AMAZING!

Aaron Wheelz Fotheringham - WCMX - AIRBOURNE

Video

Readings 10.13.14 Mainstreaming

Students With Physical Disabilities Speak Out on Challenges in School

How to Make Disability Mainstream, Today

Introduction to The ADA

 The long & sorry history of discrimination against people with disabilities in the United States  -- and its likely causes

Mainstream Education Is So Important for Disabled Children

How to interact with the non-disabled

Paul and Dr. Johan Galtung, Father of Peace Studies.

We took a look at how to interact with people with disabilities. How can people with physical disabilities interact better with the non-disabled? The Golden Rule still applies. Using a wheelchair entitles no one to be a douche bag. Don't be eighth grade Joey running into people for the hell of it. Nothing funny about it, seriously. In my experience, this is rare. I personally don't know any handicapped people who act like we are often portrayed in movies; you know the sullen, "why me" victim types. Most are people simply wanting to live as best they can. In this regard, we are all pretty much the same. 

Remember, the world doesn't owe you shit because you happen to have physical limitations. If it does, no one acts like it, so it's best to simply put expectations out of your mind. Somebody helps you out, holds a door, they always deserve a "Thank You." No owes you. Taking even the smallest assistance for granted, is uncool. The Golden Rule is a two way street. If someone is being a little too helpful, ie, hovering, let them know in a nice way. "I got it, but thanks!" If the situation allows for it, educate that person. "I like to do all I can myself, it keeps me more independent and stronger." Positive interaction can be easy. Don't over think it.        

Just a few thoughts for today...

For me, eye-contact is a good opener. I'm not trying to win a stare down contest, rather just acknowledging them on a person to person level. Most often, that's all there is to it. Occasionally, I'll get and or give a casual greeting. Can be as simple as "s'up, man?" It seems to put people more at ease. And no, you don't have to be handicapped to work it. Getting lost in our own day-to-day, worries, thoughts and day dreams is easy. Not acknowledging other people is too common. I think that's one reason I get positive feedback. We all like others to know we are here, valued and have meaning. Simple recognition goes a long way in my experience.      

Help takes many forms and is cross cultural. None of the people with me spoke a word of English. 

Physical Disability and Etiquette

Not demands, I'm not into demands. Rather here are some suggestions to help us all remain comfortable with each other. Saying physical disabilities is like saying sales in business, they are almost limitless in variety. So there is no one grand set of easy to follow rules or guidelines to fit every situation. So I'm going to limit this to two categories, people who are ambulatory but still have mobility issues and those who use wheel chairs. For more information, click here. Much of the following may apply to others as well. But before we get to that, I'd ask you to ponder a thing or two. 

Let's keep one thing in mind, there are two kinds of people in this world, those who are disabled and those who will be disabled (if one lives long enough). So this more than about some small special interest group seeking some kind of entitlement. It is about most of us, either now or some time in the not so distant future. We all age, there's no way around it. How do we want to be treated when we can no longer do all the cool things we can do now? This is one consideration I'd like you to be aware of as we go forward. 

Link for a FaceBook Group.

I have a condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) it does not have me. It is nothing more than a medical diagnosis. It does not define or limit who I am. That's up to me. I happen to have a physical disability that is visible. A few quick decades in this world and most all of us have some diagnosis to deal with. This is the second idea to keep in mind. Physical disability is a part of the human condition. We're actually pretty easy to figure out. We all need safety, food, drink and love. We all want to live with basic dignity and be able to realize our full potential in life. These last two are denied all too often for people with physical disabilities. I don't think it is intentional. People are for the most part unaware how to react to someone like myself or someone in a wheelchair. We are often either hovered over or virtually ignored. In society as a whole, we are almost invisible. This is changing. I think it is the next step in The Civil Rights Movement. So what are my etiquette suggestions as more and more persons with disabilities emerge into mainstream society? 
       

