"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive." Anaïs Nin


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Friday, June 29, 2012

See What I'm Saying: The Documentary

Fabulous Husband and I got this DVD in the mail today. If you've not seen it, I encourage you to get your hands on a copy and sit down and watch. It isn't a "family" video, there is a bit of "blue" language now and then. Be sure to watch the "extras" included on the DVD that aren't included in the movie itself. BTW.. .I LOVE Beethoven's Nightmare video "Turn It Up Louder". Their live performance is in this documentary.
http://www.seewhatimsayingmovie.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovf4Z7WMdbc

"Come to My Window" ASL Concert Interpretation

Here is another Melissa  Etheridge song intepreted by Jennie Batchelder. The lyrics are below the video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpjqhxyHDrE&feature=channel&list=UL

 MELISSA ETHERIDGE
Come to my window 
Crawl inside, wait by the light 
Of the moon 
Come to my window 
I'll be home soon 

I would dial the numbers 
Just to listen to your breath 
I would stand inside my hell 
And hold the hand of death 
You don't know how far I'd go 
To ease this precious ache 
You don't know how much I'd give 
Or how much I can take 

Just to reach you 
Just to reach you 
Just to reach you 

Come to my window 
Crawl inside, wait by the light 
Of the moon 
Come to my window 
I'll be home soon 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

What if There Was No Sound?

I found this fascinating video over on Sarah's page ( http://speakuplibrarian.blogspot.com/ ) that aptly depicts what deaf and hearing impaired people deal with daily. Have you ever had an experience at the theater like this? See the list below the video for a list of theaters near you that may have accessible choices for you.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiP_8gJCNQE&feature=player_embedded


Here in the U.S. things are changing in this regard. Some theater chains are being quite thoughtful and inclusive. Here are some examples:
AMC: http://www.amctheatres.com/corporate/accessibility

Regal Entertainment:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/opencaptionedshowtimes.aspx

More information on gadgets here: http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Judgment Against Netflix: What Does it Mean?

Before we go any further, let me extend a HUGE thank you for NAD for filing this lawsuit against Netflix on behalf of all of us who rely on captions for access to language.

Here is a wonderful signed and captioned video by NAD CEO Howard Rosenblum explaining what the precedence regarding the judgment ruling against Netflix means. I saw this posted on their website at http://www.nad.org/news/2012/6/what-does-recent-nad-vs-netflix-precedent-mean



Monday, June 25, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Lighthouse Tale, Fabulously Interpreted by Stephen

I have always loved ballads. Perhaps it's in part from growing up in the 60's and 70's when folk music was emerging with the lyrical poetry by Dylan, Baez, Peter Paul and Mary, and so many others. I'm pleased to see today's young people carrying on the tradition of ballads. Here is one of my favorite stories by Nickle Creek, fabulously interpreted by Stephen, Captain Valor. Captioned, be sure to click the CC (red square box) or  arrow for the captions.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUnPo2mTI9c&feature=player_embedded

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Winner of "Turn A Deaf Ear"

I'm pleased to announce the winner of the book giveaway, "Turn a Deaf Ear" is Leslie! Leslie, please email me at xpressivehandz@hotmail.com with your name and mailing address so we can get the book shipped to you.

My friend Sarah over at Speak Up Librarian has written a wonderful review of the book. She is running a similar contest, so it's not too late to enter to win a copy here: http://speakuplibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/06/turn-deaf-ear-book-review.html

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Turn A Deaf Ear

I'm so excited to write about this book I just read. Be sure to check out the fabulous giveaway for one lucky reader. The contest is now closed, however, you have until July 15th for another chance to enter over at my friend Sarah's page: http://speakuplibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/06/turn-deaf-ear-book-review.html


I received a wonderful gift in the mail Friday.



Publicist Darlene Chan asked if I would be interested in reading Turn A Deaf Ear and sharing what I thought about it. The co-authors, Janet Fiore Horger and Linda Fiore Sanders (they are sisters) gave me a wonderful page-turning weekend.

