Unbelievable comments

It never ceases to amaze me what comes out of the mouths of total strangers. I was visiting at the hospital this weekend and a nursing assistant decided to carry on a very strange conversation with me.

It generally starts out the same, just after I complete a weight shift (my wheelchair tilts back to relieve pressure from my bottom). The conversation goes something like this:
Her: that's a pretty fancy wheelchair

Me: thanks, it allows me to do a weight shift and get pressure off my bottom every 40 minutes or so. So that I don't get a pressure sore.

Her: does it have a horn? Let me hear the horn.

About this time I realized the conversation is going south and try to break away.

Her: I used to take care of a guy who was handicapped, he did not leave his house for 10 years. Then he got an electric wheelchair, and would go out. He was a quadriplegic, he could move his arms but could not open his hands (she demonstrates a shoulder shrug).

Now I realize she is explaining quadriplegia to me.................

Her: what's all the electronics on your tray?

Me: it's my PDA and cell phone my automatic door opener and deadbolt and my remote control for my van.

Her: it's amazing everything they have for handicapped people. Do you drive? It's good that you get out. Yesterday I saw a bilateral amputee as a greeter at Wal-Mart. It's amazing that he could work.

At this point I am tired with every facet of this conversation and make my escape. People think nothing of saying things like "if you keep trying hard enough someday you will walk." And the very popular "everything happens for a reason, God has a plan for you". But this weekend takes the cake someone actually explaining quadriplegia to me...........

First Five

Todays first 5 songs on my playlist

1. Lawyers guns and money

2. We're an american band

3. Tom Sawyer

4. Outlaws like us

5. We gotta get out of this place

If I Did It

The New York Times bestseller list ranks the O.J. Simpson If I Did It book at number two this week. This book supposedly gives a hypothetical account of how O.J. Simpson murdered his wife Nicole and Ron Goldman.

I cannot understand why anyone would want to read his book. Even though the profits go to the Goldman family. If you cannot tell from my tone already, I firmly believe that O.J. Simpson is guilty........ just my opinion.

I do not believe anyone should profit from this hideous crime. With all the turmoil surrounding O.J. Simpson, his first trial the next trial (armed robbery in Las Vegas, Nevada) it's very easy to forget that two innocent people lost their lives. The ghostwriter and publisher should have more integrity than to publish this trash.

Face puzzle

I found this find a face puzzle over at DrowseyMonkey a great Canadian blog. If you are unable to find the face she has the answer listed in her comments section. Good luck!

Carnegie Museum

The Carnegie Museum of natural History located in Oakland will soon open the third-largest exhibit of real dinosaur fossils in the United States. The new exhibit is the result of a $36 million dollar improvement to the dinosaur exhibit.

When I was attending the University of Pittsburgh it was always a nice diversion to stop in the museum. My service dog SSD Nala, always enjoyed the taxidermy of the African safari. The museum has all the animals you would see on an African safari. They also have animals of North America including a polar bear. I used to explain to her that this is what happens to bad animals. I'm probably going to a hotter level of Hell for that.

I also enjoyed looking at the Egyptian exhibit. It's really an amazing place located in the heart of Oakland. The only exhibit I did not enjoy was the Bog people. It contained mummified corpses and who really wants to see that?

Wheelchair Lift

Ruth over at wheelie catholic found this great lift!

Man finds human leg

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and that is the case this morning. Imagine my surprise as I was drinking coffee and reading the morning news over at ABCnews.com when I came across this headline "N.C. Man Finds Human Leg in Smoker Purchased at Storage Facility Auction".

The article goes on to state that an individual had his leg amputated following a plane crash. This person wanted to keep his leg, so he preserved it by smoking the leg. The good news to this strange story is the smoked leg was returned to its rightful owner. I wonder if the person who bought the smoker plans to do his Christmas turkey in his new auction find?

One laptop per child

Individuals in the United States and Canada will soon have the opportunity to provide laptop computers to children throughout the underprivileged world. For a cost of $400 individuals can purchase a laptop computer for a child in the United States while providing a free laptop to an underprivileged child.

The buy one get one free program is a start to a $100 laptop. These Internet enabled laptops can be powered with a handcrank or through solar power. The detailed article can be found at CNN Money along with a nice video presentation.

Ahmadinejad Arrives for New York Visit

The president of Iran Ahmadinejad is going to address the United Nations and also speak at Columbia University today in New York.

