2018-09-29

ASL Immersion


I notice that when hearing children goes to a public school, they learn English as their primary language but in the middle school (4th grade) they get to choose a second language to learn, Spanish, French, etc. to become fluent. This causes me to start thinking about our Deaf educational system and maybe its about time to overall it. We Deaf are equal to our hearing counterparts so I propose that ASL, the Deaf primary language be taught first, then introduce English in the fourth grade. It's a new concept worth exploring, my hypothesis is that ASL immersion is the way to go!

2018-09-28

Immigration

ICE raid a local Deaf club arresting several undocumented Deaf at their annual banquet where a prominent Deaf lawyer addressing the crowd on "Immigration Rights." They were handcuffed and taken to a detention center awaiting deportation back to Mexico. Deaf are now in fear that ICE may conduct similar raids across the nation. I don't agree with their argument that we Deaf are a burden to our society as we all share the same American dream so give us a chance to become productive citizens. 

Prescription

Does your primary care doctor protects your medical privacy? I got a videophone (VP) call from a local drug delivery service a few days after requesting a free sample from my doctor just to save a few bucks and a trip to the pharmacy. Reverse calls allows me to trace the source. Now I understand why these drug manufacturers are bribing our doctors to promote their brand.
We should be allowed to purchase drugs from Canada which often is cheaper, allow the government to negotiate with manufactures, outlaw insurance gag orders, and ban drug commercials   This is just one evidence that proves our health care industries are corrupted, that's America. I gotten go now to refill my prescription.

Dorm Tales: Nightmares

A Deaf boy was having nightmares of being lead down the aisle on Death Row, accused of a crime he didn't commit, with a priest reciting  the Bible walking alongside him. Inmates on both sides cheer him on. The door opened, they strapped him to the electric chair, being fitted with a headgear,  he start screaming as the executor behind a thick glass panel pulls the switch. A night dormitory supervisor awaken him, pointing out that there are no dinosaurs, assuming it's the same nightmares, comforting him, allowing him to the bubbler, and leaving the nightlight on. In the morning, once again, he's being lead down the aisle of his dorm, only this time with a teacher. Dorm mates on both sides cheer him on. The door opened, there is that familiar sight, thought he was being punished,  once again being fitted with a headgear, start screaming as the audiologist behind a thick glass panel pulls the switch. The audiologist had to rescheduled the test, write a note to his dormitory supervisor suggesting that his television viewing be monitored.


Malpractice

The newborn didn't cry after being spanked, so the doctor knew he's deaf so went ahead to scheduled a cochlear-implant procedure in the morning. Surgeons were unaware that they implanted the wrong one, because a Deaf nurse made a switch, saving the Deaf infant from the scalpel. The Deaf mother, who never gave consent to the procedure, praised the Deaf nurse of being brave, risking her job to stand up for what's right. The DA agreed to grant the Deaf nurse immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony in a corruption case against hospital administrators for accepting bribes from manufactures and also violating federal laws of not providing information of various options to parents. The hospital, still not off the hook, still faces potential malpractice lawsuit from the other parents.

2018-09-27

Madam Secretary

I think it'll be interesting to watch the premiere episode of Madam Secretary next Sunday night when Elizabeth McCord, possibly thinking about running for the White House, seeks consultation from three former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, General Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright. I think she'll stay put as our nation is losing its prestige in the world , and there  is no one more qualified to handle these crises.

Dig

A Deaf man in Georgetown died in a freak accident while planting a tree in his backyard. As he started to dig, his friend reminded him that he better call "Diggers Hotline" before he goes any further. "We get our power overhead...," ignoring his friend's warning. He then fell through the hole he just dug, as he was getting himself up from the tracks below, he saw the bright light approaching, was killed instantaneously by a Metro subway that ran over him. 

2018-09-26

International Deaf Week


The United Nations (UN) adopted a resolution recognizing September 23 as International Day of Sign Language, it's also the date that the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) started way back in 1951 which now represent the Deaf organizations, including our NAD, in 135 countries with a Deaf population over 70 millions worldwide.

2018-09-25

FAD

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Deaf Anthology Adventurers participated as an exhibitor at the FAD 100th Conference that were recently held in St. Augustine. The highlight was a Deaf speaker, Alex Abenchuchan of the Daily Moth, discussing the importance of mass communication, especially social media in our lives. Deaf Anthology Adventurers also donated a NASCAR model to FAD for its auction.
Deaf Anthology hosts its Adventurers tours around the world so stay tuned for further announcements. 

