For my father, and everyone who faces challenges courageously. I love you Dad.
Your Partner In Life
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Inspiring. Just inspiring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2BjOa6ducg
Just so you don't think I'm a total crankypants curmudgeon after my last post, here is an inspiring example of disability not being an issue at all, as two friends create something beautiful called Strictly Wheels on Britain's Got Talent. There is probably a book waiting to be written on how a country famous for its stiff upper lips can routinely kick the American version in the butt so often.,
Happy Saturday!
Your Partner in Life
Just so you don't think I'm a total crankypants curmudgeon after my last post, here is an inspiring example of disability not being an issue at all, as two friends create something beautiful called Strictly Wheels on Britain's Got Talent. There is probably a book waiting to be written on how a country famous for its stiff upper lips can routinely kick the American version in the butt so often.,
Happy Saturday!
Your Partner in Life
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Disgusting. Just disgusting.
http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/parenting/disney-world-scheme--entitled-families-hire-disabled-guide-to-bypass-lines-194555620.html
This is disgusting.
Just disgusting.
These spoiled Manhattan Wives need to immediately realize two things about the disabled:
1) We did not ask to be born disabled. We just were.
2) I can almost guarantee that those disabled that have tasted more than a bit of what life has to offer are not standing in line going, "Just look at those poor able-bodied slobs! They have to wait two hours to get into Magic Mountain! Watch me as I speed by in my scooter, suckers!". Yet that is basically what the unnamed Richie Rich Mommy quoted in the story was overheard bragging when her daughter got into It's A Small World in minutes instead of two and-a-half hours like the other kids, by using a fraudulent disabled "guide".
3) And most importantly, Richie Rich Mommy and Daddy, if you or your children were actually disabled, you would likely be very humbled and appreciative of the service. So why aren't you now? Just in case?
Additionally, what the hell are you teaching your kids with all this? That it's OK to cheat and lie to get ahead? Do we really need another Real Housewives/Gossip Girl/Jersey Shore generation of amoral nitwits in ten to fifteen years?
No way!
Come on now. You can do better!
By now you may be thinking: Are there disabled people out there who just happen to be jerks? Just as in any other group, creed, or walk of life, yes there are. But thankfully, they are rare in my experience.
And to the disabled "guide": Not knowing much about the programs and safeguards in place for disabled Americans, I can only assume that you are in some kind of financial distress and went for the easy money. In whatever way your transgression was or will be dealt with, hopefully you have rethought your actions.
So I'm giving you a pass.
This time.
Your Partner In Life
This is disgusting.
Just disgusting.
These spoiled Manhattan Wives need to immediately realize two things about the disabled:
1) We did not ask to be born disabled. We just were.
2) I can almost guarantee that those disabled that have tasted more than a bit of what life has to offer are not standing in line going, "Just look at those poor able-bodied slobs! They have to wait two hours to get into Magic Mountain! Watch me as I speed by in my scooter, suckers!". Yet that is basically what the unnamed Richie Rich Mommy quoted in the story was overheard bragging when her daughter got into It's A Small World in minutes instead of two and-a-half hours like the other kids, by using a fraudulent disabled "guide".
3) And most importantly, Richie Rich Mommy and Daddy, if you or your children were actually disabled, you would likely be very humbled and appreciative of the service. So why aren't you now? Just in case?
Additionally, what the hell are you teaching your kids with all this? That it's OK to cheat and lie to get ahead? Do we really need another Real Housewives/Gossip Girl/Jersey Shore generation of amoral nitwits in ten to fifteen years?
No way!
Come on now. You can do better!
By now you may be thinking: Are there disabled people out there who just happen to be jerks? Just as in any other group, creed, or walk of life, yes there are. But thankfully, they are rare in my experience.
And to the disabled "guide": Not knowing much about the programs and safeguards in place for disabled Americans, I can only assume that you are in some kind of financial distress and went for the easy money. In whatever way your transgression was or will be dealt with, hopefully you have rethought your actions.
So I'm giving you a pass.
This time.
Your Partner In Life
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Penelope: Indestructible Cross-Canada Traveller
Hello sweetheart,
Did you think that Uncle Mike forgot about you? I would never do that, dear munchkin. But I definitely need to learn the work/life balance thing.
I saw that you had some excitement at your dayhome a while ago. Auntie Shawna and I are so glad that you are all right after your little spill. I have to tell you, sweet Penelope, that you come from a family of hard-headed people. When I was about the age you are now, I fell backward and hit my head on the edge of a dresser. Grandma Annie and Grandpa Paul rushed me to the hospital, and after a couple of stitches and a checkup, I was fine, just like you.
We are indestructible, you and me, just like those Avengers guys that I'm sure that your daddy will tell you about when you are old enough. Oh wait, there's a girl too. Black Widow. But we need a better, happier Avenger name for you. How about Miss Brainy? Sounds cool huh?
And our first mission as Avengers, should we as Miss Brainy and Mighty Lip (my Avenger name...for the people who say I talk too much) decide to accept it, is to concentrate real hard and send all our positive thoughts to Auntie Shawna (should her Avenger name be Tiny Mighty? What do you think?) Because though Auntie is indestructible usually too, right now she is healing and needs all we can give her. Are you ready? OK....1, 2, 3....GO! Mission accomplished, good job Penelope...I mean Miss Brainy!
