Category Archives: Personal Empowerment

Opinion: 'Women are perfectly capable of running a dairy farm'

FarmIreland.ie

When you meet a young person of your acquaintance for the first time in ages, chances are you'll say something like "How you've grown!" or some other phrase observing a significant physical change.

http://www.independent.ie/business/farming/rural-life/opinion-women-are-perfectly-capable-of-running-a-dairy-farm-35569581.html

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When you meet a young person of your acquaintance for the first time in ages, chances are you'll say something like "How you've grown!" or some other phrase observing a significant physical change.

You'll have changed in the interim, too, just maybe not as visibly.

All life is always changing. And it seems to me we are starting to see real change in the attitude towards farming women.

Could it be that men are copping on that women are up to the job? Or is it down to societal changes?

Families are smaller and there are more job opportunities, for both men and women.

Our shifting attitude towards organised religion may also be relevant. People are increasingly more interested in personal fulfilment in the present rather than doing what might be expected of them and deferring reward until the afterlife.

The result is that those who are going into farming are more likely to be doing it because they want to.

A few weeks back, there was an item about female farmers on The Late Late Show. As it's a night-time entertainment show, I feared it would be frivolous. It wasn't. I later heard on the grapevine that one member of the panel would only go on with other "real" (not hobby) farmers.

Karen Elliffe (Westmeath), Ashleigh Fennell (Carlow) and Danielle Stewart (Donegal) were excellent: knowledgeable, articulate and ambitious. They were a healthy mix of seriousness and fun - ie, real farmers.

The old chestnut about women not being as strong as men made the obligatory appearance, but it was quickly swept aside. There are now many ways around any physical task.

The key issue of a daughter inheriting followed, and I have never heard it put as well by someone directly concerned as it was by Ashleigh, who took over the family farm after the untimely death of her father, having been encouraged all the way by her "progressive" mother.

"How can a parent look at their kids and say, 'We'll give it to Johnny instead of Mary,' and think there will be no consequences down the line?" she said.

"That kids won't fall out with each other, that there won't be resentment towards the parents and that the farm might fail?

"I can't see how that can be more important than keeping the farm in the family name."

Individual men (and women!) may struggle to change their attitude toward women farmers, but businesses have no such problem, and female workers are already becoming more obvious in the dairy sector, which is being increasingly operated on a commercial basis.

Women are perfectly capable of running a dairy farm. They are every bit as good as men at milking cows and, being disciplined and thorough, are often better at looking after calves.

Farm women's changing attitude towards themselves and their work is reflected in the emergence of four new groups across the country.

South East Women in Farming Ireland has been rapidly followed in Munster by Meitheal na mBan, which held its first meeting last week; West Women in Farming, which holds its first meeting on Saturday; and the newly formed North West Women in Farming.

Women in farming are finding their voice.

The Munster group's underlying thinking is well represented by the ancient concept of 'meitheal' - people working together and for each other to ensure that all succeed in achieving their goal: in this case, personal empowerment.

There is still a way to go to break the 'grass ceiling'. But maybe we are turning the corner.

Indo Farming

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Opinion: 'Women are perfectly capable of running a dairy farm' - Irish Independent

Robert Meyer, Community columnist 2:53 p.m. CT March 31, 2017

The late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan is famous for suggesting, You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.

Moynihans assertion seems less self-evident in the present era where the distinction between fact and opinion is convoluted, yet indiscernible to many of us.

Lets present a classic example that is a staple in many internet discussion forums. Everyone knows that theistic belief is largely responsible for most of historys wars and bloodshed. This claim is frequently made without serious challenge. Yet when this assertion is placed under the spotlight of statistical fact, we get a different proposition.

Charles Phillips and Alan Axelrod, in their published historical reference work, Encyclopedia of Wars, document the history of recorded warfare. According to their research, of 1,763 recognized wars, only 123 have been classified to involve a religious cause, which accounts for fewer than 7 percent of all wars. In addition, the worlds two greatest mass murderers, Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin, were motivated by secular objectives.

