The Consumer Vision, September,
2007 Bob Branco, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
Braille Production: Perkins School for the Blind CD
Production, Robert Zeida Cassette Production, MAB Community Services
Print Production, Alpha Graphics Formatting, Diane Bataglia
Proof-reading, Kathy Arruda Treasurer, Maureen Bussey
Advisory Committee: Dan Germano, Marianne Martin, Lisa
Saulnier, Charles Soforenko, Gail Teixeira and Clayton Wall
We, at the Consumer Vision, would like to extend our deepest
condolences to the family and friends of Larry Teixeira. Larry served on
our advisory committee for several months, and he will be missed greatly.
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HUMAN INTEREST STORIES
Blind Customers Take Action Against the Cell Phone Industry
August 2, 2007
Washington, DC - Blind and visually impaired customers are taking
legal action against the cell phone industry in an effort to improve cell phone
accessibility. This week, 11 customers from across the country filed
complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which enforces
Section 255, the law that requires phones to be designed to be accessible for
people with disabilities. Complaints were filed against both the cell
phone carriers and manufacturers. These complaints illustrate a market
failure on the part of the cell phone industry to address accessibility," said
Paul Schroeder, VP, Programs and Policy Group at the American Foundation for
the Blind. "While some companies have taken steps, consumers with vision
loss have few good options for accessibility, and almost no reliable
information about accessibility." There is a growing need for
accessible phones given the increasing rates of vision loss. Experts
predict that by 2030, rates of severe vision loss will double along with the
country's aging population. For people with vision loss, finding a cell
phone with a readable screen or with voice output of essential features like
menus or text messages is almost impossible. Some companies, like
AT&T, have taken the lead on providing accessible phones. But too
often the handsets and services are not designed to be user-friendly for those
who are blind or visually impaired. Earlier this month, AFB initiated a
campaign called 255 Action to help people with vision loss understand access
requirements, and if necessary, file complaints. As part of that
campaign, AFB sent letters to leading cell phone service providers and
manufacturers asking what they are doing to meet the needs of people with
vision loss. Frequent complaints from blind and visually impaired cell
phone customers include: cell phones which do not provide
for audio output of information displayed on the screen; the visual displays on
most phones are hard to read; numeric and control keys are not easy to
distinguish by touch; and product manuals or phone bills are not
available in Braille, large print, or other formats they can read.
The complaints filed with the FCC came from customers in Florida,
Georgia, Colorado, California, and West Virginia. QUOTES FROM FCC
FILINGS Problems Purchasing Equipment In November 2006,
I asked for assistance in identifying and purchasing a new telephone. The
agent was completely uninformed regarding available phones with built-in
accessibility features for a blind user. Indeed, the representative did
not even understand what features a blind user would need in purchasing a
phone. " Melissa Green, Greeley, CO Phones Features Are
Inaccessible "I cannot text message, surf the Internet, or use the
phonebook. Additionally, the numbers displayed on the keypad are too
small for me to read, thus I have to use the voice recognition feature to call
contacts in my phonebook. This poses some limitations, because I can only
program in ten names, yet I have many more contacts than this amount."
Douglas Brooks, Winston, GA "Even after setting my phone's level of
brightness to the highest level, I still have to use a closed circuit
television (CCTV) to read the text displayed. This magnification device
is quite large, encompassing a television set with a similar sized stand.
This defeats the "mobile" aspect of my phone, since I have to wait until
I am at home to enter contacts in the phonebook, change settings, etc."
Richard Rueda, Union City, CA. Documentation Is Inaccessible
"Upon receiving my phone, I was given an inaccessible print manual explaining
how to use the phone. However, because I am totally blind, I cannot read
the text on the instruction manual. My phone's instruction manual is in a
pdf file, which I have difficulty accessing with my computer's screen reading
software because graphical representations are used to instruct a person on how
to use the phone." George Roberts, Orlando, FL Phones With
Access Software Cost More "In order to access the features of the
MotorolaQ, I had to make an additional out-of-pocket purchase of Mobile Speaks
(a screen reader) to access the cell phone features. While this phone is
more accessible than the Katana with my add-on software, it was quite
expensive, and I would not have purchased it if my previous phone was
accessible. Being blind forced me to stretch my budget to the limits in
order to have access to my cell phone's features." Tony Claive, Winter
Park, FL Customer Service Is Inadequate and Accessibility
Features/Information are Unavailable "I went to my local Sprint store,
and explained that I was legally blind and looking for an accessible cell
phone. The salesperson did let me know about getting my bill in large
print format. Sprint's representatives were unable to provide me with a
description of the accessibility and compatibility features of their
phones." Dennis Wyant, Melbourne, FL Media Contact:
Adrianna Montague-Gray AFB Communications 212-502-7675
amontaguegray@afb.net Press Release at
www.afb.org/Section.asp?DocumentID=3596
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MA Healthcare is Not
Affordable By A. Rivers Ms. Rivers is a One Family
scholar.
Health insurance is extremely important, no matter what type of
income individuals have; the entire community deserves affordable healthcare
state wide; parents and individuals should not have to be dirt poor in order to
be eligible for healthcare. I am grateful for the restoration that MassHealth
added regarding coverage with dental, eye, prosthetic and chiropractic care -
it's a step in the right direction; however, there is still more adjustments
that have to be made.
The following key points are crucial, and The Connector Board,
which oversees and promotes health care coverage across the Commonwealth, needs
to hear from those who are affected:
§ Make sure that the new health care plans include dental
coverage. Dental care is highly important because unhealthy teeth
cause detrimental consequences. Gum disease, rotting teeth, and sadly, there
have been individuals who have died due to lack of ongoing teeth care.
§ Eliminate unrealistic lifetime limits on benefits.
Right now, there is a $500,000 limit. If this limit runs out, how are
individuals supposed to continue to take care of themselves?
§ Limit deductibles and co-pays. Currently,
under draft regulations, deductibles are limited to $2,000 for individuals and
$4,000 for families, with an overall cap of $10,000 for all out-of-pocket
expenses, including premiums. This is going to be tough for individuals
who are on fixed incomes.
I would like to thank The Connector Board for making the following
amendments so far: (1), The Connector Board removed premiums for people making
fewer than 150% of poverty (about $15,000 for individuals, $30,000 for families
of 4); (2) it is now required that subsidized health plans include prescription
drug coverage as part of the benefit package, and (3) premiums were removed for
childrens health insurance for parents receiving subsidized care whose
children receive MassHealth. These amendments have helped the affordability
level for affordable healthcare.
When making health insurance more affordable for the community,
economically it affords better health for individuals. Lack of affordable
healthcare affects low, middle, and high income individuals across the board,
and there is simple evidence of that. Unaffordable healthcare puts
massive economic, social, and psychological costs on everyone. These costs
affect us individually, as a community and as a country. The general public
winds up paying a heavy price for allowing unaffordable healthcare to walk
among us, and all of society pays the price: hospitals and health insurers
spend more time treating preventable illnesses, taxpayers pay for problems that
could have been prohibited, and funeral directors bury people who never should
have passed away. When we speak of affordable healthcare, these are the issues
that truly undermine us and the system as a whole.
