Podcasts about Shelley Berman

 TVC 677.2: From February 2012: Phil Gries shares more audio highlights from the Feb. 11, 1960 edition of The Tonight Show, including on-air reaction from co-host Hugh Downs and guests Orson Bean and Shelley Berman in the moments after host Jack Paar had walked off the air to protest NBC's decision to edit out a joke that Paar had told on the previous night's show. Also in this segment: Phil discusses that the role that Jonathan Winters played in convincing Paar to return to The Tonight Show (which Paar did on Mar. 7, 1960), plus Ed plays an clip from the interview that he and Phil did with Hugh Downs in September 2013 in which Downs reveals that, while he knew that Paar was going to quit prior to the taping of the Feb. 11, 1960 broadcast, he did not expect Paar to walk off at the beginning of the show. Audio courtesy ATVAudio.com.

“This is gooning for people who like nice stuff.” - Chris  On this week's holiday episode, we're chatting about the Christmas snooze, The Holiday! Is this considered a Christmas classic? Why couldn't we just have one of these storylines instead of both of them vying for movie supremacy? How little romantic chemistry do Kate Winslet and Jack Black have with one another? Besides The Talented Mr. Ripley, has Jude Law been any more handsome than this movie? Why did Nancy Meyers put so little detail and conflict in this screenplay? How humiliating is it when they make Kate Winslet do all that Jack Black-style scatting? PLUS: The guys wish to party with the great Hans Zimmer after one of his big-ass rock concerts!  The Holiday stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Bill Macy, Shelley Berman, Kathryn Hahn, John Krasinski, and Eli Wallach as Arthur; directed by Nancy Meyers. This episode is sponsored in part by Rocket Money! Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney dot com slash WHM today. That's RocketMoney dot com slash WHM. RocketMoney dot com slash WHM! This holiday season, make the Official WHM Merch Store your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs! T-shirts? Prints? Phone cases? Stickers? We got it all! Head over to our Tee Public shop and check it out today! From December 1, through the entirety of 2025, we'll be donating 100% of our earnings from our merch shop to the Center for Reproductive Rights. So head over and check out all these masterful designs and see what tickles your fancy! Original cover art by Felipe Sobreiro.

Self-advocacy by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has become a big part of the disability movement's approach to this part of our community. Essentially it means that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can and should be supported to speak for themselves, help make policy, serve on boards, and more. Sadly, too often organizations use the term “Self Advocate” simply to get grants or “street cred”. Today's guest, Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, helped make Self-Advocacy more than a “buzz word” when she was the Equity and Justice Director, at the ARC Minnesota. Hear her explain what it takes to transform disability organizations into places that are truly representative of and accountable to the communities they serve. This program was produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton, hosted by Shelley Berman, and edited by Denny Daughters and Dominick Trevethan. Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson The post Beyond the Buzzword: Self-Advocacy in Action appeared first on KPFA.

EPISODE 59 - "POLITICS: THROUGH THE LENS OF CLASSIC CINEMA" - 10/28/2024 As we all get ready to go to the polls and vote in what might be the most important election of our lives, we wanted to take a look at politics in the films of old Hollywood. This week, we explore the movies that reflected the politics and the issues of the day and left an indelible mark on cinema. From labor wars in New Mexico to a mayor's race in New England to the early years of Abraham Lincoln, join us as we take a look at some great political movies.  SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Hearst Over Hollywood (2002), by Louis Pizzitola; Pictures at A Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of a New Hollywood (2008), by Mark Harris;  Hollywood's White House (2010), by Peter C. Rollins and John E. O'Connor; The Great Depression on Film (2022), by David Luhrssen;   “The Best Man Took On Cutthroat Campaigning,” August 21, 2024, The Hollywood Reporter; “How Blacklisted Hollywood Artists Joined Forces to Make a Truly Subversive film,” June 6, 2024, forward.com; “Subversives: Salt of the Earth,” UCTV TCM.com; IMDBPro.com; IBDB.