2018-09-24

Football

We're at Lambeau Field having a great time. We got there well before sunrise to hold our spot using those orange cones we stole to set up a perimeter for our world's famous Deaf tailgate party. Security receives complaints that we grabbed the prime spot and holding unto them until all of our Deaf friends arrives. We'll defend our territory at all costs no matter what and they ain't going to argue with us Deafies anyway. We're expecting about a hundred, that includes freeloaders without tickets who bought in their own flat screens to hook up to a ESPN truck, getting live NFL broadcast without their knowledge. It's starting to snow so fire up those grills and marinate those steaks. The Deafies are arriving, popping up their beer, and setting up the table with their own homemade cuisines to share. The kids are  off with their mothers on a rustic tour of the fall foliage in the countryside. Today the Packers taking on the Bears, our bitter rival. We got on our cheeseheads but there is a few Bears fans among us, they are welcome but I can't guarantee their safety with the unruly mob we have here. 
Let's gather around the fire and chow down, it's Deaf time as we chat away. 
Chatting trying to keep ourselves sober
Hours passed by and we are still chatting.
It's getting darker, laughing off those Deaf jokes, sharing the latest gossips, and the skies are full of memories of our lives growing up with all these friends with us today. 
Hours passed by and we are still chatting.
People are staring at us as they  pass by, giving us that strange look.
Hours passed by and we are still chatting.
The moon is up and the stadium floodlights goes off.
Hours passed by and we are still chatting.
One Deaf just got back after taking a pee, asking us "Where is everybody?"
I told him that "we're all here, why you asked?"
"The lot is empty."
Hours passed by and we are still chatting, not realizing they missed the game nor knowing who won.
It doesn't matter, hours passed by and we are still chatting.
Their wives awaking, sending the kids of to school, we weren't there for breakfast so they assume we are at work.
Hours passed by and we are still chatting.

 

 

Math

Math is a tough subject in our Deaf classrooms but I got to challenge you on this interesting question of the day, multiply any numbers by nine then add up  its digits and you'll always get a nine:

____ x 9 = ____
____ + ____ = 9

Select any numbers at random:

  3 x 9 = 27

Add up its digits:

2 + 7 = 9

Let me try it again using my zip code:  34744

34744 x 9 = 302,696

Add up its digits:

3 + 0 + 2 + 6 + 9 + 6 = 27

Keep on adding its digits until you get a singular digit:

2 + 7 = 9

Now it's your turn!

2018-09-23

Deaf Rights


Deaf people around the world share a common experience of being oppressed in our society as in this short film from Yemen, subtitled in both Arabic and English.

 

Freedom

Today we set aside our differences to honor those who died protecting our freedom.

2018-09-22

Breaking News

Breaking News: We're getting reports of an active shooter at the state Deaf high school homecoming  football game at this moment, several causalities are reported. The sheriffs are on its way, Swat team are setting up around the perimeter. Dorms are on lock-down, prom scheduled for tonight is cancelled and parents are panicky. The Superintendent gave us the latest updates of  a Deaf distraught employee with an AK-47 is being holed on campus and they are calling in the interpreters, supplied with bulletproof vests.  to assist with negotiation. Deaf children are now being treated for injuries on the field, several ambulances are taking them to area hospitals where a trauma team awaits them. We just heard that most of those killed are those on the hearing opposition team, including their coach. The sheriff announces that there will be a press conference at the local Deaf club across the street in a couple of hours. A hotline being set up so parents from all over the state can callin to check on the status of their Deaf children, hoping that they are not among the victims. Deaf at the clubhouse are in a heated debate over gun control, as a matter of fact one killed in the hail of gunfire was a NRA member, the Constitution didn't save his life. The Deaf community are in shock thinking that something like this would never happen to them. Life so unpredictable so you should never take anything for granted. 
911 Transcript:
Operator: "State your emergency"
Caller: (inaudible) 
Operator: "Please repeat, state your emergency" (gunshot heard in background)
Supervisor: "GPS indicated it's the Deaf school."
Press Conference:
Chief: The  Deaf suspect has been identified as Aaron Kosminski,the school cafeteria employee with no criminal background. Motives unknown, "hold a sec.." there been a breakthrough in negotiation, he's surrendering himself, handcuffed and taken into custody, now undergoing psychiatric evaluation. 
Reporter: "Causalities?"
Chief: "Twenty-two were killed, nine of them on the opposite team, several more are being treated and released, a few remained hospitalized, at least one in critical condition."
Superintendent: "I just got a call from the White House, the President express his condolences  but I blamed him for inciting violence in our nation, this incident is the last straw and I hope they invoked the twenty-fifth amendment. Counselors are being bought in to deal with the grieving process, students will be bused home, our school is closed until further notice with our staff on administrative leave..."
Commentary: Public schools now barricade themselves, installing cameras, x-ray scanners,and hiring off duty police officers to patrol the hallways. Our parents often complains about the lack of security on campus, whereas in our culture the Deaf visits the school without legitimate reasons. Are our Deaf schools safe, what procedures are in place, and are the local law enforcement prepared for such a scenario? Monthly safety drills should be mandatory.
According to various media sources, friends thinks the suspect was upset of being laid off after thirty years when the state contracted out cafeteria service. He was planning on committing suicide but changed his mind when told he could train to become the first Deaf prison cook. I know for a fact that it ain't going to happen. The judge probably would probably sentenced him to life without parole unless he mounted an insanity defense. 
The question remains, are our Deaf schools in jeopardy. Only time will tell.Our state legislators been tone-deaf to us, now we'll be heard loud and clear, enough is enough!

