The other night my mother called to tell me to watch the local news. They had on a great story. Then tonight it was on the national news. They'd played it last night and had so much response that they played it again tonight.
An autistic senior who is the manager for the high school basketball team in a Rochester, NY area school was told he could suit up and sit on the bench for the last game of the season. The coach told him he didn't know if he'd get in the game. Before the game, he talked with the opposing coach and said he had a special needs student he'd like to get into the game if possible and the other team's coach said it was fine.
With 4 minutes left in the game, J-Mac was put in to thunderous cheers from his fellow students. The boys wanted him to score, so passed him the ball. He took a shot which was a huge air ball. His second shot missed. The coach said he was praying the boy would make a basket. Well, he did - and that wasn't all. He made six 3-point shots tieing the school record! He ended up with 20 points. The students stormed the floor and lifted Jason on their shoulders.
To watch the video brought tears to my eyes. It is one of the greatest stories I've seen on the news.
The story has captured world-wide attention. Disney has contacted the family and wants to make the story into a tv movie!
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060224/SPORTS0102/602240373/1007/SPORTS
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7B0124C0-7D58-49A3-81EC-EF50A0D8D673
Friday, February 24, 2006
Computer Illiterate
It amazes me when someone asks me for computer help. I can e-mail, do a little in word, search, and a few other things.
I signed up for the new Creative Memories website. I am sure it is a mistake. I have read some threads on SS and have no clue what they are talking about.
I also see people's blogs with all kinds of links, pictures, and other cutesy stuff. I wish I had a clue how to put those things on my page!
My daughter needed a font for something at her work and was walking me through sending it to her from my computer, which wouldn't work. I told her I know there are free fonts sites. She wasn't sure they'd download at work, but did. Then she walked me through loading free fonts. I turned into a maniac and finally had to stop my self.
Maybe I'm only supposed to be able to do what I can do so that I don't overwork this poor machine. But, I really want goodies on my page like all the other kids!!
I signed up for the new Creative Memories website. I am sure it is a mistake. I have read some threads on SS and have no clue what they are talking about.
I also see people's blogs with all kinds of links, pictures, and other cutesy stuff. I wish I had a clue how to put those things on my page!
My daughter needed a font for something at her work and was walking me through sending it to her from my computer, which wouldn't work. I told her I know there are free fonts sites. She wasn't sure they'd download at work, but did. Then she walked me through loading free fonts. I turned into a maniac and finally had to stop my self.
Maybe I'm only supposed to be able to do what I can do so that I don't overwork this poor machine. But, I really want goodies on my page like all the other kids!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Happy Birthday
Today is my birthday! I had a great day, despite the fact that I have not felt well the past 5 days. I scrapped all day with three friends. One of them made me a spumante cake - yum!! I got my hair cut and was happy with that. DH, DS, DD, SIL, my mom, and I went out to dinner at a new restaurant run by a local college food service program. It was delicious and we had a wonderful time. I got lots of cards and phone calls from people I love. Also, I had a recruit sign under me as a Creative Memories consultant. That means I get a $100 gift certificate and a new watch! It was just a very nice day.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
The Olympics Isn't The Olympics
I am disappointed in a lot of things going on at this Olympics. It just isn't the fun, amateur event it used to be. WADA is raiding the village, team members don't speak, "pros" are not happy because they aren't winning, and there is too much predictability. There is no "color" to these games. I want some excitement! Well, good excitement - not the snowboarder who had to show off and lost the gold and is now a hero for being a rebel.
I do love watching curling, though. Since this isn't one of the more popular sports, it hasn't been tainted yet like the others. I am not an expert on curling, but am able to explain some of the aspects to those who haven't watched before. I like how they have to think about what they want to do and make strategic plans for plays. Maybe I am drawn to this sport because you have to use your brain as well as your body.
I think the USA has embarrassed itself at these games, too. We whine a bit too much, make excuses, ski through the woods, and act ridiculous at times.
Maybe it's that I miss Jim McKay!!!
I do love watching curling, though. Since this isn't one of the more popular sports, it hasn't been tainted yet like the others. I am not an expert on curling, but am able to explain some of the aspects to those who haven't watched before. I like how they have to think about what they want to do and make strategic plans for plays. Maybe I am drawn to this sport because you have to use your brain as well as your body.
I think the USA has embarrassed itself at these games, too. We whine a bit too much, make excuses, ski through the woods, and act ridiculous at times.
Maybe it's that I miss Jim McKay!!!
