood and hovered by mournful relatives.

With all things considered it sometimes seems like the world’s spinning on a massive tantrum like frame of mind. Rationalism is overshadowed by a foot stomping demand to get what you want; even if that means that all hell must break lose. With anger and rage so out of control, nothing much is gained but another job opening for a psychiatrists or psychologist alike. While these professionals extend their couches and try to quote Freud to find answers to mental trauma and ease such erratic and aggressive behavior; millions more pass by out of control and a great distance from any kind of psychoanalysis.

As such it all winds down to this — whether it’s a gun shot or verbal abuse, those who lose the “it’s my way or the high way “ notion must vent out, but unfortunately they pick a person as a punching bag.

While the headlines read tragically similar titles there are those who selflessly help, yet their stories are seldom highlighted as breaking news. There are thousands and thousands of wonderful people out there volunteering their services at hospitals or shelters that are unable to finance a pay check. People across the globe working for humanitarian causes, selflessly taking care of the sick and wounded, educating the illiterate for less than ignorant living, sponsoring children from families in need and educating those who shall shape the future.

Perhaps in some strange way these people also follow the “it my way or the high way” strategy, they only do it selflessly and to achieve positive goals that benefit more than just one person.

There are also those fighting a cause that is so evidently over-played. Activists, protesters, rampaging the Gucci or Escada run-ways (for instance) for the use of fur are deeply moved by habitat extinctions, yet perhaps they are unaware of the extinction of human habitats in so much of the indigenous society or the brutality endured by those in civil war cross fires. The credit goes to people like author Naomi Wolf (writes for women’s issues, and author of books like “The Beauty Myth”) who’ve put their lives at risk to give hope to oppressed women traded in a grotesque market of human trade.

So while a half hour segment is broadcasted over the ‘amazing’ birth of a panda cub, these people are cleaning up the messes brought on by wayward ways and shaping a more logical society as best as they can. They go on with what they want to give to the world whether the world acknowledges it or not.  Their efforts are steady and maybe slow but only because they are shorthanded by our own fault. So as the same old story, continues on constant playback, a question comes to mind will the monotony ever end?

‘Plastic Hellos’

How refreshing is it to just be a kid? To have the liberty to be carefree and be unrestricted enough to speak one’s mind and act just the same. Kids never tell a lie and that’s as clear as day, they don’t scuffle about trying to be ‘diplomatic’, ‘tactful’ or even ‘calculative’ in their mannerism.  They don’t waste their breath hiding thoughts or accessorizing truths to half statements of misleading expressions.

Their views are black and white perceptions of likes and dislikes, while friendships are based on the mere merits of harmonic sync rather than a probable profits or lucrative returns. While pig-tails and tales of ‘exciting’ events that involve a piece of ribbon, a toy truck or some other mundane element, occupy their time, they are not margined by astute interactions of painted smiles and acquaintance.

As so called maturity kicks in it becomes clear that we live in an increasingly gray world and a charcoal one at that. Life, reality, and the expression that mound spell out a clear memo that reads with neon vigor. The messages and instruction advise tight lipped and unexpressive ways. All the while you learn that there are just a handful of people with whom you can be ‘real’ with. A select group of associates or even just a person if you are lucky to find even that, where the term ‘honesty’ isn’t rationed, and where judgments aren’t cast. The kind, of click where you may laugh, cry, or shares your woes. Yet know that the information, attributes, or vulnerable points won’t be used against you as statements of all your short comings and areas of weakness. It is the kind of association where trust and mutual concern play a big role.

Sometimes while trying to walk through the clutter of the many facets of our daily route, we find ourselves, playing a ‘role’; a character in a play where plastic hellos are exchanged and where everything is invaluable and a hollow conch of momentary thrill.

After all disposal elements it seems are in popular demand, whether it’s people in the form of associates or even friends to feelings and ‘respect’, all the right things are said or planned yet it’s deliverance stares at an intimidating question mark.

Perhaps reality, humanity, justice and heart are things that may be written in scripts and shown on T.V. serials, but life’s leading drama is a façade we live to emulate amicability, or whatever else may be the case but the message simply digs out true characteristics, that eventually teaches us all to see just how gray things can be and to be vigilant as a consequence. After all the walls have ears and there’s always a fly on the wall, so better take note and separate forged pseudo elements from all that is real and worth while.

We all eventually grow up and transcend from doe eyed straight forward bright smiles and learn to measure our ways along the scale that society sets, hence becoming frugal with our generosity and in sharing our inner essence.

