Wrapping up 2008.

G'day Everyone!

Yesterday was suppose to be my last post of the year before I got busy with things to prepare for a NYE party with a friend of mine. But, that got put on hold till today. It was a bit of a mournful day as I was finally told that my uncle Don, my father's brother, had finally passed on. So I would say the sun has formally set on my father's family for good. For now, the 3rd Generation's time is now here. But party time? Nope. Not in this economic time.

So, let me hype a little bit out there about FOOTBALL GAMES.

First, the ROSE BOWL game. Tomorrow afternoon will be the MOST watched, MOST interested, and very possible-to-be a lopsided LOSS for PSU. PSU Nittany Lions is playing USC Trojans. The worry is, will PSU not only try to to stop the run, but will the Quarter Back of PSU be very very focused? Or will the QB of PSU do a *CHOKE* like in Iowa again? In this case, I personally think Joe Paterno knows his very job will be on the line despite the 3 year extension that he just signed. JoePa knows he's got to win this game or he'll have some HUGE regrets for the next 3 years. But personally, I do think it's time that Paterno steps down and lets a YOUNGER coach replace him. So watch the game tomorrow: PSU vs USC at 5pm on ABC!
Go PSU! (I'd prolly be in for a SHOCK if they win!).

Second: Who's to say Eagles don't fly? To the naysayers that said the EAGLES were DOOMED to failure this Season are now being QUIET. Last Sunday, Eagles STOMPED the Dallas Cowboys and T.O. Owens (he was ashamed) to bits to take the wild card spot. They'll play the Vikings soon.
Pittsburgh Steelers. My God, not only we shut out the browns, but they tried to KILL Big Ben! That was one hit that I think should be an NFL fine on the Browns. But Big Ben is fine. The question is, will he be ready for the next game? Only God knows.

I really don't have any favors of who will go to the Super Bowl. Maybe an Eagles vs Steelers game. (the Battle of PA). But since I forgot to mention that Philadelphia Phillies won the world Series this year, it would be a sweet ending to the 2008 sports year if Eagles do go to the Super Bowl and WIN!!

NY Jets not only crashed and burned this year, but Brett Farve ought to just do everyone a damn favor. RETIRE and stay RETIRED. He ought to do just that. The Jets also ejected their head coach from his job as well. If it wasn't that bad enough of a year for one NFL team, the biggest honor for "Worst of the Worst Season award" goes to the Detroit Lions. Yes, Phillip Muhme, your Detroit Lions get that award. They're the only team to go 0-16!! I do think the Lions were definitely cursed because the automakers were failing and trying to win bailout money. While the bail out money has come too late to help the lions, will the automakers still fail in 2009? That is yet to be seen.

Besides, I do like the idea that in 2010, the NFL will switch the PRO Bowl game around. Instead of playing Pro Bowl after the Super Bowl, they will play the Pro Bowl the weekend BEFORE the Super Bowl!! Now that's an idea that is very good to do. It gives an earlier chance for many players from many different teams a chance to play a game before the big game. In other words, we'd have an idea of who's going to win the Super Bowl: NFC or AFC? Hey, that's a lot of fun.

Basketball and hockey are already in progress. So I'm not interested in those anyhow. Except when it comes to the end of the season.

So, with a last thought as I send this to post, my hopes, prayers, dreams, and wishes are with all of my readers. 2008 will soon be closing out. 2009 will be the begin of a questionable year of NEW events to happen. So for all of you, please Party safely. Police will be out looking for drunk drivers and people who text on cell phones and side kicks. So be fairly warned!
Will resume posting in 2009!

So have a HAPPY SEMPER FI NEW YEAR 2009. May the ball in the times square drop nicely!

Finale of 2008 (part 2)

G'day Everyone.

Today it's 3 days to go (today, plus 2) to New Year's eve. (my post is late as I was busy today)

Before I start my 2008 in review, I want to say something seriously.

A friend of mine was seriously short of breath when he woke up one morning. The biggest mistake his parents have made could have caused his death early. They drove him to the hospital. To them, it may be a money saving idea, but it's the wrong idea that could have tragic implications. My friend is lucky to be alive, VERY SERIOUSLY. I yelled at him and said, "if you had a blood clot in the lungs, you would be dead already!". I told him straight out that an ambulance could have helped him and taken him straight to the hospital much faster than his parents could drive him. So he's had a serious wake up call.

So dear readers, if you find yourself seriously short of breath for some reason you can not explain of, don't let any one drive you to the hospital. You will NOT, I repeat, not get there in time and alive. Call an ambulance. These Emergency Technicians people are TRAINED to assist people with breathing problems. So please, you got one life, one health. Call the ambulance people. Don't gamble with the possibility of dying just because someone's driving you to there. OK?

Now, back to Finale of 2008 part 2.

After tromping down with the political stuff (Micah Brown will prolly outscore me for sure in his 2008 political review), I wanted to turn to more personal matters.

2008 was the year that started with a friend in the hospital saga that began Christmas 2007, but by May 2008, he was gone. It also notes that another friend of mine also passed away. Both friends were my old NTID friends that I have known for many years. It is with regret that their young lives have been taken too soon by death. But I know God has His reasons.

June 2008 was the high point of the year at the event of NTID's 40th Reunion Celebration. Meeting many old and new friends was of the best of times.
It was also a high point in the discussion about the NTID dorm: Alexander Graham Bell Hall. The controversial filled year came to a conclusion when the RIT BOTs agreed that the Bell name and the plaque could be taken down and the dorm name would be put back to NTID DORM 50C until a benefactor is found worthy of honor to his/her name put on the dorm.
But the low point in the whole Bell controversy is when it was said that NTID Alan Hurwitz had the plaque destroyed, of which has generated some complaints.
So will 2009 be a year that we will see a NEW name on the NTID DORM 50C? we'll find out soon. I just hope NTID find a good benefactor worthy of honor.

Most of the 2008 year has been filled with the challenge of trying to find a job. It wasn't until much recently that our Government finally admit that our nation is in another Economic Recession that started in December 2007. So much for trying to spin it away during the election year. It might have helped being honest about our financial health. So it is understandable that MANY people are out there trying to find a job. I just wish it was a "gift" under my tree as my "wish impossible".

For Gallaudet University, it sucked to see the Football team lose the entire season but for two wins. If the BOTS and the AD put their heads together, they ought to boot Hottle out and bring back the drum for 2009 season.

