Time for Our Own?

Nothing New With Hearies! We always set up our own businesses, schools, clubs, magazines, newspapers and all that shit because the pricks outside of Deaf Community tend not to include us in many avenues. It does not surprise me at all that WEBLOGAWARDS is not inclusive to include Deaf bloggers in its annual awards. I say fuck 'em.

Let's set up our own -- 2005 DeafBlogAwards. You have until Sunday, December 11, 2005 to nominate any Deaf blog. I'll collect the nominations and make the poll where anyone can vote (once per day) starting on Monday the 12th. The voting shall end at midnight on Monday, Dec 19th.

If you want to set up something to categorize something like "Best Deaf Sports Blog", "Best Deaf Gay Blog" -- you guys can make suggestions to me via ridor9th@gmail.com. I'll figure out something. The winners shall get the design of something to attach on their blogs to brag that they are best at something else. How's that? Any feedbacks would be appreciated.

Oh, yes, you can nominate yourself.

See This? My Mom Did That: Mom loves to fish. I hate fishing. It wasted my time. She loves to fish then caught these dirty fishes then toss it back in James River. Mom tends to fish in the area that was pretty unsafe to start with, despite the fact that lots of people came to the particular area near City Point National Historical Park where two major rivers, Appomattox and James, meets.

Sensing that the area needs a safe waterfront for others to enjoy, Mom got in touch with the city. The city said that the property is owned by Petersburg National Battlefield Park. So she got in touch with the park that operated the Petersburg national Battlefield Park.

You know the b.s. drills. She also mentioned that anyone could get injured and sue the park for not doing something about the unsafe conditions in the area by the rivers. Apparently, the park service agreed with Mom and worked with the city to build a nice, cute waterfront. It is nice waterfront, really.

Mom is kinda proud of it. She said, "ME DID IT. ME WROTE THEM AND THEY DID IT. ABOUT TIME!"
The overview of Old City Point Waterfront Park

Cheers,

R-

Once Again, WEBLOGAWARDS Is Not Credible

WEBLOGAWARDS For Whom? Hearies Only! Last year, I asked Kevin who operated the WEBLOGAWARDS website to include the Best Deaf Blog Award because the numbers of Deaf bloggers are growing at an alarming rate. No response from Kevin at all. This year, they announced the list of Best Who's Who on its website. Again, no Best Deaf Blog category at all.

They included the Best GLBT Blog, the Best Conservative Blog, the Best Liberal Blog, the Best Culture/Gossip Blog ... if you observe its listings, most of the listings are done by conservatives. Which means they are not inclusive. This year, I emailed Kevin directly and asked him why.

Here is his response that really pissed me off and it should piss you, the Deaf readers, off.

Nor do we include awards for pet bloggers, music blogs, autism blogs, porn blogs, etc. I'll tell you what I told them. If you're so pissed off about not being included do something about it - start your own awards.

I get about 1,000 e-mails a day, of which I respond to very few.

There's your response.

What does it means? He actually categorized us in the same category with these "pet bloggers, music blogs, autism blogs, porn blogs, etc."

Kevin actually named the Best GLBT Blog -- it is not EVEN a culture. It is just a fucking subculture. Deaf Culture has its own language, therefore is a culture. Gay does not mean they have its culture, it is called a subculture.

They even had "Best Military Blog" and "Best Sports Blog"! I guess they are important and better than "Best Deaf Blog"! Even worse, they have "Best Podcast Blog"!!!

As always, Hearies, especially with the conservative pigs, tend to reject the inclusiveness while demanding us to tolerate them and their antics. One cannot have this at this game. Why do you think many Deaf people do not want to mix with hearies? This is good example.

Needless to say, I went on to retaliate back and Kevin ran to his website to post what I said. Kevin, you are typical hearie pig. That's why you had the donation box -- desperate for attention and hits in order to make money.

The Boondocks Saga Continues!
Click to Enlarge The Image

Very true. Hat tip to Dylan Westbury once again.

Check This Out: Here is the link to Ryan Commerson's interview. Who is Ryan Commerson? He is the one who staged the Hunger Strike in Flint, Michigan to force the Michigan Deaf School to do something about the language deprivation. Hat tip to Delanne Woodall for the link.

Rapper Foxy Brown Now Deaf, Hearies Abandoned Her! What else is new? Dear Foxy Brown, get used to it. They are like that. Always had, always has been and always will be like that. You either get used to it or get ... dust.

