New Production of "The Miracle Worker"

I just read an article about a new production of "The Miracle Worker" on Broadway and the discourse involved in the producer's casting of the lead role.

I have not seen "My Sister's Keeper," the movie which is Abigail Breslin's claim to fame. I am certain she is a fine actress and I certainly wish her the best in her career. There is a bigger issue here, however.

I remember watching "The Mask of Zorro" for the first time. I absolutely loved Antonio Banderas in the role of the masked man. In one of many interviews, Mr. Banderas explained how proud he was, after decades of Anglo-American actors being cast, to be the first Latin man to be cast to play Zorro. He explained how, growing up, he idolized Zorro and watched the series intently. But even as a young Latin man, he noticed and was puzzled as to why someone Latin had never been cast in the role.

This is the concern of many in the disability community. There is a play currently set to release on Broadway about Helen Keller. I have a great deal of admiration for Ms. Keller. One of the first movies that moved me as a child was "The Miracle Worker," the movie about her life. Both major renditions of this story, the 1962 movie version with Patty Duke portraying Ms. Keller, and the 1979 TV version in which Ms. Duke portrayed Helen Keller's assistant Anne Sullivan, were cast using non-disabled actors. Isn't time a blind and/or deaf person was placed in this role?

"...the show's producer, David Richenthal, claims that the production was unable to find a blind or deaf child actor with the star power to bring in enough of an audience to justify the show's large budget, saying "It's simply naïve to think that in this day and age, you'll be able to sell tickets to a play revival solely on the potential of the production to be a great show or on the potential for an unknown actress to give a breakthrough performance," he said. "I would consider it financially irresponsible to approach a major revival without making a serious effort to get a star." The show will, however, be making an effort to find a blind or deaf actress to play Breslin's understudy -- but they won't make any promises."

I take exception with his arguement. If a blind or deaf child may be adequate to be cast as an understudy, why not in the lead? I see nothing but draw and appeal to a show that casts a young blind and/or deaf actress playing a lead role in a major production. Can you imagine the appeal? I see all the morning news shows, the "Oprah's" and "Ellen's" clamoring to get interviews and review it.

My guess is that this producer wants to cash in on the story, but that he doesn't really "get" it, which is often the case. He doesn't want to take the time to work with the disability community. He has his bias and is short-sighted, only seeing the box office appeal of this young up and coming actress. How sad.

I do hope that this production is successful in that it opens more people's eyes to the disability community at large. I also hope that in that same vein, it opens this producer's eyes to that same community. Maybe it will allow him to open his mind, as well, by allowing someone who experiences the same disability that he is cashing in on, to portray Ms. Keller.

Check out the original article here.

The Wedding Dance

I really don't watch YouTube as much as it appears. That being said, I just HAD to share this with you! Make sure and watch it all the way through. And NO, I would NEVER be able to get my husband Tony to do this!

Old Time Cartoon Teaches Us A Lesson

This is campy, but it's a video from 1948 which is oh so appropriate today.

Sarah Palin's "Death Panels" Are In Practice Now

I dare anyone, after reading this article, to accuse Sarah Palin of untrue and inflammatory remarks regarding "death panels." She has an insight we all benefit from, in this and other matters.

Over the weekend, I was at a fundraiser for our local Valley Republican Women's Club. While there, I had the opportunity to speak to a fellow member about her experiences working in a doctor's office. Already, hearing her story, I can see the death panels have begun.

She was explaining that the physician she works for is not able to get the seasonal flu vaccine, which is normally offered every year, for her patients. Because of the overwhelming production of the H1N1 vaccine, her office has neither vaccine available. This physician treats elderly patients whom she feels benefit most from the seasonal flu vaccine. But because so much time, energy, and money is being put toward production of the H1N1 vaccine by our government, she has NO vaccine to offer her patients. Seasonal flu vaccine production is all but non-existent and H1N1 vaccines are horribly behind schedule. Her elderly patients and her at-risk patients have no protection from the seasonal flu to which they are so vulnerable, and no one has the H1N1 vaccine yet.

If a population of elderly and in-firmed individuals in these United States is not able to get the care they need (i.e. protection from the seasonal flu by vaccination), is this not the end result of a "death panel?" Was it not our government that decided to "pull out all the stops" and overwhelm our vaccine manufacturers with orders and production requests for the H1N1 vaccine? Our government opted to treat one population over another. Mind you, supposedly the most vulnerable population in the H1N1 "hysteria" are the young and typically healthy among us. The death panels have already begun - those typically protected (the elderly and in-firmed) are not being protected now.

