Joke

A man was stopped by a game warden in Northern Minnesota
recently with two buckets of fish leaving a lake well known for
its fishing. The game warden asked the man,
"Do you have a license to catch those fish?"

The man replied, "No, sir. These are my pet fish."

"Pet fish?!" the warden said.

"Yes, sir. Every night I take these fish down to the lake and
let them swim around for a while. I whistle and they jump back
into their buckets, and I take em home."

"That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that!"

The man looked at the game warden for a moment, and then said,
"Here, I'll show you. It really works."

"O.K. I've GOT to see this!" the game warden replied.

The man poured the fish into the water and stood and waited.
After several minutes, the game warden turned to the man and
said, "Well?"

"Well, what?" the man asked.

"When are you going to call them back?" the game warden
prompted.

"Call who back?" the man asked.

"The FISH."

"What fish?" the man asked.

Speech Recognition Software

Well, this is day four using Word Q and Word Q Speak to complete my blog. I think this program shows a lot of promise for individuals with disabilities. I am receiving very good recognition although not 100% accuracy. After using dragon naturally speaking the past 10 years and Microsoft voice, the past year, I can say Word Q provides the same amount of accuracy.

The only issue I have is with correcting recognition errors. With dragon naturally speaking and Microsoft voice, I can correct recognition errors by using my voice. Using Word Q, I have to correct recognition errors with the keyboard. This is a slower process especially for individuals like me with mobility impairments.

Another issue I have and I’m not sure if this is good or bad, the program only dictates text. On the one hand it is extremely user friendly for individuals with learning disorders ( it’s very, very simple). There are no commands to learn, it’s very easy to train, it reads the training text for you and you simply repeat the words and it performs as advertised. On the other hand, I’m used to computers doing what I say! After all, my house ask me “how may I help you Greg?”. I guess I’m spoiled.

The cost for both programs is about $300 which is comparable to dragon naturally speaking . I believe Word Q is a much better choice for first time speech to text users, especially those with difficulty reading or other learning disorders. It lacks the bells and whistles of dragon, but is much easier to use effectively. For the average person I would recommend using Microsoft voice, after all it’s free on vista!

Hickups

I had hickups yesterday for about 40 min. and feel like I have a cold today....frick

Dan Bylsma signs Deal

Dan Bylsma is no longer the interim coach of the Pens! He will be here a long time! Great news

Tuesday's Thoughts

It feels like it should be at least Thursday not Tuesday.... I have been working on an appeal with my insurance company, Security Blue; trying to get a pressure relief mattress paid for. It's always something.

It's beautiful right now in Pittsburgh but the rain is on its way so I'm going outside on my deck and let my little dog enjoy the sunshine while she can.

What are your thoughts on the swine flu pandemic? Are you taking any special precautions? My plan is the same as always, wash my hands often and limit my exposure with sick people... The problem is how do I know who is sick? I guess if things get bad I will just hibernate in the house... Which would severely hamper my social life, yeah right! As long as I can watch playoff hockey (the penguins) on television I am pretty much Happy!

Speak Q

I spoke last week about word Q , the word prediction software and how I thought it was extremely useful for individuals with disabilities or anyone who types with one finger. Over the weekend I installed word Q Speak, which is very similar to dragon naturally speaking. Except it’s much easier for individuals with learning disorders to understand and train. Word Q Speak does not control programs or allow for voice navigation, it is only for dictation.

I have a 30 day trial and I plan on using it to complete my blog the rest of the month. I will let you know my opinions regarding the software but so far I’m quite impressed.

You're A Very Good Driver

Occasionally when I'm out I will hear this from a total stranger and I always think of Rain Man. Yeah I'm an excellent driver... Let's see, I spend about 13 or 14 hours a day in my chair, multiply that over the last 10 years; that is 47,450 hours of driving experience. After all that time I should be a good driver, right?

You would not think of walking up to a total stranger and saying you are an excellent walker.... My wheelchair has become part of my body and I actually know where I am in space or propriaception.... It's not that big a deal, but every time I hear it Dustin Hoffman's voice plays in my head, yeah excellent driver.

