Insane World of Misha

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

Gallaudet PSAC announced FOUR finalists! Yes you heard me, it’s FOUR, not three finalists!
Those names are Dr. Alan Hurwitz of RIT, Dr. Ronald Stern, Dr. Stephen Weiner and Dr. Roslyn Rosen of CSUN.
That should be very interesting….
Who do you think that should fit perfectly for Gallaudet University?

Ciao, Misha

P.S. In video, I said Rosalyn P. because I wasn’t too sure that I caught her name but I found out it’s Rosen. Pardon my typo.

3 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

*This is not actual transcription. It’s only off of my head as I type. If you don’t like it, tough shit.*
Hi, everyone….

Where the hell do you get off by calling the v/bloggers’ jobs to report them of wrong doings in their own private v/blogs?!? That has NOTHING to do with their jobs!!!! They separate their business lives and personal lives. They have every right to blog to their hearts contents that has not related to their jobs. You have alot of balls to make the calls or email or send the letters to their place of employments. That is none of your business. I’ve seen some commenters say that in both DeafRead and DVTV. That is truly disgusting.
Some of you did that deed that caused them heartaches, gut wretchings, and unhappy. That is the most worse thing I ever seen and heard for the past two years to this day as well. You need to knock it off because that has NOTHING to do with their jobs. Leave them be! That is very cruel and insensitive of you!

Ciao, Misha

14 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

Hello, everyone!

This is very important that needs to be tacked as soon as possible. As you recalled some series of blogs about a TV program, “House, MD” in regards of a teenage boy getting a cochlear implant after being injured in the wrestling match and also using his mom serving as an interpreter which is a big NO-NO and Newsweek magazine in regards of “Mad Pride” to make some comparison between mental illness and deaf where Deaf Pundit made her v/blog to reach out to all deaf organizations. Please click both links so you can read.

We need to write the letters or emails to both Fox Network Company and Newsweek to tell them about misconceptions. The addresses are at the bottom of this blog. You can look at the example of this letters at the bottom of this blog. All you can do is change around the words in the letters instead of sending this same letters to the companies, therefore they’ll ignore them. You can make a short and sweet letter if you like as long as you make some good points and refute the misconceptions. Please don’t bash nor threat the companies because that won’t get you anywhere. Be cordial and firm. I urge Deaf people with Cochlear Implants to write the letters to Fox Network Company in regards of the show, House (titled Divided).
Please do it as soon as possible without any delay. One address is direct to House, MD at Fox Broadcasting Publicity Department. Other address is to Fox Networks Group’s Senior Vice President Communications and his email as well. You can use both addresses or one. One address for Newsweek is to the journalist, Alissa Quart who write the article about “Mad Pride”.

If you haven’t seen House, MD show, I would recommend you go to Hulu website to watch it since it has closed caption before you send the letter. Thank you.

HOUSE, MD ADDRESSES:

House, MD
P.O. Box 900
Attn: Fox Broadcasting Publicity Dept.
Beverly Hills, CA. 90213-0900

Fox Broadcasting Co.
Attn: Scott Grogin, Senior V.P. Communications
Fox Networks Group
10201 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90035

EMAIL: scott.grogin@fox.com
PHONE: 310-369-4733
FAX: 310-369-1283

NEWSWEEK:

Newsweek
Attn: Alissa Quart (or Editors) (you can pick whichever or both)
251 W. 57th Street
New York, New York 10019

Letters to the Editors email: Letters@newsweek.com

EXAMPLE LETTER TO FOX: You can change around the words or make it short and whatnot to prevent the identical letters/emails. They will ignore the identical letters/emails.

Dear X:

As a fan of the television show, House MD, I am writing to you to express my dismay about the recent episode #22, “House Divided” that aired on April 27, 2009. While it is acceptable and understood that Hollywood has to take some liberties to be entertaining, House MD departed from medical drama, into science fiction. When someone receives the cochlear implant, the person has to wait several days at least, before it is turned on. And even when it is turned on, it often takes months, if not years of training , for the person, especially for these that have been deaf since a very young age, to understand what s/he is hearing with the implant.

Furthermore, a cochlear implant surgery requires the internal part of the CI is to be sutured into the “well” that is created in the temporal bone to hold the part. It is utterly unrealistic that he would be able to rip it out, because he’d have to get through layers of hair, skin, and cartilage along with the staples, and sutures used to close the incision site. What the character did is akin to someone reaching in his chest, and ripping out a pacemaker.

In addition to this episode being science fiction, the Deaf Community was denigrated. Deaf culture was presented as a myth. No respect was shown towards American Sign Language – an American Sign Language interpreter was not even in the television show, whereas it is required under ADA that hospitals provide their Deaf patients with an interpreter upon request. Instead, House MD had the mother interpret for the patient, and that can lead to many thinking that it is perfectly acceptable for family members to interpret, when it is not. I have to ask why the writers of House MD could not even bother to write in that an interpreter was provided?

This leads me to believe that the writers of House MD did not do any research, and decided to sensationalize a controversial issue in the Deaf Community, for the sake of ratings. I am disappointed, and I want an apology from House MD. I also want to see an episode on House MD that is more respectful to the Deaf Community, if they decide to do another episode on us. Otherwise, I will be no longer viewing the television show, and will be contacting your advertisers to complain about the perpetuation of misleading and inaccurate information about the Deaf Community, which leads to further discrimination against us as a whole.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response to this matter.

Sincerely,

(your name)

EXAMPLE LETTER/EMAIL TO NEWSWEEK:

I am writing about the article titled, Listening to Madness that was
published at Newsweek.com on May 2, 2009 and in the May 18, 2009 issue.
As a Deaf person, I resent Ms. Quart’s comparison of Deaf persons who reject cochlear implants to those who are mentally ill and reject
medication. Being Deaf does not affect our thought processes, impulses, or emotions like a mental illness will.

I reject the cochlear implant for many reasons, including the fact that
unlike the medical establishment and media like to portray, it is far
from being a cure. In reality, it is very much like Russian roulette,
in the odds of success. Furthermore, as any other surgery, there is the risk of infection and death. Not only that, but once a person has a cochlear implant, they are limited in the activities they can
undertake, such as contact sports. I am not willing to make that sacrifice for society’s convenience in communicating with me.