The Golden Rule always works. For those of you who may need a refresher--do un to others, as you would have done un to you. Do YOU want to be hovered over or ignored? I would think not. We all want to be treated as human beings. More or less, what goes for non-disabled people also goes for the disabled. Simply, stop and think. What would I want done for me? Would I want some stranger reaching out of the blue for bananas at the grocery store for me that I can get myself? Sounds just a tad creepy. What if I'm not sure? Ask.   

Yes, it is good to help people out but ask first. I'll use myself as an example. I'm leaning into a rather heavy door to open it. I'm also using the door for balance. Now, some well-meaning person walks up and suddenly pulls it all the way open. If I'm not careful and on my game, I may go splat. Then I will really need help. Laying on the ground wondering if I just broke my hip or looking for teeth is no fun. Don't assume. 

I may walk funny, but my brain and mouth work just fine for the most part. I have not got this one in a while but I have experienced this. "Is he able to get in the door okay?" Somebody asks my non-disabled friend. "Yes, thanks!" I reply. The person asking is trying to help out but going about it in a less than stellar fashion. Again, please don't assume. If I do happen to have a speech problem, work with me! Slow down and focus. At least give it a try. I'd do it for you! I'm a more or less functioning adult, I don't think asking to be treated as such is asking too much. Ignoring people, disabled or not, is just uncool. However, I may take it over the other extreme. 

I've had this a lot in hospitals. Again, people's hearts are in the right place, but they are not being helpful being hypersensitive to my physical condition. I can walk and I'm not going to fall. Hovering is invading my personal space. Okay, there were one or two cute nurse types the thought of falling into DID cross my mind. I did fall into one busty woman at a party. It was a little awkward but... 

Worth it. Alcohol could have been a contributing factor. I'm digressing. People with physical disabilities have a lot of experience dealing with their unique situation and know what they need as well as what they don't. If I need assistance, I'm glad to ask. Hovering makes me more tense and thus more likely to fall. Just grace me a little time and space to move with a little style and grace. Also, The Golden Rule, speaking to the person and non-hovering applies to wheelchair users. What else? 

A wheelchair is not a thing to lean on, hold or use as a foot rest. It is a part of the user's personal space. Please respect that personal space. Before assisting a wheelchair user, ask them what you need to do. Be sure you clearly understand. Grabbing the wrong part of the wheelchair may break it and lead to a bad day. When talking with someone in a wheelchair stand back a little further than usual so they don't have to lean their head way back while looking at you. Ideally, have a seat so you are more or less at the same level.    

So, when in doubt, follow the Golden Rule.  Or simply ask. I'm sure there's more. Next, I put the shoe on the other foot. How should people with physical disabilities treat their non-disabled brothers and sisters, those we share the world with. 

For a little balance. 

   
        

Resource list

This list includes local, national  and international resources for people with disabilities.

Resources for People with Disabilities

Federal Government

http://www.ncdhhs.gov/disabilities/

North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Counsel

http://ncsilc.org/

Joy A. Shabazz Center for Disability Rights (independence and self sufficiency)

http://shabazzcil.org/

All about the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

http://www.ada.gov/

Disabled World (news and information)

http://www.disabled-world.com/

Disabled Travelers (travel information for travelers with disabilities)

http://www.disabledtravelers.com/

National Disability Rights Network

http://www.ndrn.org/index.php

Association on Higher Education and Disability

http://www.ahead.org/

Job Accommodation Network JAN (information on employment)

https://askjan.org/index.html

Ilderton Dodge (making vehicles handicapped accessible / drivable)

http://www.ildertonvans.com/

Murray’s Manual Mobility (mobility assistive devices)

http://www3.telus.net/9/manualmobility.html

Exercise Addendum

Getting around one way or another.

My routine below may seem a little odd. But it demonstrates a few key points. Number one, it costs nothing. I used to go to the YMCA to swim. That was a two to three hour deal in addition to paying $60+ just to be able to go. That was about forty-five minutes of swim time, the rest was driving and changing for me. It was great, unless the pool was packed. I love to swim and all but there had to be a better way. I gave it up after a couple of months with little results. Swimming is a great exercise, I just was not getting enough pool time. If I was not working full time, I'd do it again putting more time in. I get the same amount of exercise without memberships and driving.

