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)