Carcillo Fights Talbot - 4/25/09 HD - Flyers vs Penguins

Go Pens

The Penguins Win

The Pittsburgh penguins are moving on to the second round of the Stanley cup playoffs! It’s still up in the air who the penguins will play, New Jersey or Carolina. I thought the series would go six games, but today’s game was certainly scary. The important thing is the penguins found a way to win, 5 to 3 in Philadelphia.

Bikini Season Begins

I was very surprised yesterday to see three young women enjoying the 85° temperatures at the apartment building beside my house. What was strange was they were sun tanning in bikini's laying out on a second story rooftop... The rooftop has about a 45°slope, it seems like a fairly dangerous place to tan if you ask me. I realize I'm old and over 40 when I see three young women in bikini's and the first thing that I think of is.... That's a dangerous place to lay out. When did I become so damn old?

Big Breakfast

On the weekends I get to sleep in a little later and usually eat a giant breakfast, including bacon, toast and tea. It's a nice way to start off a Saturday morning that will be filled with yard work. Of course I'm not the one stuck pushing the lawnmower but supervising takes a lot of energy...lol

Yesterday and today the temperatures are hitting 85°here in Pittsburgh. I hope we will not miss out on spring and jump right into summer. I would like a few days in the seventies so I can sit outside on the deck. If it gets too warm I'm forced inside because I cannot regulate my body temperature.

Today Pittsburgh is playing in Philadelphia, the penguins lead the playoff series 3 games to 2. Hopefully the penguins can beat Philadelphia and move on to the second round of the Stanley cup playoffs. My lucky shirt did very little to help the team win on Thursday, I think Dave may be right, I may have to wear it inside out today.

Word Prediction Word Q

I am using a program called Word Q , today to complete my blog. This program uses word prediction and voice to text to help the user complete documents quickly. I really think that it is a great program and would be beneficial to many individuals with disabilities. If you would like to get a copy of your own to try for thirty days free just visit their website .

Pittsburgh picked to host 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh picked to host 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
How fantastic is this... I'm really looking forward to volunteering at the games in some way!

Thursday's Thoughts

It's going to be a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh with temperatures in the sixties. In less than 11 hours the Puck will be dropped at Mellon arena for game five between The Penguins and fliers. Pittsburgh can move on to the second round of the Stanley cup playoffs with a win tonight.

I'm wearing my Stanley come home tee shirt for good luck today. I know a few sports fans who are extremely superstitious. I don't go quite that far, but I believe sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. How do you feel about superstitions and rituals? Do you have a lucky charm? A pregame ritual?

Get The Cup - Penguins Playoff Song - 2009

Go Pens

Doobie Brothers - Black Water (High Quality)

Long before Black Water was in Iraq....

More Suffer Paralysis Than Previously Thought - ABC News

More Suffer Paralysis Than Previously Thought - ABC News
5.6 million Americans have some type of paralysis, 40% more than estimated. Check out the video from GMA here. Thanks Cali Girl !

Pirates Baseball Disability Awareness Night

On behalf of the Pittsburgh Pirates, I would like to cordially invite you and or your organization to join us for Disability Awareness Night at PNC Park. Our sustained efforts of reaching organizations to promote community awareness and independence of people with disabilities will continue through this event. Disability Awareness Night will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 7:05 p.m., as your Pittsburgh Pirates face the Colorado Rockies. Prior to the ball game, we will also be hosting a Resource Fair on Federal Street, starting at 5:30 p.m. The Resource Fair will feature numerous vendors, agencies, and service providers from around the region.

This is going to be an outstanding event that features many perks, such as:
Discounted Group Tickets/ Group seating together
Organization recognition on the Color LED Scoreboard
Disability Awareness T-Shirt (First 800 people to purchase through the program)
Nate McLouth 2008 All-Star Bobble head upon entering the gates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are excited about inviting you to our 4th Annual Disability Awareness Night and Resource Fair. The night will be jam packed with entertainment and fun with a beneficial message for all to learn. Accessible seating is available upon request for wheelchair users and other special circumstances.