As Dr. Martin Luther King said, True compassion is more than
flinging a coin at a beggar; it understands that an edifice which produces
beggars needs restructuring.
My entire life (before my son was born) I didnt have health
insurance because it was too expensive; hopefully, some more changes will take
place in the near future, but The Connector Board needs to hear our stories.
Contact The Connector Board, and tell them why the
affordable healthcare plan is unaffordable:
Jon Kingsdale,
Executive Director Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority 100
City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 02108
Main Number: 617-933-3030
E-mail: Connector@state.ma.us
Tuesday July 17, 2007 The Guardian
Earlier
this year, doctors at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, began the world's
first gene therapy trials to treat 12 patients who have Leber's congenital
amaurosis, a condition that causes progressive sight loss. Following successful
animal trials (said to have restored the vision of blind dogs so they could
navigate a maze without difficulty), it is hoped that the technique, which
involves injecting working copies of faulty genes directly into the retina,
will prove equally effective when carried out on humans. The results will not
be made public for a year but, if the technique works, scientists hope it could
eventually be used to treat a wide range of inherited sight disorders affecting
up to 30,000 visually impaired people in the UK and potentially millions more
worldwide. The first viable treatment for blindness is twinkling on the horizon
and as one reader said on a national newspaper message board discussing the
trials, "The possibility of being able to give improved sight to people with
visual impairments is a great development for the human race." But what of the
people we seek to repair? Those who have been born blind and those, like me,
who are losing or have lost their vision. Is this what we have been waiting
for? Is it "a great development for the human race", or a step forward in the
eugenic quest for an uber-race, free of imperfection and rid of the unease
about disability that nestles quietly in society's pocket?
For the past 13 years I have been losing my sight, due to a
genetic and incurable condition called retinitis pigmentosa (RP). RP causes the
photoreceptive cells on the retina to die off, causing, in my case, tunnel
vision. I liken it to looking at the world down the middle of two toilet rolls.
My central vision remains intact, but where once was peripheral vision now
float only my thoughts. In time these "loo" rolls will shrink to knotholes and
then pinholes and then possibly nothing.
In the early years after my diagnosis, blindness remained a
repulsive and terrifying concept. Every year I would visit the doctor and he
would say the same thing - that I must live and plan my life with the certainty
that blindness was inevitable. And so, slowly over time, that is what I learned
to do. But now the advent of gene therapy has pushed open a chink in the door.
Disabled people have long asked themselves the hypothetical "would you be cured
if you could?" question. Now, for the first time, there is a chance, albeit
very small, that maybe one day I might actually get my sight back.
Hurrah, you cry. I must be thrilled. Actually, I am a bit
confused. It is easy to assume that all visually impaired people will be
hammering down the doors should genetherapy prove successful. But to say this
is to assume that a blind life is lesser and that all blind people really want
to be sighted. Theydon't. The first blind man I ever met, who also happened to
be my boss at the time, is one of them. I recently asked him if he would have
gene therapy if he could. "No", came his reply. Because, he tells me, regaining
sight is more than just seeing again.
There are issues of identity and culture at stake too. "As the
blind-from-birth son of blind parents, I am, in part of my soul, defined by
my blindness," he explains. "It directly equates to ethnic or racial origin. If
you give a black person the choice to be white there may well be significant
advantages in such a deal: more access to better jobs; freedom from the
shackles of ignorant prejudice; in short, a step closer to equality. But I'd
bet most would turn the offer down flat."
But what if, unlike my old boss, you haven't always been blind?
What if, like me, you grew up with full vision and have seen all the
cliche-ridden things that those born totally blind are pitied for never having
seen - the sunset, your own reflection, the look in your lover's eyes. What if
your soul is sighted, and then you go blind?
You will cry and wonder why. You will hope and pray. You will
wish it would all go away. But the longer your sight has been on the slide, the
more it seeps into every crack of your psyche - until one day you are no
longer the "sighted person" who can't see any more. Somehow, strangely, in the
dead of night, your identity has rolled over in bed and you wake up and get out
the other side a "visually impaired person" - and it feels like part of you.
It doesn't happen overnight, and perhaps it doesn't happen to all
who sail the strange seas of sight loss with me. But for me there came a point
when impending blindness was no longer my alien but my friend. I had had my
time as a sighted person. I had seen the world through my eyes. Now it was time
to touch it and smell it and hear it.
When you lose your vision you have to re-learn the sorts of
things that will allow you to survive on the planet, such as crossing the road
without being flattened. Next you must tackle the real problem and learn to
deal with the attitudes of others as they morph around you. Misconceptions
start to spout from even your oldest friends' mouths because negative attitudes
about blindness permeate us all.
You are about to cross over into the dark side and see what
wriggles and writhes on the underbelly of society. Folk will see you as the
sufferer, the pitiful, the afflicted, the subhuman - that's you, yes, you. If
you use a cane or a dog, people will stare as you walk down the street. People
will assume you are more lacking in intelligence than your sighted counterpart.
People you have never met before will ask if you want children, and if you do,
they will ask if the kids will have the same condition that you have, and
whether that is right or wrong. Welcome. Your reproductive autonomy is in the
docks of the moral courts of the nation's minds.
So if this underbelly is so wretched, surely if the time comes
when the doctors are looming forth with a needle containing the working version
of my faulty gene and heralding the promise of a new day, one with a bright
sunset and me at the wheel of a fast car, I'll take it, right? Anything to
escape? No. Saying yes toseeing again, even for someone who wasn't born blind,
isn't easy. Therepercussions would ripple beyond my eyes into my friendships,
my work, my relationship.
Would I retain the unity I have with my disabled brethren if I
could see? Or would I have different friends, the type who fall by the wayside
now because they are not aware or empathetic, or are too aesthetically
obsessed? Would I lose the friends with whom I have nothing in common but who
remain in myphone book because they get the blindness thing? And would it be
right to dump them just because I can see and don't need their empathy any
more? If I stepped into the pool of "normal people" again, where would my
identity go?
The kernel of who I am has been sucked into a new body; now it
would have to be sucked back into the old one. And what of my relationship?
Would we stay together or would I run off to do all the things I never got to
do before? There is a high rate of separation among couples where one person
gets a guide dog for the first time. Why? Because suddenly they can do things
on their own again. This new-found independence shifts the balance and cracks
appear. If this can happen with a dog, think what could happen with a pair of
fully working eyes and a car
Going blind isn't a smooth ride, though. It comes down and
squishes you under an insurmountable weight of grief and disbelief. It is
limiting, frustrating and changes the way you do many of the things you used to
enjoy - now you must dance with the light on and drive from the back seat. But
like the affirmation of near death, it affects more than just your
physicality. It gives you a unique perspective. It is a grand experiment that
most don't get to try; to observe as yourbrain rewires and watch as the human
body adapts in infinite ways. When my vision began to get worse, I bumped into
everything in my path because I was still careering down the pavement at the
speed of someonewho could see. As my mind caught up with my eyes, I changed the
way I walked - with more caution and less speed - and the perpetual bumping and
tripping stopped.
