We all have things that we want to do. However, sometimes, they are not possible. For most people, it is hard to make the wishes that they have become reality because they think that they will not be able to. Some people say that they will not be able to do it because of their disability, Others say that they are too old, and a few say that they simply have given up. A lot of people wanted to become doctors, however, in a few weeks, or months, all of their hopes had gone away because they had an incident that left them without a chance to be a doctor.
In my case,, I have had many dreams, and they have become a reality. other dreams like being on the radio, getting people to understand the message that I am trying to give, and helping myself to become stronger, are dreams that I am trying to work at. I have always wanted to be a radio broadcaster.however, I thaut that I would not be able to do this because of my blindness. One day, I was searching on the internet for people who were blind and in the radio industry. I found on a web site that they had mentors for different professions. To access the information, I had to register with the cervice that they offered. After I registered, I went to the box where I had to tipe the word. When I tiped the word “radio”, I found one person who was a radio broadcaster in the US. As I was reading the information, I could not believed that he was a host of a gospel show. With that information, I was convinced that my dream could become a reality if I took the initiative.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
a Story that was not reported in the media.
On Friday, July fourth, five minutes before 12 P.M., Three men were standing in front of the LA convention center, and they were getting ready to cross the street. There was a sign that said that an animation show was taking place at the convention center. The convention center had been already opened for a few minutes. It was easy to see this because the sign gave the information of how many days was the convention was going to last, what days was the convention going to be opened, as well as at what time it was going to be opening and closing. Out of the Thousands of people that were still waiting in line to get in, there was a man with curly hare. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Also, he was wearing vans shoes. The other two men could not be identified. The sun was scorching hot. Because there was almost no wind, it felt as if it was hotter than it really was. Both eyes were hard to keep open because of the heat. Sweat started to trickle down foreheads. For a minute, it felt as if everything was spinning. The Cars were going in every direction. Someone was saying something that could not be understood. Even when he said it the second time, it was still very hard to understand him. The person whom was talking was a police officer, and He was using a megaphone. From a distance, Three sheriffs on motorcycles came flying north up Figueroa avenue. They Stopped at Pico Boulevard preparing to block the street off. The next moment, a car was honking at one of the police cars. After a few seconds, others joined in. They were honking because the sheriffs were already blocking the intersection. One of the men said to another, “They are honking at one of the police officer.” All of a sudden, one police siren was heard. As it got closer, it became hard to know what to do. The man with the curly hare covered his ears. As that sound blended in with the honking sound, it became clear that unlike a symphony, this was painful to hear. When the siren was heard very close, every other sound was drowned by the deafening sound of the siren. Not a minute had passed, when one siren after another started to be heard. At that point, one man, who seemed to be in his 40’s, took out his camera and took a picture of the seen in front of him. Three LAPD vehicles and four CHp sheriff units came down. Two of the sheriff vehicles stopped. One stopped beside the blew line tracks, and One stopped at the California hospital. They were driving Over 60 miles an hour. Moments later, an ambulance with two sheriff vehicles behind and another to in front of it, came rushing to the seen as well. The four vehicles were escorting the ambulance. The last thing that was seen was some of the sheriffs moving all traffic away from the area. I am sorry I am not able to include a picture. It came out blurry. I wanted to know what had happened, but nothing was reported in the media. To think I could have been a stringer!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Cuba, A new person ahead
Fidel Castro, One name that will be in the history books forever. Love him or hate him, He has done things that probably very few other people have done. For example, he said that he was not going to be doing what the US wanted. He did this not only by words, but also with actions. A few years ago, I co wrote a song titled, “Two faces on Fidel.” The song is about how Cuba was before Fidel became a dictator and how it had changed during his years in office. It also talks about some of the things that Fidel had to go through to keep his country the way it is now. Also, the song asks a question. “What will happen to Cuba after Castro?” Now, this question is probably in everyone’s mind since he retired. Another question was, “will they be our foe or friend?” Do they think that we are all bad because of what the US did to them years ago? It will be interesting to sea if Cuba will be a bit free. Will Raul be like his brother? Only time will tell. It will be really sad if the country remains the way it is now. I think that the US has to be blamed for part of the situation that Cuba as well as other countries, are in. I will talk about it on another post. I believe that Cuba needs to be free. It is interesting to sea that here we have two countries that are different. Cuba is a country that has little or no freedom. Just recently, they were able to purchase Cell phone contracts, and they were really expensive. This did not include the Phone. This demonstrates that the government thinks that it knows what is right for the country. On the other hand, we have the US trying to make believe that the system that they use is the right one. If we want respect, we need to urn it. Let the US government stop forcing our ways on other people’s throats.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