Columbia University invited the leader to speak citing academic freedom and free speech. Today on good morning America the president of Columbia University, Lee Bollinger stated he believes Ahmadinejad desires to kill Americans. He also stated that he would have extended an invitation to speak to the university students to Adolf Hitler before the start of World War II.

Ahmadinejad is actively supporting terrorism in Iraq and killing US serviceman. He is in violation of nuclear proliferation. He tortures and kills every day in Iran and disregards any United Nations sanctions.

The last controversial leader to speak to the United Nations was Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. in his speech to the United Nations Hugo said the building smelled like sulfur because the devil President George Bush had spoken to the world leaders the day prior.

Why should these world leaders enjoy free speech here in America when they do not provide their citizens the same opportunity. Ahmadinejad actively states that the Holocaust never happened and he calls for the annihilation of Israel. I view this dictator very similar to Adolf Hitler. There are no places in America that should extend invitations to this monster.

The United Nations do not benefit the United States of America and in my opinion should be removed from US soil. When world leaders who represent countries such as Iran, North Korea and Syria ignore the declarations of the United Nations there should be consequences. Instead of consequences they are invited to speak at so-called Ivy League universities in America.

Steelers continue to win

The Steelers improved their record to 3 -- 0 against the San Francisco 49ers on a beautiful day at Heinz Field Sunday. It was great to see the team working together on all aspects of the game. Special teams delivered, the defense looked strong and the offense put points on the board.

The next game is in Arizona September 30 at 4:15 p.m. it's been 25 years since the Steelers started 3-0. It would be fantastic if they stay undefeated!

10 Technologies That Will Change the World

This morning ABC news had an article "10 technologies that will change the world". As a self-proclaimed technology junkie I had to read this article. I was expecting great things, after all it was going to change the world right?

What I received in my opinion was less than spectacular. What they did list was the wii, the iphone, plasma TVs, paying bills by cell phone, Google documents and a spillproof laptop. There were three on the list, a $100 laptop, better solar power and privately funded space travel that would maybe make my top 20.

There were no medical advancements using technology listed. No cutting edge prosthetics, no robots to serve individuals with disabilities or the elderly. Nothing to improve the environment or reduce our dependency on foreign oil. I could go on and on.

When ABC news titles an article 10 technologies that will change the world I expect more than the iphone and plasma TVs.

Stupid Criminal Award

Today's stupid criminal award goes out to a Mr. Ierino for allegedly (I do not want to be sued for libel) attempting to rob a gun shop in Lawrence County Pennsylvania. The owner of the shop Mr Pieri age 60 had been burglarized a few times in his 30 year career as a gun store owner and had always prepared for an armed robbery. When the suspect came into the store brandishing a pistol Mr Pieri was able to duck inside his office and retrieve his own pistol scaring off the would-be robber.

Residents noticed a suspicious vehicle circling the area and made a note of the license plate number. It did not take the Pennsylvania State police long to track down their suspect. The suspect should consider himself lucky he is only going to jail on $25,000 bond and not spending eternity in a cemetery. You can read the details in this morning's Pittsburgh post-Gazette.

Talk like a pirate Day

Today is national talk like a pirate Day! So I plan on throwing out a few argh's, avast ye mate's and general talk of treasure, throughout the course of my day.

It makes me think of the Jimmy buffet line "yes I am a pirate 200 years too late, the cannons don't thunder there's nothing to plunder I'm an over 40 victim of fate". That pretty much sums up my life so far except I do not hit 40 until October. Remember to consume a few limes today to avoid scurvy!

Advertising revenue

I have decided to donate 100% of the revenue generated from the advertisements on this site to Susquehanna service dogs in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Hopefully the ads generate substantial income for both advertisers and Susquehanna service dogs. I have benefited greatly from my Susquehanna service dog Nala and it feels good to be able to donate back.

Steelers ranked number four

According to the experts over at covers.com the Pittsburgh Steelers are ranked number four in the NFL. Last week the ranking was number eight so that's a pretty big jump to number four.

The SportsLine varies from 8.5 -- 9.0 in favor of the Steelers playing the San Francisco 49ers at Heinz Field. Both teams have had a good start winning their first two games. I think the Steelers will beat the spread by riding fast Willie Parker on the outside.

Pittsburgh on Fox

Tonight's television show Back to You airing on Fox at 8 p.m. will feature Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as two newscasters from Pittsburgh. It seems one of the creators went to college with KDKA's Ken Rice. The Pittsburgh post-Gazette has a good article and all the local ties.

I always liked Kelsey Grammer on cheers and Fraser, and Patricia Heaton was always funny on everybody loves Raymond. I wonder if Patricia Heaton's character will be based on hottie Wendy Bell?

