Deaf Chef Doogle

2012-02-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

2012-02-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

Ran Into This In The Castro...

2012-01-16T18:09:00.001-08:00

Caffeine Trieste...

2012-01-12T19:21:00.001-08:00

Market Street, San Francisco, CA

Oh, Yeah...

2012-01-05T14:25:00.001-08:00

I'm a goin'...!

Indeed...

2012-01-04T08:59:00.001-08:00

Oh, My...

2011-12-30T19:46:00.001-08:00

Christmas Gift From My Most Treasured Friend...

2011-12-23T18:50:00.001-08:00

I cannot wait to start reading it.

There's An App 4 That...

2011-12-06T17:54:00.001-08:00

Hhhmmm...

2011-11-28T11:58:00.001-08:00

Who knows what this means... for all I know, its some sort of new fangled timeout...

Whoa!!!

2011-10-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

Now... THIS is the Summer I've been waiting for! Going to load up the chair and see what's shaking in the city today. Hopefully, I'll get some pics out of he deal.

"If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Wherever you are -- if you are following your bliss, you are enjoying that refreshment, that life within you, all the time."
- Joseph Campbell

Dog Fetch Fail...

2011-10-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Dog Fetch Fail

Taking A Time Out...

2011-10-18T07:04:00.001-07:00

God knows I need one.

Amazing Day...

2011-10-17T15:35:00.001-07:00

It's been so long since the weather has been this perfect. I love when I stumble on such things as this!

This Sign Says It All...

2011-10-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

Occupy...

2011-10-15T17:50:00.001-07:00

I love this! KEEP IT UP!!!

Sitting & Meditating...

2011-10-14T18:54:00.001-07:00

To this, its not that difficult.

I'm introspective lately. I rather like it from time to time.

Had A Great Night...

2011-10-13T21:26:00.001-07:00

I got tired of sitting inside and with this amazing evening air, I decided to walk along the Embarcadera. Got this shot along the way.

ROFLMFAO!!!

2011-10-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

From Their Lips To My Eyes: (me & friend about personalities) "You're very stealth when you enter a room. Do you think I'm the same way?" (her response to me) "You're more like the business end of the phrase SEARCH WARRANT! OPEN UP!!"

Spent Some Time Outdoors...

2011-10-11T21:52:00.001-07:00

Ran into this... I couldn't believe it. I always believed that wires ruin the shot. Clearly, I was wrong.

Just Sayin'...

2011-10-10T09:22:00.001-07:00

Lets all celebrate Columbus Day by walking into someone's house and telling them we live there now.

Out Of Curiosity...

2011-10-09T13:16:00.001-07:00

I stopped by this oddly-placed Listening Booth to grab a photo because I found it so interesting. I don't spend too much time on photos of people but this one was neat; a lot less artsy and more documentary-esque in feel.

I decided I would try it out. I was so impressed. The talent for healhy engagement is what I found most fascinating. The result of her talent was more meaningful than what I had to say and that's the key to being a great listener. I was glad I stopped... I had this to learn.

I st"roll"ed to the Embarcadero yesterday to see what all the hooplah is about with the Blue Angels. The name alone makes .me apprehensive (angels? come on). It was boring. I left after an hour.

My friend J.C. is feeling lonely so I'm going to spend some tome with her. Maybe I can create a positive distraction for us both... that's never a bad thing.

The weather is amazing lately. I'm going to get out today wit no chair. This will prove quite interesting but I do it as often as I can.

Ok... I'm out-o-here.

We Were Expecting Major Storms...

2011-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

But, they never came. I still got this out of the deal.

Castro Street Fair...

2011-10-02T19:57:00.001-07:00

Great fun had by all. 2011

2011-09-29T17:37:00.001-07:00

This is Max not wanting his bath...

What A Beautiful Day...

2011-09-28T19:28:00.001-07:00

It's been nearly 15 years since I've experienced as beautiful an evening as the one we enjoyed today. I was living on an island town in my backyard under jasmine and citrus orange trees.

I think California has the best sunset in the country.

2011-09-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Gosh... Manequins sure have gotten real! :-)

Folsom Street Fair, 2011

2011-09-25T21:08:00.001-07:00

Folsom Street Fair, 2011: Good times had by all!

WoW! Window Art...

2011-09-21T18:39:00.001-07:00

I have this very hot neighbor across the way from me and he and his BF seem to really enjoy having sex for all to see. Of course, the committed and dedicated homosexual that I am, I've been watching every moment! It's so fun!

This is him. :-)

What A Beautiful Day...

2011-09-17T13:34:00.001-07:00

WoW! How impressive is our weather, today?!

Had a great st"roll" with Maxie this morning. He always loves his easy, laid-back, Saturday st"roll"s. It's one way we bond.

