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It's a Party, in the Rain?
Jul. 21st, 2017 05:26 pmI'm now at my parents' place and we're having a pizza party! But not outside 'cause of the storms. Tons of rain, lightning and thunder out there. I can hear it from up here in the bedroom.
Another Addendum of Sorts
Jul. 14th, 2017 10:44 amWell, we did not end up watching an audio-described movie on Wednesday evening, but that's fine with me 'cause the movie we did watch had a lot of dialog. We saw "Police Academy," which we enjoyed. We also ate hot dogs, popcorn and chips. Or at least most of us did.
Going Downstairs in a Bit
Jul. 12th, 2017 06:17 pmHi everybody. Tonight it's movie night here at my apartment complex. Don't know what we're watching, but it'll hopefully be something with audio descriptions. Those wanting to know more about AD please check out this website: http://www.acb.org/adp . Hope y'all are staying outa trouble. That's all for now.
He's Baaack!
Jun. 22nd, 2017 09:28 pmWhy hello to everybody. It has once again been like forever since my last entry. But fear not, I'm still alive and kickin'. I've been busy with mostly good stuff, but with some bad things mixed in. I had a cold and my ears filled up with tons of wax. I was honestly not that sick, but I had a lot of trouble hearing and you can probably imagine how tough that gets for a blind guy like me, lol! But anyhow, I had eardrops put in both ears and then they were flushed out last week. Actually the process of flushing them out was kinda cool. I had it done once prior to last week, a few years back at the same office. For those of you who have never had this done, it tickles a bit. But I'm ticklish so that wasn't bad at all.
The other bad thing that happened was that my toilet seat busted. The good news however, is that just a few nights ago when my awesome father dropped me off here after a lovely Father's Day weekend, he brought not one, but 2 new toilet seats and lids and his toolbox and went to work. So I now have a brand-new seat and lid on my toilet. I have since had occasion to use the toilet in my apartment, and had no trouble thus far. I cannot thank my father enough for what he did. In addition, I cannot thank my neighbor across the hall enough for letting me invade his bathroom. Even though his bathroom is honestly not that great of a place, I was able to take care of business in there.
The other bad thing that happened was that my toilet seat busted. The good news however, is that just a few nights ago when my awesome father dropped me off here after a lovely Father's Day weekend, he brought not one, but 2 new toilet seats and lids and his toolbox and went to work. So I now have a brand-new seat and lid on my toilet. I have since had occasion to use the toilet in my apartment, and had no trouble thus far. I cannot thank my father enough for what he did. In addition, I cannot thank my neighbor across the hall enough for letting me invade his bathroom. Even though his bathroom is honestly not that great of a place, I was able to take care of business in there.
Test Entry Again
May. 5th, 2017 10:27 amSo that was a spammy request I gather? My IP address has not been blocked and works just fine.
An Accessible Bible for All
Apr. 9th, 2017 08:00 pmHi everyone. Hope all is well in your part of the world. Good. I'd like to introduce all my readers to a wonderful organization which I just found out about a couple weeks ago. But first, let me say that I'm in no way trying to convert anybody here to Christianity, Judaism or any such thing. Everybody has their personal preferences regarding religion, faith etc. and I am a firm believer in religious tolerance. Those of you who have heard of this organization are just being re-introduced to it whether you like it or not,. lol. Simply skip over this entry if you think you'll be bored to tears and/or offended by it.
I received an email a couple weeks ago from my mother, who had received information from a CIF staffer about an organization called Talking Bibles International. My mother asked me if I wanted one of their Bibles, and I immediately replied to her with an enthusiastic Yes. Being a lifelong Christian, I was not only intrigued about finally getting my very own Bible in an accessible format, but I also wanted to explore this organization more. So I immediately clicked on the website link in the email, and was taken to their home in cyberspace. I was pleasantly surprised to find a website that is completely accessible with VoiceOver and Chromevox Classic on the Mac. While waiting for my Bible to arrive, I explored the site. There is a whole section where you can listen to various parts of the Bible read in different languages, all for free. My Bible took about a week to get here, which I'd say is a sufficient amount of time. I cannot say much about this company's customer service, but it must be pretty good if the item arrived without a hitch.
As it turned out, I went to my parents' place about a week ago to celebrate a family member's birthday. I spent the night here, and after breakfast the next morning I had a look at the talking Bible. I was amazed at the size and weight of the thing. The website states that these Bibles look just like pocket Bibles, and they're not kidding. This thing only has a few simple controls, making it a breeze to operate. I was expecting at least some bells and whistles to go along with the narration, but there are none of these. At least I haven't found any thus far. But no worries there. Speaking of the narration, it is quite good. I hadn't heard this narrator prior to receiving the Bible. While this Bible does come with a USB adapter, it is powered by solar energy and therefore requires no batteries.
