Designing 007 exhibit in Toronto worth investigating (ends Jan. 20)

My favourite moment of 2012

Me with Rebeka, Lydia and Rachelle Wyse
(Esther not pictured)

Before 2012 draws to a close, I want to share my favourite moment of the year with you. It happened in Washington last July, during the American conference for people with my physical disability, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones).

While I was enjoying a Saturday night party at the hotel, I came upon these young pretty girls with OI enjoying cake with a middle-aged couple. When I asked the couple how they all knew each other, they said they were with four of their children adopted from China.

Originally from Illinois, Keith and Cheryl Wyse have lived more than 10 years of their lives in China. They became passionate about establishing a home for orphaned children with OI after adopting twins Rebekah and Rachelle in 2002. I met the twins, and also two of their other adopted daughters, Lydia and Esther. The Wyses have eight children, and of the six adoptees, four of them have OI.

When I met with them again during breakfast the next morning, they talked about a centre they co-founded in China called the Agape Family Life House. The Agape Family Life House is also a Christian ministry that reflects the deep faith shared by the Wyse family. The Wyses want to shine a light to the world by showing that people with OI can be brought up to live long and healthy lives.

The OI Foundation honoured Keith that evening with an award recognizing his efforts to help improve the quality of life for children and youth with OI. After the conference ended, I read more about Agape and the work it has done and continues to do. Though I live in Canada, I want to help the ministry grow any way possible.

The Wyses’ story moved me so much that I seized every opportunity I could to spend time with them and get to know them. Meeting Keith and Cheryl and their four children, and learning about the Agape Family Life House, ranks as my favourite moment of 2012.

RIP Fontella Bass

RIP Gerry Anderson

Celebrating Renee

A couple of years ago I watched this TV documentary called Suck it Up Princess. It's about a young woman with muscular dystrophy named Renee Rodrigues. She was a tough, feisty and determined gal who managed to keep persevering when the odds were often stacked against her. She died last Friday (Dec. 21) at the age of 24. I never got to meet her, but I admired her and her ability to 'suck it up', as revealed in her documentary. Here's a clip from that special. RIP Princess.

RIP Charles Durning

This is the #1 song of 2012, according to Billboard

Season's Greetings from me and Wishy

RIP Dave Brubeck

Not Being Elmo: A sad story

I have always been a fan and admirer of Sesame Street and the Muppets, so you can imagine how sad I felt this week when longtime performer Kevin Clash resigned from Sesame Street after 28 years.

Though I was past the normal viewing age for Sesame Street when Clash started lending his voice to the furry red monster Elmo, I did grow up hearing him as Goriddle Gorilla on the non-Muppet production, The Great Space Coaster. In my adult years I watched some of the Elmo-led specials, and some of the other Muppet projects Clash contributed to, usually as other characters.

When news of the scandals broke, I decided from the outset to refrain from judgment. I'm still not going to make any judgments about Clash or his personal life. What I will state is that it's going to be hard to separate the most popular Sesame Street character from the man who helped make him a star.

I loved watching the documentary made about Clash, Being Elmo, a few months ago. Seeing it now, is going to make for a very different experience.

I wish Clash all the best with whatever creative endeavour he chooses to pursue in the future. I feel badly for the kids who watch Sesame Street, because they are hurting the most by his departure. I also hope that whoever comes along to perform Elmo in the future will retain the integrity of the character, as a teaching tool for those who find him fun and entertaining.

RIP Bill Tarmey

I remember meeting 'Jack Duckworth' of the long-running British soap Coronation Street when he came to sing at the 1994 Variety Club Telethon in Toronto. Tarmey's Duckworth character was one of the show's most popular characters. He was part of the show from 1979 to 2010. You are remembered and missed, Bill.

Movember 2012

This year I'm doing the Movember challenge. This involves growing a mustache and raising money for cancer research at the same time throughout November. I also want to promote men's health. I formally joined the Movember campaign nearly a week after it officially began. So far I've managed to raise $5!

You can check out my Mo Space at http://ca.movember.com/mospace/5769565. I will be updating it frequently.

My M*A*S*H Challenge

Two months ago, at the beginning of September, the famous TV comedy-drama series M*A*S*H celebrated its 40th anniversary. It was also around this time that I started watching it regularly, right from the first episode. I'd known about M*A*S*H for a long time, and remember glancing at the reruns as a kid, including the epic finale. I even had some of the action figures and the jeep.

However I wasn't a fan, mainly because I couldn't understand its content or premise. Now, nearly 30 years after the last episode aired, I found myself hooked. It was worth the long wait.