Doing well with my nephew. Yea doing what he has to and then he can make plans for his future and actually act on those dreams. I'm going to support him through it.

I'm sitting out on the fire escape, resting. Max is gazing toward the people near the fountains. He loves to watch the children play and of course the dogs.

Ok... I'm out.

BART & ANNONYMOUS...

2011-09-16T10:58:00.001-07:00

Board Of Directors: boardofdirectors@bart.gov

Bob Franklin: bobfranklinbart@aol.com

Robert Traburn: robertraburn@covad.net

Mayor Lee: http://bit.ly/oYVgXT

Dear BART Board of Directors & Mayor Edwin M. Lee:

I'm really disappointed in all that's been taking place between you and the activist group Anonymous. I say "between" because it smacks of a childhood bully on the playground. All that Anonymous is asking is that you pretty please (with sugar on top) STOP TASING AND SHOOTING PEOPLE, UNECESSARILY!

Mostly, I'm disgruntled with BART'S role in it. When all this began with the killing of Oscar Grant, I began taking interest in all your press. Over the years since, it appears as though your rail system has a significantly suspicious percentage of potential abuse and/or brutality incidences leading us to your most recent scandalous killing and various tasings at a protest exclaiming a people tired of your status quo.

They seem to be questioning and demanding a different status quo. Ask yourselves if what they're asking is reasonable, just and fair... and is it what you KNOW to be right in your heart of hearts?

What's the request? Stop violent reactions without absolute provocation.

Tasing a man who's not on his feet seems to say your officers aren't very strong if they need to electrocute someone to get their hands cuffed. That sort of thing...

Get off your high horses and step down from your mountainous egos long enough to LISTEN! Get together with the heads and work out something you can and are willing to adhere to and I'm sure your good graces will be met with same.

Get it together or I'm no longer riding your system and neither will my family. That's about $300.00-$500.00/month.

Be the professionals we expect you to be, stop all the snivling and get it ironed out. Then, you can do press releases showing how you're so fabulous because you care about losing EACH and EVERY $300.00-$500.00 family.

Best,

Blayne E. Douglas

So...

2011-09-12T18:07:00.001-07:00

Here I sit and lay... Waiting for my ankle to mend. It's going to take a while longer. I'm bored out of my mind. I'm reading some.

My nephew continues to reach out. It seems he's doing what he needs to in order to straighten out his affairs. If its true, I'm happy because it puts us closer to his release from probation and the sooner he can come visit, which I know he's excited to do, the better.

I made Talapia... It was really good.

Man... The Weather Is Totally Ugly...

2011-09-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

So, I'm still lounging around the house, hoping my ankle will mend soon. I'm getting cabin fever but when I look out at the near Winter conditions, I don't think I'm missing a whole lot.

We completely got robbed on the whole Summer thing. I'm annoyed by that but the day still goes on so in the spirit of that truth, I'll be doing both Folsom and Castro Street Fairs this year; same as last. I'll be grill master at Folsom Fair and donation beggar for the Castro Street Fair.

I was alone and somewhat bored so I made some Madeleines... this pic is the result.

2011-09-02T13:41:00.001-07:00

SSSOOO... can you tell this Beef Chow Fun was takeout.........?

Max Is Volunteering...

2011-08-31T17:01:00.001-07:00

Max does volunteer work as a therapy dog for the elderly and homebound, critically ill children. Some people hold and kiss him while others pet only. Elba, is content with just knowing he's nearby.

Participate in White House Monthly Disability Calls...

2011-08-31T10:24:00.001-07:00

https://www.disability.gov/WHQuestion

Police Assault Disabled Veteran With Service Dog...

2011-08-28T16:04:00.001-07:00

From: XXX To: Luis Montalvan Subject: Documentation of DOD Police assault Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:49:33 -0400

LOCAL TITLE: NURS: PRIMARY CARE OPT NOTE STANDARD TITLE: PRIMARY CARE NURSING OUTPATIENT NOTE DATE OF NOTE: AUG 11, 2011@09:50 ENTRY DATE: AUG 11, 2011@09:51:33 AUTHOR: BELMONT, MARY EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED

The following is a statement of an incident occurring on August 10, 2011 at approximately 1500 hours:

Veteran requested assistance following an assault by DOD Police Officers while waiting for medicine prescription refill in facility ground floor, Area B. According to Veteran and two employee witnesses, this Veteran was told by a DOD VA Police Officer to "leave the hospital" because his service dog, Tuesday, "did not have VA identification." This dog was, in fact, the first dog given the designation of "Service Dog" for a sighted Veteran through a special act of Congress.

The Veteran explained that the dog was clearly wearing the proper identication halter showing "Service Dog" and that none other was necessary. He asked the police officers to wait until he received his medicine before proceeding any further.

