9.15.05 Tidbits

Shame On Advocate! What's wrong with this picture? Crystal does not make you look sexy or cute. In fact, I already saw few addicts -- their teeth are fucked up. Their skins are full of sores. And all that shit. And Judging the picture, it is as if The Advocate is glorifying Crystal Meth. It is like "See this guy? You can try Meth and kick the habit? You won't lose a look!"

Just like HIV meds' advertisements -- you always see very good looking guys saying, "You Can Be Positive and Look Good!"

But on the bottom of the poster lies a warning that says you'll have side effects of diarrhea, vomit et cetera.

Advocate should have a line somewhere else that. I mean, it is travesty that The Advocate is doing a disservice to the readers. It is true that they think they're above the rest.

Bubonic Plague-infected Mice Missing: IN Newark, New Jersey -- a laboratory reported that three mice carrying the strain of Bubonic plagues has disappeared from its laboratory and the FBI agents said that the chances of mice passing it to others are nil. Remember, the Bubonic Plague killed 25 million Europeans, consisted of 1/3 population in Europe!

Shame On Dr. Jordan: Dr. Irving King Jordan, the President of Gallaudet University to be retired in December, 2006 has spent funds to wage the glossy letter all over the campus and throughout the country to announce and emphasize his retirement in people's faces.

The front page goes like this:

The back page goes like this:

Dr. I. King Jordan made history in 1988 when he became the first deaf president of Gallaudet University. The week-long student-led protest, called DPN for “Deaf President Now,” which led to his appointment remains a watershed event in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people all over the world.

On September 1, Dr. Jordan announced that he would retire as President of Gallaudet on December 31, 2006. Through his leadership, the university’s endowment has increased from $5 million to $150 million; new facilities have has been added and academic programs strengthened; the operating budget and university offerings have grown without incurring debt; outstanding administrators and faculty members have been hired; the size and quality of the student body has increased; and a long-term strategic vision for the university has been developed.

Dr. Glenn B. Anderson, chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, said that “King Jordan is an extraordinary man whose tenure will be remembered for his outstanding accomplishments as a Chief Executive and as a role model and spokesperson for the deaf community and the disability community. In this role, Dr. Jordan has helped change for the better the lives of millions of Americans and kept an international spotlight on Gallaudet University.” Dr. Anderson announced that a national search will soon be underway to select Dr. Jordan’s successor.

Dr. Jordan said that he has had “the good fortune to be president during a period of growth and prosperity at Gallaudet and during a new era of recognition for the rights and abilities of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.” He also thanked his wife of 36 years, Linda Kephart Jordan, for her tireless work as Gallaudet’s First Lady.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Jordan expressed their deep gratitude to the Gallaudet community for providing them the opportunity to serve the institution and shared their belief that “Gallaudet is well-positioned to become even stronger in the future.”

Must Dr. Jordan waste the funds to promote his own self-gratification or self-indulgence? The funds would be better used for other purposes -- it is inappropriate for him to use Gallaudet funds to promote his retirement. If he does, then all of faculty should have the same opportunity to promote their own retirement with glossy issue.

C'mon, Dr. Jordan, think outside the box, willja?

Guess What?! Tonight, I might bump into the local blogger at The Post. It should be interesting evening -- once again, be very afraid.

R-

Like My Birthday!

In 1982, Mom told me that she'll come to Price Hall on the weekend of November 9, a dormitory where I lived during my elementary years at Virginia School for the Deaf in Staunton, Virginia. I was thrilled about it. Because she said she'll bring a birthday cake, gifts and shit for me and for me to share it with my friends at a dormitory.

I told all of my friends about it.

Big mistake.

Mom never showed up. Never bothered to call nor let me know what happened as I waited for her to show up all weekend long. I was only 8 turning to 9. You can say that psychologically, it probably devastated my trust with Mom. Later, during the Thanksgiving Weekend, I asked Mom why she did not bother to come. She said, "First, Dad refused to let me go. Second, I did not see the need to call you to let you know since you would come home for Thanksgiving Weekend and it saves money on the phone bill."

I told her that I waited for her all weekend long and even my friends dismissed my insistences that Mom would come as a lie. Mom grinned and said, "Stop it, RT. You'll grow out of it."

What a fucktard. But that is Mom. I think when she did that, it sent a cold reality in my psyche that people out there do things like that. I mean, if Mom and Dad did this to me, leaving me hung dry in front of my peers -- what worse things can happen next, really?