So, the government says, why not take it to the next level? In this article, you will see the government's strategy for handling a worst case scenario situation regarding a pandemic. It's frightening, and it's wrong. And again, we want this government to run our healthcare. The only thing keeping them in check right now is the private sector. If government run healthcare becomes a reality, where will it end? Where will be the checks and balances?

Please read this article from the New Yorks Times: Worst Case: Choosing Who Survives in a Flu Epidemic

"But some health professionals question whether the draft guidelines are fair, effective, ethical, and even remotely feasible."

I know I'm questioning it - Are you?

The Christmas Can-Can

The men's vocal group "Straight No Chaser" started as a group of men from Indiana University. One of their members posted a 10-year-old video of the group on YouTube last year, and the rest is history.

This video is from an upcoming PBS Special and it is titled "Christmas Can-Can."



Now, if I could just get them to come to Alaska!

Do It Again

A friend of mine, Rebekah Curtis, posted this earlier today and I had to share it with you.

"[Children] always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is.... It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes ... Read Moreall daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. ...[F]or we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we."
— G.K. Chesterton

Flight Attendant Supports Our Troops

This video really brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that there are so many people out there that, in their own way, support our troops. I am so happy she has involved others in this. Maybe that will inspire them to support our troops as well.

Journal Messages Lift Soldiers' Spirits

Mark Gungor and "A Tale of Two Brains"

I have to admit - this guy has hit the nail on the head (or brain as it may be!). Every young couple should watch this and some of his other videos. So, so true. I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. You have to watch this!

Hop on board the "Snowball Express!"

I was given this information and wanted to pass it on. This sounds like a wonderful organization. If you can donate, please do. If you know if anyone who might qualify, please encourage them to go to the Snowball Express website. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS OCTOBER 31!

I hope this brief description of Snowball Express will get to those families that don't know of our services and result in more families registering before the October 31st deadline for this year's event.

Snowball Express is the charity for the children of military fallen heroes.

Each year Snowball Express sponsors an annual event in which the children ages 5-18 of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty in either combat or non-combat related deaths are brought together for an all expense gathering of healing. All air-travel,hotel, food and entertainment costs are covered by Snowball
Express.everything!

This year's event will be held in Dallas, Texas from December 9-13. Deadline for registering is very soon, November 6, 2009. Currently we have over 1300 planned attendees from all over the country and the world attending and have room for many more.

Children and the accompanying surviving parent/legal guardian will be treated to a series of fun events consisting of a visit a dude ranch,the Mesquite Rodeo and Texas BBQ dinner, the City of Dallas hosting a parade honoring the families along with the Dallas Cowboys hosting the families that culminates in a concert by Gary Sinise and his "Lt Dan Band" in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

American Airlines, the Official Airline of Snowball Express, will be flying over 1200 of the attendees to the events with private charters and free tickets for those on regularly scheduled flights.

Most importantly the children will meet other children who have also suffered this tragic loss and will have the opportunity to make new friends, creating new memories that will last a lifetime.

Eligible children are only those listed on the fallen hero's DD1300 Report of Casualty. Families with younger children are encouraged to register for other local "snowflake" events in which children of all ages are invited to attend. Please visit the Snowball Express website to learn more.

Happy 234th Birthday to the United States Navy

Today, October 13, 2009 is the 234th birthday of the United States Navy. I served in the Navy from 1984 to 1988 as an "MR" or Machinery Repairman, which translates to a civilian machinist. After boot camp and "A" school, I was stationed at the Naval Submarine Support Facility in Groton, Connecticut. There I worked on mostly fast attack submarines, making parts for their repair. I realize now more than ever how important that job was. I had the opportunity to serve under Ronald Reagan - what a great honor. I also did some reserve time in Newport, Rhode Island and was attached to a reserve unit out of Portsmouth, Virginia that repaired aircraft carriers. It was very exciting and I feel blessed to have had this opportunity in my lifetime.

I was recently contacted by Douglas Karr of the Veteran's Blog on Mesothelioma.com. Through Veterans and Mesothelioma they have been "Helping mesothelioma victims and their families for over 25 years." I have added a link to their site on my sidebar and encourage you to follow the links in this post and check out their site. They have a great veterans blog. Here is an excerpt from today's post on the US Navy's birthday:

Happy 234th Birthday, Navy

Doug Karr - October 13, 2009

On October 13, 1775, Continental Congress approved the procurement, staffing and arming of two ships that would attempt to stop the British Army from receiving ammunition and other supplies. The two vessels commissioned by the CC cruised the waters off the shore of what we now call America, but was then known as the Colonies. These two ships were the first vessels of the Continental Navy [1775-1783] and by the conclusion of the Revolutionary War the Continental Navy fleet consisted of about fifty vessels, including approximately twenty warships.