Gallaudet University is also going through a challenge of their own. Yes, the Presidential Search Committee is already under way of looking for Gallaudet's NEXT President. I am in hopes that they will find THE RIGHT PERSON. Students, understand that this is NOT a popularity contest. We need the right person to lead Gallaudet University into the 21st century. We are at an important crossroads. So we need to hope that there will be NO protests in 2009. This is an all important year for Gallaudet! So PSC, take yer time and do your best! No hurry. No rush!

I've had good days and bad days. Good Romances and sour relationships. Losing old friends and making new friends. It's been a special time now since I'm now reconnecting with my old High School Classmates via FaceBook.com. Never thought it would happen but it is!

Well, 2008 is about to close out soon. This month, I've known a friend in the hospital and is now in a rehab home. His g/f is pushing him to come home hopefully before the new year. I've told her to back off and let my friend come home at his own place. But love makes people crazy at times. I just hope he is getting better. So, my friend, if you are reading this, Please get well soon and do your best!

In the end of 2008, it will mark with the death of a relative, my uncle don,who is in the process of passing away. That will be the end of my family's 2nd generation. I will be representing my family at that funeral soon. Not a great way to close out the year or marking the beginning of the next year. (knock on wood)

So what to look forward to in 2009? I have prayerfully hope for a job. I'm still job searching as much as I can do. Just about anyone who I know is doing the same thing as well.

Many of us are watching the stock market, the news, and political stuff. 2009 is an unknown year. Many things about 2009 is filled with so much question, so we'll have to be patient for the answers to come as the days progress on. Obama, your time to shine is just about to happen! Make it a good one.

God bless to many of you. Hope you all had a good Christmas 2008. Be well. Eat, drink (be sober if you can) and be merry. Don't drive home drunk out there. Police will be waiting to pounce on drunk drivers as usual. You don't want trouble in 2009 with the law. Yick!
May all your hopes and dreams come true in this coming year!

till later, Semper Fi

Finale of 2008 (part 1)

G'day Everyone.

Here it is, the final 4 days (today, plus 3) of 2008! So the infamous countdown has started in many places. 2008 is being ticked off hour by hour and soon second by second.
How many people will actually PARTY to say farewell to 2008 and welcome 2009? That's a question that will be on the minds of the many. Let me say this suggestion: Party and say farewell to the Bush administration! 8 embarrassment and frustrated years.
Bush has done some good things, but I will not mention them. The worst of things that Bush has done? Not going to mention that too. There is not a whole lot of respect for President Bush. Especially for Vice Prez "Darth" Cheney.
But in 23 days from now, both of these men will be gone from political power and replaced by Obama and Biden.
Obama and Biden have no choice but to hit the ground running because of many of the problems that our country is facing already. Obama will be making some unpopular decisions but won't have much of a choice because our nation is at the crossroads here already. (thanks Bush!).

That is why I think we will give a nice welcome to Obama and Biden on New Year's day. Let's hope that the next President of USA will put our country back together to the way it was before. Well, realistically speaking, not all the way back together before 9/11 but some thing better as we have much hope for a change.

As I pause for a moment in thinking of 2008, I wanted to say something to my deaf readers in the DC metro area. Got nothing to do for NYE? Want to party? Then check out the following links of the USA DEAF SPORTS Federation :
http://www.usdeafsports.org/news/20081118_NewYearEveGalaFlyer.pdf and
http://www.usdeafsports.org/news/20081118_NewYearEveGala.pdf
So they're having a party in Baltimore, MD. I'd would say that is about the best DEAF party to go to this year. I suggest you hurry and make reservations for it. But remember, take the hotel. Don't drink and drive home. Be safe!

Now, back to thinking of 2008. 2008 wasn't all that Bushie filled year for me. Though I wrote plenty of blogs about Bush, but the worst of the worst of 2008 is the BAILOUT money. Whoever shuts the money tap off, either the next president or congress, people will line up for the money as long as it flows. There has been questions this year of why Bush and Congress gave away hard earned taxpayer dollars to companies deemed to be an "economic liability that can't be allowed to fail or fall into financial disaster". In 2009, Obama has to make a decision. Either let that money tap flow, which will lead to financial ruin of the United States of America for sure, or CLOSE OFF that money tap that will allow many companies fall into an economic destruction of their OWN MAKING.

The nice thing to happen in end of 2008 will be the very end of the Republican power of control in Congress. 2009 will mark the age of the democratic time of control of the government. Hopefully good things will happen. I am seriously displeased of how the republican party turned out to offer John McCain as president. But McCain's own failure was not just choosing that Sarah Palin of Alaska (though she turned out to be a Wimpy VP to be), but not to distance himself from Lame duck Bush. If McCain had turned on Bush like a rabid dog bitten the hand that has lead the republican party for 8 years, he might have effectively won this election. Even if he refused to go to the White House to accept Bush congratulations after winning the nominations, McCain might have fared better a bit. Sadly, our nation has gotten discouraged with Bush and the Republican party. That is why CHANGE was mandatory. In the process, there are new political leaders coming into Congress. They are the very ones that have kicked out the long time political people that have been there most of their life. Perhaps 2009 will be a better year in Congress. Will things come out better? We'd have to see.

I'm pausing and posting this here. Tomorrow, Finale of 2008 part 2.

Semper Fi.

The White Sale Day after Christmas

G'day Everyone!

I hope you'll forgive me. I took time away from the blog for a time to celebrate Christmas and thinking of the coming year. However, I haven't opened ANY presents YET! That's because we're waiting for my sisters to arrive Sunday for some post Christmas fun. Ahh, advantage mine! I get to go shopping today.

It's White Sale Day after Christmas out there. Which means BARGAINS GALORE. But please be careful out there. So many misadventures abound to happen of which you do NOT want to happen. Fair to warn you.

Sadly to say, my trip to Washington, DC to visit my good friend, the laid-up RSG007. He's doing good so far. Check out his blog! He's got his adventures posted about the rehab stuff. So I'm planning to head to DC on January 4th for a bit of a time.

As Christmas fades into the history of 2008, I'm sure many of you have enjoyed the special day. For me, I took the risky time to drive over to my valley church. I went to the early Christmas mass at 7pm rather than the midnight mass of which I would tell you as I heard was packed FULL as usual.

