Mr. Bonner is an inspiring second grade teacher at North Carolina’s South Greenville Elementary, where a majority of students have difficult home lives and many are homeless. When Ellen heard about how Mr. Bonner’s unique, rap-filled teaching methods encourage students to go above and beyond, she couldn’t wait to meet him — and give his school a spectacular surprise!
Page Description
Discover ‘Go Against the Grain,’ where unconventional choices and unusual perspectives challenge norms and embrace the unexpected.
Someone or something is
acting in the opposite way than is normally considered acceptable.
The phrase “goes against the grain” means that something feels unnatural or contrary to one’s usual preferences, habits, or beliefs.
It describes actions or behaviors that are not aligned with what is expected or typical for someone.
Meta description webpage: Discover ‘Go Against the Grain,’ where unconventional choices and unusual perspectives challenge norms and embrace the unexpected.
If something goes against the grain,
you would not usually do it because it would be unusual
These days it goes against the grain to show too much respect for authority.
Cambridge Dictionary
When you say, “It goes against the grain to lose money,” you are implying that losing money is against what one would usually expect or want.
In this context, it means that losing money feels unnatural or undesirable because it contradicts the usual goal of making or saving money.
Celebrating Courage: Stories of Defying the Norm
English
Dutch
English
Welcome to ‘Go Against the Grain,’ a celebration of those who defy expectations and inspire us to rethink what’s possible. From Susan Boyle’s breathtaking performance that challenged stereotypes to Michael Bonner’s innovative teaching methods that uplift communities, this page shines a light on extraordinary individuals and moments that remind us of the power of authenticity and courage. Join us as we explore stories that inspire, challenge, and encourage us to embrace the beauty of going against the grain.
Dutch
Het Zegevieren van Moed en Durf: Verhalen van Het Doorbreken van Normen
Welkom bij ‘Tegen de Stroom In,’ een ode aan degenen die verwachtingen trotseren en ons inspireren om opnieuw na te denken over wat mogelijk is. Van Susan Boyle’s adembenemende optreden dat stereotypen doorbrak tot Michael Bonner’s innovatieve lesmethoden die gemeenschappen versterken, belicht deze pagina bijzondere individuen en momenten die ons herinneren aan de kracht van authenticiteit en moed. Doe met ons mee terwijl we verhalen verkennen die inspireren, uitdagen en ons aanmoedigen de schoonheid van tegen de stroom in gaan te omarmen.
1 I dreamed a dream – Susan Boyle
The biggest
Susan Boyle’s First Audition ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ | Britain’s Got Talent
7 mrt 2019
One of the most unforgettable auditions in BGT history, Susan Boyle shocked the Judges when she gave the performance of a lifetime, singing I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables.
23 jul 2024
A former postal affairs minister said she became “worried” about Post Office prosecutions in the Horizon IT scandal when she realised they concerned “leafy middle-class people” with no previous convictions.
Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe told the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry she was repeatedly “misled” by officials, including civil servants, who failed to provide her with sufficiently accurate and impartial advice regarding issues surrounding the IT system and unsafe prosecutions.
Relive Susan Boyle’s stunning
‘I Dreamed a Dream’
audition on Britain’s Got Talent,
which left the judges
and audience in awe,
calling it ‘the biggest surprise.’
I didn’t see this coming.
From the very first sentence, a standing ovation sweeps through the audience of 4,000… and then,
at the end of the video,
Simon’s humor shines through.
wake-up call
In a few seconds,
Susan Boyle’s mesmerizing performance of
‘I Dreamed a Dream’
during her 2009 auditon
captivated hearts and won the crowd
over with its sheer brilliance.
Have You Heard What Happened To Susan Boyle ?
24 jul 2024 UNITED STATES
Susan Boyle, the Scottish singer who captured the world’s attention with her stunning audition on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009, has had a remarkable impact on the entertainment industry, including Hollywood. Though she is primarily known for her musical talent, her journey to fame and her inspirational story have resonated widely in Hollywood. Boyle’s rise to stardom was so compelling that it sparked interest in the film industry, leading to discussions about potential biopics and documentaries. She has made appearances on major American talk shows, such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” further solidifying her presence in Hollywood. Boyle’s albums have enjoyed significant success in the United States, and her story continues to inspire many in the entertainment world.