These facts do not exonerate the undeniable atrocities of theistic traditions, but introduce a missing sense of proportionality to the issue.

There are various reasons one might offer to explain the persistence of this false notion. One is that since so many people have had a nominal theistic affiliation throughout history, and wars are fought by people with differing beliefs, their affinities are misconstrued as the primary motivations. However, I tend to believe the claim persists because people who have no use for theism use the theism causes wars assertion as justification for dismissing theism.

That brings us to consider whether facts determine opinions and ideologies, or whether ideological predispositions control how evidence and facts are distilled. I believe we vastly underestimate the role ideology has in the interpretation of evidence. That has a host of implications for the cultural and political landscape.

A recent cover of Time Magazine asked the question Is truth dead? The problem is not an absence of absolute truth, but rather that in contemporary times it's become more important to perpetuate a given narrative.

The task of challenging, much less refuting concepts to which people have made an emotional and psychological investment is a hazardous enterprise. People dont easily let go of their ideological commitments. That is why commenting in internet forums has at times become a toxic playground for the lesser angels of human nature.

Various phraseology, such as Pro-choice/Pro-life, Equal rights, Tax cuts for the rich, Youre a fascist, The one percent, are terms that carry on a narrative, but often disguise or ignore facts that would show the narrative itself is deceptive, if not a false notion.

Take the term Pro-choice. Without attaching it to the abortion issue, one might suppose that it connotes a libertarian commitment to personal empowerment and selection. However, many of the same people who identify with that label often oppose personal autonomy when it comes to gun control, educational venues, health careand in some cases, speech itself.

People have made assertions about both Barack Obama and Donald Trump that are accepted as true because they despise one or the other. Its easy to believe pejoratives about people we dislike whether factual or not. Again, the narrative tends to emerge, superseding facts, because opinions are more convenient.

I continue to hear people say that We need to come together as a nation. But the narrative is responsible for the countrys polarization as well, making it impossible to see eye to eye. In revisiting Moynihans bromide, its as if opinions have become the new facts.

Robert Meyer is a resident of Kaukauna and can be reached at mjydr9591@gmail.com.

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Column: Have opinions become the new facts? - Appleton Post Crescent

CycloFemme is a grassroots organization of women on bikes, created in 2012 by Sarai Snyder of Girl Bike Love, and Tanya Quick and Jenn Cash of Language Dept. The socially-driven, volunteer-based community works to empower women and girls through cycling in order to create social change.

CycloFemmehosts an annual ride, which takes place on Mothers Day weekend. Rides take place all over the world and anyone can lead onejust create a ride event, sign up and register your ride online.

Photo: Jillian Betterly

This year, CycloFemme is partnering with World Bicycle Relief with their driving theme Empower the Girl. Ignite the Woman. CycloFemme riders are encouraged to fundraise for the organization, though its not a requirement to participate. All funds raised by CycloFemme riders will be matched 1-to-1 for a donation to World Bicycle Relief that will be used specifically to provide bicycles to schoolgirls.

Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through the power of bicycles. World Bicycle Relief accomplishes its mission by distributing specially designed, high-quality bicycles through philanthropic and social enterprise programs. These purpose-designed bicycles are built to withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas. Entrepreneurs use the bicycles to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly and improve their academic performances. And health care workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care.

World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training field mechanics to service the bicycles. To date, World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 350,000 bicycles and trained over 1,200 field mechanics in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.

Photo: World Bicycle Relief

Partnering with World Bicycle relief is the next step in growing CycloFemme. Those who choose to participate in the fundraising component will see tangible results from their efforts, said Sarai Snyder, Co-Founder of CycloFemme. In addition to riding together in solidarity, by empowering a girl with the opportunity that a bicycle brings, we ignite in ourselves and one another a special shared feeling. That feeling of riding a bike for the first time, pedaling toward something, with power and strength that suddenly becomes limitless.