Friday, February 17, 2006
I Have A Cold
I have a cold and I am nice about it! Wednesday DH, DS, and I headed to DC for the purpose of moving DS's girlfriend to his city. We had a gorgeous day for packing and traveling - 70* when we left DC to head to NYS yesterday.
I have worn my winter coat every day, even on the days here when it's been in the high 30s and 40s. (We can have -30 in a bad winter!) Of course I didn't wear it in DC. And now I am paying for it. I was up a lot in the night - sneezing. I have been sneezing all morning. I don't want to be a grouch, but can't stop myself! I may also be getting paid back for telling someone the other day that for the past 3 years I have not been sick. I had no wood to knock on, so knocked on vinyl - it doesn't work!! While I was teaching, it seemed I'd get sick every year with a week's disease of some sort. It's been wonderful not having that happen. Guess my luck has run out.
Off to get more kleenex and a cup of hot tea. Drip, drip, drip - blow!!!
I have worn my winter coat every day, even on the days here when it's been in the high 30s and 40s. (We can have -30 in a bad winter!) Of course I didn't wear it in DC. And now I am paying for it. I was up a lot in the night - sneezing. I have been sneezing all morning. I don't want to be a grouch, but can't stop myself! I may also be getting paid back for telling someone the other day that for the past 3 years I have not been sick. I had no wood to knock on, so knocked on vinyl - it doesn't work!! While I was teaching, it seemed I'd get sick every year with a week's disease of some sort. It's been wonderful not having that happen. Guess my luck has run out.
Off to get more kleenex and a cup of hot tea. Drip, drip, drip - blow!!!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Special Olympics
DH and I were volunteers at the New York State Special Olympics this weekend. The whole experience has been overwhelming. Right now I am wondering and worrying about the groups from NYC way - I can't imagine they would have gone back today with the snowstorm that has dumped almost 2' of snow in the city; I can imagine how upset they all will be if they don't follow the schedule!
On Friday, we checked in teams. A representative from each group had to confirm the list of names, show proof of a medical release for each athlete, and get name bracelets. Some teams were the athlete and his/her parents.
The first athlete we met was a young man who was very friendly. I asked him where he was from - Queens. Then I asked what event he did - floor hockey. "I did it nine years ago, but got banned because I was wild." He went on to tell us that he has a degree - an AA degree from Queens Community College and works at the Flushing Library. I looked for him all day Saturday, but never found him! What a character he was.
Two other guys from the NYC group became the official luggage porters - some of the groups stayed in the hotel we were at. They found the luggage cart and took charge of getting all the luggage from the buses to the rooms. Every trip was speedier than the last! Finally, they announced they were taking the bus driver to his room.
On Saturday, we were assigned to the Olympic Village. This was an area where people could find fun or educational things to do when not involved with competition. Our building was the floor hockey events. The hockey they played was different than anything I'd ever seen. They use a dowel-pole about 3' long. The puck is a flat rubber circle with a hole in the middle. This is moved by placing the stick in the center hole and pushing it. This way, no one is swinging a stick!
Dental students from Buffalo checked teeth, the Lions Club had vision people there, an ear test was available, and a group was showing how they could do things to help them physically - basically exercise. There were games to play, a magician, a juggler, a balloon guy, a local radio station, the Syracuse University soccer team, and the local zoo had a display. We had several characters in those hot costumes; one being the Little Caesar guy.
Our job was at the hockey shooting. The Syracuse Crunch have a blow up cage with a goalie imprinted on a flap. There are five holes in the flap and the player tries to get the puck in a hole. We had to retrieve the pucks and make sure there was control!! We were busy most of the time as they loved using a real hockey stick. We had many repeat customers, so got to know a few of them.
One group of guys play ice hockey on Sunday nights. They play in a league with other handicapped people and even go to Canada. They told us how the Special Olympics pays for their rooms and everything. After each game, they'd come back to report they'd won. The semi-final game was rough and they almost had a fight. There was swearing, too. We heard it all - even the swearing that had gone on!!
Soldiers from Fort Drum Mountain Division were assigned to help later in the afternoon. I think they were to tear down the place. They enjoyed our hockey game and the miniature golf. The athletes gravitated to these people. One athlete walked up to a soldier and said, "I know what MP means - you are military police." Then he saluted.
I had a difficult time when the soldiers were talking with our buddies. The soldiers looked like they were barely out of high school. I told DH that they could be heading to Iraq. He told me they know what they're doing when they sign to join. I said no kid that age knows what they are doing! The guys were telling a group of the soldiers about their rough game. I don't remember how it evolved, but one of the athletes said, "Just go out and have a drink!" The soldier's face turned bright red. "We can't," he said. "We aren't old enough." He knew as well as I did that he was younger than the hockey team.