The next point about my odd routine is there is no equipment to buy. I cannot grip free weights without dropping them on my feet, and I don't need any more medical bills. So I use my own weight and gravity (with a basketball). If ya can, jog or run.This is also free. Just mind where you are! I'd like to start walking more and break up my routine a little. My neighborhood has a few resident pit bulls who are mainly locked up or on leashes. Not wanting to get healthy only to be eaten by dogs, I'm looking for a safer location. They exist. I'm not a fitness expert but I think all that's needed is to get my heart rate up for twenty minutes or so. I've found feeling better is possible without spending a bunch of cash. It just takes building a routine and sticking with it.      

Building the routine is the most important step. Once I do something over and over, it becomes habit. Exercise is a GOOD habit. Now, I may stumble along the way and miss a few days here and there, but I cannot think of stopping all together. It's a habit that's got me feeling better. I don't want to go back to where I was six months ago.

Sept 18 update...
I'm no longer doing everyday but I'm hanging in there at three to four days a week.  

Exercise

Been away for awhile but I've not been idol. I've made an important personal discovery I'd like to share with you. Exercise. That's it man.   After several years of low energy and bad sleep, it hit me one day. Exercise. I had started doing lots of leg lifts last December and got some weight off which helped. But I was still not where I wanted or needed to be. One Friday at work a month or so ago, I was feeling like a complete slug. I realized what I had to do. When I got home, I got out the old basketball and started to dribble and throw passes off the wall. In twenty minutes I was worn down. Then, I went ahead with my leg lift routine. At last I added some push-ups. All in all, almost an hour's worth of exercise. I felt good and slept like a stone. I've been at it for a little over a month now, and man what a difference! Give it a try.

         

Kurt and Bobby Opt Out

New seeds adventure getting going....

            Kurt knew he had to get out. Red crest Manner was not for him. He had been there ever since a farming accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He had played out the accident over and over in his mind almost every night before he went to sleep. Javon was a dumbass. Why in the hell had anyone let him drive a tractor? The fool had got it stuck in a bunch of brush. Kurt and another guy, Rolland, had set about pulling some of the brush from under the tractor.

            “You clear!” Rolland shouted.

            Without thinking, Javon slams the tractor into gear. A moment of shock washes over Kurt’s body as he knows he s about to be crushed. There is an excruciating pain, a sickening bone crushing sound and then… nothing. Somehow, the doctor had managed to save Kurt’s life but leave his body broken. It was hard to believe three years had passed already. Nothing happened to Javon. He never asked how Kurt was doing or had come to visit. Kurt had basically been banished and all but forgotten by friends and family. There was no justice. His family now was a revolving door of doctors, orderlies and other patients. “Grandma, I know what hell is now.” Kurt often thought.  They had managed to keep him in Redecrest for all of this time with promises of miracle breakthroughs always just right around the corner. Kurt had some how managed to avoid the abuse, beatings and rapes that were all too common in Redcrest but he knew his luck would run out sooner or later. Sooner or later, some new big motherfucker orderly would have an eye for him. No one would ever take him seriously and even if they did, the white people would simply respond with “the nigger is crazy jive.” The saddest part was this always worked. Always. Kurt also saw what happened to others who had tried escape, shock therapy and restraints. They were never the same. But there had to be a way out of this hell.

            Once a month, they would take a few inmates, Kurt never thought of them as patients, to a lake for some fresh air and sunshine. They kept everyone together which allowed for little movement. But this trip was different. Billy, another prisoner, was having a severe allergy attack. The nurse and orderlies were hovering over him and it was difficult to tell if they were trying to help or hurt him. It was also late in the day. Everyone and everything had taken on shades of dark blue in the oncoming darkness. Kurt realized this was his best chance and slowly eased back from the group. “A paved parking lot thank God,” he thought. Six inches, three inches, a foot, Kurt slowly eased back not making a sound. He eased around another car and headed for the restroom building. But instead of going in he made his way around back. There was no way he could head off into the woods. All he could do was hope and pray they would over look him. After a while he heard his name being called. He did not answer. All he could do was wait for discovery and face the consequences. Soon, he heard the cars start up. They were leaving! Maybe he had done it? But this was too easy. Kurt eased his way around the building. Sure enough they were all gone.

