Happy BOO Day!

G'BOO Everyone!

Yes, it's scare the wits day out of everyone as it's Halloween. I decided to get one last post in today before I'm away for the weekend.

For many of you, I want to ask that you please be careful tonight. Halloween happens to be one of the most fun times out there. But some lose control when there's too much drinking going on. So, I am asking you to please party responsible at the Ole Jim on the Campus of GU. Why? If you party responsible and make it back home fine, great because you don't want to miss the Bison Football action happening on campus tomorrow. Saturday, the month of November 1st, 2008 opens with Bisons attacking Mount Ida on the hotchkiss field at 1pm. Fill stands, STOMP and Cheer, The Bisons need you to hear!

Penn State University is off on a bye weekend. Hopefully, Texas and Alabama are going to fall this weekend and PSU will move to the numero uno spot. Heh heh.. other wise, there's going to be good football game on TV anyhow!

So, please enjoy your weekend! Your homework: Learn all about who to vote for and be prepared to VOTE on November 4th, 2008. This will be ONE BIG ELECTION.

Semper FI till next post!

Phillies win!

G'day Everyone!

Last night, I stayed up to watch a THRILLER October 2008 game. I think that Commissioner Bud Selig had to hug his *HOT SEAT* a little more closer to his butt because of the COLD Philly Stadium weather. He must have appreciated to have a RED BUTT at this point because since he was technically off the hot seat the moment the game started up where we left off.

It was a wild, wild game. Before long, Tampa Bay couldn't hold off the Phillies. The end finally came in the 9th inning. The last pitch, the final out, the screams, the fire works, the joyous eruptions of everyone in the stadium. It was unreal. The Philadelphia Phillies finally win their 2nd World Series Baseball title after 28 years. For Boston and the Yankees, they can only look on sadly that it should be theirs. But no, time as it was for some OTHER team to win this title. Congrats to many of my friends in Philly that this will be remembered for a while until the next season begins.

Hockey is already on. Boston Celtics hosted their championship banner and opened the Basketball season, ready to defend their title.
In less than 3 weeks or more, College football season is almost over. By then the college football bowls will begin.

A few things to note: First of all, I'm aware that it's the 2nd year we are all reminded that Jane K. Fernandez (JKF) was fired from her President-elect job of GU. But I don't want to mention it any more than this because, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees are entering a phase in which they have launched the Presidential Search Committee and the next 14 months will be very important for Gallaudet University. As I have said previously, We have to hope that this group of PSC members will do a careful, intelligent, and through search for the right candidate for the position of President of Gallaudet University. Please remember, it may be a hearing or deaf , man or woman, that may take the helm to lead Gallaudet beyond the New Year of January 1st, 2010. 1 year's search will be a very important time indeed. Let's remain calm and forget the last protest.

Second: Tomorrow night is SPOOKY NIGHT as it's Halloween! *wolf howls!* If you got nothing to do in the DC metro area. For my deaf friends, here's info:
The District of Columbia Association of the Deaf (DCAD) has a Halloween costume ball happening on the campus of Gallaudet University in the "ole jim". For all the details and ticket info, please go to this link: http://dcdeaf.org/wp/?page_id=484 Get your ticket asap. Hot event! Please be careful and be responsible and safe. If you drink too much, be sure a friend of yours gets you home safe via cab.

Next week, DPHH has a big Fantastic FIRST Friday night of November! (November 7th) Details will follow next week.

Weekend Football: PSU is on a BYE (off) this weekend. Joe PA is getting checked out and every one's resting up. Next week, PSU will take the last away game at Iowa. Battle to watch next week.
Gallaudet Bisons Football game is home against Mount Ida at 1pm on the hotchkiss field on Saturday, November 1st.

Finally, don't forget this: Saturday night at 2am, Daylight Savings Time will and it will fall back an hour. If you wake up on Sunday morning for anything and you find yourself early somewhere, you'll be wishing you slept in the bed a little more.
So, please have a nice HALLOWEEN weekend and be safe.
Until then, see you Monday, with the Monday blues. (my post before election day).

Semper FI!!

a little political shake up.

G'day Everyone.

While Palin and Biden are visiting Williamsport, PA, someone passed me a web page link that shows who could be written in on the ballot.
http://www.votesmart.org/election_president.php

There are at least 3 people who are potential write ins:
Charles Baldwin
Ralph Nader (laughing.. but seriously, he's kind of a guy that's carried an Ego for years)
Robert Barr, Jr.
and
Cynthia Ann McKinney

A source told me that Ron Paul is trying to discourage people from writing him in on the ballot because he doesn't want the job any more. Me thinks that Ron Paul has been pressured to say that so that McCain or Obama would win. Sadly, this man is walking away from his calling. He will regret his next 4 years of his life.

I still am going to put Hillary Clinton on my write-in. Even they reject her, I think it will make a statement that many voters still believe she got the nomination more than Obama did because all of the votes at that democratic national convention 2 months ago were not counted completely, even if Obama was leading at that last count. I still think Hillary is a better choice than Obama. (sorry, Micah. My choice, not yours).

Thanks to Joe for the link.
Semper FI

Palin and Biden visits Sherlock's town Today!

G'day everyone!

Hello from the cold and Snowy PA area. Yes, it's been hell here a bit of this first season early snow weather. A lot is coming down and playing havoc with things. So it's not one of the best days here. Phillies vs Tampa Bay might be played tonight if the weather stops messing up. Hopefully, Bug Selig has had enough time to go to church and plead to the weather gods to let him off the HOT SEAT that he's been on for a time. So hopefully, tonight will be the night BASEBALL resumes and the game goes on. Otherwise, if Tampa Bay wins, Selig had better start running for his plane at the middle asap. I'd hate to think what'll happen tonight.