My mind has been boggled by this. Babies heading off to war, people who need so much care, people who are so dependent on others, the families who deal with some very difficult situations every day. Then I flip channels to the horrid politicians running our country (lumped as a group), the bazillions of dollars professional atheles, movie stars, and singers make and none of it makes any sense to me.
As we were leaving, DH thanked me for signing us up to volunteer. He said he had a great time. He is an amazing person, anyway. He was so good with the people. (I can't say kids as most of them were adults. I think the youngest age I saw was 11 and the oldest was 49.) He helped them hold the stick correctly, gave them several chances to shoot, and encouraged them. He'd high-five them or knock fists when they finished.
I got to watch the end of the championship game our buddies played. They won! We went to the medal ceremony. They shook our hands, high- fived, and thanked us for cheering for them. When we were leaving they yelled, "See you next year."
On Friday, we checked in teams. A representative from each group had to confirm the list of names, show proof of a medical release for each athlete, and get name bracelets. Some teams were the athlete and his/her parents.
The first athlete we met was a young man who was very friendly. I asked him where he was from - Queens. Then I asked what event he did - floor hockey. "I did it nine years ago, but got banned because I was wild." He went on to tell us that he has a degree - an AA degree from Queens Community College and works at the Flushing Library. I looked for him all day Saturday, but never found him! What a character he was.
Two other guys from the NYC group became the official luggage porters - some of the groups stayed in the hotel we were at. They found the luggage cart and took charge of getting all the luggage from the buses to the rooms. Every trip was speedier than the last! Finally, they announced they were taking the bus driver to his room.
On Saturday, we were assigned to the Olympic Village. This was an area where people could find fun or educational things to do when not involved with competition. Our building was the floor hockey events. The hockey they played was different than anything I'd ever seen. They use a dowel-pole about 3' long. The puck is a flat rubber circle with a hole in the middle. This is moved by placing the stick in the center hole and pushing it. This way, no one is swinging a stick!
Dental students from Buffalo checked teeth, the Lions Club had vision people there, an ear test was available, and a group was showing how they could do things to help them physically - basically exercise. There were games to play, a magician, a juggler, a balloon guy, a local radio station, the Syracuse University soccer team, and the local zoo had a display. We had several characters in those hot costumes; one being the Little Caesar guy.
Our job was at the hockey shooting. The Syracuse Crunch have a blow up cage with a goalie imprinted on a flap. There are five holes in the flap and the player tries to get the puck in a hole. We had to retrieve the pucks and make sure there was control!! We were busy most of the time as they loved using a real hockey stick. We had many repeat customers, so got to know a few of them.
One group of guys play ice hockey on Sunday nights. They play in a league with other handicapped people and even go to Canada. They told us how the Special Olympics pays for their rooms and everything. After each game, they'd come back to report they'd won. The semi-final game was rough and they almost had a fight. There was swearing, too. We heard it all - even the swearing that had gone on!!
Soldiers from Fort Drum Mountain Division were assigned to help later in the afternoon. I think they were to tear down the place. They enjoyed our hockey game and the miniature golf. The athletes gravitated to these people. One athlete walked up to a soldier and said, "I know what MP means - you are military police." Then he saluted.
I had a difficult time when the soldiers were talking with our buddies. The soldiers looked like they were barely out of high school. I told DH that they could be heading to Iraq. He told me they know what they're doing when they sign to join. I said no kid that age knows what they are doing! The guys were telling a group of the soldiers about their rough game. I don't remember how it evolved, but one of the athletes said, "Just go out and have a drink!" The soldier's face turned bright red. "We can't," he said. "We aren't old enough." He knew as well as I did that he was younger than the hockey team.
My mind has been boggled by this. Babies heading off to war, people who need so much care, people who are so dependent on others, the families who deal with some very difficult situations every day. Then I flip channels to the horrid politicians running our country (lumped as a group), the bazillions of dollars professional atheles, movie stars, and singers make and none of it makes any sense to me.
As we were leaving, DH thanked me for signing us up to volunteer. He said he had a great time. He is an amazing person, anyway. He was so good with the people. (I can't say kids as most of them were adults. I think the youngest age I saw was 11 and the oldest was 49.) He helped them hold the stick correctly, gave them several chances to shoot, and encouraged them. He'd high-five them or knock fists when they finished.
I got to watch the end of the championship game our buddies played. They won! We went to the medal ceremony. They shook our hands, high- fived, and thanked us for cheering for them. When we were leaving they yelled, "See you next year."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
