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.

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

 

Swine Flu- Closed Captioned

Swine Flu

Symptoms of Swine Flu

General Instructions for Disposable Respirators

Swine Influenza and You

Questions & Answers

( From http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm )

Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
IIf you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands — with soap and warm water — that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

 

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak? April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. CDC continues to issue new interim guidance for clinicians and public health professionals. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak.

What epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak?
April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
CDC works very closely with state and local officials in areas where human cases of H1N1 (swine flu) infections have been identified. In California and Texas, where EpiAid teams have been deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned including:

• Active surveillance in the counties where infections in humans have been identified;
• Studies of health care workers who were exposed to patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected;
• Studies of households and other contacts of people who were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected;
• Study of a public high school where three confirmed human cases of influenza A (H1N1) of swine origin occurred to see if anyone became infected and how much contact they had with a confirmed case; and
• Study to see how long a person with the virus infection sheds the virus.
• Links to non-federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.

Bug’s Former Dutch Girlfriend Joanne Noordink was missing. Her Body is found in Aalten, The Netherlands.

Written By Bug

  

Joanne Noor Dink

I better get this said while I can still write. How do I begin to put into words my feelings as I sit here before I make this announcement?

My former Dutch girlfriend Joanne Noordink had been missing since December 11, 2008. More than one hundred days was yesterday the lifeless body was found. Today the Aalten Police announced and confirmed that body is Joanne’s. She was found in the back yard at High Street in Aalten house of arrested 32 year old Iraqi Eshan and his Italian wife Tamara. There is another suspect who had stolen items from Joanne’s home. He is 49 year old Iranian.

In the end of November I had received a last e-mail from Joanne a few days before she disappeared. She thanked me for wishing her a happy belated birthday. After that we haven’t spoken for nearly two months. I thought it was strange because she usually emailed me almost everyday. If I don’t email her, she would write and check on me and see how I am doing but she did not. I decided to google her name and was very surprised to see her parents and relatives on the videos of Missing Person Program on the television. I learned that Joanne had gone missing in her hometown of Aalten, the Netherlands, most likely kidnapped on December 11th.

Then I contacted her father Arent in Holland. I used the Sorenson Video Relay Service (SVRS), it enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to conduct video relay calls with family, friends, and business associates through a certified sign language interepreter, videophone, television, and a high speed internet connection where I can see the interpreter on my television and sign to the interpreter, who then contacts the hearing user via a standard phone line and relays the conversation between the two parties.

We spoke for a few minutes. Arent believed that somebody kidnapped her. My heart sank so deeply. I spilled my bitterness of tears in my eyes. Joanne’s disappearance has brought breakbreak and anguish to her families, friends and including my American families and friends.

After I spoke with Joanne’s father. I hurrily drove to McGraw Elementary World School in Fort Collins, Colorado where Joanne used to work in the spring of 2005. I shared the news with school. They were shocked. Also, I contacted my mother in Los Angeles and told my friends about this terrible news. Most of them met her when Joanne and I were in the relationship. They are heartbroken.

How could this happen to Joanne? Why her? She had a sweet and bright personality. She did not have any enemies. It was more than 100 days since her disappearance, there was no trace of Joanne yesterday.

Joanne in front of Windmill. Photo by Bug

For three month and half months many people wondered if Joanne was a victim of a crime. Some people thought that she committed suicide. Some news medias said that Joanne might be no longer living. Others believed that she was alive.  Joanne’s family and I personally didn’t believe that she committed suicide because she embraces her life.   

On December 11th, before Joanne’s disappearance, a witness saw her wearing a winter coat at about 8:30 a.m. Two hours later Joanne called her mother Helma and talked about shopping at the market. A few hours later Helma drove to Joanne’s home and wanted to have a cup of coffee with her. She showed up and pressed the intercom at the joint entrance to Joanne’s apartment but got no reponse. Mother left.

On same day Joanne’s friend Jolanda showed up at the door and pressed the intercom. Again, no reponse. She walked toward to the back of apartment and looked at the kitchen window on the second floor. There was a flickering light and the television was on then Jolanda texted Joanne a message and asked her to contact her when she wakes up. Jolanda left.