communication
It is not easy to explain to people that sometimes it is hard to communicate with them because one has a disability. Furthermore, this does not need to happened because we have the power to stop it. For example, I was at a restaurant, and I was going to order a burger. When the waitress asked the person that was with me what she wanted, their was not a problem. However, the problem started when instead of asking what I wanted, she asked my helper. I did not say anything, but I was upset. Another thing that occurred to me, was that one day, I was walking with a person. I remember that the person who was helping me, stopped, and I was wondering why. I heard clearly when a teenager asked my helper,” is he blind.” The person did not say anything and neither did I because we did not want to make the problem much bigger. This last example is very upsetting. One day, one of my friends, invited me to eat. I was supposed to meet him on a Sunday at 1P.M. I had arrived about 30 minutes early. When I opened the door, a lady greeted me by saying, “table for two?” at least, that is as much as I can remember at this moment. I did not answer her because I did not know if she was talking to me. I had my cane on my hand but that did not help. When she asked me the second time, I still did not answer. She did not give me no sign that she was speaking to me. Finally, a man came up to me and asked me the same question it was then, that I understood that the woman was talking to me. While I was waiting, that same guy asked me a few more questions, such as if I was waiting for somebody. I said yes. After my friend came over, the afternoon was good. These are three situations where I could have said to the people that I was blind. However, I had my cane out! How do I explain to someone who I am. The least thing that I want to do is to cause a seen. After a few years, I have learned my lesson. I will try to talk more and ask questions. If I do this, it could be possible that people will learn from me.
Friday, July 4, 2008
fixing a problem
I found a letter in the LA times that proposed two solutions so our government could fix the economic problems. I will discuss the first one which is to raise taxes. According to the writer, “if we want good schools, a decent infrastructure, healthcare,
Libraries, law enforcement, youth programs and other services that make for a livable, thriving society, we have to pay for them.” He also states that this is going to require some sacrifices, but the challenges that are ahead of us are big and, “will not be solved on the cheap.”
I agree with the author. I think this argument has strength because some if not most of the things that we buy, are unnecessary. For Example, big TV’s, alcohol, and cigarettes. Some could say that this is not going to help or if it does, it is not going to be enough. I think that something is better than nothing.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-tuesday19feb19,0,5409963,full.story
Libraries, law enforcement, youth programs and other services that make for a livable, thriving society, we have to pay for them.” He also states that this is going to require some sacrifices, but the challenges that are ahead of us are big and, “will not be solved on the cheap.”
I agree with the author. I think this argument has strength because some if not most of the things that we buy, are unnecessary. For Example, big TV’s, alcohol, and cigarettes. Some could say that this is not going to help or if it does, it is not going to be enough. I think that something is better than nothing.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-tuesday19feb19,0,5409963,full.story
Thursday, July 3, 2008
angry
Angry, this is what some people think I am when they see me or when they talk to me. Am I angry? Yes, I am angry because I am not able to help out.
For example, When I was living with my family, I seldom helped. This was because when I started to help out, somebody always told me, “you don’t need to do that.” Sometimes, A person would say, “You cannot do that because you are going to hurt yourself.” I did not like this. I could not say anything because I thought that was bad. After they saw my sadness, they started to give me small things to take from one place to another.
When I was in a class, I used to be frustrated because I was not able to help out people. I got to sit on the corner just listening to people talk and tables, chares, and carts moving. I felt likeI was not part of the class.
It angers me that being the country with the most money, the US is not helping those who are living here and are less fortunate than most of us. Yes, some if not most of them could work, but we should remember that there are children out there who need our help. I think that they should be going to school. I think that instead of spending money on things that we do not need, we could spend it on these kids until there parents could have enough money to get a small apartment. Things would be much better if more organizations could help these people out. If we did these things, there would be less homeless people on the streets.
Yes, I am angry because of the attitudes that most people have when they see or talk to a person who has a disability. Some people think because a person is disabled he or she cannot have something interesting to say. Furthermore, the people who treat people like this think that these people cannot have an opinion. Therefore, they should be silent and accept whatever people give them because only the” normal” people know what is best for them. This is absurd. I still don’t know where this kind of thinking originated from.
