Thursday, December 6, 2007
Whoo Hoo!
Today is the last day of classes at one of my assignments. I have to say that I am thrilled about this, because I am very grateful to NOT have to work with one of my current clients, EVER AGAIN! I wanted to just walk out a few times. Just a basically inconsiderate, ignorant person. Ugh. I don't say that often about my clients. But her, well I just had to!
Friday, November 30, 2007
I Now Pronounce You Man and Wife...
Marriage is hard! Love doesn't mean easy, I knew it, but it really is tough! That is all.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Brilliant!
Hehe, some guy stole 180 kegs of Guinness, among other beers! What an interesting thing to do. Bad, stealing is bad, but funny! Check it out.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22024571/?GT1=10547
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22024571/?GT1=10547
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Chipmunks!
Ok, some of you might snicker or chuckle or roll your eyes at me, but I have to say it. I am completely psyched that there is actually a Live Action movie of Alvin & the Chipmunks. Jason Lee is playing Dave. It really looks freaking hilarious! I can't wait! Go Old School Cartoons!
Check it out!
http://www.alvinandthechipmunksmovie.com/ Trailers are under the Media heading.
Check it out!
http://www.alvinandthechipmunksmovie.com/ Trailers are under the Media heading.
Interpreting
As most of you know by now, I am an American Sign Language Interpreter. Most people don't know what that really means, so I figured I would give those of you interested a brief synopsis of what it means to interpret. Keep in mind that I am not, nor do I claim to be the most experienced OR the best interpreter! I am still quite the newbie.
Being a Sign Langauge Interpreter means bridging the gap between two different cultures and languages. What the majority of folks aren' t aware of is that Deaf people are not just people that have an inability to hear. They are a culturally different group from the hearing majority. They have also been oppressed and deal with struggles that we cannot truly comprehend being of the hearing persuasion. The Deaf Culture (and I use this term broadly, there are many differences between regions, and 'subcultures') has its own language, with its own unique and complicated grammar structure and idioms. It isn't just a manner of taking a sentence such as "Tom went to the store yesterday" and corresponding the words with signs and throwing those out there. It means figuring out the appropriate sentence structure, facial expression and body language to get across the true meaning. This can be a very complicated process!
So in saying this, I am just returning to the field after taking a 4 year sabbatical after graduating. So I will constantly be coming across new and unique situtations, for me that is, not to mention many and varied different dilemmas, ethical and otherwise! When it is acceptable for me to do so, I may share general thoughts and ideas of these experiences, while OF COURSE keeping my client's privacy at all times.
At the moment, I just have to say that we are one of the few industries that I actually feel gets paid what they deserve! I won't give you numbers, but suffice it to say that it is appropriate considering that without interpreters it would be infinitely more difficult, if not impossible, for 2 cultures to communicate effectively! When done right, we don't translate, we interpret. We include cultural AND linguistic factors to aid 2 parties in achieving a successful interaction. What price would you put on that? And then factor in that we run all over town (gas prices sure aren't friendly to those who do what we do!) and do our own taxes, invoices and billing amongst other expenses as self employed folks! And we constantly work on our skills and education by going to work shops and conferences.
If you are interested in learning about Deaf culture, and I would recommend that you do so whether or not you have a Deaf friend or family member, I can recommend some good books. A few good ones, and not big old tomes, but ones of readable, unpretentious lengths are listed below. I recommend that you do read them or do some research because this is a group of people that are born, live and work here, with us, and we as a whole know nothing about them! If you have any questions I will do my best to answer them, and can send you the way of some sites that might help more, considering my NON expert status!
Also, if you are interested in learning ASL, or becoming an Interpreter, I highly recommend it. There is always work to be had, you make good money, and most importantly, it is INSANELY rewarding. I go home feeling like I have accomplished something. Nothing can replace that feeling!
A Place of Their Own: Creating the Deaf Community in America
Deaf in America - Voices From a Culture
Orientation to Deafness
Being a Sign Langauge Interpreter means bridging the gap between two different cultures and languages. What the majority of folks aren' t aware of is that Deaf people are not just people that have an inability to hear. They are a culturally different group from the hearing majority. They have also been oppressed and deal with struggles that we cannot truly comprehend being of the hearing persuasion. The Deaf Culture (and I use this term broadly, there are many differences between regions, and 'subcultures') has its own language, with its own unique and complicated grammar structure and idioms. It isn't just a manner of taking a sentence such as "Tom went to the store yesterday" and corresponding the words with signs and throwing those out there. It means figuring out the appropriate sentence structure, facial expression and body language to get across the true meaning. This can be a very complicated process!