Additionally, no consideration was given to the fact that the Deaf
Community has its own language and culture, whereas the mentally ill do not. Ms. Quart was comparing apples and oranges in this article, and I find that truly irresponsible of her and Newsweek to publish this,
without presenting an accurate portrayal of the Deaf Community. Where is the journalistic integrity?

A reader,

(your name)

Thank you.

Ciao,
Insane Misha

7 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

Hi, everyone….

You see this DVD titled “Audism Unveiled”. I received it yesterday after I ordered it last week. My husband and I decided to watch it yesterday. We kept nodding our heads in agreement to most of the stories that the Deaf people are going through audism at everywhere. That touched our hearts because those experiences are very common among Deaf Community. That is an eye opening. That shows that we’re NOT second or even third class citizen.
I would highly recommend you getting that DVD. Do RUN to grab your mouse to order it online at http://www.dawnsign.com and do a search for it. Do not walk….just RUN there and order it. It only cost you $29.95. Show it to your family, friends, relatives and co workers whether they’re deaf or hearing. That could help them understand how tough we’re going through audism.
Pass this along to anyone you know.

Thanks….

Ciao, InsaneMisha

9 Comments »
Filed under: Uncategorized, deaf, deafread.com, respect

Hello, everyone…..

I don’t know if any of you are very anxious and waiting for me vlogging about my new project. Well, I’m sorry to inform you that I have been ill with broncho-asthma flu since last Friday evening and still haven’t yet recover. For now, you guys now know I’m very much alive (last time I checked, yup). I decided to post this blog about my experience and assessment on AFA Rally and pictures for you to look at.

My friend, Cheryl from MA asked me if I want to go to the rally with her on the weekend. It took me a short while to think about before I accepted her offer. We left on Thursday evening to stay overnight in a hotel in Maryland for Friday’s rally. We got to the rally on Friday, approx 12:15 or 12:30 pm. I really can’t remember the exact time anyway. Most of people (v/bloggers, of course) were shocked and surprised to see me there since I never told any vlogger nor blogger of my plan going to the rally because I wanted to keep it in secret so I can see it for myself. They were friendly and nice, of course. I looked around and assessed the crowd size to approx. 30 to 40. Natually, it was lunch hour. Some may have gone to have the lunch or even some may show up much later. Actually the rally was really quiet and peaceful. There were about two police cars parked, of course. Nobody is rowdy nor rude or anything like that. They were chatting and telling the stories about audism, so forth. Two nice policewomen who are black know ASL as well. They’re very friendly and fun though. They never give us any hard time, neither we to them.
About the male with bullhorn, I really have no clue to what was really going on nor what he was yelling into the bullhorn because Cheryl and I were right behind him while most of us decided to have late lunch. The bullhorn wasn’t used much throughout day and night anyway. From what I’ve heard the rumors that he yelled into the bullhorn that “Deaf Children have rights to ASL. AGBell go to HELL!” We don’t know whether it is true or not. I know some of you found out from AGBell’s Twitter. But keep in mind if they heard him correctly or not….who knows? If I had know that, I would have pulled him aside and tell him not to say that ever due to the private school right across the street since I’m also a concerned parent as well.
Anyway, back to the rally, I peered up into AGBell’s windows and made out a few shadows. I decided to wave at them while smiling at them. Just for hell of it, others followed the suit and waved at them while AGBell people quickly left. LOL Why can’t at least they wave back? Nope….well, it’s their losses. Hey, we’re trying to be friendly.
A few hearing passer by wanted to know what was going on. Patti Durr, Ruthie, and few others explained the audism and whatnot to them. Most hearing people were genuinely interested to my surprise. There were a couple of signs tell the drivers to honk their horns, of course. That blasted my hearing aids out of my ears. Well, eventually I got used to the horns. I learned how the rally ever started. A couple of people that I don’t know before (no, they were NOT even from DBC) told me that NAD was AFA’s first choice for help however NAD couldn’t make it due to conflict of schedules since AFA made the last minute rally within short time. DBC was AFA’s second choice. Of course, DBC was delighted to help AFA to get rally going. That’s all, nothing more than that. That is a good thing though. Some deaf got on the truck bed to tell their stories about audism at their schools, workplaces, homes, etc. As the dusk came, we decided to go for dinner or whatever some small group wanted because they were hungry while Cheryl and I weren’t hungry because we had late lunch. We stopped at the bar that has food as well. We had blasted time and chatted as if we are long lost friends. We headed back out to the rally place. The candlelight vigil was about underway. The people passed around the glowsticks to everyone. To our surprise, Paddy Ladd showed up at the rally in the evening. He stayed there for a short time and chatted with most of us. He looked nice and humble. Somehow a policewoman saw one person said something about walking up the steps to have a sit in. She had to call her supervisor to ask what to do since it was her job to report. All of sudden the supervisor and more policemen showed up….so many police cars and van all over the places. I was like WTF???? Nobody is causing any trouble. All policemen and women lined up on the steps of AGBell as if they’re blocking our access. I don’t know if that person who said about sit in was serious or kidding because I didn’t see that happen but heard from other people. Some asked her why would that be? She said it’s her job to let them know about the possible sit in. Oh okaaaay. Most of us just shrugged and walked up the street with glowsticks and crossed the street to walk down the street and again crossed the street back to the same street. So on…we kept doing that for about an hour, I think until my back gave out so I stopped walking and sat on the curb right behind the police car to rest my back. In that between walking, the policewoman asked Ruthie that she and four people can go up the steps to touch the pillars and come down the steps for 30 seconds as long as the other people should remain on the sidewalk. Good deal, sure they did walked up the steps to touch the pillars and came down with two policewomen on each side. Interesting… All of sudden I felt funny and shook it off. About 15 to 20 minutes later, three people walked down and saw me and exclaimed, “Where were you?!? They’re looking for you!” I said “For what?” They said they wanted you get on the truck bed to announce your plan for “Million March”. My reaction was stunned and shocked but relieved somehow. If they asked me to get on the truck bed, I would have run the opposite direction. Why? Because I have a very bad case of stage fright, for chrissake! I would look like a fool frozen with my hands up in mid air like a deer in headlights. All right, go ahead and laugh……