People keep saying that this is a good country where you could make your dreams come true. O! Really? This gets me angry, for it is not always trew.
I want to become a broadcaster, but that dream is slipping away because I have to take a class which is not suitable for a blind person. This is a class that I have to take instead of a class that I took last year. That class was broadcasting 4a which required students to write down what they saw on a video. They had to describe what was on the video as if they were in front of the seen. I could understand if a person who is blind but was able to see a few years ago, could take this class. He or she would probably be able to remember things, so this class would not be as hard. I was born blind, and I am not able to picture almost anything. I rely on my hearing skills, but the problem was that in this class the video had no sound that would let me know what was happening. Also, I had to write the story using a specific kind of format. I was not aloud to do the writing my way. I got an F in that class.
Now, I am taking journalism 1, which basically, at least for me, it is the same thing as broadcasting 4a. I have to analyze a story using not only the story, but also any pictures, videos, or any other thing that is included with the story. I have to write what these things say about a story. Do they help the story? Then, I have to see where in the newspaper this story is located. What does this say about the story. How am I supposed to know this? How am I supposed to know how everything is arranged and what does it mean, if I cannot see the screen? If I don’t pass this class, I will not get my AA degree.
There were a lot of things that I wanted to do, but because of my cerebral palsy, I am not able to do them. A few examples are: swimming, playing the piano, playing soccer, among others. To think that I will be able to do the same things that a sighted person does or that I will be able to do them the same way, is beyond me. People should stop and change these classes. Mabey, People with disabilities were not able to do the jobs 50 years ago because of the technology. However, all of this has changed. Now people like me can become a broadcaster. So, Why do people want to make surten classes requirements?
This is a country where your dreams can become true! Tell that to the person who is getting 900 dollars a month From SSI. IF he or she works on top of that, they will cut part of the SSI check. I think the most that a person could make if he or she is working and getting SSI is 1300 dollars. Do the people who are ahead of this program know that the price of things have increased? Also, they should know that it is hard for people with disabilities to get a job. Usually, they have to fight hard to get one. 70 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed. This is also why I am angry. No one should be discriminated.
I cannot believe that knowing that there are jobs, the people who could see, don’t take advantage of them. I could say that if I was offered the Job, I would take it in an instant. We should not be ashamed of the work we do as long as it's decent.
I ask you to please open your eyes and your harts. Listen to us, and the things that we have to say. You may find a purpose for your life. I think that the words that Jesus said in the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 41 to 43 are much better than my own words.
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
KJV
What does Jesus want? He wants us to do all of the things that the ones on his left will not do. What is happening now? People don’t want to take the time to do these things.
In an article that I read, the author had a vision. There was a part of his vision that almost made me cry. This is an article that I love and every time I read it, I am left without words.
This article is titled, “the greatest gift.” In part of the vision that the author had, he saw Jesus sitting alone by a rode as busy people were running up and down. Some people were stopping to talk to him, but it was only for a few minutes and only to let him know what they were going to do for him or what they wanted from him. Jesus wanted a lot of things for these people. For example, He wanted them to find fulfillment in serving Him. However, what he really wanted was for people to sit with him and talk to him. He wanted to give his love to them.
Go to,
www.bibleanswers.com, for more articles.
This vision reminds me of a story of the bible about two sisters. There are two versions. I will use the one that is found in Luke 10 verses 38 to 42. 38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore
that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
I believe that the US is like Martha. Most people in this country do not stop to help out anyone. Instead, they go on doing things which are not going to last. If you keep on going this way, you may miss the greatest gift of your life
Although it angers me that people are more like Martha than Mary, I know that this will change very soon. Hope is the last thing that I will lose. I will keep on talking about this great problem until it is no longer a problem.
For example, When I was living with my family, I seldom helped. This was because when I started to help out, somebody always told me, “you don’t need to do that.” Sometimes, A person would say, “You cannot do that because you are going to hurt yourself.” I did not like this. I could not say anything because I thought that was bad. After they saw my sadness, they started to give me small things to take from one place to another.
When I was in a class, I used to be frustrated because I was not able to help out people. I got to sit on the corner just listening to people talk and tables, chares, and carts moving. I felt likeI was not part of the class.