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  Gabriel Over the White House (1933), starring Walter Huston, Karen Morely, Franchot Tone, Dickie Moore, David Landau, Arthur Byron, Jean Parker, and C. Henry Gordon; Salt of the Earth (1954), starring Juan Chacón, Rosaura Revueltas, Mervin Williams, Henrietta Williams, and Virginia Jencks; The Great McGinty (1940), starring Brian Donlevy, Muriel Angelus, Akim Tamiroff, William Demarest, Allyn Joslyn, Louis Jean Heydt, Thurston Hall, Jimmy Conlin, and Arthur Hoyt; The Best Man (1964), starring Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Edie Adams, Margaret Leighton, Ann Sothern, Lee Tracy, Shelley Berman, Kevin McCarthy, and Gene Raymond; The Last Hurrah (1958), starring Spencer Tracy, Jeffery Hunter, Dianne Foster, Pat O'Brien, Basil Rathbone, Donald Crisp, James Gleason, John Carradine, Willis Bouchey, Ricardo Cortez, Ken Curtis, Frank Albertson, Anna Lee, and Jane Darwell; The Parallax View (1974), starring Warren Beatty, Paula Prentiss, William Daniels, Walter McGinn, and Hume Cronyn; Three Days of the Condor (1975), starring Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow, John Houseman, Addison Powell, Tina Chen, Walter McGinn, Michael Kane, Carlin Glynn, and Hank Garrett; Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940), starring Raymond Massey, Ruth Gordon, Gene Lockhart, Mary Howard, Minor Watson, Howard Da Silva, and Alan Baxter; --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedians Mark Bailey and Mike Miller talk funny about Mark's radio days, Mark offends the girls of Abba on NYC radio pre-Stern days, the late great Shelley Berman, our trifecta problem comedy show from earlier in the year, hackers, hecklers, and unfunny Australian women, and the crap Mark has to put up with as emcee of comedy shows. Brought to you by Nagoyaradio.com, Nagoyacomedy.com, and stand up comic Mark Bailey.

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.Enjoy this special episode.In this special episode recorded live at the  UDL-Con: International Conference, host Jethro Jones interviews Shelley Berman, Chair of the Board at CAST, about the transformative nature of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). They explore how UDL shifts the educational focus from fixing students to fixing the educational system itself, emphasizing the importance of creating responsive and empowering learning environments.00:00 Introduction to UDL Con and Shelley Berman01:36 The Life-Changing Impact of UDL13:30 Shifting Perspectives from Students to Systems08:15 The Importance of Knowing the Students12:47 Creating Empowering Learning Environments16:48 Making Meaning in Education We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Our expert, Connie Arnold has worked to improve In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for over 35 years and she uses IHSS attendants for her own independence. She's agreed to come answer your questions about this ubiquitous state program – the one many of us depend upon, appreciate, and want to dropkick to hell. Connie Arnold Send your questions before the show, or call us when we're on the air at 510-848-4425 or 800-958-9008… If you struggle to get your social worker to provide the hours that you need to stay independent if you need nurses to do home medical care If your care comes from family members If you hire your attendants from Craig's List If you have a Home and Community Based Alternative Waiver If you're brand new to the program In short, if you have any questions about any part of this $24 billion dollar a year social service, this radio program is for you. Connie Arnold graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare and from Sonoma State University with a Master's degree in Health Services & Public Administration Policy. She routinely, some say obsessively, attends state meetings, reads legal and policy documents, and tells the unvarnished truth. Adrienne Lauby produced this program. She and Shelley Berman will host. The post In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Call In – Pushing Limits – July 19, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

What comes to mind when you think of mental health? Therapy? Trauma? Disability? If you happen to think of all three than this program is for you. According to the CDC, “Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often as adults without disabilities”. Who better suited to help disabled individuals navigate those unique challenges than those who also share them? On this episode of Pushing Limits, we will be talking to two mental health professionals who have disabilities. Kit Mcmillion is a peer support specialist who uses her lived experiences with mental health challenges to assist others. We will also talk to Jennifer Lincoln, a trauma therapist with cerebral palsy and spinal stenosis. Additionally, Pushing Limits collective member Shelley Berman will provide a commentary on mental illness related to her family. This episode is hosted by Bonnie Elliot and produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton with editing from Denny Daughters. Jennifer Lincoln The post Social Workers With Disabilities – Pushing Limits – July 12, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

