Der Sankt Speaks...

Theresa Bugler Only Wanted to Help…
Der Sankt Speaks... Theresa Bulger only wanted to help. Perhaps her ideas and philosophies are misguided in some's perspectives and may be considered glorious in others. Let's see it for what it is: Theresa Bulger has a big heart and only wanted to improve things. How can we keep treating those who wants to help with such contempt and [...]
Media Language Education Tech Culture Tue, Dec 23 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

It’s the Season for Giving!
Der Sankt Speaks... Hello everyone! I hope y'all had a nice thanksgiving. I did. Anyways, in the last week or so, I've been busy working on a project, almost neglecting to do any blogs and vlogs; however, I did have this in the back of my head, nagging me to write/say something. Now that I'm done (with [...]
Language Education Tech Culture Wed, Dec 03 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

The Promised Vlog(s)!!
Der Sankt Speaks... Click to play Part 1. Click to play Part 2. Here are my promised vlogs! I know it's a bit late and a bit long; but, thank you for your patience. Instead of having one long 12 minute video, I decided to split it up into two vlogs: the do's and don'ts. Can't wait to hear your [...]
Mon, Nov 24 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

What is going on!? Censorship? Fear?
Der Sankt Speaks... Click photo to play video. There will be no YouTube version of this video, due to recent events of flagging and removals. I'm not into that game; however, I did add video comments (sessmic) for you guys here. All comments will be moderated. addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fblog.benvess.com%2F%3Fp%3D193'; addthis_title [...]
Language Audism Culture Fri, Nov 21 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

NAD, Spaghetti Dinner, Deaf Bikers…
Der Sankt Speaks... Hello everybody! How do you like my new layout for my website? I believe this is the first time I've really combined my blog with my website in a same layout and making it seem like a fully cohesive site. Make your comments below and let me know what you think!! Be honest I can [...]
Media Language Culture Sat, Nov 08 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Go Vote!
Der Sankt Speaks... Today is the day we make history as Americans. This day isn't just important for the American people, it is just as important for us the Deaf Community. Today, we go in the polling places as deaf Americans to choose our leader who will best oversee our needs. Today, the organizations you are members of [...]
Legal Culture Tue, Nov 04 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

How Silly!
Der Sankt Speaks... After noticing few bloggers and vloggers turning their personal conflicts public on their blogs, I feel I need to step in and say something here. Honestly, all this bickering about sides is pretty childish. Unfortunately, my saying nothing on this might be encouraging the silly behavior to continue; so, here's my take on all this. There [...]
Culture Tech Sun, Nov 02 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Tell me, what does Cyber Bully mean?
Der Sankt Speaks... Recently, I’ve been seeing the word, “cyber bullying” being thrown about in different blogs/vlogs at DeafRead and DVTV and from what it seems, each person has a different definition of what the word itself means exactly. I’ve, also, had this discussion with a few other people in real life and came to the decision that [...]
Education Tech Tue, Oct 14 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Shoo, DBC, Shoo!
Der Sankt Speaks... Disclaimer More than one language spoken here. Having just arrived from San Diego not too long ago, of course, I checked out the blogs and vlogs around the blogosphere. I came across one that I thought merited some analysis: DBC's recent vlog. Having watched it twice and knowing I'm fluent in ASL–I'm more than sure that I [...]
Language Wed, Jul 23 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Why Joey Baer Should Not Come Back.
Der Sankt Speaks... In light of recent departures of DeafRead vloggers/bloggers, I find something quite interesting: it appears that a lot of people seem to not want vloggers/bloggers like Patti Durr, Joey Baer, and the like to leave DeafRead because they contribute to the exchange of ideas and perspectives of the deaf community. That, in itself, is justifiable; [...]
Tech Culture Sat, Jul 19 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