Now we are looking at the last 5 days of this 2008. A lot of things could still happen in a very ugly ending to the year. Old Bushie boy has been spending his final holiday at Camp David and is beginning to wind down his presidency days. In 25 days, Bushie boy will be done for historical purposes and fly away into history. In 26 days the ROCK of Obama begins his work immediately as there will be no congressional honeymoon. Obama and congress have a lot of things to focus on.

I am still thinking and praying for many readers that are stuck in another major snow storm that is sweeping across the nation again. I hope and pray that each and everyone of you is doing ok.

So who's ready to welcome 2009? Not me! I do not enjoy this coming new year for some reason. Have you seen the new Jib-jab.com's NEW video 2008 year in review? I asked them to please close caption it. It was a very interesting review. But I wished that they poked one more fun at President Bush before we turn the joke puns on Obama next.

Right now, I'm out the door. Look out stores! Sherlock is coming for the bargains GALORE!

Semper FI.

All I want for Christmas is...

G'day Everyone!

There's a theme that is happening across the world when you hear Children and adults say "All I want for Christmas is (followed by name of the gift or wish)". It is very interesting to hear from the mouth of babes to the young adult to the older mature persons.

Today there's one gift/wish that is on the lips of many people. The "All I want for Christmas is...." A JOB!!

Yes, it is on the mind of many people. From the deaf/disabled community to the hearing community, there are many of us that are looking for jobs. So, should all those people who got bailed out by our government cheer because they got money, jobs, health pensions, home? (cheering crowd stops suddenly). They better mute it then. Because this economic recession could a lot worse and then those that got bailed out will suddenly find themselves again pushed back to the brink of LOSING their jobs, home, health care, etc.

Thousands have applied to Obama's new administration for employment through change.gov area. How many of the lucky people will be employed in it? I don't know the exact number, but there will be some Bush employees left around to still work in the next administration. As it is today, it is one month to the swearing in. One month to go before Bush finally leaves for good. Our nation will go through it's worse days, but we will survive and become better for it!

Personally, I have a lot of Christmas wishes this year. Top two wishes: A job for myself and for Robert Goodwin to get better and back to his home. (his Jamie wants him home). I have many other personal wishes as well.

At this time, I do want to extend my Christmas Greetings and blessings to my readers this year. I hope at this time of the year, may all your hopes and dreams come true. For us, the unemployed people, may our biggest dream come true: May we get a job offer as a Christmas gift! That would be the best thing to happen for all of us.

Semper FI.

Christmas week is here.

G'day everyone.

Finally, the week to Christmas has finally arrived. It is just 4 days to Christmas. This is 4 days when stores will do their utmost to hold SALES and BARGAINS to happen. A good deal, no? Well, I wouldn't count on it. Be careful of what you buy this week. The WHITE DAY, the day after Christmas sales, don't count on your "friendly" store to take it back. Retailers are trying to dispose their saleable goods at this time of the week. But as I would tell you, shop around this week. Make a mental note of what will be on SALE on FRIDAY during the WHITE DAY sale (Day after Christmas Sale). You could find gifts to give for birthday, special day, etc.

Meanwhile, I want to give a reminder to college students who are still stuck in many major snowed in airports right now. Just remember, it is YOUR FAULT! Why? This is a time of the year when Winter storms get at their worst stage. You may be so focused on classes, friends, beer, and sex. But that's really NO EXCUSE FOR IT! We live in a world where danger happens at almost any time of the day. So take time to read your email. Watch the news. Talk to your RA. Keep an eye on the weather. As long as you do that, you will never again find yourself stuck in where you are. I've helped one mom trying to frantically get her son home. I gave out ton of advice. Had he left on Amtrak yesterday, he'd be home already. But a fruitless while of stand by ticking, he finally broke down and brought a late afternoon ticket. Safe, sound, and more wiser he is. But, please, make it a daily habit. Watch the news, listen to your RA, read your emails. Weather can be just as dangerous as a terrorism attack on a moment's notice. For those of you still stuck in that airport right now, check the Amtrak and bus stations. Good luck.

Jim Byrne wrote a good post today. Here it is: http://jimb1962.blogspot.com/2008/12/nursing-home-and-holiday.html
and I concur that he has a very good suggestion this week. GO FOR IT!!!

Well, another storm is coming around again. Just ready for it. Loved last Friday. Fire up the old snow blower and CHOOM.. chunk of snow goes flying. In many places it will be a WHITE Christmas for sure.
So don't forget: 4 Shopping days left!

Semper (holiday) FI!

Shocked stuff.

G'day Everyone.

What am I shocked today of? Well, let me start off the bat. First of all, there's a bakery store in Easton, PA that has stood it's ground on moral rights and I'm proud of them. Who in G-d's name would a set of parents name their kid Adolph Hitler Campbell? The name "Adolph Hitler", is the most heinous name in all of history. It's insanity that some parents would give name to that child. What happen when the child grows up? Will he be mocked with it? Threatened? Beaten up? Possible killed? I hope for the very sake of the child that the name should be changed. Who's fault for allowing the name? The hospital and the county vital stastictics office. It's a shame that they allowed this name to happen. Never again should another Adolph Hitler come again, ever!

Meanwhile, President Bush has decided to help the automakers!! It was shocking to hear that he's decided to bail them out. Bush has now become the only lame duck President of USA that has opened the dam of money and poured it out into risky investments. For the big 3 and UAW, they're dancing as it's a Christmas miracle. But for the GOP, it's full of anger. What happens next year when Obama takes office formally? I would believe is his first act is to block that dam and then require people who got the bail out money to pay it back. Other wise, Obama is going to have little choice but to shut the gov't down for a while to save money or find other ways to make money to repay for the lost money. The nation is broke as it is! Thanks to PRESIDENT BUSH!! THE WORST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT IN HISTORY!

So here is my suggestion to my readers. Print a picture of President George Bush from the 'net. Then post it on a wall. take a soft slipper shoes. As many times as you want, throw the slippers at the picture of President Bush! Do this EVERY DAY. On January 20th, Toss the slippers at Bush picture at every chance you get until that helicopter leaves the white house and carries him away into history. From this point in our lives, Bush will no longer be a GOP Political power house. He knows it. I hope Bush hangs his head in shame from January 20th on. He'll be thinking a lot of his own future after this. He has no choice now.