⭐Disclaimer: The content of our videos is provided for entertainment purposes only. It may include factual elements, speculation, rumors, and fictional content. No portion of the content should be considered accurate or relied upon as fact. Viewers should not interpret any part of the content as factual or definitive information. Please enjoy responsibly.
Tegen de Stroom In
doe wat ze zeggen
een algemene overtuiging
maak geen golven
of je verblijf zal kort zijn
maar waarvoor?
waarom moet ik in deze doos blijven?
waarom moet ik volgen
wanneer er kansen aankloppen?
ik wens te vliegen
om te zweven en vrij te zijn
tegen de stroom in
ik wens mezelf te zijn
nu bevrijd
tijd is geen ding
geluk wordt
onze eeuwigheid van binnen
Nicholas Licul
To discover more about the life of Susan Boyle and read about the key points, please click on the link:
2 Michael Bonner: A Different Kind of Ball Game
Michael Bonner, recognized as Teacher of the Year,
stays positive despite challenging teaching conditions by focusing
on the potential and resilience of his students.
He uses innovative teaching methods,
emphasizes the importance of a supportive community,
and draws inspiration from his passion for education
and the impact he can make on his students’ lives
Please enjoy the video below.
It is mesmerizing and as stunning
as the performance of Susan Boyle above.
It is eye-opening.
2 ‘Read It’ – The Ellen Remix ft. Ellen, Big Sean, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ice Cube, Migos & Ty Dolla $ign
Gepubliceerd op 18 feb. 2017
Mr. Bonner is an inspiring second grade teacher
at North Carolina’s South Greenville Elementary,
where a majority of students have difficult home lives
and many are homeless.
When Ellen heard about how Mr. Bonner’s unique,
rap-filled teaching methods encourage students
to go above and beyond,
she couldn’t wait to meet him – and give his school a spectacular surprise!
3 They were lying
Ex-minister tells Post Office inquiry she was repeatedly ‘misled’ by officials
23 jul 2024
A former postal affairs minister said she became “worried” about Post Office prosecutions in the Horizon IT scandal when she realised they concerned “leafy middle-class people” with no previous convictions.
Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe told the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry she was repeatedly “misled” by officials, including civil servants, who failed to provide her with sufficiently accurate and impartial advice regarding issues surrounding the IT system and unsafe prosecutions.
Post Office Inquiry: ex-minister says concerns began when ‘leafy middle-class’ people were convicted
23 jul 2024
A former postal affairs minister said she became “worried” about Post Office prosecutions in the Horizon IT scandal when she realised they concerned “leafy middle-class people” with no previous convictions.
Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe told the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry she was repeatedly “misled” by officials, including civil servants, who failed to provide her with sufficiently accurate and impartial advice regarding issues surrounding the IT system and unsafe prosecutions.
Post Office scandal: Vince Cable admits “failure”
Back to menu IMPORTENT CONTENT Listening recommended Must ***
25 jul 2024
Former business secretary Sir Vince Cable has told the Horizon IT inquiry he accepts responsibility for oversight of a department during the scandal where “clearly there was a policy failure”.
The ex-Liberal Democrats leader told the probe he “hadn’t the faintest idea” the Post Office was privately prosecuting subpostmasters but recognised Sir Alan Bates’ description of the company as “thugs in suits”
Ex-Lib Dem leader grilled over knowledge of Horizon scandal in Post Office inquiry
26 jul 2024
Former Business Secretary and leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable was in front of the Post Office Inquiry this week where his knowledge of, and lack of action on the Horizon scandal was laid bare.
Educational
Educational
The private investigators who exposed Horizon IT scandal | ITV News
4 The George Thomson Show
Post Office Inquiry: chair forced to intervene as witness clashes with counsel
21 jun 2024
Sir Wynn Williams was forced to intervene during the Post Office Inquiry on Friday as witness George Thomson traded barbs with counsel Julian Blake.
The former general secretary of the National Federation of Subpostmasters was reminded by the chair to give direct answers, after frequent prompts to do so by the barrister.
Paula Vennells was ‘lying’ about Post Office scandal, claims forensic accountant
23 jan 2024
It might have taken a drama to galvanise the response to a crisis – but the public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal is gradually bringing more details to light, as hundreds of victims seek justice for their ruined lives.