Confidential to RT101: I'm so flattered you dedicated a website to smear who I am. You claim to be the Truthseeker whereas many of your information are false. 2.3 GPA?! That is hilarious. I am better than that. Keep going, you're amusing me with your fairy tales. Either way, whatever I do will continue to enrage you, coward. And I thrive on it.

Cheers,

R-

Yes, It Is MANly Movie and 12.5.05 Tidbits

Click on the image to enlarge
Hat tip to Dylan Westbury.

Thanks, Dylan.

The BEST Holiday Display Ever: This is amazing feat!

Hat tip to Chad of Cake or Death -- I condemn him but I love to pick on Chad, though.

Elizabeth Vargas? I'm not a fan of Elizabeth Vargas but it appears that she'll be the co-anchor with Bob Woodruff for ABC's World News Tonight. I think I'll stick with NBC's Brian Williams and CNN's Anderson Cooper -- they are easy on my eyes.

Too Slow Response! This is amusing. Hearing disabled? Okay. It is "slowly changing". That is the problem. And this is news? Please. Get. A. Grip.

Right As Always: Richmond School Board Chairman Stephen B. Johnson is expected to resign. Now guys, pay up. I knew the state is conservative, Stephen has to resign or face these silly remarks by many Conservatives who will use this as an opportunity to derail his ideas. That's how Virginia operated in the last 100 years. Go figure.

Rate Your Video Relay Service! This website is operated by a deaf man. It is to rate the VRS of its service. Not surprising, Sorenson is the popular but not the best.

An Appeal To Anyone:

I got this from McFly via the email:

Sign hey:

My name is John Lee Clark, and I am the publisher of The Tactile Mind Press. My wife, Adrean, and I started the company by establishing a print literary journal, called The Tactile Mind, offering the best in today’s signing community literature.

In the beginning, we knew that the journal would be a losing venture financially, but we hoped that the number of its subscribers would gradually grow up to and beyond the point where it would support itself.

Unfortunately, this has not happened. Our journal has received high praise for its physical quality and the quality of the work published in it. We are also finding it impossible to keep on pouring thousands of dollars and months of work into its publication. Before we close the publication, however, we would like to give the community a chance to save it.

So we are having a subscription drive. Our goal is 300 new subscribers by 31 December 2005. If we succeed, the journal will continue publication, and the new book-style issue we have already assembled, including the best of what we have already published in the first five years of the journal and new exciting material, will go to press
immediately. If we come short of the goal, we will close the journal and refund all subscriptions, old and new.

We have tried our best, but now the journal is in your hands. If you want to subscribe, you can order a subscription on-line at http://www.thetactilemind.com or send a check for $28 (for two annual issues of more than 200 pages each) to: The Tactile Mind Press, PO Box 581667, Minneapolis, MN 55458-1667.

The progress of the subscription drive will be posted weekly in our free e-zine, The Tactile Mind Weekly, and you can subscribe to it by sending your e-mail address to subscribefree@thetactilemind.com.

Hoping that the journal will continue, I am

John Lee Clark, Publisher

I enjoyed reading the TTMW. Maybe I should sign up ...

Cheers,

Sore and Stiff R-

12.4.05 Tidbits

Gabrielle Solis versus Sister Mary: The dark comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives, continues to brew more conflicts amongst the residents of Wisteria Lane. Among the best has to be the challenge by Sister Mary on Gabrielle Solis. Gabrielle felt threatened by the fact that her husband is spending too much time with a nun, Sister Mary. Gabrielle threatened Sister Mary that she'd fight her to preserve Carlos. Sister Mary told her to bring it on. Then Sister Mary chortled, "And God is on my side." Oooh. A challenge!

Damn Zorro! My sister's black cat, Zorro, freaked me out yesterday. I was building up the X-Mas Tree. Then I went to the kitchen to look for the decorations to put on the tree. Little did I know that Zorro walked in under the tree and climbed inside the tree. He decided to relax inside the tree. And when I returned to the tree to hung up the stuff on the tree, Zorro sprang out of the tree -- freaked me out. But Zorro is so heavy and adorable. He knew he's cute. Damn him.

Pyramid in Europe? I was reading this article and I thought it was interesting. So I pulled the earth google on this -- and located the town. I could vaguely see the Pyramid in not far from town. Interesting stuff, though.