2018-09-21

Cows

"Here's your milk, the only side-effects is that you'll be counting cows jumping over the moon tonight.
It's a full moon, the wolves will go after the sheep. I'll tuck you in, tomorrow we'll go camping."

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

On Jeopardy this week, various colleges are competing but  don't  you think it wouldn it be great if Deaf students at Gallaudet, NTID, and CSUN are given an opportunity participate on the program. I'm going to pitch the idea to the talent coordinator of the syndicated game show. 
It's all about diversity and show the world that we Deaf college are just as capable to compete on a level field.

Budak Pekak


Imagine a Deaf child having an overprotective single father who wouldn't even let you go outside to play trying to keep you away from the oppressive world we live in. All that changes when a new kid moved into the neighborhood in this new Malaysia short film. The Deaf child just want to be normal like the rest of us, attending a Deaf school to be with his peers.    

2018-09-20

"The Present"

Mother encourages his son to play outdoor rather than playing video-games all day so what's preventing him?

NPS and the Smithsonian

This Saturday is the first day of fall so your family may want to go out to visit a local national park, the local museums or even both. Just flip a coin if you can't decide or look at the skies, if it's rainy then go to a museum or if it's breezy and sunny, then go to a national park. Free admission to both but you'll have to go to their websites to obtain tickets. The Smithsonian Institution is hosting the free museum  day while the National Parks Service (NPS) is hosting the its own. If you need an ASL interpreter, you can find their contact information on their websites. Ask the ranger to give you an application to obtain a free "Access" pass.

Closure

Another school of the Deaf was facing the chopping block as the state is considering a proposal to close its doors after auditors became concern over the school's skyrocketing utility bills, forcing it to cut vital vocational programs such as cotton-weaving and linotyping classes. A team of investigators were send to the campus to find the underlying causes, and it was discovered that Deaf children has a habit of not closing the doors when they go out to play, wasting energy like money going down the drain. A committee is now revising its curriculum to include energy conservation. Deaf children will be taught to to close the doors, turn off the lights in an effort to improve the school's financial situation. The Republicans passed Deaf school closure bill without debates on the floors nor awaiting the results of the investigation the matter and without input from us, catching us off-guard. The Governor, whose parents are Deaf, vetoed the bill and round up corporations to step in to support the Deaf school, updating its facilities and educational programs. The Governor also signed n executive order that an endowment be set up to keep the Deaf school operating on its own and appointed its first Deaf Superintendent who is committed to its revival, revamping the system and restoring our faith with assurances that we'll  improve the quality of Deaf education.
Keep our Deaf schools open, close the doors!

2018-09-19

Deaf Unawareness Week

It's Deaf Unawareness Week, just when you thought you know it all, but there may be something that we may be unaware of, are we missing the trends in our Deaf culture? Take for instance, the decline in the numbers of Deaf drivers on the roads, no, we didn't return to the stone age when we were forbidden to drive. We fought hard to remove those discriminatory laws off the books, to prove ourselves to insurance industries that we are safe drivers, often better than our hearing counterparts. Well, those days are gone, the reason that the majority of us Deaf drivers don't drive is because of the lack of affordable insurance, our premiums skyrocketed after a significant increase of accidents of us Deaf texting while driving. Safe drivers, it isn't so anymore. Technology improves our lives and yet shorten our lifespan.
Source: CSD and CHP video collaboration project