World Bicycle Relief and CycloFemme share the belief that bicycles provide independence, self-empowerment, and joy. They also believe that bicycling creates community and momentumtwo forces that lead to positive personal and social change. Historically, the bicycle has been a large scale empowerment tool all over the world.

CycloFemme riders will experience how good shared momentum feels as rides and celebrations occur worldwide May 13-14. All are encouraged to participate, either planning and leading a ride or join in. CycloFemme is open to all regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, or bicycle preference.

For more information, please visit: http://cyclofemme.com/join/ and http://cyclofemme.worldbicyclerelief.org/. You can also follow @cyclofemme on Instagram and Twitter.

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CycloFemme Announces Community Partnership with World Bicycle Relief to Promote Women's Empowerment - Dirt Rag (blog)

Updated / Thursday, 30 Mar 2017 16:18

Somewhat of an origins story (well, it was probably their turn), the little blue keenies go on a journey of self discovery in theirthird big screen outing and all isprimary-coloured happiness and light.

However, this being an era where splenetic keyboard warriors are ready to pounce with accusations of monoculturism and sexism, The Smurfs:The Lost Village also gets itself into all kinds of knots by tackling issues of identity, personal empowerment, and the dangers of gender labels.

Pretty big themes for a harmless kids film but the story centres on Smurfette (voiced by an ickily sweet Demi Lovato), a female Smurf who starts wonderingwhy she has the onlyXX chromosomein a village of male stereotypes.

The discovery of a strange map hints that there may be another settlement where more of her kind have made their home and so, with several of her fellow blues, Smurfette sets off to find herself and maybe some sisters who are doing it for themselves.

After the flop of the second live action/CGI Smurfs flick, Sonys decision to reboot a less than successful franchise means that we are in full cartoon mode here but Shrek 2 director Kelly Asbury clearly didnt think it was necessary to up the animation ante in a world of Pixar or, indeed, the stellar animation work being done by Irish production houses.

Distractions along the way include Amazonian Smurfettes (that's a thing, ok?), glow rabbits, and the villainous wizard Gargamel (voicedwith gusto by Rainn Wilson) pursuing our blue brigand through the Forbidden Forest.

The writers don't bother with anything as gauche as writing in gags for adults - this one's for the kids, pure and simple - and an attempt at a breakout Big Song la that ear-shredding power ballad from Frozen, is wasted on singing helium balloon Meghan Trainor.

Its serviceable and bland. No danger of #Oscarssoblue trending next February so.

Alan Corr @corralan

Corrie star Les Dennis freaked by funeral scenes

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The Smurfs search for their blue heaven in new movie - RTE.ie

Consider cultural, national, local and familial dynamics when crafting a leadership development strategy that blends Eastern and Western cultures.

Learning in the East comes with cultural frameworks that are fundamentally distinct from Western learning paradigms. To develop effective leaders, learning leaders must not only understand those differences, they must respect them.

Whether conducting in-house learning initiatives or designing MBA curriculums, CLOs should become familiar with Eastern complexities around family, nationalism and degrees of personal empowerment all of which must be negotiated for successful learning engagements. The West offers many cutting-edge leadership strategies, but to remain relevant, they need to be presented using localized lenses.

Globalism is accelerating cultural exchange through popular entertainment, youth trends and political movements. Millennial workers in Asia are commonly more Westernized than their older co-workers. This often renders certain inherited cultural customs and markers of formality less important to younger generations, including the concept of lifetime employment. As a result, millennials in Asia are more actively job hunting to advance their careers and to increase compensation at a more accelerated rate than in past.

In recent years, China has experienced a boom of wealth, and as a result, more people under the age of 45 are constantly on the lookout for the next opportunity to maximize their earning potential rather than stay loyal to one company their entire career. Development is a part of that career mobility.

There are six key dynamics to confront to build effective learning in Asia:

Define a Leadership Philosophy

Nationalism in some Asian markets plays a greater role, and at times it outranks corporate interest. This is particularly true in the Peoples Republic of China where nationalism is first, and corporate allegiance is second.