Healthcare

The great thing about having a blog is that I get to express my opinions.  I do not need to provide answers or defend my position, in cyberspace everyone is king. 

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton recently unveiled her health-care initiative to the American public.  ABC news did a article titled Clinton Calls for Universal Health Care.  Her opponents are quick to call it socialized medicine or that it simply reworks her husband's plan of 1994.

I do not believe any plan is perfect and certainly this plan is not perfect.  That being said at least it is a Plan for universal health care.  I do not like the fact that she calls for mandatory policies for all individuals.  I don't believe you can mandate that an individual pay for a policy.

I do like the fact that her plan includes electronic record-keeping to reduce medical errors and reduce the cost associated with health care.  I also like the fact that if you are currently insured you can keep your existing insurance policy.

I believe all Americans should receive affordable health insurance coverage.  How can the members of Congress deny affordable insurance coverage to the very individuals they represent when they have the best insurance policies possible?

Universal healthcare should be as equally important in the 2008 race as Iraq or terrorism.  All Americans should be able to access the best health care system in the world.  I do not believe Hillary's plan is the best or all encompassing, but at least it is a start.

Prison Break Season 3

Starts this Monday !

The Office

I can't wait for the new season.

My Playlist

It's an overcast day here in Pittsburgh and I thought I would share my music selection. If you have a classic rock favorite let me know.

Lou Reed Take a Walk on the Wild Side

David Allan Coe The Ride

Sheryl Crow Strong Enough to Be My Man

Billy Joel Piano Man

The J. Giles band Centerfold

Nickelback Rock star

The Bellamy Brothers Old hippie

The Allman Brothers Midnight Rider

Dr. Hook Little red riding Hood

David Allan Coe Long-Haired Redneck

Bad company Shooting star

Stevie Nick's Tell Me lies

Shooter Jennings Born on the fourth of July

Green Day Time of your life

The Marshall Tucker band Take a Load off Annie

Janis Joplin Mercedes-Benz

Sports Betting

I was checking on the SportsLine between the Steelers and Buffalo for this Sunday's game, the Steelers are 10 point favorites. I also discovered that the odds are 20 to one for Pittsburgh winning the Super Bowl.

Thanks to the Internet everyone can place bets from the privacy of their own home. I remember when you had to know someone in order to gamble. I like the idea of using my credit card instead of my kneecaps for collateral.

Steeler Sunday

There is a new survey out saying that 34% of the women in Pittsburgh identified themselves as Steeler fans, making Pittsburgh women the largest group of NFL female fans in the country. I personally think 34% is extremely low, maybe they took the survey when the rest of the women were tailgating. Not that I am an authority on women by any means but take a look around on Sunday and see how many women are wearing black and gold.

Homelessness in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh post-Gazette has an article this morning regarding individuals who are homeless and living on the streets of Pittsburgh. It seems that across the country there has been improvements in reducing the number of individuals living on the streets, except in Pittsburgh.

Allegheny County has received $60 million dollars over the last five years to assist individuals living on the streets of Pittsburgh. It seems the county has made very little progress in reducing the numbers and is using the money to maintain the status quo.

Estimates from social service organizations put the number of pittsburgh homeless individuals above 2000. Yesterday I was really stressed, reading today's article makes me realize how lucky I am. I was wishing for cooler temperatures and the arrival of fall. If I was living on the streets would I be so quick to wish for colder weather.

Fall the season, not help me I've fallen out of my wheelchair

Today's temperatures are more to my liking around 70° . Hopefully this is the start of cooler temperatures here in Pennsylvania. I think this is one of the hotter summers I have experienced in quite some time. My body does not function well in extreme heat I also experience some respiratory issues when I get overheated.

I have always liked fall temperatures and the month of October. Seeing the leaves change to spectacular Reds, oranges and yellows is something I look forward to every year. Having cooler temperatures allows me to read outside on the deck without fighting for my breath.

Over the next month I will be studying for the CRC exam (certified rehabilitation counselor) at the end of October. It will be nice to read on the deck and get outside to enjoy some sunshine and nature. I always feel like a hermit when I am studying in my room.

I don't feel like I do very well on standardized tests and would be much more comfortable presenting a paper along with a PowerPoint. I wonder if that would be a reasonable accommodation? lol

I purchased a study guide for the exam and in taking the pre-test it seems I know very little.... nothing builds confidence like failing the pretest. It's been an extremely stressful summer so far. There are some health problems in my immediate family causing me to spend a great deal of time between hospitals. It's probably not a good idea for me to add the stress of the CRC exam but I registered for it several months ago.