America Got Talent


The America Got Talent finals are over, a magician, Shin Lim, who invested a dollar on a deck of cards,just won a million dollar and gets to have his own show  in Las Vegas, perhaps temporarily stealing the spotlight away from  Penn & Teller. Really I rather see Deaf magician Matt Morgan right up there on stage. Anyway, does  anyone remembers Mandy Harvey, the Deaf singer, playing the ukulele, who became famous on American Got Talent (AGT) when one of the judges, Simon Cowell hits the "Golden Buzzer," sending her to the finals in Las Vegas last year. Mandy lives near me in the next town, still performing gigs, recently here in Celebration, Florida. Where is David Copperfield, probably still trying to figure out how to make the moon disappear from the night skies. There is a lot of Deaf talents out there, they should go out to one of these auditions across the country, NBC invites me to do a behind the scene taping of where it all start, competition is tough and only a few are chosen for the next level. Even if you don't make it through, at least you enjoy the experiences. 

Free-Lance Interpreter


A Deaf driver was pulled over for what apparently was a defective rear red brake light, the driver immediately gave the officer a card which explains that he's Deaf and request an ASL interpreter. The officer radioed in and the interpreter arrives on the scene within fifteen minutes. The cop asked the Deaf driver for his driver's license, and issue him a warning that he needs to get that rear red light fixed within thirty days. The Deaf, noticing that the free-lance interpreter wasn't fluent in ASL,  complained to the officer of the fact. She was arrested on the spot and taken into custody for impersonating an ASL interpreter and failure to have an interpreter license from the state. 

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, the lovable nanny is returning to the big screen soon. Walt Disney won the most Oscars in his lifetime but only Mary Poppins won Best Picture and also Julie Andrews won Best Actress. As a Deaf critic, I'm looking forward watch it on DVD when it comes out on DVD at  Redbox months after its theatrical release.

2018-09-18

Freedomland

When I was a kid, my sister took me to Freedomland, a theme park in the Bronx, it was so big that I practically got lost. Disney felt betrayed when someone he trusted left to built a Disneyland copycat in New York City, an unsuccessful venture that went bankrupt, now the site of high-rise apartments.
I think the Great Chicago Fire is the highlight of Freedomland.

Identity Theft Workshop


IAAPA


I had an annual pass to these 6 Flags parks, always looking forward to a new roller coaster coming soon this summer, this has a Batman theme obviously the Joker trying to discourage us. It's not the fear, it's just that at my age, my heart would probably not survive the thrills. There are major theme parks from all over the world showcasing their new rides at the International Association of Amusement Parks, Attractions (IAAPA), a trade show held here in Orlando.


I felt like I'm in an artificial environment, wearing this Virtual Reality headgear carrying a weapon as if I'm really in Afghanistan hunting down terrorists without the fear of being shot.
It's so realistic that I could be suffering from PTD, even though I was never drafted. I didn't earn any stripes during my few minutes tour overseas, my legs still remains intact after stepping on an IED. This is just one of the hundreds of exhibits at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) trade show that was held in Orlando.

3D Pinball is among the thousands of new technological advances being exhibited at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), a trade show, closed to the public, held annually here in Orlando, Florida. It's impossible to cover them all, so I just report on a few that stood out. I remember spending all my allowances playing pinball with my friends at the local arcade during the pre-Pong era. Nowadays, the industries has to be more creative to pull you away from your video game console in front of your flat screen.  Parents wouldn't dare pull the plug as they can't put up with your whining. Anyway, I get to check out that 3D stuff, it's so realistic that it has some advantages over the vintage pinball machines, such as multiple games choices, accepts credit cards, etc. I'm so old-fashioned, I'd rather play "Pac Man" on my old Atari 2600.

November 12 - 16
 
Orlando, Florida

Note: The conference is closed to the general public. Only those involved the in industry itself may register. Press must obtained credentials.

There area lots of activities going on during the week, including tours of local theme parks, CEO speakers, the awards presentation and workshops besides exhibitions on the trade floors.

I planning on attending the following workshops that are ADA related, historical, and the awards presentation itself. I'll need to request an interpreter to do more coverage of the conference interviewing, discovering new trends and sharing the information to the Deaf around the world.

Monday, November 12, 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
A Railroad Runs Through It: The Life and Lessons of Walt Disne

Tuesday, November 13, 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday, November 14, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

IAAPA Brass Ring Awards

Thursday, November 15, 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM 

Right Here, Right Now: ADA Planning For Operations



This vlogger gives us an idea of what to expect at the conference. 

2018-09-17

Jackpot

It's been confirmed that a Deaf Floridian has the winning Powerball ticket that was bought at a local gas station. In an ASL interpreted statement to the media: "It's a thrill to hit the jackpot, until I realized that I will lose my monthly SSI checks, food stamps, Medicaid coverage, and the subsidized HUD apartment but after thinking about it overnight, I decided not to come forward to claim the prizebecause the government been taking good care of me, so I prefer to enjoy life without any responsibilities!" 