In DeafRead’s Defense.
Der Sankt Speaks... Good news for some and bad for others: after having this discussion with Joey and Patti, I have come to the conclusion that, for them, DeafRead will not be any “safer” if I leave. In light of all the great comments, even from those who disagree with me vehemently, I received last night in response [...]
Wed, Jul 16 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Serious Concerns…
Der Sankt Speaks... As you all may have seen, I have removed my vlog: “Ella, You are a Coward,” because it appears that the message was not properly portrayed. As for DeafRead Editors, I truly apologize for having put you on the spot. That was inappropriate of me and be assured this will not happen again. Today, I wrote [...]
Tue, Jul 15 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Why the House of DBC crashed
Der Sankt Speaks... click to play. Many of you seem to misunderstand me when I'm attacking DBC leaders. So I decided to put a simple analogy between building a house and DBC. For a better future for all of us, we cannot keep holding the house's roof with our bare hands. That's not the future for our kids! Also, I want [...]
Language Culture Tue, Jul 15 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Guest Vlog: What is Deafhood?
Der Sankt Speaks... Click here to play, subtitled. The guest vlogger here is Joseph, a good friend of mine. I consider him one of the experts in deafhood largely to his commitment to the book and understanding the differences between UK and US deaf communities. Based in New York, his education has took him across the ocean where he [...]
Language Culture Sun, Jul 13 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Transcript for my vlog.
Der Sankt Speaks... For everyone who did not understand my vlog “Open Vlog to DBC Leaders” because you aren't fluent in ASL, I truly apologize for not having this made much sooner. Just so you know, this is a rough translation of my ASL version. I tried to stay true to the nature of my vlog and portray [...]
Media Language Audism Education Tech Culture Sat, Jul 12 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Why I’m not NAD member.
Der Sankt Speaks... Before I get into details and respond to comments here and there–I want to clear some things about myself. Please understand that I'm not affiliated with any organizations or movements, not even NAD. There is a reason for that. Neither the organizations nor I can be accused of bias. Being in the position where I am, [...]
Language Tech Culture Fri, Jul 11 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Emergency: Urgent Message for NAD!
Der Sankt Speaks... Someone passed on me this information and wanted me to spread the word: it is an emergency. We cannot allow deafhood to take over NAD. My request for NAD is to RECOGNIZE deafhood, not ADOPT it and ENFORCE it. Deafhood should be an option not a requirement. Diversity is required. This is my message to share with [...]
Language Culture Wed, Jul 09 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

UPDATE: NAD’s MOTIONS!
Der Sankt Speaks... (click to play) NAD's motions, see here, have two motions that conflicts with diversity: Deafhood Training Motion and ASL for Deaf Children. I strongly encourage you to allow NAD to RECOGNIZE deafhood as part of the Deaf Community but not require that NAD stand behind it 100%. Also, the ASL for Deaf Children MANDATES that ALL [...]
Language Culture Wed, Jul 09 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Open Vlog for DBC Leaders.
Der Sankt Speaks... (Click to Play) For DeafVillage: I've watched my video a few times and came to this conclusion, it would be very difficult to transcribe this one; so, if there's anyone out there who is up for the challenge, you're more than welcome to. I apologize for not being able to. Note: I apologize for the lengthy vlog; [...]
Language Audism Tech Culture Wed, Jul 09 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

What DBC is really saying…
Der Sankt Speaks... Since I've been getting a few comments here and there against my criticism of leaders of DBC and their personal beliefs. They are entitled to their opinions, which is justifiably so. But I would like to present to you some food for thought (italics are my comments and click on the quote to go to [...]
Language Culture Tue, Jul 08 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Responsibilities of a Leader
Der Sankt Speaks... I'm noticing an interesting trend among commenters about DBC and their team. One of them went as far as to say that their personal beliefs are irrelevant to DBC's mission. I beg to differ on that. Leaders, regardless of what, undergo a vetting process. Usually it is the press that does that. Now, for the Deaf [...]
Language Culture Mon, Jul 07 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Vlog Translation Services: What Happened?
Der Sankt Speaks... While I was catching up with blogs on both aggregators of the Deaf blogosphere, I came across an interesting comment by Amy Cohen Efron over at MishkaZena's blog about Vlog Transcript Services (VTS) that I tried to start up a while back. VTS hasn't been in action for almost as long as the service existed and [...]
Tech Culture Sun, Jul 06 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Support ASL? Sign this!
Der Sankt Speaks... [link] (To sign the petition) There is a movement for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia to adopt ASL as a foreign language as part of their curriculum. As of right now, ODU will not recognize ASL as a foreign language for credit towards graduation. Not only that, ODU is not providing ASL classes to its [...]
Higher Education Language Audism Sat, Jun 28 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Scathing Words Against Gally
Der Sankt Speaks... I received just now, from Gally Net-L, and I thought this would be worth sharing with the rest of you. Before you get upset with these words, do take them into serious consideration: it is a perspective we need to understand and perhaps take it into account the next time a protest occurs. Have you read [...]
Media Higher Education Sat, Jun 28 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Open Letter to DR Editors
Der Sankt Speaks... You can't go silent and abandon us now. We need you, this community needs you. This is a personal letter, my personal feelings. There has been an interesting controversy about DeafRead's decision; but, my letter is not about that. The thing I want to discuss is the sharp divide between two groups: ASL/Cuturally Deaf and Cochlear Implants [...]
Wed, Jun 04 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

