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This isn't new in the deaf community but I do have an opinion on this subject when it comes to "unfriending" any mutual friends in Facebook. First and foremost, it is none of my business to try and force people in my mutual friends list to "unfriend" certain people just because I don't like them. Threatening to expose my mutual friends or friends publicly by shaming them for friending certain people that I find unsavory, undesirable or not likeable for whatever reason in order to get them to "unfriend" is really not my business to do so. Doing so is a petty and immature thing to do. The people on my mutual friends or friends list are capable of making their own determination in their own time on whether to unfriend a person or not that I happen to not like. I have my own reason to unfriend certain people but that doesn't mean I hate them. Just that I have my reasons.
I consider it as a mob mentality when people in Facebook try and force others (peer pressure) on their mutual friends or friends list to "unfriend" certain people they do not like once they discover who they've friended with. And in the process threaten to unfriend them if they don't do as they say while they attempt to shame them in the process. First and foremost, if people do that to me then that means they do not respect me as a friend and in turn I would find them to be not credible friends in the first place for behaving like that. I don't what to be a part of a petty group who work on using peer pressure just because they have some insecurity issues they can't handle. Save that for pimply faced teenagers. But the incredible thing is that these are adults who have behaved in that manner.
Now, I have several mutual friends who are friends with undesirable people in Facebook that I don't like but I don't make it my mission to shame them into "unfriending" the people I don't like and threaten them that I'd unfriend them if they don't. Nor do I run to other people and create a buzz buzz about so and so who is friend with this really undesirable person in order for the group to create a peer pressure to try and get the person to "unfriend" this undesirable person. Really, it's none of my business to do that and it shouldn't be yours, either. In time in Facebook you will eventually get to see who your real friends are but once they cross the threshold of being petty to try and use peer pressure on you then you know what to do. For many in the deaf community peer pressure is what they do best and they use that to bludgeon people in order to get them to follow their petty agendas.
Not good.
This whole mob mentality thing is just like mad gossiping run amok. We just don't know who is telling the truth or the whole story. People who are friends with certain people in Facebook that you don't like may not know the whole story. Maybe they don't care because it amounts to gossiping and they have no need for it. Maybe they don't want to get involved. Or maybe they just don't know the person they've friended with to make any certain determination to "unfriend" him or her for the time being. There are two sides to every story and people have the capability to make their own determination in their own time without the need of petty peer pressure telling them that they better "unfriend" the person or I will "unfriend" you! Or something to that effect.
Sad, really.
Respect is a two way street. Being a part of a mob mentality and using peer pressure to "force" others to change their friends status is not about showing respect. Respect is about recognizing a person's capability of making their own determination on when to "unfriend" a person in Facebook without the need of using peer pressure, shaming, or threats of "unfriending" him or her. It becomes a sad state of affairs when I see those things happen in the deaf community. It makes it a more uglier world out there.
If you are a victim of peer pressure or fear losing a friend because of your friending certain people in Facebook that he or she doesn't like then that "friend" of yours is no friend at all if she or he behaves like that. That's probably a signal for you to step back and see who your real friends are in the Facebook world.
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Day 22 (Wed): Bird's eye view of Berlin
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We start our first full day in Berlin by catching a train to a nearby major station, Hauptbahnhof. It looks big enough that it will have nearby sights to see. These train stations are just massive. Anyone would think they're going to add another three train lines above the highest most platform. It may just be the local history kicking in but the large stations instill a feeling of grandiose power and authority.
There's not much to see either side of the station but we notice a tourist bureau. I don't want to know the tourist destinations per se; I simply want a map of the city with circles around different districts, such as museums, shopping districts, and some major tourist attractions. I like finding my own way around.
Before we go anywhere, we're both hungry and decide to sit down for some lunch by the river. The head waiter is immensely funny. We can't understand most of what he says but he has such charisma that we hardly need to. Everyone is laughing and having a great time. Cruise ship after cruise ship glides by while we eat our woodfired pizzas.
We come across an photography exhibition along Friedrichstraße. Would you believe it is a exhibition of Australia? No photos allowed. Within the same building is a car display for a very hot and sexy Bugatti, a Bentley, and a Volks Wagen. They're not three brands I would usally put together but to be fair the VW is in a different display. In fact, its display is much more interesting! It showcases renewable energy and their new electric car. I jump on a power-generating bicycle that makes a slot-car drive around a circuit. Fun! Now I'm hot and my calf muscles are tightening. Oops.