Anyhow, the big shake up was in our paper today. Palin and Biden are coming to Billtown (Williamsport, PA Nickname) today to give some speeches. Biden is coming to Lycoming College while Palin makes an appearance at Bowen Field (local baseball field). Security is heavy and traffic is already being restricted out there. So how will this go? I would advise that you watch CNN (TV) today as both will be broadcasted. Will Sherlock turn up at both events? Unfortunately, I'm NOT planning on going to either event happening in my area. Both political parties were informed to come EARLY in the political process. Both ignored us and now this is their make-up time. Good idea, no? HA!!

Meanwhile, both side of the political parties have been hitting my phone lately. A complaint has been lodged with the State of PA because if you are on a "DO_NOT_CALL LIST", the political parties have to respect it, even if you are a member of either party. So, my home has been bombarded with computer recorded phone calls. At one point, I got sick enough to take an air horn and blasted the phone. I was later called back by a live person and told I screwed up their automated computer calling system. I told them, "GOOD! You should have programmed it to scan the do not call list first before going ahead and call my home!" and then hung up the phone. If they don't take that hint about the Do_Not_ Call listing, the State of PA will come down on them and they'll pay an election fine price in a heavy way.

So, get ready. The general election is just 6 days away. This is going to get WAY messy. If you think that was mud slinging before, I'd duck and watch out for the concrete kitchen sinks that are flying.

Semper FI

Admin post/ Phillies/ Election.

G'day Everyone.

Last Sunday's post generated a response which is now being handled by the police department. My thanks to the quick actions to the police department after I alerted them. So as part of this admin post, If you or anyone else makes a threat upon me or my fellow bloggers and vloggers, I can assure you, we will take action against all threats seriously. Remember, all of our blogs and vlogs are a matter of opinion and the right of free speech. That being said, I now return to matters at hand.

First of all, I can understand our Gallaudet Football team is in a tough season. But as I said before, is our team well prepared for the last 3 games? That is the question of the week.

1st Shame of the week: I heard news reports that a celebration in Happy Valley (state college) PA turned into a FULL SCALE riot situation after PSU defeated OSU in a hard fought game. It is a shame that a joyous celebration turns into a rampage of mischief and destruction which leaves a horrible sense of shame among both the PSU students, fans, and the community of State College. While the police have arrested a number of people responsible for the destruction of the various parts of town, a source has said to me that the next 3 games, the police will be monitoring the community to prevent another riot from being started. While PSU is NOT playing this weekend (they need a rest and JoePA needs a check up), the remaining games as follows: Iowa(away), Indiana, and Michigan State (last 2 home games). I think what will worry State College the most is the Michigan State game that will be a very tough one.
Hopefully this coming weekend: oh, FALL TEXAS, FALL ALABAMA, LET PSU BE #1!! (sorry to Bob Wilson, unless he wants Texas be #1 he'll have to hope for Alabama to fall so PSU can be #2 and then we'll have a battle game. heh heh!).

2nd Shame of the week: Bud Selig, the glorious commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB) is on the hot seat today. The question is, why did he wait till Tampa Bay made the tied run and then say "pull the tarps" before the Phillies could take the bats in the middle of the 6th? Drama, yes, but safety of the players as field conditions fell beyond the safe playing level, that's the $64 million dollar question. Selig had better hope we have a game tonight. But the weather channel shows rain, rain, snow, ice, and God knows what else is pouring down on that Philadelphia field. So while he's on the *HOT SEAT* that maybe warm for him, everyone else is blowing off *HOT Tempers* at him. *sigh*

Presently: it's one week to the National General Elections. Do I feel happy that it's coming down to the last historical days of the nation of who's going to be our next president? Not really.
Anything can happen in the next few days. Same as it is with the stock market as well.
Be watchful and be ready. Be ready to VOTE for who you want for Pres/ VP. (note: anyone but Obama or McCain!)

As it comes to the end of October 08 (soon) Halloween falls on the last Friday. A lot of people are planning parties and events on that day. I do want to advocate and say: be responsible and party safely. And if you are driving around in your town on Halloween, please drive carefully between 6pm - 9pm. Kids will be out for the candy. Saturday night, don't forget, at 2am, we gain an hour of sleep as the nation falls back to Standard time on that Sunday morning.

OK? Till next time,
Semper FI.

Gallaudet Begins the Search for the NEXT President

G'day Everyone.

Well, it's finally going to happen. It seems the Gallaudet University campus is ready to begin their search for the next president after having their "precious" accredition affimed not too long ago.

Acccording to the news links: http://dcist.com/2008/10/24/gallaudet_to_search_for_new_preside.php
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/23/AR2008102303638_2.html

and the e-mail that has gone to every student and alumni:
http://pr.gallaudet.edu/dailydigest/?id=14178

But I wanted to show you two points in this letter that was posted in the DAILY DIGEST, I put this in BOLD COLOR

Prior to any further actions, there are a few additional points the BOT PSAC members want to make clear:

The President's Office will not be involved in the search process in any way, shape, or form. There will be no meetings with the President's Office and members of the PSAC. Additionally, all of the major executive positions of the University, such as the provost, vice president for Institutional Advancement, and vice president for Administration and Finance, will not be involved in the search process.

and

The Board of Trustees will make the selection of the next president. They will be given all relevant materials collected during the PSAC process.

Let's hope the new Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University HAVE LEARNED their lesson of the mistakes of the LAST BOTs of GU. We CANNOT and must not have another protest to happen on our fair campus.

Friends, WE MUST LET THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES make their best decisions. We must remember and remind ourselves that the GU BOTs are human as we are. But as I said in the -> BOLD <- areas that I colored, I believe the Board of Trustees are spelling out the grave terms if any GU university official (past or present) or department were to violate the process through an influence upon them. Most of all, it says one thing: " I. King Jordan, HANDS OFF GALLAUDET! IT'S NOT YOUR CAMPUS ANY MORE!!"