It angers me that being the country with the most money, the US is not helping those who are living here and are less fortunate than most of us. Yes, some if not most of them could work, but we should remember that there are children out there who need our help. I think that they should be going to school. I think that instead of spending money on things that we do not need, we could spend it on these kids until there parents could have enough money to get a small apartment. Things would be much better if more organizations could help these people out. If we did these things, there would be less homeless people on the streets.
Yes, I am angry because of the attitudes that most people have when they see or talk to a person who has a disability. Some people think because a person is disabled he or she cannot have something interesting to say. Furthermore, the people who treat people like this think that these people cannot have an opinion. Therefore, they should be silent and accept whatever people give them because only the” normal” people know what is best for them. This is absurd. I still don’t know where this kind of thinking originated from.
People keep saying that this is a good country where you could make your dreams come true. O! Really? This gets me angry, for it is not always trew.
I want to become a broadcaster, but that dream is slipping away because I have to take a class which is not suitable for a blind person. This is a class that I have to take instead of a class that I took last year. That class was broadcasting 4a which required students to write down what they saw on a video. They had to describe what was on the video as if they were in front of the seen. I could understand if a person who is blind but was able to see a few years ago, could take this class. He or she would probably be able to remember things, so this class would not be as hard. I was born blind, and I am not able to picture almost anything. I rely on my hearing skills, but the problem was that in this class the video had no sound that would let me know what was happening. Also, I had to write the story using a specific kind of format. I was not aloud to do the writing my way. I got an F in that class.
Now, I am taking journalism 1, which basically, at least for me, it is the same thing as broadcasting 4a. I have to analyze a story using not only the story, but also any pictures, videos, or any other thing that is included with the story. I have to write what these things say about a story. Do they help the story? Then, I have to see where in the newspaper this story is located. What does this say about the story. How am I supposed to know this? How am I supposed to know how everything is arranged and what does it mean, if I cannot see the screen? If I don’t pass this class, I will not get my AA degree.
There were a lot of things that I wanted to do, but because of my cerebral palsy, I am not able to do them. A few examples are: swimming, playing the piano, playing soccer, among others. To think that I will be able to do the same things that a sighted person does or that I will be able to do them the same way, is beyond me. People should stop and change these classes. Mabey, People with disabilities were not able to do the jobs 50 years ago because of the technology. However, all of this has changed. Now people like me can become a broadcaster. So, Why do people want to make surten classes requirements?
This is a country where your dreams can become true! Tell that to the person who is getting 900 dollars a month From SSI. IF he or she works on top of that, they will cut part of the SSI check. I think the most that a person could make if he or she is working and getting SSI is 1300 dollars. Do the people who are ahead of this program know that the price of things have increased? Also, they should know that it is hard for people with disabilities to get a job. Usually, they have to fight hard to get one. 70 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed. This is also why I am angry. No one should be discriminated.
I cannot believe that knowing that there are jobs, the people who could see, don’t take advantage of them. I could say that if I was offered the Job, I would take it in an instant. We should not be ashamed of the work we do as long as it's decent.
I ask you to please open your eyes and your harts. Listen to us, and the things that we have to say. You may find a purpose for your life. I think that the words that Jesus said in the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 41 to 43 are much better than my own words.
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
KJV
What does Jesus want? He wants us to do all of the things that the ones on his left will not do. What is happening now? People don’t want to take the time to do these things.
In an article that I read, the author had a vision. There was a part of his vision that almost made me cry. This is an article that I love and every time I read it, I am left without words.
This article is titled, “the greatest gift.” In part of the vision that the author had, he saw Jesus sitting alone by a rode as busy people were running up and down. Some people were stopping to talk to him, but it was only for a few minutes and only to let him know what they were going to do for him or what they wanted from him. Jesus wanted a lot of things for these people. For example, He wanted them to find fulfillment in serving Him. However, what he really wanted was for people to sit with him and talk to him. He wanted to give his love to them.
Go to,
www.bibleanswers.com, for more articles.
This vision reminds me of a story of the bible about two sisters. There are two versions. I will use the one that is found in Luke 10 verses 38 to 42. 38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore
that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
I believe that the US is like Martha. Most people in this country do not stop to help out anyone. Instead, they go on doing things which are not going to last. If you keep on going this way, you may miss the greatest gift of your life
Although it angers me that people are more like Martha than Mary, I know that this will change very soon. Hope is the last thing that I will lose. I will keep on talking about this great problem until it is no longer a problem.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
California Goes hands-free.