Oh, since my birthday is in November, I never had a birthday party hosted by my parents between 5 to 17 years old. My parents did that for Gary whose birthday is in July during the summer vacation. They do that with Karen and Billy Jr., who are my hearing siblings and do not go to a residential school. Lily, Hedy and I virtually do not have birthday parties during our stay in VSDB. Not even on homegoing weekends -- I asked Mom why. Her response was, "Well, you already have a birthday party at VSDB!"

Never mind that the staff at VSDB do provide monthly birthday parties for students. How nice -- but cakes made by Home Economics students are ... let's say ... tasteless.

But the point remains the same -- even today, the birthday parties are pretty touchy thing for me to handle. I guess when my friends decided to host a birthday party for me, I tend to be pissed off or be modest about it. Maybe I needed a therapy session or two? Who knows?

In 1994, a week before my birthday, I mentioned discretely to my friends about my birthday. Then on that fateful day, nobody acknowledged nor did a thing. So I decided to organize a birthday party of my own. I went to a grocery store and bought myself a birthday cake, ice cream, soda and potato chips -- invited few friends in. They were puzzled when I asked them to show up at Richall's apartment. Then I came in to set everything up and said with a sarcasm tone, "Happy Birthday to me!"

One girl wept. At first, I was set back by her being upset about it. But whatever.

In 1996, Jake Temby and Will Sharpe knew of my birthday taints and they planned very well to surprise me a birthday party that included more than 20 friends at Red River Grill Restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue in DC. I was speechless. It was one of the nicest things they did to me. Even better, Jake and Will also bought me my first 'Shroom to eat before we went to see Starship Troopers. It was so dramatic -- I feel like these darned bugs ran off the screen. It freaked me out. It was absolutely a great birthday gift!

Later at 506 L Street NE during my birthday party that continued from the restaurant to the movie theater and last, to the house party, Sherri Youens was so drunk that she mistook my birthday cake as a chair which was made by Chanda Smith or Patti Raswant. As Sherri attempted to sit on it, someone shoved her off -- you should see how Sherri flew ... it was hysterical. That party fucking rocks. Few can attest that the parties at 506 L Street NE is a legend of its own. Just like Carl's M Street.

However, I'm not pretty obsessed with birthday parties -- I think the "cold reality" sets me in at an early age where I really disliked these parties to an extent. Which could be the reason why I always forgot everyone's birthdays! Trust me, I'm very awful when it comes to this.

Why did I talk about birthday? Well, yesterday marked the Third Anniversary of my blogsite. The first entry was done on September 14, 2003. You can read my first entry at this link.

So you guys actually did not realize that yesterday was the day Observe But Do Not Interfere turned 3. The site meter was added last October and I'm approaching 100,000 views in a year. Some even asked me about making a profit out of this -- I had been thinking about that as well. One negative thing about this is that I'm not familiar with how to make profits from the online business. But that is OK, I'll learn my ways around.

I must admit that my style of penning from the first day to now has changed tremendously. I think writing has enabled me to perform better since more readers are coming back to read what I have to say about different things. So far, the trail I looked behind is filled with tribulations and triumphs. I expect of that in the future as well. I expect to improve. There is always room to improve, though. Otherwise, it has been fun ride -- who wants to get off the roller coaster? Certainly not me.

Cheers,

R-

"Psst! Did you see this guy's teeth?"

That is what the kids in the elementary school would whisper to each other after seeing this guy. Enjoy!

R-

* * *
NEW YORK (Sept. 13) - Kimani Ng'ang'a waited more than eight decades for his first day of school. The Kenyan villager wants to make sure nobody else has to wait that long.

The 85-year-old man, billed as the world's oldest elementary school pupil, toured Manhattan to promote a global campaign urging assistance for an estimated 100 million children denied an education because of poverty.

Kimani only started his formal education in January 2004.

"Look what school has done for me so far," said Kimani, standing Tuesday in Battery Park with the Statue of Liberty behind him. "Here I am in New York."

As part of his visit, Kimani traveled around Manhattan in a yellow school bus to spread his message about education for needy children.

Kimani met outside the United Nations with Nane Annan, wife of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He told her, "It would be good if all children of the world could go to school."

Annan agreed, saying, "That is the goal of the United Nations."

Some heads of state already were in New York for Wednesday's opening of a three-day U.N. summit.

At the U.N., Kimani delivered 100,000 paper cutout figures, representing those children kept out of school.

The figures were created by school children all over the world; each carries a written message of "Send my friend to school."

The program, along with Kimani's visit, was organized by the Global Campaign for Education - a coalition of agencies from more than 100 countries.