Later in the late evening Helma repeatedly calling her daughter but no reponse. Next day Helma and Arent drove to her apartment and opened the door with the only spare key. They walked in and saw no Joanne. Her keys were on the table. The Netherlands passport, purse, cash, debt cards, driving license, and everything else were still there except her mobile phone and personal laptop. All winter coats were still hanging on the coat rack. Her car and bike were still there. Two cats were still in there but their water and food bowls were empty.

Aaltern Police was called and they came to investigative. The team checked everything such as blood, fingerprints, hair, etc. No evidence of a crime was found. No trace of Joanne. Next day the parents received a strange email. They didn’t recognize as a message from Joanne. It was not the same as Joanne’s writing.

A helicopter flew around the lake in search of Joanne Noordink

Since Joanne’s disappearance, the investigation team was still working for 24 hours, 7 days. The police helicopter flew above the lake and the whole town. Police dogs sniffed everywhere. They received many tips. Again, no trace of her. The reward was offered by Joanne’s parents, friends, and Public Ministry. They raised to $30,000 Euro (about $40,456.00 U.S. dollars) for finding Joanne.

On March 24th, (103 days since Joanne’s disappearance) the investigation team has arrested a 49 year old male Iranian suspect in the provinve of Friesland, the Netherlands because he had some Joanne’s missing personal belongings. A few hours later 32 year old Iraqi man as a second suspect was arrested in Aalten. He was suspected of involvement in the disappearance of Joanne. His name is Eshan. His possible motive for the murder of Joanne is still unknown. Also his wife was arrested too. After that Joanne’s parents were informed right away. Eshan is an acquaintance of the family. He previously in Joanne’s home to do the house chores. He was her handyman. Many local residents said that he was without a permanent job.

Yesterday on the 25th of March, there was an investigation into the house of Iraqi man. The police put the direct vicinity of the house with fences and a red and white ribbon off. Press medias and reporters were kept at a distance. The car arrived just after three hours with sniffer dogs who specialize in the search for human remains. Detection wrapped in white suits detectives were in the house. The police was looking for traces of missing Joanne since December 11th. In the small backyard behind the house was dug and prodded with long poles. Finally, the lifeless body was found. The missing developments in the case struck this week in a rapids.  Monday gave the police a 49 year old man from the other town, who was in possession of the jewels of Joanne. The trail led to the 32 year old man, whom he would have the stuff. The Iraqi , who is married to an Italian, was arrested. He was found in possession of Joanne’s mobile phone. Many neighbors of the suspect are speechless. One of them said if he did it, “I think humanity is no longer,” said one neighbor. “He is a friendly, well intergrated man wo speaks excellent English and always friendly and helpful. But it says no probably nothing. Apparently there lies a monster in him,” neighbor said.

The Western American/Dutch Couple

How did Joanne and I met? In the early spring of 2005, Joanne flew to Colorado from the Netherlands to do her internship at McGraw Elementary World School in Fort Collins, Colorado. She loved working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Joanne’s friend was my American Sign Language (ASL) student at Front Range Community College. She asked if she could bring Joanne as a guest to my class and introduced her to me. I accepted and was looking forward to meeting her. After Joanne and I became great friends. We spoke a lot about the cultures such as American culture, Dutch culture, Deaf culture and Hearing culture. I taught her ASL. She taught me Dutch. A few weeks later we fell in love with each other.  She loved talking about the Up with People (UWP).  UWP is the name of both a motivational organization and a musical performance, both related to each other. Joanne loved being a member of Taize Community. It is an ecumenical Christian monastic order in Taize, France. It is comprised of a little over 100 brothers who come from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions. Its a place where people go for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work.

Eric and Joanne on a pancake buffet boat in Nijmegen

In the summer of 2005, I flew to the Netherlands to visit Joanne. She introduced me to her favorite brother Thomas and lovely parents Arent and Helma in their hometown Aaltern. I was very impressed with them because they learned some basic ASL before I met them. They’re very gentle Dutch family. Her brother made fun of my white socks and said, ” You are American! You wear the white socks! We wear the black socks.” I laughed and learned my lesson not to wear the white socks in their country or they would make fun of me as American.  Thomas gave me Dutch beer which it was called ” White Beer”. It tasted so great. I loved eating their meals at parent’s. I enjoyed drinking her father’s wine. He got many more wine bottles because he knew that I would drink more. I love her mother’s cook. Joanne and her lovely family took me to many different cities in Holland. I enjoyed my trip.