I do hope our Gallaudet University Board of Trustees will do a CAREFUL, Intelligent, Year-Long, Presidential Search Process and carefully involve the Faculty, Alumni, Staff and Students (FASS) into the process. The GU BOTs should take some lessons learned from the RIT Presidential Search Process as well. It's important for this campus and it's future of this institution.

Most of all, this announcements are just coming out on the 2nd anniversary of the conclusion of the Unity for GU protest and Jane K. Fernandes firing by the former BOTs. (John Mc Cain, want to explain your actions? No? Then you can't be President of USA!)

So, as we near the end of October 2008, Be thinking of Good prayers for our University and the GU BOTs. The process for the next president has begun. Let us hope that who ever, hearing or deaf, will be the right person to lead Gallaudet into the years beyond 2010!

Semper FI.

those crazy dorm lights.

G'day Everyone.

I'm hope a little post today will lighten everyone's mood a bit. But you know that for many years, our deaf colleges of Gallaudet University and NTID dorms of RIT campus have a built in fire alarm flashers. Every time someone pulls that fire alarm, all the strobe lights go off and the building is lit up into one HUGE DISCO lighting effect.

But that's not what this Video is like. Gotta look at this:
http://funzu.com/index.php/crazy-video/technology-students-mess-with-dormitory-lights-13102008.html

cool to watch, no? Unfortunately, it's not cool if you are using all the fire alarms strobe lights!
These students were smart to use BIG Red lights and their room lights. They must have taken a practice run just about every other day to get this MASSIVE production done. I say BRAVO!

Back in the 1980s, especially in my SVP 81 days, we had a false fire alarm almost every day. Even through the 1981-1982 school year. *groan*. Fortunately, I survived. Today, you can't touch the fire alarms on those campus dorms. Just about every one of those alarms have a CAMERA on them 24/7. They also have a substance that sprays on you when you lift the protective glass before you get a chance to pull the alarm. So think twice. You pull that alarm for a FALSE ALARM, you will see and end of all your college dreams, be hauled into court, sent to prison, and told that you have to pay back a WHOLE LOT OF MONEY!

Please, as it's October Fire Safety protection month, don't touch the fire alarms for whatever reason other than REPORTING A REAL FIRE GOING ON in the dorms. Nobody likes to be waken up at 2am for a false fire alarm. Because if they find out it's you, you better start to run for your life.

Other than that, I've been told that some researchers have already video taped the fire alarm strobes at the campus of Gallaudet and NTID years ago. I still wish, in some ways, had my old VCR camera and video taped that myself. As I said, the strobe lights are cool to watch but pain in the butt for everyone else.

So, enjoy the weekend. I just heard our Bisons are in Maine for the football game this weekend which will happen at 12 noon tomorrow. But tune in for PRIME TIME FOOTBALL on Saturday night on ESPN. Penn State University vs Ohio State. This one is set for a SHOWDOWN. (diving into the football fox hole). 8pm. Be sure to watch it.

Salute to Brantley Hinshaw for his tip of the video.

Semper FI.

Election is coming.

G'day Everyone.

Well, the crisp clear cool and some times COLD SNOWY October weather has hit the nation again. It's a season of which makes all of us to get ready for the coming winter season. But in most places, the snow is ALREADY here.

Ahh, I got leaves in my yard with my name on it. Yeah, fire up the old "eat your heart out, tweaked" leaf blower machine. (warning, jet engine blast. stay back.) I may tear up the yard, but that's a small price to pay.

Lately, I have been following all of the election stuff and to be honest: I'm not voting for McCain or Obama. Don't get me wrong in a "un-American" way. I rather write in Hillary Clinton and Ron Paul. Hillary Clinton does deserve our vote. So does Ron Paul as well. (sorry, Micah). My reasons? McCain is a former Gallaudet University Board of Trustees member. He carries a lot of info in his head of how I. King Jordan ruled Gallaudet University. His campaign rebuffed requests for information that could have helped the deaf community understand what McCain would do to help our deaf and disabled communities. Same as Obama. He has no interest in helping the disabled community as well. Fact is: both men have been avoiding the major cities ever since the political season started.
With the early voting going on, it's got to make you wonder if this Presidential election year will come ok or not. I would be surprised if we were facing another CHAD season. Remember how the Florida election went? I definitely think that Al Gore won Florida that would have allowed him to become President. Only if he had the sense to distance himself from Clinton A WHOLE LOT SOONER...

So if you go voting, vote smart. Don't vote for McCain or Obama. Write in Hillary Clinton!

Baseball World Series: Oh yeah! Phillies take game one over Tampa Bay. It's a sweet win. 3 games to go. We got HOPE!! Rock the game!

In just a few days, Saturday night's BIG PRIME TIME COLLEGE FOOTBALL hits TV. PSU vs Ohio State. It just isn't going to be a game. It's going to be a SMACKDOWN game. Whoa. I hope PSU survives this game.

Anyhow, for those thinking of either diving into the stock market or getting out of it, consult your broker before you do anything. Glad I got out. *whew!*.

Oh, one last word of note: Attention Captian Kirk! (William Shatner), your navigator, Sulu, did send you a wedding invitation. Then they told you to RSVP, they mean it. People don't like damn walk-ins. So next time, answer the damn RSVP. You only get one chance and you missed the best of the wedding. Don't go crying foul. May the Klingons put you back on that ice planet prison with McCoy for a while. ("Jim, I told you not to piss them off. Now see what you did?" said Bones. Kirk: " Scotty, beam us out of here". Scotty: "Sorry, kaptian. Tran'porters not working rite. There's a little Malfunction. Ooooh baby, let's take over the ship for a while".)

till next time, Semper FI.

