G'day Everyone.
It was bound to happen in life. Sooner or later. It would make the news. And it did.
Today's link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/07/31/lw.social.poaching/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
It was an article to "Social Poaching". Read it.
I'd like to draw from my own deaf experience which has a similar way of "social poaching". Deaf people do a lot of social poaching. It kind of natural in a deaf community. But, it's not fun. In many ways, it gets worse and leads to a bad experience and hurt feelings. It changes the social dynamics of the deaf community.
I've seen various ways of "social poaching". Here's a few examples:
Relationship Social poaching. Gay or straight, this happens often to almost everyone. When you are in a relationship with someone and you meet a new friend, you naturally introduce him to your boyfriend or Girlfriend as a friend. Right? What happens next? Your boyfriend / girlfriend has been socially nabbed by your "new" friend. (happened to me 4 times in life). Don't ask me how your relationship with your boyfriend / girlfriends stands after that.
Church ministry social poaching. I've seen and experienced this happen in my life. Pastors do a lot of work to keep the ministry together. But when one such person leaves the church and joins a new ministry, that person is going to miss the old ministry. This person will come back at special events and "poach" certain people to come and join his new ministry he's in. I know a church ministry lost an entire congregation by one person, who poached, to another church. It happens on a daily basis.
Roommate Social Poaching. How does this work? Simple. When I used to be involved in a church ministry, I used to be kind to my pastor that he could have any visitor to stay in my home with my roommates. Often, we set a time he could stay and when he must leave my home. That was ok. But at one time, my roommates and I had a person stay in our home. He took over our house. He poached my roommates to become "his roommates". He trashed my home. By that time, my roommates and I had to break up in order to protect our lives. He took one of my roommates for his "own" and eventually fled the state when his "roommate" finally turned on him. It became the last time our pastor would be able to place visitors in the home of his congregation and eventually start to put them in cheap flea bag motels.
Roommate social poaching happens among students in college too!
Social poaching is not new. It has been going on since humanity began in life. It doesn't happen overnight. It happens daily. Social Poachers are not out to hurt people. Not on an intentional basis. But when they do it, they need a gentle non-threatening reminder that they stole a friend from someone and should apologize for it. They ought to make things clear that they didn't want to break up the original friendship. But should offer to back off for a while and let things settle down between original friends. We all find ourselves in making a new circle of friends after a serious social poaching happens..
But in the cases of Church and Relationship social poaching? Dump the poacher and your friend. They were never your friend in the first place to start with. Life goes on and moves on.
Semper Fi.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Police abusing people? Good question.
G'day everyone!
There is a post written by Ridor in his usual rant about his stance against police again.
http://countdown2resurrection.wordpress.com/2008/07/30/17-again-do-not-trust-cops/
Now I do not blame Ridor for his fears and disgust. I have the same feelings of my own experiences and if a cop wants to talk to me, I'm alert for anything a cop may try to entrap me again.
Lately, my local newspaper: Sun-gazette, has been running a two day article of a major exposure about the subcontractors to the local police departments called "constables". What's a constable? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constable and http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constable.
Here's an example: http://www.constable.com/ of what a constable does. (it varies by location)
Basically, Constables are assistants to the law enforcements. Every local police departments have different duties and different works to help the local law enforcement in various states.
However, as my AP article goes in my newspaper, there are some ROUGE constables out there. Bullies with a gun and a badge. Some actually go beyond the limits of the power of the constables duties. There are some honest and hard working constables out there. But they want the bad apples taken out of duty.
So, Ridor ought to be careful out there. It isn't the police that are bad apples alone. It could be the local sheriff dept as well as the local constable.
You know, a few years ago, a small town near my hometown area had a local constable that nearly got re-elected every two years. He was the local bully. He loved to pull cars over on a whim and issue speeding tickets. But nobody had the guts to stand up to him. Just when it looked like the next election would make his 6th time in office firm, a scandal brought him down.
He fled town. People then got WAY ANGRY with township board. In effect, new rules about how the constable could work with the local police and sheriff dept were written and adopted. A new constable was voted in and hired.
This guy, not going to say his name, has told me personally that he is walking on egg-shells because he is being watched like a hawk of everything he does. He's got a long way to clean up the 'image' of what a constable is to do for the community. But, he's determined to be a good "cop assistant" (which is a good term for what he's doing). I wish the township board good luck in their lawsuit against the former constable. The relationship between the township people and it's local police department will take time to improve again.
Constables almost have the same power and authority as police departments. Some are honest as they are. They ought to be respected and obeyed. But some are bad seeds too. A lot need a training and mandatory background checks. They shouldn't be given a gun and badge if there's something bad about them.
I am in hopes that my own state, the Pennsylvania Legislature, will create an oversight agency that will over see every constable person in the state. It needs to be done before a person gets killed by a constable, whatever it be a mistake or intentional.
Semper Fi.
There is a post written by Ridor in his usual rant about his stance against police again.
http://countdown2resurrection.wordpress.com/2008/07/30/17-again-do-not-trust-cops/
Now I do not blame Ridor for his fears and disgust. I have the same feelings of my own experiences and if a cop wants to talk to me, I'm alert for anything a cop may try to entrap me again.
Lately, my local newspaper: Sun-gazette, has been running a two day article of a major exposure about the subcontractors to the local police departments called "constables". What's a constable? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constable and http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constable.
Here's an example: http://www.constable.com/ of what a constable does. (it varies by location)
Basically, Constables are assistants to the law enforcements. Every local police departments have different duties and different works to help the local law enforcement in various states.
However, as my AP article goes in my newspaper, there are some ROUGE constables out there. Bullies with a gun and a badge. Some actually go beyond the limits of the power of the constables duties. There are some honest and hard working constables out there. But they want the bad apples taken out of duty.
So, Ridor ought to be careful out there. It isn't the police that are bad apples alone. It could be the local sheriff dept as well as the local constable.
You know, a few years ago, a small town near my hometown area had a local constable that nearly got re-elected every two years. He was the local bully. He loved to pull cars over on a whim and issue speeding tickets. But nobody had the guts to stand up to him. Just when it looked like the next election would make his 6th time in office firm, a scandal brought him down.
He fled town. People then got WAY ANGRY with township board. In effect, new rules about how the constable could work with the local police and sheriff dept were written and adopted. A new constable was voted in and hired.
This guy, not going to say his name, has told me personally that he is walking on egg-shells because he is being watched like a hawk of everything he does. He's got a long way to clean up the 'image' of what a constable is to do for the community. But, he's determined to be a good "cop assistant" (which is a good term for what he's doing). I wish the township board good luck in their lawsuit against the former constable. The relationship between the township people and it's local police department will take time to improve again.
Constables almost have the same power and authority as police departments. Some are honest as they are. They ought to be respected and obeyed. But some are bad seeds too. A lot need a training and mandatory background checks. They shouldn't be given a gun and badge if there's something bad about them.
I am in hopes that my own state, the Pennsylvania Legislature, will create an oversight agency that will over see every constable person in the state. It needs to be done before a person gets killed by a constable, whatever it be a mistake or intentional.
Semper Fi.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The SHOT FIRED against A.G. Bell's NAME!
G'day Everyone!
Flash News! A. G. Bell's name has been officially been voted to be REMOVED from the Tower C dorm of NTID!
Please read: http://orangebrownrit.blogspot.com/2008/07/final-decision-to-remove-agbell-name.html
Today, the final shot has been heard around the NTID Community. A.G. Bell's name is going bye-bye and off it's wonderful perch from the NTID Tower C dorm. It was clear that the A.G.Bell organization did not send a representative to defend the name of the A. G. Bell name.
The efforts of the brave NTID students and it's alumni should be proud hold an intelligent discussions and make the passionate plea that the recommendation be made to Dr. Alan Hurwitz to have A.G. Bell's name be removed. Thus, today's post in the Orange Brown Coalition is a testament to that goal.
Will there be a response from the A. G. Bell Community? One friend of mine, who's a member of the the A.G. Bell organization, said this by IM: "Expect an answer from us to the NTID Community. We will make a response".
As the shot is vibrates throughout the NTID community, the focus is now shifting. Shortly, I believe we (the NTID students and the ALUMNI) will have to begin to discuss with Dr. Hurwitz, along with the RIT Board of Trustees, on the new name of the Tower C dorm of NTID.
Again, many congratulations go to Dr. Alan Hurwitz for his work!
SEMPER FI AND SALUTE!
Flash News! A. G. Bell's name has been officially been voted to be REMOVED from the Tower C dorm of NTID!
Please read: http://orangebrownrit.blogspot.com/2008/07/final-decision-to-remove-agbell-name.html
Today, the final shot has been heard around the NTID Community. A.G. Bell's name is going bye-bye and off it's wonderful perch from the NTID Tower C dorm. It was clear that the A.G.Bell organization did not send a representative to defend the name of the A. G. Bell name.
The efforts of the brave NTID students and it's alumni should be proud hold an intelligent discussions and make the passionate plea that the recommendation be made to Dr. Alan Hurwitz to have A.G. Bell's name be removed. Thus, today's post in the Orange Brown Coalition is a testament to that goal.
Will there be a response from the A. G. Bell Community? One friend of mine, who's a member of the the A.G. Bell organization, said this by IM: "Expect an answer from us to the NTID Community. We will make a response".