We continue around the city and take pictures of some interesting buildings. We also come across a group of dancers, possibly ballet dancers, who are practising outside the Koncert Hall. It's like coming across a practice session of Fame!
One of the most notable tourist attractions in Berlin would have to be the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, which is just around the corner from where we're staying. We find our way to the tower and line up for the quick elevator ride to the top viewing deck. There doesn't seem to be any real city centre or layout. The city is very spread out. It should be interesting tomorrow when we try to find our way around tomorrow.
The hotel is only a few blocks away so we jump in the tram. It's an unlimited ticket, right? I check out the gym and jacuzzi area to compare with the hotel in Copenhagen.
Although this one doesn't have a lap pool, it does have two jacuzzis and a sauna! It's all quite nicely decked out with fairy lights in the ceiling and mood lighting all
around. I hope to use at least one of the jacuzzis while I'm here. Mum and I both agree that this chain of apartment hotels, Adina Apartments, is excellent and we'd both recommend them.
Pics of the day
We start our first full day in Berlin by catching a train to a nearby major station, Hauptbahnhof. It looks big enough that it will have nearby sights to see. These train stations are just massive. Anyone would think they're going to add another three train lines above the highest most platform. It may just be the local history kicking in but the large stations instill a feeling of grandiose power and authority.There's not much to see either side of the station but we notice a tourist bureau. I don't want to know the tourist destinations per se; I simply want a map of the city with circles around different districts, such as museums, shopping districts, and some major tourist attractions. I like finding my own way around.
Before we go anywhere, we're both hungry and decide to sit down for some lunch by the river. The head waiter is immensely funny. We can't understand most of what he says but he has such charisma that we hardly need to. Everyone is laughing and having a great time. Cruise ship after cruise ship glides by while we eat our woodfired pizzas.We come across an photography exhibition along Friedrichstraße. Would you believe it is a exhibition of Australia? No photos allowed. Within the same building is a car display for a very hot and sexy Bugatti, a Bentley, and a Volks Wagen. They're not three brands I would usally put together but to be fair the VW is in a different display. In fact, its display is much more interesting! It showcases renewable energy and their new electric car. I jump on a power-generating bicycle that makes a slot-car drive around a circuit. Fun! Now I'm hot and my calf muscles are tightening. Oops.
We continue around the city and take pictures of some interesting buildings. We also come across a group of dancers, possibly ballet dancers, who are practising outside the Koncert Hall. It's like coming across a practice session of Fame!One of the most notable tourist attractions in Berlin would have to be the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, which is just around the corner from where we're staying. We find our way to the tower and line up for the quick elevator ride to the top viewing deck. There doesn't seem to be any real city centre or layout. The city is very spread out. It should be interesting tomorrow when we try to find our way around tomorrow.The hotel is only a few blocks away so we jump in the tram. It's an unlimited ticket, right? I check out the gym and jacuzzi area to compare with the hotel in Copenhagen.Although this one doesn't have a lap pool, it does have two jacuzzis and a sauna! It's all quite nicely decked out with fairy lights in the ceiling and mood lighting all around. I hope to use at least one of the jacuzzis while I'm here. Mum and I both agree that this chain of apartment hotels, Adina Apartments, is excellent and we'd both recommend them.
Pics of the day
Don't miss the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
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Thursday, November 24, 2011 - 8am to 11am CST
The parade also features huge character balloons, some topping out at 50 feet tall. Previous years' cast of balloon characters have included Elmo, the Pink Panther, the Cookie Monster, Popeye, Kermit the Frog, Bear in the Big Blue House, Strawberry Shortcake, Tom Turkey, Rudolph, The Nutcracker, Big Bird, Animal and Billy Blazes. Trust me that the people holding on to the long ropes tethering the balloons hope that the Windy City does not live up to its name on that day...
So if you're fretting being in Chicago instead of NYC on Thanksgiving, head on down to the State Street Thanksgiving Parade, stand in front of the Macy's, and you'll never know the difference.