Our goal is to welcome those with all types of disabilities to the ballpark on this wonderful occasion. We are hoping that service agencies, suppliers, organizations, and companies will share this exciting event with those they serve as well as anyone that may benefit from this event. The Pirates are dedicated to excellence and I am honored to be able to offer such a unique event to the Pittsburgh community.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Disability Awareness Night at PNC Park, please see the attached document. If interested in becoming a vendor in our Resource Fair, please feel free to contact Chaz Kellem by phone at (412) 325-4731 or email at chaz.kellem@pirates.com. We look forward to hearing from you very soon to address any questions that you may have.

Custom Desktop

Today my durable Medical Equipment supplier delivered and installed my desktop. I really like the custom tray, it's very sturdy and up off of my legs. I have my cell phone, automated door controller and van controls Velcroed in position. My PDA is not always necessary, so it's not Velcroed in place. Having everything in the correct position makes life so much easier.

Baseball Scores

I will be the first to admit I'm not a baseball fan. But yesterday two baseball scores had my attention. The first was the Pittsburgh pirates who beat Atlanta 10 to 0. Which makes the second shutout for the pirates this year. Could this be the year that the pirates break 500? After 16 consecutive years of losing seasons dare we have hope for the bucko's of suckatude?

The second score involves the Cleveland Indians and the much hated New York Yankees. Cleveland destroyed the New York Yankees 22 to 4, scoring 14 runs in the second inning alone. What a way for New York to break in their new stadium..... Any time the Yankees lose I'm a happy camper. If I had to choose a baseball team it would be The Boston Red Sox, which means I have to hate the Yankees....

Bus kills wheelchair-bound man in Philadelphia

Bus kills wheelchair-bound man in Philadelphia
This happens quite often, drivers do not see individuals in wheelchairs. It's much the same as drivers hitting motorcyclist. I always exercise extreme caution when crossing streets or when I'm driving on the street. A lot of times sidewalks have no curb cuts and I'm forced to drive in the street. When this happens, I'm always driving defensively.

I really do not care for the term wheelchair bound.... I've written several emails to journalist every time they use this term, but yet it continues. I am not wheelchair bound, I am an individual who uses a wheelchair... I am a person first, someone who relies on the wheelchair for mobility, I am not bound to it.

Friday

What a fantastic morning here in Pittsburgh, the sun is shining and the temperature will be in the sixties! I am finally feeling a little better, the antibiotic is kicking the crap out of my UTI....

Game two of the playoffs is at Mellon arena tonight, hopefully the Penguins crush the Philadelphia cry babies again. It would be great to go into Philly leading the series 2 to 0. The goons in the cream sickle uniforms may have to clean up their act or face additional game suspensions for their dirty play.... I hate Philadelphia! And yes it is personal, I used to work in Philly and believe me there's nothing good to say about the entire area. Why do you think we moved the capital?

Moving right along... The Pittsburgh Post gazette published my story about random acts of kindness from strangers this week. I think it's important for people to get recognized for helping others... There's way too much negative press and not enough stories about people helping others.

I want to get some work done in the garden this weekend. The leaf lettuce is up and the radishes are just breaking the surface. Herbs need to be put in (parsley, oregano)... And pretty soon basil ! Have a great weekend everyone, Let's Go Penguins !

Flogging molly - If i ever leave this world alive

Faceoffs and First Downs: Pens beat Flyers 4-1, take series lead 1-0#links

Faceoffs and First Downs: Pens beat Flyers 4-1, take series lead 1-0#links
The Pens beat philly ! Check out a Great recap here...

Welcome To Hockey Town

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh ! Is there anything better than playoff hockey? Tonight The Pens start the playoffs with the Philadelphia flyers here on home ice, 7:08 PM the Puck drops. My friend Dave will be at the game behind the goal, I spent my hockey allowance on another jersey... So I will be watching the game with friends tonight at an undisclosed location.

My morning started off a little slow, I'm blaming it on the UTI and the rain here in the burg. I just finished some hot wings for lunch which has my nose running.... Pretty picture huh ? This afternoon I have a massage scheduled then it's into my hockey jersey and game mode....