Our American/Dutch relationship was very special and sweet. Joanne opened my heart for the first time in 10 years which I never dated with anyone before I met her. Joanne took me to the lake not far from her parent’s home. While walking beside the lake, she stopped and looked at my eyes for a while. Then she put a beautiful Dutch ring on my finger. She said ”Here’s a special gift from me. This is a “friendship” ring and promised that we would be together forever. ” I smiled and accepted her gift. In American culture, we called it as a promise ring so they called it as a friendship ring in their Dutch culture.

At our friend John's Halloween Party in Denver

A few months later Joanne flew back to Colorado and visited me and her host family in Loveland and Dillion. It was a greatly plesaure to see her. She stayed with me for about two and half weeks. We attended to my friend Debbie’s Deaf Bonfire Party. There was about 200 guests. Joanne enjoyed signing ASL with everyone. Other night my friend John invited us to his Halloween party in Denver. We wore the orange Halloween shirts at the party.  We had nice time together. 

Before she flew back and said that we needed to end our relationship for some reasons. We were very sad to let each other go so I wrote her a last letter and put it in her suite case before she left for the Netherlands.  I wrote:

October 31, 2005

“Dear Joanne,

Since I met you, my heart had been captured roped by your Dutch warm friendship and love. I knew inside that it had always been yours. You wore a mask. I lived in a sea clam. Both of us were free from them by the love. I often dreamed that we would be together forever so we could travel to the island, Africa, and visit each other in two countries.

We had a wonderful life together.I will close my eyes sometimes and listen to your music even my ears are deaf but not for my heart.

You were my best friend as well as my lover and I do not know which side of you. I enjoy the most. I treasure each side just as I have treasured our life together. You have something inside you, Joanne Something beautiful and strong. That’s what I see you when I look at you.

I know you thought me crazy for fighting what I would not give up and tried to save our relationship. When I am a fighter, my words are either beautiful or ugly, they are the true of my soulful language when I am hurtful and angry. I am struggling for words. But I will never and would never meant to hurt you, my darling. I have my reasons and I thank you for your patience. And though you asked, I never told you why but now I think it is time you knew. You know how fearful I was and I was frightenend by the knowledge that all this will be ending soon as you fly off. I wonder if I will see your tears, if it is not then I know you’re crying inside.

I fear the pain I know I will go through so I will also fear the pain and saddness when you leave. I am at a loss for words. So I love you so deeply, so incredibly much. No matter how it happens, I promise you that I will be thinking of you for the rest of my life. I believe that you are my first and last love. Please don’t be angry with me. I am sorry if I often said I love you in the past. I will never regret for loving you.

And if you save this letter to read again, please believe what I am saying. Joanne, wherever you are and whenever this is, I love you. I love you now as I write this and I love you now as you read this if this is 500 years old letter. And I am so sorry if I am not able to tell you.

I can’t escape the feeling that it’s time for us to move on. Of course, I forgive you. I forgive you now. I loved you too much to have let you go again. Though I am still grieving over what might have been I find myself thankful that you came into my life for ever a short period of time. Sometime my grief is overwhelming and even though I understand that we will never see each other again, there is a part of me that wants to hold on to you forever. This is not a good bye darling, this is a thank you…. Eric”

About two weeks later Joanne and I got in touch. She wanted me to know that she still loved me and asked for my chance. I gave her a chance. It was good but our relationship did not last. Sadly,I never spoke with her again since Feburary 2006. 

Swim at Hot Spring Pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Two years later Joanne and I got in touch for the first time in March 2008.  She was so happy. We rebuilt the friendship slowly. She wanted me to find forgiveness in my heart for her. She understood that I was not ready because I was still hurting. Other than that we had many nice chats about many things such as our memories, her love for Uganda people, two cats, her little Joanne as her adopted child in Uganda, etc. We enjoyed talking about the hot spring pool we swam at Glenwood Springs and visited Aspen.  She asked me about her friends Cathy, Jaime, Megan and others at McGraw School because she missed them. Joanne said she was coming to Colorado sometime this year to visit me and others. I was excited. I felt so ready to forgive her in person and ask for her forgiveness too. 