Kimani, a father of 15, was able to afford schooling only after Kenya's government dropped fees for primary schools. He came to the United States with his principal, Jane Obinchu, who also served as his interpreter.

"I love being in school," Kimani told reporters. "I always wanted to be a veterinary doctor, because I love animals. That is my goal."

Kimani uses two hearing aids and a cane. On school days, he walks about a half-mile to join his 100 fellow students at the local elementary school.

He is concentrating on math, science, English and his native Swahili. He specifically wants to learn how to read the Bible.

"You are never too old to learn," Kimani said. "At no time ever say, 'It's too late to learn,' not until the day you die."

AP-ES-09-13-05 2100EDT

MTV's Real World Sucks

It sucks. It plainly sucks.

This season in Austin with Johanah, Nehemiah, Wes, Danny, Mel, Lacey and Rachel are definitely boring. Why?

Too pretty twinks and bitches.

They are all gorgeous girls and good-looking guys. They do not have an average looking guy or gal. Never had a chubby or disabled person on that show.

I admitted that I did apply about ten years ago for it. Never got a call. They probably did not want to touch a pole that emits "DEAF" all over it. After talking with friends who admitted that they did apply for this as well -- never got in touch with them. It is clearly bias. They probably have an unwritten rule not to include a Deaf person.

I think I'd make a good one on that show, I'll brag about it. Who is the best person to make fun of hearing people behind their backs and still maintain a fake smile? Of course, who else? Moi.

I would bring Deaf friends on weekends just to cause a drama in the House. Beth, Merritt, Manny, Gus, Jason, Perlis, Sarah, Erin, Santini -- they would entertain the viewers to no end with their snappy comments. Many people do not realize that we do drink, booze, smoke, snort and deal the stuff in our community. Except that we often get away with it when we tangled with the authorities. Hearies get busted, we rarely get busted -- except at Gallaudet! C'est la vie!

If I'm drunk, I'm darned slow reader but fast talker without a thought -- so you can imagine what it is like for me to get in a conflict with hearing people who could not communicate effectively ... I lack patience when I'm fucked up, especially when I'm annoyed. I'm not animalistic like Marb(t)y Bonales but I can supply the firepower.

The truth is that whether if I get on the reality show, I'd cause the FCC to censor the show permanently, really!

Fuck the Bunim/Murray Productions for denying Deaf people a chance to be part of something else! I once emailed a LONG TIME AGO about the opportunity to be part of something else. Of course, they did not respond. Fuck 'em. What do you really expect from a group of hearing people who monopolized the whole thing?

Bah,

R-

Shaq Is Cool

Friday the 16th: Don't forget to turn in your comments to bitch at anyone else. Feel free to do so by email me at Ridor9th@gmail.com. It will be posted the next day.

Shaq Is Big, Bad Ass: Shaquille O'Neal, all of his massive body at 7'1 and 325 pounds, could have just ignored the whole thing and let the gay bashing incident vanish. But Shaq did not. He was instrumental in following a gay basher, Michael Gonzalez, 18, and flagged a cop to bust this guy for bashing on gay couple in Miami Beach.

By doing this by example, I hope this sends a message to the players in NBA that it is cool for them to be man enough to stand up against homophobia. Shaq is simply great.

Interesting Pick: It is interesting to note that they used the word: Bulge to describe the area which the scientists alarmed that there is an activity. Sarah IMmed me to check her blog of an article -- which I already read a while ago. Maybe the scientists need to get laid.

Ever Had A Bad Roommate? Some of us felt we had our shares of bad roommates. But thanks to Michelley's link -- I feel much better about my shitty roommates (figuratively, that is!). The best part is that the shitty roommate is the son of wealthy parents. This is akin to what I told Gus that there is a high chance that Queen Elizabeth II cannot tie her shoelaces -- because she probably never did it in her lifetime -- why should she learn to do that?! Gus' eyes widened and said, "You think she does not know?"

I asked him, "Do you truly think she needs to learn something like that?"

Be My Guest, Do It! It is virtually that nearly all hearing people are using cellphones and iPods. What do I think of them? It is their right to do so -- I'm fine with it -- but in 20 years, they'll be full-fledged member of our community who cannot sign worth a shit. How horrible is that?