The inquiry will be hoping to uncover more details when it examines a series of covert recordings. This programme has obtained a summary of some of the tapes – a meeting in 2013 between Post Office executives and the independent forensic accountants brought in to investigate
5 The Glitches in the Horizon IT System
#badIT: The UK Post Office Scandal, with CNN’s Anna Cooban
The cause? The worst #badIT story you’ll ever hear. CNN’s Anna Cooban joins me on the podcast to discuss this fascinating and tragic story.
Notes:
Anna Cooban’s writing on CNN: https://www.cnn.com/profiles/anna-cooban
“Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office”, dramatization, available in the UK on ITV
“Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office – The Real Story”, documentary, ITV, available on YouTube: • Mr Bates vs The Post Office – The Rea…
Some video and screenshots from “Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office – The Real Story”, ITV Studios, January 2024
00:00 Intro and Banter
03:36 UK Scandal Summary and History
06:55 Subpostmasters and David vs. Goliath
10:50 The Post Office Responds to Shortfalls
13:15 Dazed, Alone, and Ostracized
17:43 So. Many. Bugs
20:43 A Hero Emerges + Fenny Compton
25:55 The 555 and The Civil Trial
28:41 A TV Drama Awakens the UK Public
34:54 IT/Process Gaps – Reading the Tea Leaves
36:56 Epilogue: Humanizing The Scandal
Post Office executive warned of wrongful conviction six years before innocent man cleared | ITV News
The Real
Story
Ex-Post Office company secretary questioned over Horizon scandal
21 mei 2024
For years, she’s remained silent over what she knew about the wrongful prosecution of subpostmasters.
But tomorrow, the former head of the Post Office, Paula Vennells, will break that silence when she appears at the Horizon IT inquiry.
Today, it was the turn of the company secretary, Alwen Lyons, who was at every board meeting – and party to many secrets after 34 years in an organisation that caused untold suffering for hundreds of subpostmasters.
Former Post Office Minister Paul Scully On Calls To Remove Paula Vennells’ CBE| Good Morning Britain
Back to menu IMPORTENT CONTENT Listening recommended Must ***
9 jan 2024
Over 700 workers were wrongly convicted during the Horizon Post Office scandal. Now, a petition with over a million signatures is calling for Paula Vennells, former CEO of Post Office LTD, to be stripped of her CBE. This comes amongst additional calls for Post Office executives responsible for the scandal to be brought to justice.
GMB is joined by Former Post Office Minister, Paul Scully and Author, Nick Wallis who has written extensively about the scandal.
Broadcast on 09/01/24
Educational
At minute 7:
they took money by deception
“Heads HAVE To Roll!” – Lord Ed Vaizey Calls For Post Office Bosses To Face Prison After Scandal
Back to menu IMPORTENT CONTENT Listening recommended Must ***
9 jan 2024
Ministers are investigating ways to speed up the overturning of wrongful convictions of subpostmasters under the Horizon scandal.
Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake told MPs he expected the Government to unveil a solution shortly, after holding talks with Justice Secretary Alex Chalk on Monday.
Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells was coming under greater pressure over her CBE after Rishi Sunak signalled he would support a committee looking into the honour.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said he would “strongly support” the Honours Forfeiture Committee if it decided to look at stripping the gong.
Lord Ed Vaizey says “heads have to roll” after the Post Office scandal to show big companies that “people who mess up deserve to go to prison”.
“Management assumed postmasters were ripping them off, new computer software confirmed their prejudices.”
“Its A Cover-up Isn’t It!” Kevin O’Sullivan Blasts Post Office Scandal Investigators
Back to menu IMPORTENT CONTENT Listening recommended Must ***
11 jan 2024
TalkTV’s Kevin O’Sullivan and Alex Phillips are joined by Jason Coyne, who says he predicted the Horizon scandal before it happened nearly twenty years ago.
The government now plans to set aside 1 billion pounds ($1.27 billion) to compensate the wrongly convicted and others whose lives were destroyed in the scandal.
It comes after Stephen Bradshaw, a former Post Office investigator, is giving evidence to the Post Office public inquiry and has revealed he heard reports of problems with the Horizon software, but wasn’t “technically minded… I would expect that to come from the people above”
Bradshaw, who was involved in the criminal investigation of nine sub-postmasters, also says he was just “a small cog in this.”