As the shot is vibrates throughout the NTID community, the focus is now shifting. Shortly, I believe we (the NTID students and the ALUMNI) will have to begin to discuss with Dr. Hurwitz, along with the RIT Board of Trustees, on the new name of the Tower C dorm of NTID.
Again, many congratulations go to Dr. Alan Hurwitz for his work!
SEMPER FI AND SALUTE!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Engagement: A promise to marriage or a path to quick get rich?
G'day Everyone.
Engagement. Ah, the bliss of life when two people decide on marriage or partnership through a proposal! That is union of man and woman, gay partners, and lesbians in love. Domestically, it's all so wonderful.
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE!! DON"T LOOK NOW!! HIDE THE PROPOSAL RING! FORGET ASKING HIM/HER!
Look at what "A Deaf Mom Shares Her World" wrote in her blog :
http://deafmomworld.com/thinking-of-breaking-up-you-might-get-sued/
and of course, the now famous news article: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/16966088/detail.html (it's also been shown on CNN)
and from here on out, does everyone get really cold feet and puts away the engagement rings and start calling up lawyers and say: " I got to draw up a pre-engagement release papers and pre-marriage papers before I propose to my girl friend or boyfriend"?? With that in hand, it'll be like an awkward moment of "My love.. you gotta sign some papers before I can propose to you".
How crazy does it get to be?
You know, engagements and marriage proposals are like an unwritten honor-bound contracts of which no court has ever touched for the thousands of years. It was a matter of trust between people.
Now comes along a woman. She takes her "emotional break up" with her boyfriend's decision and hires a lawyer and manages to PROFIT $150K for it from the decision of the jury.
$150 Thousand dollars just because the wedding was called off? That's a profit for her and her lawyer.
It throws everyone else's life right now into chaos. Pastors are afraid to support an engagement.
But I can bet you that the case will be appealed. If goes to the next court and it nulls this woman's award, she may wind up with NOTHING. It could wind up in the nation's HIGHEST COURT. Anything is possible in this lawsuit happy society.
You know what? I have a former pastor who broke my heart 4 times. He broke my 3 engagements and my boyfriend I wanted to be come permanent partner with. All because his wife demanded him to influence my girlfriends and my boyfriend. He got what he wanted to please his wife.
But it was I who had the last word in. I told him and warned him " If you mess with my engagement and my boyfriend, I'm not going down alone. You'll go along for the ride as well.". My ex-pastor thought it was a weak threat. Well, he did it. He influenced my girlfriend to break up with me and of my boyfriend, he told him I was cheating on him (I wasn't at all).
Well, his ministry came to an end once I told the senior pastor and the investigator found the charges were proved. Adios, you go out!
Since then, I was asked by a lawyer one time if I wanted to sue my pastor and his wife for what they did to me? Have you ever looked a lawyer in the eye and say with a firm conviction, "The day we can get blood from solid rock, then I'll consider it". Well, that day might be here. If a woman can get that very "blood" money off the failed engagement (marriage), then anyone will be demanding the same rights to sue for the break up of engagement against anyone who suggested it!! That's why they say "The floodgates of such lawsuits might be opening up if this very $150 thousand dollar judgement is upheld in a future court".
If it happens. marriage proposals could come to a dead halt. Everyone would be better off just to live without the worry of being married.
If we end the engagements, then the future of marriage comes to an end as well. I hope this lady enjoys her $150K money. If she was smart, she would have WAITED till she got MARRIED and then quit her job and moved. Oh.. one more thing. Be honest of all your debts. Don't hide it. Because if you do, you'll never get any other chance of being married to the next person.
Semper fi.
Engagement. Ah, the bliss of life when two people decide on marriage or partnership through a proposal! That is union of man and woman, gay partners, and lesbians in love. Domestically, it's all so wonderful.
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE!! DON"T LOOK NOW!! HIDE THE PROPOSAL RING! FORGET ASKING HIM/HER!
Look at what "A Deaf Mom Shares Her World" wrote in her blog :
http://deafmomworld.com/thinking-of-breaking-up-you-might-get-sued/
and of course, the now famous news article: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/16966088/detail.html (it's also been shown on CNN)
and from here on out, does everyone get really cold feet and puts away the engagement rings and start calling up lawyers and say: " I got to draw up a pre-engagement release papers and pre-marriage papers before I propose to my girl friend or boyfriend"?? With that in hand, it'll be like an awkward moment of "My love.. you gotta sign some papers before I can propose to you".
How crazy does it get to be?
You know, engagements and marriage proposals are like an unwritten honor-bound contracts of which no court has ever touched for the thousands of years. It was a matter of trust between people.
Now comes along a woman. She takes her "emotional break up" with her boyfriend's decision and hires a lawyer and manages to PROFIT $150K for it from the decision of the jury.
$150 Thousand dollars just because the wedding was called off? That's a profit for her and her lawyer.
It throws everyone else's life right now into chaos. Pastors are afraid to support an engagement.
But I can bet you that the case will be appealed. If goes to the next court and it nulls this woman's award, she may wind up with NOTHING. It could wind up in the nation's HIGHEST COURT. Anything is possible in this lawsuit happy society.
You know what? I have a former pastor who broke my heart 4 times. He broke my 3 engagements and my boyfriend I wanted to be come permanent partner with. All because his wife demanded him to influence my girlfriends and my boyfriend. He got what he wanted to please his wife.
But it was I who had the last word in. I told him and warned him " If you mess with my engagement and my boyfriend, I'm not going down alone. You'll go along for the ride as well.". My ex-pastor thought it was a weak threat. Well, he did it. He influenced my girlfriend to break up with me and of my boyfriend, he told him I was cheating on him (I wasn't at all).
Well, his ministry came to an end once I told the senior pastor and the investigator found the charges were proved. Adios, you go out!
Since then, I was asked by a lawyer one time if I wanted to sue my pastor and his wife for what they did to me? Have you ever looked a lawyer in the eye and say with a firm conviction, "The day we can get blood from solid rock, then I'll consider it". Well, that day might be here. If a woman can get that very "blood" money off the failed engagement (marriage), then anyone will be demanding the same rights to sue for the break up of engagement against anyone who suggested it!! That's why they say "The floodgates of such lawsuits might be opening up if this very $150 thousand dollar judgement is upheld in a future court".
If it happens. marriage proposals could come to a dead halt. Everyone would be better off just to live without the worry of being married.
If we end the engagements, then the future of marriage comes to an end as well. I hope this lady enjoys her $150K money. If she was smart, she would have WAITED till she got MARRIED and then quit her job and moved. Oh.. one more thing. Be honest of all your debts. Don't hide it. Because if you do, you'll never get any other chance of being married to the next person.
Semper fi.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Suicide? Don't do it!
G'day Everyone!
Late Friday night, my world was rocked by a friend of mine, during an on-line conversation, that he was seriously depressed and that he was considering of killing himself.
When I read what he was saying , I jumped. My fingers flew over the keyboard. I was doing everything that I could to persuade him NOT to kill himself. But he was resolute. Determined to finish himself off because nobody wanted to be his friend. Once he logged off-line, I went searching for his friends, determined to try to bring someone who could meet him at his place and get him professional help.
It's no joke. You don't go telling someone that you are thinking of killing yourself just because you have a bad day in your life. It's a SERIOUS decision. Once you tell someone that you are thinking of killing yourself, you are already starting down the path to the termination of the decision that will not only end your life, but affect everyone else around you.
Have you ever watched the discovery channel show : " TRAUMA: Life in the ER " on your cable network? I have. I have seen the results of a person brought into the ER after they done the attempts of a suicide. Some get saved and their lives (and bodies) are changed. Others just plain outright die right there on TV. It is a horrible thing to watch.
Go visit a mental health ward. I dare you. I have personally seen one when I visited a patient there. You will find some patients who attempted suicide and yet have been saved from that attempt. They are living with scars on their bodies. Some don't even have any type of brain or function left in them because they decided to end it all but got spared. Their life is changed. They are not the same person as they once were. What kind of life is that for them?
But what happens to the person who decides to kill himself and successfully dies? Look at this: http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0052/0052_01.asp
It gives you a serious heads up of what happens to a person when he/she dies himself without Christ. But for the believer who kills himself, you wind up in heaven ashamed. It's not solving all your problems. It's like leaving earth problems behind and wind up with a NEW set of problems. Eternity type of problems. Suicide solves nothing.
I have lost two friends to suicide. My life has been changed. So has my previous group of friends and their family. I have been to the two funerals for my friends who have committed suicide. Their families are still in shock and pain to this day. My former friends and I still wonder what more we could have done to help them? How could we miss the signs of suicide intents? What could have we done if we had that window of opportunity?
Don't dismiss someone who is thinking of suicide. Don't second guess a person. Don't think that waiting a day or a two that the person will be "OK" and snaps out of the suicidal thoughts.
Don't ever take that chance!!
My first friend, who died, my friends and I took a chance. We thought he was just having a bad day in his life. But when we heard the news, we all regretted it badly. It impacted us greatly.
The second suicide, it was my friend who wrote to me by snail mail. The most personal letter that I got from him that detailed of all his intents to commit suicide. Only that he lived just 2 hours away, yet it was 3 days too late (which was how slow the postal service was then). Just rush down along the road, police in tow, bashing down the front door and finding my friend's dead body. It is the hardest thing in the world to see and live through. The harder thing was telling his family.