New Movie Genre: Deaf Foreign Films?
Der Sankt Speaks... Interestingly enough, in midst of controversy between the Deaf community and Matt Hamill, there was a subject that might have been overlooked: Should a new genre be created for ASL films? K'Dee and her production company is moving for Hollywood to add a new genre called, “Deaf Foreign Film.” This would put Deaf/ASL on the [...]
Media Art and Storytelling Fri, May 30 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Open Letter to Amy and Gally
Der Sankt Speaks... Open Letter to Amy Cohen Efron Hello, I find it interesting that you pointed out the credentials of other prominent figures of the industry, basically declaring their work proves their place among the “experts.” And they ALL work at Gallaudet University. (Note, I'll try to see if I can reach out to my friends who are [...]
Culture Wed, May 21 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Deaf Girl Wins Google Art Contest!
Der Sankt Speaks... Breaking News: Deaf NY Girl Among Finalists in Google Doodle Contest (newsday.com). I think I might have found something the whole community can agree on. However, after looking at Google's List of Finalists and Winners... Molly Kestenbaum is a winner!!! Go, Molly! Go! -Ben
Language Art and Storytelling Mon, May 19 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

The Truth about Me: A personal letter.
Der Sankt Speaks... Response to the Observer I'm going to open myself up. Yep, I'm going to get personal about myself. You say I have anger, angry outbursts, and my venomous diatribes. Well, this is my own personal feelings–I believe it is more of frustration. The Deaf community, in all its glory and respect, isn't all that. I cannot [...]
Language Audism Education Culture Sun, May 18 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Tidbits of Good News…
Der Sankt Speaks... After yesterday's entry, although I did promise a series of essays concerning the nature of American Deaf community, I thought it'd be better to put these essays out in doses. A couple of them has been drafted and saved–I'm getting feedbacks on them. Today, I thought I'd show some good stuff happening around the international [...]
Media Education Culture Sat, May 17 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Open Letter to Deaf Leaders.
Der Sankt Speaks... Since the children of my generation, for the most part, has attained adulthood and currently are active participants of the Deaf community, it is only fair that we be given the privilege to challenge the status quo, have our leaders vet themselves once again, and the right to decide whether or not your legacy is [...]
Culture Fri, May 16 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Go, Matt Hamill. Go!
Der Sankt Speaks... Once again, a so-called “leader” of the Deaf community has spoken on “behalf” of the community about Mr. Matt Hamill. Remaining true to my words (and refusing to allow my peers who stood up be beaten down alone), I must speak up and say this: The Deaf community does not agree with the so-called “leaders.” [...]
Media Art and Storytelling Culture Sun, May 11 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Why I’m not impressed with Obama
Der Sankt Speaks... On Sunday, I went to an Obama rally here in Virginia Beach, more on that at Bucket of Crabs; but since my blog is heavily deaf-centric, I thought it would be better to post here why I'm not impressed with Sen. Barack Obama as a deaf person. To start, the staff at the rally kept [...]
Culture Tue, Feb 12 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Going Beyond Deafread Topics…
Der Sankt Speaks... Bucket of Crabs has arrived! Being a faithful Deafread reader, I've finally got burned out with the spectrum of topics that are posted in Deafread. As for the Extra section, the posts are more personal blogs of personaly daily lives than anything else. At that point, I've realized that deafread itself might be misrepresenting the deaf [...]
Sat, Feb 09 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Inspired by Ella: My Dream
Der Sankt Speaks... Inspired by Ella Lentz's ASL translation of MLK's speech–I decided to do a vlog with excerpts of another speech made by Dr. King: “I have a Dream.” (Note: I apologize for the fading effect at the end, that is a youtube problem, not my video.) Video created by macbook! Enjoys! Der Sankt
Language Art and Storytelling Sun, Jan 06 2008 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Will Jane hurt the Deaf Community even more?
Der Sankt Speaks... Having discovered the news of Dr, Jane K. Fernandes' appointment for the provost postition at University of North Carolina-Asheville, I decided to do some research. The press release by UNC-A (click here for complete release) pretty much stated that Jane's experience with the protests at Gallaudet University has made her a stronger leader. This is [...]
Higher Education Wed, Dec 05 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Are VRS stealing our interpreters?
Der Sankt Speaks... Today I got a disappointing e-mail from the interpreting service at my community college–there's a shortage of interpreters and they might need me to reschedule my classes. The first thing that came to my mind was, sorenson. Now, see, I'm quite familiar with many interpreters in my hometown and hang out with some of them [...]
Audism Tue, Nov 27 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Deaf Freedom Cruise 2007
Der Sankt Speaks... I'm a bit surprised that nobody has said anything about this yet... Passages Deaf Travel (passagesdeaftravel.com) is hosting a privately chartered ship, "Freedom of the Seas," from Royal Carribean Cruise line for the Deaf. According to their website, there are going to be 3,860 deaf passengers (myself included with my mom and sister) on that shi...
Tue, Oct 23 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