This book is more than a love story, more than a book about family, food, deafness, and more than the discrimination against people who are "different." The constant theme of destiny, fate, the universe, or as I prefer, God's purpose for each life plays out time and again. There is a reason we end up in the places with the people we encounter. Often, it is not for our benefit, but for the benefit of making that important connection or difference in the life and heart of another person. It's really not always about us. I love how the authors of this book based part of the plot on reality and then meshed fiction into the story line, culminating in a flourish of suspense, hence the title of the book.

The story is written during a time when any kind of mixed marriage was frowned upon, and anything different was discriminated against. The characters in the story are real, and the writers eloquently present the perspectives of each character, especially one particularly flawed personality, yet their redeeming qualities make you cheer them on when they come through.

This book is a down to earth human story that twines the hearing and deaf into a new perspective of awareness from both worlds. We not only become more "aware" through this story, we become more educated, and, I hope, more compassionate toward anyone different from ourselves.

I recommend this book for everyone, especially anyone taking Deaf Studies or learning ASL (American Sign Language). It is that good.

The website for the book and a couple of the recipes is here: http://turnadeafear.net

This inspirational story can be ordered at: http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Deaf-Ear-Linda-Sanders/dp/1461071895/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339528874&sr=8-1&keywords=turn+a+deaf+ear

One lucky Xpressive Handz reader can win a copy of Turn A Deaf Ear, courtesy of author Jan Horger. To enter, just enter a comment below. Winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends on June 22, 2012. You can enter as often as you like. US/CAN only please.


Sunday, June 17, 2012

It's About Inclusion - Don't Leave Me Out

 - Someday, you may need this as well. Start being inclusive now and make a difference to those who are deaf, hard of hearing, hearing impaired and those who are in the process of losing their hearing. We ALL matter.




It's really the right thing to do. For more information how YOU can be involved and make a difference and the importance of captioning, visit http://ccacaptioning.org/


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Here Is A FABULOUS Festival for the Whole Family in Louisville, KY

We have already made our summer and vacation plans for later this summer (West Coast, here we come), but if we didn't already have plans, THIS is where we would be going. Doesn't that look FABULOUS?

If you've no plans for July 3-7, be sure to attend. Saturday is a FREE day, and this is something the whole family can do together. If you attend, check in and share your experience here as a guest blogger. We'd love to hear all about it.






Thursday, June 14, 2012

Deaf Club Hangout on Google + with Alex and His Dad

This is happening on Father's day! Join Alex and the "Internet's Deaf Dad" and hang out. It could be the beginning of a whole new way for deaf club in the modern age of technology




Be sure to subscribe to their channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muJY55LsWMk

Inappropriate Response

Many years ago, the man I was once married to and I were invited to dinner at our new landlord's home. They were an older couple, rather proper, but very kind and welcoming. We had just arrived in Savannah, GA, and being new, we were happy to be making friends with our new neighbors.

The dinner party was the same day as my husband's processing at the new base. While being processed, he had to have a series of immunizations, one of them for typhoid fever. We found out later that night he was seriously allergic to this particular vaccine. After being processed, we had a late lunch at a restaurant near our home. During lunch, he started feeling ill. By the time we got home, he went directly to bed to see if a little rest would help.  I was hesitant to leave him home, but he encouraged me to go to the dinner and just let him sleep. The dinner was at the home next door to us, so I wouldn't be far away if he needed anything.

There were other guests at the dinner, a Sargent from the base with his girlfriend who were sitting across from me. The host was telling me about how good his wife's bar-b-que was. I was not familiar with southern cooking, and when I saw how unappetizing this particular food looked, I didn't want to be rude or ungracious. I asked the hostess if she could just give me a very small portion since I had a late lunch with my husband and I wasn't very hungry.

The Sargent sitting across from me asked, "Where is he at?"

I simply answered, "He's at home in bed."

An odd expression crossed the man's face. The he looked as if he was trying to keep from laughing, perhaps a little embarrassed, too. His girlfriend looked rather surprised. When I looked at my hostess, she looked quite cross. Her husband didn't look very pleased, either. Everyone in the room stopped moving and stopped talking. Most of them were looking at me like I had committed a heinous crime.

Something wasn't right.

I looked across at the Sargent and I asked, "You did ask me 'Where's he at?' Didn't you?"