I highly recommend people check out this organization if they haven't already. Just point your favorite web browser to http://www.talkingbibles.org . Those of you regular churchgoers may also want to let your respective parishes know about this awesome organization.
I received an email a couple weeks ago from my mother, who had received information from a CIF staffer about an organization called Talking Bibles International. My mother asked me if I wanted one of their Bibles, and I immediately replied to her with an enthusiastic Yes. Being a lifelong Christian, I was not only intrigued about finally getting my very own Bible in an accessible format, but I also wanted to explore this organization more. So I immediately clicked on the website link in the email, and was taken to their home in cyberspace. I was pleasantly surprised to find a website that is completely accessible with VoiceOver and Chromevox Classic on the Mac. While waiting for my Bible to arrive, I explored the site. There is a whole section where you can listen to various parts of the Bible read in different languages, all for free. My Bible took about a week to get here, which I'd say is a sufficient amount of time. I cannot say much about this company's customer service, but it must be pretty good if the item arrived without a hitch.
As it turned out, I went to my parents' place about a week ago to celebrate a family member's birthday. I spent the night here, and after breakfast the next morning I had a look at the talking Bible. I was amazed at the size and weight of the thing. The website states that these Bibles look just like pocket Bibles, and they're not kidding. This thing only has a few simple controls, making it a breeze to operate. I was expecting at least some bells and whistles to go along with the narration, but there are none of these. At least I haven't found any thus far. But no worries there. Speaking of the narration, it is quite good. I hadn't heard this narrator prior to receiving the Bible. While this Bible does come with a USB adapter, it is powered by solar energy and therefore requires no batteries.
I highly recommend people check out this organization if they haven't already. Just point your favorite web browser to http://www.talkingbibles.org . Those of you regular churchgoers may also want to let your respective parishes know about this awesome organization.
Hi everyone. I thought it was about time for another update from yours truly. As I write this, I'm just back from a relative's funeral. Not much to discuss there though: just the usual visitation followed by the funeral itself and spending time with family, both immediate and extended.
But I wanted to let everyone know that I am finally! having more of a desire to delve into politics. Why the change of heart, I hear you ask? Well, mainly because people have been bugging me about it. And yes, this includes my family. There are 2 reasons for my lack of involvement in the political process. First off, it has pretty much always been my belief that advocacy just doesn't work a lot of the time. There, I said it! Lol! I think this is particularly true when it comes to disability-rights advocacy, but it applies to other forms of advocacy as well. I've mainly seen it happen throughout Illinois, but I think it's true in a few other states as well. But the other reason I haven't been much for politics--perhaps somewhat related--is the lack of screen reader access to most if not all of these political websites. Enter NFB Newsline! If I can't travel independently very much, I figure I could at least read up on all that's going on. Sure I've heard some of it while listening to the radio, and while watching TV with family and friends. But I have for the most part been tuned out. I think this can be said of at least some other people though.
I have been an NFB Newsline subscriber now for several years. I've never been much of an NFB fan for the most part. While they have indeed done some very good things, a lot of it is just too hard-core for my bones. However, one of the great things that is going on at the NFB is Newsline. Like all other subscribers to the service, I started out only using it over the telephone. But when their website came online, I just had to investigate. So investigate I did, and I became acquainted with their site. But due to a rather hectic schedule, I basically put it on the back burner and kind of forgot about the website. But last week I went on there again. I am happy to report that the team has been hard at work adding great new content, and I for one am super excited to take full advantage of this excellent service. So thank you NFB Newsline team! Your hard work is definitely paying off, for me and for many others.
But I wanted to let everyone know that I am finally! having more of a desire to delve into politics. Why the change of heart, I hear you ask? Well, mainly because people have been bugging me about it. And yes, this includes my family. There are 2 reasons for my lack of involvement in the political process. First off, it has pretty much always been my belief that advocacy just doesn't work a lot of the time. There, I said it! Lol! I think this is particularly true when it comes to disability-rights advocacy, but it applies to other forms of advocacy as well. I've mainly seen it happen throughout Illinois, but I think it's true in a few other states as well. But the other reason I haven't been much for politics--perhaps somewhat related--is the lack of screen reader access to most if not all of these political websites. Enter NFB Newsline! If I can't travel independently very much, I figure I could at least read up on all that's going on. Sure I've heard some of it while listening to the radio, and while watching TV with family and friends. But I have for the most part been tuned out. I think this can be said of at least some other people though.