Harry Potter Deaf Tourxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 deaf access
Gallaudet University Alumni Association - Wisconsin Chapter 
Harry Potter  Tour (Britain)


Book now for your exclusive opportunity to make your favorite legend come to life!  Mr. Rankin, who brings the character "Percy Weasley" to life in the Harry Potter movies, will spend an entire day with you, your family and friends when he hosts the Medieval Banquet, and participates in a Question and Answer session.  
Tour activities are designed for Deaf groups and that include a visit to the Tower of London where we explore the heritage of wizards and magical creatures in British literature and a Treasure Hunt through the city, complete with maps and clues given by our costumed guides. Our storyteller will snare you in a web of enchantment as she weaves tales from literary greats such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling. Oxford, York, Medieval Banquets, dragon-slaying lessons, Viking Feasts and a very special train ride on the Hogwarts Express. An ASL interpreter
  • Accommodations at 4-star hotels including swimming pools in London and York
  • All transportation by luxury motor coach to London, Oxford, and York
  • Fully qualified Blue Badge Guide
  • World-class Storyteller with an ASL interpreter
  • Admissions to the Tower of London, Jorvik Viking center, and Christ Church College
  • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners including medieval banquet and Viking feast
  • Dragon-slaying classes
  • Potions Class
  • Treasure hunt
  • Journey on the North York Moors Railway (Hogwarts Express)

    Note: I hosted this tour fifteen years ago. Deaf Anthology Adventurers may host another similar tours of various blockbuster movie sets in the future if there is enough interests among us.

Visit USA host International Pow Wow (gathering) with 6,000 attendees from overseas tour operators to do businesses with American travel industry being held this week in Orlando.

It's very hot and humid in Zaragoza, Spain, so I visited the digital water pavilion at the world's fair (Expo 08). I thought it's really cool, and we need something like that in our lakefront park here to hang out, to satisfied our thirsts and hunger.
The 1964/65 New York World's Fair was not sanctioned by the Bureau of International Exposition (BIE), based in Paris, because Moscow won the bid to host a world's fair in 1967, to celebrate their 50th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution. The communists couldn't get their act together, so the Soviet Union drop out, due to financial or political problems. BIE was in the process of giving recognition to New York City, but the Canadians protest, given that they came in second in the original voting, claiming to their rights to host a world's fair in Montreal, in observation of their centennial. The rules of BIE at the time was that a Class A Universal Exposition are limited to once every decade. Expo 67, with the theme: "Man and his World," was sanctioned by BIE instead of New York.

Osceola County Historical Society

EXHIBITION RECEPTION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
5:30 - 7:30 PM






2018-09-16

DUI

A Connecticut state trooper stopped a Deaf driver on suspicious of driving under the influences of alcohol (DUI). The Deaf guy admitted having a few beers, but refused to take a breathalyzer until an interpreters shows up. A few hours later, the interpreter finally shown up apologizing that she was at a party with friends when she was paged. Time was on the Deaf side, because during all that time waiting, he became sober enough to pass the test and is off the hook. The frustrated trooper asked the interpreter "didn't you mentioned that you were at a party...?" The interpreter fails the breathalyzer and was arrested on the spot and taken to jail. At least the officer has someone's collar, showing no sympathy whatsoever. The Deaf driver bail out the interpreter the next day. The last I heard is that they recently got married.

Murder-Suicide

Detectives from the Chicago homicide division are still on the scene of a murder-suicide investigating an unusual situation where a Deaf man murdered his interpreter then committing suicide in a medical clinic after learning that his cancer has spread throughout his body' given six months and recommends hospice care. An oncologist was unharmed in the standoff. The Deaf man identity hasn't been released pending notification of the next of kin. An interview his friends acknowledged that the suspect was suffering from depression, a common side effects of chemotherapy, clearly remembering him using sarcasm, quoting that "...if I die, I'll need an interpreter with me at the heavenly gates." Unfortunately, the atheist interpreter will not be there to there..