Some of you may say: "If a person wants to kill themselves, let them. The world is better off with out them". I say NO!! If you don't value the life of a friend and friendship, then you are sadly mistaken. When it hits home to you, then you'll be the one asking questions of "what ifs" for the remainder of your life of you could have done for your friend.
Since then, I learned to recognize the signs of a suicidal person. If I hear one remark from some one that says something similar to what a friend of mine told me in a conversation: "I FEEL ITS TIME FOR ME SUICIDE" or any other thoughts of harming himself, I will act.
I would find our friends. I would do everything I can to get my friend PROFESSIONAL help. Even if it breaks friendship, I'm not going to let someone senselessly die over problems that can be solved. To every problem in this life, there are solutions for them!
But you, that is out there in either the deaf or hearing community, and you are reading this and you see your self in a position of suicide intent, let me tell you something. LIFE IS WORTH LIVING! Reach out to your local mental health counselor. CALL SOMEONE. The act of Suicide isn't pretty. The pain and suffering isn't worth it. You got problem, I understand that. But, tell someone you need professional help now. That's a simple act as calling 911 and they'll send you help. You will get better. We all need support to go through life's most worst personal storms.
Lastly: choose the will to live. Suicide IS NOT the answer. Suicide is NEVER the answer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
update:
After an uncertain 48 hours, my friend has been located and is being given professional help.
Late Friday night, my world was rocked by a friend of mine, during an on-line conversation, that he was seriously depressed and that he was considering of killing himself.
When I read what he was saying , I jumped. My fingers flew over the keyboard. I was doing everything that I could to persuade him NOT to kill himself. But he was resolute. Determined to finish himself off because nobody wanted to be his friend. Once he logged off-line, I went searching for his friends, determined to try to bring someone who could meet him at his place and get him professional help.
It's no joke. You don't go telling someone that you are thinking of killing yourself just because you have a bad day in your life. It's a SERIOUS decision. Once you tell someone that you are thinking of killing yourself, you are already starting down the path to the termination of the decision that will not only end your life, but affect everyone else around you.
Have you ever watched the discovery channel show : " TRAUMA: Life in the ER " on your cable network? I have. I have seen the results of a person brought into the ER after they done the attempts of a suicide. Some get saved and their lives (and bodies) are changed. Others just plain outright die right there on TV. It is a horrible thing to watch.
Go visit a mental health ward. I dare you. I have personally seen one when I visited a patient there. You will find some patients who attempted suicide and yet have been saved from that attempt. They are living with scars on their bodies. Some don't even have any type of brain or function left in them because they decided to end it all but got spared. Their life is changed. They are not the same person as they once were. What kind of life is that for them?
But what happens to the person who decides to kill himself and successfully dies? Look at this: http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0052/0052_01.asp
It gives you a serious heads up of what happens to a person when he/she dies himself without Christ. But for the believer who kills himself, you wind up in heaven ashamed. It's not solving all your problems. It's like leaving earth problems behind and wind up with a NEW set of problems. Eternity type of problems. Suicide solves nothing.
I have lost two friends to suicide. My life has been changed. So has my previous group of friends and their family. I have been to the two funerals for my friends who have committed suicide. Their families are still in shock and pain to this day. My former friends and I still wonder what more we could have done to help them? How could we miss the signs of suicide intents? What could have we done if we had that window of opportunity?
Don't dismiss someone who is thinking of suicide. Don't second guess a person. Don't think that waiting a day or a two that the person will be "OK" and snaps out of the suicidal thoughts.
Don't ever take that chance!!
My first friend, who died, my friends and I took a chance. We thought he was just having a bad day in his life. But when we heard the news, we all regretted it badly. It impacted us greatly.
The second suicide, it was my friend who wrote to me by snail mail. The most personal letter that I got from him that detailed of all his intents to commit suicide. Only that he lived just 2 hours away, yet it was 3 days too late (which was how slow the postal service was then). Just rush down along the road, police in tow, bashing down the front door and finding my friend's dead body. It is the hardest thing in the world to see and live through. The harder thing was telling his family.
Some of you may say: "If a person wants to kill themselves, let them. The world is better off with out them". I say NO!! If you don't value the life of a friend and friendship, then you are sadly mistaken. When it hits home to you, then you'll be the one asking questions of "what ifs" for the remainder of your life of you could have done for your friend.
Since then, I learned to recognize the signs of a suicidal person. If I hear one remark from some one that says something similar to what a friend of mine told me in a conversation: "I FEEL ITS TIME FOR ME SUICIDE" or any other thoughts of harming himself, I will act.
I would find our friends. I would do everything I can to get my friend PROFESSIONAL help. Even if it breaks friendship, I'm not going to let someone senselessly die over problems that can be solved. To every problem in this life, there are solutions for them!
But you, that is out there in either the deaf or hearing community, and you are reading this and you see your self in a position of suicide intent, let me tell you something. LIFE IS WORTH LIVING! Reach out to your local mental health counselor. CALL SOMEONE. The act of Suicide isn't pretty. The pain and suffering isn't worth it. You got problem, I understand that. But, tell someone you need professional help now. That's a simple act as calling 911 and they'll send you help. You will get better. We all need support to go through life's most worst personal storms.
Lastly: choose the will to live. Suicide IS NOT the answer. Suicide is NEVER the answer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
update:
After an uncertain 48 hours, my friend has been located and is being given professional help.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tom Neville ON TOUR!!
G'day Everyone!
I'm shocked. I just did a little web surfing and was wandering over to the asl expo site: http://www.aslexpo.com/. They're on a break until September 2008. So I was looking at the site until something caught my eye.
THE TOM NEVILLE SHOW?!?!?! Something told me that this is going to be big. I clicked on the advertisement and lo and behold : http://www.tomneville.com/ . Dive into that site. Everything you wanted to know about funny man Tom Neville is there!! I looked at the tour dates http://www.tomneville.com/html/schedule.html and he is ONE BUSY MAN!! I wonder if his airline mileage card will get a work out? No matter how he travels, it is going to be worth seeing this man on stage and watching him perform very well!
How does Tom Neville stack up to CJ Jones that I saw at the NTID Reunion? Hummm.. To be honest I'd like to see a Tom Neville vs CJ Jones show. That would be very interesting match up.
So if you live in an area of Tom Neville's tour schedule, I suggest you mark it on your calender, make it a night out with your friends or your date, and GO watch his show. You'll have a very happy and laughing evening.
Tom, May you have good fortune on your tour! Wishing you the best!
Semper FI!
I'm shocked. I just did a little web surfing and was wandering over to the asl expo site: http://www.aslexpo.com/. They're on a break until September 2008. So I was looking at the site until something caught my eye.
THE TOM NEVILLE SHOW?!?!?! Something told me that this is going to be big. I clicked on the advertisement and lo and behold : http://www.tomneville.com/ . Dive into that site. Everything you wanted to know about funny man Tom Neville is there!! I looked at the tour dates http://www.tomneville.com/html/schedule.html and he is ONE BUSY MAN!! I wonder if his airline mileage card will get a work out? No matter how he travels, it is going to be worth seeing this man on stage and watching him perform very well!
How does Tom Neville stack up to CJ Jones that I saw at the NTID Reunion? Hummm.. To be honest I'd like to see a Tom Neville vs CJ Jones show. That would be very interesting match up.
So if you live in an area of Tom Neville's tour schedule, I suggest you mark it on your calender, make it a night out with your friends or your date, and GO watch his show. You'll have a very happy and laughing evening.
Tom, May you have good fortune on your tour! Wishing you the best!
Semper FI!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Dark Knight (review)
G'day Everyone!
If there's open captions for the movie "The Dark Knight", I will tell you something.
First, GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE THE MOVIE!! The movie is nearly 3 hours long! You'll want to do this very much because it's kind of a long EPIC movie to see.
Now, I went last night to the theater and managed to pick a "light crowd" for the 9:45pm show. How lucky do I get? Very! I was shocked to know that they were showing an unedited LONG show. How nice of a timing do I get?
The movie is dark, violent, and at times, scary. This is NOT a movie for the younger kids or the faint of heart to see. It should be rated R or better yet NC-17. The younger kids do see other versions of Batman, but this one was too much. Especially for one poor kid who left crying and screaming 3/4th of the way of the movie.
In all his glory, Heath Ledger was playing his part of the joker to the extreme hilt. He was deadly. A maniac. A very disturbed man who looked like he was well on his way to hell. He could have been killed off (as Jack Nicholson was in another batman movie). I'd nominate an oscar for his performance very much.
Scarecrow is in the movie. Harvey Dent is well played by a guy who looks very much like Robert Redford. How he becomes Two-Face, you'd have to see for yourself! He's more scary than the joker is and demented as well.
I'm not going to tell you the main plots of the movie. It's still too new out there. But, as I will say this: HANG ON TO YOUR SEAT!! Because as scary and violent this movie is, I will advise again, DON'T BRING KIDS TO THIS MOVIE. No matter how much kids do pleads, wait for the DVD next year.
One last thing: Coming in Summer 2009.. T4. Yep. You guessed it. Another Terminator movie. But this T4 is the end of the Terminator series. T4: "TERMINATOR SALVATION". The fight for the earth's final battle in the robotic wars begins. wow.