To gain a better understanding of why the CC decided to acquire and arm two ships, one must understand what was happening between Britain and the Colonies – if you’re a history buff, pardon the mini-history lesson. 1775 was a year of rebellion for the Colonies, and the CC decided to take control – they created the Continental Army, began issuing paper currency, and even created a committee that would be responsible for interactions with other countries. While the Colonies were getting their business in order, Britain was dominating the sea, creating a range of problems for the Colonies [from destroying colonial communities close to the shores to attempts to block ships from entering colonial ports with imports].

Fed up with Britain’s attempts, a few of the Colonies commissioned sparse fleets to defend their seaside communities. Their argument was that the fleets would allow the colonists to protect themselves, but some members of the CC were concerned that this might jeopardize any hope for future reconciliation with Britain. John Adams was not one of these men – Adams [who was from Massachusetts] had been lobbying his fellow CC members for the creation of a naval force that would not only defend colonial towns on the coast from British vessels, but would also aid in the protection of sea trade and the establishment of relationships with other neutral world countries. Many CC members from southern colonies thought that the creation of a navy would only benefit the colonies in the New England region, while others were too afraid that establishing a navy would offend Britain and imply that the colonies were completely sovereign [which, in the end, was achieved by the Revolutionary War].

Finally, on October 3rd, 1775, CC members from Rhode Island presented a plan to their fellow delegates that would create a colonial fleet immediately. The proposal was debated on the floor of the CC, and Maryland delegate Samuel Chase has been quoted throughout history as calling the proposal “the maddest idea in the world.” The Rhode Island delegates left the floor of CC without the support of their fellow delegates, but two days later, with word that at least two unarmed British ships were carrying ammunition to Quebec, their proposal was once again up for debate......

To read more, click here.

Alaska: God's Country

I've posted other videos from Seth Adam Smith, a truly talented young man. For those of you who'd like to see why I love this state so much, just watch this video. I feel so blessed that I get to see the beauty shown in this video every day. It is a truly amazing here. I hope you enjoy this, and please check out Seth's site.

Is this what it's come to?

"Every day brings it's own set of suprises," I heard once. Today's "surprise" (I mean seriously, can we even be surprised anymore?) reported on Atlas Shrugs is an "American" flag with Obama's face firmly planted where the field of stars should be. I mean come on people.



Michelle Malkin reported on her site back in January when an Obama supporter did something similar. Click here to read that article.

She noted at that time that the US Flag Code states "“The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.”

There is no doubt that what was done is a desecration of our flag. See this Widipedia article for more information on flag desecration. Here they note that "Today, defacing a flag is an act of protected speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, as established in Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), and reaffirmed in U.S. v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990)." Protected or not, this is wrong.

Some have called for boycotts of the manufacturer of this flag, which I agree with. No amount of profit should be put above our nation's colors. Here is a link to the site where this flag can be purchased on ebay. I intend to write ebay and see if this can be removed. Anyone want to join me?

Finally, A Victory!!

I have to hand it to Alaskan Senators Lisa Murkowski (R) and Mark Begich (D) who worked in concert to convince the Obama administration that it was possible to reinstate Alaska Territorial Guard members' pension status. I can't tell you how pleased I am. I want to thank both senators for their hard work on this issue and for looking out for the Alaskans who served in such an important time in our nation's past. And I want to thank those of you who read my stories on this issue and contacted the senators and let them know how you feel. Thanks so, so much!

Follow this link to read the previous posts concerning this story.

Below is today's Anchorage Daily News story, or you can read it through their web site here.

Senators OK militia pay for Alaska vets

By ERIKA BOLSTAD
ebolstad@adn.com

Published: October 6th, 2009 04:18 PM
Last Modified: October 6th, 2009 05:43 PM

WASHINGTON -- A military spending bill passed the U.S. Senate Tuesday with a provision intact that would pay the pensions of about two dozen elderly members of the World War II-era Alaska Territorial Guard.

The White House last month had expressed disapproval of the pensions; the administration's comments were part of a strongly worded message to Congress outlining a number of other presidential priorities or concerns about the military spending bill, including proposed cuts in funding for the war in Afghanistan.

The White House said it didn't think it was "appropriate to establish a precedent of treating service performed by a state employee as active duty for purposes of the computation of retired pay."

But the White House objections to the pensions drew swift rebuke from the state's two senators, Republican Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Mark Begich, who had together sponsored the pension fix.

The problem began when the U.S. Army decided this year it would no longer count service in the Guard when it calculates the military's 20-year minimum for retirement pay -- although the service still counts for military benefits. As a result, those former Alaska Territorial guardsman eligible for pensions saw them decreased in January. In response, state lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year to fill the pay gap until Congress made a permanent fix.

The federal fix proposed by Begich and Murkowski allows the former Guard members to count their service in the Alaska Territorial Guard as part of active military duty, and it reinstates the pension payments.