I have been an NFB Newsline subscriber now for several years. I've never been much of an NFB fan for the most part. While they have indeed done some very good things, a lot of it is just too hard-core for my bones. However, one of the great things that is going on at the NFB is Newsline. Like all other subscribers to the service, I started out only using it over the telephone. But when their website came online, I just had to investigate. So investigate I did, and I became acquainted with their site. But due to a rather hectic schedule, I basically put it on the back burner and kind of forgot about the website. But last week I went on there again. I am happy to report that the team has been hard at work adding great new content, and I for one am super excited to take full advantage of this excellent service. So thank you NFB Newsline team! Your hard work is definitely paying off, for me and for many others.
Another Test Entry: Please Ignore
Feb. 15th, 2017 03:05 pmIt's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. It's a neighborly day in the beautihood.
Just Testing Again, Please Ignore
Dec. 1st, 2016 09:49 pmEverybody all right over yonder? Good! Then I can shut down for the
night and go to bed.
night and go to bed.
I Know You Can Do It!
Oct. 31st, 2016 07:15 amHappy Halloween too to those who have it today. Please check out this video when you have a moment. http://onj.me/2l8i3
Test Entry with MarsEdit
Jun. 27th, 2016 06:06 pmThis is just a test entry with MarsEdit's HTML editor. Please do not attempt to leave any comments as they will be turned off.
(no subject)
Jun. 19th, 2016 10:44 amHappy Dad's Day to all of the wonderful dads out there, including mine. New beta page working well with Chromevox too.
(no subject)
Jun. 19th, 2016 09:40 amThis is just a test of the new beta Create Entries page on the mighty Dreamwidth. Looks good so far, doesn't it? Comments will be turned off for this entry, I think.
(no subject)
Jun. 17th, 2016 09:21 amI'm all alone for the next couple of days 'cause my neighbor friend across the way is on a mini-vacation. I have no more friends, lol! Whoa is me!
Hi everyone. This is just a quick? entry to let y'all know--or perhaps remind some of you--that this year's Global Accessibility Awareness Day is today. This is a day when we honor all those who have made great strides in technology accessibility, including web and software developers. I'm including this very website here. Yes I'm talking to you, Dreamwidth staff and volunteers and everybody else who make this thing possible. You've done a marvelous job building an accessible journaling platform, and it shows. Those who have not heard of this please check out http://www.
Accessibility also applies to on-land spaces too. For instance, I and a group of co-workers were in Santa Barbara, California earlier this week on business. First off, I was offered a wheelchair to get through security at the airport here in Chicago. I have always been a cane user, and can walk just fine provided somebody with working eyeballs is with me when I need help navigating unfamiliar territory. Having said that though, I did appreciate being pushed around in the wheelchair for that short amount of time. Additionally, it got me and my group through airport security much quicker so that we didn't miss our flight. I was again offered a wheelchair upon landing in Los Angeles. My hotel room was very accessible, including the bathroom. Upon our check-in at the airport in L.A. to return to Chicago, I went sighted guide with one of our group leaders, and upon seeing my cane we were immediately permitted to go directly to the front of the security line. So accessibility truly does come in large and small forms, and I for one very much appreciate all that has been done thus far by various entities to increase access for everybody. Even those without documented disabilities can and do benefit from it.
Accessibility also applies to on-land spaces too. For instance, I and a group of co-workers were in Santa Barbara, California earlier this week on business. First off, I was offered a wheelchair to get through security at the airport here in Chicago. I have always been a cane user, and can walk just fine provided somebody with working eyeballs is with me when I need help navigating unfamiliar territory. Having said that though, I did appreciate being pushed around in the wheelchair for that short amount of time. Additionally, it got me and my group through airport security much quicker so that we didn't miss our flight. I was again offered a wheelchair upon landing in Los Angeles. My hotel room was very accessible, including the bathroom. Upon our check-in at the airport in L.A. to return to Chicago, I went sighted guide with one of our group leaders, and upon seeing my cane we were immediately permitted to go directly to the front of the security line. So accessibility truly does come in large and small forms, and I for one very much appreciate all that has been done thus far by various entities to increase access for everybody. Even those without documented disabilities can and do benefit from it.
Random Musings
May. 6th, 2016 08:14 pmHey everyone. Not got much to share for this entry but some random tidbits. I'm sitting out here on my back porch, enjoying this beautiful weather that we had today. I have yet to check the latest forecast via Weather Underground, so I'm not sure if the beautiful weather will stick around for good this time but I'm hoping it will.