So we left approx. before 9 pm, Cheryl and I were supposed to stay at one of her friend’s place but we ended up in the hotel. Once we checked into a hotel, I knew there was something wrong with me. I checked my head. Sure enough I was burning up and my chest felt little pain. I knew I got struck with possible broncho-asthma flu. I was so nervous that it won’t turn into a huge one that would result in ER trip but no, luckily it’s very mild. Of course I’ve been sick during the whole weekend but decided to have a good time going into DC again and all over Maryland as well rather than staying in the bed. On Saturday evening, we finally stayed at Cheryl’s friend’s town house. We all had a great time and went out to Buddy’s Crab and Ribs restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland. We even bought the fudge from the fudge shop. Oh man, they’re so heavenly and CHEAP! So I bought three pounds home. Hooo, too many damn Navy crawled all over the places! Every turn I turned and kept seeing more Navy. Then it just hit on me that there is naval college in Annapolis. So I asked Cheryl’s friend if there is Annapolis Naval College nearby. He said yup, it’s one or two block. No wonder! Of course we drove by that college. Wow, it’s huge! Real huge! Nice….
On Sunday, we relaxed with cup of coffee before we packed and headed back home up north. Oh boy….I was so tired but happy to be home. My trip to D.C./MD was worth it though because I needed to go and see the rally for myself. Honestly, I didn’t see anything wrong with that rally even though the demands that AFA made had me feel uneasy but I respect their decisions, not mine. I don’t know if AGBell’s Board had responded to the demands nor say anything to this day. It may be a while to wait…….or not.

Ciao,
Insane Misha

Here are the pictures for you to enjoy…..

15 Comments »
Filed under: deaf, vlogs

Hello, everyone….

This is not actual transcription to match my video…it’s just loosely transcription.

A friend of mine who is not even a vlogger does watch both DeafRead and DVTV as well. A friend of mine called me up and we had a lengthy discussion. That made me think more since I believe it does make some sense. For the record, I’m not against AFA (AudismFreeAmerica), however I’m not receptive to AFA’s approach and “demands”. I would urge you to use the correct term to encourage instead of demands that may make AGBell receptive. Maybe…..Maybe not.

Even though I’m not too crazy about them having a rally at AGBell but it could be their first step toward AGBell. It’s best way to let them go and hope for the best. Let’s wait and see what happens when they get back from rally. It’s only way to let them go.

My true desire to stop “audism” is that we, deaf people including AFA and other organizations, start to organize “Million March” and make the careful plan to start it probably next year or whenever. I believe “Million March” is the best way to go since it would give more time for deaf people to disgest and think and plan to attend “Million March” at the national Capital. That would garter more attention and huge exposure. Possibly attract the media, senators, congressmen/women, etc. I believe it is a good way to go for that because I know WE all want “audism” STOP!

That’s all I want to see it to happen regardless there are infighting among us in both DeafRead and DVTV. Let’s put the differences aside and work together to stop “Audism”. That’s it….no more than that. We don’t have to be more personal with each other. Just put the difference aside and try to get along.

So what do you think? I don’t mind any disagreement, agreement and rational arguments.

This blog is always moderated as usual. Please show some respect to each other and try to have some healthy discussion. No name calling, bashing, etc, please.

Ciao, Insane Misha

4 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

Hello, everyone…..

Oh for ASL’s sakes! Just use your common sense, please!

You need to do some serious researches to back up your story and/or facts without jumping into the conclusions. Once you have the facts to back up your story, show us by posting the links and whatnot. If you’re not too sure, simple title your v/blog with question mark for some people to provide the facts, links and whatnot. Some people should NOT nod their heads in agreements and say, “YEAH, RIGHT! THAT’S RIGHT! YEAH! YES!” without thinking twice on those facts, myths and hoaxes. They need to take a step back and take a look at those facts first before jumping into conclusions by saying “YES, you’re right! I agree with you.” Hello! You guys need to stop being the lemmings!

Some of you kept targeting AGBell….for what reason? What did they do to you? Nothing! They don’t even target you guys, either. None! Just ignore AGBell, concentrate on Deaf issues, Deaf babies, Deaf children, Deaf schools, etc. Now we’ve been seeing and hearing about Deaf Schools being closed or the budgets for Deaf Schools are being cut. Even Deaf Services budgets are being also cut, therefore some deaf may lose the services such as mental health, interpreting services, wedding, funereal, deaf adult education, etc. Mainstreamed schools budgets may be also cut as well. We need to focus on that important issues rather than being diverting toward AGBell with anger. We need to supply the resources to the hearing parents of Deaf babies. We need to fight to keep Deaf Schools open for Deaf children to receive their education. We need to tell the government not to cut the budgets for Deaf Services. We need to make our “voices” to be heard. Let’s make some noises for those Deaf Issues!
Do not waste your time on AGBell, make your time for Deaf babies, Deaf children, Deaf schools, and Deaf Services.

KEEP FOCUSING ON THE DEAF ISSUES, DEAF BABIES, DEAF CHILDREN, DEAF SCHOOLS, AND DEAF SERVICES THAT NEED OUR HELP!

Ciao, Misha

22 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

Keep in mind, this transcription isn’t exact to my video….so sue me if I’m not perfect!
Hello, everyone….

I got to tell you two funny stories.  My mom was telling me about her getting a phone call from my oral school housemother.  I was about 7 or 8 or maybe even 9 years old. It was back in late ’60’s.

Here is the conversation between them:

Mom: Hello?

Housemother: Hello, this is Ms. XXX (the name really escaped my mom’s mind) Your daughter signs too much.

Mom:  Say what?  She made the signs?

Housemother:  No, she signs too  much!  We’re trying to get her to stop.

Mom: What signs?  You mean she made the signs to make a protest or something?