I knew as I prepared to see Joanne. I wanted to hug her. I knew it’s her I wish to see but I saw her name in the news. It means she is not coming to see me. Joanne is dead. My heart is bleeding. My spirit is broken. A part of me died with her. I will never have a chance to tell her that she is forgiven. I wanted to tell her that she is a wonderful and sweetest Dutch gal I ever met in my life. But it is too late to tell her in person. How painful and angry I was after I learned that her lifeless body was found yesterday. I’ve wished so hard that I could have saved her from those evil fools. I would give my life if somehow it would bring her all back to her dad, mother, and brother. My heart goes to her family and friends. 

I want to write this note for Joanne because I never have a chance to say it to her in person.

March 27, 2009

Dear Joanne,

Hopefully, this note and God will guide me in the right direction and take this pain from my heart and mind, and allow you to rest in peace. Please don’t ask me why it took so long to get it off my chest. My life and feelings have been out of control for all of these years. I was angry. It was too late to forgive you in person and ask for your forgiveness. Two years ago I had been meaning to see you in Holland when I was in Germany but I was not ready to see you. I was hoping that I would see you one more time but I did not realize your life was short and you are gone. I am so sorry. I know you have a lot of rich experiences in your life that most people don’t have.

Please know that you are wonderful and loved. You are forgiven. Forgive me. I have long admired you and still miss you. Thank you for being part of my life.

I believe most people around you, were touched by your love and kindness. At last you live again but not just in the hearts of us who loved you. You live in the Netherland’s heart as well.

Here is my favorite photo I took of you when we were in Snowmass, Colorado. This picture makes me think that you are with God now. I knew that you are at peace. Bless you, for you are the hero. I loved you, I love you, and I will always love you. Rest in peace, my lieverd.- Eric Fifer

Joanne silently prayed in Snowmass, Colorado. Photo by Bug

Louisiana Deaf School “safer”

In a small, windowless room at the Louisiana School for the Deaf, two security guards are posted 24 hours a day to pore over live feed of activity in the hallways and common spaces of the school’s 22 buildings.

This state-of-the art surveillance system, installed during the school’s month-long closure in the fall, is among the upgrades intended to ensure the school’s 184 students are safe at the 122-acre Baton Rouge campus.

“It’s a better environment now,” said Liz Moore, acting director of the state’s Special School District. “It’s safer and we’re moving education in the direction it needs to go.”

State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek closed the school in early October after reports of sexual misconduct came to light, including the alleged rape of a 6-year-old girl by a 16-year-old boy on a bus chartered by the school.

This 174-camera, $282,000 system went online in November, Moore said, and there have been no known incidents of sexual misconduct since the school’s Nov. 5 reopening.

When the guards notice anything suspicious, they phone a roaming security guard and direct him to the location, said Willie Turner, school security director.

“The cameras have helped out tremendously,” Turner said. Student behavior has improved because they are aware they are being watched, he added.

To ensure dorm monitors regularly make their rounds at night, they are now required to check in electronically at stations located throughout the buildings, Turner said.

The school has also tried to increase parental involvement, granting them access to a Web site that tracks their child’s grades, attendance and disciplinary history.

Moore said quite a few parents are using the system.

School representatives held sign language classes for parents in north Louisiana in November, said Melissa Mills, a coordinator for the sign language and interpretation department.

Sign language classes for staff are ongoing, Mills said. When the school closed, Pastorek revealed that a full 20 percent of the staff was not proficient in the language. Since then, 9 percent have gained proficiency, Mills said.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6a8_1233218089

Walter Payton’s daughter tries out for Chicago Force

By JFLMad

Brittney Payton, the daughter of famous running back of Chicago Bears Walter Payton, tried out for Chicago Force. Chicago Force is Women’s Professional Tackle Football under IWFL (Independent Women Football League). They were 2008 Eastern Conference Champions but lost in the championship game to Dallas Diamonds. You can view the video of her trying out below.

