DSA 2009 in Las Vegas

By Jimactor

Video clip of Illinois School for the Deaf Rally

Video and Edited by Mike Aubry and Jerri Willoughby

Summary: Over 5,000 people went there to show their support to have ISD, ISVI and other programs to stay open. The result from Gov. Quinn was that they will stay open beyond July 1st but they might will face some budget cuts. We still need your support by sign the petition to make sure that it will not happen again in the future.

Did you already sign the petition yet? If not, click: http://fookembug.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/sign-the-petition-for-illinois-school-for-the-deaf/#respond to sign in

Michael Jackson Signed to His Pet Chimpanzee

Bubbles & Michael Jackson in 1986

By Bug

How many signed words did Michael Jackson know? How did he learn American Sign Language?  Nobody really knows. Fookem and Bug team found a rare footage from Jackson on a tour of Japan in 1987. This video shows that Jackson signed “SIT” to his monkey Bubbles.  He understood Jackson’s sign language. Michael Jackson almost wanted to sign “sit” to Bubbles at 0:27 but a chimp did not see it. Finally, Jackson signed to him at 0:36.  View this video of Jackson signing to Bubble. And they are doing the moonwalk:

For many years the baby chimp Bubbles was always beside Jackson until he grew up and became less cute and more unpredictable.  Jackson claimed that Bubbles had slugged him.  Also, he was afraid that Bubbles may attack Jackson’s newborn son, Prince Michael II. He gave his 11 year old chimp friend to a private zoo.The singer stated he regretted having to remove the chimp, as they can live to 60 years old.

How did Michael Jackson meet Bubbles?  In 1985 Jackson rescused him from a cancer-research lab in Texas.  He adopted three year old baby chimp as his pet and friend.  Bubbles lived at Jackson’s Encino home, but moved to Neverland Ranch in 1988. He slept in a crib in Jackson’s bedroom. He was allowed to use Jackson’s private toliet. His chimp sometimes wore a diaper.

Bubbles was taught how to moonwalk and he famously made a cameo in the video for “Liberian Girl” and accompanied Jackson during the recording sessions for Bad.  “Liberian Girl” was not one of Jackson’s bigger hit but was still the ninth and final single from the bad album. See Bubbles in this video at 2:08 – 2:14 but no closed captions or subtitles:

Bubbles and his little Bubbles

The sad news of Michael’s death made many people thinking of Bubbles. The news of his death still doesn’t seem entierly real, and there are still a lot of questions that remain unanswered. Good news is that Bubbles is still alive and enjoying his life at a ranch in Sylmar, California.

At last does Bubbles know his beloved friend Michael Jackson’s death? It is possible because the animals can sense the death of someone they are loyal too.

Bubbles’ life saved by Michael Jackson. He is probably the luckiest chimp. Over years Jackson out to animals for their unconditional love and non-judgmental companionship, he often gave back to them in return. Bless Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s sign language children choir

Michael Jackson

1958 – 2009

By Bug

Two weeks ago Michael Jackson made requests for his comeback concert – he wanted a choir full of sign language children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds for his concerts in London next month. Michael Jackson wanted every child to know sign language and they should be in the age of 5 to 13 years. His request was sent to casting agents on behalf of promoters AEG Live, who were organising his 50 concerts

Michael Jackson died yesterday at 2:26 p.m. at UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles. He was 50 years old. It’s more likely to cancel his sign language children choir because of his death.

His brother Jermaine told everyone at a press conference at the hospital, that he believed that Michael Jackson has died from a suspected cardiac arrest in his home. ” However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known, ” he said.

At 12:21 p.m. Los Angeles Fire Deptartment received a 911 call from Jackson’s home at the Holmy Hills neighbourhood. The emergency responders were sent to his home. It took them 3 mintues and 17 seconds to reach the property.

After their arrival, they found Jackson in full cardiac arrest and his personal doctor administering CPR. Together they spent 42 mintues trying to save Jackson’s life before taking him to the nearby hosptial.

A emergncy team rushed King of Pop Michael Jackson to the hospital and his arrival time was 1:14pm. The doctors battled for one hour to save Jackson’s life but no luck. They announced that Michael Jackson died at 2:44 p.m.

The US entertainment website TMZ.com was first to report that Jackson had been rushed to hospital. At 2:44 p.m., TMZ.com broke the news to inform that Jackson died. Million fan sparked an internet meltdown which caused Google to crash.

Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine requested the media to respect their privacy during this tough time.

There was a rumor that Michael Jackson knew sign language a little bit. Some people said that Jackson flashed “I Love You” signs. Fookem and Bug team were searching for the information about his “I Love You” handshape. However there is no evidence of his signed message,

In April 2000 Michael Jackson recorded a song for Sony called ” Seeing Voices.” The song is about “signing”, the communication language of the deaf. It features Sidney Fine’s music andlyrics and Ray Charles’ choir.