Deaf Auto Assembler

Ford assembly line revolutionized the auto industries.
John, a Deaf auto assembler, facing tough times being laid off several times during his long career, went to a local bank to take out an equity loan to pay off his overwhelming debts, the bank provides an ASL interpreter, Tim, licensed and RID certified. John previously filled out an application and became so upset when Barbara, bank teller, told him it has been declined and pulled out a gun. 
John: "That's it, I had it, empty out your vault!"
Tim: "Don't do it, put that gun away."
Barbara: (while pushing the silent alarm under the table) "One moment, I hope I memorized the lock combination."
John: "Ain't got all day." (escaped with the loot, interpreter chased after him
A police cruiser spotted a suspect crossing the street and released a K-9 dog to chase after him. The suspect was caught, right arm bitten, handcuffed and taken into custody. Barbara came to identified the suspect out of the lineup, despite the suspect denial of involvement during the interrogation. 
Correctional Officer: "I seen this suspect in court several times, probably got a long rap sheet."
Barbara: "You got the wrong suspect, that guy is our interpreter who chased after our Deaf consumer to talk some sense into him" (laughing) 
Correctional Officer: "We owe you an apology, let our K-9 lick your wounds." (laughing)
Tim: "Wait I just go a tip that John is coming here to bail me out." (John arrives and was fingerprinted and taken directly to jail awaiting a court hearing)  
Judge: "The court now in session, the State vs. John."
Defense: "We seek a motion to dismiss the case."
Judge: "Motion declined, State may call their witness."
State: "We call Tim to take the stand."
Defense: "Objection, it's a violation of RID code of ethics for an interpreter to testified in court against his client to reveal any information that may be confidential."
State: "Tim should be held in contempt."
Judge: "The court overruled the State, agreeing with the defense." (Barbara is called to the stand, takes an oath)
 State: "Barbara, please point out the suspect." (Barbara points out to John at the defense table)
Defense: "We request a psychological evaluation of our client, John."
Judge: "Declined, John already put in a non-guilty plead, if there is no other witnesses, the case now goes to the jury."
John: "What's happening?"
Defense: "Deadlocked, still waiting for the verdict."
Tim: "It's been a long day, so good luck!"
Juror: "We find the defendant, John, not guilty."
Judge: "As you all know I'm often harsh in my sentencing of criminals but John has no prior arrests and since this is Deaf Awareness Week I am going to be a bit more leniency this time and let John be off the hook under the condition that he filed for bankruptcy which is better having a negative credit report that is removed after seven years then serving a minimum of seven years having a felony which remain on the records the rest of your life, losing the rights to vote and own a gun, you better keep that locked up as I don't want to see you here again. The State agrees not to appeal. I also ordered you to seek financial counseling. You'll be placed on probation until your social worker confirmed that you completed the bankruptcy filing and the financial sessions. John, I now released you back to your Deaf community, I seen you got a lot of Deaf supporters in the courtroom." (cheers in the background, John thanks the judge and left with his friends, Tim seeks restitution from the local police department K-9 unit for his wounds) 
Deaf Anthology: "Pah!"   



 

Traffic Signal

As we all know, Kissimmee Police are compassionate and understanding and if they puled over anyone over for passing through the red light , the driver have some explaining to do. The officers heard all kinds of excuses but some are legitimate such as unable to see the traffic light signals when you are blinded by the sunrise while driving  east. Parents may be distracted by children having a meltdown. Elderly with a medical condition, etc. This gives  the officer discretion  to issue a ticket, warning, or to forgive, reminding us to drive carefully. The Kissimmee  police department job is to protect and serve us by going after those who who deliberately ignore the law and disregard public safety, not those law abiding citizens that who unintended passed a red light. Red light camera controversy can ruin Kissimmee reputation among tourists here in the most popular destination in America. I think that Thomas Jefferson would agreed with me that the red light cameras are unconstitutional. (Osceola News-Gazette)
                                                   

2018-09-15

New York Times


Deaf Anthology will be at the New York Times Travel Show next January attending  seminars, meeting with exhibitors, and planning new Deaf tours.
Pyeongchang Winter Olympics games is now undergoing in South Korea. I had a chance to meet their Mascot, Soohorang, the white tiger and to play curling with the athletes at the New York Times Travel Show recently. The Deaflmpics winter games will be held in Italy next year. Deaf Anthology may also plan a La Triennial La Milano tour, an international exposition of architectural design and arts including a major sights such as Leonardo Da Vinci 's "Last  Supper." 
At the New York Times Travel Show, a journalist from the tourism authority interviewed me about my experiences on the antiquities tour of Egypt with fellow Gallaudet alumni. I recall being on the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor worrying about my roommate only to discover that he was sitting all night in the lounge bar drinking because he couldn't remember which cabin we are sleeping in. Deaf Anthology Adventurers is planning on a tour to the birthplace of our civilization that includes a stopover for lunch at a Deaf KFC franchise.

