Periscopic Eyes to the World's Stage.

A History in the Making at Chemeketa Community College

2011-02-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION:

A History in the Making at Chemeketa Community College

Spring, 2011

TA 141

What: Theater Art: Acting I (CRN: 78541)

When: Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2:20pm, Salem campus.

Course Description:

Introduces the basic skills of acting. Defines common terminology used in acting and demonstrates the similarities between different systems of acting. Offers an overview of the history of Western acting including the roots of acting and a respect for its traditions. TA 141 satisfies the Arts and Letters or elective credits for the AAOT, ASOT, AA and AS degrees.

This course is designed for students new to acting, as well as for those that desire a career in theater arts.

• For students new to acting, this class will help to develop or enhance self-confidence, improve communication skills, open up creativity and imagination, reduce stress and have fun.

• For students that are deeply interested in the art of theater, this class will provide an opportunity to excel by accepting challenges, initiate learning and go beyond the confines of the assignments.

WHO: Justin Coleman

I have the aspiration to teach both deaf and hearing students in the field of theatre by using ASL on stage. I have been deaf since birth and grew up in a hearing home. I have a BA degree in ASL/ English Interpreting with a minor in Theater Art from Western Oregon University and a MA in Theatre Arts from Portland State University. I traveled for a year with the National Theatre for the Deaf presenting programs for both deaf and hearing students. In that capacity I presented acting to different schools in the form of workshops, as well as performed before hundreds of students, teachers, and parents throughout the eastern United States. I have also studied acting at Deaf West Theatre in North Hollywood, California, participated in Northwest Theatre of the Deaf in Portland, Oregon, and I am a Sign Language Consultant at Portland Center Stage Theatre.

There is no need to know American Sign Language.

Voice interpretation will be available for this class.

COME ON IN AND SIGN UP for SPRING 2011!

Still Around...

2010-06-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

I'm still around with so much journey to learn....I'll be back when I can with different ideas or topics...

A Story for Veterans Day in ASL

2009-11-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

This was a story that I heard when I was in High School about a hero during WW II.

"Haunted House" ASL Dark Story

2009-10-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Enjoy an ASL Storytelling of Halloween story.

Oregon Deaf News

2009-10-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am sharing and expressing my excitment with Oregon Deaf people and with DeafNation hosts at Portland EXPO on October 17, 2009. I am witnessing the impacts among Oregon Deaf community in a postive movement. Let all cometogether and bring toward a new path!

"Toy 'R' Ghost"

2009-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

An ASL Ghost Story: Fact or Fiction? You decides!

"Golden Hand" ASL Dark STory

2009-10-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

ASL Horror/Thriller Story. Enjoy

"Old Man and His Dog"

2009-10-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

I created a story in ASL with my imagination and I was inspired by a short story called "The Attic," from the author, Alvin Schwartz. Enjoy!

"Golden Monkey"

2009-10-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Classic Horror/Thriller Folkstory where I learn from my Deaf School. Enjoy!

"Old Man Cat Lover"

2009-10-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the ASL Horror/Thriller Storytelling

"The Dark House" ASL Storytelling

2009-10-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

A Horror/Thriller story in ASL that I want to share! Enjoy.

Announcement for Oregon Deaf Community with Theatre

2009-09-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

An Announcement for Oregon Deaf Community for Theatre and Film:

Link to Salem, Oregon:
http://www.salemrep.org/

September 11, 2001 in ASL

2009-09-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

FROST/NIXON

2009-09-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Knowing- Simple Sign Language

2009-09-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

40 years of the answer from the moon

2009-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Commander Neil Alden Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Eugene 'Buzz' Aldrin, Jr.

Some ages ago, a man look up to the moon with wonders. Are there life on moon? Do Greek god of Apollo lives there? What is it alike in space?

That answers came on July 20, 1969. "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Where every person ask questions about moon on how Neil Armstrong put his foot on the moon with this well famous quotes. As he step in, he wonder with this: "Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand."

Three men went to the moon to find the answers and we need to remember that every men strives to build a rocket that reach this moon and every attempts, some died by doing it. We should remember this day of our desire to reach for the stars with living dreams. It takes a bold humans to come together as unity to make this event come true for all mankind. Today, we have more answer than myths but we can enjoy our story of myths to story reality of space.

It's been 40 years since we send the men on the moon and 40 years of blessing to be alive. Thanks for making this day special!

Happy 40th Anniversary NASA and all the crews of Apollo.

David Reimer- Why do you need to know about him? (ASL Version)

2009-07-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

David Reimer

August 22, 1965 as Bruce Reimer – May 4, 2004

a Canadian man who was born as a healthy boy, but was sexually reassigned and raised as female after his penis was accidentally destroyed during circumcision.

Why do you need to know about him?

David Reimer- Why do you need to know about him?

2009-07-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

David Reimer

August 22, 1965 as Bruce Reimer – May 4, 2004

a Canadian man who was born as a healthy boy, but was sexually reassigned and raised as female after his penis was accidentally destroyed during circumcision.

Why do you need to know about him?

Just about a year ago, I was sitting in the living room switch channel to find something to watch. It was a boring evening! I wasn't in the mood to watch any political TV because there were a hot debates on Iraq war, Gay Marriage, and Bush. I want to escapes from negative media and find watch a show with out "violence."

As I surf the channel and saw this History Channel called "Born Man and Raise as a Girl." I said to myself, "not another debating on this sex changes....forget it!" I surf channel again and went through channels that go back to History Channel...I like history but how this one apply this station? I watch just first few minutes but I was wrong... it's not about sex changes... but about medical error: ...was accidentally destroyed during circumcision.

That's caught my attention and wonder what I will learned? This is about the death of David Reimer, a tale of sex, science, and abuse.

As I watched, it got me thinking about born deaf and raised as deaf person and died deaf. This is so much alike to Deaf history with Oral method. How deaf children were taught to believe that they were hearing without knowing that they were deaf.

This was parallel with deaf person going through to what David went through; dealing with Psychologist John Money who oversaw the case and reported the reassignment as successful, and as evidence that gender identity is primarily learned. John Money believed that by training and raised David as a girl but he refused to say that he failed because David refused to see him with threaten to suicide. At age 14, David finally can raised as a boy and nothing can change David to be a girl because he knew that he was born boy and learned the surgery accident.