Peter Jackson's King Kong: The reviews are coming in for Peter Jackson's King Kong. All raved the 3-hour long film. Saying that the film is going to make people open their jaws. And the scene where King Kong watched the sunset with the damsel in distress is going to make many weep. Now I am intrigued. I sincerely hope that the film, Brokeback Mountain, is going to be subtitled during the first few weeks. I just cannot wait for months while everyone is done watching it. It is not right, though.

Oh, I saw the interview of Peter Jackson on some TV, he looked much thinner as of now. Up next is me.

Graduate School Where? I had been thinking about going to graduate school. My eye is set on one particular school up North. No I won't identify the school until further notice. Only few already knew which school I am interested in. I do not want to jinx my chances.

One Day I Will ...: Legal or not, I intend to rub that one when I am in Paris!

Will Rayni Do Something About It? The newest Leaning Tower of Zip Feed Mill!

Christian Hatred? Some wondered why I hated the Xians. Some exclaimed that Xians are being persecuted by intolerants. Some said that the so-called tolerants failed to tolerate their Xian beliefs. Nothing is far from the truth, really.

I do not hate Xians. I just condemned them, then I trashed them. I do not have the time to hate them.

Let's look at historical background -- when the Bubonic Plague blanketed Europe, what did the Xians do? Tolerate diversity? No, they slaughtered lots of Jews and non-Xians! What happened during the Crusades? Self-explanatory.

They discriminated against many peoples all over the world. Women. Blacks. Peasants. Deaf. Natives. Jews. Muslims. And they are complaining that they are being persecuted as of now?!

They bred people like Adolf Hitler. Martin Luther, who sets up the first Church separate from the Catholic Church in Germany assailed incessantly on Jews for decades just because the Jews declined to sign up for Martin Luther's group. His Church then sowed the seeds in Germany and Austria where people learned how to hate certain groups. And much later, the hate bred the person you knew as Adolf Hitler.

And yet, the Xians were quick to distance themselves from Hitler. Saying that Hitler himself is not Xian, but that is not the point here. But the whole point is where did Hitler picked up so much hatred for Jews, especially in Germany and Austria, if not for Saudi Arabia?! Of course, he learned it from his friends, his communities and of all, the Lutherans.

It annoyed me to hear Xians complained that they felt that they were being persecuted by others. Look at this country across the nation, many organized religions are ordering, encouraging and pushing the people to set up the organizations such as Focus on the Family, Concerned Women for America and America Family Association to battle the equal rights in the name of "tradition", i.e. gay marriage, gay rights et al. Do I feel being persecuted by them? Of course, they are against who I am. They already decreed that I will go to Hell because I rejected their hocus pocus beliefs. So much for tolerance.

My personal beliefs are my own private. I believe in Deism. Even though I feel comfortable being with the reformed Jews more than anything else, it is just that I do not believe in organized religions. They breed intolerance and demand tolerance from others. You can't have it like that. It takes two-way to tolerate each other. By tolerating each other, one has to accept the diversity. The keyword, my readers, is acceptance. If you do not accept who I am, you're not accepte by me. That is the way it is for me.

This is where I stopped tolerating their antics and turned the tables on themselves -- they deserved to be persecuted by many others. It is interesting to note that more people became educated in life, the more they detached themselves from the organized religions, and eventually, they regarded the organized religions as the thing of the past.

And it should be the thing of the past. They belonged in the past -- I look forward to the day where I can say, "Oh, religion is the antiquity, imprisoned in its own past." When I say religion, some Xians would say that their beliefs are not part of religion, it is way of life. Boo hoo. Cut the crap. Xians, like Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism, are classified as a religion.

But do I really hate the Xians? No, they are waste of my time. They only amuse me with their imaginative stories. Just look at JuneAnn LeFors, 'nuff said.

Cheers,

R-

Another Sensible Letter from Donald Tropp

As expected, Donald Tropp, the Editor-in-Chief of The Buff and Blue responded back.

Talk is cheap, prove it. That is the main slogan because what did the administration manage to accomplish in the last 15 years when it comes to communication issues at Gallaudet? Not so much, really.

As you can see, Donald Tropp once again trampled on Provost Fernie's points -- action speaks louder than words, really.