I bought up an important issue on behalf of us Deaf travelers and we had an interesting discussion in the topic. An article was published in the Travel Weekend afterwards.
During a panel discussion on the topic, a deaf man in the audience said tour operators have refused to provide sign language interpreters to deaf travelers -- or want to charge them for the service. "A deaf person does not have the same experience a hearing person does. ... We need to let deaf people also travel the world. It's an untapped market," he said. Harry Dalgaard, president of Avanti Destinations, said, "We're just scratching the surface and trying to provide the quality of the product that you need is a challenge, but it's also a focus that we need to look at. We're just exploring it." Tauck president Jennifer Tombaugh said there had not been great demand for services for deaf or hard-of-hearing travelers. "We don't do a good job on that, but we also haven't had demand for that," she said. However, the audience member was the second person in a week to bring it up to her. "We're starting to take a look at how we can provide in-depth experience to all of our potential clients out there," she said. Accommodating disabled travelers is an ongoing conversation for John Van Den Heuvel, president of Gogo Vacations. One of his good friends is a wheelchair user, keeping the issue front of mind, he said. However, like Tombaugh, he said deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers had not been on his radar. He thanked the man for bringing it up. "I appreciate it and I say thank you, and it's part of my conversation moving forward," Van Den Heuvel said. Several agents in the audience spoke up, encouraging individuals with disabilities to seek the help of an agent who specializes in assisting travelers like themselves. 
Jamie Biesiada  Travel Weekly
I had an opportunity to meet with Joseph Rosendo at the New York Times Travel Show. You can watch his Travelscope series on PBS.
These Chinese translated "Deaf" into their Manchurian language as "from the heart." Deaf Anthology Adventurers is planning a Deaf tour of China next year. If you want to join any of our tours, we'll soon make an announcement sometimes in November on this blog under events. We'll be hiring Deaf group leaders, Deaf entertainers and ASL interpreters so stay tuned.

                                                 
At the New York Times Travel Show, I had an opportunity to collect promotional material  and asks questions, seek group rates, and discuss interpreter issues and also the possibility of arranging visits  to local Deaf schools and organizations.

Sex Education of the Deaf

"My worst fear is to be caught masturbating in the dormitory, being bullied when my friends discovered that I'm gay, and getting an abortion without my parents' knowledge," etc. Those are some of the the concerns of our Deaf youths in America according to a national task force studying sex education in our state schools. Our goals is to develop and updated  our current sex education curriculum to meet their needs. While some recommendations are controversial, parents still have the rights to opted out their Deaf child from the program. All dorm counselors are encouraged to take training as part of child development requirements to obtain their certification. Although it hasn't yet been finalized, these are the list of proposals under considerations.




1. A field trip to an abortion clinic.
2. Distribution of condoms in the dorm, each boy will be taught individually its proper uses.
3. School nurse to offer HIV testing to anyone who request it.
4. A tour of a local hospital maternity ward, and when possible, to observe a live birth.
5. An open discussion on masturbation, homosexuality, puberty, STD etc. .
6. Uncircumcised boys be taught to pull up their foreskins to clean their penises.
7.  "Show Me" graphic textbook in the elementary dorms.
8. A visit to a exhibition of Sally Mann's photography at a local gallery.
9. Skinny dippy in the school swimming pool.
10. Experience a Finnish sauna.
11. Deaf children weekend at a local nudist resort, participating in Greek games, body painting, etc.
12. Sexual abuse prevention.
13. Testicular self-examination.
14.  Conjugal rooms availability
15.  Exposure to pornography materials,etc.
Our task force will be accepting inputs from the general public until September 22, contact us at  555- DEAFSEX. Governmental and foundation grants allows us to conduct this research and we'll finalized  our research after we held a public hearing on the matter.   
  

2018-09-14

Deaf Daycare Center

A mother filed a lawsuit against a daycare center where her Deaf child are expected to learn lipreading and speech skills to be normal like anyone else but they became upset when her son learned ASL on the playgrounds. The court dismissed the case citing that the state already recognized ASL a language. Psychologists agreed that the Deaf often removes their cochlear-implants once they become of legal age, "Yes, it's true that parents have their rights to choose the mode of communication but it's the opinion of the court to decide what's best in the interests the Deaf child, and recommended that he be transferred to the state school and parents participate in an ASL outreach program that's available to them. Social skills, not speech, is a critical element to living within our community, not to be detached from our oppressive society..The parents decided not to appeal the case, to accept their Deaf child, realizing that God may  have a purpose. 