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Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 1217, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: Getting Jazzed 1: Introduced in 1948, these items let jazz become more complex by allowing longer performances on a single side. LPs. 2: Look away, look away, look away, it's a revivalist style of New Orleans jazz. Dixieland. 3: Billy Strayhorn composed classics like "Take The 'A' Train" during his collaboration with this bandleader. Duke Ellington. 4: In 1998 Ellis, patriarch of this jazz family, released his own trio album, "Twelve's It". Marsalis. 5: In the '70s Weather Report had "nuclear" results with this style that combined jazz and rock. fusion. Round 2. Category: 1949 1: On August 23 a manslaughter charge was filed against the cabbie who killed this "Gone with the Wind" author. (Margaret) Mitchell. 2: On January 31 the U.S. formally recognized Transjordan and this country. Israel. 3: This camera which produced a print in 60 seconds went on sale May 11. a Polaroid. 4: There were about 40,000 horologists making these in the U.S.. clocks (watches). 5: Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, shah of this country, was wounded when a reporter fired 5 shots at him. Iran. Round 3. Category: Waist Up, Neck Down 1: "Breadbasket" is slang for the midsection or specifically this digestive organ. the stomach. 2: The cecum is part of the large intestine; animals use it to digest this kind of food, so in koalas, it's 3 times body length. plants (vegetation). 3: Filtering the entire contents of your blood as many as 40 times a day is the job of this pair of organs. the kidneys. 4: As part of the body's immune response, the spleen releases these proteins such as IgM that counteract pathogens. antibodies. 5: The formation of solid deposits also called choleliths is a common occurrence in this organ. the gallbladder. Round 4. Category: Show Biz Shelleys 1: 3 "cheers" for this actress who played waitress Diane Chambers. Shelley Long. 2: While playing Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, she had a #1 hit with "Johnny Angel". Shelley Fabares. 3: The TV boss she worked for and perfume she represented were both named Charlie. Shelley Hack. 4: He said, "I'm not a sick comedian; I'm a healthy actor". Shelley Berman. 5: When Clark Gable came to pick her up, she thinks her mother may have said, "Don't be careful". Shelley Winters. Round 5. Category: America Literature 1: While walking, this Washington Irving character comes upon a party of odd-looking men playing ninepins. Rip Van Winkle. 2: In "Moby Dick" this captain dies when a harpoon line loops around his neck and pulls him overboard. Ahab. 3: In this Steinbeck work, dimwitted Lennie Small has a vision of his Aunt Clara. Of Mice and Men. 4: After Judge Pyncheon's death, this Hawthorne title home is left to Hepzibah and her brother Clifford. the House of Seven Gables. 5: Tom Sawyer is ordered to whitewash a fence because this brother tells Aunt Polly Tom played hooky. Sid. Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia!Special thanks to https://blog.feedspot.com/trivia_podcasts/ AI Voices used

Nina G. Tune in to a special hour-long Pushing Limits program this Friday at 2 pm. We will be talking to Nina G, comedian and author of Stutterer Interrupted and Bay Area Stand-Up Comedy: A Humorous History. In May 2023, her album debuted at #1 in Comedy on iTunes and Amazon. Her first video special, Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted, debuted in October 2023. We will also talk to comedian and professional speaker Michael Beers. For 20 years, he has been an award-winning stand-up comic, disability activist and educator. Michael Beers We will also be raising money for KPFA. For 75 years the station has been a home for voices that the corporate media has tried to silence. We will be giving away copies of Nina's book Stutterer Interrupted as a thank-you for your donation to KPFA. This episode of Pushing Limits will be hosted by Jacob Lesner-Buxton, Adrienne Lauby, Shelley Berman, and Bonnie Elliott. Check out our awesome guests below! Nina G's website Michael Beers website The post Comics with Disabilities – Pushing Limits – May 10, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

A week ago, on April 5, 61-year-old Brett Estes took his own life by moving his wheelchair in front of a BART train.  He was a quadriplegic and a member of a Quad-Squad which was active in the disability movement.  Despite the kind, long-term help of a man named John, Brett had recently struggled with finding enough attendants. We don't know all the reasons behind this tragedy but this death raises the issue of our current, very-inadequate attendant-care system.  Another member of our community, Brian Larsen, also took his life a few years ago when he was unable to secure adequate attendant support.  California's IHSS, (In Home Supportive Services) system is failing severely disabled people. Our guest, Connie Arnold sees the problems in her own life and she's been attending state meetings, reading legal and policy regulations and generally working to improve IHSS for 35+ years. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1984 with a degree in Social Welfare, and in 2009 from Sonoma State University (SSU) with a Master's degree in Health Services & Public Administration Policy. With her wide range of academic and professional expertise, Ms Arnold gives specific advice on how we can each play a part in saving lives and advocate for change.  You can reach her by emailing: IHSS underscore advocate at yahoo.com.k Connie Arnold MORE DETAILS:  Many people with disabilities living in the community are suffering because they cannot find competent, reliable, trustworthy, and stable non-relative IHSS care provider-attendants.  Attendants who can perform paramedical services are few and far between. The State of California makes every IHSS recipient the “employer” responsible for finding their own care providers, but the recipients do not set the terms of employment for wages, health benefits, and job incentives.  Currently, IHSS wages vary from county to county and is not a living wage. Under the IHSS program alone family members care for 72.1% of people with disabilities and they are often willing to work long hours for near minimum wages.  But when family and friends are ill, move away or age out, who takes their place?  This situation is especially obvious in the case of developmentally disabled people who live with elderly parents, but it affects people with all kinds of severe disabilities, including dementia, Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), children with severe disabilities, and many others. If you have a severe disability you may quality for extra help through a Medi-Cal or HCBA waiver.  Here's how to apply: California Department of Health Care (DHCS) Medi-Cal Waivers: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/Medi-CalWaivers.aspx DHCS Home and Community-Based Alternative (HCBA) Waiver and scroll down to see which local agency serves your zip code: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ltc/Pages/Home-and-Community-Based-%28HCB%29-Alternatives-Waiver.aspx   Connie Arnold Currently, individuals requiring multiple daily attendants are struggling to live independently in the community. People who rely primarily on non-relative providers are most at-risk of being forced into institutions. This, despite the U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision which gave people with disabilities the right to live in the least restricted environment with supportive services.  Knowing what they know about the institutions, many severely disabled individuals consider alternative actions like suicide. Plus:  “Who's in Charge Here?” Commentary by Shelley Berman. Produced and hosted by Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby. With thanks to the Berkeley-Disabled E-group who sparked the attendant-shortage discussion.  To subscribe to the Berkeley Disabled e-group, send an email to:  berkeley-disabled+subscribe@googlegroups.com ——————————Want to Learn More?—————————— In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) – California State Association of Counties.  This group put a ceiling on IHSS wages so that they can be no higher than $1.25 an hour greater than minimum wage. More details about how wages and benefits are set. https://www.counties.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/ihss_wages_and_bargaining_brief_september_2023.pdf. New rules related to attendant care, in the State Legislature but not passed yet:   AB1672 Haney. IHSS Employer-Employee Relations Act (2023-2024) “1.300.000 people lived in nursing home in 2020 at the onset of the Covid pandemic.  Nearly half of all nursing home residents were living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or other related dementia.  Related Legislation:  https://mcusercontent.com/e1181a52449c57d4180be5c2d/files/485d2355-f6cb-ed96-b7c5-6b395f82a7ca/EC_Bill_April_2024.pdf       “SEC. 2. FINDINGS.1 Congress finds the following: (1) According to the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1,300,000 individuals resided in nursing homes in 2020 at the onset of the COVID–19 pandemic and nearly half of all        nursing home residents were living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or other related dementia.” ———————————————————————————————————————————————————– California Department of Social Services In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)* History of Major Program Changes 1973 IHSS Program The IHSS Program was created to enable elderly, blind and disabled individuals to live independently in the community. 1978-1981 Equity Assessment Project This was a three-year project conducted by UC Berkeley, in three counties (Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin). Historical needs assessment data was used to predict recipients' level of need for IHSS services. The project also permitted similar awards to individuals with similar needs, thus promoting equity (beginning of IHSS Assessment Uniformity). 