Cheers,

R-

9.12.05 Tidbits

Ophelia Is Coming Home: When I heard that a new Tropical Storm has been named for Ophelia, I was amused. I think it is fitting that this storm will visit the Carolinas in few days. Why? Because more than a year ago in August, I wrote an entry about Ophelia, my grandmother's deaf black maid in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As for this storm, Ophelia is fluctuating just right off the East Coast, deciding whether to go for its status quo -- being Tropical Storm or category 1 Hurricane? Only Ophelia can decide for herself.

But since I noticed that there is lack of humidity around here, the chances of Ophelia hitting the category 1 is very remote. Its winds probably will remain less than 74 MPH when it gets to Cape Hatteras.

FEMA Chief Michael Brown Is Gone! What does it reflects on GW Bush? It was only a week ago that GW Bush said that FEMA Chief Michael Brown did a heck of a job -- now with Newsweek reporting that he padded his resume to make himself look good -- he was quickly recalled to Washington. And he ultimately resigned.

Good riddance, Michael Brown.

Ack! This Is One Dumb Sign!: This woman's attempt to sign "hurricane" managed to make it look so corny. It even made me wince my eyes when she signed that word repeatedly. Hat tip to Surdus.

Poor Guy! Guy Ritchie seemeed never to get a break from the critics? Madonna's hubby seemed unable to please any critics when he attempts to show his film several times in the past. What gives? I personally hadn't seen his films. Anyone care to comment about Guy Ritchie's films?

As Virginian, I Would Choose ...: According to the information sheet I have on me -- Sen. Russ Potts is Republican, Jerry Kilgore is Democrat and last, Tim Kaine is Republican. They are competing for the Governor of Virginia. The City of Staunton's local newspaper had a questionnaire for them about VSDB, which is mirred in a struggle with the State Board of Education whether to close the school and build a new campus, or preserve two schools, or to consolidate two schools into one at Staunton. Many Deaf people wanted the schools to be consolidated to Staunton and renovate and improve the quality of Deaf Education at VSDB.

The truth is that these gubernational candidates cannot do a thing about it -- the State Board of Education has the final say in this -- regardless if the Governor likes it or not. It has been like that way in Virginia -- one of the nation's most staunch retarded-conservative states.

However, here is what they said about VSDB which the Staunton's News-Leader popped a question, What should the state do with the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind and its two campuses?

TIM KAINE
While the legislature made the decision to combine the two campuses based on enrollment rates, what we must focus on now is how to provide an excellent educational opportunity for the school's students going forward. I support building a new, state-of-the-art facility at a location that best meets the needs of our students. We must also ensure that students have the facilities and teachers they need to succeed and that our teachers have the training and equipment they need. Additionally, we must make a greater effort to draw on the expertise of the deaf and blind community to ensure that we are meeting our goals.

RUSS POTTS
I support keeping the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton. It is an historic landmark and a vital part of the Staunton community.

JERRY KILGORE
I support the efforts of the General Assembly to consolidate the two campuses. It simply did not make sense financially or operationally to keep two facilities up and running. I hope that the campus in Staunton will be renovated to accommodate the consolidated campus.

Well, I like Jerry and Russ -- Russ is Eisenhower Republican -- he claimed that the current group of Republicans are not real Republicans, the party had been hijacked by conservative, religious and special interests groups. Tim Kaine, I gotta rule him out. He is obviously an idiot to start with.

One Last Thing About 9/11 Thing: I asked my sister, Hedy, to scan four pages which she liked from DC Comics' tribute to WTC few years ago -- I also liked it very much. It is about the Flight of 93 which crashed in some rural area in Pennsylvania. All I knew is that it was done by folks at DC Comics -- if Hedy managed to give me the names so that I can give the credit to, I will do it.

These four pages are so good that when I first read it, I actually felt goosebumps. Basically, the story is that nobody knew the exact thing that happened inside the Flight 93. So they illustrated based on the theory of what had transpired inside the Flight 93.

For each page, you can click on the image to read it up close. Enjoy!





Too bad, it also neglected to mention that Mark Bingham was gay who loved to play rugby. I should mention that Mark was into men who are hairy -- it was said that he was a cub who loved and chased after big, hairy men.

Cheers,

R-

9.11.05 Tidbits

Maybe Ed Hottle Is The Real Deal: For the first time in a long time, Gallaudet football, under the direction of Head Coach Ed Hottle whom I thought is very HOT, is now 2-0 after posting hard-fought wins versus Shenandoah University 21-13 and Apprentice 13-12. I should mention that both games took place on the road. Even with two wins, this is great progress for the team and Coach Ed Hottle. But let's wait for the next three games at home -- if the team is 5-0, then Ed Hottle means well. If the team wins more than 5 games, I'll be impressed.