Losing your sight is not like just shutting your eyes. The loss
is so gradual that as one sense dies others grow. Suddenly you can smell the
world and sense when someone is standing out of your line of vision. Your brain
grows on the inside and things on the outside start to matter less. I get to
live my life twice over in two different bodies (the sighted one I used to have
and the partially sighted one I now have), and with that comes the privilege of
spying on the world and its intricacies from multiple vantage points.
It's a cliche to say that disabled people are nicer. It is
incorrect, in fact. But for me, vision loss has made me more empathetic and
more open- minded. I have to take so often that I give more freely. When you
rely on friends to take you down Oxford Street or a stranger to get you across
the road, you think more consciously about what you give back and battle with
the feeling that you need them more than they need you. But, strangely, I am
happier like this than if I had carried on down the middle lane to mediocre
city never having seen or felt real loss and known how to appreciate the good
things around me.
I have met people I would never have met had I been sighted, and
we have been joined together by the common bond of disability (and there is no
glue that sets as hard as that squeezed from the pores of a minority). When
part of your body starts to die you feel what it is to be human. You wake up
from the slumber of being just another idiot with an iPod because you are
forced to work out the bigger questions. Or at least ask them" Why am I here?
Why is this happening?" You are alert to the immediacy and fragility of your
life. You know that the choices of the modern age do not and can not extend
into every realmof your life. You can't choose to see (at least not yet). This
is it. The upshot? You live in the moment. You settle for your lot and love it.
The concept of sight loss as a positive thing is an elusive one.
It is hard to grasp when you have experienced it; and even harder to grasp when
you haven't. It is not something I would have chosen, but it is not something I
wish hadn't happened. Would I like to stop it getting worse? Yes, because I'm
only human and sometimes I lie awake worrying how I'll cope when it's all gone.
But would I like to have gene therapy and see perfectly again? Five years ago
I'd have said yes. Now I'm not sure, because if this experiment of going blind
has taught me anything, it is that what you lose in one place you gain
elsewhere, and while a blind life is different to a sighted life, it is not
lesser.
And ultimately it is better than having no life at all.
Rebecca Atkinson's play Playing God is at the Soho Theatre, London,
from July 24 to August 4. sohotheatre.com
Can Grade Two Braille Spell
Trouble? By Bob Branco
When Braille is taught, it is usually taught in steps.
First, there is Grade One Braille, which consists of the entire
Braille alphabet and some punctuation. As a Braille user becomes more
advanced and efficient with the language, he is taught Grade Two
Braille. Grade Two Braille offers a series of contractions, which most
people would call short-hand. I suppose that the inventor of Braille
decided to designate a series of words as abbreviations and then taught to the
blind. For example, each letter of the alphabet in Grade Two Braille,
accept for the letters A, I, and O, represents a whole word. The letter B
is written as But, the letter C is written as Can,
etc. To get to the point of this article, I will now give you a letter
that stands for a bigger word. The letter K in Grade Two Braille means
the word Knowledge. Assuming that most blind children who
learn Braille are either in first or second grade, many may be learning these
Grade Two contractions before they actually learn how to spell the actual real
word as sighted children do. Did you know how to spell knowledge when you
were 6 years old? If you learned Braille at age 6, and learned how to
write the word knowledge by simply writing the letter K, chances are youd
never have to know how to spell knowledge, unless you took up typing or word
processing and needed to learn that word.
Grade Two Braille also offers different symbols for other words,
such as "And", "For", "With", "The" and "Of". Am I suggesting that little
children didnt know how to spell these words before learning these
Braille contractions? No, but I actually do know a 32-year-old Braille
reader who spells the word With as Width. When I
saw that in some of her correspondence recently, I couldnt help think
about the possibility that learning Braille contractions at a very young age
may exempt some Braille users from ever having to learn the real spellings.
Here is one more example of my concern. Another feature in
Grade Two Braille are abbreviated contractions. For example, the word
Could is taught as CD, the word good is
taught as GD, and the word Your is taught as
YR. One day, a young blind boy was in a spelling
class. He was about 8 years old, and a very good Braille
reader. The teacher asked him how to spell Good, and he
answered, GD. Im sure you can imagine the look on the
teachers face when he spelled it that way. Yet, to the little
boys credit, he probably never knew how the word Good was
really spelled because he learned the Grade Two contraction in first grade,
while all sighted first graders would have to learn the real spelling.
For my blind readers of the Consumer Vision, I ask you, am I
making too much out of this? For my sighted readers, I have a
suggestion. If you know a young blind child whos learning Braille,
it may not be a bad idea for you to make sure that he or she learns the real
spellings of Grade Two Braille contractions, if, for no other reason, to avoid
embarrassment as he or she gets older. By the way, I have a confession to
make. When I learned Braille at 8 years old, I did not know how to spell
knowledge until after I learned the Braille contraction for that word.
A
Poem by Susan Small
God's love is like a hot cup of tea on
a
crisp chilly night.
His love is exciting like the autumn leaves
in splendid colors.
His love is like a brook babbling with love
that
never runs out.
His love does not condemn, it simply taps
you on the shoulder and says be careful.
His love is like
a peaceful night,
with the stars that sparkle in the evening sky.
He says you are special.
God reaches out his hand and grasps ours,
and says you are mine.
God wants the best for us like a loving
friend.
His love was so strong that he gave the
final sacrifice by dying on a wooden cross,
so our eyes would be focused on him,
with purpose, grace, and meaning.
By Susan Small
Aug 12,2007
The Culture of Disrespect by J.
Smith Atlanta, Georgia
Excerpted from Editorial letter section of Ebony Magazine, August
2007 edition. In a letter titled "The Culture of Disrespect," J. Smith from
Atlanta, Georgia addresses the "N" word and the firing of Don Imus.
"I recently read the article, "The Culture of Disrespect: How Did
We Get Here?" (July 2007 Ebony Magazine article) by Adrienne Samuels. Should
Don Imus have been fired? Yes, and so should many other leaders and celebrities
for similar or worse comments of disrespect. Many individuals and groups,
including rap artists who use vulgar and demeaning lyrics, should be fired from
their jobs and this society. If you believe otherwise, it means that you
are practicing a double standard; you are also a hypocrite who will reap what
you sow.
If we are so sensitive to racial insults, why do we financially
support so many rap and hip-hop artists' productions? As Ben Franklin said:
"Common sense ain't so common."
If you agree or disagree, you can write: Letters to the editor:
Ebony Magazine 820 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605
WHY? by D.L.
Why do people commit suicide? Why do people cut
themselves? Why do girls become Anorexic and Bulimic? Why do
kids bring guns to school? Why do kids get depressed...so they start
using meds, and abusing them? Why do girls feel the need to act like
sluts to impress guys? Why can't people show their sexuality freely
without worrying about being judged? In the Bill Of Rights, it says we
have FREEDOM OF SPEECH! So why are we so afraid to speak up for ourselves?