And.. Another BOND movie is coming out this fall as well. It picks up where Casino Royale left off. Whoa. Bond is Bond but he's way angry. DUCK!
So that's what I understand of. If anyone knows where "The Dark Knight" is playing with open captions, please post in the comments.
Semper FI!
If there's open captions for the movie "The Dark Knight", I will tell you something.
First, GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE THE MOVIE!! The movie is nearly 3 hours long! You'll want to do this very much because it's kind of a long EPIC movie to see.
Now, I went last night to the theater and managed to pick a "light crowd" for the 9:45pm show. How lucky do I get? Very! I was shocked to know that they were showing an unedited LONG show. How nice of a timing do I get?
The movie is dark, violent, and at times, scary. This is NOT a movie for the younger kids or the faint of heart to see. It should be rated R or better yet NC-17. The younger kids do see other versions of Batman, but this one was too much. Especially for one poor kid who left crying and screaming 3/4th of the way of the movie.
In all his glory, Heath Ledger was playing his part of the joker to the extreme hilt. He was deadly. A maniac. A very disturbed man who looked like he was well on his way to hell. He could have been killed off (as Jack Nicholson was in another batman movie). I'd nominate an oscar for his performance very much.
Scarecrow is in the movie. Harvey Dent is well played by a guy who looks very much like Robert Redford. How he becomes Two-Face, you'd have to see for yourself! He's more scary than the joker is and demented as well.
I'm not going to tell you the main plots of the movie. It's still too new out there. But, as I will say this: HANG ON TO YOUR SEAT!! Because as scary and violent this movie is, I will advise again, DON'T BRING KIDS TO THIS MOVIE. No matter how much kids do pleads, wait for the DVD next year.
One last thing: Coming in Summer 2009.. T4. Yep. You guessed it. Another Terminator movie. But this T4 is the end of the Terminator series. T4: "TERMINATOR SALVATION". The fight for the earth's final battle in the robotic wars begins. wow.
And.. Another BOND movie is coming out this fall as well. It picks up where Casino Royale left off. Whoa. Bond is Bond but he's way angry. DUCK!
So that's what I understand of. If anyone knows where "The Dark Knight" is playing with open captions, please post in the comments.
Semper FI!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Police Traps in PA!
G'day Everyone!
I just got an e-mail from a trusted friend of mine who's warning everyone about what's happening with the Local police and the PA State Police Department. If any one is driving through PA on the major high ways and you find yourself heading into a CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONE, PLEASE SLOW RIGHT DOWN!
Here's the WARNING of WHY you should slow down:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is absolutely true !!
Look out for Penn DOT (Department of Transportation) trucks parked along the road or appearing behind you pacing you. (That is to say following you) It could be a PA State Trooper driving the truck.
It is called 'Operation Yellow Jacket' and will be off and on all summer long, and each district area (Penn DOT district ) has a truck cleaned up and ready to go!
Starting today, Pennsylvania will launch a 30 day speeding ticket frenzy. The state estimates that 9 million dollars will be generated in speeding tickets. $1 million will go to pay state troopers' overtime. There will be 50 state troopers on duty at all times patrolling the 9 main intersections and highways.
They are the following:
Routes. 1 north and south
PA-220
I-99 north and south
I-95 north and south
I-279 north and south
I-276 east and west
I-376 east and west
I-76 east and west
I-80 east and west
I-79 north and south
I-70 east and west
Route PA-60
Route PA-66
Route US-22 & 322
5 mph up and above the limit can justify a ticket and every state trooper is supposed to pull a car over and write a ticket every 10 to 20 minutes. They have issued 30 brand new unmarked Dodge Charger Police cruisers and are bringing in all of their part timers on full time.
Driving Ticket fine increases in PA: Starting on August 15th, the price of a ticket for violation of PA Law 39:3-29 (failure to show your driver's license, registration, or insurance card at the time you are stopped) is going from $44.00 to $173.00 Please make sure your vehicles have the proper documents in them.
If you jump in the car to run to the store and forget your wallet with your Driver's license in it and you are stopped.... Oh well... you have just spent $173. And the fine for not having all three documents is $519!!!
Make sure everyone knows about this!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, with that being said, there are a lot of construction zones going on in PA at the present time. Please lighten the lead foot off the gas pedal and drive at the proper speed. What you need to remember the most is every time you do get a speeding ticket, your insurance company gets notified as well and it gives them the justification to raise your insurance rates at the next renewal time.
So please. SLOW DOWN in the construction zones. Don't give the cops a chance to bust you. Drive responsible.
Thanks and Semper FI!!
I just got an e-mail from a trusted friend of mine who's warning everyone about what's happening with the Local police and the PA State Police Department. If any one is driving through PA on the major high ways and you find yourself heading into a CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONE, PLEASE SLOW RIGHT DOWN!
Here's the WARNING of WHY you should slow down:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is absolutely true !!
Look out for Penn DOT (Department of Transportation) trucks parked along the road or appearing behind you pacing you. (That is to say following you) It could be a PA State Trooper driving the truck.
It is called 'Operation Yellow Jacket' and will be off and on all summer long, and each district area (Penn DOT district ) has a truck cleaned up and ready to go!
Starting today, Pennsylvania will launch a 30 day speeding ticket frenzy. The state estimates that 9 million dollars will be generated in speeding tickets. $1 million will go to pay state troopers' overtime. There will be 50 state troopers on duty at all times patrolling the 9 main intersections and highways.
They are the following:
Routes. 1 north and south
PA-220
I-99 north and south
I-95 north and south
I-279 north and south
I-276 east and west
I-376 east and west
I-76 east and west
I-80 east and west
I-79 north and south
I-70 east and west
Route PA-60
Route PA-66
Route US-22 & 322
5 mph up and above the limit can justify a ticket and every state trooper is supposed to pull a car over and write a ticket every 10 to 20 minutes. They have issued 30 brand new unmarked Dodge Charger Police cruisers and are bringing in all of their part timers on full time.
Driving Ticket fine increases in PA: Starting on August 15th, the price of a ticket for violation of PA Law 39:3-29 (failure to show your driver's license, registration, or insurance card at the time you are stopped) is going from $44.00 to $173.00 Please make sure your vehicles have the proper documents in them.
If you jump in the car to run to the store and forget your wallet with your Driver's license in it and you are stopped.... Oh well... you have just spent $173. And the fine for not having all three documents is $519!!!
Make sure everyone knows about this!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, with that being said, there are a lot of construction zones going on in PA at the present time. Please lighten the lead foot off the gas pedal and drive at the proper speed. What you need to remember the most is every time you do get a speeding ticket, your insurance company gets notified as well and it gives them the justification to raise your insurance rates at the next renewal time.
So please. SLOW DOWN in the construction zones. Don't give the cops a chance to bust you. Drive responsible.
Thanks and Semper FI!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Staying and blogging.
G'day Everyone!
First, thanks to many people who answered an unspoken prayer request for the son of our fellow blogger who underwent a successful major surgery a few days ago. He is recovering nicely and is expected to be home soon. Again, many thanks.
Meanwhile, I have made a decision to stay with deaf read and support them. There was a reason for it. Part of that reason was Tayler Mayer's post that he put out a day after the firestorm broke loose and not long after Joey Baer officially left deaf read himself. See Tayler's post : http://www.deafread.com/blog/?p=231.
In all of this, I think the editors of deaf read are trying to get ALL of us work together as a Blog and Vlog deaf community. They're not responsible for the content that we write in our blog and vlogs. But they got a right of discretion of whatever to allow a post be made on to the deaf read list.
Deaf Read could certainly use an improvement in their site and make some changes to work better. Improving a web page doesn't always say it would look better. But just to help the readers more in selection of the correct web page content that they'd like to read often.
On the same note, more bloggers and vloggers are leaving as well. It's also for their own personal reasons that they have for themselves. I wish them success if they ever decide to continue on their own site personally.
So for now, onward bloggers. We got a job to do of our own.
Till next time, Semper FI!
First, thanks to many people who answered an unspoken prayer request for the son of our fellow blogger who underwent a successful major surgery a few days ago. He is recovering nicely and is expected to be home soon. Again, many thanks.
Meanwhile, I have made a decision to stay with deaf read and support them. There was a reason for it. Part of that reason was Tayler Mayer's post that he put out a day after the firestorm broke loose and not long after Joey Baer officially left deaf read himself. See Tayler's post : http://www.deafread.com/blog/?p=231.
In all of this, I think the editors of deaf read are trying to get ALL of us work together as a Blog and Vlog deaf community. They're not responsible for the content that we write in our blog and vlogs. But they got a right of discretion of whatever to allow a post be made on to the deaf read list.
Deaf Read could certainly use an improvement in their site and make some changes to work better. Improving a web page doesn't always say it would look better. But just to help the readers more in selection of the correct web page content that they'd like to read often.
On the same note, more bloggers and vloggers are leaving as well. It's also for their own personal reasons that they have for themselves. I wish them success if they ever decide to continue on their own site personally.
So for now, onward bloggers. We got a job to do of our own.
Till next time, Semper FI!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Personal Post day.
G'day Everyone!
I wanted to make another personal post today to my readers out there. It's one of those days I wanted to personally say something and hope it won't be misunderstood in any way possible.