So in saying this, I am just returning to the field after taking a 4 year sabbatical after graduating. So I will constantly be coming across new and unique situtations, for me that is, not to mention many and varied different dilemmas, ethical and otherwise! When it is acceptable for me to do so, I may share general thoughts and ideas of these experiences, while OF COURSE keeping my client's privacy at all times.
At the moment, I just have to say that we are one of the few industries that I actually feel gets paid what they deserve! I won't give you numbers, but suffice it to say that it is appropriate considering that without interpreters it would be infinitely more difficult, if not impossible, for 2 cultures to communicate effectively! When done right, we don't translate, we interpret. We include cultural AND linguistic factors to aid 2 parties in achieving a successful interaction. What price would you put on that? And then factor in that we run all over town (gas prices sure aren't friendly to those who do what we do!) and do our own taxes, invoices and billing amongst other expenses as self employed folks! And we constantly work on our skills and education by going to work shops and conferences.
If you are interested in learning about Deaf culture, and I would recommend that you do so whether or not you have a Deaf friend or family member, I can recommend some good books. A few good ones, and not big old tomes, but ones of readable, unpretentious lengths are listed below. I recommend that you do read them or do some research because this is a group of people that are born, live and work here, with us, and we as a whole know nothing about them! If you have any questions I will do my best to answer them, and can send you the way of some sites that might help more, considering my NON expert status!
Also, if you are interested in learning ASL, or becoming an Interpreter, I highly recommend it. There is always work to be had, you make good money, and most importantly, it is INSANELY rewarding. I go home feeling like I have accomplished something. Nothing can replace that feeling!
A Place of Their Own: Creating the Deaf Community in America
Deaf in America - Voices From a Culture
Orientation to Deafness
Another Fallen Athlete
It is funny, I don't really pay much attention to athletes, sports just don't inspire me, and I don't generally get all worked up about people that I don't know and what happens to them. Don't think that means I am cold, quite the opposite, but I learned young that I had to reserve my emotions for those that are the closest to me, or I would be a constant emotional breakdown served on a buffet in a hot chafing dish, ready to be served up at a moment's notice!
So when I heard about Taylor being shot, I didn't really delve further into the situation. I was just surprised it wasn't Pacman, some of you know why I say that! However, when signing online tonight I noticed this article on MSN.com and the headline caught my attention. I am posting this link to the article. I am not doing this to particularly say that I agree with the reporters views, not to say that I don't either, but to show someone who has gone out on a limb, to very publicly, and eloquently, express his opinion. I am sure he will get all kinds of flak for it, he will probably get hate mail and get bashed as a sellout or worse. I think he should be admired for having the balls to put out there what he really thinks. And for those who call him a sellout or like names, well, in a way, they prove his point, don't they? So read, if you are so inclined, and let me know what you think! Maturely, of course!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7499442?MSNHPHCP>1=10637
So when I heard about Taylor being shot, I didn't really delve further into the situation. I was just surprised it wasn't Pacman, some of you know why I say that! However, when signing online tonight I noticed this article on MSN.com and the headline caught my attention. I am posting this link to the article. I am not doing this to particularly say that I agree with the reporters views, not to say that I don't either, but to show someone who has gone out on a limb, to very publicly, and eloquently, express his opinion. I am sure he will get all kinds of flak for it, he will probably get hate mail and get bashed as a sellout or worse. I think he should be admired for having the balls to put out there what he really thinks. And for those who call him a sellout or like names, well, in a way, they prove his point, don't they? So read, if you are so inclined, and let me know what you think! Maturely, of course!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7499442?MSNHPHCP>1=10637
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Ni Hao Ma!
Ok, so my literati sister has been doing a blog for quite some time now, and I thought, Hey, that looks like fun! And I always have random things to say, just for the fun of saying them. So here I am. Also, I was using my Myspace blog to keep friends near and far updated on my life (assuming that they are, in fact, interested) but I realize that that precludes all non-myspace friends from joining in the fun! So here I am! I will frequently discuss topics that are completely random to those not residing in my brain (the chipmunks really need to get out now!). But they are part of a streaming consciousness that is me. So enjoy, or not.
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