6 Environmental factors
Children of the Dump: Small Steps Project
28 mrt 2011
Stain remover that worked just a few seconds ago now just doesn’t really work anymore. A presentation of the Just For Laughs Gags.
The funny hidden camera pranks show for the whole family. Juste pour rire les gags, l’émission de caméra caché la plus comique de la télé!
Tegen de Stroom In
tegen de stroom in gaan is een individu zijn
en vechten om te overleven wanneer het tienerleven kritiek wordt
van moeten beslissen welke moraal je toepast
tot het opvolgen van mama’s advies, haar woorden moet je naleven
in het spel van het leven is de uitdaging te overwinnen
de karma die ik heb veroorzaakt, mag je dochter niet herhalen
tegen de stroom in gaan is niet de race winnen
maar al je leeftijdsgenoten leiden om in jouw tempo te lopen
wanneer overleven betekent de media en leugens te doorstaan
om altijd van jezelf te houden, de toekomst is de prijs
dus ga tegen de stroom in, zoek geen validatie
maar vind het in jezelf
geen tijd voor aarzeling!
Marlene Silvestre
7 The Obamas: The Most Powerful Black Family In The World
The Obamas: The Most Powerful Black Family In The World
18 aug 2024
The Obama family has gone from humble Chicagoans to the most powerful Black family in the world through shrewd – if controversial – political maneuvers, expert business decisions, and an “eyes on the prize” mentality.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
Chapter 1: The Overtaking Obamas
Chapter 2: The Origins of The Obama Dynasty
Chapter 3: Marriage and Divorce
Chapter 4: Barack And Michelle
Chapter 5: The First Term
Chapter 6: The Second Term
Chapter 7: The Family and The Future
—————————————
In today’s episode, we’ll take you on a global journey, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to the temperate sands of Africa and the South Side of Chicago, as we explore “The Obamas: The Most Powerful Black Family In The World.”
By 2024, the Obamas exemplify the perks of being the former First Family, boasting an astounding $70 million net worth and transforming their post-presidency years into a showcase of financial acumen.
They have not only enjoyed book deals and high-profile speeches but have also ventured into media and real estate, securing their legacy beyond mere historical significance.
Barack Obama’s memoirs, such as “A Promised Land,” have commanded monumental deals, while Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” has sold over 15 million copies.
Their Netflix production company, Higher Ground Productions, has won an Oscar, and their speaking fees have surged to $400,000 per event.
Alongside Barack’s annual presidential pension exceeding $200,000, their financial standing would make even Wall Street take notice.
Their homes are emblematic of luxury; their Washington, D.C. residence in Kalorama, valued at $8.1 million, features nine bedrooms and lush gardens, blending privacy with proximity to political centers.
Their Martha’s Vineyard estate, worth $11.75 million, is a 29-acre paradise with stunning Atlantic views, a swimming pool, and extensive amenities.
Their Hyde Park home in Chicago, a sentimental cornerstone, connects them to their roots and community initiatives like the Obama Presidential Center.
Despite their affluence, they remain under the vigilant protection of the U.S. Secret Service, with their security measures ensuring their safety and their code names, “Renegade” and “Renaissance,” adding a touch of glamour to their high-profile lives.
Even years out of the White House, the Obamas continue to exert significant influence in global politics and media.
Barack Obama’s enduring popularity is evident, with high approval ratings surpassing many current political figures, while Michelle Obama’s favorability exceeds that of President Biden and former President Trump.
This admiration highlights their lasting impact and charm.
Barack Obama’s influence on the 2024 election is noteworthy, with speculation that his sway contributed to President Biden’s decision to step aside and his eventual endorsement of Kamala Harris to unify the Democratic Party.
To understand how this dynamic couple emerged as the most powerful Black family in the world, we must delve into their origins.
The Obama family’s roots trace back to the 19th century in Africa with Barack Obama’s great-great-grandfather Opiyo, a significant figure in the Luo community.
His son Onyango became Barack Obama Senior, who later moved to Hawaii and married Stanley Ann Dunham, leading to the birth of Barack Obama.
Dunham’s background, including her ancestry and the family’s journey across America, and Michelle Obama’s own rich heritage, from her enslaved great-great-great-grandmother to her academic and professional achievements, reflect the diverse and compelling narrative of their lives.