My opinion of her trying out is a joke! She just does that for the publicity reason as she worked for Mouthpiecesports.com. As you can see her movements are not that excellent and I think it really wastes her time of participate and waste Chicago Force’s time too. I am not going to elaborate it because her actions speak louder than anything else. If you disagree with me, that’s fine with me as it is your opinion

http://www.chicagoforcefootball.com/news.asp?ID=73

Happy New Year In All Languages

2009

AFRIKAANS gelukkige nuwejaar
ALBANIAN Gëzuar vitin e ri
ALSATIAN e glëckliches nëies / güets nëies johr
ARABIC عام سعيد (aam saiid) / sana saiida
ARMENIAN shnorhavor nor tari
AZERI yeni iliniz mubarek
BAMBARA bonne année
BASQUE urte berri on
BELARUSIAN З новым годам (Z novym hodam)
BENGALI subho nababarsho
BERBER asgwas amegas
BETI mbembe mbu
BOBO bonne année
BOSNIAN sretna nova godina
BRETON bloavezh mat / bloavez mad
BULGARIAN честита нова година (chestita nova godina)
BURMESE hnit thit ku mingalar pa
CANTONESE sun lin fi lok / kung hé fat tsoi
CATALAN bon any nou
CHINESE xin nian kuai le / xin nian hao
CORSICAN pace e salute
CROATIAN sretna nova godina
CZECH šťastný nový rok
DANISH godt nytår
DARI sale naw tabrik
DUTCH gelukkig Nieuwjaar
ENGLISH happy new year
ESPERANTO felicxan novan jaron
feliæan novan jaron (Times SudEuro font)
ESTONIAN head uut aastat
FAROESE gott nýggjár
FINNISH onnellista uutta vuotta
FLEMISH gelukkig Nieuwjaar
FRENCH bonne année
FRISIAN lokkich neijier
FRIULAN bon an
GALICIAN feliz aninovo
GEORGIAN გილოცავთ ახალ წელს (gilocavt akhal tsels)
GERMAN ein gutes neues Jahr / prost Neujahr
GREEK kali chronia / kali xronia
eutichismenos o kainourgios chronos (we wish you a happy new year)
GUJARATI sal mubarak / nootan varshabhinandan
GUARANÍ rogüerohory año nuévo-re
HAITIAN CREOLE bònn ané
HAWAIIAN hauoli makahiki hou
HEBREW שנה טובה (shana tova)
HINDI nav varsh ki subhkamna
HMONG nyob zoo xyoo tshiab
HUNGARIAN boldog új évet
ICELANDIC farsælt komandi ár
INDONESIAN selamat tahun baru
IRISH GAELIC ath bhliain faoi mhaise
ITALIAN felice anno nuovo, buon anno
JAVANESE sugeng warsa enggal
JAPANESE akemashite omedetô
KABYLIAN asseguèsse-ameguèsse
KANNADA hosa varshada shubhaashayagalu
KAZAKH zhana zhiliniz kutti bolsin
KHMER sur sdei chhnam thmei
KINYARWANDA umwaka mwiza
KIRUNDI umwaka mwiza
KOREAN seh heh bok mani bat uh seyo
KURDE sala we ya nû pîroz be
LAO sabai di pi mai
LATIN felix sit annus novus
LATVIAN laimīgu Jauno gadu
LIGURIAN feliçe annu nœvu / feliçe anno nêuvo
LINGALA bonana / mbula ya sika elamu na tonbeli yo
LITHUANIAN laimingų Naujųjų Metų
LOW SAXON gelükkig nyjaar
LUXEMBOURGEOIS e gudd neit Joër
MACEDONIAN Среќна Нова Година (srekna nova godina)
MALAGASY arahaba tratry ny taona
MALAY selamat tahun baru
MALAYALAM nava varsha ashamshagal
MALTESE is-sena t-tajba
MAORI kia hari te tau hou
MARATHI navin varshaachya hardik shubbheccha
MONGOLIAN shine jiliin bayariin mend hurgeye (Шинэ жилийн баярын мэнд хvргэе)
MORÉ wênd na kô-d yuum-songo
NDEBELE umyaka omucha omuhle
NORWEGIAN godt nyttår
OCCITAN bon annada
PASHTO nawe kaalmo mobarak sha
PERSIAN سال نو مبارک (sâle no mobârak)
POLISH szczęśliwego nowego roku
PORTUGUESE feliz ano novo
ROMANCHE bun di bun onn
ROMANI baxtalo nevo bersh
ROMANIAN un an nou fericit / la mulţi ani
RUSSIAN С Новым Годом (S novim godom)
SAMOAN ia manuia le tausaga fou
SANGO nzoni fini ngou
SARDINIAN bonu annu nou
SCOTTISH GAELIC bliadhna mhath ur
SERBIAN srećna nova godina / Срећна нова година
SHIMAORE mwaha mwema
SHONA goredzwa rakanaka
SINDHI nain saal joon wadhayoon
SINHALA suba aluth avuruddak vewa
SLOVAK stastlivy novy rok
SLOVENIAN srečno novo leto
SOBOTA dobir leto
SOMALI sanad wanagsan
SPANISH feliz año nuevo
SRANAN wan bun nyun yari
SWAHILI mwaka mzuri / heri ya mwaka mpya
SWEDISH gott nytt år
SWISS-GERMAN es guets Nöis
TAGALOG manigong bagong taon
TAHITIAN ia orana i te matahiti api
TAMIL iniya puthandu nalVazhthukkal
TATAR yaña yıl belän
TELUGU నూతన సంవత్శర శుభాకాంక్షలు (nuthana samvathsara subhakankshalu)
THAI สวัสดีปีใหม่ (sawatdii pimaï)
TIBETAN tashi delek / losar tashi delek
TURKISH yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun
UDMURT Vyľ Aren
UKRAINIAN Z novym rokom
URDU naya saal mubarik
UZBEK yangi yilingiz qutlug’ bo’lsin
VIETNAMESE Chúc Mừng Nǎm Mới / Cung Chúc Tân Niên / Cung Chúc Tân Xuân
WALOON (”betchfessîs” spelling) bone annéye / bone annéye èt bone santéye
WELSH blwyddyn newydd dda
WEST INDIAN CREOLE bon lanné
WOLOF dewenati
YIDDISH a gut yohr