Presently, I'm still in shock of my friend. He's in a nursing home for rehabilitation. Why am I in shock? Because the nursing home staff WON'T provide interpreters for him. I'm like *WHAT*? WHY? Then I was told that it had to do with the nursing home trying to make a PROFIT! I'm like "Haven't these people heard of the *ADA* law?". Believe or not, I was told " WTF is an ADA LAW?" (as it was relayed to me about what's happening to my friend). I'm going "My gosh, this place will be prime for a lawsuit". Why the hospital recommended this place, I won't know. But one thing is for sure. A hospital that treats deaf patients ought to be equally sure that a nursing home rehabilitation equally treats deaf patients too. Because this is important in the recovery process. If my friend fails to recover, I'll first blame the nursing home and then the hospital staff in their suggestions.
As I said before in my previous post :
http://thedeafsherlock.blogspot.com/2008/12/interpreters-in-hospitals-on-mandatory.html
it also applies to nursing homes as well.
Presently, we're trying to find interpreters who will donate their time to interpret for my friend in the rehab. (pls note, I'm not naming the nursing home until later. But rest assured, it's in the DC area. I'm in hopes the NAD will get involved.).

Update: While I've contacted the NAD for help, I found this info about the *ADA LAW* of what requires for Hospitals and Nursing homes to do. So here is the link and READ!!! : http://www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=137783

Very important for anyone to read!

Final shock of the post? ahh, it's snowing here. Big one. The first I've seen the years that I've lived at my present home. Blizzard time. Wow. Remind me of how Winter 1977 was. Winter hasn't changed much. Unless you've been in it. Well, if the snow sticks around till Christmas, then a white Christmas is promised. It's 6 days to Christmas, 1 week to WHITE SALE DAY!

till later, Semper FI and stay warm!

hitting back in the saddle again.

G'Evening Everyone!

It's been some emotional times for me as I'm keeping up to date about a friend of mine that has been going through his knee surgery and the post issues that surround it. It has been a tough time to watch him go through it. Praying for him is the best I can do at the present. But when December 27th hits and if he's still in that rehab place, I'm going to go down DC and visit!!

Nobody should have to spend Christmas alone in a hospital. It's the worst time of the year for many patients who are there. Some don't even have anyone to visit but the hospital staff. It can be rough for them. So if anyone knows their deaf or hard of hearing friend or relative (even hearing friends and relatives), go visit! The greatest Christmas gift is you being there for others!!

The snow storm is about to hit the North Eastern states soon. I know I like winter, but dread snowstorms. Some of them can be very bad. I heard what happened out in the mid-west area. I think we're all going to be expecting a White Christmas in many places. But SNOW in LAS VEGAS? Ooooo baby. I wish I bet on that day! But didn't! :-( So who knew?

Meanwhile, hearing that Coach Paterno, Head Coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions (PSU) that has just been granted a 3 year extension of his contract, I hate to say this, but I disagree! If there was a better year for Coach JoePA to step down, this was it. As bowl games are going on, we're drawing to a closer day to our January 1st Rose Bowl day where PSU takes on USC. This should have been a day to come for JoePA's last game. But if they win, JoePA will miss an opportunity to leave on a high note of his career. Will he regret missing the opportunity? Perhaps. But if he dies at any time during the next 3 years, everyone will be in turmoil at his death. from the PSU student on down. So, JoePA, you better hope your next 33 football games (not counting the next 3 bowl games), had better be your best years as well.

I heard that there was another protest at a university going on. It's the New School University in New York City that are calling for the ouster of the Executive Vice President James Murtha. This is a way bad timing for it. Way bad. As one person said "You are going about this wrong". And I have to whole heartily agree. This is not the time of the year to do it.

Well, till next post, May you enjoy the Christmas dreams. 7 days to go.

Semper FI.

The Importance of Hospital Visitation!

G'day Everyone!

I'm back once again on another post of the Hospital / Patient Series.

But let me back track a little bit about Living Will. While this is an important document to have during your hospital stay, it's more like an advance directives of orders to your health care proxy and the hospital to carry out. It's saying "If this is what happens to me, please respect these wishes of my rational thought of what I want done for me if I become unresponsive to make my own decisions." As I said before, this is preparing to expect the unexpected things of life. Especially when you are dealing with a hospital. So that being said, you can prepare yourself for the unexpected things in life. Making a will and a living will now will cover what you want done for you in life. Most of these forms are available at Staples, Office Depot, and other office supply centers. When you complete these forms, take them to a lawyer's office to have them checked over and then certified by a notary service agent. OK? Cool? Great.

On with today's post: The Importance of Hospital Visitation. This also includes visiting patients in nursing homes and rehabilitation places.

Why is it so important? Ok, I'm going to give you a very good reason why. When I was watching the discovery channel on TV, they were explaining that one patient was making POOR recovery following emergency surgery. Why the poor progress? Because the patient had NO family and NO friends to visit him. Just only the hospital staff. It told me that a patient is less likely to recover in the face of the stranger because there is no trust between patient and hospital staff.

If a patient has family and friends visiting them, even with someone being the patient health care proxy for the patient, the patient is more likely to recover faster in the hospital and eventually go home.

It is common between hearing and deaf people that they think a patient needs a lot of REST while they are in the hospital. NOT TRUE!! When you are in a hospital, it can be a VERY LONELY ROOM with a STRANGE STAFF that you really don't know. New sights and sounds can be very frightening.
This is why patients, especially deaf patients need their friends and family to visit them in the hospital. When you walk in that room, you will brighten up that person's day to see them visiting.
Some people have a fear of hospitals. Some people don't like hospitals.
But you know what? Friendship is MORE important than your fear. Fight that fear. Go visit your friend or Relative in the hospital. Because you are helping them to physically feel better and recover faster when they see you. It strengths the bond of friendship deeper.

One example: A few years ago, I heard my best friend, Paul Ealy, was sent to the hospital unexpectedly. Though he was unable to inform me, his mom did the next best thing, she called me. Though Paul has friends through his deaf ministry, it doesn't come much better. Paul burst into the biggest smile I've seen in him in many years. He laughed out loud (which is rare of him) and his first words were "How did you know I was here?". I told him "Thank your mom. She did this for you. She knew you'd want someone you know best to visit". He laughed a little more and shed a tear a bit. He asked me why I'd drive so far out of the way to visit him here. I told him: "I care about you. Because no matter what happens, I want to be here for you.". That just drew us closer as best friends more ever since.

When I got hit by Staph Infection in December 2006, I can remember how lonely it was in the hospital room. I don't have any deaf friends in Williamsport. I don't own a sidekick. All was I had was a cell phone that I text messaged daily to my far away friends. Even two hearing friends of mine, I called and asked "please visit". They ignored the pleas. People get scared of staph, but should not be. Just Gown and gloves was all you need. Unfortunately, of those two hearing friends, friendship died. But I thank my friends who texted me. My Christmas wish is a side kick! (prolly getting in 2009).