Their marriage in 1992 and subsequent rise in politics, including Barack’s pivotal 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote and his historic 2008 presidential victory, mark a profound chapter in American history.
Their journey, from Barack’s legal career and Michelle’s professional growth to their landmark achievements and global impact, underscores their remarkable story.
8 Story Telling
“Student arrived late, and the teacher asked one strange question. His answer shocked everyone!
9 jan 2024
“Student arrived late, and the teacher asked one strange question. His answer shocked everyone!
A university student was late for one of the most important classes of the semester when, upon entering the room, his professor asked him an impossible question. What he answered left everyone, including the professor, speechless.
“Student arrived late,
and the teacher asked one strange question.
His answer shocked everyone! “
Please click and listen…
Please enjoy…
In the captivating video
“Student arrived late, and the teacher asked one strange question.
His answer shocked everyone!”,
we meet an exceptional student whose brilliance shines through in an unexpected way.
Despite arriving late to class,
this student quickly becomes the center of attention
when the teacher asks an unusual question.
Without missing a beat,
the student responds with an answer that leaves everyone in the room stunned.
His response is not only insightful but also reveals a depth of understanding
that goes far beyond the classroom.
This moment highlights his quick thinking,
profound wisdom, and the ability to see things from a unique perspective.
The teacher and fellow students are visibly taken aback by the student’s answer,
which showcases his exceptional intellect and emotional intelligence.
His ability to turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one
is a testament to his innate brilliance and potential.
This video serves as a powerful reminder that intelligence
and insight can come from anyone,
at any time, and that true brilliance often reveals itself
in the most unexpected ways.
What is Story Telling
Please enjoy
A tourist is backpacking
through the highlands of Scotland,
and he stops at a pub to get a drink.
The only people in there are a bartender
and an old man nursing a beer.
He orders a pint, and they sit in silence for a while.
Suddenly, the old man turns to him and says,
“You see this bar?
I built this bar with my bare hands
from the finest wood in the country.
Gave it more love and care than my own child.
But do they call me MacGregor the bar builder? No.”
He points out the window.
“You see that stone wall out there?
I built that stone wall with my bare hands.
Found every stone, placed them just so
through the rain and the cold.
But do they call me MacGregor the stone wall builder? No.”
He points out the other window.
“You see that pier on the lake out there?
I built that pier with my bare hands.
Drove the pilings against the tide of the sand, plank by plank.
But do they call me MacGregor the pier builder? No.
But you fuck one goat…”
Storytelling is joke telling.
It’s knowing your punchline,
your ending,
knowing that everything you’re saying,
from the first sentence to the last,
is leading to a singular goal,
and ideally confirming some truth
that deepens our understanding
of who we are as human beings.
We all love stories.
We’re born for them.
…
Please listen to the whole story
Please compare the story of
“Student arrived late, and the teacher asked one strange question. His answer shocked everyone! “
under the heading ‘7 Story Telling’
with real live (the video)
‘Children of the Dump: Small Steps Project’
under the heading ‘6 Environmental factors’
What are you doing? Scavenging
19 nov 2014
Children of The Dump is the true story of a group of children living on a dump in Cambodia who Small Steps Project helped off the dump. The documentary was premiered at Glastonbury Festival and the sound track donated to the charity by The Black Keys.
In the video we encounter an inspiring young girl who lives in a dump in Cambodia. Despite the incredibly challenging circumstances, this child’s brilliance and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary.
The video focuses on an eight-year-old girl who, along with her brother, navigates the harsh realities of life in a dump.
Her days are filled with the search for recyclable materials to earn a meager income. However, her spirit remains unbroken, and her thirst for knowledge shines through.
Judge Judy on Fathers’ Rights to Their Children
BOOM! CACTUS IN THE FACE
4 dec 2012
As people are leaving the mall, they swing the door open right into a guy carrying a giant prickly cactus! It smacks into him, and the spines get stuck in his face! A new definition of “face plant” might be in order!
A presentation of JustForLaughsTV, the official Just For Laughs Gags YouTube channel. Home of the funniest, greatest, most amazing, most hilarious, win filled, comedy galore, hidden camera pranks in the world!