 2011 McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade | ||
| Where: | The VIP Experience is located on State Street, between Washington and Randolph. Entrances are on the NE Corner of State & Washington and on the SE Corner of State & Randolph. | |
| When: | Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 24th from 8am to 11am. | |
Thursday, November 24, 2011 - 8am to 11am CST
Getting to the Parade by Public Transportation:
CTA Red Line subway to any stop along the parade route -- Jackson, Monroe or Washington stops. Alternately, CTA Brown/Orange/Green line to the Library/State/Van Buren stop.About the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade:
Chicago puts on its own pretty great turkey day spectacular, thank you very much, and has done so since 1934. The State Street Thanksgiving Parade is attended by over 400,000 spectators and features over 100 participating "units", including marching bands, floats, horses, drill teams, circus performers, and more.The parade also features huge character balloons, some topping out at 50 feet tall. Previous years' cast of balloon characters have included Elmo, the Pink Panther, the Cookie Monster, Popeye, Kermit the Frog, Bear in the Big Blue House, Strawberry Shortcake, Tom Turkey, Rudolph, The Nutcracker, Big Bird, Animal and Billy Blazes. Trust me that the people holding on to the long ropes tethering the balloons hope that the Windy City does not live up to its name on that day...
So if you're fretting being in Chicago instead of NYC on Thanksgiving, head on down to the State Street Thanksgiving Parade, stand in front of the Macy's, and you'll never know the difference.
Benefits of Renter's Insurance
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Renters insurance offers coverage for fire-damaged, stolen and lost property items. Insurance companies ask you to figure out if your kitchen, bedroom and dining room have inexpensive property items under $1500, moderately expensive property items between $1,501 and $5,000 or luxury property items over $5,001. This information is placed in your file and used as a barometer later on how much to pay for any claims. Therefore, with renters insurance you can rest easy in your rental knowing that if something happens to your computer, you'll be covered and able to get a replacement.
Assistance with law suits is another benefit of renters insurance. Under the coverage of liability, this insurance offers you legal aid against any lawsuits you might incur. So, if your dog bites the neighbor and they sue you, you get an attorney who will help you fight or negotiate a settlement. It's also important to note that liability coverage is worldwide. As a result, no matter where you go, you will be covered by it.
A lesser known benefit of renters insurance is medical coverage. No, it's not coverage for you or anyone who lives in your household. This coverage extends to your guests regardless of liability. It means that if your great aunt comes for a visit and falls down the stairs because she's wearing slippery shoes, your renters insurance will pay for her doctor's bills. This aspect of renters insurance not only helps you care for your guests, but also helps maintain your relationships.
Peace of mind is the last benefit of renters insurance. Whether you use it or not, the fact that you know it is there will help take a load off your mind. You won't have to spend hours worrying what will happen if you get robbed or involved in a fire. Everything you own will be replaced, which is a comforting thought for anyone. So if you are a worry wart by nature, you'll enjoy this benefit because it'll allow you to get the sleep you need at night or at least give you one less thing to worry about.
Renters insurance is the kind of coverage that can give you a safety net in different areas of your life. For those of you who are on a budget, you will be happy to know that renters insurance is affordable. You can get it for under $600 annually, which translates into around $50 per month or less. This figure is probably less than what you spend every month on your morning coffee. Therefore, renters insurance is definitely an expense you should consider getting if you rent the place you live in.
Renters insurance offers coverage for fire-damaged, stolen and lost property items. Insurance companies ask you to figure out if your kitchen, bedroom and dining room have inexpensive property items under $1500, moderately expensive property items between $1,501 and $5,000 or luxury property items over $5,001. This information is placed in your file and used as a barometer later on how much to pay for any claims. Therefore, with renters insurance you can rest easy in your rental knowing that if something happens to your computer, you'll be covered and able to get a replacement.
Assistance with law suits is another benefit of renters insurance. Under the coverage of liability, this insurance offers you legal aid against any lawsuits you might incur. So, if your dog bites the neighbor and they sue you, you get an attorney who will help you fight or negotiate a settlement. It's also important to note that liability coverage is worldwide. As a result, no matter where you go, you will be covered by it.
A lesser known benefit of renters insurance is medical coverage. No, it's not coverage for you or anyone who lives in your household. This coverage extends to your guests regardless of liability. It means that if your great aunt comes for a visit and falls down the stairs because she's wearing slippery shoes, your renters insurance will pay for her doctor's bills. This aspect of renters insurance not only helps you care for your guests, but also helps maintain your relationships.
Peace of mind is the last benefit of renters insurance. Whether you use it or not, the fact that you know it is there will help take a load off your mind. You won't have to spend hours worrying what will happen if you get robbed or involved in a fire. Everything you own will be replaced, which is a comforting thought for anyone. So if you are a worry wart by nature, you'll enjoy this benefit because it'll allow you to get the sleep you need at night or at least give you one less thing to worry about.
