"normal"

Who am I? That's a great question, and I thank you for asking it. Some would call me a hero, because I am so courageous as a person who is blind. "Wow, you can cross the street without seeing what color the light is," they will tell me. "You can ride the bus? How do you know what stop to get off at?" These are good questions, and I encourage the public to keep on asking them.
This is because asking questions helps to erase misconceptions that people have.
Who am I? Some pity me, and feel soooo bad for me. "You can't see? I am so sorry, life must be hard for you." Well, it sure isn't easy, but it is just my eyes! "How do you dress yourself? That must be impossible."
Who am I? I am normal! I won't get into the specifics of what normal means, but let it suffice to say that I am just like you, with one small exception: I can't see. That's about it.
Ok, that's all for today, it's a rainy day and I have to go to work, so I am trying to feel positive. Have a great day! Dan

MLB world series 2008

Hey there world wide webbers, it is your online friend, Dan! Well it is time to talk about one of the most interesting things to happen this year. The bail out? Yeah, that was interesting, but that's not it. The election? Yes, and I do expect an Obama knock out (Mike Tyson style). But no, I am talking, of course, about the World Series match up of the Tampa Bay Rays Vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. Now I have no interest personally in this series, but I am exstatic to announce that the Boston red sox will have no part in this year's match up. My beloved Yankees are gone, as well as THAT team (for those of you who don't get the reference, I mean the M*ts). However, I am intrigued by this unlikely pairing. We have Tampa Bay, who couldn't sell out if they were giving the tickets away for free, and the Phillies, who are talented but represent one of the smaller big markets. Both teams are qualified to be there, and I think that I will rather enjoy this unlikely series.
I am sad to report that this will be the start of a dark time in my life. As some of you might or might not know, baseball is my favorite sport. Everything else pales in comparison to my love for our American past time. Therefore, I expect the sun not to shine between the end of October and the beginning of March.
I am still in mourning over the loss of a good friend of mine. I'm talking, obviously, of Yankee stadium. After doing much thinking about the matter, I have come to the conclusion that the events that led to the destruction of a historical landmark were out of my control and all I can do now is look forward to a new season of baseball in the BX (Bronx New York).
Bottom line: whoever wins the world series will be very lucky: it would be the first for the Rays and only the second for the Phillies. That's great, but remind me how many do the Yankees have?
Oh yes, that's right, more than any other franchise in any sport in the history of the universe! I think our legacy will be in place regardless to the disappointment of this season. So, until next time, take care.
(I would like to say hi to my friend DJ (Derik Jeter) who I am hoping is a frequent reader of my blog)
Dan

Please read this: I feel like I am talking to myself!

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I understand that I don't blog very often, I do have a life after all. I think that blogging is great, but in my opinion it shouldn't be used to replace regular every day face-to-face communication. However, I have been feeling lately like I am having a conversation with myself (a really interesting, humorous, and inspiring one). I would appreciate your comments on the topics that I speak about. Otherwise, why am I having this monologue? To blog, or not to blog, someone answer that question! If the internet is a super highway, then this must be 2:30 AM in the middle of nowhere because I hear and see no one out here. On a totally unrelated note, rumor has it that the Yankees will have a pitching staff next year consisting of: old men who are past their prime, and young guys who can't get a win if their life counted on it (I'm talking to you, Hues and Kennedy). I personally think that it is time for a change, how about you? Why is it that the Yankees like to acquire pitchers who are at the end of their career, while at the same time continually betting on these young pitchers as if they were pocket aces? I don't know, but I am fed up with it. Alright, that is it for now. Sorry if I sound frustrated today, but I'd rather get it out now and see if anyone else feels the same way that I do. Take care. Dan

religion can be rediculous

Hi, it’s Dan. Today’s blog might stir up some debate, or at least get some of you to think.

We are living in scary times in the United States. The economy keeps going down like a broken elevator, and tax payers are losing out on their dollars. I keep feeling like we are playing Texas hold ‘em poker and are in a big hand (try 700 billion dollars), where the U.S. is bluffing with nothing but making it seem as if we have a great hand. I have heard that this strategy is actually for the best, but it’s way over my head.