Housemother:  Ohh no, no, no, she talks with her hands.  That’s signs.

Mom: oh…..

My mom shrugged because she thought it was really nothing since it wasn’t a big deal.  In fact, she’s Italian.  I’m half Italian.  Her side of family always use Italian gestures anyway.  Though she used home made signs with me since I was one year old.  She knew it’s really visual language for me which really works to this day.  She actually thought we could sign at the dorm while we weren’t allowed to sign in the classrooms.  She didn’t know that.  Actually we did use the homemade signs, gestures and some ASL in the dorm and classrooms while the teachers and houseparents looked away.  Most of time they pretended that they didn’t see us signing.   I thought that was pretty funny at that time.

Another funny story about Clarke School for the Deaf in Northhampton, MA., no it’s not my school.  My school was Mystic Oral School for the Deaf in Mystic, Connecticut.  Ok?  On my senior year (’77), Clarke hosted New England Deaf School Basketball Tournament which my school’s basketball team and cheerleaders went.  I was one of the cheerleaders. (gag)  The teams in New England were Mystic, Clarke, Rhodes Island, Vermont (Austine), Maine, New Hampshire, Boston School for the Deaf and Beverly (from MA.) in month of March.  A month earlier, my school hosted Eastern tournament. I’ll get back to that one.  When we got to the dining room, we sat with the players from Vermont, Boston, RI and Maine to hang around and used ASL.  Clarke’s players, cheerleaders and staff saw us signing to other players and told us they’re telling on us to Mystic’s coaches.  They said we’re not supposed to sign because we represented oral in our oral school.  Pfffttthhh….my school’s coaches shrugged at Clarke people and said let them and leave them alone.  Clarke people were stunned.  Of course, my school won the championship! Ha!

Interesting fact, my school hosted Eastern Deaf Basketball tournament a month earlier.  The teams were M ystic, RI, Vermont, Maine, Mill Neck (Long Island, NY), Lexington School for the Deaf (NYC), Rochester School for the Deaf (upstate NY) and Rome School for the Deaf (upstate NY).  My school supt. and staff informed the players and cheerleaders that we’re allowed to sign during the tournament week.  We had a blast.We even had a series of plays for all teams to participate on the stage one night.  Every team loved it and even a few more other fun stuff.   Clarke had no fun activities or anything like that!  That was the most memorable year for me on my senior year!

What does that tell you, hm?

Ciao, Insane Misha

11 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

Hello, everyone…..

Here is a brief transcription since I suck at setting up CC on my video.  Sorry about that.  But here is the list on what I’ve contributed and still contribute in the past and present.

My first experience on contribution began at my oral deaf school as a freshman by participating the protest to allow the students wear our blue jeans in the classes.  Also, during my junior year, a small group of us fought our school to allow us to use ASL as Total Communication which fell on deaf ears.  No pun intended.

For two years, I’ve taught ASL at my two oldest children’s elementary school for two years as after school program.

I was the secretary for two Deaf Clubs.  I helped my childhood friend and her husband who founded their Deaf Advocacy for African-Americans called Connecticut African-American Deaf of Association (CAADA) 20 years ago which I became a secretary in the second year.   No, I wasn’t one of the founders because they started it a while before I found out and helped them out on some ideas and feedback.    I’ve played softball for one Deaf Club and even hosted a couple of events.  In CAADA, I’m an assistant coach for Ladies’ basketball team for the past two years which is being on hiatus this year until they regroup next year, hopefully.  I’ve helped CAADA organized last year’s basketball tournament while I had two hats as CAADA tournament committee and Sorenson to work on booth at the tournament as well.

Currently, my friend asked for my help with her ASL Club this year.  She founded ASL Club a few months ago.  I’m planning on helping her more with more new ideas, etc.

I’ve been helping some people with the legal issues by translating from complicated and complex legal jargon to ASL from time to time when the need arises when they bring the papers from the courts and/or lawyers.

I’m planning on joining Deaf Women of CT soon since I’ve been a member of CAD (Connecticut Association of Deaf) in my second year.   I also plan on joining NAD as well.

I started up my oral deaf school alumni in Facebook for us to get together and possibly organize the reunion eventually since the committee had broken down.  Right now my friend and I are considering on taking it over and bring on the table to start from scratch if possible.   Unfortunately,  alumni will eventually shrink in later years because my oral deaf school was officially closed in 1980.  But at least, they can connect to each other as long as they can.

Oh! I forgot to add another “contribution” at my oral school.  Since high school, my English teacher often request me to teach the class while she attended the meeting or got called away on emergency.  The principal didn’t mind me teaching English to my class in ASL.  Actually, he looked the other way and pretended not knowing whether I used ASL to help them understand the lessons.  Most really worked and made a HUGE impact on the students.  Hence, the reason why a small group of us urged the superintendent to allow my oral school students to use Total Communication while ASL was included.  Unfortunately, he balked.  Oh well…… I’ve been involved in almost all sports at my deaf oral school such as basketball, field hockey, cheerleading, fencing and track & field as a manager.

In my head for a long time, I’ve been toying around my idea on trying to start a new organization to promote the literacy for the Deaf people of all ages.  It could be “Book Club for Deaf” or something like that to the effect.  All the years I’ve seen most Deaf people in Connecticut not able to read very well that has me concerned for awhile.  Perhaps I may help them with English skills if possible.  But the problem is I know they’re not very receptive to the conception due to possible low self-esteem or not caring since they prefer ASL only.  I can understand that we prefer ASL however I believe they can make their contributions to the society by showing them we can do anything that we can set our minds to.   Hopefully, eventually I may come up a better idea how to convince them to improve their lives so they can contribute to their Deaf Communities.

I’m sure some of you say “Short transcription, my ass!”  Well, you’re correct.

Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow.  I still have a dream.  It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.”

Barack Obama had delivered MLK’s dream by becoming the President of United States of America!