Renters insurance is the kind of coverage that can give you a safety net in different areas of your life. For those of you who are on a budget, you will be happy to know that renters insurance is affordable. You can get it for under $600 annually, which translates into around $50 per month or less. This figure is probably less than what you spend every month on your morning coffee. Therefore, renters insurance is definitely an expense you should consider getting if you rent the place you live in.
Chicago's St. Patricks Day 2012
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Dyeing the Chicago River
Scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday March 17th 2012. Turning the Chicago river green has been a unique to Chicago for the past 40 years.
The dyeing can be best viewed from the East side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the West side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
St. Patrick's Day Parade- 300 E. Balbo Drive
Scheduled for 12:00pm Saturday, March 17th 2012. Gear up for a festive event as the 57th annual parade takes place on the actual holiday. From the stepping off point at Columbus Drive and Balbo Avenue, the parade continues north along Columbus to Monroe Drive.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
Is having an interpreter 24/7 really that important?
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Having a sign language interpreter available 24/7 is nice and necessary in some instances but not necessarily in all instances. There comes a time when a deaf person relishes his/her own independence and freedom on communicating with other deaf and hearing people on a more individual and personal basis. Although sometimes I get the feeling that some deaf people purposely use an interpreter as a way to create this "wall" between themselves and hearing people rather than finding a way to deal directly with hearing people. Or it could be the simple fact that they are overly reliant on such interpreters and do not really know how to break away from that kind of mindset. The same can be said from the hearing person side as well when it comes to using an interpeter. Eye contacts between a deaf and hearing persons get reduced when interpreters are used. Ironically, interpreters become the focus during the communication process between deaf and hearing people. I believe this type of interactive dynamics provides a limiting personal relationship and understanding to develop.
There is a common occurrence depending on a particular situation where deaf and hearing people would experience a common fear called, "communiphobia" - the terrifying fear that sets in when deaf/hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals attempt to communicate with each other. And as a result of that fear many deaf people rely exclusively on sign language interpreters which helps with the communication process but still can act as a barrier between deaf and hearing persons where bonding and better understanding become limited. Bonding and understanding are done better when individuals share the same language while communicating in real time such as ASL to ASL, or speaking English to English, or, in this case with the UbiDuo, writing English to English.
If you watch Noah Bucholtz's Part 2 Series on how he communicates with hearing people you will see how personal bonding on creating friends occurs on a much more personal level using the UbiDuo to communicate in real time rather than be dependent on using an interpreter. More eye contacts mean more "human-like" connections that have more meanings during real time, interactive conversations. The importance of having personal, interactive, real time conversations without a third person creates a welcoming atmosphere. The realization of unlimited potential when a communication barrier is removed. This potential was realized for Peter Downey who was promoted 3 times because he was able to use the UbiDuo on a daily basis where he works at Sam's Club. Using the UbiDuo allowed him to increase his interaction with his Sam's Club customers, co-workers, and supervisor. Peter now supervises his group of employees. All without the need of having an interpreter 24/7. So, ask yourself this question, is having an interpreter 24/7 really necessary in every instances? Maybe ask these people that question the next time?
There is a common occurrence depending on a particular situation where deaf and hearing people would experience a common fear called, "communiphobia" - the terrifying fear that sets in when deaf/hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals attempt to communicate with each other. And as a result of that fear many deaf people rely exclusively on sign language interpreters which helps with the communication process but still can act as a barrier between deaf and hearing persons where bonding and better understanding become limited. Bonding and understanding are done better when individuals share the same language while communicating in real time such as ASL to ASL, or speaking English to English, or, in this case with the UbiDuo, writing English to English.
If you watch Noah Bucholtz's Part 2 Series on how he communicates with hearing people you will see how personal bonding on creating friends occurs on a much more personal level using the UbiDuo to communicate in real time rather than be dependent on using an interpreter. More eye contacts mean more "human-like" connections that have more meanings during real time, interactive conversations. The importance of having personal, interactive, real time conversations without a third person creates a welcoming atmosphere. The realization of unlimited potential when a communication barrier is removed. This potential was realized for Peter Downey who was promoted 3 times because he was able to use the UbiDuo on a daily basis where he works at Sam's Club. Using the UbiDuo allowed him to increase his interaction with his Sam's Club customers, co-workers, and supervisor. Peter now supervises his group of employees. All without the need of having an interpreter 24/7. So, ask yourself this question, is having an interpreter 24/7 really necessary in every instances? Maybe ask these people that question the next time?