It may be the stress or the sleepless nights but I'm not feeling 100% lately. Hopefully the cooler temperatures and the changing leaves will lift my morale. If that doesn't work I may resort to cool all-natural beverages dispensed from a tap.

Burning Salt Water

John Kanzius a cancer researcher from Erie Pennsylvania has invented a procedure for burning salt water using radiofrequency waves. Salt water is the most abundant resource on earth and he developed a procedure that burns the hydrogen at 3000° as long as the radiofrequency waves continue.

ABC news has a good article covering the discovery. Currently this procedure is not cost-effective but it is an amazing discovery. With future refinement this may be the perfect energy resource for America.

Greenfield PA fire

Detectives are investigating a fire in Greenfield Pennsylvania that killed a individual with multiple sclerosis. The news has been reporting that the man was found in his wheelchair approximately 6 feet from the door. The fire reportedly did minimal to moderate damage to the home and that smoke inhalation was responsible for his death.

As an individual who uses a wheelchair for my mobility I'm always conscious of the possibility of fire. I have spoken with several of my friends regarding the fear of fire and our consensus is we all try to minimize the risk as best we can. We do not have candles or any open flames, outlets are not overloaded and smoke detectors are up-to-date.

I am fortunate that I have a computer system that I can call 911 by voice from anywhere in the house. With limited mobility I take personal safety very seriously. Along with reporting this tragedy all of the mainstream media continue to throw person centered language out the window. I have heard "confined to a wheelchair" about seven times this morning. If anyone from wtae or kdka is reading this I would be happy to conduct a free seminar in people first language to any of your newscasters or writers.

Steelers 34 Browns 7

The Pittsburgh Steelers played the first game of the season in Cleveland. And looked very good for coach Tomlin's first game as head coach. The Cleveland Browns struggled in all aspects of the game and did not provide much of a challenge for the Steelers first team.

Big Ben had a record 4 touchdown passes including a 40 yard touchdown pass to Holmes who was covered by two defenders. Hines Ward caught a beautiful touchpass in the back of the end zone for a quick touchdown. Willie Parker had 109 yards for the day and had one fumble. I really like to see Willie Parker run on the outside, I don't believe he does well up the middle.

Sunday was a great win but I don't believe much of a test for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But as the saying goes a win is a win now let's concentrate on the next game which is Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo.

Power Squid

Check out the latest in power strips, the squid. Beth picked me one up at sammy's club for $10 bucks.
This should help charge all of my gadgets.

Bodies Video

Bodies Exhibit

The Carnegie Science Center will open its controversial bodies exhibit on October 8. The Pittsburgh post-Gazette has a nice article regarding the exhibit this morning.

I personally have mixed feelings when it comes to this exhibit. I believe it is an excellent teaching tool offering an unprecedented view of the human body including healthy and diseased organs. Which may motivate individuals to take better care of their bodies. It may also encourage individuals to stop smoking once they see a diseased lung.

The post-Gazette article states that 300,000 students across the country have already viewed this exhibit and 2000 area Pittsburgh students are scheduled to see the bodies. It does not indicate what grade level the students are. I only hope that the students viewing this exhibit are age-appropriate.

The only objection I have deals with informed consent. The bodies were obtained from China who have a very poor human rights record. The post-Gazette article states:

Representatives from Premiere Exhibitions, the company behind the exhibit, have said the unidentified and unclaimed corpses were donated to medical schools for research and educational purposes, a standard practice in the United States and China. The company said the bodies were obtained from the Dalian Medical University plastination labs in China.

I can't say whether or not I will view the exhibit but I do appreciate the opportunity that the Carnegie science Center is providing to all Pittsburghers. It's up to each of us to examine our own moral code and decide if the educational experience outweighs the doubts we may have regarding China and how this exhibit was obtained.

Service dog's and lip balm

Two things that are not normally associated together are service dogs and lip balm. This afternoon all that changed when I dropped the lip balm into the great abyss. Now if I was a luckier guy I am sure the lip balm would have a cap on it, but I prefer to keep my lip balm cap free on my table. Nala was laying right beside me and watched the lip balm hit the floor, she waited for the command to take it and place it on my tray. If any of you have ever tried this brand of lip balm (Carmex) you know it has a very distinctive taste. Imagine my service dogs surprise as she spit it out on my tray. I'm sure on the inside she was saying what the hell was that.......