Hitting the blog again.

G'day Everyone.

Finally, I'm home. I took a mini-vacation from the computer and just enjoyed a pure computer free weekend. That is, during the homecoming weekend at the Gallaudet University. It was an amazing time. Meet a lot of old and new friends. Saw President Davila and his wife at house 1. Different way of touring the place. But much has not changed since the Jordan family was there.

The home coming had a party type atmosphere until the first few minutes of the football game when Southern Virginia scored often and looked on the verge of shutting out the Bison football team again. Unfortunately, our bisons denied Southen Virginia of that. Final score: So.Va 44- GU 9. The loss puts the bisons at 1-5. The bisons are on a road trip this coming weekend at Husson University for a 12noon game.

And for the first time, in a long time, I was in the stands watching the game. We had a lot of fun despite we were ignoring our team because so many of us were chatting and batting around a sorenson beach ball!! My gosh, how much fun did we all miss doing that in our high school graduations? That was one of the best stress relief moments for anyone to go through. For anyone watching those sorenson balls whizzing through the air, that's a tempting moment to reach up and hit it in another direction. Thanks, Sorsenson, for a change of pace instead of forcing us to watch our dull team on the field. Coach Hottle, you better start teaching our team to win soon.

But if you saw the new score board, you gotta agree, you get better info of what's going on the field. Coming in 2009, get ready for some REAL football. A JUMBOTRON TV will be put up on that scoreboard. Then you'll see all the highlights of the hits on the field. ooohh.. that's gonna be good in 2009 season.

I planned to party with several friends this past weekend. Unfortunately, plans fell when one of my friends told me that he was still overwhelmed with homework from his professor. I fell into a deep sigh and want to launch into a tirade against that professor, but I rather not. It's just a sad state of things. But opted for a quiet evening with my friend that I was staying with and enjoyed a nice soak in the hot tub he had behind of his house. Amazing time. Cool air, full moon (HOWL) and a hot tub? Ahh, life can't get any better than that.
AM I NUTS? No. Give me a hot tub and I'm pretty sure anyone can use just that in the dead of the winter! If I want the water hotter, give me a cute dude or babe and I'll call it an evening.

Anyhow. I did see the sorenson center from the outside. Very interesting. But have yet to look inside later. Some people have told me that it's a pretty complicated building.

I later found out that my PSU team WON against Michigan University and erased 12 years of frustrations. I saw the game tape and went WOW! That was SOME game! Now, all thoughts turn to Ohio State this weekend. PSU vs Ohio State. That will be a BIG game. Get ready. Football on prime time TV will NEVER be the same. (and you thought PSU vs Wisconsin was that!).

Meanwhile, my Philadelphia Phillies are on their way to the WORLD SERIES game against Tampa Bay. I'm happy. My friend in Boston is NOT HAPPY. He kept bitching at me that the Yankees put a season ending CURSE on them. I told him "TURN ABOUT IS FAIR PLAY AFTER WHAT YOU DONE TO THE YANKEES". I'm pretty sure Boston Red Sox fans will remove all the curses from their stadium as our Yankees have done to their stadium. If you are looking for the curses, tough luck, they've been burned in a coal plant. No sense in having a baseball curse hang around. Phillies, good luck. May there be good fortune for you to win this year! GO PHILLIES!

Maryland Renaissance Festival, which my friends and I went to the day after GU's homecoming, was a blast to go to. Despite it's last day, people came out in drove, some wearing costumes. But the greatest disappointment was a lot of people SMOKING about the place. Cigar smoking was just too much. A lot of dust was raised in air and people were trying to combat the various smells by burning incense sticks everywhere. It was a cool day in the woods, if not freezing by some people have told me. But the final day of the Maryland Renaissance Festival was pretty much a blast as a lot of people were in various costumes.

This week, there's two job fairs in the DC area. For GU students and Alumni: Job fair on the GU Campus tomorrow. Later this week, the U.S. Treasury Dept holds a job fair on Friday.

Enjoy the week. Tomorrow: the real October's sports season begins. Baseball WORLD SERIES. This ought to be good.

Semper FI.

Relax, Rest, and then HELLO DC!

G'day Everyone!!

WOW! What a trip. I still get stopped and chat up a storm when there's a few people that recognize me in the NTID Focus Magazine of a picture that was taking during the Reunion in the NTID Theater. My friends that were sitting with me were: Brantley Hinshaw (looking at someone), Nicky Belfiglio and I are watching the stage action, and Bob Wilson is looking at someone else. *sigh* I still get stopped and asked questions. This was all happening during the NTID Job Fair yesterday. Also had a chance to talk to NTID President Alan Hurwitz who's doing very well, but didn't have any comment about the stolen laptop situation. Saw Prof. Jerry Artsinger in the Theater Dept. He's doing good. Heard some professors retired and some are still around. It was fun talking to so many people.

But, while it was so warm in the building, it reminded me that I was walking through the "death valley desert" area. (if there were vultures above all of us, they missed the chance for their "dinner"). It was a lot of work and talking to many employers and every one trying to make a case for a job that's available and why it should go to them. Most of the attending employers were the national ones and very few of the local employers. It was kind of sad that many of the Rochester Businesses miss out the best and brightest people around for a chance to be in their company.

But alas, as I said it was exhausting work. When I finally got out of the building 60, never have I felt such sweet air. Still, there were the young students whizzing by me on bikes, roller skates, skate boards. *sigh* Things haven't changed *THAT MUCH* on the RIT campus area. More people are chatting on Cell phones and using text pagers as well.

I stayed over for the night at my sister's home after having dinner at the new ParkPoint place at a restaurant called "Wok To Go". It's a nice Chinese cuisine place. Saw the RIT bookstore that is now the Barnes & Noebels bookstore. Abbot's Ice cream stand is still dishing up great ice cream as ever.