This really hit me hard as I watched and tick me off how Doctor's biased and attitude by, "I know what to do because I got the degree." Not all Doctors are like that but most of the time, I see this. I see this to what happening to Deaf community: "I can fix them." Geee!! I'm not too happy.

Another thing here-PARENT. This got me thinking about parent, where can they get the proper information to get help without "hurting" the child. Who knows- Doctor. Then again, not all Doctor knows the best but could give the best information, not "Doctor know the best" or "Doctor have the answers." (sorry, not all of you know the best). Parent need to ask questions on the information instead just receives one way information. You have the right to ask and make your own choice on how you want to raised the child.

So much alike to what happening inside Deaf community where they stand up to what they believe that being deaf is OK, not a problem. No matter how much you say, they will stand and believe like David with knowing who they are.

We are already born to who we are today and only thing we can change is from the person's life, not us but we can only learns and teach by making choice with education and thinking how the life will be.

This program really hit me hard to think about myself on who I am and how I will live as Deaf person. I'm doing good here and using American Sign Language made me as whole.

David's death wasn't caused by his gender mix up but his financially lost, the death of his brother, and family splinted; that's another story or was it? But it is how David raised from birth to man.

Once born boy, raised man, and died man much alike to born deaf, raised deaf, and died deaf. The only thing that changes is from the person with outside influences but not to change the person.

Check the website about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Reimer and http://www.reason.com/news/show/33586.html

Deaf School Closing?

2009-06-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

Deaf School Closing?

After the World War I, people weren't sure what will happen for the future even with the market crash. Jobless, homeless and lot of chaos. Franklin D. Roosevelt must felt overwhelmed with the event in America and a lot of people were angry and lost and only what our President can do to go forward with this strongest statement:

"First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." [Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 - 1945), First Inaugural Address, Mar. 4, 1933]

American held together even toward another war(WWII) and struggled through to stand strong.

As we are witness to what our government today that shut down some Deaf school just because of crisis with our budget...I don't think so. I think there much more to it and I don't need to point it out.

In state of Oregon, Oregon School for the Blind officially close and a lot of fear of what will happen to Oregon School for the Deaf, Salem and to some other Deaf school that could lead to closing school. I can only give the best sense of encouragement by using Franklin D. Roosevelt's quote: ".. the only thing we have to fear is fear itself..."

It may be scary, confusion,anger, and other possible emotions. We can only learn to what to do better to build better education for our deaf children's future and show that there is hope: Hope to dream, hope to success, and hope to become good communities.

Don't let the fear dwell among you or inside you to what could happens to our Deaf school. We need to get together and to show the facts and tear down the myths about Deaf school. To be honest...Deaf school isn't that expensive and really bring the education to the Deaf child.

Don't let the fear take over your mind and soul. Starts by getting together and bring the most positive way that people ever seen...even in the most impossible situation!

May we live this life today, not yesterday or tomorrow. If we live today, tomorrow will come better.

Go forth people...

The Puzzle of Deaf and ASL

2009-06-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is something I want to share my thoughts and my view on Deaf and ASL. An on going journey to learn more about Deaf and ASL.

Feel free to share your message.

Understanding Hate Crime= Deaf/ASL

2009-06-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have watched Carl's vlog Kalalau's Korner with his strong statement of his belief with AGB as a hate crime (May 22, 2009; "AUDISM is a Hate Crime") and watched Lchaimin in DVTV with her view with a question on hate crime with AGB as well (May 11, 2009; "Does AG Bell Have Hate Crimes?").

The word-Hate Crime got me thinking and I check out on the website Wikipedia for information on this topic and this is what it describe in Wikipedia:

Hate crimes (also known as bias-motivated crimes) occur when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her perceived membership in a certain social group, usually defined by racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, or political affiliation.

A "hate crime" can take two forms: "hate crime" generally refers to criminal acts which are seen to have been motivated by hatred of one or more of the listed conditions. The second kind is hate speech, which is speech defined as crime. While hate crimes are rarely debated, the hate speech concept is controversial, as criminalizing speech can be seen as impugning freedom of speech. Incidents may involve physical assault, damage to property, bullying, harassment, verbal abuse or insults, or offensive graffiti or letters.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_crime#History

The reason this got me thinking was because back in 2006, when I was in Portland State University in Oregon and I studied in Theatre Arts under one class called script analyzes in Theatre. As I study the steps in analyzing script and happen to come across a playwright called "Project Laramie," a documentary stage play story based from Laramie, Wyoming. The victim named Matthew Shepard which it passed a law called Matthew Shepard Act. This play have really made emotional impact and brought up questions in my mind. What did Matthew did to cause two young men to torture and murder Matthew? This happened because Matthew was gay. It doesn't stop here with gay issues but it had a history behind this; African-American people experienced this during the civil right movement but there's more...

Roman persecution of Christians,
The Ottoman genocide of Armenians,
The Nazi "final solution" for the Jews,
The ethnic cleansing in Bosnia
Genocide in Rwanda.
Racial and religious biases have inspired most hate crimes,
As Europeans began to colonize the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries,
Native Americans increasingly became the targets of bias-motivated intimidation and violence,
Lynchings of African Americans, cross burnings to drive black families from predominantly white neighborhoods,
Assaults on white people travelling predominantly black neighborhoods,
Assaults on gay, lesbian and transgender people,
The painting of swastikas on Jewish synagogues,
As well as attacks against European Americans,
The Murder of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom and the Wichita Massacre.

It goes on and on and on!!

Do we look at Alexander Graham Bell as Hate Crime? My suggestion was that you read a book called, "Never the Twain Shall Meet." This is where a "fire" started between Alexander Graham Bell and Edward Minor Gallaudet (Thomas' son). AGB believe what Charle Darwin's theory where sign language is a lower form of language where Edward believe in sign language and based from George Veditz powerful message on sign language.

I would say that AGB do not agree on sign language but those who study under AGB, practice the cruelly in education. Deaf children were tie up with their hands, slapped the hands for signing,squeezing the mouth to make them to speak or using a tongue wooden stick that is too big for the child's mouth (just enough to gags up) and many more ways to punish the child that tried to sign. It doesn't stop in the past and it is still here today. Take a look under this title; "Sex Abuse Rampant at Schools for Deaf Kids." Maine got in trouble with this and end up paying million bucks and with a apologize.

Ummmmmm.....

Sound close and much alike to Matthew Shepard's case.