            “Hey Kurt! Where in the hell have you been?” A voice came from behind him.

            He was the new orderly, Bobby, a big strapping white dude.

            Kurt turned around with tears starting to well up in his eyes. He knew he was screwed. He hoped the darkness hid his tears.

            “Son, I know you don’t belong in there. But where else can you go?”

            “Anywhere. I cannot live there anymore.” He sobbed more than said.

            Kurt saw something he had never seen before from a staff member, understanding.

            “I told them I’d stay behind to find ya. No one will be back for an hour or so. You need to find a better place to hide.”

            “There ain’t much around here is there?”

            “Let’s get back up the hill and take a few turns. We can get pretty far in a half hour, if you really want to do this. Look, I’ll vouch for ya and say you just got lost. I think you should just come back. It’s not safe for you.”

            “I’m gonna die in that place, man. You can stop me if you want to.” Kurt started going in the direction of the parking lot. He felt Bobby’s hands on the back of his old rickety wheel chair propelling him forward.  They turned onto an empty tree lined two lane black top. By now it was completely dark.                                     “We need to take two or three turns. There’s a junction about a quarter mile up the road. I’ll get you that far and the rest will be up to you.” Bobby said.

            “Thanks, man.”

            “If they catch you, I’ll be fired if ya tell ‘em I helped. Hell, I may be fired anyway. The odds aren't good for either of us but what the hell.”

            “I ain’t sayin’ nothin.”

            “We both know they have ways of making people talk, Kurt.”

            “Yeah, but still, I sayin shit!”

            “Thanks, kid. Neither am I.”

            Bobby got Kurt to the junction where several roads came together. It was out in the middle of nowhere.  They had yet to see a car.

            “Get yourself up the road a ways and turn down a long driveway. Then, get off of that if you can. You’re strong. Push that sucker into some bushes and wait for the noise to die down. The cops won’t do a real search until in the mornin’. By then, be far away.”

            Bobby stuck out his hand. If felt weird shaking a white man’s hand. It was the first time Kurt had ever done so. Bobby turned and walked off at a brisk pace. He would be back in plenty of time. Kurt saw what he was looking for, a slight downhill angle none of the walking would have ever noticed. He started forward excited, happy and afraid all at once. The old chair slowly picked up speed. “Just hold together…” ,he thought. When the road leveled out, Kurt turned around. There was no sign of Bobby or anyone else for that matter.  Al he could hear was the ever-present singing of crickets. Kurt saw a driveway  up ahead turning off to the right. Freedom was within reach. As he got closer, he could hear a car somewhere, faint but getting closer. Kurt pushed as fast and as hard as he could. Bobby may have had a change of heart or was he only playing a game all along? Just something to break up the day-in and day-out routine. Kurt made it to the edge. There was a small drop, but nothing he could not handle. The car was closer, a lot closer now. Suddenly, Kurt found himself in the spotlight from the car. The cops. His heart sank.

            “Where ya goin, son?” A deep voice boomed from behind the spotlight. Kurt did not need to see the deputy to know that he was a big ole sweaty fat bastard too lazy to even bother getting out of the car. He also knew he did not have to.

            “I just goin home suh.” Kurt answered playing dumb.

            “Now we both know you don’t live down there. Stop right where you are.”

            Kurt knew he was at the mercy of this fat sweaty bastard. “He could shoot me dead. No witnesses.” Kurt thought and froze.

            “Call back Redcrest. Tell ‘em we found him. Send deputy Thomas over to the lake to get that nurse and the others. He’s their problem now. I’m on Angel Hill Rd at ole man Parker’s driveway. We’ll be here.    

            You just stay right there, son.”