"No, I asked, "What did you have?"

My response, "He's at home in bed" was totally inappropriate. I heard his question wrong!

The problem with not being able to hear or not distinguish what little you do hear is that often you think you are following or reading a conversation just fine..only to find out later you really didn't. I know I'm not the only one this happens to. I'm sure many of you have interesting stories similar to this, some just as embarrassing, perhaps even more so.

Has this happened to you?

          .



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Caption Tip from Speak Up Librarian

Sarah shared this wonderful tip how to embed CC so the captions come on automatically. She shares:


Simply add to the embed code
&cc_load_policy=1
after the movie URL and inside the quotation marks.


You can learn more about captioning and see the link to the video demo on her page here:  http://speakuplibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/05/captions-set-automatically-to-on.html

Sarah is also one of Oticon's Advocate of the Year. Be sure to take time to check out her blog and some of the ideas she has brewing.





"Turn It Up Louder"

Yes, I'm always wanting to turn things up louder so I can distinguish the sounds. LOVE this band!! Why haven't I heard of them before? I love their attitude and humor! This is Beethoven's Nightmare - the band. Enjoy! (ASL and captions)



Be sure to check out their page here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WkfI9GH_AI

Sunday, June 10, 2012

"Fearless Love" ASL only

This weekend, we went to Witness Fest, a festival of Christian music in Quarryville, PA. Unfortunately, when we asked where the Deaf and hard of hearing were seated, they said there were no accommodations. I was unable to even sit near the big speaker at the front of the stage, and there were no interpreters. Here is an example of how it should have been at Witness Festival... Pennsylvania, please take note and step up to the 21st century and be accessible to your deaf and hearing impaired attendees of your music festivals.. Here is interpreter Jennie Batchelder at work at a music festival in Candle Stick Park, San Francisco, CA. I love her interpretation here of Fearless Love by Melissa Etheredge.  Sorry, there are no captions... Lyrics are below the video.



 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P48pOp61O4o&feature=channel&list=UL

When I woke up I was 17
You kissed my lips in a bad bad dream
Showed me things aren't what they appear to be
Called me angel and set me free
You gave me life in the cold cold dark
But you ran away in the mornings spark
Made me think that reality
Is not where I want to be

I am what I am and
I am what I am afraid of
Oh what am I afraid of
I need a fearless love
Don't need to fear the end
If you can't hold me now
You will never hold me again
I want to live my life
Pursuing all my happiness
I want a fearless love
I won't settle for anything less

I've walked my path had worlds collide
I lost my way and I fooled my pride
This lover's ache wouldn't feel so strange
If I could only change

But I am what I am and
I am what I am afraid of
So what am I afraid of
I need a fearless love
Don't need to fear the end
If you can't hold me now
You will never hold me again
I want to live my life
Pursuing all my happiness
I want a fearless love
I won't settle for anything less

Now I'm not here to lay the blame
I understand when you hold a flame
Heads will shake heads will turn
And sometimes you just get burned

Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/melissa-etheridge-lyrics-fearless-love-tmf6b2z#ixzz1xTcEZmng
LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

"Teaching Hearing People To Communicate Like Deaf People"


I found an interesting article over at Limping Chicken by interviewer Charlie Swinbourne  http://limpingchicken.com/   regarding the difference in the ways deaf and hearing people communicate, according to Bruno Kahne, "who teaches hearing people the benefits of communicating more like deaf people".  The link to the full article is below these few points:




  • Deaf people talk one at a time, in a very sequential manner. Hearing people talk all at the same time, and often interrupt one another.
  • Deaf people are able to be simple and precise at the same time. Hearing people are either simple and vague, or precise and complex.
  • Deaf people stay focused on the interaction. Hearing people disconnect regularly.
  • Deaf people constantly reformulate and check understanding, saying when they don’t understand. Hearing people never ask others to repeat, and never say when they don’t understand something.

The rest of the article is quite interesting, isn't it?

Have You Ever Been Fired Because You Couldn't Hear?


I was asked a question like this when I went in for a hearing evaluation this week.