AGB as a Hate Crime? I dunno but those who studied and believe in AGB's Philosophy were much far with deaf children as the case of "Sex Abuse Rampant at Schools for Deaf Kids."

Hate Crime, it's time to stop! We can't let this sweep under the rug. Not to what they did to children and abuse the power over deaf children and the parents.

Thank you for your time to read this and I hope this will just cause you to think about it and lead yourself by researching this topic.

"John Adams"

2009-06-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

An interesting movie called "John Adams," with HBO Flim. I suggest you to watch this movie because it show John's journey before and after 1776. It's interetsing to see how United States of America and the reasom why we have rights and freedom of speech. It's reminder for all of us and how this apply to Deaf community in United States of America-freedom of speech and rights. A good movie to watch.

"Love Is Never Silent"

2009-06-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

LoveIsNeverSilent

Why sign language is important and how does this sign language is important. George Veditz have delivered a powerful message concerning about sign language. The fear of wiping out sign language from oral methods but sign language still lives today and we called this American Sign Language (in 1960's). How do the deaf people lived during 1930's to 1950's? "Love Is Never Silent" is a good movie to watch with the reason we continue with ASL today. It released in 1986 with 2 awards.

"What The Deaf Man Heard"

2009-06-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

I bought a movie called "What The Deaf Man Heard" and it is interesting to see how people response to a deaf person who was actully a hearing person. As I watch this movie and thought of this word: Audism. Is this a good example of Audism?

Dear Delani Huntoon of Michigan...

2009-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Delani Huntoon of Michigan...

I got your message under my Blog of “Super Nanny...What More Can We Say?” (2008) I went ahead and post your message to my blog and I don’t know if anyone will bother to read it. That’s fine with me but I’m glad you read my :-)

Well, if you’re considered a problem parent because you have to fight the school system, It’s isn’t you the problem! It’s the problem that we face the system and the real problem is the school system who decides what the best without looking into the child’s need. It’s tough to put up the fight to two kinds of people: Ignorant and BIAS. I may be bold to say this and that’s how my parent has to put up with and they didn’t give up because they got to where I am today with Bachelor of Arts in ASL/English Interpreting and Master of Arts in Theatre Arts. I’m doing well here, thank you very much!

It’s not that I brag about my degrees but I brag about my parent who never gave up on raising me to who I am today. My parent wants to know is how to put language in a child’s mind. What are the ways to do this? It’s tough for them during 1970’s because it was the beginning of recognizing American Sign Language and a battle with education with sign language. I’m sure the system told my parent about oral method but they visited some school that offered it and found it is not the quality they have in mind. My parent told me that they do speak ‘OK’ but have no understanding what they are saying as if it put in the mouth to say it without meaning. Not a free mind speaking or academic freedom that they have in mind.

During the 1970’s, there was a system developing called ‘Total Communication’ which it is today called it ‘Similarly Communication.’ (Someway they are alike…maybe I’m ignorant or bias this subject because I first heard that name not too long ago and that I heard it in 2000!) Anyway, my parent meets my first teacher and her name was Laura Backman. That was back in Napa Valley, California. I don’t know where she is today and I wish her a big ‘Thank You’ for being a good teacher as in good listener (and fun as well!). She used sign language and speech therapy and taught about 20 to 30 deaf students in ‘mainstream’ or like where they think… “Special Education.” I can’t remember what they called exactly but it never was a “Special Education.” In the point, my parent was impressive with the students they meet because they all speak and sign for themselves and really show the free thinking. The students that they saw used sign language without speaking and some just uses sign language with some speaking. They were able to read and write and that happened in a public school. I believe they did check into Deaf school but they are like you…they don’t want to be apart from their child and rather raised themselves. It tough to where what the school wants to me do while my parent doesn’t agree. During 1970’s, I would say there weren’t a lot of materials need to teach me on how to learn sign language but as for today, we got more that we have. Back then, American Sign Language was getting young and what I mean by that was William Stokoe had acknowledge this sign language and started the research on sign language; It was a beginning and today we are beyond with more research and education of American Sign Language.

My parent fought to get education in me with language. Although, I later entered to Deaf school during Jr. High School because the number of deaf students was getting smaller at public school and I was getting restless and bored around with the same group of deaf students and the hearing students. I didn’t get the respects from the hearing students but a few do. The reason was that, they didn’t get the information on about deaf students or sign language because I think the school just doesn’t encourage this or have no knowledge with materials on sign language. Another reason I go to Deaf school was that I have a hard time understanding to what the students were saying and their voicing sound different. It was like lost in translation. I went to Deaf school and it was tough on my parent by letting me go but my father didn’t let me go completely because he keeps visiting me to make sure I get the education I need.

When the school wants to place your child into “intelligently gifted child in Special ED,” just because she can’t hear…here’s the problem I see…Public school believe in teach auditory and that goes for college. I have to put up with the system with this belief but one thing I learned out of this…make good friend with teachers and faculties because some of the teachers and faculties listen because they are open to this new idea and new view by learning new language and environment. That what my parent do by working with teachers and faculties at public school in learning new things.

Sometime, it tough to lead with little help and you are taking the right road to teach your child by standing your ground. You took this road and it may not be smooth ride BUT at the end it will pay off and like I said while ago…degrees:-). Some parent just don’t want to put the effort to raise a deaf child and I don’t have a direct answers for that because of varies reasons.

Word of advice, never back down when you ask for using American Sign Language to teach your child in public school; it is a Language and its fun to learn new language! Never say never.

One last important for you with family; get your family involves expectantly the father/husband! He better get into this because he is import role for the child…no matter what! I am grateful for my parent by putting themselves to teach…both of them and my sisters. It breaks my heart to see a father reject or not getting involves in child’s life just because she/he can’t hear or can't learn sign language... Just Do it! Don’t forget the eyes of the child is working fine and see it and do think! You don’t need to be the victim of the situation but to be the situation by taking control!

As for education need for the summer with books in American Sign Language, some new ones and some old one but they both still good. All I can think of where you can find a way to teach your child during summer; I’m living in the western part of America, check into Dawn Sign Press (http://www.dawnsign.com/), there’s quite a lot of materials here. One book that I always love to look into is the American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary. This book just show many different way of using sign language with handshapes. This can be creative with language. Harris Communication is one another I can think of (http://www.harriscomm.com/); now this just has many different devices for the deaf but it has sections of books in it, too.