Earlier this week, when my friend, who's in the hospital,was feeling down because people were not visiting him, I went into action. I've had to personally ask people to visit to go visit him. It's not just pleading, but making a case of friendship a compelling interest of investment of time. So far, I've gotten 3 people to visit him. I plan to be visiting my friend just after Christmas as I have a trip lined up. Pleading for people to visit a friend takes work to do. Finding them is part of the job. I wish we had friends where we are every day. For me, I don't have a friend where I live now, but in 2009, I hope to move to a place where I can make NEW friends and enjoy life more since I may have a job in that area.

so till next post, go visit your friend today. Even if he/she is not in the hospital, but you'll feel better to know you did!

Semper FI!

Closer to the GIFT day! Winter storms

G'day Everyone!

Rush, rush, rush. It's 9 days to Christmas. Go buy a WRONG gift. You can take it back in 10 days for the WHITEOUT day after Christmas Sale! It has been a tight year for the retailers. More for people who are conserving money in the face of the Economic mess.

In almost 33 days (1 month, 4 days) to the Transition of Power from Bush to Obama, it will be America's new GIFT in a form of politics. Will this be the right time for a change over? We should hope so.

When I heard that President Bush was making his "Farewell Tour", I think this was the WRONG time for Bush to be doing this. When I saw the infamous Iraqi reporter throw his shoes at Bush and the Prime Minister on the CNN, he became a internationally known person now. No one has had the guts do that, but this? Well, the guy ought to be fortunate to do what had to be done, even if he has to pay the price for it.

My hope is that Bush comes home, and starts getting ready to move out. After 8 messy years, he needs to move to his Texas home (his ranch is a better place) and relax. Obama will hit the ground running. There will be NO honeymoon of a get-to-know-me time for Congress. Obama is going to have to hit Congress hard and make some TOUGH TO CALL decisions and possible to reverse some of the Bush decisions. Why? Because, Bush focused too much on Iraq and Osama Bin Laden. No Victory in either one. Obama must now focus to do what he can to repair our damages.

Winter storms are heading around the nation. I'm more surprised it's hitting early. But yes, Victoria, there will be a WHITE Christmas in some places out there. But, please everyone. Bundle up warm!! Stay warm if you can. Drive carefully!

till next post, semper FI

The importance of The Living Will and Health Care Proxy.

G'day Everyone.

Are you heading to the hospital? Even might wind up in the ER (emergency room) unexpectedly in life? Ever think a little simple surgery can some out wind up to be a major complication you didn't expect of? Especially if it's a life-changing experience?

When you go to the hospital, you MUST ask your interpreter, or your trusted friend to explain to you every form that is being put in front of you to sign. This is VERY IMPORTANT. Every hospital form may look typical, but what documents you are signing of should be explained to you. Especially two documents are very important that are VERY MANDATORY for both to be in your medical file. If the nurse or receptionist doesn't take the time to explain all the documents you have to sign of.. then SHAME OF THE RECEPTIONIST! Nobody should be taken advantage of if you didn't sign the two important documents. So what are they?


It's called: THE LIVING WILL.

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As explained in the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Living will: Refusal of treatment form

A living will usually covers specific directives as to the course of treatment that is to be taken by caregivers. In some cases a living will forbids treatment and sometimes also food and water, should the principal be unable to give informed consent ("individual health care instruction") due to incapacity. A living will can be very specific or very general. An example statement in a living will is: If I suffer an incurable, irreversible illness, disease, or condition and my attending physician determines that my condition is terminal, I direct that life-sustaining measures that would serve only to prolong my dying be withheld or discontinued.

More specific living wills may include information regarding an individual's desire for such services such as analgesia (pain relief), antibiotics, hydration, feeding, and the use of ventilators or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, studies have also shown that adults are more likely to complete documents written in everyday language.

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Usually the Living Will goes hand-in-hand with another document :

Durable power of attorney and health care proxy

As explained in the Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

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Durable power of attorney and health care proxy

Main articles: Health care proxy and Power of attorney
A durable power of attorney (also known as a lasting or enduring power of attorney) is an authorization in which the principal (the patient) designates another person (the agent) to make decisions for them in the event that the principal (patient) is rendered incapable of making their wishes known. If the decisions relate to medical treatment then the agent appointed is known as a health care proxy. The health care proxy has, in essence, the same rights to request or refuse treatment that the individual would have if capable of making and communicating decisions. A durable power of attorney may also apply to financial matters. In this case, the agent makes financial transactions on behalf of the agent, while the principal is incapacitated.

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(both articles as found: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_directive )

Folks, if you have never thought of these documents being so important in your life, you better do some serious thinking. Why? Without these two documents, it'll give doctors to do what they think is best of how to keep you alive against your wishes. You could end up in pain, discomfort, and die in a very painful than you can ever imagine of. I kid you NOT.

This is why you need someone to be your patient advocate for you in this hospital. This is where you need to sit down with your partner, or your spouse, or your best friend and have this LONG personal "WHAT HAPPENS TO ME IF THE WORST COMES TO WORST AND I CAN'T SPEAK OR DECIDE FOR MYSELF" situation. We're talking about every possible end-of-life-issues here.

Believe it or not, folks, we take hospitals for granted too much. We take our life for granted too much. We think every day that we're going to be OK and nothing major is going happen out of the blue when we go into that hospital for treatment on in a emergency accident some where.

But know what? Almost ANY THING can happen. A minor surgery can become a life threatening event that even prevents even the most healthy patient from being able to talk about how they are feeling to their doctor. It's not fun being trapped in your own body, unable to communicate to others of your feelings. It can be a horrible experience. And if you can't speak for your self, your doctor is going to do whatever he/she pleases to "help" you.

This is why you need to talk to someone who will make the decisions for you of how to do the best course of treatments. I know you feel that you rather be INDEPENDENT in this life, but don't take any chances. When you have a back-up person, (the health care proxy), you know you got someone looking out for you. It's important.

Don't take hospitals and doctors and nurses for granted, folks. They are human. They are bound to make mistakes. That's why a patient and health care proxy work together so that NOTHING goes wrong.