As educators groom and develop leaders, it is important to depoliticize learning conversations. In the Academy of Management Perspectives article, In the Eye of the Beholder: Cross Cultural Lessons in Leadership from Project GLOBE, Mansour Javidan, Peter W. Dorfman, Mary Sully de Luque and Robert J. House advocated cultivating leadership behaviors that produce results and show effective leadership in different cultures and settings. Essentially, learning leaders should build a more inclusive leadership philosophy with a keen business performance focus.

Establish a Learning Culture

The Western teacher must be a learner, too, said Randall P. White, a psychologist and professor of leadership in global executive MBA programs at Duke Corporate Education. White is also an HEC Affiliate Professor for Paris, Doha in Qatar, and Beijing, and he teaches leadership for the TRIUM Global EMBA program. He said general expertise is often bound by a lack of specific expertise in the local culture. In that sense, we have to create a space where everyone in the room is learning and sharing those cultural differences. In making it fun like learning new expressions from the students the classroom becomes a safe environment to experiment and practice where everyone is learning.

The spectrum of behavior people can engage in while motivating learners in the development process can be wide or narrow based on culture. For example, the freedom to incentivize and encourage people is ingrained in U.S. organizations, but this trait is not typically as broad in the East. Therefore, classroom examples need to be tailored to account for this distinction.

A Westerner must continually consider how to develop leaders in ways that are locally acceptable and culturally appropriate. Discussions involving personnel reprimands, initiating change, coordinating group incentives and dealing with the rights and privacy of workers and management are typically more restricted in Asian organizations.

Respect Cultural, Familial Boundaries

The way leadership education is structured also should prioritize the different ways people interact with and prioritize their families in the East. Family support is often more available in Asia and the Middle East than in the West. Employees often have significant support to meet fluctuating job demands and to attend learning engagements. Working professionals have access to child care, and its more common to structure careers to stay near relatives and parents.

Americans often struggle to afford the kind of support Asians receive for child care. On the other hand, as structured meal times have historically been more common in Asia, adult children are expected to eat with parents and grandparents. While a lot of women work, they are more likely to go home at normal hours and spend time with extended family and children.

Meanwhile, men are expected to frequently partake in ying chou during the week, or networking dinners. However, in recent years, women have begun participating in ying chou more as well. Thats why having extended family nearby is so important; while both parents work or network, grandparents look after the kids, take them to tutoring, and make sure they complete their homework.

For example, if training is conducted off-site in Asia, such as a five-day engagement retreat, employees will consider bringing others based on how the family ecosystem supports the professional contributor. Further, the end of the training day may be understood differently in the East. Offsite training programs need to set clear expectations well in advance on what is required and what is optional with regard to networking after class.

Facilitate Learner Empowerment

So much of Western-based learning involves being assertive in the classroom environment. Asian learners may need more time to become comfortable speaking up, and Western learners may need to listen more.

Part of this discrepancy is due to the way in which conversations occur, either face to face or electronically. Sometimes the translation from English into another language happens via the use of a smartphone in real time, said Pasquale Mazzuca, managing director for TalentWorks Group, a global management consulting firm. If the educator is not aware of this they may interpret it as not paying attention to what is being said.

Conversely, when speaking face to face, Westerners tend to speak in clear, overt tones that can be considered rude in many Asian cultures where subtlety is valued more than directness. As such, educators need to become adept at understanding culturally specific communication styles, such as pauses in speech and differences in speech patterns. Educators also should exercise great care when expressing opinions, and practice etiquette with strong prohibitions against interrupting and preferences for polite pauses. These considerations encourage bright people to contribute.

Consider Risk and Innovation

Risk and innovation elements commonly addressed in executive education are tolerated differently according to culture. In Asia, stability is greatly valued. This is counter to the concepts that emerge when teaching risk, innovation and change management. One must teach these subjects in a way that helps people tolerate the anxiety they feel when things are not always predictable.