Deaf Lawyers and Cochlear Implant Users
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Calvin Shaw in Australia is deaf and wears a cochlear implant. He has worn a cochlear implant since the age of 2 after contracting Meningococcal meningitis causing profound deafness. Beginning in 2012 he is now working as a graduate lawyer in the litigation practice group at Freehills.
And then you have Holly Taylor who was the inaugural winner of the prestigious Graeme Clark Scholarship in 2002 and is now a corporate lawyer with Mills Oakley. She received her cochlear implant at the age of 4 in 1987 who was at the time the youngest cochlear implant recipient.
Calvin Shaw in Australia is deaf and wears a cochlear implant. He has worn a cochlear implant since the age of 2 after contracting Meningococcal meningitis causing profound deafness. Beginning in 2012 he is now working as a graduate lawyer in the litigation practice group at Freehills.
And then you have Holly Taylor who was the inaugural winner of the prestigious Graeme Clark Scholarship in 2002 and is now a corporate lawyer with Mills Oakley. She received her cochlear implant at the age of 4 in 1987 who was at the time the youngest cochlear implant recipient.
“I decided I wanted to be a lawyer rather than an economist (a passion at high school) after being a summer clerk and graduate lawyer at Clayton Utz and really enjoying the work, the clients and the challenges,” said Taylor.Not just lawyers but those who grew up with cochlear implants are working towards other future professions like a Certified Public Accountant, a profession in the medical field, an intelligence analyst for a government agency, or in the law profession while studying at an Ivy League university.
Taylor said that, while her hearing condition has never been a barrier to her legal career, lawyers with hearing difficulties who don’t have a cochlear implant still face barriers in forging legal careers.
“I believe that a deaf or severely hearing-impaired person without a cochlear implant would have great difficulty in successfully pursuing a similar career,” she said. (see Gary Donovon, late deafened lawyer) “It is difficult to imagine how the profession could change this, particularly in respect of corporate law, which is competitive and fast paced.
“On a micro level, the best thing anyone in the profession can do is to support and train those they work with.”
Hearing lawyer clueless about deaf lawyers and attorneys
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Here's one hearing lawyer out of San Francisco in a legal advice webpage who was asked a question on whether if there are deaf lawyers in the United States. The response given is an example of lawyers who are not aware of the fact that, yes, there are deaf lawyers out there.
Here's one hearing lawyer out of San Francisco in a legal advice webpage who was asked a question on whether if there are deaf lawyers in the United States. The response given is an example of lawyers who are not aware of the fact that, yes, there are deaf lawyers out there.
Q:Are there deaf lawyers? If there are, do they have a translator who explains what the deaf lawyer is signing and/or saying? Or is the judge supposed to be able to understand the deaf lawyer?Apparently if you do a Google search you will find that there are deaf/hh lawyers in existence and the number continues to grow with well over 200 lawyers or those seeking law license. There are culturally deaf lawyers as well as deaf/hh lawyers that do not know or know little sign language who may wear cochlear implants or hearing aids as a result of being born with a hearing loss or acquired hearing loss later in life.
A: I do not know of any lawyers who are hearing impaired, nor have I observed any in court. Typically, though, a participant would either bring his or her own signer, or the court will provide one upon reasonable advance notice. Many courts provide listening devices for participants who require amplification, again upon advance notice.
2012 Blog Year in Review
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2012 was a good blogging year for me. I posted 150 blogs in 2012, not counting this one. In 8 full complete years I averaged about 247 blog posts a year or roughly one blog post every 1.5 days on average. The most I ever blogged in a single year was 470 blogs in 2005. Last year I blogged 269 times. The lowest number of blogs in a single year was 69 blogs in 2009.
This year my blog saw three milestones. I reached my 2000th blog piece becoming the most blogged deaf/hh blogger around. I passed my 8 years of blogging earning the longest running deaf/hh blogsite around. I am now in my 9th year of blogging. And lastly, in my third milestone my blog received one million hits last month in November earning me the berth as the only deaf/hh blogger to have one million hits to his/her credit.
This year saw the good, the bad, and the ugly comments. The ugly and outrageously bad comments typically came from anonymous cowards who come in here thinking ad hominems make valid arguments. They don't. So, I take comfort in the fact of their continued stupidity. But then again I get a lot of good comments that provided good insights and good arguments. Those are the more interesting ones.