Thriller is the 6th studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson and the best-selling album of all time. Michael’s many fans love Thriller. Some of them made the video of themselves singing his son. This video interpreted in American Sign Language.

ISD, ISVI to Stay Open Beyond July 1st

Good news!! ISD, ISVI to Stay Open Beyond July 1st. We had rally at the State Capitol in Springfield, IL yesterday and had over 5,000 human service supporters! That includes ISD, ISVI, and many other organizations! Will post the rally video clips later, stay tuned!!

read the full story in this link.

However, emails and calls still needed for a budget and we need to do some work to be sure it doesn’t happen again. Please continue sign our petition (click here) and we will mail it in few days.

Thank you,
Fookembug Editors

Sign the Petition for Illinois School for the Deaf

Help State Representative Jim Watson Tell Governor Quinn to “Quit Playing Political Games with the Children and Families in Our Community!” Your Support is Needed to Save Illinois School for the Deaf and Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.

Please fill out this petition to voice your support for ISD, ISVI, and all the families and special needs children that would be devastated by the closure of these facilities. Rep. Watson will personally deliver the petitions to Governor Quinn.

Please sign your name, city, state , what year you graduated, or supporter

Click: http://fookembug.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/sign-the-petition-for-illinois-school-for-the-deaf/#respond to sign in.

Spread the words to your family and friends. We NEED your support! Thank you, the Fookembug Editors.

Illinois School for the Deaf in Danger of CLOSING!

BY KATIE ANDERSON
Journal-Courier

The governor is serious this time, says Sen. Deanna Demuzio when talking about cuts that could close the doors to the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.

If Illinois lawmakers can’t pass a full budget by the end of the month, the state will face devastatingly deep cuts and Jacksonville will be hit hard.

Gov. Pat Quinn released a statement Tuesday listing the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired among state services that will be closed if the state can not get past its $9.2 billion budget impasse.

The announcements also predicted the closing of six of nine state-operated psychiatric hospitals, four of nine state-operated developmental centers and 42 of 120 DHS Family and Community Resource Centers.

“It tells you something about the amount of crisis that we’re in,” said Sen. Deanna Demuzio.

In addition to forcing visually impaired and deaf or hard of hearing students to find alternative education centers, the shuttering of ISD and ISVI would mean more than 350 employees in Jacksonville would lose their jobs.

“People think, this is usual, they’re playing games,” Sen. Demuzio said.

Yes, that has happened in the past, but we’re now down to what like 10 days? And I don’t think people realize the severity of this.”

A spokeswoman from the governor’s office said the announcements today are not scare tactics.

“What we’re doing is trying to make sure Illinois citizens understand the budget that was passed,” the spokeswoman said. “The General Assembly passed a 50 percent budget and funded services provided by community organizations at 50 percent, a 5 billion dollar cut essentially with an additional 4.2 billion dollar shortfall.”

“I think what the governor is trying to do is make people understand how bad the budget is, rather than just go ahead and implement these closures and changes,” she the spokeswoman said.

Stay tuned for more updates news later in this week.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF ISD STAYING OPEN!

Flag Day

June 14th

OLD GLORY

I pledge allegiance to
the flag of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
Indivisible, with liberty and
Justice for all.

The meaning of the pledge of allegiance.
When you pledge allegiance to your flag you promise loyalty and devotion to your nation. Each word has a deep meaning.
I pledge allegiance….I promise to be true
to the flag….to the sign of our country
of the United States of America….a country made up of 50 states, each with certain rights.
and to the Republic….a country where the people elect others to make laws for them
for which it stands….the flag means the country
one Nation under God…a single country whose people believe in a supreme being
indivisible….the country cannot be split into parts
with liberty and justice….with freedom and fairness
for all….for each person in the country–you and me.

Many Americans still don’t understand Flag Day. It is a holiday that’s been around for more than 200 years and seems to be documented on every calendar in the nation – has many Americans stumped about its meaning and origin.  I think one of reasons that Flag Day does not get much attention because Memorial Day and Fourth of July are usually regarded as the patriotic holidays. They get alot of attention.

Proud American Patty “Deaftea158″ made her video to educate about the history of Flag Day. She is Deaf. See her video below.

Betsy Ross and the First Flag

United States Lawyer Francis Scott Keys the best known as the author of the U.S. National ahthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

The Star-Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: ‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Flag Day History:

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/2328/flag.htm

Learn more about Betsy Ross, click:

http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2005_winter_spring/betsy_ross.htm

More details about Francis Scott Key:

http://www.tooter4kids.com/ourflag/francis_scott_key.htm

 

Faithful Deaf Negro Servant

I found the article in Silent Worker, vol. 26 no. 9, June 1914, p.172. The story about former deaf slave saved the white family (were they white?) from the burning house and also saved some of their valuable things, he died. It is kind of hard for me to read the story so I try my best to type what the article said.

