'Celebrity life and media culture are probably the most overbearing pop-culture conditions that we as young people have to deal with because it forces us to judge ourselves'~ Lady Gaga
LINK TO MORE CELEBRITY QUOTES
This is a particularly interesting and powerful quote from pop icon Lady Gaga , reflecting the power of celebrity and media within society today. One of the roles of media is to throw up questions for debate however as we have become very self absorbed and more judgemental across the board, sometimes we are in constant debate about the lives of others.
Sadly people do measure themselves against celebrities and many of todays children genuinely wish to live the celebrity lifestyle. As Lady Gaga says, maybe we need to take a little time to look at ourselves ourselves and make considered judgements about our choices and the way we live our lives. Sometimes we deal with the cosmetics rather than fundamentals leaving a lot of shallow unfulfilled people!
Jaz McKenzie
if you have a favourite quote you wish to share please send to: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Amanda Hall, 9 years old, Ballet Don Quixote, Pembroke Ballet
Beautiful skills on display from young Amanda Hall in this short solo from Don Quixote. Great to see such talent at a young age, tremendous poise and grace! If you love ballet this is well worth watching.
Jaz McKenzie
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Snapshots From The Bible Week 47~ Galatians 5 v 9- Yeast works through dough
Galatians
5:9
‘A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.’
Our words are so often like yeast yet we may give little
consideration to their ‘potentially’ far reaching effects. In the same way that
yeast works through dough, rumours can spread as wild fire creating havoc in
the lives of others. Words can become easily distorted once shared as we have our own understanding
and interpretation, building up or knocking down.
For fun, let’s look at the X Factor. Tamera Foster at the
age of 16 was told from day 1 that she has the potential to be a superstar, yet
during her first individual audition she forgot her words. Things went OK for a
few weeks, but now that the pressure has mounted up Tamera forgot her words two
weeks in a row. Tamera has been told
that it’s her time to shine and everyone is waiting for a spectacular
performance. At 16 this expectation
appears too much resulting with the obvious- as Tamera has been told ‘don’t you
dare forget your words’ (or similar by Sharon Osborne during feedback in that first audition,) that little yeast had
been absorbed in her brain which ignores the negative ‘don’t,’ therefore remembering
words is now a challenge. Had she been told to remember her words from day 1
something else might have gone wrong!! When we speak with people we need to focus on
what we want from them and not what we don’t want, in order to achieve the
desired result. Giving positive instructions is far more helpful and easier to absorb.
Praise is the positive yeast used to encourage self- belief
and reward achievement. When someone tells you that they believe in you, you
will try far harder to achieve because we don’t like to let others down.
The same philosophy applies to money, giving time to others
or even spreading a little love . If everyone donates a little we end up with a
lot.
What this short sentence helps us to realise is that little
actions count and can have a huge impact on the lives of others. We could
probably all do with a little more awareness regarding our words and actions to
help us have a positive impact on others and the world around.
Jaz McKenzie
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Chilling with the Duke!~ Ellington & Cat Anderson
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Duke Ellington |
Time to start the weekend wind down! Life can be so pressurised that at times we really appreciate the smooth sounds of jazz- including the tipping & whispering Duke Ellington refers to during his introduction. When you hear music like this from back in the day you wonder how today's music really compares. Nothing beats live music by highly talented musicians of any genre.No wonder swing is back in fashion!
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like your music featured contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Food for Thought~ untitled poem by Jani Ringler-Nielsen
I met Jani earlier this year at a poetry event in Croydon and am very pleased to be able to share one of her poems with you. I am referring to it as 'Food For Thought' because that is a precise description of this poem which is open to interpretation. It throws up so many questions concerning the pre-ceding scenario leading to the' switch' and mental shut down.
Anyone fancy writing a short piece leading up to this poem?
For the tear falls softly on her pillow,
She looks up smiles and knows why.
Her ears don't hear what she thinks,
Her mind don't answer questions
Why she just does and sleeps and knows I'm ok
Cause I've made pie.
Jani Ringler-Nielsen
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like your work featured on ~IB~ contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Anyone fancy writing a short piece leading up to this poem?
![]() |
Jani |
For the tear falls softly on her pillow,
She looks up smiles and knows why.
