Delaware's Tidbits

Don't You Hate This When ... ? Someone like a train conductor putting a note above your seat without your knowledge until I got up and saw the note, it reads: HEARING IMPURED. Scary to know that our conductors knew how to do things like that.

Main Street Station Is Gorgeous: In Richmond, Virginia -- the Main Street Station is absolutely stunning -- but they need to expand the rail schedules and close that shitty Staples Mill Road train station. According to this website, the city is planning to make the Main Street Station the hub of all transportation: high rail service, buses, taxis, car services, trains to convene in one location -- just like DC's Union Station or New York's Penn Station.

Then I Arrived In Wilmington: It was always nice to pass Gallaudet's Tower Clock -- each time I passed, I always try to look over at least once to remind myself that it is still there. That place has a special place in my heart. Wilmington, that town has done nothing but good to me. Last time, I visited the town, I was with Carl Denney and Mike Boucher visiting this massive museum where we get to check the last Czar family from Russia's stuff and their famous eggs where they painted lots of stuff on it -- I forgot the name for that kind. Then Mike, Carl and I hung out at a park where the sparkling river runs through the rocks ... beautiful. It was nice town, really.

Yay! No. 2 Duke Blue Devils Wallops No. 1 Tennesse Lady Vols, 75-53: Good riddance, Lady Vols. Go back to your corner. Overrated!

How About Georgetown? Despite the 41 points by JJ Reddick, No. 1 Duke lost to Georgetown at MCI (now Verizon) Center, 87-84. But Coach Krzyzewski was right -- the Duke players just watched Reddick play it all. That's why they lost.

Remember Improv Everywhere? Few weeks ago, Neil showed me the link. I laughed, laughed at their creative improvisations in attracting attention. Well, they just picked up the national press today after getting arrested in subway for "forgetting their pants". Absurd! Check this press' article at this link. But if you want the comprehensive information on the incident, go to Improv Everywhere's website.

Speaking of NYC's Fabled Subway ... : Who can not love the quirky moments associated with its subway system? Check this link.

Top Gun 2: Brokeback? Very funny video to check out.

Remember Anthony Natale? A bird has informed me recently that Anthony Natale is in Philadelphia for its production of a movie called "Universal Signs" directed by Ann Calamia. According to one source, Anthony was pretty rude towards the residents who attended a party that geared to get people to sponsor the production. One local said he was "asshole to us locals here!"

Not only that, another source alerted me that someone saw him cruising in a gay bar in Center City, looking for a guy to hit off. Ahh, at least, it confirmed my suspicions from day one -- since 1997!

Universal Signs Update: Much to my chagrin, it was reported that the film's producer/director, Ann Calamia and Catherine Miller, has already brought 5 deaf actors/actresses to be part of leading roles in the film -- and guess what? More than 40 film crews are hearing persons! There are many Deaf filmmakers who struggled to break in for an opportunity to prove their skills but nah, Ann Calamia chose to ignore 'em in order to get 40 hearing people to work as film crew. I think the film would be successful if they had several Deaf crew -- they provide the best perspective of what it is like to be Deaf -- better them than hearies' fucked-up assumptions!

How nice is this?! Once again, the film is produced, written and directed by whom? Hearing woman. Only one deaf person, Rob DeMayo, gets to work with actors/actresses as the production's "ASL consultant". That's all. How fantastic! Not.

Shameful but surprising? Of course not. Jeers to Universal Signs for not hiring Deaf people to showcase their talents and skills. This movie may be performed by Deaf people but it is designed to entertain hearing people in general. Barf.

One Last Tidbit About Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment: Last night, I shot an email to blast my delegate in the area regarding his interest to pursue the ban on same sex marriage, ignoring other priorities. Here is his response:

Dear Mr. Taylor,

Thank you for your email regarding the Marriage Act. I understand your concerns and frustrations and appreciate you taking the time to write to me. Please be assured that I will think about this very carefully and study it thoroughly. Although we may not always agree, please know that my constituents' opinions are very important to me.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my legislative office at 698.1074. Updates about the General Assembly and other information can be found on my website at www.donaldmceachin.com.

Thank you again for taking the time to write. Government works best when citizens are interested and involved. Please let me know if I can ever be of any service to you.

Sincerely,

A. Donald McEachin

No, Donald, if you voted for that ban, I'll make sure and do everything in my power to make sure that you will lose the next election. Readers, what more do you want me to fire back at this delegate?

