Entertaiment – Page 2 – Louise Masin Sattler

PHONES… remember them?

Published on June 21, 2013June 21, 2013 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

I just watched a video that has gone viral about the “good old days”, titled – I CAN’T BELIEVE WE MADE IT. It really highlighted how “baby boomers” were raised as “outside” children who used motor skills far and beyond their opposing thumbs on a gaming controller. It also discussed how we were a culture that took more “risks”, found networking in our school yards not our computers, and gave respect where and when it was due.

It got me thinking that the newer generations may share many of the same values, yet some things are lost on our millenials. Case in point- the use of a PHONE! Now please note that I am a lover of the text message, afterall it was one of the first really contemporary technologies that helped the Deaf community have equal access. However, there is a time when I wish people would simply CALL ME. (Am I the only one?)

I also wish that when a company says “If you have a question please CALL us at 123-45-6789” that they would ANSWER the phone. Especially if the question is time sensitive, such as wanting medical reports, information from a billing office or about my LA taxes! (Yes, tried to EMAIL all of the aforementioned, too… same result.. nada!)

So I write this article with the hope that those who are of my generation will share on what I am missing (when is the best time to call a company and get a HUMAN to answer) and also millenials will convince me that I am simply wasting my time and give me more viable options. Oh.. and here is the video that got my brain thinking about all this “phone stuff”…

One Man + Wheelchair + Documentary Film Crew + 3300 Miles Across America = ROLL WITH ME!

Published on March 19, 2013 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

On April 1, 2013 Gabriel Cordell will take his wheelchair and his story of inspiration across America!

Gabriel Cordell believes EVERYONE can learn from his story which is simple.. “Anyone can be an athlete!”

He believes that people in wheelchairs can be athletes.

He believes that people with cognitive challenges can be athletes.

And he believes that even women in their 50’s can be athletes… get my drift!?

Above is a photo from this past weekend where I attended, with Gabriel and friends, the ABILITIES EXPO in Los Angeles. He had just finished scaling a rock wall with no assistance in under 40 seconds. This was faster than anyone that day.. or maybe ever. His “posse”, a film crew, lead by director Lisa France, was there to start documenting the amazing feats of Gabriel in a documentary titled “ROLL WITH ME “.

This film will chronicle Gabriel’s journey from California to New York. The key component in this movie is that the stars will be a man and his wheelchair. The setting will be the roadways of the continental United States.. virtually from sea to shining sea as Gabriel starts his trek on April 1, 2013 and hopes to complete it by arriving in New York City 75 days later. Along the route he will go through the dry desert of Arizona in to the lush farm lands of the Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri until he reaches the city streets of New York City. They will all depend on the kindness of strangers to help keep them company, bring a meal or ship some supplies. The team also can use someone to donate or rent (cheap) an RV.

Gabriel’s goal is simple – Inspire kids and adults with personal challenges. He hopes that people will ride alongside him in their wheelchairs, bikes, scooters or skateboards.

I can’t wait to help cheer Gabriel and all on as they leave from Santa Monica! I hope you will want to be part of this magical journey, too!

Here is what YOU can do to be part of TEAM ROLL WITH ME!

1) CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/roll-with-me-a-documentary-film

2) SHARE THE STORY with people who are looking for “feel good, positive stories”

3) CONSIDER DONATING food, an afternoon to meet and roll alongside Gabriel on your bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. Also, some $$ to help with expenses would be greatly appreciated.

4) Organize your group to help- such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Groups, CERT/EMS groups, Dairy Cooperatives, Farm Cooperatives, Local Film Societies and more!

5) FOLLOW on SOCIAL MEDIA

TWITTER FACEBOOK

Off Voices… a Groundbreaking SWITCHED AT BIRTH EPISODE

Published on February 28, 2013February 28, 2013 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

What happens when a deftly drafted television program script has lots of lines for actors to say.. but not to voice?

Confused?

Well, if you are a fan of the ABCFAMILY show Switched At Birth you have probably heard the buzz that this coming Monday, March 4th, the episode will have lots of lines for actors.. just in SIGN only!

This all ASL, no voice episode, is groundbreaking, innovative and thrilling for those of us who live, love or work within the deaf community!

Check your local listings about when this episode will air near you.

Video rebroadcast is via the ABCFAMILY website. There is additional content that includes video interviews that are voiced, signed and captioned.

Others have commented on this episode as well, including LATimes, Backstage and National Association for the Deaf.

I hope readers of this blog will join me in watching this show and supporting the pioneer cast and crew involved.

Have a groovy weekend!

I Dream of ASL TV NETWORKS

Published on January 11, 2013November 19, 2014 by LouiseSattler4 Comments

I have this dream. That one day I will be flipping through my cable TV guide and there it will be … a list of TV channels 24/7 programming in American Sign Language. Each one with news being delivered in sign language, a full cast of deaf actors or signing characters in animation. These shows will have captions for the hearing, such as was the case in UNIVERSAL SIGNS. I yearn for daily signed content available to anyone to watch on their TV set.

I know that there are already front runners in this endeavor. Some cable networks have slots for deaf content and there is much online TV in sign language. I LOVE DeafTV.com and video channels such as D-PAN (Deaf Performing Arts Network). But, what I am campaigning for are channels equivalent to Telemundo or CCTV where live content streams all day, everyday!.

Why? Well, in the United States American Sign Language is the fourth most commonly used language. (Behind English, Spanish and Chinese). All of these languages and respective cultures are represented with a mainstream TV presence. Where are the ASL channels? The Deaf Community Channels? In addition, many excellent deaf actors seek employment but find this road much more challenging than their hearing counterparts due to limited roles or maybe even understanding. (The same can be true of others with unique challenges.)

So, bravo to ABCFamily and others who put shows with content that demonstrates the deaf culture, sign language and employs deaf actors! Now let’s see if we can expand to 24/7 deaf networks on public / cable TV. I know I am not alone with my dream.

Your respectful thoughts are welcome.

~Louise