Being vulnerable is not always advisable. There is a saying that the tack that stands up gets hammered down. People tend not to do things that put themselves at risk emotionally or competitively, which can make thinking outside of the box difficult. In the classroom, learners should be given explicit permission to be different.

If the tone can be recalibrated when confronting change so that it fosters support and helps each person to learn, the environment will become less competitive, and people will be more likely to engage and answer questions. When learners understand that different opinions will help the team, they become more likely to propose innovative ideas.

In any culture, people wont do things unless they trust the other party. In the East, there is greater emphasis on forming relationships to earn that trust. It is the learning leaders job to create a classroom environment where participants feel safe participating collaboratively.

Dont Forget Egalitarianism: Age, Gender, Class and Deference

In the West, older people are often labeled unfairly as being resistant to change. But in many Asian cultures age is considered an advantage. Those who are younger are unlikely to challenge an elder since age is generally associated with wisdom. For instance, being assertive in a way that contradicts a superiors opinions could cause them to lose face or be embarrassed. Thus, being subtle is important so that superiors can save face while the younger person gets their message across.

Millennial employees often are challenged when leading people who are older. Learning to lead older colleagues or subordinates can start with simply maintaining the social customs already in place. Formal titles and avoiding first names when addressing senior employees maintains decorum and respect, but they do not have to compromise directives from young executives.

Enabling the more senior members to become mentors to the younger generations helps in the building of a positive relationship, Mazzuca said.

In Africa, Asia and the Middle East, a person may be of low rank within the organization but be a significant community leader. Its a reminder that an organizations culture only trumps national culture during the workday. After 5 p.m., ones personal ethnic culture may become primary.

Western approaches to executive education have much to offer, but they must be localized and adaptable to the home culture. Learning engagements are best when the process is reciprocal a cultural exchange that improves communication with Western offices and strengthens the global organization.

Lily Kelly-Radford is a psychologist and partner at Executive Development Group LLC. Comment below or email editor@CLOmedia.com.

Tags: executive development, global leadership, leadership

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FeatureBlend East and West for Effective Leadership Development - Chief Learning Officer

"As leaders of our shared global economy, we must continue to work towards gender empowerment and respect for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all ultimately members of one race, the human race. Each one of us is uniquely different," Trump said, honoring 12 women at the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Awards.

The awards honor women across the globe who have overcome injustice -- from domestic violence to environmental disaster to gender bias to acid attacks -- and gone on to transform their societies, often in the face of personal danger.

"We must continue once again to shine a light on the horrendous atrocities taking place around the corner and around the globe," Trump said. "We must continue to fight injustice in all its forms, in whatever scale or shape it takes in our lives. Together, we must declare that the era of allowing brutality against women and children is over, while affirming that the time for empowering women around the world is now. For wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them."

Wednesday's event was Trump's first formal on-camera speech since her husband took office. She made brief remarks thanking attendees at an inaugural ball and though she gave a speech at the White House on International Women's Day, reporters were escorted out of the room before she spoke. The State Department event comes as she continues to slowly embrace her first lady spotlight.

Trump spoke broadly and did not mention her husband or his administration during her 10-minute remarks, signaling a desire to remain above the partisan fray.

She personally handed out the 12 awards and many recipients became visibly emotional upon being honored.

"Their lives remind us of the boundless capacity of the human spirit when guided by moral clarity and desire to do good," she said of the honorees, encouraging those in the audience to consider what it would be like to experience the adversity they were each able to overcome.

"Ask yourself if you would have the fortitude of spirit, the courage of your convictions, and the enormous inner strength required to stand up and fight against such odds," Trump said.

She called for US and international communities to "remain vigilant against injustice in all its many forms."

During the campaign, Trump said she would seek to champion combating cyberbullying as first lady. More recently, she has identified women's empowerment as a key platform for her East Wing.

Her staff is slowly coming together -- on Monday, it was announced that Stephanie Grisham would serve as her communications director, joining chief of staff Lindsay Reynolds and social secretary Anna Cristina "Rickie" Lloyd.