I hope this will lead you in the right direction with teaching and learning of American Sign Language with your daughter. Be wise with your spending and don’t go broke! I wish you well Delani Huntoon with this wonderful journey because there is love at the end of the road!

CJ Jones Left His Heart at Western Oregon University

2009-05-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

CJ Jones Left His Heart at Western Oregon University

On May 8th, 2009, CJ Jones came to Monmouth, Oregon at Western Oregon University and it was a PACK night! Unbelievable full house! I was the MCEE for ASL Talent show and I gotta to tell you folks, it's a break through for the community to gather around and enjoy sharing American Sign Language, the living language.

I have to give all my pleasure toward to this club: ASL Club Officers. They really worked very hard to bring CJ Jones to WOU. It made an impacts among students from different college where they learned to communicate by using ASL and understanding the deeper meaning of using ASL.

At the beginning of the show, we went along with some empty seats but in 30 minutes show time, it kept filling up and totally packed the building! We did a theme like American Idol and turn into ASL Idol. Quite a popular theme in colleges!

The first hour we did was giving an ASL Talent Show where we can enjoy watching our local actors before the show. We have four people on the panel and they truly enjoy getting into characters and have fun judging the performances.

Carl Schroeder, ASL Club Officers, Dan Pineda, and surprising by bringing all ASL Instructors to do improv (They were caught off guard!). It was a fun first hour of watching these people on stage. Then I was be able to bring a warmest welcome of having CJ Jones to do the last hour of performing and the audience just LOVE him! Laughter broke through the celling! I can sit back and enjoy the ride.

CJ Jones got a DVD movie out called "What Are You...Deaf?" I have seen his show sometime back in 2004 when I was in 3 weeks Summer School at Deaf West and got the chance to see his show. Compare from 2004 to today, he still got that humors on the stage very well. I just got home with a sore jaw from laughing too hard!

More to it, another movie show coming out called "See What I'm Saying." Check out the site with a trailer: http://www.seewhatimsayingmovie.com/.

Another site to check out CJ Jones: http://www.cjjoneslive.com/index.php.

Once again, a million hands waves to ASL Club for all of their hard work! and more to it for CJ Jones: Thank you for coming out here and leaving us a pieces of heart to us. You truly left your heart at WOU! Hope our WOlf's heart carry in you, too!

Review: The Legend of the Mountain Man

2009-04-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

Review: The Legend of the Mountain Man

Well, It's been a long time since I write something and life have lead me to an interesting journey.

I saw the first movie called "Forget Me Not," and I have to say it was a good first step toward film making for the Deaf community. I didn't know how soon will the next one and that the next one was "Wrong Game." DANG! I missed it and like I said, my life have lead me an interesting journey!

Finally, I caught the movie, "The Legend of the Mountain Man," at Salem, Oregon and showed at Chemeketa Community College. The next one will be at Washington School for the Deaf and if you are planning to go see it...here's the result of my review.

I will give a 4 stars out of 5! I really enjoy the movie and really glue to the screen! Watching this movie is a big improvement since "Forget Me Not." It is like you are watching a movie at a movie theatre. Good tension, good laughter, and emotionally was awesome.

As seeing the name Howard Seago working with Mark Wood and not at all but with a good team of making this film a real good story to watch. The actors were awesome! Nice bloopers at the end and able to witness the relationship among the actors and the crews. Great job.

Now why do I said 4 out of 5? I spot some error during the film; Kyle's spot of blood on his head...now you see it now you don't then you see it! I saw some other but I overlook it anyway. Only one scene between Grandma Shelly and the children...the tension too bit long where they have a pause moments, it just lost some moment with the tension. I keep saying in my mind was 'go on' and ' I can see where you going....what are you waiting?' but afterward it got better. That's just a small part where I caught it.

Once again, a 4 stars out of 5 which it mean GOOD SHOW and GOOD ACTORS!!!

Hey Mark wood!!! Are you producing another show soon?? (How soon?)

Super job!!!

A Reminder of America History

2008-12-05T23:32:00.000-08:00

A Reminder of America History...Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

A Memorial of U.S.S. Arizona, A beginning of WWII with Japan

Still leaks since 1941 to 2008

Anchor from U.S.S. Arizona,

20,000 lbs tossed from U.S.S. Arizona like a toy when it was hit. 1 of 2 in Hawaii and another in Arizona State.

This is U.S.S. Missouri, the end of WWII with Japan signed to surrendered in 1944.

I am sharing this moment with you all from my honeymoon because this was a touching moment for me. I felt saddness when I approached the U.S.S. Arizona memorial and even from a Deaf man...it was complely silent and stillness. The smell still there from burned ships.

After I left the spot, I later felt gratitude for all the 1,770 sailors on U.S.S. Arizona and all the sailors and soliders who gave their live to protect our freedom. Some of these men and women were my Uncles and Aunts, without them, there will be none us on this land.

May God bring the peace and healing on December 7, 2008 for the rest of the world.

Fire Safety

2008-10-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Safety come first when fire happens. I got this vlog from a friend and surprised me with the approach on how to put out a fire on top of the stove. I heard and taught about NOT to put out the fire with water. Used the towel and soak it with water then just cover the pot or baking soda.

The resulting of putting the fire out on the stove with just a water....well...just click on this link and see it for yourself:

http://www.videosift.com/video/Kitchen-Oil-Fire-gone-terribly-wrong

Just added on October 19th and a Special Thank to Bill for doing the captioning:
http://billcreswell.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/by-request-uk-fire-safety-video/

Be sure you share this message to friends.

Be Safe!

Super Nanny...What More Can We Say?

2008-10-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

Super Nanny...What More Can We Say?

It's been a long day for me! Two things that are happening with me while I'm watching T.V.: Super Nanny vs WWE Smackdown. Silly, huh? I like watching WWE because I enjoy watching how the characters develop in the ring. Then, news flies about Super Nanny with Deaf parent and hearing children. So, I switch to see it and I'm not that fan of the show...well...I'm a man, OK, ARE YOU? : -P

Strangely, Super Nanny won! I end up watching the whole show but I switch back after the show was over. I don't mind!

Just like other vloggers and bloggers... they love it! As for me, it is an educational experience for me. My response was...PAH! FINALLY! PAH! Something good out of a hearing person that supports the idea of using American Sign Language. Jo Frost repeats how important for the parent to communication with hearing children...use American Sign Language. Some great positive thing about our language...ASL. I felt good to hear that from a British woman encourage the use of American Sign Language. Nice comments.