Lately, I'm kind of concerned about how deaf read has been acting lately. It seems like we've lost all the type of hype of the late RIDOR, who hasn't posted in a long time. It seems like we're heading into another direction on Deaf Read. First, Deaf Read booted out one person off it's pages. Then it struck at another blogger as well. Were the actions justified? I don't know. I didn't get involved because I didn't want to stir up a firestorm out there.
But now it comes to Joey Baer's announcement of leaving deaf read as well. I've also heard from another blogger is also leaving deaf read in a quiet way. Where are they going? Well, you'd have to ask them. They're heading for a RIVAL deaf read type of a group listing area.
Some other bloggers have asked me to join in UNITY on that rival deaf read listing.
Now that's putting me on the spot. Should I? I don't think so. At the present, I think I'm going to stay with Deaf Read and just keep on blogging. It's not that I don't necessary support deaf read. But I enjoy deaf read because of the listing of various blogs and vlogs that line up to be read in our deaf community. But yes, Deaf Read editors do need a bit more moral and ethics in their life as well. It should be fair and just for everyone to be able to share opinions among the deaf community in their blog and vlog posts.
In other concerns, I'm praying for the son of a blogger who going to be having major surgery on Wednesday (today). It's very major. Very scary as well. So I'm asking for all of my readers to please send up an unspoken prayer for this young man. I don't want to reveal of who it is. I just prefer at this time that we all pray for him that he'll come through this operation very well.
OK?
For now.. Semper FI.
I wanted to make another personal post today to my readers out there. It's one of those days I wanted to personally say something and hope it won't be misunderstood in any way possible.
Lately, I'm kind of concerned about how deaf read has been acting lately. It seems like we've lost all the type of hype of the late RIDOR, who hasn't posted in a long time. It seems like we're heading into another direction on Deaf Read. First, Deaf Read booted out one person off it's pages. Then it struck at another blogger as well. Were the actions justified? I don't know. I didn't get involved because I didn't want to stir up a firestorm out there.
But now it comes to Joey Baer's announcement of leaving deaf read as well. I've also heard from another blogger is also leaving deaf read in a quiet way. Where are they going? Well, you'd have to ask them. They're heading for a RIVAL deaf read type of a group listing area.
Some other bloggers have asked me to join in UNITY on that rival deaf read listing.
Now that's putting me on the spot. Should I? I don't think so. At the present, I think I'm going to stay with Deaf Read and just keep on blogging. It's not that I don't necessary support deaf read. But I enjoy deaf read because of the listing of various blogs and vlogs that line up to be read in our deaf community. But yes, Deaf Read editors do need a bit more moral and ethics in their life as well. It should be fair and just for everyone to be able to share opinions among the deaf community in their blog and vlog posts.
In other concerns, I'm praying for the son of a blogger who going to be having major surgery on Wednesday (today). It's very major. Very scary as well. So I'm asking for all of my readers to please send up an unspoken prayer for this young man. I don't want to reveal of who it is. I just prefer at this time that we all pray for him that he'll come through this operation very well.
OK?
For now.. Semper FI.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Trust in the deaf community?
G'day Everyone..
Trust. Respect. Understanding. Those are big names that we commonly use every day whatever it be used in a business manner or in personal conversations. It's used by hearing and Deaf people.
But some how, I get the feeling the trust is GONE among the members of the deaf community. WHY? Look at all the big name organizations that been posturing (and anti-posturing) to speak on various issues that are happening in our deaf community: NAD, A.G.Bell, and DBC. (it also includes any anti-DBC/NAD/and AGBell groups as well).
They all appear to represent interests in the deaf community. Right? Wrong.
We all got our opinions. We all start coming out with various facts and anti-facts of for/against each other. So it seems like we've all gone the way like rabid cats and dogs in fighting with each other. We all can't agree. But we have to respect each other's opinions as well. (Don't get me started into my junk yard dog anger here. I'm already upset enough).
So how long does it take to rebuild Trust, Respect, and Understanding among the members in the deaf and hearing communities? It doesn't happen over night. It takes a while. It depends on how deep the issues are happening affect the community
Just as much as many years ago, the deaf community fought against the hearing community over the promotion of hearing aids that do help some hearing impaired deaf people. It took time to respect and understanding that deaf people could benefit from hearing aids. It brought about changes in our deaf community. We agreed on one thing. If we took off that hearing aid, we're still deaf. We still speak in Sign Language. That's the main clear principal.
Now, we're going through the same thing again. The affects of deaf babies being installed CI after getting informed that a CI is better than sign language. It creates way hard feelings in the deaf community. Especially for the very person, who invented the CI in the first place.
The people who invented the CI should have considered and investigated the possible reactions in the deaf community before getting the FDA approvals. I hate seeing deaf babies installed with CI on them. How is their future status in the deaf community itself? In a way, rough.
I feel like we've divided into various groups among our community alone:
Deaf- Sign Language.
Deaf- Non-Sign Language.
Deaf- CI.
Deaf- Non- CI.
Deaf- Hearing aids.
Deaf- Non-Hearing aids.
and just deaf.
Whatever happened to just calling ourselves Deaf Community and Hearing Community?
Ahh, there's the fracture and there's the rub, right?
So what do we do?
What sort of path to unity do we all start carving out and working together for it?
Should we have one big Deaf convention and invite all the pro/con DBC, NAD, and AGBells out there and sit down and work out some type of "peace pact" where we can work on every issue in the deaf community? Get one "pact" done and everyone goes home happy?
Good idea right? Ahh, there's my rub on me. It's just an opinion and a suggestion of mine. I expect nobody to take me seriously.
*heavy sigh*
Give me back just two different communities that we had before:
The hearing community and Deaf Community.
Two different types of community trying to work together to make life easier for each other on various levels.
Just don't call names.
Just treat us with respect and understanding.
Time will only tell if TRUST ever comes back to us again.
Semper fi
Trust. Respect. Understanding. Those are big names that we commonly use every day whatever it be used in a business manner or in personal conversations. It's used by hearing and Deaf people.
But some how, I get the feeling the trust is GONE among the members of the deaf community. WHY? Look at all the big name organizations that been posturing (and anti-posturing) to speak on various issues that are happening in our deaf community: NAD, A.G.Bell, and DBC. (it also includes any anti-DBC/NAD/and AGBell groups as well).
They all appear to represent interests in the deaf community. Right? Wrong.
We all got our opinions. We all start coming out with various facts and anti-facts of for/against each other. So it seems like we've all gone the way like rabid cats and dogs in fighting with each other. We all can't agree. But we have to respect each other's opinions as well. (Don't get me started into my junk yard dog anger here. I'm already upset enough).
So how long does it take to rebuild Trust, Respect, and Understanding among the members in the deaf and hearing communities? It doesn't happen over night. It takes a while. It depends on how deep the issues are happening affect the community
Just as much as many years ago, the deaf community fought against the hearing community over the promotion of hearing aids that do help some hearing impaired deaf people. It took time to respect and understanding that deaf people could benefit from hearing aids. It brought about changes in our deaf community. We agreed on one thing. If we took off that hearing aid, we're still deaf. We still speak in Sign Language. That's the main clear principal.
Now, we're going through the same thing again. The affects of deaf babies being installed CI after getting informed that a CI is better than sign language. It creates way hard feelings in the deaf community. Especially for the very person, who invented the CI in the first place.
The people who invented the CI should have considered and investigated the possible reactions in the deaf community before getting the FDA approvals. I hate seeing deaf babies installed with CI on them. How is their future status in the deaf community itself? In a way, rough.
I feel like we've divided into various groups among our community alone:
Deaf- Sign Language.
Deaf- Non-Sign Language.
Deaf- CI.
Deaf- Non- CI.
Deaf- Hearing aids.
Deaf- Non-Hearing aids.
and just deaf.
Whatever happened to just calling ourselves Deaf Community and Hearing Community?
Ahh, there's the fracture and there's the rub, right?
So what do we do?
What sort of path to unity do we all start carving out and working together for it?
Should we have one big Deaf convention and invite all the pro/con DBC, NAD, and AGBells out there and sit down and work out some type of "peace pact" where we can work on every issue in the deaf community? Get one "pact" done and everyone goes home happy?
Good idea right? Ahh, there's my rub on me. It's just an opinion and a suggestion of mine. I expect nobody to take me seriously.
*heavy sigh*
Give me back just two different communities that we had before:
The hearing community and Deaf Community.
Two different types of community trying to work together to make life easier for each other on various levels.
Just don't call names.
Just treat us with respect and understanding.
Time will only tell if TRUST ever comes back to us again.
Semper fi
Sunday, July 13, 2008
BERKE, DBCFacts, and AIM convos.
G'day everyone!
Can I say SHOCKED? Ah yes, I can.
When Berke ran something of a MAJOR FIRESTORM on her blog that involves DBC Facts and AIM convos : http://berkeoutspoken.blogspot.com/2008/07/where-is-sense-of-decency.html , http://www.dbcfacts.com/aimA1.shtml , and http://www.dbcfacts.com/index.shtml
(I posted most of these links so that you'd get the idea of what Berke really means to talk about)
I have sat OUTRAGED at my desk here. My first impression of DBC Facts is a very outrage of doing something very unethical. My first question would be to them is: Did they get permission of everyone involved in the AIM conversations that the AIM chat room conversations can be made Public? If so, they better have a REAL, HONEST-TO-GOD-NOTARIZED hard copy legal paper that everyone listed on the aim chat acknowledges that their entire conversation would be posted for all to see.