Cheers,

R-

Bode Miller, Tom Kaine & Few Other Things

Virginia Gov. Kaine, like many Virginians, Sucks: It was reported that the gay marriage ban amendment has been approved overwhelmingly by the House of Delegates who seemed to be interested in passing the laws to discriminate than to deal with the transportation and education issues in this state. Now, the anti-gay amendment heads to the Senate for its vote, then Governor Kaine will sign it to make it a referendum for the residents of Virginia to vote. This anti-gay marriage ban amendment is designed to discriminate gays and lesbians from having the contracts with their partners in terms of insurances, wills and benefits.

If Governor Kaine has the balls, he will do the right thing. But do I expect him to do so? No. He does not have the balls. I am encouraged to see that many sensible residents wrote the letters to their editors in Richmond's Times-Dispatch and Staunton's News Leader, blasted their own state legislators for creating a law that continues to hold the progress of Virginia down.

I propose that if this state went ahead with this anti-gay marriage amendment, all pro-gay businesses (deaf and/or hearing alike) across the nation should not come to any conferences or vacations in this state. Virginia does not deserve a cent at all. Boycott this state by any means. Hell, many Xian organizations attempted to cajole many pro-gay businesses, it's time to return the favor. Kick their asses!

Great Article by Bode Miller: In Newsweek, Bode Miller was interviewed about the general state of Olympics -- which he will ski for 2006 Torino Winter Olympics next month in Italy. Bode Miller is honest person, which made some people uncomfortable. These people that did not like what Bode Miller merely wanted to keep this under the carpet. Bode mentioned that the Olympics ideals are not pure any longer. He is so right, "Look, a lot of the people involved with the U.S. Ski Team—the people that I'm representing—are unbelievable a--holes. Rich, cocky, wicked conceited, super-right-wing Republicans. But because of my morals, my principles, I can't judge them for that. The things they've done for me warrant respect, and I'm trying to pay them back."

You can read more on Bode Miller via here.

Marion Downs Hearing Center ENCOURAGES ASL: I am writing a response to some information provided by one of your readers. The hat tip is attributed to, "Jules". The information provided indicates that the Marion Downs Hearing Center (MDHC) discourages ASL.

This information is incorrect and false. In fact the opposite is true.

The MDHC embraces the use of ASL and respects Deaf Culture. There are no policies that forbid the use of ASL! In fact the MDHC encourages the use of ASL! Also, the MDHC always welcomes anyone to come and visit and learn more about its programs----it is NOT keeping a low profile----it has nothing to hide. Please contact us at mdhc@uch.edu for more information!

It is a shame that some people will resort to such low tactics as lying to discredit an organization that hires signing deaf and strives to provide accessible services! Jules or who ever provided this wrong information, please identify yourself! I would be happy to show you around MDHC and to show you how wrong you are.
--Robert Baldwin

Virginia 77, Miami 65: Wonder if Jeff Carlson went to the game? Virginia Cavaliers is now 13-4, 2-3 for the season. Up next is at Boston College in Boston. Ack!

Why Are We Still Having This Group? Our own favorite company whom the Bush Administration pushed for Pentagon to sign with -- Haliburton which absorbed billions of dollars in profits to "serve" the US Armed Forces across the world -- was cited for delivering the contaminated waters to our soldiers. What's up with that? I bet you few dollars that people like McWeenie and others will say that it was another "lie", "fabrication" or so on. It is quite absurd and amusing to see them trying to refute many things in life.

Confidential to Sherry, the Texas' Dumbfuck Fat BORGized Chick: You had been a "yes-sayer" for many years, that's why you got cochlear implants in your head -- you're nobody. Get this -- I am somebody. You ain't. That's why you sided with this loser over there. Whine all you want, nobody can hear you from here, you denegerate piece of trash.

Cheers,

R-

Weekend Tidbits

Richmond Capitol Tragedy: In 1870, Conservatives and Republicans flocked to the State Capitol's second floor courtroom where the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals was holding a hearing on the dispute related to the city of Richmond's leadership positions. The second floor was packed with hundreds of men watching the proceedings. Meanwhile, on the third floor where the gallery (balcony) was, it was overcrowded as well.

Suddenly, the gallery gave away and tumbled itself onto the second floor courtroom -- and the added pressure from the above caused the second floor courtroom to cave into the first floor where the House of Delegates was located. 62 men were killed, 271 were injured. Of course, all are conservatives and Republicans!

Where did I get the information? I read the history of Richmond at the local library today right after completing the hour-long workout at the gym. Great stuff, is it? When I read it, it made me smile a little.

Do Not Cheat When You're Around Parrots! "I love you, Gary!" But I'm not worried. I'm deaf. Unless my partner is hearing.