The Guardsmen were among those assigned to protect Alaska from the Japanese during World War II. An estimated 300 members are still living from the original 6,600-member unit formed in 1942 to protect Alaska, then a territory, from attack. The 26 men in question have enough other military service to reach the 20-year minimum for retirement pay.

School Answering Machine

I homeschool because I want to guide my child's education. Unfortunately there are way too many folks who fail to place the blame for everything wrong about their child's education where it belongs. At the very least, they should set the example. Public education is not perfect but making excuses for your child rather than setting the example and having him or her own up to their responsibilities serves no good purpose. I would love it if a school system in the United States had the courage to put this message on their machine.

Cactus Cuties and the "Star Spangled Banner"

I posted another video from the Cactus Cuties that you can see here, where they sang the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Here is video of them singing the "Star Spangled Banner" at a Texas Tech basketball game. These girls are going places!

Anti-Depression Video

Too cute not to pass on : )

Alaska Territorial Guard - Commentary

This commentary appeared in Anchorage Daily News' online edition today. There are only 24 members of the Alaska Territorial Guard left now. Will the government stall until there are none? ADN doesn't give an author so I can only assume it is someone from the paper who wrote it, but I thought it was worth sharing for those following this story.

Our view: Pay due

Alaska vets deserve retirement

The Obama administration has said it doesn't want two dozen aging veterans of the Alaska Territorial Guard to have their World War II service count toward retirement pay. The reason? Such a qualification would set a bad precedent of granting federal benefits for state service.

Nonsense. The circumstances in this case are unique. To speak of setting precedent is absurd.

Alaska's congressional delegation is unanimous in support of full benefits for these veterans, and they should school the administration on some American history:

• Alaskan was not a state, but a United States territory when the territorial guard was formed in 1942. The service of these soldiers had nothing to do with the state of Alaska, which didn't exist until 17 years later.

• The United States was at war then, and Japanese troops would land and fight on U.S. soil in the Aleutians. The 6,600-member territorial guard was formed to protect U.S. soil.

• The Department of the Army counted territorial guard service as active military service until 2008, when a reinterpretation of a 2000 law discounted the service. To his credit, then-Secretary of the Army Pete Geren dipped into an emergency fund to extend the benefits for two months past their January 2009 expiration date.

• When the extension ran out, the Alaska Legislature stepped in and voted to cover the benefits until Congress did right by the veterans. Alaska's cover lasts through February 2010.

Alaskans are picking up the tab for about $10,000 a month. We're honored to do so.

But it's not our job. It's Uncle Sam's.

The difference for these veterans, most of whom live in villages where food and fuel costs are high, is as much as $557 a month in retirement pay. That's plenty.

And it's due -- from the United States, on whose behalf the soldiers earned their benefits.

Twenty-six veterans were involved last spring. Now there are only 24. Let's have no more delay.

BOTTOM LINE: Congress should do what's right and count veterans' World War II service in the Alaska Territorial Guard.

Check out the original story here

Global Warming vs Government Interpretation

I'll be honest - like most people I've spoken to, I'm not clear on all the intricacies of Cap and Tax. But hey, I don't think our elected officials are either. What I do believe, and what is beginning to become more clear, is that the data being used to promote the global warming issue is not entirely accurate, if not altogether and outright false.

I work in an office building next door to a coal mining consultant. He has a vested interest in seeing that we continue to mine coal. Clean burning coal is an abundant resource, particularly here in Alaska. Recently he was emailed data from a colleague showing that our current warming trends are normal, cyclical, and we're actually overdue for the actual warming trend we appear to be going through now. I firmly believe that no amount of conservation or change in habits is going to prevent our earth from warming. We live on a planet whose climate is constantly changing. This is normal.

And this brings me to my second point. What does our government base their global warming hysteria on? Data - lots and lots of data. And where do we get this data - from the government. Now, here is where it gets fun. It seems that the government has standards for measuring temperatures (trust me, the government has a procedure and a standard for everything. I know first hand - I was in the Navy). The government's own standards describe where and how these measuring instruments should be placed in order to collect accurate data. Well, guess what? As the video below shows, these instruments have not been placed in locations according to their own standards. Therefore, they almost certainly are giving us false information - temperatures that are higher than what they should be, and this is what we are basing our global warming information on. So, is the government inept and not competent enough to place their instruments in the correct locations, or is the government intentionally misleading us with false data?

Either we are going through a normal warming trend we can't control, or this is a government-engineered/government fallacy in order to promote a tax we neither need or want. Check out the diagram and video and decide for yourself:

Sarah Palin is #1 !!!

Here is a great video about the release of Sarah Palin's new book