California goes hands free.
It seems as if things are turning around for the people of California because after years of using the cell phone by holding it, now they will have to use a hands-free device.
18 months after a new law was passed in California, prohibiting drivers from using a handheld wireless phone while operating a vehicle, people are lining up at their local wireless cell phone store to get a hands free device. This law, which goes in to effect today, was passed because of the many accidents that have been caused by drivers who were holding their cell phone with one hand, while steering with the other. According to Joshua Cohen, who is a researcher for the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, it is calculated that around 2,600 people die each year as a result of the use of the technology. Harvard researchers estimate about one in 20 U.S. traffic accidents involve a driver talking on a cell phone, and Another 330,000 people are believed injured. The study also says that laws banning cellular phone use while driving would cost society about $700,000 for each quality-adjusted life year saved. They also state that it is unclear whether hands-free phones are safer than handheld phones. Another law that was passed is the one that prohibits people under the age of 18 from using cell phones while driving. Any adult, who is found with a cell phone on his or her ear, and is convicted for it, will be fined 20 dollars. If they keep on getting convicted, they will be fined 50 dollars. You will not receive a point on your license if you get convicted for this violation. However, it will appear on your record. There will be no second opportunities to rectify your mistake. Once you get caught, you will have to pay. There is one exception to the rule. Only commercial drivers will be able to use their phones the regular way. The people that will be in charge of enforcing this law will be the highway patrol. I think that the law has to change a bit. For example, you will be able to dial, but it is discouraged. So, if people are still going to be doing this, in my opinion, we are still going to be at the same spot. Texting is still aloud. Again, what is going to be the big difference? Also, what is going to happen on those times when and if an officer is not around? I do not understand! One of the laws prohibits teens from using cell phones while driving because of what studies have showed. Is there really a difference between someone who is 16 and someone who is 18 or 19? I think the difference is Very little. Why can’t they make these laws fair by applying the same punishment for all?
Sources: http://www.knx1070.com/New-Cell-Phone-Laws-in-California/2350610
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/02/tech/main531320.shtml
www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press07242000.html
It seems as if things are turning around for the people of California because after years of using the cell phone by holding it, now they will have to use a hands-free device.
18 months after a new law was passed in California, prohibiting drivers from using a handheld wireless phone while operating a vehicle, people are lining up at their local wireless cell phone store to get a hands free device. This law, which goes in to effect today, was passed because of the many accidents that have been caused by drivers who were holding their cell phone with one hand, while steering with the other. According to Joshua Cohen, who is a researcher for the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, it is calculated that around 2,600 people die each year as a result of the use of the technology. Harvard researchers estimate about one in 20 U.S. traffic accidents involve a driver talking on a cell phone, and Another 330,000 people are believed injured. The study also says that laws banning cellular phone use while driving would cost society about $700,000 for each quality-adjusted life year saved. They also state that it is unclear whether hands-free phones are safer than handheld phones. Another law that was passed is the one that prohibits people under the age of 18 from using cell phones while driving. Any adult, who is found with a cell phone on his or her ear, and is convicted for it, will be fined 20 dollars. If they keep on getting convicted, they will be fined 50 dollars. You will not receive a point on your license if you get convicted for this violation. However, it will appear on your record. There will be no second opportunities to rectify your mistake. Once you get caught, you will have to pay. There is one exception to the rule. Only commercial drivers will be able to use their phones the regular way. The people that will be in charge of enforcing this law will be the highway patrol. I think that the law has to change a bit. For example, you will be able to dial, but it is discouraged. So, if people are still going to be doing this, in my opinion, we are still going to be at the same spot. Texting is still aloud. Again, what is going to be the big difference? Also, what is going to happen on those times when and if an officer is not around? I do not understand! One of the laws prohibits teens from using cell phones while driving because of what studies have showed. Is there really a difference between someone who is 16 and someone who is 18 or 19? I think the difference is Very little. Why can’t they make these laws fair by applying the same punishment for all?
Sources: http://www.knx1070.com/New-Cell-Phone-Laws-in-California/2350610
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/02/tech/main531320.shtml
www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press07242000.html
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