            There was nothing else Kurt could do but curse Javon in his mind, along with the people who ran and worked at Redcrest, all of them except Bobby. All he could do now was hold on to his secret. He would, “even if they killed me”, he thought.

            Soon enough they were all there, the old nurse, the other orderlies and Bobby. Things were bad enough but they had to go on and make it even worse. The old nurse was screaming some gibberish about loosing her job and how could he even do such a thing to those who had care for him and on and on. Bobby could not watch. He was looking down the driveway.  The old nurse finished her tirade at last and punctuated it with a hard slap across the mouth. Kurt waited for what ever was next. “God, let this end.” He thought. Kurt had given up on religion and cursed himself for the thought. Sometimes, they just slipped out. Everything had gone quiet. Kurt noticed everybody was now looking in the same direction as Bobby. Two kids dressed in all in white were approaching, a boy and a girl. The deputy was getting out of the patrol car.

            “You people leave him alone! The boy shouted full of fear and determination.

            “This is police business, son. You’re trespassing. You better get outtah here.”

            “You better leave the man in the chair alone!”

            The deputy drew his gun.

            “Ankius! Help!” The boy shouted.

            A tree crashed close by and a mountain emerged onto the road also dressed in bright white. A long black dagger sliced through the air cutting into the deputy’s wrist causing him to scream and drop the gun. Bobby recognized the torch looking thing above the giant’s right shoulder for what it was, a flamethrower.  They were all frozen in place.

            The giant’s voice boomed addressing Kurt, “Do you seek asylum?”

            Kurt was smart and knew what the giant was asking but could not speak.

            “Do you seek asylum, sir?” The giant asked slowly walking forward drawing weapons.

            “Yes.” The girl told him to answer in his mind. Her voice was soft and kind

            “Yes.” Kurt answered.

            Ankius fired his plasma rifles, one in each hand, just over their heads bursting several nearby trees into bursting charred wood and flames. It was now apparent the two kids were armed with similar weapons and they were now on either side of the giant moving slowly forward.

            “I’m not aiming for trees next time! Be gone or die!

            They all took off running, except Bobby. Ankius took a few quick steps and seized the deputy by the scruff of the neck.

            “My dagger.” He quickly and effortlessly pulled it out of the freightned man’s arm wiping the blood off on his shoulder. “You will heal up. You and the others would do well to forget this night ever happened.”

            With that, he shoved the deputy forward. He burst into a sprint.

            Bobby picked up the gun and aimed it at the giant who responded by calmly returning the dagger to it’s sheath on his belt.

            “I don’t know who you people are, but I’m not going to let you harm Kurt.”

            “What happens next is for Kurt to decide. He has requested and been granted asylum. He is under our protection as long as he so desires.”

            “They were the ones who wanted to hurt him, sir. You will just make Ankius mad if you shoot him with that. I will then have to kill you. I don’t like killing.” The boy calmly added. He was deadly serious.                  

            Bobby wisely lowered the gun. “Okay, I know. Who are you people?”

            Ankius answered, “Your ancestors. Your long lost relatives.  But the more pressing question is for Kurt. Do you want to stay here or come with us, sir? We cannot stay here.  We can no longer protect you when we go.”

            “Are you angels?” Kurt asked not sure if this was even really happening.

            The giant, Ankius chuckled. “No, we are only mortals like both of you. We just get around a little more. If you choose to go with us, there is no coming back here… Ever.”

            “Can we leave now?” Kurt asked.

            “Yes. I think we should. They will not stay gone long.” Ankius answered and pushed a few buttons on a rather wide black wristband.

            “Will you come with us, Bobby?” Kurt asked.

            “I guess a state job and a divorce are not much to leave behind. May I go as well? If I stay here, I’ll be in big trouble. May I request Asylum, Ankius?”

            “Yes, sir. Please follow us. Kurt, I need to pick you up, is that okay?”

            “Yeah!”

            Ankius picked Kurt up gently and carried him through the trees on his hip, like a father would carry a small child. They came into a large open field.