Lost Whale Dies in River Thames: I had been keeping tabs on this particular whale that swam up the River Thames past the United Kingdom's Parliament. The bottle-nosed whale died today after being stranded in the river.

Dying Lesbian Struggling But Did It! In New Jersey, a lesbian who has an inoperable brain tumor was dying. She was concerned that her partner would be denied with the benefits when she dies. At first, the Ocean County of New Jersey refused to acknowledge the dying lesbian's wish to help her partner. But now they reversed the decision after lots of support were poured in for the couple regarding the unfair decision.

Another Scandal In London: This time, Mark Oaten, married man and father of two, resigned from his position with the Liberal Democrat party, after it was reported that he had a "lengthy relationship with a rent boy". In London, rent boy is like an escort -- in other words, a male prostitute. See? Married man! Father of two! He still finds a way to have sex with a MAN! Let's face the reality -- it is normal to have sex with both genders. I look forward to the day I get the report that McWeenie engaged in a similar situation with Mr. Oaten someday.

I Saw Colin Farrell's Sex Tape! And it was quite good. Colin Farrell's cock is good as advertised. He probably made me the happiest guy for few seconds then I ended up having to deal with jealousy due to the fact that he was banging this woman, not with me. Anyone else wanted to view Colin's sex tape? You know where to reach me.

UPDATE: Bad news, the site that I showed the link has been taken off. Probably due to the ligitation that Colin Farrell has on her ex girlfriend. But me so lucky. Me enjoy it!

Am heading out to Delaware this week. Should be fun. Of course, my workouts still is on, I probably will do it in Delaware.

Cheers,

R-

1.20.06 Tidbits and Superboy Psycho

Find Someone Familiar? I was approached by the Editor of AOL's Gay and Lesbian few days ago that they were interested in doing a profile on me for its website. Naturally, I was set aback by that. Totally flattered but why not?

So I went ahead with it. And today, you can find me on its AOL Gay & Lesbian website. Don't know how long I'll be there, though. It's nice to be recognized. Thanks, AOL!

Only in Moscow! Many of you heard that it is friggin' cold in Moscow, Russia -- mostly in sub-zero temperature, I got this information via the email regarding the animals in Moscow Zoo. It reads: Moscow Zoo tried to warm up an elephant in the -30 degree weather with a bucket of vodka. It sent him off on a drunken rampage.

Only in Moscow, my dear, would they think something like that!

Xians, Conservatives and Republicans: I would like for you to defend your arguments that the same-sex marriage is not necessary after reading this article. Tell me why it is necessary to protect your "traditional" marriage but forbade gays from protecting their assets with their loved ones? C'mon, tell me what is so noble about banning gay marriages? Tell me why it is important to make it "traditional" marriage? Most of your arguments regarding the issue to protect the traditional marriage are not valid at all. Shame on you, dirty Xians, Conservative pigs and filthy Republicans.

CWU's Article on Deaf Gal: At Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington -- it was rare that an article pops up about the deaf student at CWU, let alone take the front cover of the college's paper. Congratulations, Regina!

Damn! UVa Women Lost: In overtime to Maryland Twerps, 84-74. Damn. Next time, perhaps.

Tales of the eBay: I enjoyed surfing the eBay.com at times, they sometimes sell funniest things out there. Thanks to Zachary, I can surf these just to amuse myself. Check this out. Hat tip to Zachary.

Superboy Psycho? I'm still reeling from shock after reading Infinite Crisis #4. Too bad, Pa Kent is not around to administer some kind of parental punishment. Come to think of this, it is very homoerotic if you look at it. Har har!

Someone mentioned that Superboy Prime acted like this because he was frustrated over the years of doing nothing but watching outside of current Earth's timeline. Superboy Prime (Psycho?) snapped.

It was crazy seeing Superboy Prime wanting to talk with the current Superboy but ended up instigating a massive fight that laid waste to Smallville and Keystone City. Then he decapitated Pantha. He said he did not mean to do that. Then he went on to attack several more, killing two, injuring many. It is absurd, really. I feel there is more to the story than this regarding Superboy Prime's insanity. I suspect that it has something to do with Superboy Prime's relationship with the ancient Anti-Matter character. Maybe it has something to do with Alexander Luthor. To see how Superboy Prime butchered few people, you may read this and that. Then I inserted the last page where Superboy Prime was pulled into the Speed Force with some help from the older speedsters. Superboy Prime kept on ranting until then -- someone said he did not die at all. In fact, someone else had a theory that the Speed Force will help Superboy Prime to an extent.