The officer returned with six other officers and Luis was again told to leave. The supervising officer was overheard to say "You know what you have to do" directing the police to forceably place Luis under arrest. The Veteran was pushed to the ground, an officer knelt on the Veteran's back with one knee while handcuffs were applied. When told to stand, the Veteran responded "I cannot. I am disabled." The Veteran who uses a cane to walk was forceably pulled upright from the ground, taken to the first floor and placed in the Police holding cell. The service dog, Tuesday, was not allowed entry into the holding cell but was, instead, secured on a short leash outside of the locked room.

I was asked by Dr. Curt Dill, Chief, Emergency Services, to go to the Police holding cell to vouch for the Veteran, having been his OEF/OIF Case Manager from October 2009 through July 2011. I explained the importance of not separating the Veteran from the service dog to the police officer and was eventually allowed to enter the cell with the dog and Dr. Dill; we were then joined by Dr. Marion Eakin, psychiatrist. Dr. Eakin went to the Pharmacy to obtain the Veteran's medicines and rejoined us.

The Veteran had several new injuries to his skin including swollen, red wrists where the handcuffs had been applied, two open wounds on the right leg where the Veteran has a surgical scar and a scrap on his upper arm. Additionally, he was experiencing severe pain in his back, arms and legs.

The Veteran was released with an official citation for "disorderly conduct" and was accompanied by me to my office where he refreshed himself and his service dog before leaving at 1630 hours. Two employee witnesses came forward to validate that the Veteran was "handled roughly even though he was not resisting arrest."

/es/ MARY BELMONT, RN REGISTERED NURSE Signed: 08/11/2011 10:46

A Letter To San Franciscans...

2011-08-28T15:31:00.001-07:00

Dr. Rupa Marya, who treated Charles Hill, a 45-year-old man who was shot and killed on the Civic Center BART platform over the July 4th weekend, has written an open letter saying she will join the Monday protests.

In the letter sent to local media she writes "It is hard to watch our civil servants (police) brutally handle a person and their body when i spend my time and energy as a civil servant (physician) honoring the dignity of that person.." (The full letter is posted below.)

It's unclear what impact this will have on Monday's protests. Anonymous, the hacking group behind the last three Monday protests, reminded supporters today that they should be focused on the BART police and not on BART's decision in July to prevent a protests by cutting off cell phone reception. " Let us be perfectly clear: THE BART OPERATION AND THE PROTESTS SURROUNDING IT SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON THE CONTINUING BRUTALITY AND UNACCOUNTABILITY OF THE BAY AREA TRANSIT POLICE," its communique says.

The document urges the protesters to stay above ground and not to protest on BART platforms.

Dr. Rupa Marya has worked as a physician and professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. She's also a singer and guitarist for Rupa & the April Fishes, a band that traces its roots to the Mission District.

The letter from Dr. Rupa Marya:

Dear San Francisco,

I am one of your local physicians and have taken care of many different kinds of people during the past 9 years of my appointment as an internist at UCSF, where I have worked at SF General Hospital as well as at the VA and the UCSF campuses. San Francisco is a surprisingly small town, and when you spend enough time in the health care industry, you come to recognize many of the city's residents. You hold their stories and watch over them, in the hospital when they are ill and in the chance occurrences of running into them on the streets, in the market or painting the town red. It is an honor and great privilege to take care of the people of this city that I love so dearly.

Last month, I learned that one of my former patients Charles Hill was shot and killed by BART police. Per the police, he was armed with a bottle and a knife and had menacing behavior. Per eye witnesses, he was altered and appeared to be intoxicated but did not represent a lethal danger. I remember Charles vividly, having taken care of him several times in the revolving door which is the health care system for the people who do not fit neatly into society. Charles was a member of the invisible class of people in SF–mentally ill, homeless and not reliably connected to the help he needed. While I had seen him agitated before and while I can't speak to all of his behavior, I never would have described him as threatening in such a way as to warrant the use of deadly force. We often have to deal with agitated sometimes even violent patients in the hospital. Through teamwork, tools and training, we have not had to fatally wound our patients in order to subdue them. I understand the police are there to protect us and react to the situation around them, but I wonder why the officer who shot Charles did not aim for the leg if he felt the need to use a gun, instead of his vital organs. I wonder if he possessed other training methods to subdue an agitated man with a knife or bottle.

I feel this situation quite deeply. It is hard to watch our civil servants (police) brutally handle a person and their body when i spend my time and energy as a civil servant (physician) honoring the dignity of that person, regardless of their race or social class, their beliefs or their affiliations. I know it is not my job–nor the police's job—to mete out justice or judgment of a person's worthiness. It is also hard because Charles has no voice, no one to speak for him now that he is gone. It would be easy to let this slide and move on with our busy lives, as we all struggle to make ends meet in this expensive city during a recession. I believe this situation shows us how powerless we all feel to some degree.