Therefore, we, the Deaf, should deliver our dreams to the Deaf Communities.  Come on, everyone, roll up your sleeves to work with Deaf to show them we can do it even if we may have to sacrifice our lives and time in order to get the Deaf created as equal.     By Insane Misha

Ciao

Bloggers/Vloggers contribution list:

Waving With my deafhand blog: http://wavingwithmydeafhands.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-deaf-one-many.html

Mishka Zena blog: http://blog.deafread.com/mishkazena/2009/01/22/we-are-deaf-one-and-many/

Ben Vess blog: http://blog.benvess.com/?p=220

Encarb blog: http://bnrservice.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-deaf-one-many.html

Journey to Deaf Identity blog: http://journeytoidentity.blogspot.com/2009/01/volunteering-from-deaf-hearts.html

JohnABC blog: http://johnlestina.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-deaf-one-and-many.html

Please go check DeafVideo.TV for some vloggers who don’t have their own blogs at DeafRead.

9 Comments »
Filed under: Uncategorized, deaf, vlogs

Hello….

Let me state the reason why I don’t think you should bring the problems from DVTV to DeafRead in a day later.  It is so wrong on many levels.  Also, I do not appreciate to see my name thrown in one v/blogger’s comment section which has NOTHING to do with those two warring vloggers.  It’s an entire DIFFERENT story/issue.  I couldn’t fathom to why would my name got thrown into it and at my face for no good reason.  It is not very appreciative.

To the v/blogger, please remove that comment about me ASAP even though I accepted that you won’t publish my profanity laced comment which was aimed toward that commenter, not you.

Ciao, Misha

7 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

I’d like to give you some advice on how to deal with cyberbullying, cyberstalking, harrassments and whatnot.  Also, I’ll put up Do and Don’t list for you to review on how to handle it.  I’ll put a few links for you to check out and/or even fill out the form if you feel threatened.

The person can be either male or female.  They can be your ex-husband, ex-wife, disgruntled worker, and even some stranger you encounter in Internet.

DO:

1. Take the physical harm/death threats seriously and contact your local police FIRST before contacting your local District Attorney.

2.  Keep the records of all emails (do not ever change any body of email messages) by printing them.  Save any snail letters.  Copy the videos and even audios.   The reason why you should keep those records, that would build up more evidences to show the court if those threats are really valid.

3.  If somebody makes any slander and libelous about you, keep that record to contact your own attorney.

4.  Keep ignoring those harassers, they may go away.  If they keep harrassing you, tell them “Please stop bothering me. Thank you.”  If they won’t stop, tell them you’re going to the proper authorities if they don’t stop.

5. If you suspect somebody is stalking you by following you home or workplace, call the police right away.  If they email or mail you to threat to confront you in person at home or workplace or even public place, call the police right away.

6.  Do change your email address if they kept harassing you.

DON’T:

1.  Do not fight back.  You would give them more power to get back to you without giving up.  IGNORE THEM!

2.  Do not insult or retort the harassers via email or letters, they will thrive on those because they will keep going.  They like to be in power over you.

3.  Do not change anything in the email because the authorities want to read EVERYTHING.

4. Do not edit out the videos.  The authorities want to see EVERYTHING.

5.  Do not wait too long to contact your attorney or police or even DA.

Here are the links:

http://www.cdaa.org/

This is California District Attorney as an example to get the phone number.  Some online do have Internet Crime in there.  However you need to contact your local District Attorney if you live outside of California.  Or even check on yellow pages to get the correct phone number to contact District Attorney.

Cyberbully – How to stop it

http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/lawenforcement/telling_the_difference.html

Cyberstalking, Cyberbullying and Harassments form to fill out at

https://www.wiredsafety.org/forms/stalking.html

911 on Cyberstalk, etc.  This is very important resource for you to read and review to determine whether you’re really being stalking and whatnot.

http://wiredsafety.org/cyberstalking_harassment//index.html

If you have any questions, feel free to ask us or contact your attorney.

Ciao, Misha

5 Comments »
Filed under: deaf

My personal opinions on both DeafRead and DeafVideo.tv are what I’ve expressed on my own. Tough luck if you don’t like it. Take it or leave it!

*Disclaimer….Don’t ever start a stampede in panic mode! I’m just kidding!

Ciao, Misha

18 Comments »
Filed under: blogs, deaf, deafread.com, deafvideo.tv, opinion, respect, vlogs

Hello, everyone…..

(This is just summarize  only)

*Yawn!*  Excuse me for yawning.  DBC’s recent vlog to thank each volunteers had put me to sleep after a loooooong day and night at my school reunion last night.

When I saw DBC and opened in hope they would defend their  mission and ideals.  I was crushed to find that they were just thanking the people who volunteer to help DBC to make the convention happen.  Even though it is a good thing BUT 22 minutes long to thank almost each volunteers?!?  What is this?!?  Am I watching Academy Award on TV or what?!?  Actually I feel lost and confused because they still stay silent and hidden while a dark huge cloud are over our heads.  I believe that is not a very good move on their part.  Hey remember, this is my opinion, not yours.  They should come out and tell us what was really going on and also what is their next plan.  They should ask anyone for the feedback.  I couldn’t fathom to why their websites don’t have any comments for anyone to leave their feedbacks, opinions and/or ideas.  Some of us have some burning questions to ask DBC.  How do we get any answer from DBC?  That’s what I wonder.

No, I’m not against DBC for the record.  I’m all for ASL for Deaf babies.  That is the most and main important for our next Deaf generations.   All I want is some of us may want to know where and what do you stand behind and/or for.  That’s all some of us want to know.

Well, DBC?  What are you waiting for?  *smile*

Ciao, Misha

P.S.  Please no insults, name callings, rude comments!  Just show your respect while we show you the respect as well.  Please use your common sense before you leave your comment.  If I see any of those rude, insulting or name callings comments, they’ll be gone with the wind.  Thank you for understanding.

80 Comments »
Filed under: deaf, deafread.com, opinion, respect, vlogs

Hello, everyone….
This is my conclusion of this three part series of Deaf Social Network. If you haven’t seen my PART ONE and PART TWO, please read them first before read this ending series.

Reminder: I don’t claim to be a therapist nor psychologist. I only made my own assessment and give my own opinion.