When I was in my late teens, I took the first job I could find. I was hired on as a gas station attendant. In Oregon, you are not allowed to pump your own gas, only the attendants do that. I mention this because in many states, the stations are self service.

It was only my second or third day on the job when a man drove up in a fancy white low rider with tinted windows and told me to "Fill it up". I repeated what was said to me to make sure I had the right information. I set the pump handle onto the tank and clicked the lever open to auto fill while I went and served the next customer. After tending to them, I went back to check on the tank with the man who wanted the fill up. My boss was waiting on him, glowered at me and waved me off to help someone else at another pump.

Once things slowed down at the station, my boss came over and fired me. He said that the customer had asked for only five dollars worth of gas. I tried to explain the conversation I had with the customer, but he just didn't want to hear about it.

Have you ever lost a job because you either couldn't hear or something or misunderstood something that was said? I wonder how often this has happens to hard of hearing and deaf people.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

#captionTHIS is Trending On Both Coasts, LA and DC

I've been checking in and out of Twitter throughout the day. It's so exciting to see the campaign trending across our great nation, in the UK and other countries as well. #subtittlenow is the European equivalent of the US #captionTHIS event.

My friend Ken Mueller has not only taken the time to read the posts and watch the #captionTHIS video over at Deaf Politics, as well as the Dine and Sign Promo for Deaf Awareness Movies  but he has taken the time to write an exceptional essay on the topic. Please take a moment to read what Ken has to say to businesses everywhere.

Click to read Ken's post here: Inkling Media

With all of us joining together in  one voice, we are making a difference, not just for ourselves here and now, but for the future, as well. We did a good thing today with the positive #captionTHIS campaign.


Dear Netflix


Hello,
My name is Mrs. Edmiston and I have always enjoyed my movies from Netflix. However, I am unable to fully access your streaming videos to my tv. You see, I am deaf and I rely on your website for movies but I cannot access them because the videos are not captioned. I know I am not the only one and I strongly encourage you to caption your streaming videos so that I and the million of viewers with hearing loss can access your information.

Please do the right thing and start providing equal access by captioning your online videos. 
Thank you. 
Sincerely,
Mrs. Edmiston
Xpressive Handz
#captionTHIS



It's June 6th - Let's #captionTHIS

Here's everything you need to know about this event. The video is signed in ASL, captioned (turn on the CC button for the captions) There is a rundown of what it's all about below the video with a form letter the Twitter hashtag and directions how you can participate. It's that easy. Thank you Jessica Thurber at Deaf Politics for putting this together for us!
Click this link http://blog.deafpolitics.org/2012/06/captionthis-how-to-take-action-on-66.html and come help us spread the word and make a positive difference.

Monday, June 4, 2012

"Four Senses" Summer Shorts From the Creators of Dine and Sign

Check out the summer movies Alex and his dad are creating. This is an exciting way to share information and raise deaf awareness while having fun. I wish much success for these two men. My question will soon be answered...  Is the Sixth Sense "Deaf Sense"?
Be sure to check out some of the perks that are available with your donation on the website!
http://www.indiegogo.com/dineandsign



 btw... I donated to the cause. Come along and join in the fun and be an active participant, too.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Meet the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Instructors of Signing Time Academy

Here is a blog post over at Signing Time by LeeAnn Mason introducing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Instructors from Signing Time Academy.

http://www.signingtimeacademy.com/blog/2012/06/meet-our-deafhoh-instructors/

It's an honor and a privilege to be involved with Signing Time and these fabulous instructors!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

"Audism" is now in the American Heritage Dictionary

The American Heritage Dictionary revised the definition of  "audism" even better.


n.
1. The belief that people with hearing are superior to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2. Discrimination or prejudice against people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

audistadj. & n.


Look here: http://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=Audism&submit.x=0&submit.y=0

Friday, June 1, 2012

"What's Your Story?"

Rachel shares some heart warming cards from Signing Time fans. If you have a story to share how Signing Time has touched your life, hop on over to the highlighed page below and post your story, or upload your video.
http://www.signingtime.com/stories?utm_source=Signing+Time+News&utm_campaign=c7acdf9d6f-StoryWeek_2012&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=c7acdf9d6f&mc_eid=df65399950