I will not predict tonight's score, but you can bet it's going to be a bruising physical game. I hope to hear Malkins name several times, followed by " he shoots and scores " !

WHEELIE CATHOLIC: BADD is back and everyone is invited!#links

WHEELIE CATHOLIC: BADD is back and everyone is invited!#links
Blogging Against Disablism is coming up, join the cause.
Blogging Against Disablism Day

Dreaded UTI and Tuesdays Ramblings

A few times a year I end up with a nasty UTI and it recently reared its ugly head, just in time for playoff hockey. I've been taking cipro 500mg twice a day for the last few days which seems to be helping a great deal.... It's taking a lot of my energy but should be gone in a few more days.

Friends are coming over tomorrow to watch the first penguin game against Philadelphia! I will probably be imbibing on cranberry juice instead of any alcoholic beverage. The playoffs are the best time of year even with a UTI...

Next week my custom wheelchair desk will be installed, I'm looking forward to that. The desk will attach to my armrest and not be sitting on my lap all day like my current laptop desk. The summers are hot enough and a little air circulating around my legs should do my boys good...lol

Navy Credited With Bold Rescue of U.S. Captain Held by Somali Pirates - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

Navy Credited With Bold Rescue of U.S. Captain Held by Somali Pirates - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

I am glad the Seals were able to save the Captain !
" When Navy SEALS heard gunshots coming from the lifeboat, they were able to get clear views of the pirates and took three direct kill shots to each of the pirates' heads. "

Every ransom should end with the pirates being given lead not gold....just my opinion. It's time to get sandy, back into the cold dark waters.

Pittsburgh Penguins Make The Playoffs

The Pittsburgh Penguins have home ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley cup playoffs. Wednesday night the penguins will play my arch nemesis Philadelphia flyers at Mellon arena. I can't wait until the penguins clear the ice of the Philadelphia bums...

Malkin won the scoring trophy and hopefully it's not his last award of the season. I can't help but wonder how well Crosby would have done if he had played every game...

I love playoff hockey and can't wait till the Puck drops! Go Penguins!

The President Picks A Dog

Well after several months of speculation a Portuguese water dog is finally going to make it to Pennsylvania avenue. I was under the impression that the Obama family was going to receive the dog from a shelter. It seems that Senator Kennedy is donating the dog to the first family. The news was reporting this morning the puppy will be called Bo.

I thought the delay in receiving the dog was paperwork with the secret service and CIA. You see, I believed it would take time vetting a reputable dog breeder. The breeder would choose the best possible Portuguese water dog pair in the country, get them together for a little bow chicka wow wow, wait for the puppy to be born, socialize the puppy for three months, and then transfer the puppy to a CIA operative.

The CIA operative would drive the puppy to a rural community and deliver it to an Approved animal shelter. There the puppy would be discovered by Michelle and delivered to the children on Easter morning.... It's a Cinderella story anyway you look at it.

Chess Titans

I recently started playing chess on the computer. Chess titans is one of the built in games on Windows Vista. I can't say that I've actually won any games against the computer so far, but I know it's going to happen eventually... I think it takes a lot more brainpower to play chess against the computer, than to play solitaire. I'm trying to exercise my gray matter, and obviously I need all the help I can get.

Three Pittsburgh Police Officers Memorial Fund

Yesterday Pittsburgh held memorial services for the three Pittsburgh police officers who were killed in the line of duty on Saturday. Thousands of fellow police officers came to the city in order to pay their respects. Watching it on the news was a very powerful and moving experience.

Last night the Pittsburgh Penguin fans and team raised $100,000 for the family's of the fallen. If you would like to contribute the Fraternal Order Of Police have a web site where you can make a donation.

I hope the emotions of the day and the respect for the police department continue long after today. In the weeks and months that follow, the family's and police officers will continue to need the community to gather around them.

Science and Technology News - Computers, Internet, Invention and Innovation Tech from CNN.com

Science and Technology News - Computers, Internet, Invention and Innovation Tech from CNN.com
A friend of mine sent me this story this morning. What a fantastic invention creating an oven from cardboard boxes and simple supplies. I believe this has the potential to improve the lives of many individuals and help the environment at the same time. It's a great example of thinking outside the box.... Excuse the pun !