I believe that DeafMeek is somewhat a cult and very cliquey. Why do I call DeafMeek cult? They always sign with some religious gibberish in almost anywhere in their site. That’s when I knew something is not right about that site. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to sign up at DeafMeek and TagDeaf sites. Why do I include TagDeaf even though it’s not so bad? Number one reason is Frau is still hanging out at BOTH sites. Number two is there are no moderators. Number three is TagDeaf owner is often absent from his site for some reason. As you can see the ex-SeekDeaf/TagDeaf members’ experiences in my PART 2 blog, obvious they were victimized by those cliquey people. The moderators are way out of the control. I believe that DeafMeek’s owner is only a puppet while those moderators are really the brains and masterminds behind that site. You obviously can see those comments were made by only one DeafMeek, MtDew. Why couldn’t others show up to defend themselves? In my eyes, they are guilty of destroying the ex-members’ lives and their self-esteems. That is not acceptable. Some of them claim they’re religious. THEY ARE?!? So how come do they cuss out at the members with any names of their choices and even posted some dirty pictures as well? Hmm? Something isn’t right about those such people.

I’d like to show you a few examples that could happen to both Deaf and Hearing people. Remember in the TV news, there were a group of cheerleading girls attacking one girl that made her rendered into unconscious right on YouTube and MySpace.com. Even there are plenty of predators stalking unknown members at any social network, even in the chatroom, and forums. They can track down your address and may stalk you, even put you in the harm’s way. Sometimes some people can lose their jobs for revealing their secrets or any activities that aren’t approved. There is even a teacher who was in only bra and panties in her MySpace.com even though there weren’t even any students on her site that resulted in loss of her teaching job. Some may discuss their affairs that may result in falling into the divorce attorney’s or court’s hands. Same goes to the possible criminal activities going on, that would fall unto the police’s or authorities’ hands. Is it worth your trouble? I don’t think so. You need to protect yourself from those things.

That is the reason to make DO & DON’T list here since I had plenty of experiences as the moderator and administrator at a few sports forums. I’ve had seen a lot of happening anywhere.

It’s important to review this list for you to remember when you sign up with any social network, chat room, and forums. It is a good idea to know what to expect and what to do when you sign up with any sites of your choice.

1. Do show your respect, they will respect you.

2. Don’t give out your information such as your real name, age, address, phone numbers, emails, passwords, bank account, your family or even your secrets unless you know some very well enough to trust. They can be used against you. You may even being stalked by unknown person who may have gotten their hands on your personal information.

3. Do tell the administrator if you feel threatened and being attacked, if he or she does nothing. Leave the site right away. If you really receive any physical threat, contact the authorities right away.

4. Don’t keep your profile in public if you don’t feel comfortable. My advice to you is keep your profile to minimum or nothing as you choose to. Also, keep your profile closed to privacy.

5. Don’t show the pictures of you and even your family that you don’t know anybody in any site. The pictures are only for your own family, relatives and closest friends. Nothing else.

6. Do control your own threads/topics since you start them in first place without allowing any personal attacks. If they get out of hang, contact the moderators or administrators to close it right away.

7. Do not post your naked and/or provocative pictures anywhere in Internet. That can backfire on you as well as your family. Even if you kept that in private for a certain person, it is NOT recommended because of possible hackers. Use your common sense.

8. Do agree to disagree as long as there won’t be any insults nor personal attacks involved. I’m aware that could happen in the heat of moment, that happens often. But try to be more respectful though.

9. Do not go to other site to badmouth anybody from other site since it is none of their business to get involved in both sites at once. Thus, you may have cause the war between the sites. Not a good idea since your reputation may be tainted.

10. Be yourself may only be way to earn the friends BUT you need to be on your guard to protect your privacy.

11. DO NOT make any empty threats because they could think those are real and turn you over to the proper authorities. It’s not a good idea to say, “Oh, I’m just kidding or joking”. That is not acceptable at all. That could harm them in mentally and physically way. That is called mental abuse.

12. Do not play the mind games with them. You could have damaged their self esteems.

13. Do not accept any instant message such as AIM, Yahoo, MSN, etc. unless they know the code word that you give to your closest family and friends. For example, you can ask ‘What’s my favorite flower?” Your friend answers, “Rose”. So that way you can accept them. If they answer the wrong, put them on your block list right away to protect yourself.

14. Do report to the harasser’s Internet Service Provider with the email and I.P. address if any, the harasser will be either warned or lose their privileges. If you don’t know how to contact his or her ISP, contact your own ISP by showing them the harasser’s email. They will handle that from there on and would contact his or her ISP right away when they find it valid and possible threatening.

15. Do stand firm when anybody tries to tell you to agree with him or her when you really disagree or don’t want to get involved the heated discussion between two people.

16. Do not involve or elicit anybody in the criminal activities at all. Do report those such activities right away.

17. Never, ever gossip about a certain member that you don’t know very well nor make up the stories about a certain member. Never, ever use their real names anywhere because it can be used as slander and libelous against you. You may stand to lose a lot more than you afford.

18. Please read the rules before you ever start to post and whatnot. Even if you don’t agree with the rules, refrain and respect it. You can leave the site if you don’t agree with the rules, it is your right. Nobody can force you to stay in the site.

19. Don’t say “Hey, I have my freedom speech! I have a right to say what I want to.” That is not the case since the sites’ rules have their rights to remove the posts. Nothing you could do about that. *On edit: I’ve seen that happen all the time. I’ve been showing them the rules that would keep them quiet.*

20. When you do get banned for some reason, expect the email from the moderators or administrators. If you haven’t heard anything from them, email to ask them why you’re banned in a polite and respectful way. If you haven’t heard anything at all, that site obviously is full of cliquey and possible cult. Not worth to pursue it.

Some of the lists do apply to the moderators and administrators as well. There are a few lists that I’ve compile for the moderators and administrators. They should read and learn a lot about how to be more cordial when they start up the brand new site.