As I came back to Pennsylvania in a sunrise drive, I ran into fog (that looked like the harbinger of the winter snow storms), saw the full moon (HOWL!) and the leaves that are so peaking.
I stopped at the welcome area just over the Pennsylvania boarder line. Just take in the over look area and it's breath taking. I felt like quipping : "God, you just spilled your paint mix again. Clean up on earth lane 7". Being high up on the mountain, you can still smell some having a fire in the fireplace on this nippy day.
Route 15? As I said, you can almost get from here to there in a fast 65 mph way. Just remember, lot of construction is still going on route 15. Especially that they still have to build one more interstate section area.

Well, home for next 24 hours and then off I go to head down to DC. I'll be around the GU campus during home coming weekend. It should be a fun day. I'll be prepared to meet old and new friends. I look forward to riding on the tube again.

For now, the blog will go on a little "vacation" until I get back. I don't expect to post for a while. So enjoy your weekend. COME OUT TO GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY! FILL THE STANDS! SUPPORT THE MIGHTY BISONS!! FOOTBALL SATURDAY! GAME TIME: 2pm! BE THERE!

Hail Bisons!

and Semper FI.

Anything screws up day.

G'day Everyone!

Well, it was bound to happen. Anything that goes so well, it's bound to screw up. In the very way of things that have happened to me today, my day has DEFINITELY gone skewed. Yes, it's a screw up.
Right now, I'm laughing at myself. When I last saw the advertisement for the NTID Job Fair, which is today, it said it runs from 10am-2pm. Little did I know I was kind of looking at the wrong info on the NTID Center on Employment homepage.
I laid plans to go to the job fair last nite and I thought I was going to leave my home at 6am and be here in Rochester, NY on the NTID campus (which is where I am now) and be here on time.
Well, 6am I got up. FOG is outside. Wait for day light at 7am. More fog. (so think it's English pea soup you can touch it with your hands). 8am, I bitched and said "fog or no fog.. I'm driving!!".

Got in my car and drove. Up route 15 north. I finally break out of the fog into the morning sun. What a beauty. I saw a lot of dead deer bodies strewn all over the road. Fresh kill. I was going: "noo! not bambi! nooo!" (ah my pity whine for the dead deer).

I was kind of shocked when I got past Lawerenceville, PA. Route 15 on the PA side is ALL COMPLETE! I was amazed. Easy to get to/from NY now. All mountain driving. Nice, no? Except to say there are spots in which they are still doing construction in making more road improvements.

By the time I got into Rochester, I was pissed that it's 11:30am. I thought I had 2.5 hours left for the job fair. Well, get into building 60 and I looked at the empty tables and I thought "hello, did I just miss the damn fair?". As one of the NTID Center on Employment (NCE) staff member said "No, the job fair begins at 1:30pm to 5pm today".

It was my turn to be *shocked*. John Stienbeck, eat your grapes of wraths book out. Well, so much for a day trip has turned into a day/overnight trip. :-) *LOL* So, I'm killing time in the CSD center and posting this as well as to check my emails.

As it's been said "when life hands you lemons (and it has), make lemonade (yep, strong, but not so sour I'll make of it!!)."

I do want to note that it is the very month of October in which some of us that are observing some of the past events of the Gallaudet University protest of 2006. Yesterday, Oct 13, 2008) was the 2nd anniversary that Jordan had students arrested. It's still a dark legacy on Jordan after 2 years.

But good things are coming for Gallaudet University. Not only the Homecoming is happening this weekend (FOR SURE) and that the GU Board of Trustees is beginning their search for the replacement of Davila. (about damn time they got off their duff to do it!!).
For Jane K. Fernandes, she's happy in her new job far away. Perhaps, that's the best thing for her to get. Davila has done his time. I'm pretty sure he's ready to get back in retirement.

For me, I'll be content and let the little things fall where they may. Perhaps there's a future in all things, if we look closely.

Semper FI from the Campus of NTID at the Job Fair.
Sherlock.

The Quiet day.

G'day Everyone.

It's been a quiet day for me. Fresh air, Indian Summer (hey! who put an arrow (bird shit) in my laptop?! *bang, bang!* damn Indian birds!! Getcha later when you least expect it!) and unexpected things.

First, today's respect is to be paid for Terry Macklin who recently passed away. Such a young person. He's made a great impact in the NTID community. May God comfort his family in their time of grief.

Yesterday, it was NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY (October 11th). For those who came out, be careful from here on out. Most people react in a bad way when they find out you are gay. Some will drop friendship. Some will drag pastors and priests and force your religion on you again (in one case, I know a friend who got excommunicated because she's lesbian). Some family members won't speak to you for a while (and then years later, come crawling with apology galores, only because they want you for something else). So I hope for those who came out, may your life be filled with joy.

Last night, on ESPN TV: PSU rose to the upper level of the BCS standings, as The Nittany Lions from Happy Valley, PA (aka State College, PA) clawed, ate, trampled, and made MINCE MEAT so small of the Wisconsin Univeristy Badgers by a score of (get this) -> 48 to 7 <-!! It was Wisconsin's worst home loss ever! Some say it was PAYBACK for last year. Humm a little justice goes a long way.

As NTID Job Fair is on tap this week, I'm sure many deaf current and alumni of NTID job seekers will be descending on it for sure. If you can go, go! Also coming up this weekend is the Gallaudet University Homecoming. It is going to be a FANTASTIC time. Hopefully the Bisons will win and it will make it a wonderful day on campus. Next week, Gallaudet University holds a job fair on October 22nd for the students and alumni.

As the political mudslinging heats up in the Presidential race, Micah Brown has his work cut out for him to say on the political stuff. With tomorrow being Columbus day 2008, there won't be so much trading on the stock market. But one should remember that McCain and Obama both voted for the bailout. It hasn't helped much lately. Retirements are being hit as we speak. Keep an eye on Tuesday of this week.