Most outrageous comment: "Nobody bullied Celia May Baldwin."
Most uninformed comment: "HUH? this is so outdated (very old information like 2 years ago) where have you been? You must be in the basement and studies to sterotypes the deaf community? Sadly. Occupy KokonutPundit." (Note, my response:"Anony #1, It is not old information. This is relatively new. The study began in April 2011 and will continue for three years while they get qualified candidates to do their year long Phase I study.")
2nd most uninformed comment: "This blog is an example of a*dism and ignorance at its finest."
Most insightful comment: "Some prefer remaining blissfully ignorant. There's nothing much anybody can do for them. Is it crossing the line when they decide to ask for disability checks?"
2nd most insightful comment: "Yeah, well. Writing an open letter wasn't smart." The Lotus flower wilts in shame.
Most desperate comment: "Thanks for promoting our new forum. We're forever indebted to you."
Maybe contribute to that forum and do a "pity" visit? That reminds me of a homeless guy on a street corner bugging me for money and I can smell his foul, alcohol odor emanating from his mouth. Yeah, sure.
This year also saw a lot of failed petitions by the usual whiners and complainers who have nothing better to do than gripe and do mindless petitionings that go no where.
Petition against stem cells (scroll down for link) for babies who lost their hearing after birth. Link to petition is no longer. Ultimate fail.
Petition against one deaf character, Daphne, in the Switched at Birth show because she wasn't "deaf enough." Petition only gained 99 supporters. Go figure.
Petition to get CSD to remove "The Bear Hunt" statue from campus. Petition collected only 146 supporters. Petition is closed. Common sense prevailed.
Happy New Year fans and supporters of Kokonut Pundit! Another year awaits for Kokonut Pundit.
ADDENDUM:
Forgot to include a petition to get show comedian Chelsea Handler to apologize to deaf people for making fun of sign language. As most petitions go, they don't go anywhere on achieving results.
And also, must not forget the failed petition to get a certain author from publishing her book on dirty signs. Petition is already closed.
This year my blog saw three milestones. I reached my 2000th blog piece becoming the most blogged deaf/hh blogger around. I passed my 8 years of blogging earning the longest running deaf/hh blogsite around. I am now in my 9th year of blogging. And lastly, in my third milestone my blog received one million hits last month in November earning me the berth as the only deaf/hh blogger to have one million hits to his/her credit.
This year saw the good, the bad, and the ugly comments. The ugly and outrageously bad comments typically came from anonymous cowards who come in here thinking ad hominems make valid arguments. They don't. So, I take comfort in the fact of their continued stupidity. But then again I get a lot of good comments that provided good insights and good arguments. Those are the more interesting ones.
Most outrageous comment: "Nobody bullied Celia May Baldwin."
Most uninformed comment: "HUH? this is so outdated (very old information like 2 years ago) where have you been? You must be in the basement and studies to sterotypes the deaf community? Sadly. Occupy KokonutPundit." (Note, my response:"Anony #1, It is not old information. This is relatively new. The study began in April 2011 and will continue for three years while they get qualified candidates to do their year long Phase I study.")
2nd most uninformed comment: "This blog is an example of a*dism and ignorance at its finest."
Most insightful comment: "Some prefer remaining blissfully ignorant. There's nothing much anybody can do for them. Is it crossing the line when they decide to ask for disability checks?"
2nd most insightful comment: "Yeah, well. Writing an open letter wasn't smart." The Lotus flower wilts in shame.
Most desperate comment: "Thanks for promoting our new forum. We're forever indebted to you."
Maybe contribute to that forum and do a "pity" visit? That reminds me of a homeless guy on a street corner bugging me for money and I can smell his foul, alcohol odor emanating from his mouth. Yeah, sure.
This year also saw a lot of failed petitions by the usual whiners and complainers who have nothing better to do than gripe and do mindless petitionings that go no where.
Petition against stem cells (scroll down for link) for babies who lost their hearing after birth. Link to petition is no longer. Ultimate fail.
Petition against one deaf character, Daphne, in the Switched at Birth show because she wasn't "deaf enough." Petition only gained 99 supporters. Go figure.
Petition to get CSD to remove "The Bear Hunt" statue from campus. Petition collected only 146 supporters. Petition is closed. Common sense prevailed.
Happy New Year fans and supporters of Kokonut Pundit! Another year awaits for Kokonut Pundit.