I can understand the fear of the older daughter and I'm glad Nanny Jo lead the parent to focus on the daughter and resolve it. I can understand how it is important to go on the Deaf Cruise where we can be ourselves as Deaf Community but when your child cries...the child need the attention! This is a lesson that we need to listen our children rather than just think for ourselves. I'm glad that Nanny Jo brought that attention between the parent and the daughter. The daughter is CODA...Child of Deaf Adult. I pray that they keep at it with communication by removing the confusion, the fear and the frustrations. That's is nice. I know the scene where the family meet to plan out the Cruise and not much information about it but the key thing for this show is and was focus on family issues. I personally believe that is the best way we can learn when we cares for children.

Another thing that stands out in the show and I'm kissing the Nanny Jo for saying the words..."Don't use your Deaf as an excuse with the hearing children for not communicating!" (not exactly wording here but she got the point!!!) Stop using your excuses; just do it and get BETTER!!! POSITIVE, POSITIVE and MORE!!! Don't you remember our great quote in 1988? "We can doing anything but hear." Get it?

This is my challenge for all of yous: Deaf family with hearing or/and deaf children...which is it more important: The family issues or the socializing issues? Problem with child or ignore it? That's a simple task for you all. CODA are human being and they are important to our lives. They're family regarding good or bad.

Well, this my friends is the first step toward positive movement for American Sign Language and we need to be more of that. More than just an A+++.....wonder if there's better letter than A+? Oh well, A+++ and back to WWE Smackdown!

Thank you and Cheers ABC's and Super Nanny!
GREAT JOB and God save the Queen!

Thank You DeafNation for the VLOG!

2008-09-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

DeafNation, Sprint, and Lexington School for the Deaf,

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you, again!

DeafNation Staff, Jed Barish, had sent out an e mail for a 48 hour special of "Deaf Idol" video. Sorry, fan, it passed the deadline....awwwww! BUT my friends, if you really want to see it again? Here's why I believe you should pick on Jed's head to show it again!

I got the chance to see the VLOG recording show when it came out and I just sat with these questions in my mind.....how much have we change with theatre in Deaf community? How do Deaf artists define 'music'? Where do we stands with our arts on stage? Are we going to say 'oh brother...it just another hearing's way with whatsoever we performs for'?

Well, folks! I was blown away with awe and excitement. I missed the time they do a live show and I was a bit bitter about it because I'm waaayyyy out here on the West side state....Oregon. I was too busy to remember on the certain day for live show. It sucks for me when the East side states can drive to the show because every states is 'close by' while the West, it take an hour and half from one city to another city....not state to state. West States are big...Oh Well, that's life!

Anyway...Here's my critics for the show:

I enjoy the whole show but with the host, he's OK....too much wavy when come to spelling but I like his smile.

Russell Harvard was the winner of Deaf Idol and I definitely agree with the votes! Man! He sure brought back some memories with true meaning of Deaf song...1..2..1.2.3..(Boom...Boom..Boom.Boom.Boom!). With Russell's modern theme for U.S.A. had surely brought the spirits of America into Deaf community! He got right to it and I even didn't have to look away from his song...my wife she love it! Russell's movement and energy truly hit the spot of excitement and that ladies and gentlemen is called 'Deaf Song.' Not the hearing way! I just love it! ..(Boom...Boom..Boom.Boom.Boom!). More to that, Russell raised the bar to the highest with the second performance by using hearing music (wavy hands and I missed it) and truly USED ASL. He dance and signs with the beat and energy just AWESOME! We ARE watching a Deaf performance. He defined what ASL should look like as we "listen" to music without the 'English' signing way. (No offend indented here). That's folk was another blown energy for me.

Roger Vass....gosh...I know this dude! (Long time no see! It been ages.) The first performance he used was using with a microphone!! Ugh...I gotta tell you....what the heck was Roger, Deaf man, using a mic on his head?? I watch it again and realizes that he is using HIS voice....a Deaf Voice...not in spoken English. How do I know that? If you got a computer with great Stereos....turn it up loud and you will feel his voice like a drum. Every movement and every time he signs....he make a noise of a true Deaf voice.....(Boom...Boom..Boom...Boom...Boom!)...that folks is what we are missing out, right on the stage! I DON'T Care how he sound like or sound awful...I don't give a hooty tooty! He brought the feeling of using voicing like he brought it back to the Deaf Community and I'm a happy man here! (...KABOO!...) I love it! Great job Roger! He got second place in Deaf Idol.

Third....Douglas Ridloff...Ummm...his first performance...ughhh...OK...nice touch with the core of the Deaf community...sorry, it didn't hit me here. The reason....I'm tired of hearing the same "ole story" that is politically relates to C.I. But the Deaf people votes...OK...it was fun for a while BUT his second performance....B-E-T-T-E-R...much better!! Well, more enjoyable. I like Douglas' ABC story, "K.O." Smoooooth and he got the handshape 'T' right, Thank you very much and got it right! It clearly...clearly enjoyable to watch ABC Story and the smoothest, I ever seen.

As for the rest of other Artist who didn't win...you done a fabulous JOB and more to this...YOU ALL Raise the highest bar I ever seen! Super Duper job! (Hands wavy!)

Check this out with the DeafNation website with Deaf Idol and that more of ALL the reason for you all people to become woodpeckers!! Peck the heck out of Jed's head :-D Sorry bud you may have to suffer the bruises...I'll send ya bunch of ices if you like :-P

Website: http://deafidol.deafnation.com/

Before I go....Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you! (DeafNation,Sprint, and Lexington School for the Deaf....If I missed someone or anyone....you're always have my Thank you message)

Long Live Theatre! Enjoy!

Max Payne-captioned trailer by Bill

2008-09-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

Click here for viewing a trailer of Max Payne:

http://billcreswell.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/max-payne-captioned-trailer/

Thank you, Bill!!

Max Payne: From Play Station 2 to the Movie

2008-09-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

Remember the game from Play Station 2? No? Dang! Well, it's a game that I played when it first came out and I found myself hooked to it because of how it designs. 3D views with a story along the way. I found this story bit creepy because it switch from reality to dreams and back to reality, like after near death experience.

It's a dark gloomy story and nothing that give out a happy moment...just dark and... depressing but I love the game! The game lead me to serach the answer to what really happened to Max Payne's family and what cause it.

