Subtitles in Vlogs

Dear fellow DeafReaders,

This is an open letter to my fellow friends, the Deaf community, within DeafRead.

I enjoy each one of your v/blogs. I start my day off with a good cup of strong coffee and I have the laptop opened first thing to DeafRead. I simply have to have my daily dose of laughter when I view vlogs and I admit I do miss out some of the signs because being legally blind truly restricts my viewing abilities.

Seek Geo was the very first vlogger that subtitled his vlogs. Being dedicated to him, naturally, because of the subtitles. Others followed his path such as Banjo and McConnell. (I'm sorry if I forgot to mention others' names that subtitled their vlogs) There are others that subtitled their vlogs as well.

There has been a personal choice about subtitling vlogs in DeafRead. One say it is a lot of work doing subtitles, another vehemently opposes subtitling with ASL to preserve ASL as a language on its own.

I'm reaching out to my peers here, as a Deaf-Blind person, to make an effort to subtitle their vlogs because I truly do miss out your beautiful and interesting vlogs.

We, the Deaf-Blind community, literally are at the bottom of the totem pole. We constantly struggle and if I may point out, not to make an effort to subtitle the vlogs is an act of oppression.

I honestly hope you will take those in consideration, you all do have this powerful choice to make your vlogs accessible for your Deaf-Blind peers.

Tactile smile with love,
Patty

Chinese New Year 农历新年

The Chinese New Year 农历新年, the year of the Rat, 鼠 as well as the public holiday for a number of countries and cultures.

The Nian, a man-eating beast from the mountains (other versions has it from the seas) comes out every 12 months to prey on humans. The Nian, easily startled by loud noises & the colour red, led to the custom of fireworks and celebrating with red.


Red packets, known as Ang Pow, laisee, lai see, red packets, hung bao or Hung-Bao are given out as gifts. However, it is given out to juniors and children by married people and elders.

I have learned something, the number 4 is not considered good luck. You would not see 4 dollars in a red packet or a box of tea cups.

Cleaning house during the New Year as well is not encouraged because you risk sweeping away your good luck.

Positive reinforcement through Deafread

Positive reinforcement is such an amazing ripple effect in Deafread. Whether it be through v/blogging or leaving comments, I feel very inspired to see the Deafread community work together to solve issues.

I would love to use a wonderful example of the powerful ripple effect of positive reinforcement that a Deaf v/blogger has been doing lately. Her presence has been a much needed one , in my honest opinion, for Deafread lately. Her jokes brings tears of laughter to my face to the point where my stomach muscles protests out of ache and it’s all good!

Let’s talk about Terri.. I’ve had the luxury of meeting her only for a fleeting moment. She is such a beautiful woman, let me tell you this. Inside and outside, she is amazing. Terri doesn’t mince words and that’s what I adore about her. Being straightforward, she is the perfect advocate we need nowadays.

Shining the spotlight on you, my girl.. Terri! *hugs* Just so proud my fellow local girl is making strides in Deafread! Please click on Terri’s blog and enjoy her vlog jokes!!

Tactile love,
Patty ox

Travelling and Hiking Abroad

I love to travel when finances permits me. When I do travel, the very first place and person comes up to my mind has to be my best friend. I have travelled and hiked with Marc to many places in USA and Canada.
Believe me, it’s not the normal “tourist” places we went to, it was the wonderful unique landmarks. It was through Marc I was able to sample a vast culinary of food, explore all kinds of things I would never imagine myself doing all alone (maybe it was because he was my Clyde??) and best of all.. all the wine and cheeses we had at late nights.

I was able to learn certain rules and regulations applying to airports, passports, international travel regulations. This blog is a gem, readers. You can learn a lot from him. I am blessed to have travelled with him. Just a wealth of knowledge and Marc is only more than happy to share with his friends.

I’m shining the light on this blogger and of course bragging about my best friend.

Tactile smile with love,

Patty oxox

Life's mysteries

Isn't it wonderful that in life, we are handed an unique road that we just don't have the ability to foresee the road ahead, the sharp curves, falling rocks, whatnots. I just admire how people handle their paths with grace, humility and I also admire how others handle their paths with raw emotions.

It is how I learn and truly appreciate people for who they are. I also learn more about myself through people I meet in life. I would love to share this spotlight on my favourite readers. It is you all - DeafReaders.

It is how you post your stories, your life experiences and the amazing diversity I see in DeafRead.

The broad range I learn in DeafRead ranging from ASL, BSL, Deaf Culture, CIs and their stories, accessibility and the DeafRead's gem (for me personally) the extra.

It was from the Extra, I met a wonderful and beautiful blogger named Paotie! Ohhh he totally brought out my pink! Never have I encountered such a wonderful gentleman like this one. Such titillating stories and this one leaves his pink harem hanging for more!! (Stick a fork in me! This girl is already pink done!) LMAO!

A beautiful and relaxing mystery I'll never solve to this day.. my handsome furbaby relaxes me as much as I put him to sleep. Why he kneads me and why I hum to him at the same time? I'll never know. Why my boy sits by the fridge and paws at it when he knows I will only give him the best smoked ham, it's simple. He has me whipped. Yes, it's true, his Mummy orders the best ham at the deli, 1/4 lb and hides it from DH just so Mosey has it. Can we say spoiled?

As I mentioned about the neurologist's visit, my personal goal for the longest time was to be weaned off the Divalproex (epileptic medication)and it's coming true! I am just so thrilled! It does feel good to take care of my own body, temple and mind.

As of April, I will be seizure-medication free and it will be 8 years grand mal seizure free. Just feel elated for this! I have been making this my personal goal to take care of my body, temple and mind.

Taking good vitamins does help. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Folic Acid and a multivitamin are what I take daily. It helps a lot especially in the dark days of winter.

Hugs to good friends and family!
Tactile smile and love to all,
Patty ox

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism,
they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.

If children live with fear,
they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity,
they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule,
they learn to be shy.

If children live with jealousy,
they learn what envy is.

If children live with shame,
they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with tolerance,
they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,
they learn to be confident.

If children live with praise,
they learn to appreciate.

If children live with approval,
they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance,
they learn to find love in the world.

If children live with recognition,
they learn to have a goal.

If children live with sharing,
they learn to be generous.

If children live with honesty and fairness,
they learn what truth and justice are .

If children live with security,
they learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them.

If children live with friendliness,
they learn that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If children live with serenity,
they learn to have peace of mind.

With what are your children living?

Dorothy L. Nolte

I just wanted to share this strong poem with my friends in the blogosphere because as of late I've seen quite a bit of riff-raff over issues that I personally feel we could agree to disagree.

Next entry is going to be a very detailed and long one about the neurologist's appointment, so sorry for procrastinating! Silly pilly me!

Tactile smile with love,
Patty oxox

CSI tonight!!

Oh my, I've been waiting too long for Grissom! Just can't wait until I see him tonight, just don't tell DH I'm seeing him on the sly! ;)