Cheers,

R-

* * *

Dear Provost Fernandes,

I appreciate your response to my recent letter. It seems the University is finally acknowledging our concerns, and we will continue to make noise. The rapidly growing number of students using a shirt that says, “Know Thy Enemy,” with your picture on it has added fuel to the fire.

In this issue, we reprinted an article from The Nation about the Carl DuPree incident from fifteen years ago. We wanted to show our readers that there has not been much, if any, improvement since then in terms of communication. Last year, the University said they would implement the mandates presented by the audism committee, a promise that has yet to reach fruition. Despite these facts, you appeal to us to believe you and to give change a try. Only when you make points based on facts, we can begin to do so.

With that said, you cannot blame me for not trusting the leadership we have now. President Bush has been heavily criticized for such events as the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina. He lost the trust of perhaps millions of his constituents and is now struggling to regain it. The same rings true for the University’s leadership. President I. King Jordan has done many great things for Gallaudet, but he, like everyone else, still has his flaws.

Under Dr. Jordan’s administration, Gallaudet has not effectively improved communication access, as was evident during the goalpost incident. That’s why it is important that the presidential search committee be aware of this pressing issue in their hunt for the next leader of the deaf world. That person must have strong convictions, personal courage and community building skills if we want to see changes for the better.

But that doesn’t mean we have to wait until next January. When Dr. Donalda Ammons moderated the recent Town Hall meeting, she requested that the students not only identify an issue but propose a solution. My suggestion is to assemble a team of legal experts and qualified linguist to reform Gallaudet’s communication policies.

I agree that we should not dwell on the past, but the University must learn from history to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must look ahead to the future with the understanding that Gallaudet is far from perfect. I am looking forward to seeing what the new “strategic plan with clear actions to effect change” can do for Gallaudet.

We’ve waited long enough.

Sincerely,

Donald Tropp
Editor-In-Chief
The Buff and Blue

Another Inane Letter by Provost Fernie

Sensing that she is losing the support from the student body as many lost the confidence in Provost Jane K. "Fernie" Fernandes' ability to administer the University policies, she wrote another letter trying to circumvent the issues as much as can be.

Let's face the music, Provost Fernie has to go.

But here is the letter of hers that was published in The Buff and Blue.

Dear Mr. Tropp

There is an uncanny mirroring effect in our letters regarding the goalpost vandalism and the Hyatt fiasco. In your response to me, you acknowledge that students are to blame but claim I am not responding with equal force and clarity to the problems with Gallaudet’s response. In my previous letter to you, I acknowledge that Gallaudet is responsible for communication breakdowns, but noted that students are not responding with equal force and clarity concerning that nature of property destruction and lack of respect for others as well as themselves.

In response to my statement that I “will work to improve communication access,” you respond somewhat cynically, “we’ve heard this time and time again.” Anxiety and cynicism are understandable, so perhaps more context will help you take the next step towards trusting my effort. Recognizing the deeply seated historical context of audism within the deaf community, and within Gallaudet University, will help you appreciate the steps I am taking now.

The start of addressing audism and racism on Enrichment Day was the culmination of a year of serious preparation. This day was only a start. But it underlined continued commitment to addressing audism and white privilege.

Based on the effort leading up to and including Enrichment Day, you will soon see initiation of a strategic plan with clear actions to effect change. This action-orientated leadership in sincerely addressing audism and white privilege is new within Gallaudet. Now, you can decide you do not believe me-and this might be a way to let off steam and release pain-but no change will happen if we remain with our gaze on the past and fail to channel the anger into energy for change. Instead, you can decide to join me and focus the rhetoric against audist practices-not against individuals but against the system.

You stated that “Gallaudet University is not the Grand Hyatt Washington, but a place where we supposedly have the right to full communication access.” I am keenly aware that the larger societal practices will make real progress in reducing audism a slow process. I also believe that institutions serving deaf people must be the frontline and the model for addressing audist practices. Again, you can believe I intend to follow through on my intention to improve communication access and reduce audism generally, or you can decide not to believe me and not give change a try. As difficult as it may be to trust the leadership you have now, not trusting has even worse consequences-the entrenchment of audist practices that polarize deaf and hearing people as well as students and administration. Your fear that things will never change could help assure that nothing will.