I feel outraged and am trying to find the best ways to express it–through creative outpouring, through conversations. I would like to lend my voice to the growing protest of the BART police's excessive use of violent force and know that weekly protests are being organized on Mondays until demands are met for BART to fully investigate the shooting of Charles Hill, disarm its police force and train them properly, as well as bringing the officer who shot him to justice. The media is portraying the annoyance of the protests to commuters more than the unbelievable horror that an innocent man was shot dead by the force that is meant to protect us. I don't want to upset commuters or be a nuisance. I would like to be part of educating and not letting this slip under the proverbial rug, in honor of Charles Hill and in order to help prevent something like this from ever happening again.

I will be present at the peaceful demonstrations on Mondays in front of the BART Civic Center station, not to prevent commuters from getting home, but to educate a population that may need to pause and think about the value a human life has and the kind of San Francisco we want to live and work in.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Respectfully,

Rupa Marya, MD

Protestors Against BART...

2011-08-24T17:10:00.001-07:00

Over the course of the last few weeks, San Francisco BART has been receiving threats/warnings that the hacker group, Anonymous, would infiltrate BART's computer systems and both embarrass BART officials and inconvenience BART passengers because of BART's decision to shut down cell phone service during last week's protest by the same group.

BART decided that cell phone synchronization was assisting protesters in organizing their underground protests so they shut down the signal in their Civic Center underground station. This prompted protesters and the Mayor of San Francisco to demand an oppology and reassurance that this slight to America's freedom of speech will not happen again.

San Franciso's Mayor and the citizens affected continue to wait for such an appology.

I love "America's Got Talent's" J. Chris Newberg...

2011-08-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSgZkzOpPU0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Melancholy...

2011-08-15T23:53:00.001-07:00

For some reason, I've been melancholy lately.

Woke up this morning and had my coffee with the rising sun and Max curled up at my feet as I sat perched on the fire escape. I think that's when flashes of memories began and I've been flashing ever since.

Looking forward to this stopping... :-/

I Love San Francisco Because...

2011-08-14T18:33:00.001-07:00

San Francisco does fun things for cultures often forgotten.

I was st"roll"ing around and bumped into this wall at Civic Center designed to give taggers a place to express themselves through their art, in a public way that's legal.

I've not seen this before... in any city. Either way, congratulations SF.

I Find San Francisco Wall Art Captivating...

2011-08-04T14:31:00.001-07:00

So... I was running an errand when I happened upon this. The colors absolutely POP'd for me... brilliant, bright colors in this swamp of withered color from rusted medal and unwanted, seemingly uncared-for constructs at every angle. It spoke to me.

Graeme won't be visiting until Christmas and I'm good with that. I'll have time to resolve some things here at home and even have enough time to gain my strength for the visit.

A beautiful day... bought a couple more friendship bracelets. Other than his... all is well.

Dore Alley's "Up Your Alley" Fair, 2011

2011-07-31T15:34:00.001-07:00

I was grill master this year once more. I like that. I don't have to talk to too many people or read any lips... As if that ever really works... Ya never know from person to person.

The weather is cool, foggy and consistent so it was perfect for grilling.

But maybe not so much for the scantily clad leather boys and their admirers; all of whom were on their knees doing a little demonstration of the finer aspects of public, oral sex.

I realize it must be difficult for heterosexuals to imagine how adult men can all seemingly enjoy the same sort of naughtiness but the truthful answer is gays didn't have teachers for gay sexual tendencies. Boys had to learn amongst themselves; having only at their disposal fantasy, imagination and two willing parties equally horned up, young teenage boys. We were taught the quicker you finish the less apt you'd get caught. Quickies were the norm and any attempts at an actual relationship spanning a time longer than one's shampoo, wasn't as attractive.

Until such time, we have naked men in nothing but chaps with their 12.5in hard cocks swinging freely in the open and beautiful men of all shapes and colors and ages experiencing their roman-esque lifestyle.

I've been there and done all that. 45 years of age is when you're the grill master as a volunteer. This sort of thing, in my opinion, is for the gay youth who are trying to discover themselves.

I wish all of them a healthy journey.

My Public Garden Lot...

2011-07-26T17:54:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to do this for years so last year I got off my duff and made it happen. This is the fruits of all that labor. I've put a lot of money and time into it. I've had a lot of guidance along the way... I ask a lot of questions.

Getting Healthier, Feeling Happier, Living Better One Day At A Time...

2011-07-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

The weather is so amazing. I've never seen such bright clarity and clear skies.

California is truly an amazing and mystical place; one of love and romance...diversity and cultural pride of all variations on any one given theme.

I love the quirkiness of my city and its loyal residents but the tourists, for me, make it especially enjoyable and their presence breathes hope into our economy and keeps one more person from being laid off.