International Deaf Awareness Day...
Der Sankt Speaks... Click on the photos to enlarge Norfolk, Virginia–My mom asked me to clean up the computer from all the pictures I've been taking in the past couple of months here in Virginia and I came across a bunch of pictures from International Deaf Awareness Day at Norfolk, Virginia. To be honest, I've been meaning to post these pictures for a while, but neve...
Language Audism Culture Sun, Oct 21 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

ASL and Oralism: Who Oppresses Who?
Der Sankt Speaks... Deafhood: The Idea and The Politics. I've been following the comments in my previous post "Deafhood: A Process or Self-Regression" and I'm noticing two very distinct "debates," if you may. Originally, my post was written to discuss the idea of Deafhood inspired by Paotie's post; however, it appears that in the comments section...
Culture Fri, Oct 19 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Deafhood: A Process or Self-Repression?
Der Sankt Speaks... I came across a blog ( [link] that presented very good arguments against the concept of Deafhood and what it stands for. In the beginning, the author compares it to alcoholism, basically, the recovery process. One of the most important aspect of that process is the first step: acceptance. I found that quite interesting because I was taught that "Deafhood"...
Culture Tue, Oct 16 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

My response to Bennie Lacks...
Der Sankt Speaks... First and foremost, I would like to present to you a video clip by Bennie Lacks regarding his "insult" to educational interpreters. The quotations placed there is my choice of word and mine alone. The link to his clip is: Click here to see his 2 minute clip In his clip, he claims that educational interpreters are "magnets" in the manner that t...
Language Education Tue, Oct 16 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Guest Vlog: Miss ETLP!
Der Sankt Speaks... After giving my challenge in the previous entry, a good friend of mine in California–Miss Erica Parker–decided that she wanted to do a vlog signing out my story...She didn't have a webcam so I VP'd her through my computer and recorded what she said... Enjoys!! bisous, Der Sankt
Thu, Jun 14 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

A challenge for Vloggers!!
Der Sankt Speaks... Someone say "ASLish Stuck. Limit!" Me agree not. Why me say agree not? Her argue say what classifier, brief title that CL, how write ASLish? Can´t. Me say can! Most general know that already CL their belong ASL. Can English steal? Can´t. CL itself put ASLish write how-how? Idea, me what? Go-ahead story me tell. Story itself CL have will. Idea my pop-up, myself. Feel [...]
Language Education Tue, Jun 12 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

ASL first, English translate second.
Der Sankt Speaks... Inspire me, myself read-read magazine, title Vanity Fair, itself discuss topic differents relate Africa. Hit one topic that what? Lit. their Africa (The Continental Shelf. p.118). Write-write, famous person who themselves from Africa, that. Man one, himself name Ngugi wa Thiong´o, write-write English expert me interest why? People world know respect him, his write [...]
Language Culture Mon, Jun 11 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

"Not Deaf Enough"
Der Sankt Speaks... Earlier this morning I was having a conversation with a cute boy about Gallaudet and Deaf culture in general and I came to a realization–Jane had it wrong, it isn't that she wasn't "Deaf enough," but I wouldn't be too hasty to say that her fluency in American Sign Language wasn't a factor. Now, this seems like a taboo subject [...]
Language Audism Thu, Jun 07 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Just one thought.
Der Sankt Speaks... "You know, for a community with fierce association with accessibility, it is kind of striking to see the Deaf being so adamant in restricting their access to sounds." Der Sankt
Culture Mon, Jun 04 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Cochlear Implants
Der Sankt Speaks... I´m going to start with a shocker here: without hesitation, I completely support Cochlear Implants 100%. I truly do believe that it does work at restoring hearing. Now, this support is not as clear-cut as it might seem-I support it on one basis only: 100% complete hearing is restored and language acquisition through speech and sound has not been impeded. Anything less [...]
Culture Tech Sat, Jun 02 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

Deaf of Deaf speaks out...
Der Sankt Speaks... After the talkie decided to post his conversation with another blogger (which included my name) on his blog and exposed an ugly aspect of the Deaf culture, I thought I'd step out of silence and put in my thoughts. This is an interesting subject, if one think about it. Many times, when the subject is brought up, I tend to compare this to Hollywood. This is a [...]
Culture Fri, Jun 01 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post

a Cure for Deaf
Der Sankt Speaks... A MODEST PROPOSAL An Essay Concerning the Deaf-Mutes acquisition of speaking skills. As it appears across the nation that residential Deaf-Mute schools are declining in enrollment save for a few, it must prove that the increased use of American Sign Language has deteriorated the education of the Deaf-Mutes. Not only that, it seems that the use of ASL impairs the [...]
Language Audism Education Tech Tue, May 22 2007 hide this blog flag post bookmark post