Please go to the link I'm posting here. It explains much more clearly about Living will/ Medical power of Attorney (similar to Health Care Proxy) and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-wills/HA00014

You say: No.. I'm fine.. I'm young, I got a long time to live. I don't need a living will or Health Care Proxy. Oh, you roll the dice? Suppose you survive the first surgery, you feel OK. But what if the second one goes bad? Would you regret that decision?

You say: it's only for people when they are elderly!! I tell you, NOT TRUE. These documents apply to anyone from the age of 18 and older!

Consider these documents for your medical file. Not only you will have a peace of mind, but you know someone is going to be looking out for you.

I hope I give you something to think about in your life.

Semper FI.

Personal Thinking Saturday.

G'day Everyone.

Here it is. The final 12 days to Christmas. So much for the song that goes with it. No, no, I won't sing the "12 days of Christmas". My voice is too awful for it.

But, lately, I'm also thinking of the last 19 days of the year as well. 2008 is about to close out. Lame duck President Bush is going to try to bail out the auto makers despite the entire country that is telling him NO! Don't do it! The recession is hitting everyone and businesses are either slow or failing. Every business knows to be very careful with their budgets. If the Big 3 Auto makes and UAW were not careful in what they were doing, then they have to accept outcome of their choices. A bail out isn't going to help them at all. The GOP, that are still in power at this point till January 2009, did the right thing to defy President Bush. But should Bush defy the entire country and bail out the auto makers, then it will make his legacy more twisted than Nixon has ever had.

Anyhow, with 12 days to go for Christmas, I have already made my Christmas wish list done. What is my wish list? I can't tell you because I'm going to be doing a little holiday tradition from the valley. There's a certain spot I usually go to where I leave a unsigned wish list every year. I use biodegradable paper so that I know it will decompose fast in the elements. This is about a time of the year that I will head to the valley soon for special events.

Working on the final end of the year post. Doing it in rough draft form and hopefully I will post it during the new year eve week because I do expect to be spending new years with my best friend (straight) Paul somewhere.

Today, after I put the lights up on the house, going to take the annual holiday train ride. Should be a lot of fun. But next week, ahh Christmas shopping. Yuck. Gotta get that done.

till next post,
semper FI

Interpreters in hospitals on a MANDATORY basis.

G'day Everyone.

I was doing some thinking in the last few hours as I'm watching a friend's convo who's being a patient advocate for a friend of mine while he's in the hospital. My friend, who is a patient in a local hospital, doesn't have a sign language interpreter when it's really needed. Especially in a critical situation. That concerns me very much.

Every time I watch discovery channel on TV about "Trauma in the ER" and watch how various interpreters who are on the hospital staff, are easy to summon to the ER to translate language from English to whatever what language is needed to be spoken in an emergency situation.

You know, that got me seriously thinking. When I was in the hospital 2006, I didn't have an interpreter. Though many times I requested for one. It was a scary situation of hearing many of the different UNRECOGNIZABLE sounds through out the hospital ward. My mom argues I should be able to do without one (an interpreter). But when you are a patient, you are in a different world. You are not the same person. I needed an interpreter and wasn't given one till the day I was about to be discharged. I was disgusted. My first stop after I got home? I jumped in my car (against my mom's wishes) and went to the nearest church where I thanked God for allowing me to live in this life awhile longer.

It was last year when my mom was unable to communicate and she had to be rushed to the hospital. My sisters came, but unable to interpret for me. So, when I asked for an interpreter so I could keep up of what's going on, we weren't given one until just before my mom got transferred. I get the feeling of left out of being able to help make a decision with my family for my mom's care. It hurts when you don't get asked for an opinion of what can be done. Though my mom is ok, she does see my point of view in the value of having an interpreter for me.

This past year (from last Christmas to this past June), I had a friend that lived in MD that got suddenly sick. From what I understand of, he had interpreters from time to time. But I do doubt that he ever really knew of what was going on around him before he passed away.

So it got me thinking of why can't a hospital have a Sign Language interpreter on their staff on duty every day 24/7? From what I hear, most hospitals CONTRACT the interpreter for the deaf duty out to an independent agency on a daily basis. Some are not even available on an emergency basis! They say "we must have 24-48 hour notice!". BUT a patient's life hangs in balance daily. Interpreters for the deaf make communication clear and important. Especially for the doctors and nurses.

Well, in the most part of everything that happened in my life and in my friend's life, here's one advice I want to advocate out there:

If you are a deaf patient that is going into the hospital for any reason, make sure interpreters are arranged. Even if the hospital is suppose to arrange for interpreters for the deaf for you. Don't let it verbally agreed upon, get it a signed statement that interpreters will be provided. It is important that you have communication flowing between you, your doctor, and nurses. Even if none isn't provided, you still need to be supplied with paper and a note pad and placed close by so that you use it and you get to keep those notes.

I don't want to see any more hospital deaths involving deaf patients. I had two died this year. I pray my friend, who just had surgery today, gets well and gets out of there alive. Remember to thank your interpreter who's there for you. They play an important role in our lives.

Semper FI.

Update: Jamie Berke sent over this link for my readers. Credit goes to her.
http://deafness.about.com/od/legalrights/a/medinterpreters.htm

and she's got a personal note going on : http://berkeoutspoken.blogspot.com/2008/12/why-do-some-deaf-get-more-interpreter.html

Thanks Jamie!

The beginning of the end for Detroit.

G'day Everyone.

It is not a good day to be an automaker out there. Worse, it is not a good day if you are a member of the United Auto Workers union out there.
Last night, the money tap was finally closed off. The tax payers where cheering like crazy and we still are. Bush and the GOP are split at this point in time. I really think the GOP had to make this decision in a very crucial way.

Now, if the auto makers do fail and take all the jobs with them, then the blame of failure doesn't fall far. It's not just the CEOs, but UAW that has made so much money off them. So now, what happens? Watch out for the stock market. Brace for another worker take over of factories that demand compensation for the lay offs. Will the take overs end in the same way as it did in Chicago or will there be arrests of workers trespassing in a plant that's no longer theirs?

This was a long way in the making. This is the recession. When people don't buy the new cars, and there is so much surplus of new cars, this becomes a bad situation. Some car dealers have seen the writing on the financial wall and dumped their dealer ship completely. Some other car dealers have merged to hope to survive this recession.

Whatever happens to the auto industry, they knew it was coming and a bail out they will NOT get. They're on their own in their own mess of things.