            “This is Adon, Yuki and Ziv. We roam the stars on a ship capable of inter galactic travel, called The Phoebe Sofia. Once aboard your asylum ends and you will be expected to perform duties assigned as any other crewmember.  Your stay with us must be voluntary. You can leave at any safe stop or port. This can be years or even decades from now. Once we leave here this is no going back. If you wish to return, we will not stop you. The problem is this world will no longer exist as you know it.”

            The heard a dull rubble from above, which grew louder and louder. The Ishtar came in over the trees on the other side of the field and landed gently close by. A ramp at the rear opened to the ground beckoning them inside. An eerie silence fell over the field. Even the bugs were quiet.  

            “Now is the moment of truth. Do you accept what I told you and still wish to come?” Ankius asked.

            “Yes.” Kurt answered.

            “Sure.” Bobby answered.

New story soon...

Look for a new story soon....

-Paul

This is Jules. He knew how to open doors.
Just a random pic. 

Readings 6.10.14

Rights History

A Growing Movement

Legal Resource

Further Academic Reading

speaking gigs

I plan on doing some speaking gigs here in the next month or so.

Some thoughts...

I've been learning about the lack of freedom too many with physical disabilities face. It seems here in the USA, if you are on Social Security Disability, there is no way to transition to working and independence.It is either "on" or "off." I'm still on a learning curve about off of this so maybe I'm just not aware of how it is done. I can think of no reason with someone with a working mind cannot work, especially given today's technology. One theme I plan to hit on as much as possible is education. I cannot do heavy physical labor, I therefore have to use my brain. This is not rocket science. I also have to know opportunity exists. If at a young age, government disability is my only given option, how can I do any better? I'm all for government assistance for those who cannot work. It is our duty to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.    

Bullying is another area I'd like to address. Nobody should dread going to school or work because they fear being picked on physically or verbally. We don't have to like everybody. But at least "do no harm." Unlike many, I also see the bully as suffering in some way. Remember condemn the behavior, not the person. It also may do well to take a hard look at the culture where the bullying is taking place. This may make some uncomfortable. How can we grow otherwise?

One thing I'd like do different is abandon the whole idea of the handicapped person as an over-comer / hero. People are people. We ALL have tough life situations to deal with and muddle through as best we can. We may look and often do thing differently, but we are not different from our more able-bodied brothers and sisters. Sure, there are those who simply cannot work and need a high level of care. Yet, they must be given every opportunity to be fully engaged citizens. Discrimination still exists. It is always based on fear and ignorance of the "other." No I don't mean to say a bunch of wheelchair bound thugs are gonna break in your house and take your stuff or mug you in the park. Fear of handicapped is different. What if I do or say something wrong? On a deeper level, am I looking at my future self? When I was a little kid, a neighbor used to as my parents how their little retarded boy was doing. This infuriated dad. The guy was prominent in local media and should have known better.

Just a little on what I'm getting into.

"Birdsong"

I just read Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. Yeah, it's a romance novel. I admit it. It was also a hell of an account of trench warfare in World War I.  In addition, there is a woman looking to the past to find her identity. The book skips around from past to present, but not enough to be annoying. It would definitely be in my top ten, maybe even top five. The main character, Steven, against all odds, survives the whole war mostly on the front lines. He also spends a good deal of time below ground with miners in their on-going efforts to blow up the German lines by mining under them and setting off massive explosions. The Germans were also doing the same to the English and the French. It was a secret war with in a war. Steven was fictional, but Undermining was not. Here's a little reading to get you started if you so choose. The book does a much better job of describing all the horrors that went along with it then I ever could. 

One thing that struck me was how people did not talk about their real experiences. The people back home choose to sweep the horrors under the rug. A guy tells his shell-shocked son home on leave, "Oh, I know all about it. I read it in the papers." There was no one the man could talk to. No wonder there was a "lost" generation. I can imagine a same rah, rah rah bullshit our troops get today. They used ribbons. We use bumper stickers. Same results. Young men return from war zones broken, disillusioned and robbed of their future. It seems we lose more to suicide than combat. I think we are more aware of it than at the turn of the last century. We would also not accept the astronomical casualties of the First World War. Though the threat of far more costly war always looms on subs, ships, in silos and aircraft with nuclear arms. Another thing we don't really talk about all that much. 