Today was a very good day, as most of them are for me. I spent most of it getting used to the service which was installed yesterday in my apartment. I didn't actually have much to get used to though, since it is basically an extension of the Internet and phone service which I already had. There are some additional features, which haven't been set up yet. I might have to have sighted assistance with those though, since I've never used them before. Actually I think only one of the features is totally new to me, that being some sort of voice add-on for my land line. But I guess I'll find out all about it when the time comes. I think the biggest win for me though was a reduced rate for me and my neighbor across the hall. He and I have been splitting the cost of our phone and Internet now for a little while, and today was his birthday so I think the lower cost is a cool present. The service was installed in my place yesterday, and it seems to be working just as it should. Additionally, the technician who was here and the technician with whom I spoke on the phone earlier in the week, were both very professional and courteous.
I also had 2 implants put in my mouth this week, with a follow-up appointment yesterday. The endodontist and his staff did an excellent job with everything, and I'm healing quite nicely and on schedule.
I'm going to learn how to use iCloud with my computer. Originally I was going to purchase an external hard drive for use with my MacBook, but after talking it over with my father last weekend I think I'll try out the cloud. I'm admittedly not as well-versed on a lot of this stuff as most of you no doubt are, but I'll get there. As previously mentioned I love my MacBook and I'm eager to learn more about it.
Today was a very good day, as most of them are for me. I spent most of it getting used to the service which was installed yesterday in my apartment. I didn't actually have much to get used to though, since it is basically an extension of the Internet and phone service which I already had. There are some additional features, which haven't been set up yet. I might have to have sighted assistance with those though, since I've never used them before. Actually I think only one of the features is totally new to me, that being some sort of voice add-on for my land line. But I guess I'll find out all about it when the time comes. I think the biggest win for me though was a reduced rate for me and my neighbor across the hall. He and I have been splitting the cost of our phone and Internet now for a little while, and today was his birthday so I think the lower cost is a cool present. The service was installed in my place yesterday, and it seems to be working just as it should. Additionally, the technician who was here and the technician with whom I spoke on the phone earlier in the week, were both very professional and courteous.
I also had 2 implants put in my mouth this week, with a follow-up appointment yesterday. The endodontist and his staff did an excellent job with everything, and I'm healing quite nicely and on schedule.
I'm going to learn how to use iCloud with my computer. Originally I was going to purchase an external hard drive for use with my MacBook, but after talking it over with my father last weekend I think I'll try out the cloud. I'm admittedly not as well-versed on a lot of this stuff as most of you no doubt are, but I'll get there. As previously mentioned I love my MacBook and I'm eager to learn more about it.
Happy Springtime!
Mar. 20th, 2016 09:14 amHello there everybody. Nope, I haven't fallen off the planet, or at
least not yet. I've just been a bit preoccupied as of late with work
and trying to shake a cold. Actually it started out as the flu, and
then morphed into this shitty cold. But I've been drinking a lot, and
my appetite is better than it was. But one thing to which I attribute
this feeling of malaise is not getting out enough. Don't even get me
started though on that one. I'm planning a whole separate entry for
it. But for now, I will say that I am feeling much better.
But I would also like to inform those of you assistive technology
users out there who are sports fans or would-be sports fans, about an
accessible NCAA tournament bracket. This is just in time for March
Madness. After talking with some people including the developer of
said bracket, I discovered that I registered a bit too late to
actually fill it out. However, I have listened to a few games thus
far. This is, after all, my first time participating in something like
this. I have to heartily commend the developer for doing an excellent
job.
least not yet. I've just been a bit preoccupied as of late with work
and trying to shake a cold. Actually it started out as the flu, and
then morphed into this shitty cold. But I've been drinking a lot, and
my appetite is better than it was. But one thing to which I attribute
this feeling of malaise is not getting out enough. Don't even get me
started though on that one. I'm planning a whole separate entry for
it. But for now, I will say that I am feeling much better.
But I would also like to inform those of you assistive technology
users out there who are sports fans or would-be sports fans, about an
accessible NCAA tournament bracket. This is just in time for March
Madness. After talking with some people including the developer of
said bracket, I discovered that I registered a bit too late to
actually fill it out. However, I have listened to a few games thus
far. This is, after all, my first time participating in something like
this. I have to heartily commend the developer for doing an excellent
job.
Testing Out Email Posting Using Chromevox
Feb. 22nd, 2016 01:21 pmWell...I guess this email posting thing works with Chromevox too!
After all it's just creating an entry using my email provider's
interface, which is already very accessible. But it's good to test
these things out anyway, right?
After all it's just creating an entry using my email provider's
interface, which is already very accessible. But it's good to test
these things out anyway, right?