James Good, 52 years old a deaf and dumb negro servant, who had been in the service of the Goodfellow family of St. Louis all his life, sacrificed his life in an effort to save heirloom from the flames in a fire which destroyed the Goodfellow mansion and stables at Wentzville, Mo., last Sunday.

Jim, as he was known, discovered the fire which started from a (defective line?) at S A M and unable to cry out an alarm, ran to the rooms occupied by Mrs. George Wise, her son, Frank Foster, and Mrs. Mamie Walker, and aroused them by pounding on the doors. They escaped in their night clothing, having no time to try to save anything.

Jim started back into the house to save some valuable treasures, and returning, was buried under the burning stairway, which collapsed. He was taken to the St. Louis City hospital on a special train and died at 2 0′clock Monday morning. He was buried last Tuesday in the Goodfellow vault in Bellfontaine. He formerly was a slave belonging to the Goodfellow family. -Lexingtonian (sp?)

Leroy Colombo, Galveston’s best-known lifeguard

LeRoy Colombo (December 23, 1905—July 12, 1974) of Galveston, Texas, was a champion long-distance and endurance swimmer and lifeguard. He is credited with saving 907 lives, a feat formerly listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Stories about his incredible feats in rescuing victims of disasters, both on sea and land, became part of local lore. Was Colombo treated like a hero? Hardly. A grateful dog owner gave him $25 for rescuing her poodle from drowning; an elderly woman gave him $30 for retrieving her false teeth from the surf. What about gratitude for rescuing humans? Well, a father gave him two cans of beer for rescuing his two daughters from drowning. After seeing Colombo rescue a newsboy, bystanders took up a collection, totaling $1.00. Nothing stopped him, though. After being forced to retire at age 62 because of a heart condition, he continued to swim every day, practically until the day of his death, always on the alert for anyone who needed rescuing—grateful or not.

There’s also the tale of a 10-mile race along the Mississippi River. Colombo was reported to have dislocated a shoulder at the 8-mile mark, and he had to finish the race with one arm. He didn’t win, but then again, neither did another competitor, Johnny Weismuller, a five-time Olympic medalist who went on to fame in the “Tarzan” movies. [Read the article about Museum to honor Galveston lifeguard]

Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz, who surfed with Colombo as a child living in Galveston during the 1930s, also will be honored at the museum as one of the state’s first surfers. Paskowitz went on to surf all over the world. He took second place in the 1941 Pacific Coast Surf Riding Championships. He also earned a medical degree, established surf schools and wrote a book, among other accomplishments.

The spot is appropriate because Colombo patrolled beaches in the area while he was working as a lifeguard for the city of Galveston, said Donald Mize, who requested the street naming. [Read the article about Street renamed after legendary lifeguard]

The Rosenberg Library exhibited a championship trophy won by LeRoy Colombo in 1927.

The Noon Optimist Club and the city of Galveston erected a plaque
in Colombo’s honor not long after his death in 1974.

A timeline history of LeRoy Colombo:

-1912 At the age of seven, LeRoy Columbo suffered an attack of spinal meningitis which cost him his hearing and the use of both legs. He tried swimming (and his three brothers worked with him) and within a year he was able to walk again.

-He eventually became the first deaf lifeguard as well as earning the title “the World’s Greatest Lifeguard.” He saved 907 lives in a 40 year career, a record noted in the Guinness Book of World Records.

-In 1923 he became the first deaf person to join Galveston’s elite “Surf Toboggan Club.” He qualified by swimming continuously for three hours with no stops or floating. And in 1923 he became a lifeguard for the city of Galveston.

-He was among the first to ride surfboards at Galveston beaches.

-In 1927, Colombo completed a 15-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico in just 11-and-a-half hours.

-In 1928 he rescued two crewmen after a tugboat exploded in flames (this required swimming beneath burning oil).

-LeRoy made his first rescue (of a drowning boy) at the age of 12.

-LeRoy almost drowned 16 times during rescues.

-He became a competitive swimmer at Texas School for the Deaf, setting multiple records for speed and distance.

-He retired at 62 and continued to swim in the ocean daily until he died on July 12, 1974. Flags in Texas were flown at half staff upon his death and a plaque erected on the Galveston beach he patrolled for forty years.

-The Noon Optimist Club and the city of Galveston erected a plaque in Colombo’s honor not long after his death in 1974.

- In 2005, the legendary Galveston lifeguard will be the subject of a display in a surf museum to open in Corpus Christi.

-The beach patrol’s annual fund-raiser, a 5K run, bears Colombo’s name.

-In 2006, the Texas School for the Deaf unveiled a new swimming center, which was named for Colombo.

-In May 2008, the Rosenberg Library will exhibit a championship trophy won by LeRoy Colombo in 1927.

-The street will be referred to as Leroy Colombo’s View and 57th Street on signs.