But the whole point is that for generations, Superman (or Superboy) is kinda the American icon that we grew to know and love -- he never killed anyone else. At least, did not do it with malice or intention. I do not think I'll look at Superboy in the same manner ever again. Maybe Geoff Johns and Phil Jimenez ruined it all for me. Good thing I had drastically cut down on reading 'em all.

Cheers,

R-

1.19.06 Tidbits

Deaf Man With No Arms? Shoot me dead if I am armless. I do not want to use my feet to sign anything! Even with the fact that my left foot can sign fuck you but c'mon. This lacked the dignity .. I cannot imagine a life without my arms -- I'll die before I ever communicate with anyone else with my legs and ass in the air. Hat tip to Travis.

Another NBC News Tidbit: No, the article is not about me or Jason at all. It is about the deaf students in a school bus, involved with a wreck. Hat tip to PJ.

Remember What Conservatives & Republicans Said? They claimed that few people died during the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina but guess what? 3,200 is still unaccounted for. No comment from conservative fools? Maybe Mayor Ray Nagin was right when he said that thousands would be dead. After all, where are they?

Since I'm Still on Katrina: Check this out. This is how our magnificent insurance works at its best.

Few Thoughts About Golden Globes Awards: I got an email from Michael Lucas asking me to think a little -- he was right. Ever notice that this year's Golden Globe's big winners are about, by or for gay or transgendered people? Best Director, BestSeries, Musical or Comedy, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Original Song -- no one took the time to demonstrate how they felt about gay issues. No one. Not even one.

Mel Gibson, Shut Up: Mel Gibson sicced the lawyers on this fella who set up the blog to do the parody of Mel Gibson -- hilarious blogsite.

Only Time Will Tell: Osama Bin Laden is at it again. He said that the national security has not really prevented his group from planning to strike on our land. Oy vey. Read what he said in this link.

Superboy Psycho? I got to read Infinite Crisis #4 today and I was shocked to see Superboy Prime going insane as he attacked another Superboy (Conner Kent) and laid waste to Smallville. Who is Superboy Prime? He is a fella whose his "world" ceased to exist after the famous Crisis On Infinite Earths and was forced to live in a paradise, watching the current Earthlings from afar, before the elder Superman broke the barrier and was attempting to craft a new world separate from the current Earth -- Conner refused to acknowledge Superboy Prime as "Superboy", so he went on to attack Conner Kent then he was forced to get the assistance of JSA and Titans to stop the insane Superboy Prime from attacking Conner Kent.

Then in one whim, Superboy Prime killed Pantha by socking his fist into her head so hard that her head was totally decapitated. Just like that. Then Superboy Prime started to sob and said, "Oh, no! I did not mean to do this!"

Then he went on to attack others and ripped two heroes' bodies in half -- it was so chaotic -- so evil -- before two speedsters took Superboy Prime (Psycho?) on a run into the Speed Force as a surprising guests from the Speed Force grabbed the Superboy Prime from behind as Superboy Prime wailed, "You can't get rid of me! When I grow up, I'm going to be Superman!"

The surprising guests pulled Superboy Prime into the Speed Force to prevent his rage from going unchecked -- as much of Smallville was destroyed and many heroes were savagely butchered by Superboy Prime.

It left a lot of questions to wonder -- why is Superboy Prime so angry, so angry enough to rip people into pieces? Anyone want me to scan the pics of Superboy Prime decapitating someone else as well? Lemme know. It is very gruesome art by Phil Jimenez, a fellow I knew for many years -- some of readers knew that I once invited Phil to my floor program as RA at Gallaudet many years ago.

I'm going to email Phil to rant about this shocking issue.

Cheers,

R-

An UPdate About MPD's Finest CarSurfing!

I reported last Monday that Jason Lamberton took few pictures of Metropolitan Police Department officer carsurfing down the street. Little did I know that it'd generate lots of hits from several sources.

Jason Lamberton and I got phone calls from several media outlets and it was certainly interesting experience to handle them. I also got an email from AOL's GLBT Editor asking me to submit a picture of myself so that they can do a profile on my blog sooner or later.

The original entry that started it all is here.

DCist, a premier blog for DC residents, mentioned my blog in this entry.

Jason Lamberton added his comments as well but he is not done with his entry -- you can find it here. Jason is bit overwhelmed and amused by the attention that he received from the media outlets.

NBC 4 came to Jason Lamberton's home and interviewed him about this as well. I got emails from friends who said they saw me on the videophone with Jason Lamberton during the interview. The problem is that I never saw the camcorder at all. You can find this article on NBc4.com's website.