ADMINISTRATOR: A person starts a new social network, chat room or even forum should be called an administrator. The duties of administrator are consisted of tweaking everything, making the final decisions, hiring the right person/people as the moderators and keep in contact with the members and moderators. An administrator should be more neutral and meditate the disputes between the members. He or she should show some respect and courtesy toward the members and moderators. He or she should have to bear the responsibility to email the members to explain the reason for the suspension or banishment before he or she starts the proceedings to ban or suspend. An administrator reserves the right to demote and/or ban the moderators upon the evidence shows the improper behavior that the moderator exhibits.

MODERATOR: A person who handles the duties of controlling the chat room and forum. He or she should be more respectful and courtesy toward the members and administrator. The moderator should also meditate the disputes between the members unless it gets out of hand which should be turned over to the administrator. A moderator should NOT egg on other members in the dispute. He or she shouldn’t make fun of the members or post some bad pictures. He or she should never take anybody’s side at all. Not even other moderator’s side unless you review the posts before you make the decision. The group of moderators and administrator should have their own private forum to discuss what to deal with those stuff. Some do cast a vote whether a member should be either suspended or banned. Anything within the administrator and moderators’ private forum shouldn’t leave that room. They will be dealt with in a swift way if the word out of the private forum gets to the members. A moderator can’t object to the suspension nor banishment when an administrator makes the decision after he or she is proven guilty of wrongdoings. The moderators can make the suggestions to an administrator when an administrator drafts the rules, however it is an administrator’s final say on the rules. Neither should not make up the rules as they go. Both administrators and moderators are NOT allowed to read on the members’ emails that are being sent between the members or private messages between the members unless the members turn them over to an administrator and moderators. The real reason for private message is it is PRIVATE, not for your eyes. That could result in the bad blood among all of you.

When you sign up with a site with chat room or forum, MySpace.com, Facebook, DeafMeek, TagDeaf, etc., please read the rules first and check on your profile and settings to make them in private when you really want to keep your life in private. If you’re not sure what to do, you can look for help file or anybody to help you out with that. MySpace, Facebook and others usually have those kinds of settings and help files as well. Be sure to check out the “Welcome, Newbies” or something like that to the effect, just make a short and sweet hello without giving out your life story. Just be yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable to post your pictures nor pictures of your family, DON’T! You reserve your right. Just make your judgment as much as you know how to. It is your responsibility to protect yourself, your family and loved ones. You should be happy to be yourself, nobody should tell you to change anything about yourself. It’s part of your own personality which should be unique. Also, it’s part of who you are as well. Most important thing is you need to feel more safe and confident when you enter any those things.

You can add your comments on “Do & Don’t” since there may be more than that. Also, please show some respect. If you don’t agree with this, be courtesy and respectful to explain your disagreement without throwing any insults nor personal attack toward others and me. Thanks.

For once of all, let me give you a piece of advice. ENTER AT YOUR RISK!

Ciao, Misha

72 Comments »
Filed under: blogs, deaf, opinion, respect

Hello, everyone…..

The reason for my blog is I want to ask any of you to tell your experiences with any social network sites such as MySpace.com FaceBook, TagDeaf, SeekDeaf, DeafMeek and others whether they’re good or bad. I’m telling my story how did I join a certain site since I don’t have anything to tell about MySpace.com and FaceBook. You can contact me by email where is on the left side of column. You can request to be anonymous which I’ll respect your privacy or give me your permission to use your name. It’s up to you.

My opinion on the social network sites is they can be good BUT they may not be good. Some people join the site to make friends. Some people join the site to keep in touch with their friends, classmates, family, relatives and even co-workers. They’re wonderful way to connect with people you feel that you need to open your feelings, thoughts, secrets and your emotions. But they may backfire on you if you use the social network site to make some new friends. It may make a negative impact on you. At the end you may feel hurt or upset, you need to learn to protect yourself. I’m planning on making the lists on “Do and Don’t” in my part 3 which would be my conclusion.

Since mid to late January, I have been hearing lots of stories about Seek Deaf site from the various people. I didn’t think much about the site however I kept hearing it on and off ever since until mid April I came across the blog about Tag Deaf at Fookem And Bug. When I was stunned to see there were 157 comments , however obviously there were two social network sites at war with each other right in front of my eyes. That brought me back the memories of the forum wars back in 2002 when I was a moderator in one of the baseball forums. Actually, I’m not that shocked because it is very common to see every forum, sites, etc. being at war with each other. That applies to both Deaf and hearing people. If the world is perfect without any problems, there would be something wrong with us.

Let me tell you about my experience when I first signed up at Seek Deaf site. The reason why I signed up is ex-members from Seek Deaf kept telling me that they had been banned for no apparent reason. Some were banned within minutes. Some within hours, even a week…some even longer. But the main point is how could they get banned within minutes is what I’ve been wondering.

On Wednesday, May 7th, at approx. 3:35 pm, I registered and thought of the screen name “DeafPigHead” even though I was aware of filling in my primary email in the form. To my surprise, I was required to put up a picture in my profile. I can’t fathom to why I was required to do since some may be very reluctant to show their real identity. I decided to put a pig picture instead. I got in without any problems after a registration confirmation via email. I browsed through all over and decided to put in my bulletin to say hello and whatnot.

They’re copied and pasted in here from that site to my notepad just in case they remove them within the site to show the proof that I do not change any word or omit anything.

Here is an excerpt
FROM: Frau
DATE: 05/07/08 @ 04:44 pm
SUBJECTS: BULLETIN: Hello….”OINK” I’m new
——— Bulletin Posting —————-

DeafPigHead wrote:
Hello, everyone…..
I’m new to this SeekDeaf. I’d like to meet other pigs, ahem, I mean people to make new friends.
Gonna browse through here to get familiar with this new site.
Oink, DeafPigHead

Welcome to SD… despite of some hyennas hating this site and owner. lol
Have a good day. Frau

In the chat box in front of Seek Deaf site that you wouldn’t be able to see unless you’ve registered first, there was a user popping in to say hello, we talked a very short time. I kept browsing through all the features to be more familiar with and read the rules. I’ve always read the rules before I ever post anything. It’s one of my habits since I’ve had been a moderator and an administrator at various forums in the past.