Kindle 2 Protest

Turning off the text to speech function makes no sense to me. Your thoughts ?

Petr Sykora's 300th career goal blunts Tampa Bay rally from a 4-0 deficit

Petr Sykora's 300th career goal blunts Tampa Bay rally from a 4-0 deficit
It's A Great Day For Hockey... Here in Pittsburgh, the Penguins clinched a spot in the NHL playoffs last night ! Playoff tickets actually went on sale yesterday morning and sold out within minutes. Unfortunately I will not be attending any playoff games as of yet. It's always very exciting to see the Penguins play live, but the best seat in the house is really in front of my TV. Not to mention the fact that watching a game at home is so much cheaper !

Last night's game in Tampa Bay caused me a little anxiety, the penguins were winning 4 to 0 when Tampa Bay started battling back. The penguins lead suddenly went to 1 point... ugh. I thought not again ! But the penguins held on for the win. Crosby scored 2 power play goals (point 100 & 101 for the year), Malkin had two assist and Sykora scored his 300th goal. Only two more games left in the regular season. Bring on playoff hockey !

Assistance from Strangers

I was out for lunch yesterday and when I was returning home in my wheelchair, my leg fell off of my foot rest.... I knew I was going too fast over the sidewalk bumps. So I noticed a young woman about to get into her car and said excuse me, could you give me a hand please?

Imagine her surprise when I said my leg fell off, could you please put it back on my foot rest? She was very happy to help and said no problem. The entire exchange took about one minute, but she really helped me out. It never surprises me how nice total strangers can be... so whoever you were thanks so much!

George Strait - Troubadour

CMA Awards

Last night I watched the country music awards even though I rarely listen to country music anymore. I was surprised at how many of the artist were very young seemingly identical, very thin blondes. If you missed the show last night a list of the winners can be found here.

I did enjoy listening to a few familiar artist, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland and Brad Paisley to name a few. I don't think I found any new favorite artist by listening to the awards show.

I'm really comfortable with classic rock and outlaw country. Throw in a little Jimmy Buffett and I could survive on an island in the Pacific for quite some time. What music would you pack for a three month stay on a Pacific Island?

Affidavit lays out details of Stanton Heights slayings of 3 officers

Affidavit lays out details of Stanton Heights slayings of 3 officers The domestic call that cost three police officers their lives started over a dog peeing on the floor... I hope this killer gets whats coming to him everyday untill his last breath.

Doves

These doves live in the pine tree by my back door and have started dive bombing Beth and I when we are working in the garden. I know they look cute but they are about to become dinner if they don't knock this crap off.....

~ boneless dove breasts
~ large jalapeno peppers
~ 1 large onion
~ Provolone cheese
~ 1 lb hickory smoked bacon, slices cut in half
~ Raspberry Walnut dressing
~ brown sugar
~ cayenne pepper


Slice the peppers length wise into thin slices. Remove the seeds and veins.

Cut the onion into pieces about half the size of a single breast.

Cut the cheese into slices about the same size as a single breast.

Wrap one breast, pepper, onion and cheese slice with a piece of bacon. Place in large bowl.

Continue until all the breasts are wrapped.

Pour the dressing over the poppers. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.

Place the poppers on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

While poppers are cooking, in a bowl, mix together 3 parts brown sugar with 1 part cayenne pepper. Adjust for preferred spiciness. Make enough for a light to medium coat on the poppers.

After the poppers have cooked for 20 minutes, sprinkle on the sugar/pepper mix.

Bake another 15 - 20 minutes or until bacon is done.

Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

Do you think posting this recipe will deter them? It's my own little individualized war on terror.... I will not be intimidated, do you hear me doves ?

Garden Pictures

In this picture you can see the leaf lettuce starting to come up and also chives in the corner along with a strawberry plant. This is one of the small strawberry beds by the house, this morning three rows of radishes were also planted. Hopefully within a month I will have fresh radishes and lettuce for my salad.