This coming October will release a movie, "Max Payne: The Movie." (10/17/08). I'm sure it is different story than in the game but the character, Max, just gets to me. See the movie and let me know what you think. I will see it anyway...either in Open caption or DVD...dark isn't it?

Cheers...or not.

Quote of the day

2008-09-17T23:23:00.002-07:00

Quote of the day:

"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion."

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of United States (1809-18650)

A Message to ASL Deafvideo.tv

2008-09-17T23:23:00.001-07:00

Just a simple qoutes for you all vlogger or blogger from a 1942 Disney Movie, "Bambi."

Scene: Baby Bambi getting up for the first time.

Thumper: He doesn't walk very good, does he?
Mrs. Rabbit: Thumper!
Thumper: Yes, mama?
Mrs. Rabbit: What did your father tell you this morning?
Thumper: [clears throat] If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all.

Got it?

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 and 2008)

2008-09-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

A new movie is coming out on December 12, 2008 or should I say…bit old title. This movie is a re-make movie based from 1951, The Day the Earth Stood Still. An old black and white movie that tells the story of a humanoid alien who comes to Earth to warn its leaders to curtail their conflicts or face devastating consequences. The British film star, Michael Rennie, played the character Klaatu from out space which it is perfect because during 1950 not many American knew about Michael Rennis and he was introduced to American as from another country as another world.

20th Centry Fox took the chance to created this film because during the 1950 was the time of Cold War and American was heavily engaged in Korean War. There was the risk for the film’s pro-peace message that would be seen as unpatriotic. The Cold War period was characterized by international crises such as the Berlin Blockade (1948–49), the Korean War (1950–53), the Vietnam War (1959–1975), and other crisis with America facing. Both movies (1951 and 2008) have a similar messages as we, today, face terrorism and Iraq attacks on adversaries were deterred by the potential for mutual assured destruction using deliverable nuclear weapons. Kinda strange eh?

Two quotes that stands out from 1951 movie with the character Klaatu’s monologues:

Klaatu: I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason.

Klaatu: …The universe grows smaller every day, and the threat of aggression by any group, anywhere, can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all, or no one is secure. Now, this does not mean giving up any freedom, except the freedom to act irresponsibly…

Klaatu: …The decision rests with you.

Here’s the new movie poster of 2008 The Day the Earth Stood Still with Keanu Reeves as Klaatu. We all know him in America but how’s that different from the old actor? Well…maybe Keanu Reeves is strange man….or…just weird. I wonder how different between these two movies. I guess I will have to catch this show and see it for myself.

Enjoy the movie…..I hope.

DVD Movie: “Don’t Come Knocking”

2008-09-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

“Don’t Come Knocking”

Directed By Wim Wenders and written by Sam Shepard.

I just happened to pick this movie called “Don’t Come Knocking” with an actor, Sam Shepard and the he is known for director, screenwriting and acting in realism: a career of the darker depths of middle-American rural sensibilities and Western myths. He won a Pulitzer Prize for winning playwright for 1979’s “Buried Child,” and I did a research on his play called, “Curse of the Starving Class (1977)” in Theatre Arts. I was studying Directing class and by learning the procedures on how to direct a play on stage. The more I learned about Sam Shepard, I find him very down to the earth and strange: in a good way. Sam Shepard performs not only in screen but also on Theatre stage. I remember him in “True West” during in 1986 on PBS and as well in the movie called, “The Right Stuff” as Chuck Yeager in 1983.

The story, “Don’t Come Knocking,” is about the character name Howard Spence, once a big Western movie star, selfish, failed life with alcohol, drugs, and young women. If Howard Spence just disappears or died, none of the people will cares for him or shed a tear over him (Sad and creepy character). As Howard Spence “escapes” from the movie sets, just to disappear from the face of the earth but the movie producer hired a private insurer policeman to bring him back due the contract. When Howard arrives to his hometown of Elko, Nevada, a small town, to search his long time lover but he soon learned that he might have a child somewhere out there. This lead him some ray of hope that his life isn’t in vain. As he set out to search the young man or woman, he discovers an entire life that he missed out.

Everything in this movie shows real life of small town, environments, and the pacing of the story is pretty mellow. This is just a story which it why it called, “realism.” I find myself fascinates the character, Howard and the characters of people in the town. When Howard learned that he has a child, the story keep on going and kept me watching to see what he has learned. It wasn’t very thrilling but I like how the story was told. Nice mellow and realist. I plan on to buy this for my own library because it worth watching when the day gets bored or slow. I would recommend you to rent it…just to see if you like it. If you like it, it either buy the movie or just rent it. A good and interesting movie to watch.

Enjoy!

“Silent Hands for Silent prayer”

2008-09-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

“Silent Hands for Silent prayer”

On September 11, 2001, I woke up in the morning with the flashing light telephone and I answered…

TTY:
Justin: Hello QQ GA

Friend: OH MY GOD!! TURN ON THE T.V. CAN I COME BY WITH MY FRIEND QQ GA

Justin: YES, Sure. GA

Friend: SEE YOU, BYE GA TO SK

Justin: OK, see ya SK SK

After I hang up, I wondered what the big deal on this day to turn on T.V. I turn on the T.V. and it fade slowly in showing World Trade Center burning like a movie of “Towering Inferno.” OK, so now what the big deal here. New York City sure get the attention with disaster. Good grief! As the WTC burning, I saw this picture that cause my eyes sharpen as quickly it showed the airline crash to another building… right before it crash…it frozen the picture in my mind.

My first response was…we’re at war. War with Al-Qaeda and the mastermind, Osama bin Laden. President Bush, you better move on to catch this man! As time go by, I felt frustration with our President because he doesn't seem to leading us toward to the mastermind but toward Iraq. I always get this feeling ever since this tragedy, “What does Iraq have to do with WTC? We got Saddam Hussein down but why the longing war with the Iraq?"

I saw the news few month ago with the interview of the solider that claims Laden is just across the border and anytime US will capture him. Well! What are we waiting for? For the right time…Com'on! Get the S.O.B! Now and stop wasting American’s time by stalling the time and taxes. Let’s us get to the point! Gee…get him…what’s the matter with you Bush? All you care about oil? G.D.Y.B. Are we ever get the truth out of you?

In the calm sense of mind; forget it, you ain’t worth it, Bush because I lost faith in you and I pray that we vote the next man will do better than you. Obama or McCain, you better bring back my faith of America. I’m getting tried of bickers on Bush. News said it all…lowest grades for America and you're getting an 'F' from me, period.