If not: Posting some thing that would undermine the Deaf Bilingual Coalition group's efforts to get the message across is like showing something of an ugly underside of what's really happening among DBC members. Something that the public isn't meant to see very often.
IMHO: it's unethical, vexatious, and opens the DBC libel and slander lawsuits by people, who's aim conversations that once thought were private and non-public, who have been injured by the public disclosure of such conversations.
Why does DBC FACTs blog do this kind of thing? This does not really unify the deaf community. This comes at a time when DBC is taking on A.G. Bell on many issues.
Sadly to say, Berke is right. Some one who runs the DBC Fact site should have made every effort to SHIELD AIM Screen names and e-mail addresses from the general public, but leave the actual part of the conversation going public. The idea is to "protect the source of information". But since DBC FACTs didn't do that, as berke indicates, then it opens up into a whole new ball game.
If DBC FACTS blog had been a lot like DEAF READ, where they can point out of where who's posting such "TRUTH ABOUT DBC FACTS" (which includes the AIM conversations), then they would not have been in a position where they'll have to cough up so many documents, emails, and name who they got it from, etc, etc.
If lawyers come calling on the author of the DBC Facts Blog, he/she better be ready to work with their own lawyer and defend themselves. Even shutting down DBC Facts Blog would be an ideal time now to let cooler heads prevail.
Personally, at this point, I feel the deaf community is being divided farther by DBC Facts Blog rather than trying to unify our deaf community. By the time this blows over, it's going to be more of AG Bell thanking DBC Facts Blog for helping them win out over DBC. That's sad.
It's a sad time for our community.
No semper fi today. I'm just too angry and shocked.
But Salute to Berke Outspoken for her work.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
Of course that this has been around for a while. But I wanted to clear what Jamie was trying to say: It's a question of ethics of posting people's Screen names from a chat room or IM conversation in a public blog or web pages. Whatever if someone says "it's ok " or given implied consent in an e-mail to post it on a web page, it's better that you, the author of the blog, have a real, notarized paper that can be scanned into a web page that shows who gave real consent to have their SNs posted in a public manner. Did DBC Facts blog do that? NO.
I've been informed that the DBC Facts Blog just recently withdrew the information from their web page and turned around and said : "if you want to see the conversations, ask us and we'll send it out by e-mail." (see info: http://www.dbcfacts.com/aimA1.shtml ).
I think that is in poor taste. It's still the same idea of sharing SNs to many people. It's still unethical. I just wish DBC Facts blog would not pass around people's SN to others. It should remove the SNs, but keep the conversations to show the facts. Exposing the DBC people to the public is creating just more problems for them.
So there's two things I want to say:
1. DBC needs to get it's act together and reorganize. The importance of their work crucial to their organization. If they can't work together to represent the deaf community, then disband.
2. I don't have a thing for Jamie Berke. She's a good friend of mine. I just wanted to clear up what she was trying to say and make it clear for her. I just wanted to support her work.
OK? Thanks.
Sherlock.
Can I say SHOCKED? Ah yes, I can.
When Berke ran something of a MAJOR FIRESTORM on her blog that involves DBC Facts and AIM convos : http://berkeoutspoken.blogspot.com/2008/07/where-is-sense-of-decency.html , http://www.dbcfacts.com/aimA1.shtml , and http://www.dbcfacts.com/index.shtml
(I posted most of these links so that you'd get the idea of what Berke really means to talk about)
I have sat OUTRAGED at my desk here. My first impression of DBC Facts is a very outrage of doing something very unethical. My first question would be to them is: Did they get permission of everyone involved in the AIM conversations that the AIM chat room conversations can be made Public? If so, they better have a REAL, HONEST-TO-GOD-NOTARIZED hard copy legal paper that everyone listed on the aim chat acknowledges that their entire conversation would be posted for all to see.
If not: Posting some thing that would undermine the Deaf Bilingual Coalition group's efforts to get the message across is like showing something of an ugly underside of what's really happening among DBC members. Something that the public isn't meant to see very often.
IMHO: it's unethical, vexatious, and opens the DBC libel and slander lawsuits by people, who's aim conversations that once thought were private and non-public, who have been injured by the public disclosure of such conversations.
Why does DBC FACTs blog do this kind of thing? This does not really unify the deaf community. This comes at a time when DBC is taking on A.G. Bell on many issues.
Sadly to say, Berke is right. Some one who runs the DBC Fact site should have made every effort to SHIELD AIM Screen names and e-mail addresses from the general public, but leave the actual part of the conversation going public. The idea is to "protect the source of information". But since DBC FACTs didn't do that, as berke indicates, then it opens up into a whole new ball game.
If DBC FACTS blog had been a lot like DEAF READ, where they can point out of where who's posting such "TRUTH ABOUT DBC FACTS" (which includes the AIM conversations), then they would not have been in a position where they'll have to cough up so many documents, emails, and name who they got it from, etc, etc.
If lawyers come calling on the author of the DBC Facts Blog, he/she better be ready to work with their own lawyer and defend themselves. Even shutting down DBC Facts Blog would be an ideal time now to let cooler heads prevail.
Personally, at this point, I feel the deaf community is being divided farther by DBC Facts Blog rather than trying to unify our deaf community. By the time this blows over, it's going to be more of AG Bell thanking DBC Facts Blog for helping them win out over DBC. That's sad.
It's a sad time for our community.
No semper fi today. I'm just too angry and shocked.
But Salute to Berke Outspoken for her work.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
Of course that this has been around for a while. But I wanted to clear what Jamie was trying to say: It's a question of ethics of posting people's Screen names from a chat room or IM conversation in a public blog or web pages. Whatever if someone says "it's ok " or given implied consent in an e-mail to post it on a web page, it's better that you, the author of the blog, have a real, notarized paper that can be scanned into a web page that shows who gave real consent to have their SNs posted in a public manner. Did DBC Facts blog do that? NO.
I've been informed that the DBC Facts Blog just recently withdrew the information from their web page and turned around and said : "if you want to see the conversations, ask us and we'll send it out by e-mail." (see info: http://www.dbcfacts.com/aimA1.shtml ).
I think that is in poor taste. It's still the same idea of sharing SNs to many people. It's still unethical. I just wish DBC Facts blog would not pass around people's SN to others. It should remove the SNs, but keep the conversations to show the facts. Exposing the DBC people to the public is creating just more problems for them.
So there's two things I want to say:
1. DBC needs to get it's act together and reorganize. The importance of their work crucial to their organization. If they can't work together to represent the deaf community, then disband.
2. I don't have a thing for Jamie Berke. She's a good friend of mine. I just wanted to clear up what she was trying to say and make it clear for her. I just wanted to support her work.
OK? Thanks.
Sherlock.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Faire weekend!
G'day Everyone!
Well, most of us have spent the week roasting in the sun, avoiding wild fires, and praying that storms are not bad as they should be and hope for gentle rain.
A lot has been going on in the NAD convention this week and I'm thinking of attending the next one in the future. I've heard a lot of great things have been happening down there in New Orleans area.
Here in PA, some of the counties are having fairs going on. Carnivals are running across the states. Local baseball games are happening. But now, Pennsylvania is gearing up for the next BIG event that will happen in my hometown in a month from now: Little League World Series (LLWS). LLWS is a big event that draws many people in from around the world. Only one problem they'll have this year. Flying in! My local airport has limited flights and it looks like those who are coming to the LLWS will have to travel in by BUS and CAR. I wish them luck. AND, if they were hope to grab a hotel across the street from the LLWS, it's gone. Demolished after the last owner failed to take care of the place. YIPES! But the month of August should be interesting once the LLWS gets into full swing. ABC Sports and ESPN will be in town again as usual.
Last night, I went to the movies. I loved the movie: Wall-e. It was pretty laughable. It certainly made Al Gore's dream of what would happen to the earth if we trashed it completely. But the BEST movie of the year is coming up: THE DARK KNIGHT (Batman 2008). This is suppose to be the best of the best of all batman movies and picks up where the original started. How good will this be? I'd say some of the best acting by the late Heath Ledger will be very interesting to watch! The next batman movie hits July 18th. Coming in the FALL 2008, another James Bond is coming out. This is also suppose to be a good one!
Well, the weekend is here and I'm going to relax in my yard. I'll be thinking of everyone out there.
Semper FI.
Well, most of us have spent the week roasting in the sun, avoiding wild fires, and praying that storms are not bad as they should be and hope for gentle rain.
A lot has been going on in the NAD convention this week and I'm thinking of attending the next one in the future. I've heard a lot of great things have been happening down there in New Orleans area.
Here in PA, some of the counties are having fairs going on. Carnivals are running across the states. Local baseball games are happening. But now, Pennsylvania is gearing up for the next BIG event that will happen in my hometown in a month from now: Little League World Series (LLWS). LLWS is a big event that draws many people in from around the world. Only one problem they'll have this year. Flying in! My local airport has limited flights and it looks like those who are coming to the LLWS will have to travel in by BUS and CAR. I wish them luck. AND, if they were hope to grab a hotel across the street from the LLWS, it's gone. Demolished after the last owner failed to take care of the place. YIPES! But the month of August should be interesting once the LLWS gets into full swing. ABC Sports and ESPN will be in town again as usual.