Beautiful People

“Beautiful people make the world go round, while the less ‘gifted’ blend into the wood work…” No that’s not some kind of a quote from a jilted poem rather it’s an evident cultural motto we seem to have created. Perhaps unaware of its shallow stature and perhaps it’s an idea that no one intended to create yet it became a predominant fixture in just about every society.

Every culture develops and focuses on certain norms, views, and ideals about a multitude of issues, all of which creates an identity for a generation or race. Among this spectrum of notions perhaps the most misrepresented one of all is the core of human beauty.

Every year countless men and woman spend hours at the gym, thousands on plastic surgery and image altering cosmetics while trying to meet the impossible standards set by Barbie and Ken. Who ever said that beautiful means a certain height or weight, or a specific degree of abs and biceps? Blame it on the media or even the toy companies after all a short lanky G.I. Joe is yet to hit the shelves of Toys ‘R’ Us. Likewise Cosmopolitan or Esquire have years a head of them before they consider a cover model unadulterated by the miracle of air brushed photo editing.

Though the bridges built by beauty discrimination have come a long way since brunettes with gorgeous mocha skin first appeared on the pages of the Victoria ’s Secret catalogues or on the cover of Vogue for instance. Ethnic beauty and the mystique in a wide array of looks replaced preconceived notions of gorgeous people symbolized and limited by the physical attributes carried of by the likes of Marilyn Monroe or Clark Gable per say.  In fact companies like ‘United Colors of Benetton’ made the concept of beauty without limits their core campaign. In the mean time international models like Alek Wak came on to the scene as the face of unconventional allure. While stereotypical good looks may have taken an under studies role, those criterions have yet to leave the stage that toys with self-confidence, and acceptance. Expression and examples of true beauty is a secret encoded in what it means to be ‘Beautiful people’.

There is of course nothing wrong with enhancing one’s self image and taking care of there looks however there is a vast difference between grooming up and obsessing or judging on the bases of the canvas bestowed upon us since birth.

While globalization is an expanding concept between continental barriers; there are some regions that have yet to embrace the liberating new norms of the unmasked facets of an attractive race. As such some regions correlate beauty with the image set by tales of fair maidens in the pages of stories like Snow White. As a global race the qualities or essence of beauty shine through our integrity, personality and the ‘pretty’ or ‘handsome’ inner features we possess within. This by far bares more depth than lashes and dimples that are nothing more than just mere physical traits that say little about the stunning person within or the ‘beautiful’ heart we’re drawn to.

FM

Societal ‘Radios’ - Broadcasting Nosy Nothings

Ever found yourself, in an in-depth discussion about what ‘someone’ heard ‘someone’ else say or do? How about being accused of something based on a rumor, or ever find that the ‘world’ knows more about you than you yourself.

Well all this and more sprout endlessly and in abundance like tedious weeds and shrubs on a well-manicured lawn. The ‘weed’ in this case is of course meddlesome individuals. We’ve all encountered them in our daily lives; take heed though these individuals usually come disguised as ‘friends’ or (by fault of nature) as those distant relatives that no one seems to make quick associations or family ties with. You think to your self “…how are we related again?” while the person pours into lengthy inquiries about your life.

Sometimes it’s a next of kin – that ‘darling’ aunty everyone puts up with only when they have to. The kind of person who always starts a conversation with “…so what were you talking about?” or “…hmm I wonder what’s going on?” Much like that pokey old aunt is the ‘friend’ the super nosy acquaintance who you politely put up with.  These are the kind of people who get invited to birthday parties, or reunions just for the sake of it (mostly to avoid being obviously rude). All the while you say a silent prayer, wishing that the invitation got lost in the mail.

Some people just seem to have too much time on their hands and all they can think to do is poke their inquisitive little noses in YOUR business. The term ‘Privacy’ or “mind your own business” just isn’t a part of their terminology.  Perhaps the prying nature comes from sheer boredom or a mind numbing life. Nonetheless the underlying question is obvious- how can anyone’s life be that blasé that they simply must insist on making other people’s business their own; and in the process spend time (their own time mind you) dissecting issues that don’t concern them– are their days too long?

Eavesdroppers and busy bees alike might want to think twice before they put their ear to another door; sometimes what you hear isn’t always so (after all those darn doors can tend to be too thick to be audible), and misunderstood knowledge wastes time that could’ve otherwise served an actual ‘purpose’. Eavesdropping is an addictive habit that’s the ‘suffers’ find hard to shake. One thing remains true though, - an inquisitive minds is one thing, but seriously though, “quit being a nosy bee and buzz off!”