I saw the movie Religulous today, and now I am questioning my own beliefs and the state of my country. The main concept behind this movie is that doubt is a good thing, religion is a made up man made idea and it causes more bad than good. Now, I happen to be Jewish. I don’t think that one religion is better than the next, just different. I also don’t buy in to the stereotypes about certain religions (I.E. not all Muslims are terrorists, Jews don’t control the media, Mormons don’t all have three wives). However, I am having a problem coming to terms with where I stand as a Jew. My mind is made up of two parts: the rational side and the smaller, but still present, religious side. Logically speaking, I understand that there might not be a God, although each day I do observe things that seem to may be caused by a higher power (whatever you choose to call it). As for the religious sector of my brain, it knows that I was raised in the synagogue and contends that God is present and it strives to stay connected to the Jewish community. Therefore, I cannot resolve the conflict of science VS. faith.

I think I know who I am, but it is an ever evolving process. I will continue to pursue some level of religion, while at the same time staying firmly grounded in reality. The bottom line is that, no matter which religion you might choose or not choose to believe in, the following is true: I believe that the best way for society to thrive is if we all are nice to each other, maintain a good sense of ethics and morals, and we must only act towards others as we would expect them to act towards us.

I welcome any comments on this, just click the title of this posting and let me know how you feel. I am not trying to influence or change anyone’s mind, just to start an open dialogue about life and religion and your opinion. I am thinking about blogging about the election and maybe more about disability, but I would really like feedback if you read this. Thanks, Dan.

Good bye Yankee stadium, good-bye... Yankees!

Hey everyone, ok so here is the deal regarding the Yankees: even though they are not mathematically eliminated, I have accepted the harsh reality that their season is over. October will be a dark time in New York, and I am definitely not alone in that. The only positive aspect of this whole situation is that the Mets look like they might not make it either! (I know, that was wrong to say, but I feel that I have to look at the bright side in this situation) I don't hate the mets, but I would be jealous if their fans still had games to play next month while we won't. On a sad note, the beloved Yankee stadium will be gone soon, replaced but not forgotten. I had had so many good times there, I have been going there since I was a kid and it has been a big part of my life. During a class last semester about America's recreational habits, my professor described my feelings about Yankee stadium as "an emotional attachment". I suppose she was correct. The new stadium will cost Millions and Millions of dollars to build, and it can not truly replace it's predecessor.
Yankee Stadium: I will miss you.

So, what is life like after baseball? Well, I don't know. I don't feel particularly attached to any other of the New York sports teams, maybe I should see what else is on TV. Oops, I forgot, there is Nothing on TV. So many channels, so few quality shows. And don't get me started on reality shows, I like reality as it is just fine. Maybe I will read a book, I do enjoy listening to books on mp3, but that's a topic for another blog.

Until next time, take care. Yankee stadium: RIP. Dan

my new portable PC, the Braille aNote!

Hello out there to all of you on the super highway. Today I will be talking about a very exciting new development in my life. Yesterday, I received the Braille Note. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is similar to a portable computer except that it is made for people who are blind. It uses a braille keyboard and refreshable braille display which comes in handy. It also has internet and email capabilities which I think is awesome because now I can make sure that I am always online somewhere (at school, at my internship, or on the go).

I am feeling very overwhelmed. The braille note came with a braille manual which consists of seven (thick) braille volumes of instructions. It's great that I will have this cool piece of technology, but I will be devoting a large amount of my time to learning how to use it.

However, as my parents know, I plan to just start using it before I finish the manual. Life is about trial and error, sometimes you have to make mistakes before you get it right. Well, that's the plan! I'll update you soon about my progress. I already figured out how to use WiFi to get online, and how to connect a USB flash drive to the Braille Note! I was really excited after mastering those two tasks. Take care everybody, Dan.

click here to comment

Hi, please click on the link above to leave a comment. On another note, the 2008 election is really heating up. Of course, I am a big Obama fan, but last week's republican convention has really made alot of people start talking. I encourage all of you to vote in November this year. Personally, I am going to vote by myself on November 4th, I want to be independent! I will use the "so-called" accessible voting machine, and then we will see how "accessible" it really is. However, no matter who you choose to vote for, I believe that we will all be in agreement that it is great that change will be coming in January of 2009!

I apologize for the delay in posting new blog items. I have been getting ready for the new semester in school, and now it is time to keep this blog going! Take care, Dan