Last night, I went to the movies. I loved the movie: Wall-e. It was pretty laughable. It certainly made Al Gore's dream of what would happen to the earth if we trashed it completely. But the BEST movie of the year is coming up: THE DARK KNIGHT (Batman 2008). This is suppose to be the best of the best of all batman movies and picks up where the original started. How good will this be? I'd say some of the best acting by the late Heath Ledger will be very interesting to watch! The next batman movie hits July 18th. Coming in the FALL 2008, another James Bond is coming out. This is also suppose to be a good one!
Well, the weekend is here and I'm going to relax in my yard. I'll be thinking of everyone out there.
Semper FI.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
One POWERFUL statement
G'day everyone!
Today, you need to read a web page. It's very POWERFUL. It's a TOUGH message that everyone, whatever they are in AGBELL or in DBC to read today.
Here it is: http://www.xanga.com/dianrez
Now I want to add to what's being said. I also have a fury at AG Bell for promoting CIs and non-ASL babies to grow up in Childhood without signs. AG Bell's influence is just about everywhere. Even in the public education systems. But their influence is concentrated more when it comes to special education schools.
When I was growing up, I was rejected by deaf schools because I could hear with a hearing aid very well and I was a candidate to be put into an ORAL school. But where I lived at that time, NO oral deaf school was available. I lived in Rochester NY area as a kid. I was shuffled into Lester B. Forman Center, which was a special education school designed to take handicapped kids. But this was where about 5 of us deaf kids fell through the NY State Education system cracks.
One of the most shocking revelations I had heard some years ago when I interviewed a staff member, for the purpose of my mainstream diary book I'm working on, about some of the facts that parents were DISCOURAGED from sending their kids out of the area. WHY? Because, they wanted to teach us, deaf kids, the "AGBELL" agenda of oralism. We, the 5 deaf kids in this "special education" school, were to become the "test students" for deaf mainstream education into public schools. How successful were we? Look at the results in the years later. Deaf Mainstream education is working in the public schools. Deaf kids have been able to demand for interpreters in the classrooms. They have been fortunate. We, the "test students", have been forgotten and cast aside in the name of VICTORY by those who support the AGBell's ideals.
The biggest revelation that I was told that parents were lied to about the quality of life in deaf schools outside the area. They were told that we would be WILD kids. They were told that we'd grow up in a deaf culture that wouldn't listen to their hearing family. They were told that if we were sent to a deaf school, we wouldn't be able to make it in a hearing world. They were told we would struggle obtain happiness in a hearing society and that we would be ignored for the rest of our lives. The only hope was to force us to be included into the ORAL society. We were taught to be loved and protected from the evils of the deaf schools.
How kind was that AGBELL idealism. It doesn't work! Everything that Dianrez wrote in her blog has made it a POWERFUL statement about my life of which I grew up in. Even as an adult, it still happens. I still get excluded out of family functions. I still get excluded out of events so important that by the time I'm asked for my opinions, the event is already over, but they find my ideals much important and interesting that it's jot down if the next event happens again. How nice. NOT!
Some months ago, my mom asked me a question. It was a quality of life education question. She asked me how I felt about my years of education. I told her "It was ROUGH". When she asked me if it would have made a difference of being sent to a deaf school, I replied "YES! It would have balanced out my life.". Then I told her all the benefits I would have gotten if I was sent to the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) on the campus of Gallaudet University. When I told her of the truth about, her eyes went wide and I tell she was lied to about my benefits of my education if I went to MSSD. When I asked her why she didn't send me to MSSD, she said: "The distance was too great and I loved you too much to let you go".
I told her and said: "I have missed out in a DEAF childhood and being forced to be an oral child hasn't made life any easier".
I get often told that I have "best of both worlds". That's not always true. Having "best of both worlds" doesn't make life any easier for me or anyone else.
One thing is true very much. Hearing friends abandon their deaf friends whenever they can. I had some wonderful hearing friends that I grew up in my mainstream days, but haven't reached out to me since high school. I have one or two hearing friends that have kept in contact since high school. But I am thankful for a strong group of deaf friends that I've made in my days at NTID and at Gallaudet University.
Perhaps, we do, as a deaf community, have to educate our own family members about deafness. It's not necessary a bad thing to view. Sign Language and hearing aids are a good combination for a deaf child to grow up with. That's what keeps a family together.
At this point, we got a lot of healing to do and helping our hearing relatives. Maybe DBC does need to heal first before they attack AGBell so often. On the other hand, AG Bell needs to back down on promoting their "solutions" for deaf babies and come up with a better quality of life ideas. CIs are not the solution on deaf babies. SIGN LANGUAGE is.
Maybe it's also time for DBC to take a good look at the quality of life that is happening in our deaf schools and deaf clubs and SUGGEST IMPROVEMENT in those areas so that we can reach out and serve both, hearing and deaf children and adults.
In all of this: it's time to unite as one deaf community that works together so that we all benefit from the quality of life that we can make for deaf children and adults. It's time for it.
But time is lost when we are divided over controversial issues. Let's get our act together before we lose all the gains we've made.
Semper FI!
Today, you need to read a web page. It's very POWERFUL. It's a TOUGH message that everyone, whatever they are in AGBELL or in DBC to read today.
Here it is: http://www.xanga.com/dianrez
Now I want to add to what's being said. I also have a fury at AG Bell for promoting CIs and non-ASL babies to grow up in Childhood without signs. AG Bell's influence is just about everywhere. Even in the public education systems. But their influence is concentrated more when it comes to special education schools.
When I was growing up, I was rejected by deaf schools because I could hear with a hearing aid very well and I was a candidate to be put into an ORAL school. But where I lived at that time, NO oral deaf school was available. I lived in Rochester NY area as a kid. I was shuffled into Lester B. Forman Center, which was a special education school designed to take handicapped kids. But this was where about 5 of us deaf kids fell through the NY State Education system cracks.
One of the most shocking revelations I had heard some years ago when I interviewed a staff member, for the purpose of my mainstream diary book I'm working on, about some of the facts that parents were DISCOURAGED from sending their kids out of the area. WHY? Because, they wanted to teach us, deaf kids, the "AGBELL" agenda of oralism. We, the 5 deaf kids in this "special education" school, were to become the "test students" for deaf mainstream education into public schools. How successful were we? Look at the results in the years later. Deaf Mainstream education is working in the public schools. Deaf kids have been able to demand for interpreters in the classrooms. They have been fortunate. We, the "test students", have been forgotten and cast aside in the name of VICTORY by those who support the AGBell's ideals.
The biggest revelation that I was told that parents were lied to about the quality of life in deaf schools outside the area. They were told that we would be WILD kids. They were told that we'd grow up in a deaf culture that wouldn't listen to their hearing family. They were told that if we were sent to a deaf school, we wouldn't be able to make it in a hearing world. They were told we would struggle obtain happiness in a hearing society and that we would be ignored for the rest of our lives. The only hope was to force us to be included into the ORAL society. We were taught to be loved and protected from the evils of the deaf schools.
How kind was that AGBELL idealism. It doesn't work! Everything that Dianrez wrote in her blog has made it a POWERFUL statement about my life of which I grew up in. Even as an adult, it still happens. I still get excluded out of family functions. I still get excluded out of events so important that by the time I'm asked for my opinions, the event is already over, but they find my ideals much important and interesting that it's jot down if the next event happens again. How nice. NOT!
Some months ago, my mom asked me a question. It was a quality of life education question. She asked me how I felt about my years of education. I told her "It was ROUGH". When she asked me if it would have made a difference of being sent to a deaf school, I replied "YES! It would have balanced out my life.". Then I told her all the benefits I would have gotten if I was sent to the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) on the campus of Gallaudet University. When I told her of the truth about, her eyes went wide and I tell she was lied to about my benefits of my education if I went to MSSD. When I asked her why she didn't send me to MSSD, she said: "The distance was too great and I loved you too much to let you go".
I told her and said: "I have missed out in a DEAF childhood and being forced to be an oral child hasn't made life any easier".
I get often told that I have "best of both worlds". That's not always true. Having "best of both worlds" doesn't make life any easier for me or anyone else.
One thing is true very much. Hearing friends abandon their deaf friends whenever they can. I had some wonderful hearing friends that I grew up in my mainstream days, but haven't reached out to me since high school. I have one or two hearing friends that have kept in contact since high school. But I am thankful for a strong group of deaf friends that I've made in my days at NTID and at Gallaudet University.
Perhaps, we do, as a deaf community, have to educate our own family members about deafness. It's not necessary a bad thing to view. Sign Language and hearing aids are a good combination for a deaf child to grow up with. That's what keeps a family together.
At this point, we got a lot of healing to do and helping our hearing relatives. Maybe DBC does need to heal first before they attack AGBell so often. On the other hand, AG Bell needs to back down on promoting their "solutions" for deaf babies and come up with a better quality of life ideas. CIs are not the solution on deaf babies. SIGN LANGUAGE is.
Maybe it's also time for DBC to take a good look at the quality of life that is happening in our deaf schools and deaf clubs and SUGGEST IMPROVEMENT in those areas so that we can reach out and serve both, hearing and deaf children and adults.
In all of this: it's time to unite as one deaf community that works together so that we all benefit from the quality of life that we can make for deaf children and adults. It's time for it.