Patience often becomes an essential tool in dealing with such societal priers. It takes a certain level of endurance to politely re-phrase “this doesn’t concern you”. Things get exceedingly complex though when those nosy neighbors, acquaintances, or associates broadcast their ‘findings’ (often beyond nosy limits) across town. Of course like every good advertiser, the stories have to be dramatized, to be scandalous enough to draw public interest. It’s your life and you are by no means a public commodity laid out by an over zealous individual who can’t find a better way to make new contacts. They trade their lacking social skills or deficient confidence for the coveted role of a gossip mule.

As patience run low, your blood boils; at this point you either want to bust your knuckles out by slamming it hard on concrete wall or you want to bawl out “…. get a life……” and leave mine alone!.

But why not look at the bright side of it? Yes you can actually find ways to use this annoyance to your advantage. This is after all ‘Free’ personal promotion, so by all means market this infamous skill that those curious minds (ever so generously) have offered up. It’s really all about having them ‘beat your drum’ for you, about all the right things. So the next time you’re in the vicinity of a nosy bee choose your publicity zone and let them do all the work. In any case fooling them ought to be easy enough; after all anyone who is gullible enough to believe what they snoop will fall for just about any trick in the book of sneaky entrapments, won't they?

Sleepless Nights of Counting Sheep

Sleeping probably is among the simplest, and largely essential and (perhaps) the most fulfilling activity we associate with. It is something we’re born to do and we’re better for it. In fact most of us spend about a quarter of our lives snuggled up in pillows and comforters.

About half a dozen hours of nothing to do but relax, breathe and ease your mind, body, and sole.  To many it is considered to be a precious little slot in a 24hr time span that lets us hide away from the, world, our responsibilities, or concerns. 

Though sleeping is seldom scheduled as a thing to do in our Daily Planners it perhaps ought to be at the top of our list. Providing a rather welcome diversion from the active schedule most of us pencil in day-in and day-out to keep up with a fast paced norm.  It is also perhaps the lone activity that regenerates energy rather than exhaust it. A good night’s sleep has been known to be the best subscription to balance and control our energy levels.

 Catching some well deserved zzzzzzzz’s sometimes becomes quite the challenge to acquire. Sleepless nights pop up when we’re too excited, depressed, tensed or worked up. Strangely enough to actually become relaxed one needs to pre-relax first, a rather confusing concept that leads to the very frustrating experience of insomnia. It’s strange how the easiest thing to do in the world where you actually do nothing can be so hard from some to enjoy. Long nights of staring at a glaring ceiling constrict what should be an effort less task.

Everyone has a routine schedule of some sorts, constant activities that rewind and play back with every sunset and sun rise. While we balance our agenda various things pop up or happen out of the blue that distracts and stirs up our calm psyche. Warm milk, counting sheep, soothing music, or even aromatherapy comes to the rescue with mixed results. Since our experiences are different our source of tight nerves is just as unique. Hence we also relax differently, and sometimes a single sleepless night’s lead too many more. Attempting to make up for lost snooze is what it comes down too after all when our batteries run low the options are simple — either recharge or completely fold. The concept — life’s too short to waste sleeping and after all there’ll be plenty of that when we’re dead, may be comforting to know for most workaholic busy bees but lets face it once in awhile we all need to fluff up our pillows and resort to being lazy-bums.

 Beating the ‘insomnia virus’ is more important than the obvious purpose of rest. Sleep deprivation which has in an easy tendency to become a chronic disorder can actually hinder all aspects of physical motoring. Rest after all is the core base of rejuvenation, which is ever so important when it comes to growing and living true to the meaning of the term ‘life’. If we fail to give our selves a renovation of sorts than we tend to become bored, dull and dreary; and just like an old run down house desperately in need of a new coat of paint, we become allot less interesting and we depreciate into a sad little rut

Can’t put a damper in my party…..

One bad apple, they say is all it takes, to ruin all the fun. A single incident or occurrence can turn a good thing sour in a flash; replace it with disaster, insecurity and fear. A single person or incident seems to posses the enormous power to intimidate the rest us into a fearful cocoon. We’re inclined to hide like kittens shivering under the rain, threatened and coerced into a shell. Attacked and perhaps too scared to ‘get back on the horse’ as they say.  

Terrorism and terrorist’s alike are the single most ‘bad apple’.

Everyone knows what happened in Bali, Indonesia (if you don’t, get out from under that rock). Here’s a recap to refresh your memory. On Saturday October 12^th at around midnight consecutive bomb blasts literally crashed the party at two popular nightclubs in Kuta, Bali. The event, which has been described as the worst single terrorist attack since September 11, banished and brutally ended the lives of around 200 people (pri