Max adores interactions with tourists. Tourists are always happy and open to Max's no strings attached brand of love...even the ones who claim to be afraid, end up getting kisses from the Max Meister. The funniest of all is when the big, macho, burly men fall to pieces when they see him walking toward them. They're the first to turn to moose. :-). The bigger the man, the bigger the baby. ;-)

I'm doing a lot of writing. This table has been my best friend for months. Now, I'm compiling various sections creating chapters. It's fun... Learning to write a book is a blast in and of itself.

Some negativity around me today but so far I've conquered its attempts to get under my skin and take hold of any weak nerves I might have. Staying strong and centered... not allowing manipulations, lies or neglect from an addict who I used to love. It's still a long road but I'm walking it with Ernest and hope.

One more cup of coffee and one more hour of sunset kisses.

SF Is So Progressive...

2011-07-18T17:21:00.001-07:00

SF is so progressive. We don't "do" roach coaches. We have gourmet food trucks serving oysters on 1/2 shell and lobster you boil yourself. my personal favorite... crabs I crack myself then order cakes.

Qik - Women's World Cup Soccer Live At Civic Center by Blayne Douglas

2011-07-17T20:32:00.001-07:00

The Fog...

2011-07-15T09:47:00.001-07:00

By: Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex

"Every morning a great wall of fog descends upon the city of San Francisco. It begins far out at sea. It forms over the Farallons, covering the sea lions on their rocks, and then it sweeps onto Ocean Beach, filling the long green bowl of Golden Gate Park. The fog obscures the early morning joggers and the lone practitioners of tai chi. It mists up the windows of the Glass Pavilion. It creeps over the entire city, over the monuments and movie theaters, over the Panhandle dope dens and the flophouses in the Tenderloin. The fog covers the pastel Victorian mansions in Pacific Heights and shrouds the rainbow-colored houses in the Haight. It walks up and down the twisting streets of Chinatown; it boards the cable cars, making their clanging bells sound like buoys; it climbs to the top of Coit Tower until you can't see it anymore; it moves in on the Mission, where the mariachi players are still asleep; and it bothers the tourists. The fog of San Francisco, that cold, identity-cleansing mist that rolls over the city every day, explains better than anything else why that city is what it is."

Thought This Was Hilarious...

2011-07-14T18:38:00.001-07:00

Had a beautiful day! Made a new friend. Had a great time at dog park. Then, on wander home, I saw this. LOL. Cute!

Smiling Pooch...

2011-07-08T18:15:00.001-07:00

Max had a very nice day of it at the park. I always know because he smiles. I keep meaning to capture it and today was the day.

I am well... I've been exceptionally well for some time now.

The weather in SF has been perfection. A bit chilly on the North-facing side of my home but its nice to have the option of being warmer or cooler without running appliances to achieve it.

Rented some vids from the library. Aaron is coming over to cuddle with me while we watch together. I always love that.

Had reason to meet up with an old friend. It was nice to see her again, regardless of her frustrations with work. We found time to laugh and enjoy each other's company. She's a nice person and a special connection for me from back in the day.

I missed two meetings this week. Just couldn't find my strength to get out of the house. So much of what I've been doing lately is so mental and it leaves my legs exhausted before I even get my shoes tied. Thank goodness for the dog-walker.

Qik - Martin Luther King Exhibit by Blayne Douglas

2011-07-06T13:17:00.001-07:00

I Love You...

2011-07-06T10:45:00.001-07:00

Aaron's note left for me when he left the house today:

Our relationship has never followed the rules. we've never been the kind of a fairy tale couple you see in the movies. it seems like we're either head over heels in love or crazy with frustration. we're not perfect, and neither is this relationship. but you know what? it's ours. all ours... the little jokes that only we understand, the way our hands naturally find each other's and the memories that seem so wonderful now that we look back and know our relationship will never be perfect, but it will always be an important part of me. i dont know whats in store for us. but i know i want you in my life. i know i love you. and i know that i'd rather be "real" with you than "fairy tale" with anyone else.

Today, I Made...

2011-07-05T17:12:00.001-07:00

Fudge Stripe, 3 Layer... The berries are from my public garden space.

Gay Pride Weekend & Legalization Of Gay Marriage In NY...

2011-06-24T23:40:00.001-07:00

Today, NY legalized gay marriage. I believe this makes 6 states in total, thus far. I can't begin to imagine a country of acceptance because America, for the most part, loves its bigotry and discrimination about as much as capitalism and classes. I do, however, see the light at the end of the tunnel. Today's milestone marker will forever read, "Stonewall Was Not In Vain!"

It's also Gay Pride weekend. The festivities always begin a day or two in advance for most of the party-goers. I'm not one of those people but I support sober fun and goofiness, in general. I wish it would end at that but unfortunately, addiction and addictive behavior doesn't miss an opportunity to hijack a good time and divert attention to the darker truth which is we have a massive drug problem in SF.