But time is lost when we are divided over controversial issues. Let's get our act together before we lose all the gains we've made.
Semper FI!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Celebrate the 4th of July!
G'day Everyone on this nation's 232nd birthday!! I hope you all will enjoy it in a happy, safe, and sane way.
I'm glad to be home, but I hope many people be careful on their trip across this nation despite the gas prices. We're so damn close to the $150/barrel mark already. It's just totally unreal.
I want to oppose President Bush for planning to attend the 2008 Olympics in China next month. I would rather that President Bush stays home. But he's making it clear that in his last 6 months in office, he'll do a lot of traveling as he wants to make his final days as a legacy as President. I wish we could beg that the elections be held tomorrow to oust him already!
Meanwhile, several people have asked me, at the NTID reunion, if I would be vlogging at any time on my site. In an answer to that question: Not at the present time. In the future, I intend to Vlog when I have a new provider in place for it.
Other than that, it's a quiet day for many of us. Showers and T'storms abound. Hopefully, nothing drastic happens in our nation. As we slide into the last 6 months of the year, let's make the best of it.
Happy Semper FI 4th of July!
I'm glad to be home, but I hope many people be careful on their trip across this nation despite the gas prices. We're so damn close to the $150/barrel mark already. It's just totally unreal.
I want to oppose President Bush for planning to attend the 2008 Olympics in China next month. I would rather that President Bush stays home. But he's making it clear that in his last 6 months in office, he'll do a lot of traveling as he wants to make his final days as a legacy as President. I wish we could beg that the elections be held tomorrow to oust him already!
Meanwhile, several people have asked me, at the NTID reunion, if I would be vlogging at any time on my site. In an answer to that question: Not at the present time. In the future, I intend to Vlog when I have a new provider in place for it.
Other than that, it's a quiet day for many of us. Showers and T'storms abound. Hopefully, nothing drastic happens in our nation. As we slide into the last 6 months of the year, let's make the best of it.
Happy Semper FI 4th of July!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Back at the Barn..
G'day Everyone!
Back at the barn and back at my desk. Glad to be home after a LONG trip to the NTID reunion in Rochester, NY.
I heard a few things while I was on vacation. So here's the run down.
Gallaudet University has been re-accredited and affirmed by the MSCHE. Actually, it was accredited at all times and the university has NEVER lost it's accreditation for any reason other than it's warning. Davila shouldn't bother to post the "We did it!" banners around the campus to celebrate it. It's rubbing salt on the wound of the protesters. I urge Davila NOT to post those banners, but it was good that he send out a personal "Thank you" letters to the alumni. However, it's time for the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees to keep their word. The search for the next president of Gallaudet University MUST BEGIN NOW! It can not wait. The BOTS of GU have sat in fear of losing accreditation. Now that the university is re-affirmed, the search process for the next president must begin now. SERIOUSLY now. Davila was a temporary president. I call on the BOTs of GU to start their process today!
Ok, I got that off my chest. Meanwhile, DBC has had a very successful conference in Wisconsin. I say a Semper FI salute to them.
Sadly, as I said before, The midtown plaza in Rochester, NY is closing up. Also heard that Rochester's sky way system is being cut apart. People won't be able to access the old midtown sky way through the Chase Bank building and old Sibley building. I went "WOW!". I honestly wonder if Rochester's economic situation is getting bad? Hopefully there's better days.
As it was confirmed in the NTID reunion, Alan Hurwitz has formally recommended that the A.G. Bell name be removed off the Tower C building. See link; http://orangebrownrit.blogspot.com/2008/06/status-of-bell-name-on-dormitory.html
As the process starts, we hope it will go smoothly. Everyone needs to be thinking of a good person who would be well worth the honor of being on the NTID Dorm. Even if it's not a dorm any more, but the former dorm ought to have a name of a good person on it that reflects the institution of NTID. So stay thinking about it.
Let's home RIT President Destiler will understand the importance of having A.G. Bell's name removed. But sadly, I wish President Destiler made an appearance during the reunion. That would have been milestone moment for him. I can understand how busy he is.
As the next 5 years gets under way, 2013 is the next 45th reunion. I'm in hopes that it will be in JULY 2013. So listen up A.G. Bell and DBC: 45th NTID reunion is in July 2013. No taking that date! Got it? I hope so! This year was a mess of everything. *sigh* Even if DBC has had it's successes, NTID reunions remain important to everyone else! But I'm also counting down to 2018 which is the BIG NTID 50th Reunion! (depending on the world crisis events).
As we get into the month of July 2008, I'm glad to be home and NOT driving around on the weekend as the 4th of July 2008 will fall on a Friday! But how many will be out celebrating our nation's 232nd birthday? At a time when economics are a concern and General political elections are not that far away. I hope people will drive carefully. On June 30th, I was out with a friend of mine in the Scranton, PA area on the night before he was to fly home to Texas. We came upon a major accident. We saw a UPS truck that had crashed and burned. According to the news reports in the local paper, it was fatal accident. Sad to see it. So, please folks, if you drive be careful. Police will be out in force as usual. Don't drink and drive. It's not worth having a DUI on your record.
Up and happening of Next week: In the Williamsport, PA area: The Lycoming County Annual Fair in Muncy, PA. From July 10-19th. it'll be interesting!
Also, heard around in my area: US Airways is cutting it's airline service to Williamsport, PA. It's happening all over the country. Small and medium size airports are being given 90 notices that the major airlines might be cutting services in order to maximize profitable route and keep the airlines from going bankrupt in the age of high fuel prices. This hurts many people. Driving to the big cities is not always an option. So keep on your toes. How bad will this summer get to be, we'll see.
Till next post, Semper FI and enjoy the 4th weeekend!
Back at the barn and back at my desk. Glad to be home after a LONG trip to the NTID reunion in Rochester, NY.
I heard a few things while I was on vacation. So here's the run down.
Gallaudet University has been re-accredited and affirmed by the MSCHE. Actually, it was accredited at all times and the university has NEVER lost it's accreditation for any reason other than it's warning. Davila shouldn't bother to post the "We did it!" banners around the campus to celebrate it. It's rubbing salt on the wound of the protesters. I urge Davila NOT to post those banners, but it was good that he send out a personal "Thank you" letters to the alumni. However, it's time for the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees to keep their word. The search for the next president of Gallaudet University MUST BEGIN NOW! It can not wait. The BOTS of GU have sat in fear of losing accreditation. Now that the university is re-affirmed, the search process for the next president must begin now. SERIOUSLY now. Davila was a temporary president. I call on the BOTs of GU to start their process today!
Ok, I got that off my chest. Meanwhile, DBC has had a very successful conference in Wisconsin. I say a Semper FI salute to them.
Sadly, as I said before, The midtown plaza in Rochester, NY is closing up. Also heard that Rochester's sky way system is being cut apart. People won't be able to access the old midtown sky way through the Chase Bank building and old Sibley building. I went "WOW!". I honestly wonder if Rochester's economic situation is getting bad? Hopefully there's better days.
As it was confirmed in the NTID reunion, Alan Hurwitz has formally recommended that the A.G. Bell name be removed off the Tower C building. See link; http://orangebrownrit.blogspot.com/2008/06/status-of-bell-name-on-dormitory.html
As the process starts, we hope it will go smoothly. Everyone needs to be thinking of a good person who would be well worth the honor of being on the NTID Dorm. Even if it's not a dorm any more, but the former dorm ought to have a name of a good person on it that reflects the institution of NTID. So stay thinking about it.
Let's home RIT President Destiler will understand the importance of having A.G. Bell's name removed. But sadly, I wish President Destiler made an appearance during the reunion. That would have been milestone moment for him. I can understand how busy he is.
As the next 5 years gets under way, 2013 is the next 45th reunion. I'm in hopes that it will be in JULY 2013. So listen up A.G. Bell and DBC: 45th NTID reunion is in July 2013. No taking that date! Got it? I hope so! This year was a mess of everything. *sigh* Even if DBC has had it's successes, NTID reunions remain important to everyone else! But I'm also counting down to 2018 which is the BIG NTID 50th Reunion! (depending on the world crisis events).
As we get into the month of July 2008, I'm glad to be home and NOT driving around on the weekend as the 4th of July 2008 will fall on a Friday! But how many will be out celebrating our nation's 232nd birthday? At a time when economics are a concern and General political elections are not that far away. I hope people will drive carefully. On June 30th, I was out with a friend of mine in the Scranton, PA area on the night before he was to fly home to Texas. We came upon a major accident. We saw a UPS truck that had crashed and burned. According to the news reports in the local paper, it was fatal accident. Sad to see it. So, please folks, if you drive be careful. Police will be out in force as usual. Don't drink and drive. It's not worth having a DUI on your record.
Up and happening of Next week: In the Williamsport, PA area: The Lycoming County Annual Fair in Muncy, PA. From July 10-19th. it'll be interesting!
Also, heard around in my area: US Airways is cutting it's airline service to Williamsport, PA. It's happening all over the country. Small and medium size airports are being given 90 notices that the major airlines might be cutting services in order to maximize profitable route and keep the airlines from going bankrupt in the age of high fuel prices. This hurts many people. Driving to the big cities is not always an option. So keep on your toes. How bad will this summer get to be, we'll see.
Till next post, Semper FI and enjoy the 4th weeekend!
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