I KNOW WHY. Cliques. Society in general. We
live in a world where if you're not skinny, not beautiful, not sexy, not
straight...youre tortured, abused and humiliated. We say that we are all
equal but there is still racism, sexism, and people judging others based on
there religion, color, size, heritage, etc. IS THIS AMERICAN?
IS THIS THE NATION WE LIVE IN AND FIGHT WARS TO SUPPORT?
Social Security Offers Choices for Individuals
Who are Blind and/or Deaf By Chuck Stovall
About 28 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing, and more
than eight million are blind or visually impaired. Many of these
individuals are older Americans and over the next 30 years, as the
baby-boomer generation ages, the number of adults who are visually impaired
or who are hard of hearing is expected to grow substantially. That
is why Social Security is at the forefront of government agencies working
to make all information and services available to these individuals.
For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Deaf and hard of hearing individuals
are encouraged to visit Social Security's website at
http://www.socialsecurity.gov to file for benefits or to find information
about a wide range of Social Security topics. People who are deaf or
hard of hearing also can call Social Security at its TTY number, 1-
800-325-0778. They can ask for information, or can immediately file for
retirement, survivors and Medicare benefits without an appointment using a
TTY/TDD machine. This service is available from Monday through Friday, 7
a.m. to 7 p.m. Callers applying for benefits should have certain documents
in hand, such as their birth certificate, most recent W-2, military service
and bank account information. The paperwork completed by TTY/TDD
during the initial contact will be mailed to the applicant for review and a
signature. The applicant may return the printed claim by mail or in person
to his or her local Social Security office. Along with the signed form,
Social Security also needs certain documents, such as a person's birth
certificate and proof of citizenship or residency to establish eligibility
for Social Security benefits. An applicant can either mail or take these
items to a local Social Security office. For the Blind and Visually
Impaired: Blind or visually impaired individuals who have personal
computers with screen readers can access information on our website,
www.socialsecurity.gov.
Screen reading programs "read" text on the screen and convert
the text to speech through a speech synthesizer or sound card. More
detailed information about this capability is available at
www.socialsecurity.gov/accessibility.htm Visually impaired visitors to
our website can quickly change the text size on their computer to make the
information easier to read. This is done through the "Web Eyes" plug-in,
which is available free on the www.socialsecurity.gov homepage. Web Eyes
can increase text size from 10 to 144 points, in two-point increments.
The Social Security web site also lists publications for blind or
visually impaired people. Materials are available in Braille, audio
cassette tape, disk, or enlarged print form. Visitors can order a free copy
of a publication in the format desired while online, or by calling
Social Security at 1-800-772- 1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) . Chuck
Stovall is assistant district manager for the Social Security
Administration, New Albany, Ind. If you have questions about Social
Security, email him at charlesjstovall@ssa.gov. Or, call your local Social
Security Office.
============================================================================
The Massachusetts Independent Living Alert Network (MILAN) To UNSUBSCRIBE,
send mail to majordomo@lists.mwcil.net in the BODY of your
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http://www.masilc.org/milan
Pen Pal Section
Please read the following profiles and feel free to respond.
Your responses will appear in the November edition of the Consumer Vision if
your pen pal wants that. You may also respond privately if your pen pal
asks you to do so. If thats the case, we will not publish your
response.
Hi all Im Lucia Costa. I live in New Bedford,
Massachusetts. Im a 33 year old female looking to make some new
friends in the same age range . I'd like to hear from people who may be
totally blind and especially sighted Catholic Christians.
Im a Roman Catholic and my relationship with Jesus Christ is
my most important relationship.
Im a very adventurous person, meaning I like to explore many
different hobbies.
I enjoy swimming ,horseback riding, playing the piano and
listening to all types of music. I hate rap, though.
Im very involved in church activities and I love reading
Catholic books. My favorite Catholic author is Jason Evert. I also
enjoy public speaking, doing chastity talks, roller-skating, going out with
friends, etc.
Id love to maintain a friendship with you.
You may contact me by email at Lucia5704@comcast.net.
REPORTS FROM AGENCIES, BUSINESSES, AND CONSUMER
GROUPS
Speech Systems for the
Blind By Stephen Theberge
The mission of Speech Systems for the Blind has changed much since
its inception. Although we still offer our Screen Readers, we consider
that we are not quite able to match forces with the larger companies. We
also offer an encryption system which can be used for computer
security/privacy.
Our main focus/mission now is individual computer training. We/I
have done a lot of web testing, usability studies, and helped (trained) people
to use the computer. My approach is to tailor the approach to the individual or
business involved. Our approach is as unique as our customers.
Stephen A. Theberge Speech Systems...
Work At Home Firms that want to pay you now! Assemble
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address. You also may send check or money order to (Robert Pacheco, 17
Third St. Swansea, Ma. 02777. If you want any additional information before
ordering please e-mail me at wheels7080@aol.com Thank You. You
won't be sorry!
Whaling City Transit
92 Sanford Road Westport, MA 02790
Phone: 508-679-0100
Fax: 508-679-0900
Email
info@whalingcitytransit.net
You can count on Whaling City Transit for your
transportation needs and leave the driving to us! |
|
ASK MARIANNE
Marianne Martin is on staff at the American Cancer Society, and
has agreed to answer your questions about cancer prevention and
detection. If youd like to ask Marianne a question for the Consumer
Vision, please email it to me or call it in at 508-994-4972.
Should I Be Tested for Prostate Cancer? As part of your
yearly checkup, your doctor should offer to test you for prostate
cancer. Before being tested, the American Cancer Society wants you to
know the facts: One man in six will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer during his lifetime, and it is most common in African
Americans, men over 50, and men with a family history of the
disease. In its early stages, prostate cancer has no
symptoms. Yearly testing is the best way to find prostate
cancer early, which may help save your life.
Testing involves both a prostate-specific (PSA) blood test and a rectal
exam. If either test is abnormal, a biopsy is usually done
to make an accurate diagnosis. Testing isn't
perfect. An abnormal test result may not mean you have
cancer. And while testing and biopsy find most cancers, they may miss
others. Doctors are not sure that all men with
prostate cancer need to be treated. Testing cannot
always tell whether or not a cancer needs to be treated.
There are many treatment options for early prostate cancer.
Treatment cures some men, though it can also cause urinary and
sexual problems for some. Men over 75 might
not benefit as much from testing since prostate cancer often
grows slowly in people in this age group. Source: American
Cancer Society, Inc.
No. 265000-Rev. 03/06 Marianne Arruda Martin Community
Executive, Cancer Resource Network American Cancer Society 1115 West
Chestnut Street Brockton, MA 02301-7501 Direct Line:
(508) 897-4345 Toll Free: (888) 648-4880, press 3, x4345 National
TTY: (866) 228-4327 Fax: (508) 584-9699
Marianne,
Please give a brief explanation about inflammatory breast
cancer. It is quite a new discovery and many women know
nothing about it. Mammograms do not work in detecting it.
Thanks, Joan Inflammatory Breast Cancer
This uncommon type of invasive breast cancer accounts for about 1%
to3% all breast cancers. Usually there is no single lump or tumor.