ADDENDUM:
Forgot to include a petition to get show comedian Chelsea Handler to apologize to deaf people for making fun of sign language. As most petitions go, they don't go anywhere on achieving results.
And also, must not forget the failed petition to get a certain author from publishing her book on dirty signs. Petition is already closed.
Project Black - a new year begins
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Click on this link to watch a video of a scavenger hunt that will be revealed progressively over the next three weeks every Wednesday by sComm, the maker of the UbiDuo Face to Face communication device. A big surprise will be revealed near the end of January this month. What could it be? What is "Project Black"? Where will this scavenger hunt end up at? Be sure to follow this video each week to find out.
Click on this link to watch a video of a scavenger hunt that will be revealed progressively over the next three weeks every Wednesday by sComm, the maker of the UbiDuo Face to Face communication device. A big surprise will be revealed near the end of January this month. What could it be? What is "Project Black"? Where will this scavenger hunt end up at? Be sure to follow this video each week to find out.1 Ocak 2013 Salı
Van's Triple Crown of Surfing 2007
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I wish I had more photos...I must have been working too darn hard organizing and planning for the 2007 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing...and lets face it, I was there to be professional, learn, and work, not to run around taking pics of cute pro surfers!
I worked in 2007 as the Asst. Executive Producer for the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu. This is like the Superbowl of Surfing. I learned quite a bit about the industry and made a lot of GREAT friends (who I wish I had pictures of...)
But I got one with my Boss, Randy Rarick!
And the sign at the coffee shop Ettiene or Heather and I would grab coffee at on a regular basis...
And a shot (on my camera phone) of one of the phone beautiful rainbows I have ever seen...and it was while I was driving to the contest site at Pipeline!
I worked in 2007 as the Asst. Executive Producer for the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu. This is like the Superbowl of Surfing. I learned quite a bit about the industry and made a lot of GREAT friends (who I wish I had pictures of...)
But I got one with my Boss, Randy Rarick!
And the sign at the coffee shop Ettiene or Heather and I would grab coffee at on a regular basis...
And a shot (on my camera phone) of one of the phone beautiful rainbows I have ever seen...and it was while I was driving to the contest site at Pipeline!
Devil's Lake 10/18/08
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10/18/08
Wisconsin has some beautiful parks and Devil's Lake is no exception. On a crisp fall day Joe friend Chris Setter, his wife Drea, Joe and I headed out to do some hiking and bouldering. The intense fall colors are not well represented in these pictures, but they were peak...
In order to get to the top we decided to climb up the rocks instead of take the trail...why take the easy way?!?
Come on slow pokes...JUST KIDDING! I seemed to somehow find the path of least resistance...
Wisconsin has some beautiful parks and Devil's Lake is no exception. On a crisp fall day Joe friend Chris Setter, his wife Drea, Joe and I headed out to do some hiking and bouldering. The intense fall colors are not well represented in these pictures, but they were peak...
In order to get to the top we decided to climb up the rocks instead of take the trail...why take the easy way?!?
Come on slow pokes...JUST KIDDING! I seemed to somehow find the path of least resistance...
Van's Triple Crown of Surfing 2008
To contact us Click HERE
11/08 - 12/08
I was so excited to get the email asking if I wanted to come back to Hawaii and work again at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing...this time as the Assistant Media Director!
First, let me show you the house I stayed in...
The outdoor Rock Shower...ahhh...
The view from my bedroom...there were even horses that would be out sometimes. The house wasn't right on the beach, but I could hear the waves crashing at night!
The contest this year was Epic and Kelly Slate won Pipe!
Uhm...I gave Kelly that water he's drinking (right)...all in a day's work!!!
And Kelly was presented with a custom board from Gerry Lopez (legendary surfer and one of the nicest, most humble and sincere guys you will ever have the pleasure of meeting!)
Parko won the whole Van's Triple Crown of Surfing (that's my booty in the tan pants speaking to the New York Times reporter)
And behind all of those cameras is me holding Slater's surfboard so it doesn't get trampled in the media mayhem!
During the contest, my partner in crime, Solange and I kept the media up to date on the stats at all 3 events...we held down the media trailer, weeded out the impostors, rid the area of sand, and kept up the Aloha spirit!
In addition to working there were off days and nights to enjoy beach time and beautiful scenery
Festivities to be attended...like Lane Beachley's retirement party
Or Donovan Frankenreiter playing at the Annual Lifeguard Fundraiser held this year at Haleiwa Eats (instead of the traditional Waimea Falls)
Or nights with friends at Turtle Bay or out in Haleiwa Town
Or hangin' my favorite little man...