Trump, who is living in New York with son Barron, 11, was on hand Tuesday evening to host a reception with senators and spouses. She is expected to make her move to Washington at the conclusion of the school year.

Her next major White House event will be the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn next month.

This story has been updated.

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Melania Trump highlights women's empowerment in keynote speech - CNN

Fontainebleau Miami Beachs Wellness Escape is just around the corner (April 7-9) and to help get you pumped for the weekend of wellness, were rounding up the top events that cater to every personality whether youre a devoted yogi or a mindfulness master.

Fontainebleau's Wellness Escape will feature lots of opportunities to get your downward facing dog on. Whether youre a yoga novice or have been practicing for years, there will be something for everyone with classes led by Daybreaker and greenmonkey Yoga, which even includes a blissful session overlooking Miamis picturesque beach. What could be better?

Fitness buffs rejoice: The Wellness Escape provides plenty of high-energy ways to break a sweat and build a body you absolutely love. You can hop on a bike during SoulCycle demos, practice your moves during a dance cardio class with 305 Fitness, and get toned with Tone House, JetSet, and Barrys Bootcamp. Oh, and did we mention the Wellness Weekend will culminate with a dance party by Daybreaker?

Be sure to arrive hungry because there will be no shortage of food during the weekend of wellness. Look forward to interactive cooking demonstrations with award-winning chefs, including a make-your-own granola bar class, samples to try of the latest in nutrition, and healthy prix-fixe wellness menus to indulge in guilt-free at Fontainebleau Miami Beach's renowned restaurants.

Whether youre a wellness newbie or focus on wellness all the time, youll have the chance to try out the latest trends during the weekend-long event. Be sure to swing by the 21 Drops booth, where youll learn all about essential oil therapy. Then head to the Recover Me Cryo station and experience spot cryotherapy first-hand. Finally, dont miss a mini PEMF treatment with Dr. Sean Goddard. Lets just say, by the time the weekend is over, your friends will be coming to you for wellness tips.

The Wellness Escape isnt just about fitness and food: its also about personal empowerment and tapping into your spiritual side. Attendees will have the opportunity to try a meditation session and angel readings with spiritual mentor Nikki Novo, and participate in a group meditation class with Miami-based studio Innergy Meditation.

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Sponsored Post: 5 Events at Fontainebleau Miami Beach's Wellness Escape for Every Personality - Ocean Drive Magazine

EAGLE COUNTY The High Fives Foundation is awarding 17-year old Kailyn Forsberg, of Gypsum, an Empowerment Grant of $1,464 to be used toward vital personal training sessions.

In April 2015, on her second warm up run in the USASA Slopestyle Nationals at Copper Mountain, Forsberg hit a jump with too much speed in the terrain park, causing her to over-rotate her backflip and overshoot the landing. The impact to her neck and back instantly resulted in loss of feeling in her lower extremities.

Working tirelessly

When Forsberg arrived at the trauma center, she and her family were told that she had suffered a spinal cord injury at the C7 level.

Since her injury, Kailyn has worked tirelessly with therapists at Craig Hospital, and most recently at the facilities PEAK Center in Englewood. The hard work Forsberg has put in has paid off, as she has experienced tremendous gains in her recovery. The board-approved Empowerment Grant for $1,464 will be used toward personal training at the PEAK Center so Forsberg can continue on a positive path of recovery.

"Craig Hospital boasts one of the best training grounds for SCI in its PEAK Center," said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of the High Fives Foundation. "Kailyn has an amazing attitude and trainers at the facility love working with her."

"Our need is to get the best possible care and rehabilitation for Kailyn," said Mitchell Forsberg, Kailyn's father. "Teaming up with High Fives is one critical way to help accomplish this goal."

The High Fives Foundation supports injured mountain action sports athletes through grant funding to be used toward reaching their recovery goals. Since the Foundation's January 2009 creation, the empowerment program service has assisted 147 athletes from 27 states in nine respective funding categories which include: living expenses, insurance, travel, health, healing network, adaptive equipment, winter equipment, programs and stoke (positive energy, outlook and attitude).