And I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet girl, for being patient with my attempts to bottle-feed you on the trip we took last summer to go wish Great-Grandma Simonne a happy 95th birthday. You sucked mostly air that first time, but made me believe you were drinking your milk. Once I got it figured out, it was quite a moment, so thank you.
I love you.
Uncle Mike
Did you think that Uncle Mike forgot about you? I would never do that, dear munchkin. But I definitely need to learn the work/life balance thing.
I saw that you had some excitement at your dayhome a while ago. Auntie Shawna and I are so glad that you are all right after your little spill. I have to tell you, sweet Penelope, that you come from a family of hard-headed people. When I was about the age you are now, I fell backward and hit my head on the edge of a dresser. Grandma Annie and Grandpa Paul rushed me to the hospital, and after a couple of stitches and a checkup, I was fine, just like you.
We are indestructible, you and me, just like those Avengers guys that I'm sure that your daddy will tell you about when you are old enough. Oh wait, there's a girl too. Black Widow. But we need a better, happier Avenger name for you. How about Miss Brainy? Sounds cool huh?
And our first mission as Avengers, should we as Miss Brainy and Mighty Lip (my Avenger name...for the people who say I talk too much) decide to accept it, is to concentrate real hard and send all our positive thoughts to Auntie Shawna (should her Avenger name be Tiny Mighty? What do you think?) Because though Auntie is indestructible usually too, right now she is healing and needs all we can give her. Are you ready? OK....1, 2, 3....GO! Mission accomplished, good job Penelope...I mean Miss Brainy!
And I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet girl, for being patient with my attempts to bottle-feed you on the trip we took last summer to go wish Great-Grandma Simonne a happy 95th birthday. You sucked mostly air that first time, but made me believe you were drinking your milk. Once I got it figured out, it was quite a moment, so thank you.
I love you.
Uncle Mike
Dear Google
As I have stated previously below, I do not own a cell phone.
And I have no plans to get one any time soon.
So please stop bugging me about adding a mobile number when I sign in to your otherwise wonderful Blogger service.
Read my lips: I DON'T HAVE ONE!!!
And don't try to guilt me by saying that the only thing standing between me and catastrophe is having one!
Otherwise you're great.
Thanks for listening.
Sincerely,
Mike Hebert
And I have no plans to get one any time soon.
So please stop bugging me about adding a mobile number when I sign in to your otherwise wonderful Blogger service.
Read my lips: I DON'T HAVE ONE!!!
And don't try to guilt me by saying that the only thing standing between me and catastrophe is having one!
Otherwise you're great.
Thanks for listening.
Sincerely,
Mike Hebert
Thursday, January 31, 2013
My Kingdom For A (Pay) Phone
Not that I'm in a ranting mood this morning or anything, but here's something else that REALLY bugs me whenever I'm out: the almost complete and utter lack of payphones now in malls and other public places.
I know, I know...time to complete my transition to the digital revolution already. And you'd think I would, but those that know me well know why I haven't yet. I'll even give you a hint: a baptized cordless phone's journey from countertop to toilet, all the while cheerily beeping its We Will Rock You ringtone.
I know I'll eventually probably have to get one. I'm not suggesting we hold hands and go back to the early 80's (though I really do miss Flavor King Corner at Bonnie Doon Mall...remember those great burgers?) All I am asking for is one or two pay phones in prominent, accessible places. Is that too much to ask?
Your Partner in Life
I know, I know...time to complete my transition to the digital revolution already. And you'd think I would, but those that know me well know why I haven't yet. I'll even give you a hint: a baptized cordless phone's journey from countertop to toilet, all the while cheerily beeping its We Will Rock You ringtone.
I know I'll eventually probably have to get one. I'm not suggesting we hold hands and go back to the early 80's (though I really do miss Flavor King Corner at Bonnie Doon Mall...remember those great burgers?) All I am asking for is one or two pay phones in prominent, accessible places. Is that too much to ask?
Your Partner in Life
Pin Pad Perils
It often occurs to me, as I go to places like restaurants, drugstores, and for the occasional cuppa joe (little bit of Humphrey Bogart there), that the pin pads that I and other disabled people use to pay for our purchases often aren't very accessible to us at all. They are tethered to their immediate locations and tilted at such an angle that it is almost impossible to read the screen. We have to yell "I can't see what I'm doing! I can't see what I'm doing! Which button do I hit" And then, when we finally figure it out...the pin pad times out!
Come on, Alberta! There must be some enterprising entrepreneur in this innovative province with a solution! Here's some I have come up with:
1) A swivel mount for the base.
2) A glare-resistant screen viewable from any angle.
3) A totally wireless handheld system.
What do you think?
Your Partner in Life
Come on, Alberta! There must be some enterprising entrepreneur in this innovative province with a solution! Here's some I have come up with:
1) A swivel mount for the base.
2) A glare-resistant screen viewable from any angle.
3) A totally wireless handheld system.
What do you think?
Your Partner in Life
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