Her ears don't hear what she thinks,
Her mind don't answer questions
Why she just does and sleeps and knows I'm ok
Cause I've made pie.
Jani Ringler-Nielsen
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like your work featured on ~IB~ contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Monday, 18 November 2013
Snapshots From The Bible WK 46~Psalm 139 v 14- we're all wonderfully made!
Week 46 ~ Psalm 139: 14
‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made’
This is a very beautiful statement and not to be taken
lightly. It also gives you something to be thankful for every day.
A quick question: How happy are you with yourself- your physical
appearance, your mind or maybe your basic characteristics? Hopefully you are
very happy overall and thankful for who you are and the progress made in this
lifetime.
Sometimes however we see things that we dislike. Whatever faults we
see in ourselves need to be kept in perspective as they are simply part of the
whole. The fact is, we have all been
wonderfully made starting life as infants and following developmental
milestones as we mature which usually leads to a gradual decline of some physical
or mental attributes. This is life, a process throughout which we are
constantly learning and achieving new things, living and learning. That in itself is wonderful!
Ideally, we need to learn how to embrace ourselves in our entirety,
accepting the good with the bad. It is a good job we are beautifully rather
than perfectly made or there would be no room for improvement! The way we see
ourselves is influenced by the media to a huge extent which often results in dissatisfaction
leading to a permanent quest for self- improvement.
Why fearfully, in fear of what? One possibility is the way we tend to destroy
our 'wonderful' selves by spending too much time worrying and stressing as we are supposed to
live from day to day in the reassurance that all of our needs will be met.
Stress takes a toll on us both physically and mentally, wearing us down and
ultimately affecting the quality of our lives.
We are beautiful people, so appreciate yourself, be thankful
and make the most of your assets instead of complaining about the things
that you consider your weakest points.
Jaz McKenzie
if you would like to write an article for ~IB~ contact: itsbraap@live.couk
Friday, 15 November 2013
Taking a look at the lives of Shaolin Monks~ Documentary
Very interesting/educational documentary revealing the lives of Shaolin monks, not all of whom are fighters, however they hold the reputation of being the best fighters in the world. They have been in existence for 2000 years. Their renowned form of Kung Foo essentially balances the body with specific moves inspired by animals including eagles, scorpions and snakes, all beautifully demonstrated. There is no particular age to join, their youngest participants aged three years and already displaying a high degree of competency! It is good to have an opportunity to discover more about their way of life.
SHAOLIN KUNG FU MASTERS (link)
Jaz McKenzie
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Be Braap~Be Focused- 10 Tips for a Happy Day!
Life is what you make it! Here are some tips to help you gear up for the day ahead and sail through it on a positive note. The more happy you feel the better your day will go, so switch those negatives to positives ASAP and remember, practice makes perfect.
10 TIPS FOR A HAPPY
DAY!
1)
Get up with the alarm!
2)
Stretch & give thanks for the new day
3)
Count your blessings
4)
Think happy thoughts and remain positive
5)
Plan your priorities
6)
Set about everything joyfully
7)
Eat well, exercise( if only briefly) and make sure
you enjoy some fresh air
8)
Be polite, helpful and caring towards others
9)
Take 3 deep breaths when facing a challenge and
consider options calmly!
10)
Remember to live in the moment and enjoy it!
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like to write a short article for ~IB~ contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Monday, 11 November 2013
Snapshots From The Bible WK 45~ Romans 13 V 8- The Debt of Love
Week 45 ~ Romans 13:8
‘Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves
another has fulfilled the law.’
When someone uses the term to ‘owe’ the probability is that
we think of financial debts or favours- ‘I owe you one mate!’ A favour does not
necessarily require a return, at least, not directly. We can barter favours,
usually as a means of helping one another or we may receive help from a
different source somewhere along the line stemming from the ‘what goes around
comes around’ premise.
Why then do we actually owe one another love? This is
challenging and we are provided with a straight forward answer- to fulfil God’s
law. What we need to do is to uncover the reasons behind our ‘debt of love.’
Firstly, we were born therefore owe a debt of love to our
parents. You might say,’ I didn’t ask to be born’ maybe, ‘my parents neglected or
abused me.’ Strong, wise people are able to go beyond the obvious and turn it
to their advantage by analysing how life experiences have helped them develop
their talents and personal characteristics. You are indebted to those who teach
you valuable lessons and love could be shown through forgiveness, even if only
on a personal level. Forgiveness can be purely within your heart. The fact that
we have a debt of love emphasises that we are loved, we received love first. It
is something we have been given, we deserve and is ours to share.