Then I went back to front, all of sudden, a user named Frau demanded if I’m Misha. Of course, I denied and inquired, “Who is Misha?” She went on and on about her saying bad things about MM. I asked, “Who is MM?” To tell you the truth I really don’t know much about MM aka MountainMan at all. She proceeded to tell me that I have to ask him. She kept shooting me the series of questions and all of sudden asked me about my email address that she obviously read in the registration mode. I said, “Oh, it’s just random that came off of my head.” I knew she didn’t believe me but I didn’t care but hoped she would give me a benefit of doubt. She said, “Okay…let me post to welcome you to this site.” Good so far, hmm. Not so fast…..

I decided to post my first thread in General forum after searching for the newbie section (it wasn’t there at that time) to tell my “story” and my sincere desire to make more new friends. Sure, I do like to make more new friends. There were a couple of members and Frau welcoming me. Of course, Frau did mentioned “Misha” again in one of her post. I shook my head in amazement that she would pursue her “Misha” mystery. In my thread, it contained no bad things, swear words nor insults, not even a single personal attack. All it was my “life” story which I will include in part 2 for you to read and judge whether there was anything wrong with it. Actually to tell you the truth, I thought my “life” story was funny and somewhat nutty. My thread/post will be in the next installment of this series. (Part 2)

That’s it went on while I was browsing through the site, after I was in other window, I returned back to the site and found myself banned for no apparent reason. I only lasted at that site for mere 2 1/2 hours. I emailed the site to ask why was I banned and even asked what did I do wrong that I could try to rectify anything. No answers to this day.

As of May 9th, 2008 MountainMan and Scotweb had already pulled off their site and moved to a new domain site and an entire new name of site as well. It’s www.deafmeek.com. That new name has amused me very much because obviously they may not know what that word “meek” means. Check this at: meek If they like it, so be it.

Any current or ex-members of either SeekDeaf, TagDeaf or even DeafMeek can either comment here or email me about your experiences with any of those sites. Those experiences will be in my next blog’s part 2. Anonymous is accepted since your privacy is respected and valued as well.

*On edit: DISCLAIMER: I’m not even a therapist nor psychologist. This is based on my obversation and assessment therefore I give my own opinion. You have a right to agree or disagree since it is your own opinion which we all respect. BUT please do not insult other people’s comments, even mine as well. Just show some respect. Otherwise, I’ll remove your disrespectful and/or insults toward other people and me right away.

Ciao,

Misha

47 Comments »
Filed under: deaf, opinion, respect

Hello, everyone…

Even though we all know DeafRead and DeafVideo are also one of aggregators which is fine by me. However, there are a couple of aggregators that I feel not very comfortable about. They are www.deafworld.com and www.hear-for-live.org. Especially that latter site that I’m the most UNCOMFORTABLE and not very happy.

I was planning on doing my vlogs soon but I can’t because I don’t want those aggregtors to embed my vlogs/blogs into their sites. I’m not a very happy camper. That doesn’t serve any purpose even though that latter site insists that it would help hearing people understand the deaf community. I don’t believe him because knowing him, he would take a pleasure to leer or whatever he’s doing. He doesn’t do any good for his “so-called” organization. He has been well known for causing some uproars among the deaf people. We do not want him to take all of my and your vlogs and blogs and post at his own site.

Yes, I’m very aware that our vlogs have been through YouTube, Google, etc. which are public to all. That wouldn’t be a problem since they are needed to be embedded in our blogs and DeafVideo site. But let him and other sites or people taking our videos and blogs without our permission? NO!

No, you may not post my blog to the aggregator sites without my permission. That is unacceptable.

I’m sorry that I don’t know when will I start my vlogs/blogs again because of that.

Ciao, Misha

36 Comments »
Filed under: blogs, deaf, deafread.com, deafvideo.tv, opinion, vlogs

Hello, everyone…

Here is my second vlog.

I’d like to express my feelings and opinions on some issues at DeafRead.com.

You can make your comments or use video comments of your preference. I appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

Ciao,

Misha

20 Comments »
Filed under: deaf, deafread.com, deafvideo.tv, opinion, respect

Finally, I got this figured out with help of Oscar, Seek Geo and Tayler via emails.  They’re very helpful!  Thank you to three of you!

I found out the hard way that some certain themes may not work well with webcam comment and submit to Deafread.com.  So that is why I changed this theme that would work best.

My next step is I’m going to embed vlog up here eventually.  Hopefully sometime tonight or this week while I’m on my business trip to Boston (Framingham) and West Springfield, MA for ASL Expo.  My hubby and I will be staying in the hotels during the weekend.  We’ll be back home on Sunday afternoon or evening.  But first of all we have to stop by to see my mom in law who is living in Assisted Living Center to celebrate her 84th birthday as long as she is home.  That concerns me because she fell ill a couple of days ago and refused to go to the hospital upon her doctor’s insistence.  But she’ll see her doctor tomorrow to make sure she is okay or needs to be admitted to the hospital due to weak heart.  I really want to cancel my business trip but she wouldn’t hear of that and told us to GO!  I’ll call her from time to time to check on her while texting to my kids to tell them to stop by to check on her if possible.

Ciao,

Misha

P.S.  Ciao will be my signature on vlog and blog as well. 

1 Comment »
Filed under: Uncategorized

Hello, everyone!

I’m Misha. This is my very first blog. I’m planning on putting up Vlog as well if I know how to embed it in here.

Let me tell you little bit about me.

I was born profound deaf. Attended Oral School for the Deaf from age of 2 till 17.  I learned ASL in early teens after the years of using “homemade” signs which were forbidden at my oral school.

I’m married to a wonderful deaf man with lot of sense of humor with three hearing children.

I plan to tell you about my life on vlogs eventually. Not all of them, mind you because I’d love to have some healthy discussions with other bloggers and vloggers on any issue that pertains Deaf life, culture, education, etc.

Hope you’ll visit my blog/vlog in near future since I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing. If anybody is willing to teach me how to put vlog up here as well, I’d love to learn.

Misha

10 Comments »
Filed under: Uncategorized