1981 Domestic Services Standard – W&IC section 12310 The first state time-per-task standard, known as the Domestic Services Standard, was introduced. 1992 Non-Profit Consortiums and Public Authority – W&IC section 12301.6 Statute was added to allow a County Board of Supervisors to contract with a non-profit consortium, or to establish by ordinance, a public authority for the delivery of IHSS. Federal Funding Approved for the IHSS PCSP On November 2, 1992, a State Plan Ammendment was approved by the CMS allowing most IHSS services to be considered a Medi-Cal benefit under the new IHSS PCSP. 1993 PCSP The PCSP was implemented April 1, 1993. 1998 Expansion of PCSP Eligibility – W&IC section 18937 Statute was amended, expanding PCSP eligibility to include medically-needy aged, blind and disabled persons (previously, only categorically-eligible persons were eligible). Waivers for Personal Care Services – W&IC section 14132.97 The Waivers for Personal Care Services, as defined under the Medi-Cal Program, were required to be provided to persons meeting specified requirements. *Please refer to the first tab titled “Acronyms” for a full description of acronyms. 45 California Department of Social Services In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)* History of Major Program Changes 1999 State Plan Amendment Local Assistance 2015 May Revision On April 1, 1999, a State Plan Amendment was approved by CMS expanding PCSP eligibility to include income-ineligible recipients (i.e., recipients with a share of cost). Employer of Record – W&IC sections 12301.6, 12303.4, 12301.3, 12301.4, 12301.8 and 12302.25 Counties were required to act as or to establish an employer of record for IHSS providers for purposes of collective bargaining. Counties that had not established a public authority for the provision of IHSS services were required to establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations on modes and delivery of IHSS services. The IHSS Registry sales tax sub-account was also eliminated from the LRF and remaining funds were transferred to the GF. 2000 IHSS Non-federal Sharing Ratios and State Participation in Wages and Benefits – W&IC sections 12306.2 and 12306.3 This bill established the non-federal share to be paid by the state and counties for any increases in provider wages and benefits and associated taxes. Limits were also defined for state participation in increases to wages and benefits. Non-Public Authority Counties Effective January 1, 2001, participation in the non-federal portion of any county-implemented increase in IHSS provider wages, benefits and associated taxes was set at 65 percent state and 35 percent county. Wage increases were at county discretion and limited to no more than three percent above the statewide minimum wage. Public Authority Counties Participation in the nonfederal portion of any increases in wages, benefits and associated taxes that are negotiated by a public authority or a non-profit consortium was set at 65 percent state and 35 percent county participation. Increases in wages and benefits were subject to the following limits: The state would participate in wages up to $7.50 per hour and in individual health benefits up to $0.60 per hour for all public authority and non-profit consortium providers. The state would participate in total wages and health benefits up to $9.10 per hour if wages reached at least $7.50 per hour. Gradual increases to wage and benefits were allowed for these specified providers over the four years following FY 2000-01, up to total combined wages and health benefits of $12.10 per hour in the fourth year. State participation in subsequent year increases would only occur if wages had already reached $7.50 per hour and GF revenue had exceeded the previous FY's GF revenue by at least five percent. State participation in wage and benefit increases in any FY would be limited to a maximum increase of $1.00 per hour.Contract CountiesFunding was provided in FY 2000-01 for the increased state share of cost for existing contract counties that elected to increase their maximum allowable contract rates. (Wages and benefits for contract providers are negotiated between the contractor and their local unions).IHSS Advisory Committee – W&IC sections 12301.3 and 12301.4Each county that had not established a public authority was required to establish an advisory committee. The advisory committee in each county was also required to provide recommendations on certain modes of service to be utilized in the county for IHSS. The advisory committee membership would have to include one IHSS provider for a county that has an IHSS caseload of less than 500 and two IHSS providers for a county that has an IHSS caseload of more than 500. Reimbursement of the advisory committee's administrative costs was also allowed. 