Enough said for now, we need to stop talking about you and on how the building crash, airline safety, bad leadership, wishy we do better beforehand, and so on. Be calm for this moment, for the day of September 11, 2001, we need to remember the people in WTC, New York citizens, NYFD, and NYPD. I was on tour with National Theatre of the Deaf in 2004 and stopped in New York: I never see the building in my life and never know what it was like but only the image of the towers on T.V. and movies. Let’s the light shine through the darkness of New York where I can put my silent hands down and say in silent prayers for families, friends, heroes, and strangers.

In closing, I’m not here to starts any grudges but at this moment to take the time to say; I’m an American who is Deaf and uses American Sign Language. I value my freedom in America and let us heal in time. God Bless America and I close you with this poem that I found that written by Kelly Strong:

"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"
I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze

A young Marine saluted it, and then

He stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought, how many men like him

Had fallen through the years?

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many Pilots' planes shot down?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, Freedom is not free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant "Amen"

When a flag had draped a coffin

of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

at the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, Freedom isn't free!!

Cites of this poem:

“FREEDOM IS NOT FREE” Copyright 1981 by Kelly Strong, http://www.vietvet.org/freedom.htm

Movie recommends for this: "World Trade Center" and "Flight 93."

DVD Movie: "There Will Be Blood" (2007)

2008-09-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

DVD Movie: "There Will Be Blood" (2007)

I rented a movie "There Will Be Blood," and it is about a story of family, greed, religion, and oil. During the turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

The reasons I rented this movie was because of Daniel Day-Lewis and I always admire his acting skills. Creepy character in this movie which it remind me of our current leader and I'm not going that way! Little I know that the story lead me to this a little boy in the movie, H.W. Plainview, adopted by Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis)...actually gone nut to the little boy's real father by greed. Second, it got a deaf character.

One scene show the young boy on top of the small roof inside the area of oil drilling and the men hit the gas pocket that lead to the eruption. The eruption hit the little boy and flew him away. Lucky to be alive but turn deaf. The movie didn't show much but say what the father will do... in a cruel way then send him off to a Deaf school. As story goes by, H.W did return to the father but gave slap on the face to the father...good for him. It's neat to show that the father hired private tutor for H.W. Plainview in sign language but not alot of interaction with the father. As time goes by, H.W. grew up to be a man and married a long time girlfriend who had learned to sign language. Beautiful scene of marriage and tough scene by facing the greediest father.

Why am I talking about this? It showed sign language and deaf character. Believe it or not, I knew one of the actor in the film because I was involved and tour with National Theatre of the Deaf, 2004. The actor that I am talking about was Collen Foy, character of Adult Mary Sunday. I knew this actor and happy to see her in this film by knowing that she learned ASL from the Deaf friends and NTD. I'm saying this, "finally the movie hired the right actors for the character"...(correct me if I'm wrong here) and check out on the site for this movie with the list of cast: it shows some bio of each actors (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0469494/). That's where I find out about the actors in the movie.

Well, to be honest here... the movie isn't that super great because it is long and dull. Why do I keep watching this, again good character development by Daniel Day-Lewis. It's okay movie and I would say...just rent it. For keeps...not really.

Cheers

DVD Movie: "Death at a Funeral"

2008-09-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

DVD Movie: "Death at a Funeral"

I just rented a movie called "Death at a Funeral," a chaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family. I gotta share this... this is the FAR OUT comedy! More than just 'LOL.' More of rolling on the floor and barely to breath!!!

The most easy predictable problem is the character name Simon, performed by Alan Tudyk born in El Paso, Texas. It all started with a mistake of taking the "headache pill" and Alan Tudyk done a dang good job by keeping the character more interesting.

I highly suggest you folks to rent it, better yet....buy it. It worth every minutes to watch it. I have to watch it twice with this movie because it is fun to watch it.

It's worth of your time and it is enjoyable!

Deaf Community: For the Arguments’ Sake

2008-09-05T02:52:00.000-07:00

Deaf Community: For the Arguments’ Sake

I have been reading blogs and watching vlogs since summer to see what happening with Deaf community. All I can say is… ‘wow.’ Lots of hot issues and heated arguments on ‘Deafhood,’ ‘NAD,’ ‘Deaf acting for Mark Hamill,’ and so on. A lot of the time I just pass by it and felt it worthless to keep up but it keep coming back to me with the debating. Most of the time I just let it chew on the thought and notice a couple things.

First thing, I notice the demand of answers and offending to each bloggers and vloggers. It was worthless to read and watch because this isn't the best place to do 'in person.' Harsh comments turn me off, period. Some make it like it in the Wild West shoot out or the famous Dodge City shoot out. Gee! Take a chill pill here!

Some bloggers and vloggers made valid points on both sides: I can disagree or agree. Sometime, I just leave it just that and allow growing later on because some point there need a time to read and research information. Sometime answers lies ahead in it own time. I happened to share my thoughts to my friend about what happening in the Deafread and Deaf video.tv and made some point of argument. That person suggested me to sign up blogging for a start and maybe do vloging as well, later on. Well, I’m slow with everything and hoping to pick thing up.

Second thing that stand out from Deafvideo.tv, Terri Watts. My wife like her and like her point…think twice before you say something ‘stupid’ (not exactly wording here). The point is DO thimk twice before you say or types (little ‘m’ here meaning really think). I agree with Terri and say something smart!

On every bloggers and vloggers made some comments on whatever issues; listen carefully and try to do it without jumping the gun. If I feel that I agree with it, I will ask myself why I do agree with it and if I disagree with it, I will ask myself why as well. There is time I would want to jump in and shoot up to what the bloggers and vloggers had said but I have to stop and wait until they make the whole point of argument. Take the time to analyzes to ‘why’ and do some research that could support the argument without getting too personal. Is there valid information to argue? What are the evidences that support the arguments?

That’s the ideal to argument but lately; I don’t see them and invalid point to the arguments. Harsh comments and offending make it stronger? Sorry, I don’t see that here. I hope by sharing this will give you something to think without too personal or pointless emotions comments that could lead to the famous theory: Crab’s theory.

Another thing that stand out here is making a personal threat by using ‘lawsuit’ comments. Barry Swell made some good points by just making sure we all understand by following by-law and goes for Aidan Mack and Dr. Don G. Sometime, I feel like they go bit to far with the definitions with terms. I just expressing the honset feeling with point of concern and I hope it just the argument’s sake for better.