Does it sound like the beginning of the end for Detroit? Yes. Similar to Rochester, NY when Eastman Kodak and Xerox both downsized their companies. If the auto makers were to downsize and merge to make a new company and a quality car, that could be profitable.

I feel bad for many of the related workers that are a part of this industry. But you can't ignore of what you see coming and get the hell out.

Obama is going to have to deal with this mess after he's in place. I wish him good fortune on this.

As of this point, I'll be blogging later today. Please be praying for a friend of mine. He's still in surgery. Thanks.

Semper FI.

Sorenson VS Congress.

G'day Everyone.

Last night, there was breaking news that Congress was looking at a probe into Sorenson and it's financial health. It was kind of amazing since Sorenson has done a lot of things for the deaf community including handing it's recent technology of VideoPhone 200 to the deaf Community. They also have donated a HUGE SUM of money to Gallaudet University in raising a new academic building between the Hall Memorial Building and the IKJ Student Academic Center (IKJSAC).

Lately, you have to be concerned why Congress is opening a probe into Sorenson. With many of the financial crisis going on out there, it seems congress is starting to be concerned with what's happening among Consumer businesses. Recently, the automakers are about 1/2 of getting their "BAILOUT package" (which is in form of Short term loans), and many people are starting to wonder of who's next to start another line up for grabbing the tax payer money.

If you want to know the entire story about the congress investigation into Sorenson, please go here: http://rsgeo007.blogspot.com/2008/12/sorenson-slammed-by-congress.html
and also look in the comments area about the sorenson response.

just heard that Deafness.about.com also just got hit with the sorenson response. Same as well with http://www.edsalert.com/2008/12/09/allegations-against-fcc-chair-martin/

Let's hope sorenson be fair and open with Congress of what's happen. We stand to lose if Sorenson doesn't comply. This is going to be an on-going issue for some time now.

Semper FI.

Tree Identity.

G'day Everyone.

First of the two holiday jokes. (Thanks Linda!).

Two Trees and a Woodpecker

It is hard to find a joke today without a dirty word or two in it, but here is one:

Two tall trees, a birch and a beech, are growing in the woods. A small tree begins to grow between them, and the beech says to the birch, 'Is that a son of a beech or a son of a birch?'

The birch says he cannot tell, but just then a woodpecker lands on the sapling.

The birch says, 'Woodpecker, you are a tree expert. Can you tell if that is a son of a beech or a son of a birch?'

The woodpecker takes a taste of the small tree, & replies, 'It is neither a son of a beech nor a son of a birch. It is, however, the best piece of ash I have ever poked my pecker into.'

Now wipe that smile off your face. And pass blog on!

Second Holiday Joke:

Please Print out this part of the blog and carry with you in case you forget what to

do:

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table (vulture style) while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies - Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. And not only that, it's been mentioned that it's been re-gifted so many times at holiday buffet tables, the dentists are hope that we'll bite into it and chip a tooth or a two. (Note: ask to take it home where you can load into a shot put and fling it to some distance into the woods where nobody but bears will eat it).

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention of reading my blog. Re-read the tips above; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine glass in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!

Semper FI!!

Revival of Friendship? Walk Carefully.

G'day Everyone.

Lately, I had some JOY of cyber-meeting some long lost friends that I haven't seen or heard from in a long time. Especially from a former deaf baptist ministry that I use to be involved with long ago (which that ministry is now officially defunct).

Unfortunately, rejoining long lost friendships is a cause that people need to walk carefully. Because what you once where when you were young you knew your friend well. But time passes, you and your friend have changed a lot in life when you meet up again later after being out of contact for so long. Just say one wrong thing and you can find that contact instantly severed again, this time more permanent than before. Kind of like one will say about the other: "Oh now I know why I lost touch with my friend in the first place.."

That's how it happened to one of them this past weekend. A word in discussion about past events in our young lives and he said something that was "forbidden to discuss of"..and *WHOOMP* I deleted him off my face book friend list for good. I hate doing that. But it just reminded me why we just drifted apart in the first place.

Some days, I hate what I have matured to become despite I'm unintentionally funny at times. *sigh* Some times I felt better off when I was a lot younger than I am now.

Someone once told me: A friend will be a real and true friend to you no matter what you or they have become because they want to show that they still care about you. That's the power of friendship.

So I do feel bad for booting my friend off my friend face book list. But I would rather be kicking his ass in the face book kick ass game. (oooh, gotta love that game). Kind of a little "revenge" on my friend. (Just about everyone else has kicked my butt in that game, but I'm kicking theirs too!! Justice by the seat of the pants by the feet rules!).

Well, before I end today's post, I have two prayer requests for my readers:
First of all, I'm asking that people pray for the Family of my late friend, Harold Tritt. This year will be a difficult Christmas for them. So I'm asking that you pray that God will make it a special Christmas for them.

Second, May Robert G's surgery go well. If you want to know what I'm talking about Robert G's surgery, jump to: http://rsgeo007.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-on-knees-and-surgery.html
So, please be thinking of him as well. Hope for SUCCESS, ROBERT! This is your BIONIC knees Part one! Pre-million dollar man style! (not).

Ahhh, anyhow, the weather is going to play havoc with travel for me so it's not an option for me to head down to DC and see Robert . So as I say, be praying everyone!

till next post, Semper FI!

Wow.. Buying a car? better be careful.

G'day Everyone.

Jamie Berke finally posted a good article on the deafness.about.com. In this one, you'll read her story about a deaf man's car purchasing experience: http://deafness.about.com/b/2008/12/06/was-this-deaf-man-ripped-off-by-car-dealership.htm#gB3

But if you want to skip to Philly.com for the main story: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081206_Deaf_Northeast_Philly_man_says_Cherry_Hill_car_dealer_swindled_him.html

For years, I have told some of my deaf friends to bring a TRUSTED person or family member in going to a car dealership. Some dealerships are known to pull stupid stunts at times. Some, with dishonest workers, that actually do take advantage of the disabled community at times. That is sad. It's all about money, profitability. This is a bad time that this story has to appear at an unfortunate time for the car dealers.

Especially now that the Big 3 automakers are on the edge of the vote from Congress about their "Bail out money". I sent emails to my congress reps and told them "VOTE NO!". Personally, the automakers had plenty of chances to look at their finances and tighten their belts in the past two years. But doing nothing since the recession started? Nope. Not an excuse for heading to congress and asking for a "handout money".

So, if congress says no, the financial shock wave will roil right through the automakers, suppliers and the car dealers. Especially the car dealers. Some have closed down, got rid of their inventories, and eventually joined the unemployment lines.