Finally, the MPD First District said that this guy would probably be reprimanded or suspended. Good for him. I mean, if he can ticket us for doing that, why can't we do the same thing? Like Jason said, "Can we make the citizen's arrest on the cops?"

Good question. However, being overwhelmed with these calls and emails from different people related to this fiasco, I was relieved to escape to the gym to work out today. I need an outlet to let it go. And I was relieved that I did it today or I'd go insane!

I guess, it was one interesting day.

Cheers,

R-

1.17.06 Tidbits

Film Review of Madagascar: At one point, I noticed that the penguins asked a monkey about what a poster was saying. The monkey said, "I can't read but he can, he is deaf." He pointed to another monkey, who went on to sign as the hearing monkey interpreted for the penguins. I quickly went back and do the slow motion -- much to my astonishment, the DreamWorks got it right! They signed Africa right. They spelled voyage right. They totally nailed on this! Great job. The penguins totally stole the film from the rest of characters. Who cannot love these psychotic penguins, really?

Al Amel Institute for the Deaf and Mute Is Now Open: Ahh, a new deaf school in Mosul, Iraq is now opening -- but c'mon, get with the program -- don't use that word, mute. It is inappropriate. But one day, they will figure it out and remove the word.

Al Amel Institute for the Deaf and Mute Grand Opening
By Captain Marcus Grimes

MOSUL, IRAQ, 12 DEC 05 -- There was an anticipatory buzz in the atmosphere at the Al Amel Institute for the Deaf and Mute as the soldiers of the 172d Stryker Brigade arrived to help celebrate the grand re-opening of this unique school. As the soldiers came in, the teachers could not contain their pupils excitement. Every child in this small school, which is situated high above the Tigris River in Downtown Mosul, cringed their necks and pasted their faces against the windows in their classrooms to see what the soldiers brought.

The atmosphere became absolutely electric as the soldiers unloaded their vehicles. The children saw new backpacks each stuffed with rulers, pencils, crayons, books, paper, and other school supplies. Their eyes popped when a soldier, doing his best to emulate Santa carrying his pack, came in carrying a bag of soccer balls.

Soldiers milled about in a central foyer area, trying to look comfortable while wearing body armor, helmets, eye protection, gloves, and carrying rifles. All the while, they tried to communicate with the children, wave to the kids and smile at the teachers. Each time a soldier took a picture, the children would gather around to get to see the image on the digital camera.

Mr. Ahmer Jihad, the Mayor of Mosul, the principal of the school Vice Headmaster Alkrem Abdul Kareem, had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. After the ribbon cutting each had a few comments for the local press, each child in the school lined up very orderly to receive their new backpack followed by cake. Just like any other kid, they tore into their cake and frosting with vigor. Immediately they went into exploring their new backpacks and showcasing each feature to whatever Soldier was near.

The kids were very well behaved and loved to try to communicate with all the soldiers. In the four months in Iraq, I never regretted not being able to speak Arabic, but today, I regretted not knowing at least some sign language to communicate with the kids. Even without words or signs, everyone in attendance knew the children had one thing to say: Thank you.

Hat tip to PJ for this information. The article can be found on this website.

Marion Downs Hearing Center Plans To Discourage ASL: A certain reader warned me that in Aurora, Colorado, The University of Colorado's Marion Downs Hearing Center has received some million dollars to build a new center, they intend to set up an infant program for deaf infants with the intention to study them related to speech and hearing abilities; they already instituted a policy that it forbade American Sign Language to be used for these children. It was said that the Deaf Community in Denver does not know much about this because the Center is keeping it low profile. If the center received money from any government, it may violate some kind of laws. Any opinions on this subject? Hat tip to Jules.

It is SO true: The changes in suburbia is not pretty. In fact, it is American's greatest tragedy, really! Hat tip to Philip.

Happy Birthday, Ben! Benjamin Franklin turns 300 today on January 17, 1706. He was not the perfect man in any sense but he was great American. He has many flaws in his character but he is man of many things. It is no secret that Philadelphia still is infatuated wtih Benjamin Franklin and William Penn after these years. But I should mention what Benjamin Franklin once said: They Who Would Give Up An Essential Liberty For Temporary Security Deserve Neither Liberty Or Security

Weighlifting Result? At the gym, I officially lost 19 pounds. And I'm not quitting. I'll stick to the plan and yeah, I'm heading out of town next week. I am looking forward to that.

Cheers,

R-