A better emergency response system could have included interpreters, but understand that more interpreters might not have meant more information for students in dorms. Emergencies do not function like other situations. The experience is traumatic for all involved. Even if CREs knew the information, they could not talk to every individual about what was going on. Staying calm and helping to restore peace is the first priority. The anxiety the goalpost destruction caused students is one more reason why all students need to understand why and how this destruction was wrong.

You suggest that the administration should have been planning a celebration, even before the end of the season. The implication is that with no celebration announced, it was understandable that the football team and fans took the matter in their own hands.

The second suggestion is that the administration failed to laud the winning record during the season, and that the football players were hurt by the lack of support. Perhaps a further implication is that, because their feelings were hurt, it is understandable that they decided to celebrate in their own way, even if it meant destruction of university property. It is naïve to expect everyone to know about a celebration before the season is over and to justify wanton destruction over an imagined slight.

I respond honestly to your first letter to work with you to create “real listening.” These responses to your second letter are another attempt to get both sides heard. But hearing a side does not necessarily lead to agreeing with it in every detail. Instead, these comments are a sincere attempt to show that I am grappling with your points. Addressing them carefully demonstrate a good faith effort to communicate. I believe we share points of common ground. I have questioned some points to stimulate thinking, and clarify ideas that may help us gain more common ground. Thank you for taking the time to read and think about what I have written here.

Sincerely,

Jane K. Fernandes
Provost

Did you notice that her writing has improved tremendously? Probably with some assistance from her secretary, eh?

Cheers,

R-

Sarah Pack's Bitch Session XV

Disclaimer: The comments were written by many readers. I simply copied and pasted the comments on the entry. You may defend your turf by firing back. As always, names and email addresses will be removed. Only comments will be posted. Enjoy! You can compliment or offend anything or anyone else. Confidentiality is assured 100%.

The 15th Bitch Session is dedicated to Sarah Pack. She was the fan of Bitch Sessions, frequently talked to me about the tidbits on Bitch Sessions.

R-

***

So·ci·o·path n.: One who is affected with a personality disorder marked by antisocial behavior. For further reference on whom with disorder? Check Eric Scheir.

Trina's engaged! *wavinghands*

Craig Radford--you've been asked to step down from the board of JMS by at least three board members, several teachers, and several parents. Get the hint! Stop threatening lawsuits and innuendo and resign from the board. You're not doing JMS any damn good!

Provost Fernie: You are finished. Get the HELL out of Gally!

For Sarah Pack. I didn't know her but by her name and reputation, I found her charming and attractive - thanks to her blogsite and her wonderful friends.

Dr. Jane Fernandes. I know your style too well. You were my princpal at my school. Your signing skill still stinks and your laugthers were, and still are, infectious and hideous. I forgave you but never forget for what you did to me. I hope you will find a job somewhere else that suits you well and continue to make fun of people. Goodness' sake, just begone. I look forward to the day when you don't get the position as the president and i personally will make sure i get to guffaw at you mercilessly.

Goddamn, what business is it of anybody's? Do YOUR shoes stink too much to wear?

Whoever invented fat free cool whip needs to be shot dead.

To the blonde named katie roberts: find any cute toilets lately? Did it go fwoooooooosh?

Robert Traina has 1,001 faces, more than the 666 faces of eve. Bastard! He fakes with people and talks only to "favorism" people. Your inside is empty. Only your skin is keeping your body and mind together. May you rot in hell, you loser and sneaky manipulative 1,001 face bastard.

Why the bible makes me vomit.....

"A good woman is hard to find, a worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long." -Proverbs 31:10-12

Antal Boy, how is your bruised face coming along?

Note to Deb Nathanson- there's nothing more bitter than getting a dose of your own medicine aint it sweets?! If this experience doesn't humble you, there's no hope for you.

Sarah: we knew you were smarter than words. Thanks for the bed. Scratch n sniff!

Fernie: 0
Tropp: 2

Fernandes, nobody wanted you! You are so fired!

RT is disgusting and funny! But so is everyone else!

Dearest Sarah, you will be missed by many. You're lucky to have RT as a friend. So nice of him to remember you in many posts. I'm impressed. Hope someday I meet you.

Zachary Handler is sexy. Wonder if he's single or not?

I just can't wait for 2006 to start anew. %$*#&$#*()(#*$@#$*#@!!

Jeff Beardsley: are u still shitting in the showers like u did at Krug Hall?

Rest in peace, Sarah. We all love you!