Instead, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) makes the skin of the breast look red
and feel warm and gives the skin a thick, pitted appearance that looks a
lot like an orange peel. Doctors now know that these changes are
not caused by inflammation or infection, but rather by cancer cells
blocking lymphvessels or channels in the skin. The affected breast may
become larger or firmer, tender, or itchy. Inflammatory breast
cancer is often mistaken for infection in its early stages.
Inflammatory breast cancer has a higher chance of spreading and a worse
outlook than typical invasive ductal or lobular cancer.
For additional information about breast cancer, including
prevention and early detection guidelines, contact your American Cancer
Society at 1-800-227-2345 or
www.cancer org. and the
phone numbers above.
YOUR
VIEW
I get so mad when I see 11 and 12-year-olds walking the streets of
New Bedford at midnight. Where are the parents? Dont they
know or care where their children are? I dont have a child of my
own, but I love kids and dont want to see them get hurt.----Sharon
Costa
TRIVIA
Here is the answer to the trivia question submitted in the July
Consumer Vision. On the television series, the Odd Couple, Oscar
Madisons ex wifes name was Blanche. Congratulations to the
following winners:
Ron Febba of Netcong, New Jersey
Jan Colby of Brockton, Massachusetts
Maureen Bussey of New Bedford, Massachusetts
Here is the next trivia question. According to Rick Dees,
who is the youngest female singer to have a number-one hit song on the top
40? If you know, please email the Consumer Vision at
bobbranco93@gmail.com or call our office at 508-994-4972.
DANS KITCHEN
This is a combined breakfast recipe for pancakes, bacon and maple
syrup and butter--enjoy!
Baked Pancakes:
This recipe makes one large rectangular pancake 9 by 13 inches.
Ingredients:
1 cup of flour. 4 table spoons of sugar(
or 1/3 cup). 4 shakes of salt. 1 cup of milk. 4
eggs. 1/2 stick of butter.
Utensils:
1 large mixing bowl. square shaped
spatula. Wisk. Mug for eggs. A couple of small bowls. One 9
by 13 inch by 2 inches deep casserole dish. 2 dinner plates to serve the
pancakes. A kitchen timer.
Directions:
1. Check to make sure you have all of your ingredients and
utensils.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Take out 4 eggs and place them into the mug.
4. Measure out all of your ingredients and put them in
containers or small bowls.
5. Beat the 4 eggs thoroughly with the wisk.
6. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, milk and
eggs and beat with the wire whisk until smooth. You can tell if your
mixture is smooth by dipping your finger into the mixture and moving it about
gently.
7. With your glove on your hand, put your 9 by 13 inch
casserole in the oven for about 5 minutes or until it gets hot.
8. In a mug place a half stick of butter, with a cover, into
the microwave and cook until it melts, about a minute or so.
9. Drizzle the melted butter across the bottom of the hot
casserole dish.
Be sure the bottom of your casserole dish is covered with the
melted butter.
Do this by tipping or by gently rocking your casserole dish back
and forth a couple of times. Be sure to use your potholders or gloves
to hold the casserole dish as it will be very hot.
10. Carefully pour ingredients from the mixing bowl into the
pan.
11. Place the casserole dish into the oven and set the timer
for 20 minutes.
12. When the timer rings, use a cake tester or tooth pick to
check to see if the pancake is done. If the cake tester or toothpick comes up
clean, your pancake is done. If particles of batter stick to it ,cook for
another 2 minutes.
13. Let the pancake cool for a while.
14. With a butter knife cut the pancake in half (across the
width,) so that each half is about 6.5 inches by 9 inches.
15. Then with the thinnest side of your spatula go around
the bottom of the pan and lift up the edge of the pancake a bit.
16. With your fingers gently roll up one half of your
pancake and put it on a dinner plate. Now unroll your pancake so it lies flat.
17.Do the same thing with the other half of your pancake
18. If you are going to serve your pancakes later, you can
reheat them in the microwave.
19. Pancakes with or without butter and syrup can be kept in
the fridge a couple of days, if well covered.
Enjoy.
Recipe: Bacon in the Microwave
Ingredients:
In determining how much bacon you will need, consider 4 or 5
strips of bacon per person.
Utensils:
A minimum of 6 squares of paper towels. 1
dinner plate. Another plate (smaller than a dinner plate) to put your
stacked, cooked bacon strips on. A food scissors to cut open your
package of bacon. Your fingers and a kitchen timer.
Directions:
1. Begin by setting out all of your ingredients and utensils
first.
2. When cooking bacon in the microwave, never leave the
microwave unattended.
3. The bacon should be defrosted before cooking .
4. Place two paper towels on your dinner plate so that it is
entirely covered.
5 Gently peel each strip of bacon from the package and lay it
straight on the plate right next to the next strip.
6. Peel off the next strip until the plate with the paper towels
are fully covered with strips of bacon.
You should be able to get 5 or more strips on the plate.
7. Lay two paper towels over the bacon strips so that they are
fully covered.
8. Next, lay a second layer of bacon strips, as you did before,
except this time lay the strips sideways so they crisscross with the first
layer.
9. Place another paper towel over the second layer of bacon
strips. Be sure the layer of bacon is well covered. You may need
two paper towels.
Return the rest of the bacon to the fridge, well wrapped.
You should never cook more than three layers of bacon at one
time.
I recommend 2 layers at one time.
10. With the microwave at it highest setting put in the dinner
plate with its layers of bacon and paper towels. Tuck in the paper towels so
that the plate can turn around easily.
11. Set the timer for 5 minutes for each layer of bacon, and
turn on the microwave.
The first time you cook bacon you will need sighted help. He
or she can peek into the microwave to see how long it takes to have the bacon
cooked the way you like it.
12. Note the time it took the bacon to cook. When preparing
bacon again you can set your timer to the same amount and do it alone.
Repeating these recipe instructions carefully with a similar amount of cooking
time should yield similar results.( But do keep in mind that each microwave
oven is different so timing can vary in this way.)
13. Always use a pot holder to safely remove the cooked bacon from
the microwave.
The plate will be very hot and most likely contain some grease
which you can clean afterwards when it cools.
14. Carefully remove the top layer of paper towel(s) and dispose
of it into the waste basket.
15. Transfer the bacon to a plate when removing each layer of
paper towel.
16. To keep the bacon warm cover it right away with a couple of
paper towels or with a light pan lid.
17. If it will be some time before you serve, you can always
reheat the bacon in the microwave.
Maple Syrup and Butter
Prepare your syrup and butter just before serving your
pancakes.
Ingredients:
A couple ounces of maple syrup or fill half
of a shot glass. A tablespoon of butter (equal to 1/8th of a
stick). Vary the amount to your personal preference.
Utensils:
A shot glass. A small mug with a handle.
Directions:
1. Set out all the ingredients and utensils needed.
2. Using a shot glass, pour the syrup into a mug.
3. Add one tablespoon (or 1/8 stick) of butter.
4. Place the mug in the microwave and set it for about a
minute- or less.
5. Open the microwave and dip your finger into the mug to be
sure your butter is melted. Be careful, because the syrup will be
hot.