Before I close up my ‘argument’s sake’ here there’s one thing that I want to share and hope to make the best progress of using blogging and vlogging. This site is not the best place to demand a quick answers for most arguments because it too much of time delay for answers and most of the time people have a life to take care of beside this sites: home, family, sweethearts, vacations, and on and on!

What we need here for both agreement and disagreement: Beginning, Middle, and Ending. I learned that write a statement or a story with this and as well by reading books and articles. All of them have Beginning, Middle, and Ending. As in blogging or vlogging, we need an opening statement (Beginning) with opinions or the presenting with agreement or disagreement. The Middle, provide your support of evidences after you made the statements: where did you hear that? What did you find? What information that support your statement? Then offer your point, the Ending or closure. Argue with complete points without the demand of time. It’s too slow and it is not live. If you want a 'now' answers or demands answers, best thing was to go to a meeting or workshop that is live. Someplace that we can get to the point with progress or a place where we can make the time to discuss and research to what we know and it is more real with feeling.

In closing, If we want to build for a better Deaf community from today to the future, I have one film that comes to my mind that something we can learns and experience the debating: “The Great Debaters (2007)” with Denzal Washington. A based true story during 1935-36, with Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. This film have some great Nominated awards here. The reason I recommend this is because it shows arguements with prepare, knowledge, experience with life, and the support of agreements and disagreements. I would say, rent it or…. buy it because it is that good.

I know it takes time for me think to what I want to say and thank you for the time to read ‘argument’s sake.’ I hope it leave you with continuing with thinking and become a 'Great Deaters' in Deaf community.

Have a great day.

Labor Day...What do we know about this?

2008-08-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

What do we know about the Labor day? This is what I know...

In the year of 1894, Congress made the Labor Day a federal holiday with all 50 states. and observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday was originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create "a day off for the working citizens."

The Founder of Labor Day with some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers; Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor or it was believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, who founded the holiday. Who knows and still both made the different!

It was claim to say that the last day of summer where we say the farewell to hot weather or Gore said that we're not! But let's ignore that for the moment and just say....NANANANANA!!School starting tomorrow!!! (I meant Tuesday) :-P (You gotta to love to say that or been looking forward to it...there's always a catch!)

Enjoy your Labor Day when you can...through rain or not.....and say the prayers for the Louisiana to get through this nature this weekend. Don't lose hope because I do still remember!

Enjoy the rest!!!

Still Learning On This Blog

2008-08-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I'm still learning to use this blogging and figuring out the comments situation. I think I got the hand of it....well...we'll see :-P I'll keep on trying.....

The important of history and "Freedom Writers."

2008-08-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

I hope the link works on this because I read 'Jodi's Review: Freedom Writers," in seekgeo.com (www.seekgeo.com/?p=1479). I would like to say, " If you want to rent it, do so but this is nothing to pass by....buy it!" It worth it to watch it, ASAP? NAH!! Just grab it without second thought!

As it shown in seekgeo with the summary of "Freedom Writers" and myself watched the movie, it really hit me and got me thinking; how important to recognizes the history?

Here's a scene that took me away: The teacher, Erin, saw the cartoon drawn on a paper that make fun of the student and really hurt the student feeling. As Teacher would do, Erin point out to what started with a simple joke and cause the tragedy to 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and Jews during WWII. Erin was trying to support the student and remind the class with the word, "Holocaust." The class went silent but in the movie you can see the puzzlement on the faces like they never heard the word before. One student raised the hand and ask Erin this question, "What's a Holocaust?" None of the students knew and I mean all of them in the class. I was stumped by the question.

This lead me to my thought to how important to recognizes Deaf community and its history. Shall we decline our own history to the hearing people? If the Jews think it is important to remind the people of Holocaust, then we need to remind ourselves with Deaf History to hearing community. I still am learning to understand with our own America between Deaf and hearing communities and the conflicts. It's not like that we need to obsessive with history but in order to avoid the repeating mistakes and improves our teaching to children; to gain the respects among communities and we need the history to help us to go forward into unknown future. For the better or for the worse.

If you're thinking of renting "Freedom Writers," rent it or better yet....buy it. I'll keep it in my library :-) I would say second this to Jodi with cheer because it touches your soul.

Thank you Jodi and Seekgeo....Enjoy the movie!

Misspelling the word 'Periscopic?'

2008-08-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Did I misspell the word, 'Periscopic' in my title? Not really...it is an adjective word that is an Optics (of certain lenses in special microscopes, cameras, etc...) giving distinct vision obliquely, or all around, as well as, or instead of, in a direct line.

I saw the word before this 'periscopic' was a noun word 'periscope.' I read the book in Webster's Dictionary that show the first decription was 'A periscopic lens' that used in camera or used in the submarine. I like the decription ' all around....instead of, in a direct line.' That suit me just fine and I replace the word 'lens' into 'eyes.' I see thing, think through, and using my give as a Deaf person that rely my eyes.

I just figure to share to the reason why I pick this word choice.

Enjoy reading my blog!

Periscopic Eyes to the World's Stage

2008-08-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

It took me a while to figure out to what I want to called my Blog. I'm a Theatre Artist, ASL Professor, and I loves to talk about everything...well, not everything! Every time I listen to people, I always want to hear both sides and I really walk around the views 360 degree because it enrich my knowledge. There are always some stories on the stage and I got the part of the title "World's Stage" from William Shakespeare's "As You Like It." A famous quote from a character, Jaques: "All the world is a stage." Act 2, Scene 7.

There are sometime when I listen, I think through...slowly...and question to what is happening and what was happening to our community. Our communities in America: Deaf and hearing. I love history because it fascinates me because there are some messages from the past that cries out to us when we go forward into new future. What history tell us that will help our communities as we enter unwritten future.

My adventures have already begun since I was born into this world and I am starting this new adventure with this Blogging. It is my hope to learn and continuing to educates myself by sharing among people to what I know and what I understands. Keeping my mind busy and getting my soul moistening.

I'm seeking Theatre Arts, Film Arts, Deaf Community's story, and History for my adventure. As I found a quotes to begins with by Oprah Winfrey: "If you want to accomplish the goals of your life, you have to begin with the spirit. "

...and so it begins...

To Begin This Blog

2008-08-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

"Begin-- to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished."
Ausonius