Semper FI .

2nd Friday of October Weekend.

G'day Everyone!

Breaking news a bit. While the GU Sports page at shows off the Bison Hotchkiss football field with its NEW SCOREBOARD (just in time before next week's Homecoming) and according to a well placed source, a TV will be added in 2009. This is a BIG change we all needed to see. So be prepared for BISON ACTION!

Meanwhile, I've been watching the Bison scoreboard for info about Friday nice game against SUNY Maritime http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/sports/fball/2008-09/schedule (it could be updated by the time you read this), a source pointed me to SUNY Maritime's Athletics web page. http://maritimeathletics.com/index.asp?path=football What I found was a shocker.
Our Gallaudet University BISONS have been SHUT OUT for the first time this season. SUNY Maritime won 27-0!! The loss has dropped the GU Bisons to a 1-4 loss.
Next week, at home coming, The mighty Bisons will take on Southern Virginia. Game time is at 2pm sharp on Hotchkiss field! BE THERE! STAMP YOUR FEET! MAKE THE BISON THE THUNDER HERDS!!

Tomorrow, if you all got time, take a drive in the country. It's leaf changing peak season. The colors are very bright now. Take some time and jump in a leaf pile!!
Tomorrow night.. PSU will take on Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Stadium. The show time begins at 8pm on ESPN. Whoo whoo! Battle stations. Lions about to CLAW the Badgers apart! This is going to be a nice SATURDAY NIGHT GAME!!

So, until next time.. have a GREAT weekend! See you in a LEAF PILE LATER!!

Louisiana School for the Deaf Situation. RIT Brick City Home Coming. GU HOME COMING.

G'day everyone.

Word has reached me that there is a protest/ temporary closure of the Louisiana School for the Deaf going on. There are various articles going on about it.
Links: http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/30604329.html
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/30669954.html
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/30610009.html
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=9150381
what's more, a Gallaudet University protest leader was sighted at this protest. That's sad.

But I do want to comment that the events that are happening at the Louisiana School for the Deaf are nearly timed to this October month as it is the 2nd anniversary of the Gallaudet University protest. As readers know, GU "unity" protest was very successful and Fernandes has resigned and moved on to her job in another college as a provost there as well. It is interesting to note this month that the GU Board of Trustees are gearing up to begin the search for the NEXT President of Gallaudet University in 2009. My hopes for the GU BOTs are this:
1. Keep the presidential search confidential.
2. Work with all the Professors, Alumni, Staff, Students. (PASS for short).
3. Be diligent in finding the RIGHT QUALIFICATION of Candidates for the Office of President.

In all, I want to commend Interim President Davila for doing what he has to do. But now, we need a President of GU that is NOT connected to Davila or to Jordan in any way. I also want to say BOTs need to consider any candidate, hearing or deaf, for the position of President based on good qualifications. (note to James: NO I'M NOT RUNNING FOR THE GU PRESIDENT JOB!!)

Interesting to say that today starts the first day of the Rochester Institute of Technology (along with NTID) of the Brick City Homecoming 2008. It will last from Today to October 12th. Many events are happening on the RIT campus. So if you are an NTID alumni and you missed this year's NTID ALUMNI Reunion, don't fret. There are some NTID alumni that are making the trip to the RIT Brick City Homecoming.

Last minute registrations for Brick City Homecoming can be done at the Welcome Center located in the George Eastman Building Lobby at the times listed below:
Wednesday, October 8: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 9: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday, October 10: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, October 11: 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

An IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NTID ALUMNI: Attend the NTID Alumni Association General Meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 11 in LBJ-2590. There will be a discussion on the current and proposed changes to the bylaws of the NTID Alumni Association. http://www.ntid.rit.edu/alumni/alumni_association.php

NOT to be outdone, Gallaudet University will have their own homecoming on October 17-19, 2008. See the GU calender for details: http://calendar.gallaudet.edu/?id=3795

Don't forget: There will be a job fair on the GU campus for students and Alumni on TUES: Oct 22nd in the GUKCC.

Also: U.S. Department of the Treasury Career Fair for Individuals with Disabilities
WHEN: Friday, October 24, 2008 from 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
WHERE: Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.
REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.earnworks.com/treasurycareerfair08
(salute to Eddie for his tip! Thanks!) (I think the date is wrong.. but not sure. Odd no?)

and finally.. if you want to play a little HALLOWEEN on-line game:
http://www.itsga.com/fun/cat_new.swf (Halloween pumpkin cat bowl).

whew. I hope I'm done cramming this post today. Enjoy your day.

Semper FI

Support Captioning at the Redskins Field!

G'day Everyone.

While I'm taking a little break from bailout madness, I had a e-mail that needs to be alerted to everyone.
Recently, a judge told that the Redskins Field have to be open captioned for the deaf community. But a strong poll is showing a massive opposition to the ruling. (at the e-mail it was in favor of NO support.). So what is needed to do?
I need my readers in the VA/MD/DC metro area to vote clearly in the Washington Post poll and tell them clearly YES!
Link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/02/AR2008100201989.html

Open captioning should be important. DC metro area has a LARGE deaf community. It makes me wonder if the same type of ruling would apply in the NTID Community area? Rochester has a good sized deaf community as well as several sports areas. Should the sports area community have open captioning for the Rochester deaf community? What do you think? I'd like to see your comments.

I'm withholding my comments on last nite's debate, but kind of clear that Obama whipped McCain's butt. Comments will be said later.

And as these wild stock market days, as I've said and will say again : Meet with your financial advisor about your stocks, bonds, and 401ks. If I were you, SELL and get into gold funds, silver funds. This is going to be a TOUGH year.

Semper FI.