6. Cut your pancakes into bite size pieces.
7. Drizzle the syrup and butter over the pancakes.
Enjoy
SOAP
COLUMN, by Gert Moore
All My Children
Comings and Goings
*Welcome J. Q. DePaiva, who will play a profoundly deaf boy who
appears on New Beginnings with Erica on September 20, 21 and 24. *Welcome
back, Stacy Haiduk, Hannah! Zach's ex is returning to Pine Valley. Her first
air date is set for September 14th. *Billy Miller will portray the new
recurring role of Wes beginning August 30th. Sources tell us that Wes will work
at The Comeback and be interested in Babe! *Sterling Sulieman is coming to
Pine Valley to play the part of Dre, part of a garage band that practices near
the new Martin home! His role will be a contract role. *Also coming
to Pine Valley is Jenna DiMartini, Corrina. She will be part of the garage
band. *Welcome Alexander, Benjamin and Caleb Eckstein, Spike! These
1-year-old triplets are taking over the role of Spike, Kendall's son! Goodbye,
Kelli Giddish!
Contract News: *Fans of Zach and Kendall can rest
easy. Soaps. com has learned that Thorsten Kaye, Zach, has extended his
contract and will be staying in Pine Valley! *Jacob Young, JR, has
lengthened his contract with AMC.
Leaving Pine Valley:
*Justin Bruening, Jamie, is leaving Pine Valley! Sources tell us that Justin
will not renew his contract when it is up in August. Real life wife, Alexa
Havins, Babe, will also be coming to the end of her contract in the fall. There
is no official word if she will follow Justin out of Pine Valley. Justin's last
air date is set for August 24.
Sneak Peeks
Zach decides to tell Ryan the truth about Kendall and Dr.
Hilliard! Ryan tells Kendall she is no different than Greenlee with her
scheming ways! JR has a new business idea: create a social network that is
all about Ava! He pitches the idea to Amanda. Adam impersonates Stuart -
again! - and tells Krystal that stealing Jenny was a horrible mistake!
Annie can't believe Ryan is investigating her family. Annie turns to Zach
to figure out whether to tell Ryan her secrets. Annie eventually decides to
come clean with Ryan about her past. She tells him about the weird calls and
that her disturbed brother is in prison for a crime he didn't commit! Turns out
she turned him in for their mother's death - she really committed suicide - in
the hopes that he would get help. Ryan stands by Annie and helps her
get over the past by symbolically throwing her past into the sea.
Greenlee and Aidan make love; he suggests that they just be friends, which
hurts Greens' feelings
Ava and Jonathan make love - and the press is there to see and
photograph it! Kendall can't believe she put Spike's life in
danger. Annie has more disturbing memories. Hannah's back in town -
with a secret! Erica and Jack face several hurdles in their new
relationship. Tad learns Kathy is really Kate! Julia and Tad start to
develop a close relationship. Seeing the attraction between Babe and Wes,
JR grows jealous. Dre, Ren and Corrina begin practicing their hip-hop
flava next door to Tad and Krystal. Spike gets a sign language teacher.
Ritchie, Annie's jailbird of a brother, comes to Pine Valley!
As The World Turns
Comings and Goings
*Lacy Kohl appears as "Jewel" and Sarita Covington appears as
"Krista". The girls have information for Lily! Ron Domingo appears
as Dr. Akido on September 5th. Alex Draper appears as Ed, who is
interested in Carly, on September 6th. *Daniel Hugh Kelly is
returning to Oakdale for a small stay as Noah's military father! No word how
long he will be on the canvas. *Justine Cotsonas, Sofie Duran, is
joining the cast. She will play a waitress at The Lakeview. *Chris
Heuisler, Cole, also joins the cast later this summer. He plays a bully who
crosses Aaron; he is in a relationship with "Sofie" Welcome, Ryan
Serhant!
Goodbye, Robin Mattson, Cherie! Dusty finally gets his way and the
Oakdale madam is ousted from town! Kelley Menighan Hensley, Emily,
is leaving Oakdale - for a short time! Kelley is on maternity leave and her
character is headed to Europe to deal with the fallout surrounding her and
Dusty's burgeoning relationship.
Sneak Peeks
Alison volunteers to be a surrogate for Gwen and Will!
Will doesn't like the idea at first but finally agrees to go ahead with the
plan. Dusty and Lily get closer to the killer. Col. Mayer
is certainly glad that Maddie is in Noah's life. Oh to be in love!
Luke confronts Noah - again! Maddie learns a small part of the truth
about Noah; she also finds out Col. Mayer has been investigating her!
Jack and Katie profess their love - again! Carly accepts the
fact that Jack has moved on and blames Brad for it! Noah sees Luke
with someone else - and is jealous! Noah begins acting strangely,
making Maddie curious about what is going on. Luke makes a huge
decision. Carly takes a fall.
The Bold and The Beautiful
Comings and Goings HENRY LEBLANC portrays the
minister beginning on Thursday, September 6. Industry sources say
CONSTANTINE MAROULIS (Constantine Parros) will be recurring, appearing when
storyline dictates. BETTY WHITE may return as Ann (Stephanie's
Mother) in the coming weeks depending on her availability!
Sneak Peeks
Eric tells Ashley that Brooke and Ridge are meant to be
together. Just when Stephanie decides to support him, Thorne opts
out. Someone makes a play for Eric. Nick realizes the
truth about the baby. Stephanie is found out! Ridge pops the
question. With the help of a private investigator and cell phone
records, Ridge realizes Stephanie was Andy's accomplice. Forrester
Creations and Forrester Originals go head-to-head. Stephanie has it
out with Brooke. Jackie is upset! Whispers Stephanie goes missing!
B&B has an opportunity coming up for the return of Betty White(Ann,
Stephanie's Mother) in the next few weeks - no word yet on whether Betty has
agreed.
Days of Our Lives
Comings and Goings
The role of Pete Brady will be played by Tom Archdeacon. Pete
first airs Wednesday, September 26th in the Irish church. *
September 28th, Chelsea and Stephanie visit the Alpha Chi Theta sorority
house!! Look for them to meet Morgan (Kristen Renton), Carmen (Kimberly
Williams) and Cordy (Jamie Chung.) * Here's a treat! Bob Harper, who
is one of the fitness trainers on The Biggest Loser will play
himself on Thursday, September 13th! Drake Hogestyn has
alluded to SOD that he may be leaving the show after his contract is up in 6
months. No insider news on this as you know that the show doesn't comment on
contracts. To quote, "Turns out that yes, Drake Hogestyn (John) had
a deeper meaning when he named his fan event "The Final Mission". " At some
point, everybody is going to leave the show. I have six months left on my
contract, so... after 20 years of throwing fan club gatherings, this is the
final mission. The reality of it is, sooner or later, you're at the tail end of
your talent cycle, whether it be here or somewhere else....." So this could
mean that he will not renew. If we hear more on this we'll let you know. Please
do not email us about this, as we don't have any other information! If we find
out more, we will post! * RUMOR dispelled. Good news. Lucas (Bryan
Dattilo) is not going to be let go by summer's end.