In quarter one of 2017 the High Fives Foundation awarded $119,294.50 in board-approved grants to 20 athletes in six states.

For more information, go to http://www.high fivesfoundation.org.

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High Fives Foundation grant aids Gypsum teen - Vail Daily News

Updated / Thursday, 30 Mar 2017 16:17

Somewhat of an origins story (well, it was probably their turn), the little blue keenies go on a journey of self discovery in theirthird big screen outing and all isprimary-coloured happiness and light.

However, this being an era where splenetic keyboard warriors are ready to pounce with accusations of monoculturism and sexism,The Smurfs:The Lost Villagealso gets itself into all kinds of knots by tackling issues of identity, personal empowerment, and the dangers of gender labels.

Pretty big themes for a harmless kids film but the story centres on Smurfette (voiced by an ickily sweet Demi Lovato), a female Smurfwho starts wonderingwhy she has the onlyXX chromosomein a village of male stereotypes.

The discovery of a strange map hints that there may be another settlement where more of her kind have made their home and so, with several of her fellow blues, Smurfette sets off to find herself and maybe some sisters who are doing it for themselves.

After the flop of the second live action/CGI Smurfs flick, Sonys decision to reboot a less than successful franchise means that we are in full cartoon mode here butShrek 2director Kelly Asbury clearly didnt think it was necessary to up the animation ante in a world of Pixar or, indeed, the stellar animation work being done by Irish production houses.

Distractions along the way include Amazonian Smurfettes (that's a thing, ok?), glow rabbits, and the villainous wizard Gargamel (voicedwith gusto by Rainn Wilson) pursuing our blue brigand through the Forbidden Forest.

The writers don't bother with anything as gauche as writing in gags for adults - this one's for the kids, pure and simple - and an attempt at a breakout Big Song la that ear-shredding power ballad fromFrozen, is wasted on singing helium balloon Meghan Trainor.

Its serviceable and bland. No danger of #Oscarssoblue trending next February so.

Alan Corr @corralan

CHIPS is just another mediocre remake

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The Smurfs: The Lost Village is blue and bland - RTE.ie

Andrew Wyrich, @AndrewWyrich 10:18 p.m. ET March 29, 2017

In this March 22, 2017 photo, the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues are sit on Lower Broadway in New York.(Photo: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

NEW YORK The Fearless Girl statue in lower Manhattan will remain in place, staring down the Charging Bull statue, for a little while longer, officials said.

The wildly popular statue which was the subject of countless selfies and inspirational photographs since International Womens Day earlier this month was originally scheduled to be taken down next week, but will now remain in place until early 2018.

The 50-inch statue, which depicts a bronze girl with hands on her hips and a slight smile on her face, is situated in front of the large bull statue in Manhattans financial district. It was installed by State Street Global Advisors, an asset manager, in anticipation of International Womens Day and has drawn crowds since then.

An online petition called for the statue to become permanent almost immediately after it was installed.

However, the artist who sculptured the Charging Bull statue called the Fearless Girl an advertising trick. In the past, some people have criticized New York for having very few statues of women including a push to include statues of women in Central Park in 2015.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that the statue will remain in its spot for the foreseeable future.

De Blasio said it had been a tough time for so many people since January and that many women had told him they feel womens rights were being disrespected in the current political climate.

Sometimes a work of art captures the moment in history, and thats whats happened here, deBlasio said. This small but powerful statue has really encapsulated the views and the feelings of so many people. This statue has crystallized this moment in history and has given a message of power and personal empowerment to women and girls.

The statue will remain in the Bowling Green park until International Womens Day next year, deBlasio said.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer called the statue inspirational and praised the way it had moved people in different ways.

We can issue all the reports we want, they will not have the symbol a sculpture does, Brewer said.

Andrew Wyrich: wyrich@northjersey.com

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'Fearless Girl' statue to remain in NYC for now - Asbury Park Press - Asbury Park Press