Who would have thought that of all people.....well OK Tony Soprano is just the lead character in the HBO series the Sopranos.....would use politically correct person first language.
I have to admit that I am a huge Sopranos fan and of all people I probably would have expected him to use the "R" word. I would not have liked it but I would have probably let it slide. But an interesting thing happened last night. As Tony was talking with the son of his murdered captain Vito, little Vito was having all kinds of issues at school. They did not really say what had transpired but Tony raked little Vito over the coals because the girl that he did something to was "Developmentally Disabled". Now I have no idea what supposedly happened nor do I probably want to know but I thought wow that surprised me.
All these people that use and throw the "R" word around as a regular part of their vocabulary and Tony Soprano uses pretty correct language. I am impressed. Maybe Rush Limbaugh and his entire class at The Limbaugh institute for Advanced Conservative Studies should consult with Tony on the proper use of the English Language and that you don't always have to offend to get ratings and afford your Cigars.
Peace Dude!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Why is it?
In recent months and weeks it seems that the media Moguls have decided what people can say on the air and not. Here are some examples of out of control behavior that got most what they deserve.
1. Micheal Richards of Seinfeld fame got booted out of comedy for using the "N" word at a comedy club....He should have.
2. Don Imus got his final punishment for using a group of words I have no idea why our how he even came up with....
3. Now the record Moguls are starting to look at HIP HOP lyrics....
4. Today Ruben Navarrette Jr. wrote a commentary on CNN about people repeating the use of the "W" word. He also talked about using the "N" word and the "f" word.
All of this quite accurate in my opinion. The other thing I agree with completely with the Don Imus issue, it is not right for people on radio and TV to pick on people that have not entered public life. Don Imus has done some great things in fund raising and I am sure he will be back soon but he messed up. But others seem to get away with it
But here is what I don't understand. Why are all these things not appropriate but the "R" word gets thrown around like it's no big deal. The "R" word is the shortened slang version of Mental Retardation a medical diagnosis. Comedians use it all the time and everyone laughs,Rush Limbaugh has used it and nothing, people use it in the office every time they make a mistake or do anything else that they can find a reason to so they are retarded or that is so retarded. It drives me nuts.
Yes I am your average middle aged white guy but I happen to have a son that has Down syndrome which is classified as mild mental retardation and it really gets under my skin. And of late some Comedians like Chris Rock have actually said they have Down syndrome. Saturday Night Live actually had a skit referring to someones father as having Down syndrome. Now I am just one guy but I can confirm that I use to watch Saturday Night Live and I always liked Chris Rock but neither has to worry about my tuning in to any of their stuff in the future. Hey I know they don't care but I do.
Talk about a group of individuals that have not entered public life, have not done anything to be singled out. If the fine ladies of Rutgers can't defend themselves (which I think they did a fine job on their own)with out the help of the media and Rev Sharpton and Rev Jackson I wonder when the Rev Jackson and Sharpton will stand up against the "R" Word? Let's not forget that Down syndrome and Mental Retardation know no racial bounds.
Ok, I am done and am getting down off my soap box.
In the words of my wonderful niece.....PEACE DUDE!
1. Micheal Richards of Seinfeld fame got booted out of comedy for using the "N" word at a comedy club....He should have.
2. Don Imus got his final punishment for using a group of words I have no idea why our how he even came up with....
3. Now the record Moguls are starting to look at HIP HOP lyrics....
4. Today Ruben Navarrette Jr. wrote a commentary on CNN about people repeating the use of the "W" word. He also talked about using the "N" word and the "f" word.
All of this quite accurate in my opinion. The other thing I agree with completely with the Don Imus issue, it is not right for people on radio and TV to pick on people that have not entered public life. Don Imus has done some great things in fund raising and I am sure he will be back soon but he messed up. But others seem to get away with it
But here is what I don't understand. Why are all these things not appropriate but the "R" word gets thrown around like it's no big deal. The "R" word is the shortened slang version of Mental Retardation a medical diagnosis. Comedians use it all the time and everyone laughs,Rush Limbaugh has used it and nothing, people use it in the office every time they make a mistake or do anything else that they can find a reason to so they are retarded or that is so retarded. It drives me nuts.
Yes I am your average middle aged white guy but I happen to have a son that has Down syndrome which is classified as mild mental retardation and it really gets under my skin. And of late some Comedians like Chris Rock have actually said they have Down syndrome. Saturday Night Live actually had a skit referring to someones father as having Down syndrome. Now I am just one guy but I can confirm that I use to watch Saturday Night Live and I always liked Chris Rock but neither has to worry about my tuning in to any of their stuff in the future. Hey I know they don't care but I do.
Talk about a group of individuals that have not entered public life, have not done anything to be singled out. If the fine ladies of Rutgers can't defend themselves (which I think they did a fine job on their own)with out the help of the media and Rev Sharpton and Rev Jackson I wonder when the Rev Jackson and Sharpton will stand up against the "R" Word? Let's not forget that Down syndrome and Mental Retardation know no racial bounds.
Ok, I am done and am getting down off my soap box.
In the words of my wonderful niece.....PEACE DUDE!
Monday, April 23, 2007
How much is enough?
The 2008 presidential race is in full swing. Fundraising is at an unbelievable level with mega millions of dollars being rasied to wage mud slinging on a whole new level. How many millions are we going to see wasted on negative ads, so called non connected groups spending millions for the campaigns so the campaigns and the candidates can deny deny and deny one more time. What could we do with all those millions of dollars wasted on attack ads?
1. Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act?
2. Fully fund No Child Left Behind (or just dump it)?
3. Actually help fund Medicaid waivers around the country?
4. Fix the issues at Walter Reed Hospital?
5. Give half the condidates a million dollars to go home and never speak in public again?
As for me I am paying close attention to Rudy and Barack and waiting to see if I can cast a vote for someone that will actually get in office and make things happen with out all the bickering, fighting and name calling that has become the way of politics in Washington, state and local politics.
1. Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act?
2. Fully fund No Child Left Behind (or just dump it)?
3. Actually help fund Medicaid waivers around the country?
4. Fix the issues at Walter Reed Hospital?
5. Give half the condidates a million dollars to go home and never speak in public again?
As for me I am paying close attention to Rudy and Barack and waiting to see if I can cast a vote for someone that will actually get in office and make things happen with out all the bickering, fighting and name calling that has become the way of politics in Washington, state and local politics.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Johnny The Bagger
If you have not seen this incredible story that now has been turned into a training seminar please click the link below. Being involved in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities find employment I sometimes try to get people to think out of the box about jobs and not just shoot for the obvious ones like bagging groceries. But in this case I needed to think out of the box a little bit because John went to work bagging groceries and changed a company and is helping to change others all over the country. To see the story click here.
To see and hear more about the story and training program visit Barbara Glanz's website. I had the opportunity to hear Barbara speak a few years ago and she is an awesome individual.
I hope you enjoy.
To see and hear more about the story and training program visit Barbara Glanz's website. I had the opportunity to hear Barbara speak a few years ago and she is an awesome individual.
I hope you enjoy.
New Look
I am putting together a new look for the blog. I hope to start posting quite a bit more in the future. The blog is going to take a bit of a turn as I am going to start posting allot more about politics, disability issue and the changes that I believe the states and also the disability service industry must make to truly supply the supports and services individuals need to live, work and play independently in our communities.
See you soon.
See you soon.
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