VRS Policy

ACLU, representing a Deaf teenager, filed lawsuit in federal court against a VRS provider for violating his constitutional "freedom of speech" rights. The incident occurred when the Deaf uses the VRS to call a cigar shop, asking if they have "Prince Albert in the Can," and when the response was affirmative, he told him to "Let him out." The interpreter wasn't amused and gave him a stern lecture, notified him of his suspension because of their policy against "prank calls." Deaf (name withheld to protect his identity) teenager became upset, feeling that's unfair since his hearing brother and friends does the same thing and get away with it.  The cigar shop owner just laugh it off when questioned by the media, "I am used to getting such calls every now and then." The VRS refused to comment on the case, pending litigation.

2018-09-13

Interpreter Agency


An interpreter service firm decided to take actions to improve the skills of their interpreters it hires, having a RID certificate just isn't enough, and trying to get Deaf consumers to fill out its survey is too much of a hassle and time-consuming. After brainstorming, they came up with solution, requiring all interpreters to wear a t-shirt with the "How Am I Interpreting...Dial 555-5ASL" imprinted on the back. Service has since improved.

"Stand Your Ground"

This is my opinion on the controversial "Stand Your Ground" laws, especially here in Florida, that I submitted to the Osceola News-Gazette.

"Why should I defend myself knowing that I could be put in jail and be sued by the suspect, it's not worth the risk."

2018-09-12

Supergirl

Supergirl (#65/February'02") saves the Deaf school but after reading it, it seems to reinforce our misconceptions, nothing new here, you know what I mean like being lipreaders and all that stuff, anyway the comic treated deafness as a birth defect, blaming it on a chemical plant. The school livelihood is dependent on the settlement won in a lawsuit to keep it operational, but the defendants' lawyers kept on filing appeals after appeals to avoid taking responsibilities for the environment disaster. Supergirl steps in enlisting her friends to protest, does it sounds familiar, against the plant, creating media attention. The storyline, forget it, a disappointment.

Deaf Institution

Do you remember when you send off your Deaf child to a bus stop to send him off to the your state Deaf school. Now your Deaf child is grown-up and taking off for Gallaudet.

2018-09-11

"The Chew"


Yesterday, I went to the taping of  "The Chew" at Epcot. They bought in their entire production crew here from New York this week, first time ever outside the studio. We're having a great time! Tickets were available online, but gone within minutes. I contacted ABC to request an ASL interpreter on the set. You also get both a complimentary parking pass and ticket from Disney, so you can remain in the theme park afterwards. It was the last taping of the week, so basically you can expect the highlights, cooking demonstrations, a discussion about food allergy, and a few helpful tips. We the studio audience get to taste the sliders, which was overall voted the best burgers. I thought it was funny that everyone can hear the birds chirping at the microphones hanging above the stage. Everyone receives a "Mickey Mouse" book after the taping.

"The End"

"The End" in OC format and BSL is a British film by Deaf Director Ted Evans, winning several awards at various festivals.

2018-09-10

Mecum Auto Auction

Dorm Tales: "Twilight Zone"

Just about every night I tell stories to my SJSD Dorm II boys (age 8-10), one night I was telling them a story from the "Twilight Zone" comics. A story of a German officer survives several battles during World War II, went to a fortune teller one night where she warns him of the numeral 235 as the symbol of his upcoming death. Hitler assigned him as commander of a U-Boat 235, but he declined the offer, deserting to Japan just before the fall of Berlin, as the Soviet approaches the capital. Settling down in peaceful Hiroshima, he looks up the sky one morning, saw the lone American B-29 bomber, the "Enola Gay" dropping a single bomb. That German officer didn't even bother to head to shelter thinking it's nothing as it's just only one bomb heading toward an open field less than a mile way. He perished in a mushroom cloud that left the entire city in ruins. That bomb, "Little Boy," contains uranium, atomic element #235.            

Daytona Beach

Deaf Anthology Adventurers participated in its first BIG Travel Conference that were recently held in Daytona Beach, giving us an opportunity to meet with various representatives of the travel industry willing to assist us with our planning of cruises, tours, and events. The highlight was a reception at the Daytona 500 Speedway where we socialize, having a great time.






Good Game

This video proves a point that we should never underestimate the Deaf.

2018-09-09

Lasagna

25 Gallaudet students know how to party, they went to New York over the weekend to eat at the Del Posto's to order the nine course, $500 Collezione (each chipping in $20), which includes the 100 layers lasagna, personally served by the chef himself and yes, wine  is included. Garfield wasn't invited either. They prepared for the feast by fasting a week before arrival. They left a hefty tip!