Katrina's Heroes? After Katrina whipped New Orleans, people ptiched in to help out with the relief efforts. People also claimed that the cops, National Guards and many others are doing something to help them out. They even told the media that they are going to take "care of people" that sits on the highway. What did they mean by taking care of them? The truth hurts. People out there thinks it did not happen but yes, it did! Check the link for the shocking revelations about the victims of Katrina.

And this.

And to think this happened in our country -- we are good people, I guess. Good enough to let things like this slide by and act like we are noble. Except that we are not.

The Hanging Garden: I got to watch a film today called "The Hanging Garden". I enjoyed it very much. It focuses on a dysfunctional family with some dysfunctional neighbors as well. There is this big boy who happens to be gay, he liked to fuck Fletcher, his sister's boyfriend. Later, you get to meet a young girl who loves to cuss "Fuck you!" to any adult -- it turns out that this particular fat boy who is gay is the father of this illegitimate daughter -- which his mother paid someone trying to turn her son straight -- the fat gay boy at 16, impregnated this woman. You get the picture. Later, I get to see this former fat boy turning into a hot, thin gay man. Even with his sister's "I don't care" attitude, her husband still wanted him. It was weird fucked-up film but I enjoyed it. The ending was not so All-American type which is nice to start with.

Did You Wonder ...: Whether if the ABC's Home Extreme Makeover will do few houses in New Orleans? I just read an article where a poor couple refused to leave their property because they just planted the crops in their backyard -- even right after the floods which swamped the area. One reporter asked the family if they are worried about their food crops being contaminated. One woman laughed, "Guatemala is worse than this, it is OK with me." Fine with me, darling.

Religious Extremists Are Dangerous: When a disaster struck any place, people always turned to God for answers. Islamic Extremists said that Hurricane Katrina was the answer on their call to destroy the United States. Xian Extremists said that it was the answer to cleanse gays, pro-choice and shit. GW Bush mentioned about the National Day of Prayer. Bleargh. Like it would help us at all. I personally think it is their right to believe in God and have a relationswhip with a hocus pocus, but trying to conjure ideas to say that God did this, that and there in the name of "justice" is full of shit. Get a life, really!

This Is Lower Manhattan! HELLO! I stumbled upon one comment by somoene who thought that the site of World Trade Center should be memorialized. I disagreed. Lower Manhattan is the Financial District, the best in the world. Business talks. People come and go. Businesses are here to stay. I'm sick of people who attempted to capitalize the victims to turn the place into hallowed ground! The dialogue is over, build the corporations, leave the memorial in some corner for all I care. In 200 years, nobody gives a shit about who's who jumped off the building and splat. If you expect us to memorialize this, then memorialize every victims that were blown apart in Israel, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Bali, Indonesia, Iraq, Turkey, Great Britain and Spain! The Financial District is not fit for any cemetary and/or memorial services. You can have a museum or the memorial site but do not turn the whole area into the hallowed ground -- no sane New Yorker wanted that!

Guess Who Won Venice's Golden Lion? In Venice, Italy -- Brokeback Mountain won the top prize at Venice's Film Festival. It was reported that many viewers emerged from the film theaters in awe of love story between two gay men. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, both are straight, seemed to hit a chord with the audience. Can't wait for this!

Henh Henh Henh: Last night, someone told me that I got a "cute" sound of laughter. I was perplexed. He nodded, I tried to tell him to stop it as I could not stop laugh. He then wrote, "HENH HENH HENH HA HA HA HA!" as in trying to write down what I just said. Well, my friend is cute and sweet. What can I say about him? It was fun spending a night with him. Ahh!

Anyway, when he talked about my laughter, he was not the first time who said it -- apparently, hearing people do love to hear Deaf people laugh, of course, not in a loud, raucous guffaws. But a simple laugh, really. I'm sure, many of you Deaf readers got comments from hearing people who told you that they liked your laughter and asked you to do it one more time. Icky but very amusing, I guess.

This afternoon, I was cleaning up the scrapbook and I came across this great picture of Hillary Clinton who laughed so hard with Tipper Gore in 1996 Democratic National Convention, I believe. This is one of many reasons why I liked Hillary. First of all, she is not afraid to laugh hard, actually to open her mouth to bellow loudly. It reflects her human side. The real side of humanity. I feel that the persons who runs the governments tend to be pretentious with their fake laughters and fake smiles -- these has to go. A simple, honest laughter is the best.

Hillary Clinton for 2008!

Cheers,

R-