So as her reward she received a few treats and we played with her tennis ball hopefully to get the taste out of her mouth. Although I prefer Burts bee's Chapstick I think this carmex is kind of growing on me.

Amazing Dog

I found this website through wheelchairjunkie.com it's a video of a dog that you command. Some of the commands I used were: speak, fetch, up, sit, beg, play dead, roll over, etc. it was amazing. All the commands I typed in the dog completed flawlessly. It's like having a virtual dog and you can command him by clicking here.

Dog Friendly White House

From ABC news: Deputy White House press secretary Dana Perino holds the normal morning briefing with her trusty 9-year-old Hungarian vizla, Henry, by her side. (Erika Dimmler)

The White House is certainly dog friendly allowing Henry to go to work with his master Dana Perino. Henry was also visiting the President in Kennebunkport Maine this summer. Although Dana and Henry had to make the trip by car, Henry is not allow on Air Force One. It seems the only dogs allowed on Air Force One are the Presidents and the working dogs from the Secret Service.

Fantastic Best Man speech

I ran across this video and found it to be hilarious

Singles Dating Advertisement

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I' m a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (404) xxx xxxx and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....

Power of Attorney

Today's Pittsburgh post-Gazette has a very good article regarding power of attorney, the article can be found here and definitions of different types of power of attorney can be found here.

I believe it is important to have a medical power of attorney appointed to someone who knows your wishes and is willing to follow them. Along with a medical power of attorney I believe everyone should have a living will outlining your specific request.

Once these documents are created I believe it's better to inform several people that these documents exist and what choices you have made. It's also important to give copies of these documents to your health care provider. These document should be part of your medical record.

When a health care crisis arises decisions need to be made sometimes very quickly. By having these legal documents in place and documented in the medical record your express wishes can be followed. And you can protect family members from making difficult decisions, trying to guess what your wishes would be.

F-16 flight Simulator

Hidden in Google Earth is a free flight simulator containing two aircraft, one is a F-16 fighter jet! To get to the flight simulator all you have to do is start Google Earth and type CTRL ALT A and you can get a list of instructions by clicking here.

I have not quite figured out how to fly the plane for more than a few seconds without crashing to the Earth. Hopefully I can get in some practice this week and not crash and burn on every attempt. It's a really cool program and just another example of the type of product Google produces.

Homeowner shoots teen robber, ends up in jail

Have you heard of this story from Washington County, reported by the Pittsburgh post-Gazette?

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
An unidentified teen is hospitalized today and the Washington County homeowner who allegedly shot him is in jail after an attempted robbery Saturday in Langeloth.

Police said two masked teens armed with BB guns and baseball bats were in the process of robbing the home of Eraldo Iannitelli shortly before 6 a.m. when he returned home. Grabbing a 12-gauge shotgun, he fired at the fleeing teens.

A 16-year-old boy was hit. Neighbors who heard his cries called 911. Police are searching for the second teen.

According to police, Mr. Iannitelli is being charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

The 16 year old will be charged with robbery and aggravated assault, police said.

I do not believe this man should be charged with attempted homicide. He was returning home from work when these two robbers attacked him with baseball bats and BB guns. I believe these two robbers should assume the risk of injury or death when attempting to rob individuals.

I do not believe he fired the shot gun in self-defense, in fear for his life. Because he shot the fleeing teen in his back. However it's time for criminals to take responsibility for their actions.

I am not sure if this man should face any charges at all, that would be up too smarter individuals than myself. But I do not believe he should be faced with attempted homicide charges.

Dragon 9.0

Well after several days technical support at Nuance (Dragon NaturallySpeaking) finally returned my e-mail requesting technical support. They requested that I send them two files; Dragon log and msinfo . After unsuccessfully attempting to send them the files they requested several times I simply gave up.

I again tried to uninstall Dragon NaturallySpeaking, completely eliminating my voice files. I attempted to install Dragon all over again and for some reason it finally worked. Assistive technology is fantastic when it does work but extremely frustrating when it does not. Has anyone else experienced problems with technical support from nuance?

So the bottom line is after a week of playing uninstall reinstall I believe Dragon NaturallySpeaking is finally going to perform as desired. I just need to create custom commands for all my shortcuts (passwords, phone numbers, addresses, etc.) I should be back in business in about eight hours, another great holiday weekend.

Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida

A friend of mine sent me this and I thought I would pass it along to everyone here.

At times nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty, and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.

The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the "apex predator", can still fall victim to implemented 'team work' strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and "survival of the pack mentality" bred into the canines.

See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine. Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing. The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.