State Gov't raids Deaf funds.

G'day Everyone.

First of all, I know I'm still in the whole Bailout madness stuff. But a lot of people will be tuned on Monday to the stock market and we'll see how the reaction goes. Just by the close of the day on Friday, it started falling. Thankfully, it closed. But that's just the *pause* in this financial mess.

Then, out of the blue, I get notified of a newspaper article that a state government was raiding a deaf relay fund. I was like: "WHAT THE HEY?" and I ran to the article. Have a look:
http://m.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081005/NEWS/810050343/1001&template=wapart

When you read it carefully, your jaw will drop like mine did. So how did this happen.? I quote from the article: "State Sen. Sandy Jerstad said she learned about the transfers after the Legislature voted on them. She said the transfers were buried in the appropriations bill, and most lawmakers probably knew nothing about them.". Which means, your very average elected officials are not reading those bills very carefully when they vote on them. By the time someone tells them: "Sir or madam, did you just know you just voted to transfer some money from.." and then they look and they're flustered.

It's all very legal. But will a state Gov't like South Dakota put it back into the deaf relay fund? Prolly not during this economic crisis that is hitting our nation.

Another person said it was necessary to do it. The reason? I quote: "Sen. Jerry Apa, a Lead Republican who chairs the Appropriations Committee, said the fund accumulated an "excessive amount" of money.". In other words.. if it's not being used, the "poor state" can use it.

Well, there's a clear reason why this happens. While our deaf culture is starting to chuck the old TTYS left and right, it's starting to leaving the state relay services out in the cold while we go to video relay services.

That is , we're going to video relay services like Sorenson, Hamilton, and many other video relay service providers in various states. They're mostly free too. But we're using them not just for relay calls, but we're also using them to socially chat with each other too.

Isn't it time for State Vocational Services to start talking to State Relay Services that NOW it is imperative to UPGRADE their equipment and start providing Video Relay Services? After all, we're paying for in our land line phone lines and Cell phones. What happens to the point in life when we don't depend on the State Relay Services and we're so dependent on Video Relay Services by the other providers? Who gets the benefit of THAT money?

Hey come on! You know what it's time for us to do? Stand up. Take notice. We, the Deaf Community, MUST GET INVOLVED WITH OUR STATE RELAY SERVICES. Heck, WE MUST GET INVOLVED WITH OUR STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES AS WELL. Just don't be an advocate for ourselves, be an advocate for ALL DISABLED people. Even some disabled people depend on relay services as well!

This is important for all of us. And if your state is considering making "Funding" raids in other areas of the state government functions that serves disabled people, I say now is the time to get involved. We need to tell the State Government and assisting the State Vocational Rehabilitation and telling State lawmakers : "temping as it sounds to do in taking funds from one designated area to replenish other funds, they should consider replenishing those funds back to the designated area at a promised time".

The Economic Bail Bill will be hitting all of us. Even as you heard California's situation which is really bad a well. I know this is not going to be easy for all of us. Time to stand up. Get involved with our State. We need to be a concerned deaf community in ALL of our states of this nation.
It's time to Work Together with our State.

Semper FI.

Happy FOOTBALL SATURDAY!

G'day Everyone!

What a FOOTBALL Saturday! That is you are a Galladuet University Bison football supporter and a PSU football supporter as well.
The mighty Bisons have gone on the road to take on Becker College today. It was reported that the Bisons have WON on their first Road Game win! Final Score: Gallaudet 26 Becker 18 .
For info: http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/sports/fball/2008-09/schedule
The win puts the Bison record at 1-3. Road trip record 1-1.
The Bison's next road trip will be back in Coach Hottle's old stomping grounds at Maritime (N.Y.) on October 10 at 7pm for a night game.

Don't forget and save the date! Gallaudet University's HOMECOMING Weekend! October 16-17, 2008. That's when our Mighty Bisons will face Southern Virginia on the Hotchkiss Field! The action begins at 2:ooPM! Come and CHEER the Bisons!

Meanwhile: Penn State University has gone on to a 6-0 record win after CLAWING over Purdue University by a score of 20-6. Next week PSU faces WISCONSIN University! Tough game right there. Be ready to watch the action!

Over all, I hope you have a FANTASTIC SATURDAY and the REST OF THE WEEKEND!

Semper FI!

OJ Simpson done for life.

G'day Everyone.

I got an e-mail from a friend of mine late last nite. He lives out in L.A. where the police were celebrating along with the Goldman family. It seems the Las Vegas Nevada cops will share in the "rewards" of having O.J. Simpson in prison for good.

What, you say, that's not true? ahh, check the news that OJ Simpson was FOUND GUILTY.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/04/oj.simpson.verdict/index.html

Now, there are a few things that Simpson's lawyer says: 1. people haven't forgotten the murders in Simpson's former home. 2. the criminal trial that OJ Simpson went through (not guilty). 3. The civil trial of the wrongful death suit by the Goldman family (which I believe they've made a mistake in doing that). 4. add in all of this, Simpson's jury in Las Vegas was already tainted from the start. 5. there will be appeals (unfortunately).

Well, in all of this, the Goldman family is celebrating so hard, I feel ashamed. I doubt in this side of life that anything has finally been put away. People have just gone after OJ Simpson and they did that by pushing OJ's buttons to do it. So, if Simpson does go to Prison, he'll join Michael Vick in it.

For OJ, I feel sorry that he's been harassed since his football days. Will Jim Kelly be next? I don't know but hope not. Bur for all I know, OJ never got a fair trial at all.

Semper FI.

First Friday of October 2008

G'day Everyone!

Hello to the first Friday of the Fall weekend! I hope everyone is ready to go out leaf watching and seeing all the trees turn to various colors out there. Let's get down to the point.