Why do I owe you love? What have you ever done for me? On a
biblical level God doesn’t owe us anything yet He loves us, easing our way through
life when we allow it (you can substitute universal law, if that is your
understanding, as all things work together for our good when we believe it.) As
we are loved without limitation we should be able to love one another and care
for one another on both practical and emotional levels. Love is not
wishy-washy, it is solid. Love may involve passion or a good dose of common
sense! Like everything else loves has its own spectrum ranging from vivid to
pastel, the love of life and beauty to the love of an individual. It has
characteristics and qualities so we need to apply judgement in order to give
our love to others- unconditionally.
The above verse is a command for life. There are no
specifications beyond the order to love one another and of course, to love
yourself. Love needs to dwell in your mind, body and soul so that your ability
to share true love increases. If we could achieve a deep love one for another
we could attain true unity.
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like to write an article for ~IB~ contact: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Big Band Sunday Vibes!!!
Just for once we're having a total change and going down the secular route on a Sunday. X-Factor has reached week 5 of the live shows which is big band night and I was curious to see what Rough Copy (Blogged previously) would come up with.
Hit The Road Jack
There were many great performances last night but this was super slick and I think Ray Charles would love the modern twist given to his song, 'Hit the Road Jack.' Unfortunately the video is not great quality so it's worth checking out their TV performance-but it's good enough to share the fun vibes. A superb arrangement giving the song a twist, as Sharon Osborne mentioned. This group will be a winner regardless of the outcome of the show. Pure professionalism! And the guys outfits are even more spectacular than usual in keeping with the Rough Copy distinctive style.
Jaz McKenzie
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Where's Wally~ Just for fun!
Info is taken from the Wikipedia for those of you who would like to track the progress of Wally! Ultimately wally has contributed many happy hours to peoples lives. helping fill their leisure time whilst improving focus and concentration! A wonderful concept.
Wikipedia entry- click for full info.
ENJOY!!
Jaz McKenzie
Monday, 4 November 2013
Snapshots From The Bible WK 44~ Romans 15 V 1&2- Helping the weak
Week 44~ Romans 15:
1&2
‘We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the
weak, and not to please ourselves. Let
each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up.’
There are many ways in which we can classify ourselves and
one of the ways we tend to categorise is by strength and weakness, physically
and emotionally. The Bible deals primarily with spiritual strength- how well we
maintain our relationship with God and also one another.
A very necessary quality is patience. Here we are encouraged
to be patient and cultivate tolerance towards others, especially when they
struggle. Humility is essential and helps prevent us becoming ‘big headed,’
viewing ourselves superior which effectively downgrades others in our own minds.
No one is perfect and individuality means that we have different strengths and
weaknesses therefore we all rely on one another at different times or in
specific areas of our lives.
We are directed specifically
to help people consistently, building each other up to enhance the strength of
our community. What do you consider to be your strengths and how can you use them
for the good of others? Sometimes we may be able to emplyour talents
professionally- it is good to be paid for the things we enjoy doing and do
well! It may be that we need to ‘give back’ to society and assist people or projects
voluntarily. Goodness needs to circulate as does love, money and all the important
things in our daily lives.
The good of others is seen here as the primary aim. Very
often we put our own needs first and there are times when this is necessary,
however as a general rule we should focus on helping others to make the most of
themselves. Assisting people brings positive feelings of joy and accomplishment,
great rewards resulting from an obligation!
Jaz McKenzie
If you would like to write a short article for ~IB~ contact: isbraap@live.co.uk
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Kambua sings Kenyan Gospel Music
Sunday is the day for great Gospel Vibes so today we are sharing a beautiful young artist from Kenya... click link to play 'Bado Nasimama!' Kambua~ Gospel Music
Kambua has a beautiful voice and this song, which includes images of poverty, is extremely uplifting. We can take this opportunity to give thanks for all the good in our lives and live with expectation of the good to come! This song is about maintaining faith and relying on God's guidance, His promises and steadfast love. Worthwhile checking out more of Kambua's music.
Jaz McKenzie
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