M*A*S*H is a fictionalized version of the Korean War that lasted from 1950 to 1953, told from the point of view of medics at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. M*A*S*H started as a novel before Robert Altman turned it into a hugely-successful movie in 1970. The TV series, starring Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Gary Burghoff and Jamie Farr, resulted from the movie's success. It was so popular that it lasted for 11 seasons, from 1972 to 1983 - nearly four times as long as the real Korean War!

The movie with Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Sally Kellerman and Gary Burghoff shows the dark side of war in a satirical tone. So far I've seen almost four of the 11 seasons on History TV Canada. I've also watched some of the later episodes, including "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" in its entirety.

I enthusiastically took up the challenge of watching all 251 episodes of this classic TV show. It will likely take me until March 2013 to see it all.

There will be more M*A*S*H in my blog, but for now, as the Col. Henry Blake character would say, "abyssinia."

Here's a video I appeared in on accessing employment

http://www.accessforward.ca/trainingResources/employment-video

Happy 40th to Canada AM, my favourite TV morning show!

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Canada's (and America's) newest saint

My thoughts on the term 'disability'

Last Thursday (Oct. 4) my friend Daniele Rossi interviewed me for his Stuttering is Cool podcast. The topic for this episode is "The term 'disability' - Friend or Foe?" I felt honoured to have been part of it. My interview starts around the 11-minute mark.

You can listen to this episode or download it at http://stutteringiscool.com/podcast/the-term-disability-friend-or-foe/.

Steve Jobs remembered, one year later

50 years of Bond... James Bond

RIP Barbara Ann Scott

RIP Raylene Rankin

The Goal of the Century... 40 years later

RIP Andy Williams

Mark O'Brien and The Sessions

Mark O'Brien

The late US poet and journalist Mark O’Brien wanted one wish granted before his death, and that was to experience sexual intimacy.

The fact that he spent much of his time in an iron lung often presented a barrier, for him and for women who didn’t know how to reciprocate every time he expressed love to them.

O’Brien’s journey is told in the new indie film The Sessions (aka The Surrogate), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. I saw it this weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). I could identify with the reality that it is hard for those of us with disabilities to start a relationship that includes sex.

After a failed attempt at a relationship with one of his attendants, O’Brien, played by non-disabled actor John Hawkes, hires a surrogate partner (Helen Hunt) to help him overcome his fears towards experiencing sexual intercourse, in six, one-time-only sessions. He even receives a blessing from his Catholic priest (William H. Macy) before putting his plan into action.

O’Brien, who acquired polio at age six, decided at 36 to pursue his goal to have sexual intercourse, if only in the Biblical sense. Hawkes brings out the urgency and yearning O’Brien must have gone through while wrestling with his emotions and religious convictions.

A lot of the source material for The Sessions come from an article O’Brien published called, “On Seeing a Sexual Surrogate.” The Sessions contains humour and heart, and the story develops very quickly. It also avoids being judgmental about the journey itself.

Though some of you reading this review may feel squeamish about the story and its subject matter, I encourage you to go in with an open mind and give it a chance. I like this movie, and how it recognizes and celebrates Mark O’Brien as a champion of the independent living movement.

The real O’Brien famously appeared in a short documentary on his life and work called Breathing Lessons (1996), which is available to watch in its entirety at www.snagfilms.com. This film won an Academy Award in 1997.

O’Brien died in 1999, at the age of 49. The Sessions is dedicated to his memory.

I remember 9/11

RIP Michael Clarke Duncan

RIP Neil Armstrong

RIP Jerry Nelson

RIP Phyllis Diller

Elvis Remembered

I am an Elvis fan. Are you?

George Eyser, a paralympic pioneer

George Eyser

Prior to the start of this year's summer Olympics, I came across an article about George Eyser. He was a gymnast and a pioneering paralympian who competed at the 1904 games held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Eyser was the first athlete with a disability to compete in an Olympics.

Originally from Germany, Eyser competed for Team USA. His Olympic dreams were nearly dashed in his teenage year when he lost his left leg after being run over by a train. Eyser, however, was undeterred, and took part in the games wearing a wooden prosthesis. He won all six of his medals in one day, three of which were gold! Eyser's gold medals came from the vault, rope climbing and parallel bars. His two silver came from the pommel horse and 4-event all-around, and his bronze from the horizontal bar.

His involvement in the Olympic Games predates the first Paralympic Games by 54 years. It's interesting to see how far athletes with disabilities have come since then, and are continuing to go.