Last nite's Shock and Awe of the VP debate didn't produce much of a fun moment. It was down right dull. Palin may have handled herself better, But Biden is the one walking away with the winner's trophey. Personally, Biden and Palin were suppose to act like as if they were next in line to be "President" if something happens to their running mates. Biden did a better job of doing that than Palin. With that act over, Get ready for Tuesday night, next week. Act two of the Presidential debate begins. I'll bet you the bail out bill will hurt them this time.

Act 3 (House act: Take two) of the Bailout Bill Madness. While every one's yelling at congress to pass this damn bill, I can't support it. Know why? Because it's so loaded down with "SWEET PORK PROJECTS". If it passes the House still loaded with Pork, Bush had better sharpen his VETO pen and VETO the sweet Pork Projects attached to that bill. Importantly, it needs to be a important bill that helps our nation, not fund more pork projects. But the question is, are the house Representatives ready to lose their jobs if they vote "yes"? I would think they've had the breather of looking around and realize their time is at an end here. Good luck to the House today.

Which brings us to the stock market. Will the stock market behave like a "good child" (goes up) or will it pull another *temper*(goes down)? I don't know. Don't want to watch this time.

Meanwhile: For my DC readers with NOTHING to do on their hands today (Friday), here's a suggestion: according to the NATIONAL DPHH webpage:

"Champps Americana
Friday, October 03, 2008
1201 S. Joyce Street, Arlington, VA 22202Website
Another month, another DPHH! This month’s location is a popular sports bar, Champps Americana located within the bustling Pentagon Row center. Come and enjoy the cool October weather, mingle, catch up with friends and make new friends at Champps! If you’re looking for dinner spots, look no further; there are plenty of options surrounding Champps. Visit www.pentagonrow.com/dining/ for your nocturnal nosh!
You can drive and park in the parking garage adjacent to Pentagon Row, or you can take the metro (blue/yellow lines, Pentagon City stop).
See you there!"

So there you go! A place to have some FUN, Friends, Food.. A wonderful evening! Have a great time!

This weekend: Football madness SATURDAY:

After a BYE week, Gallaudet University BISONS have rounded up their herd and march on Becker College. They're on a long road trip. Let's hope our Coach Hottle has fired up the team and gotten ready to try to erase the 0-3 and start over by going for the first WIN!! The action starts at 12noon. If any Bison fans driving to Becker College, please drive carefully.

Also, at high noon tomorrow, the Penn State Nittany Lions are at Perdue University for a big game. Lions are going into this game as the #6 seed with a 5-0 record. It'll be on TV. Watch for it on your local stations.

So, enjoy your weekend (political action free). Semper FI

P.S. If you haven't registered to VOTE, Please get REGISTERED TO VOTE TODAY! History is calling. Are you ready?
***********************************************************************************
Update: The House of Representatives just passed the Bailout Bill today and it's being rushed to the White House where President Bush is going to sign it into law today.
But now, all the lawmakers that votes YEA (YES) on this bill will resoundly find themselves hounded by their voters who will make threats and of course, tell them that they WON'T be voted back into their office this coming November.
I loved one lawmaker (a Democrat) that was very honest when he took the floor and spoke his mind. He said "It may be the LAST TIME I'm speaking on this floor until after the November elections...". I think he knew the ramifications of what would happen after his "yes" vote. I don't think this poor fellow will be back again in congress. The voters will replace him no doubt .
Other speakers on the floor said "this bill is just a temporary fix. The main surgery will have to be done at the next congress".
Once when Bush signs this Bailout Bill, I declare him an OFFICIAL LAME DUCK PRESIDENT! (though some have said he's been a lame duck for so many years already). I don't care if he isn't Lame Duck until after the election, he's LAME DUCK ALREADY!!
God help this nation. We're in for more tough times coming!

Shock and Awe

G'day everyone.

How outraged are you? Like me, I am very much angry at the Senate of the United States that rammed a bailout bill through it's members. Most fought hard against it. Those that voted NO may be able to keep their jobs. But those that voted YES on this bill, they better pray really hard that their voters will be "mercy" to them, unless they haven't pressed the 'recall your senator day' already.

Sadly, I can't support McCain or Obama in this. They both voted YES. Both are idiots. Both know they could lose the votes. If either of them have voted NO, I'd support them. They can't have it both ways like Vote Yes this month and then after election to promise more changes, I'd say sorry guys. You made a deal with the devil and I'm not taking part of it. I vote you NO!

For President Bush, his lame duck status is pretty as ever. This Bailout bill, like the Iraq war, is stuck on him forever. I can't wait till his time is completely over.

Meanwhile, there should be some SHOCK and AWE tonight as the Vice President Debate begins. Who'll win? I'm hope that Palin will lose her composure and faint. Unless she's already being trained as the next "Darth Maul". (I had to do a star wars joke *grins*). So breakout the pop corn, settle in your chair. Tonight is another political session time. Enjoy.

Semper FI.

Act Two Begins today.

G'day Everyone. (hopefully. fingers crossed)

Ok.. Act Two the next chapter has begun on the financial markets. Will there be a REPEAT PERFORMANCE of Monday's disaster tomorrow? I really don't know. But anything greater than a 800 point loss? That's going to be questions being asked. If the Senate fails tonite, it'll prove our Congress is really THE DO NOTHING CONGRESS OF THE YEAR! Thanks to lame duck Bush! The senate may be smart to vote tonight after the markets closes.

But God help us all if we don't get enough consumer protections out there, there's more than just this market disaster waiting to happen to everyone else.

Fire up the popcorn machines tomorrow night, the debates for the VPs will happen. I say with-in 10 mins McCain will be wishing he had someone else for a VP instead of Palin. :-)

And as I've said before and say it again: Call your financial broker and check your accounts this week.

So, try to enjoy the day (maybe..)

Semper FI.