You know, there are some car dealers that deal with people honestly. Even with the disabled.
But those who take profit and money to the max over honest livings, they will be the ones that will face God at it's worst time.

So, if you do go to a car dealer. Either bring an interpreter along with you from a deaf ministry, or just come with a trusted hearing friend. Nobody likes to be taken advantage of. And I don't think we'll see the last of this case. So watch Philly.com for further details.

Semper FI.

AG Bell Plate DESTROYED!, OJ Simpson.

G'day Everyone!

I'm kind of STUNNED here. Here, take a look at this post: http://orangebrownrit.blogspot.com/2008/12/update-re-ag-bell-plaque-and-events-at.html

What shocks me the most is that the AG Bell plate has been "recycled" (which is a better term for being melted down) and destroyed. I'm really surprised that NTID President Alan Hurwitz would report it's final disposition of the AG Bell plate.

I don't think ANYONE in the NTID Alumni Community wanted to see that Plaque destroyed. I don't think that was the intention of the discussion. We wanted the name and plaque removed from the dorm, but not destroyed. It would have been a right idea to keep the plaque and preserve it as a history of our deaf culture.

Though at this point, the former bell hall is now renamed back to NTID Residence Hall 50C. It will have to take a big name DEAF person to make a HUGE Donation to his/her name on the dorm. How soon will that happen? Who knows?

Lately, I read that OJ Simpson has finally been given a term of more than 33 years to life in prison. But it makes me wonder if the judge was just doing that type of a decision make up for the last trial in which OJ Simpson was found NOT GUILTY. I doubt that OJ Simpson will survive prison very long. Justice served? I don't think so. Because OJ still needs face the final one when he dies. That'll be life's justice then.

till next post, Semper FI.

The Austin Powers Wine!

G'day Everyone!

A friend of mine, Robert G., was out shopping yesterday and noticed something at a local food store and found this specific wine bottle. He said "Sherlock, there's a wine called "Fat bastard"". I said to him: "Bull! There's no wine by that!" (as much as I like to WHINE).

Well, he took the picture and sent it to me. Immediately we started up cracking each other with Austin Powers jokes. Especially about the end of the 1st Austin Powers movie where he is drinking wine and he whines "Who cares about a Fat bastard anyhow!". oooh, baby. At one point I cracked: " Ooooh baby, once you try my wine made from Grape babies, you wont want to WHINE!!" . Another one: "In Fat bastard, you won't want any other Whine (wine) but mine!". "In Fat bastard wine we trust". (oooh, that one hit good).

We tossed jokes around so much, we were pretty much cracking up a storm over the IMs. Makes me wonder if Robert hasn't fallen over in his wheelchair yet... :-)

Well, I'm not really promoting this wine, as I whine, but just wanted to show you some wonderful ideas of cracking up some jokes when you find something interesting as this picture. Some times, going out and finding some thing is usually an unexpected invite to making some good jokes. Ever pass by a movie theater and look at how they mush the names of the movies together to form an unexpected sentences? ooohh baby, when that happens, prepare to die laughing. Comments galore! It gets better when it's night time. Now I love this when a certain letter of a sign doesn't light up, leaving the name of the store with an unintended name on it. Yet, when you see it in that moment of time, you can start to make jokes about it to someone and eventually you'll laugh pretty much well together.

Well, until my next whine.. ooops! I mean next sine, argh! I meant TIME! *sigh*.. I gotta try that Fat bastard wine. ye gads, I'm poet now? ahh.. till next post, enjoy the day out there.

Semper FI.

Big 3 Bailout mess, Recession on! First Friday.

G'day Everyone.

I'm watching the CNN on TV and listening to it. Sadly, I have one reaction to the Big 3 Automakers: Your time is OVER! For many years, we've have big expensive cars and they guzzle gas so much it makes your wallet feel so empty. The UAW is so profitable, you could smell it. Now they're saying: Congress, HELP!

But this is just another bailout mess. Once when the money dam has been broken, nearly everyone in business wants a shot at MONEY! My response for congress is: CLOSE UP THAT DAMN MONEY DAM!! The Big 3 automakers' is over. They had chances to deal with the on-going crisis. Just like everyone else that knew we were in a recession.

It was officially said the other day that we are in a recession. I laughed hard. I was saying: it took you too long to figure THAT out. The government hates to admit that they're wrong when they tried to spin the issue away in hopes to spin it out. Didn't work. So now everyone does feel this economic pinch. Especially in this holiday season.

While we are in this recession, we have to have hope. Especially when Obama formally takes office January 20th.

Well, as today is the "over the mid-week", I suggest to my readers in DC to check out the www.dphh.com web page to see where your favorite DPHH crowd is going to be Friday night.
Still looking for holiday events? try www.DCDeaf.org for the latest info about New Year's eve.

This first Friday of the last month of the year is going to be interesting, depending on where you live. So get out of the cold of wherever you are and warm up with friends at a holiday party!!

Enjoy the day!

Semper FI!

World AIDS Day.

G'day Everyone.

Today is December 1st, 2008. It's World AIDS Day 2008. It's a memorial of a day that we remember who we lost to AIDS/HIV. It's no longer a death to be stigmatized or to avoid of. But, it's to support people who have it. Every year, we remind the government that it's time to find a cure and bring hope that AIDS/HIV can come to an end. Even to remind the drug making companies that it's time to stop profiting off the backs of those who are sick with AIDS/HIV and start being sensible by lowering prices for life extending drugs.
Even in the deaf and Hard-of-hearing community, we have lost many of our friends to AIDS/HIV as well. For the list of who we have lost, please link to: http://www.deafaids.info/

Starbucks coffees is having a major fundraiser today. For every red beverage you buy, they donate 5 cents to the aids research fund. In my opinion, Starbucks should be making a donation of 50 cents. It's like them saying "life is plugged to be a nickle". So if you go to Starbucks today, if you can afford to give the rest of your change for the aids research, do so. So go to Starbucks now. The fundraiser will end at 7pm. I prolly will visit my local Starbucks as well.

So, whatever you are doing today, take a little time to remember who we lost in our lives. Most likely I will visit my favorite church for some prayer today and light a candle or a two. Too many times we have lost special people who come into our lives only to be gone in death for whatever reason it happens (other than aids). Take time to remember the person who was around you. It's precious moments that will not happen again when they are gone.

May God comfort us all on this day.

Semper FI