I'm just one man... I can't control others. I can, however, control me.

I Remain...

2011-06-20T10:25:00.001-07:00

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.", Frank Herbert

Watch "Not Acceptable R-word PSA" on YouTube

2011-06-16T22:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T549VoLca_Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Werner Herzog reads Go the Fuck to Sleep

2011-06-16T21:24:00.001-07:00

http://kottke.org/11/06/werner-herzog-reads-go-the-fuck-to-sleep

The TRUTH About Service Animals In Public Places & The Language Of The Law As It Stands, Today...

2011-06-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

Recently, I've seen an increase in confusion where service dogs in public places is concerned. To combat this, I'm asking that people please view this video and read the source link I've included below.

If you're not a disabled person with a service dog, please don't comment until you've read the resource link and watched the video. Nothing is more offensive to a disabled person than a non-disabled person trying to tell the disabled person "which end is up". The truth is, there's more misinformation than misunderstandings. I have found in my VAST experience over the last decade that people who don't know what they're talking about seem to get the most attention... and it's annoyingly unfortunate because this weakens the truth and establishes more and more road blocks for those disabled or non-disabled persons who DO know what they're talking about and have years of negative experiences to show for it.

I'd like to ask each of you to do the disabled community a favor. Think of it as an act of good samaritanism (is that a word?): Please cut and paste this video into the signature line of your emails. Each email you send out will have this embedded in the signature line... as it is in mine. CLEARLY, the bulk of our problems as a disabled community with service animal support is in getting everybody to understand the law, unemotionally and correctly. I've been advocating the rights of disabled persons for nearly 11 years now and it never ceases to amaze me how much more work needs to be done. Each of you can help out in unbelieveable ways if you simply watch this video and then post it on your signature line with the hope that all recipients of your emails will take a look at the video and LEARN.

Here it is: ADA Educational Video On Service Animals In Public Places: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLVMIO5P5H8

ADA Website: http://searchjustice.usdoj.gov/search?q=site%3Awww.ada.gov&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=iso-8859-1&oe=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&site=default_collection.

Max Is The BEST...

2011-06-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

Max isn't allowed in the kitchen because he leaves his toys behind.... He knows this rule well. Now, he rolls his balls into the kitchen from the doorway to get my attention. :-)

Little Steps Lead To Huge Rewards...

2011-06-12T16:41:00.001-07:00

First, I lost my hearing. Then, I became Deaf. Now, hearing is a lot less about listening and more like loving with the full attention of my eye's heart. I'm a better man, now.

Had A Great Time...

2011-06-11T14:36:00.001-07:00

Today, Max and I did a long haul to Dolores Park. We also hit up Duboce Park. He got to play and he was so fabulous to all the dogs and handlers... as always.

The photo is of a friend's house. I planted and trained this Bouganvillay many years ago. This is the fruits of my labor.

The weather in SF is just fantastic!

Qik - Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert by Blayne Douglas

2011-06-10T19:20:00.001-07:00

Dear Heart...

2011-06-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Please stop getting involved in everything. Your job is to pump blood, that's it...

Phoenix Rising...

2011-06-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

Today, I had a great chat with O... as I always do. So helpful, direct yet gentle and thought-provoking.

I've been anxious lately... spinning. It happens from time to time but the beauty part is I'm totally aware of it and myself and have learned to deploy the correct fighting tools to combat it EARLIER. In many cases, I was in the dark from start to finish. Now, I'm completely in tune with myself and its like seeing an old friend. Nice.

The weather couldn't be better. I'm grateful to my higher power for ALL of it.

This was my lunch.

Shooting In SF...

2011-06-07T23:33:00.001-07:00

Afternoon Shooting In Downtown SF Injures Juvenile Story posted 2011.06.07 at 09:47 PM PDT A Tuesday afternoon shooting near a busy tourist spot in San Francisco's Mid-Market neighborhood left a juvenile male injured and police searching for clues, a police spokesman said.

Police received reports of shots heard near several intersections around Market -- including Market and Fifth streets, Market and Sixth streets, and Turk and Taylor streets --at about 4:30 p.m., Sgt. Michael Andraychak said.

Officers responded and determined that the shooting took place at Fifth and Market streets, which is where both the Powell Street BART station and the Westfield San Francisco Centre mall are located.

The juvenile who was shot had apparently ran to Turk Street, where he was picked up by a good Samaritan motorist, Andraychak said.

Officers stopped the car containing the victim at Turk and Leavenworth streets, and the victim, who was found with a gunshot wound, was transported by ambulance to a hospital, according to Andraychak. The victim's injury was not considered life-threatening.

The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect description or motive was available as of 7:15 p.m., Andraychak said.

2011-06-03T19:06:00.001-07:00

Maximus somewhat annoyed by my camera after a day at the groomer. :-(

Sometimes...