Unfortunately, poor George Eyser has become a largely forgotten figure in Olympic/Paralympic history. Very little is known about him after he competed at his one and only Olympics. Apparently he spent most of his remaining years in the US, but it's not known if he was married, had children, or remained single. None of the biographers indicate when or where he died, either. His birth date is listed as August 31, 1870, meaning he was 34 when he took part in the Olympics.

I personally find this small piece of sports history interesting. George Eyser, I salute you.

My press release for an upcoming wheelchair hockey event

For: Immediate Release                                      August 1, 2012

SEAN ROSS SUMMER MEMORIAL CLASSIC CELEBRATES LIFE OF POWER HOCKEY PLAYER

TORONTO – On Saturday, August 25^th, 2012, a power wheelchair hockey fundraiser will be played in memory of a true sportsman. It will take place from 2-5pm at Alexandra Park’s Outdoor Rink (behind Scadding Court Community Centre, 707 Dundas St. West) Dundas/Bathurst. Friends and former teammates from the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (CEWHA) and the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) are expected to participate. All proceeds will go to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

     Sean Ross was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 1973, yet his passion for hockey led him to play his favourite sport for over 25 years. He epitomized the core values of amateur sports; playing with perseverance, respecting others and succeeding with true class and humility. Sean’s involvement in power hockey resulted in accolades and awards, and the admiration of friends and teammates. Many people mourned his passing in early 2011 (age 37). Now, his achievements are celebrated in what we hope will become an annual event.

     Power hockey, or wheelchair floor hockey, provides recreational and social benefits for youth and adults with physical disabilities. There are several power hockey leagues that exist in North America and internationally.

     For more information on the Sean Ross Summer Memorial Classic, or to participate, please contact Neil Mercer at 416-925-9817.

-30-

RIP Sherman Hemsley

Amy Winehouse remembered, one year later

Batman tribute to Colorado

From the Archives: "Things I Learned and Discovered at the OI Foundation Conference" (8/8/2008)

I had an awesome time at the OI Foundation Conference this year! It was actually my first one... I thought I'd share what I took away from this conference.

Here are some of the things I learned:

* Most cases of OI (85-90%) are caused by a dominant genetic defect.

* While there are no concrete stats available, it is estimated there are 20-50,000 people living with OI in the US. The number of people with OI in Canada may be similar to US estimates.

* Exercise is crucial for people with OI. One good workout regimen is stretching.

* Bones can atrophy just like muscles if they are not used.

* Vitamin D is a hormone, not a vitamin.

* Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health.

* About 50% of people with OI also have dentinogenesis (i.e. brittle teeth). There are also some people who have DI but not OI.

* Pulmonary infection is the leading cause of death for people with OI. This is why ALL people with OI are told to exercise daily and get a flu shot annually.

* Canada needs its own OI Foundation. There used to be an active group, but it dissolved several years ago.

* China has its own OI Foundation, as does the former Soviet state of Georgia.

Here are some things I discovered at the conference:

* Many of us OIers are fun, friendly and talkative.

* Many of us OIers are positive, intelligent and forward-thinking.

* We possess an 'unbreakable spirit.'

* Over 800 people attended this year's conference (#16), the largest one ever!

* Many attendees came from the US and around the world.

And last, but not least...

* There are a lot of cute girls - and pretty ladies - with OI! ;)

The Abilities Centre

Last month I attended the opening of this new, integrated, state-of-the-art recreational and educational centre near Toronto. The Abilities Centre looks like an impressive place to work out and learn. Here's a clip that explains it in greater detail.

Risk More II

It's been more than six months since I wrote a blog titled 'Risk More.' My goal was to update it once a month or once every two months. Okay, so that didn't happen. Now I'm going to fill you in on what's happened these past six months.

Around the time I wrote the first entry, I was exploring the idea of becoming a teacher of ESL (English as a Second Language). Teaching English to adults is something I could see myself doing, particularly those who emigrated to Canada. I went into applying believing that there is always going to be a demand for ESL teachers, particularly in a multicultural city like Toronto.

In May, I submitted my application. Three weeks later, I met with the program's creator, and I ended up interviewing her instead of the reversal. I wanted to know what this one-year program would involve, and what the prospects were for finding employment once it was over. My situation is unique as I am someone with a physical disability who requires working in schools that are wheelchair accessible.

I came away from our meeting thinking more deeply about whether or not to pursue it further. She made me aware of the physical obstacles that still exist at most of the public schools where ESL is taught. She also reminded me that most teachers end up at libraries, church basements or at specialized private schools. Some, including the program founder's son (not disabled), had to find work overseas before landing an opportunity back in Canada.

Two weeks ago, I was invited to take one of the 15 vacant openings in the program (out of 45). While thinking about whether to accept, another passion kept lingering inside me. This one stems back further to when I was about 7 years old. I remember watching TV and using my voice to imitate celebrities and cartoon characters, while creating some of my own.