Sneak Peeks
Colleen and Santo finally lose their inhibitions as their
relationship intensifies. (They have sex!) EJ and Sami kiss... Jett
is shot by Rawlings. He goes into shock while Chelsea holds him in her arms and
sobs. Rawlings hijacks the plane and hits Max with the butt of his gun.
Lucas asks Sami, "I've got to ask you something. Are you talking about
Santo and Colleen or EJ and you?" and Philip go off to Texas together. They
bond while in Tulsa. Triangle ahead between Shawn, Belle and Philip. Things get
steamy... a little too steamy, and Belle must choose between the two
men. EJ gets close to Sami while reading Colleen and Santos
love letters. Tony prepares to double cross Stefano! Jett
gets shot, much to Chelsea's surprise. Jeremy goes on the lam! Nick
doubts that China Lee is Dee and Artemis' mother! Is he on to something?
EJ takes on Bo, Roman, and Steve. Max and Stephanie get intimate in the
cave! Andre holds Sami at knife point. Santo proposes to
Colleen! Kate is forced to lure Roman into a trap.
Rawlings forces Max and Stephanie to take a jump. Max and Stephanie grow
closer! There are a few casualties of the Brady/DiMera feud. This
means that some of the cast will be let go in the coming months.
Pocket's health is threatened. Jeremy tries to go straight.
It's back to school for the University crew. We'll see a few fun pledge
shows and Uni fun!!! Death is upon us. One of our recurring
characters will not be long for the show in October. The
DiMera/Brady vendetta will soon be coming to a close. Fall
preview: Stefano will reveal Shawn's secret. Two DiMeras are not
long for 'this world'. Max gets a new job. Sami and Lucas' marriage
will be in jeopardy when she connects with EJ. Claire is affected by
SORAS - Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome when Philip tells Belle that Claire
wants to go to the new 'CGI' movie! Looks like we'll be seeing a Claire
replacement at some point. (This spoiler has yet to happen, but was
directly from the source, so we leave it for the time being.)
General Hospital
Comings and Goings
*Brandon Barash has been cast to play Johnny Zaccharo, the son of
the NYC mob boss. His first air date is September 20th. *Jessi
Morales (the dependable Leticia Juarez) exits the show at some point in
September. The boys are sure going to miss her! (And Carly might actually have
to stay home!) *Anthony Geary returns in October. Welcome back Luke!
*Kelly Monaco's contract expires in September! Sources are guessing
that she will NOT resign this time around, but you never know! *As
you may know, Lindze Letherman (Georgie) isn't sure whether or not she will be
offered a contract, or IF she'll sign. Signs are pointing to a love match
between Georgie and the show's new darling, Spinelli. If the signs are right,
it seems that something will work out. *Just because Stan (Kiko
Ellsworth) has opted to leave, don't count his on-screen mom out. Sonya Eddy
(Epiphany) is finally under contract! *Ingo Rademacher is likely to
sign his new contract. *Natalia Livingston's new contract is for one
year. *Leslie Charleson (Monica) has a shiny new, multi-year,
contract. Jackie Zeman (Bobbie Spencer) has
a new one-year contract!*Annie Wersching (Amelia) has been offered a
contract but hasn't signed yet. Stay tuned! *Graham Shiels is
currently in to Port Charles playing an old war pal of Logan's named Cody.
(Casting trivia: Who was the guy behind Coop's #3 mask during the hostage
crisis? Graham Shiels!) Sneak Peeks
Nikolas goes into full planning mode. Carly asks Jason if she
needs to move her boys. A shirtless Lucky opens his door and finds Sam
getting ready to knock. Ric threatens Trevor to stay away from his
daughter. Georgie gets a new confidant - Spinelli. Lucky and Liz decide to
make their marriage work. Carly and Jason rush to the aid of the "first
murder victim". Ric accuses Trevor of being behind the crime. Jax and
Sonny argue about what's best for Carly and the boys. Jerry assures Jax
that he is going to protect his family whether they want him to or not. Jerry
and Sam merge forces to get info out of Trevor. Sam goes to Jason for help.
Trevor warns Sonny to get off his back. Sonny tells Jason to make Trevor
disappear. Kate ends it with Sonny. Sonny is furious and he insists that
Jason take Trevor out! Jake receives a special gift from his secret daddy.
Alexis makes a move out of her lake house. Jerry insists that Carly return
a favor. Luke's return to Port Chuckles isn't all fun and games - he's
immediately lands in the middle of a mob war. A Port Charles hottie shows
lack of control and it could lead to his downfall. Lucky's refuses to let
go of his son even if his marriage is over. Sam and her cousin get closer and
closer. Robin considers having a baby on her own. Big (Sugar) Daddy Trevor
blackmails his lady. Zacchara (through Trevor) makes Jerry an offer.
Jerry wants to meet the mob boss himself, and Jax overhears his request.
Trevor uses his granddaughter Molly to meet his goals with Sonny. Some PC
residents fall to their deaths via the mob, first of whom is a nanny! Ric
hands Molly over to Alexis at Wyndemere and makes Alexis promise to keep her
safe from the brewing mob war. Lulu becomes enraged. Russell (who is that?)
threatens Emily and Nikolas goes all Cassadine on him, leaving Emily shocked by
his ugly behavior. Logan won't sleep with Maxi and she plans revenge.
Cousin Nikolas wants Sam to go into business with him. Elizabeth's heart is
broken and Bobbie does her best to help. Robin dumps Patrick and he's
crushed! Emily wants her man to see Lainey professionally! Cooper rubs
Lucky the wrong way. Lucky doesn't get the boys, but Audrey watches them
until Jason and Liz can. Spinelli goes to Georgie with his woes. Sonny
is affected by some news from Carly and Kate doesn't like it. Scott orders
a sabotage on a paternity test. Lucky goes to bed with
Sam. Logan goes
to bed with
Maxi. Sonny marries
Kate! Spinelli figures out who
his father is. Alexis dishes it out to Ric. Alexis and Jerry get close
(r). Coop's past is connected to Port Charles. Alan and Monica's 30th
anniversary (on GH) is this fall. There be a heartfelt storyline to commemorate
this couple's unique history together!
Guiding Light
Comings and Goings
Donna Mitchell will stroll into town as as Leona, someone familiar
with Cyrus' mischievous ways, on Wednesday, September the 5th.