2011-06-02T14:02:00.001-07:00

"One thing leads to another. Not always. Sometimes, one thing leads to the same thing. Just ask an addict." - George Carlin

SO, My Homework Was To Be More Open To My Higher Power...

2011-05-31T08:14:00.001-07:00

I've had a lot of fun these last few months. Finally, I got the digs done. All the new furniture is moved in... Max is having a problem with letting go of the bed... lol

Little Me...

2011-05-26T16:34:00.001-07:00

"I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear." - Oprah Winfrey

Be Faithful...

2011-05-25T19:51:00.001-07:00

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.", Mother Teresa

Misery - Not Today...

2011-05-24T17:25:00.001-07:00

"I don't think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.", Anne Frank

Rapture My Ass...

2011-05-20T23:20:00.001-07:00

OH, MAN!!! I think I feel the rapture coming! Nope... wait......... oh, that's just the gay boys upstairs crankin up the sling and whips.

2011-05-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

What can I say... he's my baby.

Ha...

2011-05-03T15:44:00.001-07:00

Grieving...

2011-04-16T16:43:00.001-07:00

"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." T.S. Eliot

When In Doubt...

2011-04-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

I asked Great Spirit, "how may my love be shared?" Great Spirit answered me, "...the words will become your prayers." I answered back, "when in doubt, love what could be truer." -Blayne Douglas

Day Of Silence...

2011-04-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of thousands of students at thousands of middle schools, high schools and colleges will take some form of a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.

Please join with those of us who dream of a time when all people are truly equal.

HaHaHa...

2011-04-04T20:32:00.001-07:00

"Ever notice how 'What the hell' is always the right answer?" - Marilyn Monroe

2011-03-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do. - Epictetus

Google's Friend Finder For Japan's Earthquake Victims & Survivors...

2011-03-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

If you have family or friends in Japan and need to locate them, Google has established a website to assist you.

http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en

Having MANY A-Ha Moments These Days...

2011-03-09T13:40:00.001-08:00

Trust: How much we trust others is in direct proportion to how much we trust ourselves and our ability to handle other's imperfections...

2011-03-07T07:13:00.001-08:00

I made homemade pizza the other night... Twas FABulous.

This week will be very busy for me... I'm hoping to maintain my cool as I progress through the days. My learned characteristics will be challenged and I am looking forward to seeing how well I hold up through all this.

Stay tuned.

Quiet Times...

2011-02-28T21:21:00.001-08:00

just me and Max at the window... very quiet moment over a cup of coffee and city sounds I can only hear when the world is at its quietest and im, somehow, once again a hearing person... or as close to it as it gets.

Maxxie...

2011-02-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

Maxxie...

Sundays Always Feel Somber To Me...

2011-02-27T13:28:00.001-08:00

Ever since I was a small child, I've felt Sundays were a bit annoying. It's the butt-end of a week we usually want to just be done with yet not quite the start of a week we can't wait to start. It's a time and space of limbo.

Today, I'm relaxing with my Maximus in front of the tv watching my favored PBS shows... which usually are cooking or DIY home improvement shows.

The weather continuees to stupify many but I'm going with the flow. If its raining I plan around that but I don't mind finding things to do in doors. I certainly wont run out of things to clean or organize. Max likes to bark at the the broom.

Therapy is so amazing. I'm actually starting to see the light at the other end of the tunnel. I'm filled with a new kind of hope.

More later but for now, I am well.

All is well.

What If It Were The Other Way Around...

2011-02-24T18:13:00.001-08:00

Sorenson VRS's NEW nTouch VP for HTC EVO 4G...

2011-02-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

A Not So Funny Deafie Story...

2011-02-14T19:24:00.001-08:00

I just did a bad thing by accident.

A friend placed her Gucci purse on a hospital room sink which is small, anyway. Unknowingly, I bumped into it with my back-side and turned to the sink so that I couldn't know what I'd just done. The purse was open and fell into the sink which has an automatic "movement-sensored" turn out capability. I filled her 2,000.00 purse with water. Additionally, I destroyed her iPod, her friend's iPod, cellphone, Gucci watch, 100.00 bill, passport and so on. I couldn't hear the water running, of course, and I only knew because her daughter looked alarmingly at something behind me and when I spun quickly around that I saw why.

Moments later, I leaned into a wall and inadvertently bumped into the code-call button located on the wall. Tbis sent out a code blue throughout the entire floor.

Because my friend is in the hospital, I haven't slept in over 48 hours so I'm a bit delirious. Everyone said the purse was not my fault but that the code blue alarm was. Ha

Sitting Here - Thinking...

2011-02-12T07:08:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since I've been in the hospital but to now be here in support of another is an entirely different perspective. I find I'm quite good at the whole nursey nurse, nurse thing. I'm better for my friend because I've been there and know what works and what basic stuff doesn't work like where to run an IV and how to be positioned on a bed, how to ne addressed as a Deafie, how to ask for help and what to do should that process run aground.