Three Pittsburgh Police Officers Killed

Yesterday three police officers were killed here in Pittsburgh when they responded to a domestic call between a son and his mother. The killer (I refuse to print his name) was a 23 year old who was dishonorably discharged from marine boot camp, an individual who had a protection from abuse order filed against him and other minor brushes with the law.

The killer was paranoid that the government would come and take his guns... Along with other conspiracy theories. His friends and family were on the news yesterday, saying what a good guy he was.... It was sickening.

The people I want to hear about are the three officers who died. Good men who had family's and were killed serving and protecting the people of Pittsburgh. My thoughts and prayers are with their families; the children, wives, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers who will forever feel this loss and terrible tragedy.

Bad Hair In Pittsburgh ?

According to the web site total beauty Pittsburgh Pennsylvania ranks number three in American cities for bad hair..... Obviously this is a mistake ! I take great pride in my haircuts, and receive one every 2 1/2 weeks. I demand an apology from this website immediately.

Please check out The Site That Breathes today for a much more important post about haircuts and a donation to locks of love.

Friday's News Commentary

Well let's start with the good news, Penn state university men's basketball team won the NIT championship beating Baylor 69 to 63. Congratulations on an outstanding season. The local newspapers and TV stations mostly concentrate on Pitt when it comes to basketball, so hopefully the Penn state program gets the recognition they deserve.

PNC Bank is adopting a no hats policy and asking customers to remove their sunglasses when entering the bank. Their thinking is this will deter robberies if individuals are unable to easily conceal their identity. Banks in Massachusetts have been doing this for years, I personally think it's a great idea. You should not be able to wear a hoodie or hat and sunglasses when entering the bank, it seems like a no brainer to me. I also think it would be very helpful if all banks updated their camera system. Have you ever seen such poor quality video surveillance ? My laptop produces better pictures.

And now for the truly disturbing news. It seems a mother in Fayette County Pennsylvania drugged her 13 year old daughter so that the mother's boyfriend could impregnate the teenager. The mother was no longer able to conceive and ask her daughter to carry the child. When the teenager refused the mother allegedly used drugs and alcohol and allowed her boyfriend to have sex with her daughter several times.

The mother and her boyfriend are currently guest of the state, in the Fayette County prison. Hopefully they stay there for a very long, long time. This is one of the sicker crimes that I've heard of in quite some time.

Eagles - How Long

The Allman Brothers Band - Seven Turns

Boston Bruins regain top spot in NHL Power Rankings - Allan Muir - SI.com

Boston Bruins regain top spot in NHL Power Rankings - Allan Muir - SI.com
The Pittsburgh Penguins are ranked number three by sports illustrated ! They also say it's the team that nobody wants to play in the first round of the playoffs. The red wings are ranked fourth, so the poll must be right..... lol

The Penguins crushed the New Jersey devils 6 to 1 last night at Mellon arena. It was a fantastic hockey game to watch and the penguins were scoring seemingly at will. The team announced a limited number of playoff tickets would be on sale this Tuesday. It's a beautiful thing (playoff hockey in hockey town). He shoots and scores!

Joke

A guy is interviewing at the post office for a letter carrier position.

Female supervisor: Do you have any military experience?

Guy: Yes, I was in Iraq 14 months with the Marine Core.

Female supervisor: Good, you had military experience and that will get to five extra points on the civil service exam. Do you have any disabilities?

Guy: I had both of my testicles blown off in a IED explosion.

Female supervisor: I think you can still perform the essential job functions, but come in late 2 hours every day, your Hired.

Guy: That's great but why do I start 2 hours late every day?

Female supervisor: It's a government job, the guys Just stand around scratching their balls for the first 2 hours every day, you really don't need to do that !

Tuesday Night Television

I used to be a big fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and now I watch Reaper on Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM. It's about a young guy and his group of friends who retrieve escaped souls from hell for the devil. Oh yeah, this poor guy also tries to have a life in between. I know it's not a show for everyone but I think it's pretty entertaining.

I also watch The Mentalist at 9:00 PM, it's not your typical cops and robbers show but I like it as well. Besides these two shows I watch House , Bones and The Office . What are some of the TV shows you like to watch during the week?