Sneak Peaks
The breakup impacts on Harley's kids in different ways. Daisy
and Rafe take the next step in their relationship. Mallet is alienating
Dinah. Cyrus starts to flinch thanks to the women in his life. Ava goes
after Ashlee's secrets. Cassie teams up with Lizzie. Lizzie won't let
Billy's drinking ruin things for her. Alan and Reva try to bury their
secret. Alan gets a tip about Jonathan. Cyrus stands up for Alex. A
building collapses, putting a couple in harm's way. Remy's date doesn't go
as planned. Cyrus comes clean with Marina. Desperation can make anyone
a thief. Monday Pre-empted Tuesday Jeffrey starts to worry
when Reva's missing. Harley can't hide her pain from her daughter. Remy has
a surprising date with Lola. Wednesday Cyrus remembers his wild days as
a continental thief. Marina gets a tantalizing offer. Thursday Cassie
is frustrated when she sees that Reva still occupies Josh's mind. Billy's
drinking becomes a threat to more than just himself. Marina and Alexandra
go another round over Mr Foley. Friday Pre-empted
One Life to Live
Comings and Goings
Jason-Shane Scott (Will Rappaport) will make an appearance in
Llanview during the week of September 3, 2007. * Tuc Watkins (David) will
return to the show again - sometime in September! * Hunt Block (ex-Craig
ATWT) will appear as FBI agent Lee Ramsey on October 18, 2007. * Farah
Fath (Ex-Mimi of DAYs) will join the show as Gigi Morasco, who will air on
October 24, 2007. Word has it, Tim Adams (Ron Walsh) will be back in
Llanview sometime in October. * Trevor St John (Todd) will appear on
the ABC nighttime soap Dirty Sex Money as a younger Mr. George in
flashbacks. * Although fans won't be seeing Erika Slezak (Viki) for a
while, don't worry, she'll be back after her annual vacation. * Looks like
Markko will be staying in Llanview! The show has just signed a deal with Jason
Tam! Farah Fath to play Gigi Morasco!
The show is casting for the role of Judy - someone who will be
involved with Marcie and Michael. * There's a casting call out for Mrs.
Woodrow - a woman from Social Services. * JQ DePaiva, son of Kassie
(Blair) and James DePaiva (ex-Max), will make an appearance on AMC on September
20, 21 and 24, 2007. Sneak Peeks Marty is released. Blair is
confronted by Starr. Marcie escapes Todd's path! Jessica sees Jared with
Nash at the vineyard. Todd demands his son back! Watch out, Rex, Todd wants
revenge! Starr & Langston get ready for school. Marcie & Michael get
one last night with Tommy. Todd walks away from Blair! Starr finds out
about Tommy. John is suspended! Michael & Marcie are heartbroken. John
& Marty kiss! Blair does some soul-searching. Blair pleads her case to
Todd. Rex helps Michael & Marcie. & Adriana worry for Tommy! More
Tidbits! It'll come out that Langston has been living without parental
supervision, and she'll be taken in by social services - Thanks to Britney!
Buchanan Enterprises takes a dive for the worse after Asa dies. David
finds out he's Asa's son (In September)! Marcie & Michael's marriage
is in trouble. Todd & Blair reunite! Just as Todd & Blair decide
to remarry, Todd has second thoughts! Bo & Lindsay rekindle their
relationship! Will Rappaport will make an appearance in Llanview sometime
in September. Jared knows Jessica as Tess - the girl who had him thrown in
jail! Jared demands answers as to why Jessica is keeping their connection
a secret from Nash! Natalie drowns her sorrows with Jared! Jared
blackmails Jessica! Miles flips out after seeing John & Marty kiss!
Look for an FBI agent named Lee to come to Llanview on the hunt for a mother
and her child. A new character named Gigi will come to town and get
involved with one of Llanview's hottest men! When Viki returns from her
trip, everyone will be surprised by where she was - and what she was up to
The Young and The Restless
Comings and Goings
Rueben Grundy will appear again as Dr. Peter Ryan on September 6,
2007. * Obba Babatunde (ex-Clay OLTL) will appear as a reporter named
Carter beginning on September 6, 2007 * Tatyana Ali will appear as
Roxanne on September 17 and 18, 2007. * Judith Chapman (Gloria) has just
received a six month extension on her contract and will remain with the show
until at least April 2008. * Sources say Doug Davidson (Paul) just signed a
new contract with the show! * The show has put out a casting call for the
role of Holly (someone who will be acquainted with Devon). * Richard
Riehle will play the prison warden beginning September 5, 2007. * Although
the actress was given a three-year contract back in June, rumor has it Deanna
Russo (Logan) could be bumped to recurring contract soon. We'll keep you posted
should further details become available. Until then, Deanna will again appear
as Logan on September 4, 2007. * Sources say Eric Steinberg (Ji Min) has
wrapped up taping and will be leaving the show. His last air date is September
4, 2007. * Carlease Burke will appear as a prison official on September 5,
2007. * Christopher Judd will portray a paramedic on September 5, 2007.
Sneak Peeks Michael gets word that Nick is banned from the
prison! Jill asks for Victor's help in exposing Jack! Nikki & Jack have
a difference of opinion. Jill goes to Victor to get revenge against Jack!
Devon will bring a date named Roxanne to Lily's divorce party! Lily takes
an interest in an older man - Cane! Devon struggles with his feelings and
wants to profess his love to Lily! After proof of Jack's past schemes
become public, Sharon is angered by his tactics. Amber finds the hidden
loot! Kevin & Amber have sex! Cane's uncle comes to Genoa City with a
story of his own, his eye on Jill and a plan to rob Kay & Jill blind!
Unfortunately, Cane is in on it too - and is NOT Jill's son! While
looking into Cane's past, JT finds some very interesting secrets! Cane will
find a new love interest! (Although Daniel Goddard hinted to me about this
exciting twist, he couldn't tell me with who.) Cane & Lily kiss! (Could
Lily be Cane's new interest?) We've all been waiting for this advanced
spoiler I listed months ago... Michael will find Katherine's ring! A
secret reemerges, which could destroy Michael & Lauren's
marriage forever. Nikki & David make love! Nikki
uncovers a secret that proves Victor is still suffering from the effects of
epilepsy! Although Phyllis is sentenced to jail, she will ultimately not do
her prison term - Look for a big revelation to come to light while she's in the
slammer! Victor may end up being Phyllis's savior! Nick & Sharon get
into an argument! Brad schemes to break up Jack & Sharon's marriage -
and wants Phyllis's help! Yes, from behind bars! Will Sharon & Nick's
secret be let out of the 'vault'? After Summer takes ill, Nick and Noah
prove NOT to be a match to aid in her illness! The truth will come out
that Jack is Summer's father! Phyllis is forced to reveal what really
happened with Summer's paternity test - and Jack is not happy! (What's listed
here is all we know as of it. How or why Phyllis will have to 'explain' is
still up in the air. On one hand, she may have known about the 'results." Were
they fixed? Or it could be to mean that she'll have to explain why she never
looked at the results and took Nick's word for it, which would surely cause
Jack to be angry. Again, this is all we know as of yet.) Here's an update
to another storyline we've all been waiting for: Adrian's identity is revealed
and the residents of Genoa City are shocked to find out who he really is -
Rumor has it, Adrian will end up being a half brother to someone in GC! Is it
Brad or Jana? Watch for Heather to be a big part of another revelation
regarding Adrian's past! Evan comes back to GC with a vengeance - watch
out Gloria! Rumor has it Tricia Dennison will rock GC once again with her
evil ways - Watch Vikki, your baby could be in danger!
Passions
Passions has left the N. B.C. line up . But will continue on the
soapnet channel . which can be seen on Direct T. V. And if you have
Comcast Cable T. V . you can now order the Soapnet channel
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