My best friend is in the hospital for a brain hemmorage. Such a scary problem, matters of the brain can be. It's this whole not knowing that scares the pissy out of a person.

Makes me grateful for how well I am and makes me thankful I'm here to help her now.

Blayne Douglas thought you'd like this Qik video

2011-02-11T18:14:00.001-08:00

Hey there - Blayne Douglas has shared this Qik video, Egyptians Celebrate in SF!. To watch this video and leave a comment for Blayne Douglas click http://qik.com/35589410/72b0c6c0.

Best,
- The Qik Team
----
Qik is the easiest way to record and share your life as it happens with your friends and family. Start Qikking today by signing up at http://qik.com/sign_up

Dinner...

2011-01-29T19:59:00.001-08:00

My Version of Whitecastle Burgers...

2011-01-25T19:59:00.001-08:00

2011-01-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

I Was Called A Fag Today...

2011-01-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Of course, I don't respond to such things because I know the lunacy behind the frontal lobe that says such things and it's always the wiser who holds his tongue while if in the presence of fools. It reminded me why I don't take public transportation in the city and walk to each of my destinations. A habit that soon shall follow once more, I assure you. However, sprung from this foul-mouthed creature was an epiphany from which I've found great learning in the words of Louise Hay.

"It is my deep desire that the topic "How Your thoughts Work" would be the very first subject taught in school. I have never understood the importance of having children memorize battle dates. It seems like such a waste of mental energy. Instead, we could teach them important subjects such as How the Mind Works, How to Handle Finances, How to Invest Money for Financial Security, How to Be a Parent, How to Create Good Relationships, and How to Create and Maintain Self-Esteem and Self-Worth.

Can you imagine what a whole generation of adults would be like if they had been taught these subjects in school along with their regular curriculum? Think how these truths would manifest. We would have happy people who feel good about themselves. We would have people who are comfortable financially and who enrich the economy by investing their money wisely. They would have good relationships with everyone and would be comfortable with the role of parenthood and then go on to create another generation of children who feel good about themselves. Yet, within all this, each person would remain an individual expressing his or her own creativity.

There is no time to waste. Let's continue with our work."

Imagine All The People... Sharing All The World...

2011-01-15T19:54:00.001-08:00

Indeed...

2011-01-15T19:35:00.001-08:00

How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault~

Rough Day...

2011-01-09T23:09:00.001-08:00

I had one of those days where I didn't feel well physically and I sort of got grumpy for no reason and early in the day, too.

Tonight, I broke out the weed and made myself a burger.

We're Headed Towards A Revolution...

2011-01-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

1. Dem Rep Giffords shot in head in Az. Sarah Palin had put CROSSHAIRS/ BULLSEYE on Giffords on her website! OUTRAGE! http://mmflint.me/fcHmJf

2. When Rep Giffords voted in favor of health care bill, her office in Tucson was attacked & vandalized. http://mmflint.me/hKYtR7

3. Palin "set gun sights on 20 Dems (including Giffords)." http://mmflint.me/fcHmJf Palin site now seems 2 b 2 taking down crosshairs map!

4. In 2009, another gun nut showed up where Rep Giffords was speaking (at another Safeway) & dropped his gun http://mmflint.me/gPnApk

5. Giffords opponent held June event 2 "Shoot a Fully Automatic M16" to "Get on Target" & "Remove Gabrielle Giffords" http://mmflint.me/hF1BN5

6. When Palin put crosshairs on a map w/ Rep. Giffords & 19 other Dem congressmen/women, she urged followers to "reload" & "aim" for Democrats.

7. RT @RichardKimNYC Giffords was impt brave ally in fight to defeat 2006 AZ anti-gay marriage initiative. i covered in brief http://tinyurl.com/285hk92

8. Past photo of alleged Tucson shooter (in background) http://yfrog.com/h5oq9gj

9. Stunning admission by Tucson sheriff: Arizona "a mecca" of hate & bigotry which unhinges the unbalanced http://mmflint.me/hOlRG8 Wow

10. Thanks, Keith, 4 ur powerful Special Comment just now & 4 mentioning Glenn Beck's violent fantasies: http://mmflint.me/eTc1LC

11. Christina Green was the 9yr old killed. She was born on 9/11. Was on student council & only girl on baseball team. http://mmflint.me/dOs1oY

12. If a Detroit Muslim put a map on the web w/crosshairs on 20 pols, then 1 of them got shot, where would he b sitting right now? Just asking

Reluctance...

2011-01-04T19:41:00.001-08:00

By Robert Frost

Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world and descended;
I have come by the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.
The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one by one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.
And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question 'Whither?'
Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?