From
Fookem, Bug, JFLMad, & Jimactor

Thief stole sidekick from Deaf woman, took a picture of himself, led to his arrest

This Cincinnati, Ohio gentleman snatched a cell phone from a lost, deaf woman who had gotten out of her car to look for a street sign. Later, Gary Walker, 24, took a phonecam shot of himself. A few weeks after the robbery, the victim, Ashlee Hutchens, downloaded her data from the phone network into a new handset and Walker’s photo popped up. Police then sent it out to the media and subsequently arrested Walker. From Cincinnati Enquirer:

Later, Gary Walker, 24, took a phonecam shot of himself

 

“All of a sudden his picture came up and (Ashlee) said, ‘Oh my god, Mom, that’s him and that’s the shirt he had on,’” Christine Hutchens said.

“I get very upset when the elderly, kids or handicapped people become victims of these offenses,” said Officer Tamar Skelly, who is with Crime Stoppers.

http://boingboing.net/2008/10/30/cell-phone-thief-tak.html

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Deaf Winners About To Lose Home

By Bug

Is your area one of the country’s hardest hit areas for foreclosures? Is there a foreclousre next door? Your neighbors suffer. Today, many homeowners are facing foreclosures. Deaf couple is losing a home. They are suffering too.

Four years ago, a popluar U.S. reality T.V. show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, featured a home makeover for a Deaf couple Larry and Judy Vardon in Oak Park near Detroit and their two sons, both of them were hearing and one of them is blind and autistic. The Extreme Makeover crew and the team assembled worked to give this family high-tech communication and safety solutions currently available to individuals who live with deafness.

Now Larry, Judy, and their children are about to lose their home because they are deep in debt. They hope to stay at their beautiful home for Thanksgiving for the last time. It might be their last Thanksgiving this year.

Local 4 News Anchor Devin Scillian went to their home and interviewed. Here’s a video but unforuntely, there is no closed caption.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/18033655/index.html

In case you miss the Extreme Makerover: Home Edition Deaf Winners show, you can click these links to view the T.V. show:

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86TN0bA2QnI&feature=related

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKhd3HVLcpg&feature=related

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxrRIihtObo&feature=related

Part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7H30CVttsc&feature=related

Part 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h32STho7-WE&feature=related

Part 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5308Rog1qI&feature=related

Part 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6c16Xu1vqs&feature=related

Part 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6pKF-cMQgs&feature=related