It is a hell of a good book. Though it was exceedingly dark in places (literally and figuratively), over all it was more life affirming. Read it, you'll dig it. Pop it into amazon to get a copy. 

           

Find me on FaceBook

Paul LaVack, Writer

And Reader
And Speaker
And Conflict Resolution Professional

Seeds Book II and The Arroyo

Hi All,

Well, I got the next seeds adventure up and rolling. It looks like Phoebe and her crew got some interesting new adventures as they dive into the next galaxy. There's always the underlying tension between the machines and the biounits. They will soon find out that The Felix Federation is not alone. Intelligent machines come in many shapes sizes. They have different views what's hot and who's not. That's not the only worry. How do they deal with a vengeful goddess? This is all I got so far when I ask Dzann and company to tell me the next part of their story.  

In another place and time; Pick, Raven and Ugo are almost finished the first phase of their high seas adventure. It looks like things are not working out as planned. Needless to say, they have little choice but to press on. None have a home to back to. There are so many interesting questions I hope they can answer for us all. What happens when a huge navy no longer has a country to defend? How lonely are the Atlantic Doldrums? Is there anything more important and valuable than guns and ammo? I guess in time, we'll learn.    

Be interesting to see what happens with all of these voices in my head competing for time at the keyboard. One word at a time, right? 

Seeds of The Utopia

http://www.amazon.com/Seeds-Utopia-Book-I-1/dp/1497386209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397065081&sr=1-1&keywords=Seeds+of+The+Utopia

Follow the link.

More writings and books to come.

-Paul 

Seeds of the Utopia update

Hi All,

I'm in the last phase of publishing the book on amazon. It will be both a regular book you can buy, and an e-book. Lots o little things to do! But do it well or don't bother.

-Paul

off line a few more days

Hi Readers!!

I'm currently off line at home. Can't write too much here at work. I hope to be back up and running by the weekend! Once I'm back on, I'll upload my book to Amazon.

Thanks!

-Paul

Seeds of The Utopia

Seeds of the Utopia will be out on Amazon as an e-book later this month!

Details soon! 

Learned Helplessness

Okay, its time for my dark inner-republican to come out for an appearance. No, I'm not talking about the current crop of knuckle draggers running around in DC, and here in my home state of North Carolina. I'm thinking back to a time before nuts like Sarah Palin took Republicans for a hard right turn over a cliff. All the way back to Ike? It seems there was a time when they stood for self-sufficiency, personal responsibility and a let's mind our own business. Government's job was to help make these things possible.This is not the stuffed suits of today doing their lobbyists business, no matter how harmful or hurtful to everyone else. I can agree wholeheartedly with these old values.

Just because I have physical limitations, nobody "owes" me a handout. It is up to me to take care of me. I've had a lot of good fortune along the way that have given me the ability to do so. That's what the role of government, and society should be. Ultimately, it's up to me. For those, who cannot take care of themselves, yeah, it is our duty to do so.The tricky part is figuring out who can and cannot take care of themselves. I think much depends on how we are educated. There is no way I'll be self sufficient if I'm taught I cannot be. All the support in the world cannot change this. Nobody sets out to teach their kids to feel sorry for themselves (I hope not), and remain dependent all their lives. But if doctors, educators, and other professionals re-enforce the negative stereo-types of physical limitations, there is no room for a spirit of independence to take hold. It's not always this way.

The docs I had as a little kid were never discouraging, at least not to me anyway. My Mom was told not long after I was born, I'd never walk. Had my severe club feet not been corrected at Duke University, that would have been true. Also, I think just to see what I could do, my Great Uncle Frank put me in a pool. That's how I learned how to walk! Another thing I remember from childhood is learning to adapt. We were moving to the country, and I was worried I could not walk in grass. Dad said, "You need to learn." I did just fine with the new sidewalk free environment.My parents would not accept "I can't." If they did, it was rare. I was not raised perfect, but good enough to turn out independent, and an okay person. We need to focus on what people CAN do, CAN Achieve, and CAN accomplish. Thinking the other way, what people cannot do should be unacceptable.                    