My dad saw my talent for mimicry and for doing voiceovers. I believed it too, but I knew nothing about the industry or whether I could realistically find work in it. I also felt it would be helpful to know a professional voiceover artist.

Fast forwarding to the present day, I revisited this idea because I realized that my vocal strengths and interests have never gone away. The quality of my voice has improved with age, and I now have the confidence and courage to take it to the next level.

I've even befriended an actor who's a veteran in the field. He has given me tips and advice on how to find opportunities. This includes referring me to a colleague who runs voiceover classes. I'm registered for my first class in October. I see this as taking my first major step into the field. I'll use the time in between to hone my craft (even though I've already been doing this subconsciously for years). I may even record some mock demos and play them back as a personal exercise.

As for the ESL training program, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from the process. Right now my passion for voiceover work is greater than teaching ESL. Educating people is something I like to do, but there's a part of me that also wants to entertain.

I know this field presents its own set of challenges. There are many studios that don't accommodate people who are disabled, and I may have to go through several grueling auditions before getting something that pays well, like a commercial. But I'm prepared to risk going up and down stairs as long as I'm in my manual chair. I'm also ready to accept rejection as being a natural part of the process of finding an opportunity that is right for me.

In other words, I am prepared to risk more.

Spider-Man timeline (from Sun Media)

"I Am Canadian" Anthem for Canada Day

RIP Eduard Khil, the Trololo Man

The day I met David Mainse, founder of Crossroads

David Mainse

All this week I tuned in to the Christian TV show 100 Huntley Street as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its producer, Crossroads Christian Communications. Founded by David Mainse in 1962, Crossroads is Canada's leading producer of Christian-friendly programming. It also does a lot of missionary work around the world, publishes books, runs summer camps, and assists in the production of faith-based documentaries and films.

I had the pleasure of meeting David Mainse in 1988. I remember feeling a bit apprehensive at first, because this was around the time that Christian televangelists were getting a bad name. This was when televangelists like Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart were embroiled in sordid scandals that tarnished their Christian images.

Mainse came over to where my family and I were living at the time to pick up something for a neighbour who was friends with his wife. When I met him, he came across as being very warm and genuine. He didn't promote his ministry or take up a collection. I felt very happy talking to him for those few minutes.

I learned more about him this week, and it confirmed the good vibes I felt when I met him all those years ago. The man talks the talk, and walks the walk. I realized afterwards that it was foolish of me to judge him before meeting him.

Please note that when I met him I hadn't given my life over to Christ. It would take me a good decade and a half before I started living the Christian life. Now that I'm a confirmed Christian, I strive to follow the positive example that people like David Mainse has put into practice.

My Favourite Elvis Songs

I've been a fan of Elvis Presley and his music for about 20 years. This week, his daughter Lisa Marie posted a list of her 12 favourite Elvis songs at the US iTunes store. Below are my 12 favourite Elvis songs. They can all be downloaded at any of the iTunes stores in the world. Thank you, thank you very much.

1. Don't Be Cruel
2. Suspicious Minds
3. Heartbreak Hotel
4. I'll Remember You
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Burning Love
7. Doncha' Think It's Time
8. Return to Sender
9. You Don't Know Me
10. A Little Less Conversation
11. Is It So Strange
12. All Shook Up

RIP Robin Gibb

RIP Donna Summer

RIP Donald "Duck" Dunn

RIP Maurice Sendak

Dick Clark's connection to Canada

RIP Jimmy Little

Kojak on DVD!

RIP Robert Sherman, of the Sherman Brothers

What is a Leap Year?

"Man or Muppet" wins Academy Award for Best Original Song!

Here's my pick for Chicago's WORST album cover (even the band agrees)

Chicago XIV (1980) - Fingerprint

My new hockey press release for 2-25-2012

Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League to play against Toronto Firefighters in charity game Saturday, February 25, 2012

TORONTO –A fundraising charity game hosted by  The Senior players division of the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League is set to face off against  Toronto firefighters from Station #131  (Yonge St. & Lawrence Ave.).

The Firefighters game will take place Saturday, February 25 at Sunny View Public School, 450 Blythwood Road (Blythwood & Mount Pleasant), from 2-3:30pm.

The TPWHL is comprised of players with physical disabilities, with various skill levels. The senior division consists of players between the ages of 18 and 40, and a junior division with players between the ages of 8 and 18.

For more information about this game, or about the TPWHL, please contact Esther Dzura, President, at 416-690-1412, or email torontopwhl@gmail.com.