Favorite Quotes
-It's Snowing in Haleiwa Town (while throwing ice from the cooler up into the air!)
-Careful o u going to have to go to the hustable (hospital) (yelled out the window to the girls standing up in the back of the truck driving in front of us)
-Daddy, go crazy, go crazy Daddy (to Liam when listening to music in the truck)
Or the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Wrap/Christmas Party
Here with Executive Director Randy Rarick and Nicole
Check out our Security Guys - I wouldn't want to mess with them...even though my muscles are almost as big!
And here with Silly...Check out check out his beard...
allegedly he had it half shaved for the entire 6 weeks and no one ever noticed! I am not sure if he was pullin' my leg or not...
All in all, another GREAT year at the Triple Crown and wonderful memories made in Hawaii!!!
I was so excited to get the email asking if I wanted to come back to Hawaii and work again at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing...this time as the Assistant Media Director!
First, let me show you the house I stayed in...
The outdoor Rock Shower...ahhh...
The view from my bedroom...there were even horses that would be out sometimes. The house wasn't right on the beach, but I could hear the waves crashing at night!
The contest this year was Epic and Kelly Slate won Pipe!
Uhm...I gave Kelly that water he's drinking (right)...all in a day's work!!!
And Kelly was presented with a custom board from Gerry Lopez (legendary surfer and one of the nicest, most humble and sincere guys you will ever have the pleasure of meeting!)
Parko won the whole Van's Triple Crown of Surfing (that's my booty in the tan pants speaking to the New York Times reporter)
And behind all of those cameras is me holding Slater's surfboard so it doesn't get trampled in the media mayhem!
During the contest, my partner in crime, Solange and I kept the media up to date on the stats at all 3 events...we held down the media trailer, weeded out the impostors, rid the area of sand, and kept up the Aloha spirit!
In addition to working there were off days and nights to enjoy beach time and beautiful scenery
Festivities to be attended...like Lane Beachley's retirement party
Or Donovan Frankenreiter playing at the Annual Lifeguard Fundraiser held this year at Haleiwa Eats (instead of the traditional Waimea Falls)
Or nights with friends at Turtle Bay or out in Haleiwa Town
Or hangin' my favorite little man...
Favorite Quotes-It's Snowing in Haleiwa Town (while throwing ice from the cooler up into the air!)
-Careful o u going to have to go to the hustable (hospital) (yelled out the window to the girls standing up in the back of the truck driving in front of us)
-Daddy, go crazy, go crazy Daddy (to Liam when listening to music in the truck)
Or the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Wrap/Christmas Party
Here with Executive Director Randy Rarick and Nicole
Check out our Security Guys - I wouldn't want to mess with them...even though my muscles are almost as big!
And here with Silly...Check out check out his beard...
allegedly he had it half shaved for the entire 6 weeks and no one ever noticed! I am not sure if he was pullin' my leg or not...
All in all, another GREAT year at the Triple Crown and wonderful memories made in Hawaii!!!
San Diego & St. Patty's 2009
To contact us Click HERE
3/17/09
So, Amazing Race wasn't the only fun in San Diego...it was also St. Patty's Day!
After a bit of a fiasco we all met up
(me, Robe, Robbie, Jen, Anna, & Brady)
Robe and Brady donned their kilts and we met up with Russ who played the bagpipes!
Jen wore a silly St. Patty's Day mug that her friend, the other Robbie, brought!
We went to a pub where most drank Guinness, but I stuck to water...and shared!
And the next day Robe took me on a tour of North County where we stopped to confirm his accomodation reservation for the Half Ironman he was doing in a couple of weeks, had breakfast at this cute little restaurant, and checked out the waves at Swami's
So, Amazing Race wasn't the only fun in San Diego...it was also St. Patty's Day!
After a bit of a fiasco we all met up
(me, Robe, Robbie, Jen, Anna, & Brady)
Robe and Brady donned their kilts and we met up with Russ who played the bagpipes!
Jen wore a silly St. Patty's Day mug that her friend, the other Robbie, brought!
We went to a pub where most drank Guinness, but I stuck to water...and shared!
And the next day Robe took me on a tour of North County where we stopped to confirm his accomodation reservation for the Half Ironman he was doing in a couple of weeks, had breakfast at this cute little restaurant, and checked out the waves at Swami's
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