Related Free Journals

Children with Disabilities

Disabilities Studies Quarterly

Journal of Literacy and Cultural Disability Studies

Critical Disability Discourse

A Little in the Way of an Introduction to Seeds of The Utopia

Seeds of The Utopia will be out next month in one form or another. 

This is just a draft. See what you think.

I’m just a scribe writing as different characters tell me their story over time, a long time. Some of these people began telling me their story over twenty years ago. At first, their stories were separate, and independent. They seemed worlds, and ages apart. But in this universe al things are connected, ages, places, facts, myths and whys. The universe is full of holes, doors and pathways. Separation is only an illusion of our minds. We are the stuff of stars. All life is. And all stars had their start in the big bang (as best as we can tell). What was here before that? Who knows? It is a little hard to get my head around where “here” and “now” even is. “Here” is on a spinning planet, which orbits a sun, which in turn, orbits a galactic center.  “Now” is even more nebulous. Damn, gone already. So where do people come from in all of this? What were the steps from elements in stars to spinning around on our little rock telling each other stories? I think the old biblical and mythological stories leave much to be desired. Snakes and apples? Gods getting their groove on? I don’t know. The real story is probably much more complex, and fascinating. The people in this little book gave me their own version to share with you. Don’t worry. It’s an easy read. It does not have to be hard to ponder the really big questions. Let’s take a crack at some as the story unfolds. There are no wrong answers. Not for our purposes, anyway.     

Are we alone in the universe? No. We like to think of ourselves as the select, unique or dare I say, God’s chosen. If the Big Bang (the current scientific creation story) was God thinking creation into being, he is far beyond the power accredited to him in the great texts of old. God (that’s with a capital “G”) does not play a direct role in this story. But one guy, Ankius, dares to ask why there is so much suffering. He does not want to find out on a spiritual level but directly. Ankius wants to have coffee with God (or gods) if you will, a man on man conversation. He is fearless, having seen many violent deaths (many of which he was the cause). He’s also not the kind of guy to take “No” for an answer. There must be a way for this conversation to happen. His magic teacher, Tallshadow, opens the door of possibility just a crack. Ankius wants to kick the door in. You got it; He’s on a quest. He and the others you will meet don’t stay too long in any one place. Ankius finds a new kind of fear all mixed up in love for people he meets along the way. It is one thing to lose your own life, but what about the lives of others who come to love and trust you completely? Still, Ankius presses on in the hope of talking directly to the creator.  Little do he and his friends know they starting a quest that will take them further away in both space and time than they could have ever imagined. Others are coming from a reality far removed from swards, magic, kings and queens known to Ankius. He’s not the only one looking for answers.

Sometimes, people ask questions. Asking questions can lead to trouble as Xerces find out. He too finds himself on a quest, but not of his own making. He leaves behind a world (worlds really) of empire, thought police and illusion. His world is a little closer to the one we are all familiar with. The names may change but the story is much the same.  We have taken the same lesson over and over again but not yet taken it to heart. The lesson of empire is forgotten faster than it is learned. Xerces too, is not alone on his quest. Dzann, the beautiful world-renowned doctor who dared to say “NO” to the powerful finds herself with nothing but an old untrustworthy spy, and a spaceship full of mysteries all her own. It is a one-way ticket. She has to spend the rest of her life with these two. There is no going home… ever.  Xerces and Dr. Dzann are sent out only to gather knowledge for an empire that has forsaken them for defying authority. It does not take too long for a higher purpose to give real meaning to the mission.

Powers beyond them all conspire to bring the two groups together as the fate of millions, if not billions, of lives hang in the balance. But hey, let’s not get too far ahead. Kick back and relax as they share the story with you. In them you may see yourself. They too like good food, living to the fullest eating well, getting laid, and most importantly, never ever giving up.