2004 Improve Quality of IHSS – W&IC sections 12301.21, 12305.7, 12305.71, 12305.72, 12305.8, 12305.81, 12305.82, 12305.83, 12317, 12317.1 and 12317.2 The CDSS, counties and DHCS were required to perform a number of activities that would focus on improving the quality of IHSS. The key provisions included: Ongoing statewide social worker training. State oversight and monitoring of county QA activities. Hourly task guidelines, with exception criteria to promote accurate and consistent assessments, to provide social workers a tool for conducting assessments and service authorizations. Fraud prevention and detection activities that include collaboration among agencies to prevent/detect fraud and to maximize recovery of overpayments. Annual error-rate studies and data-match activities.IPWThe IPW State Plan Amendment was approved, allowing most residual recipients to be served in this waiver program (i.e., services provided by a spouse and/or parent of a minor child, or to those receiving Restaurant Meal Allowance or Advance Pay). The IPW was approved for five years, from August 1, 2004, through July 31, 2009, and extended until September 30, 2009.2009 Key Provisions of Fraud – W&IC sections 12301.15, 12301.22, 12301.25, 12301.6, 12305.7, 12305.71, 12305.73, 12305.82, 12305.85 and 12305.86The CDSS, counties and DHCS were required to improve detection, referral, investigation and prosecution of fraud in the IHSS program, communication and to develop collaboration between state and county agencies. The key provisions included: Provider Orientation. Provider enrollment including fingerprinting and background checks, enrollment form andsigned agreement. Provider appeals. Fraud prevention protocols clarifying state/county roles and responsibilities including targeted mailings, unannounced home visits and county anti-fraud training. Policy guiding the use of Post Office boxes. Creation of the NOA to inform providers of recipient's authorized hours/services.*Please refer to the first tab titled “Acronyms” for a full description of acronyms. 48 California Department of Social Services In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)* History of Major Program Changes In FY 2009-10, CDSS approved county fraud plan funding for 45 counties to enable the development of the infrastructure necessary to support future fraud prevention operations. The IHSS Plus Option The IHSS Plus Option State Plan Amendment was approved on September 29, 2009, and the IHSS Plus Option became effective on October 1, 2009. The Social Security Act section 1915(i), Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services State Plan Option, was identified as the best replacement for the expiring IPW program. Statutory Reductions and Court Injunctions A minimum Functional Index Score threshold was created for IHSS Program services and this became the Oster I Lawsuit. The state financial participation rate for IHSS provider wages was capped at $10.10 effective July 1, 2010. This became the Dominguez v. Schwarzenegger lawsuit. The “Share of Cost Buyout” program was eliminated. 2011 Statutory Reductions and Court Injunctions A 3.6 percent reduction in hours was implemented in February 2011 and a 20 percent reduction in hours was triggered by the Budget Act in December 2011. This became the Oster II Lawsuit and part of 2013 litigation settlement. Health Care Certificate Requirement The IHSS recipients were required to provide a Health Care Certificate from a licensed health care professional beginning August 2011. Changes to Provider Enrollment Background Checks Tier 1 – Specified Child Abuse, Elder Abuse and Fraud against government health care or supportive services. Tier 2 – Other items identified in a background check could be waived by the IHSS recipient.   2011, 2013 CFCO The ACA of 2010 (enacted March 23, 2010) established a new State Plan Option entitled CFCO. The CFCO provides home and community based attendant services and supports and also provides increased federal funding in the form of a six percent increase in the FMAP for CFCO eligible recipients. CDSS and DHCS submitted a State Plan Amendment to CMS on December 1, 2011. The State Plan Amendment was approved August 31, 2012, with implementation retroactive to December 1, 2011. On August 31, 2012, the federal CMS approved State Plan Amendment 11-034 for CFCO, allowing the state to obtain increased federal funding for eligible PCSP and IHSS Plus Option program recipients. The CMS approved State Plan Amendment 13-007 effective July 1, 2013, and updated eligibility language for compliance with the federal Social Security Act, section 1915(k)(1) and 42 CFR section 441.510. 2012-2013 CMIPS II Launched The CMIPS II launched in pilot counties Merced and Yolo in July 2012. In September 2012 San Diego joined the pilot. Extensive work and training has been conducted with counties/public authorities, labor organizations health benefit administrators and IHSS recipient/providers. In March 2013 group one launched eight additional counties followed by 20 additional counties in group two in May 2013. Group three (Los Angeles County) launched in August 2013 followed by the remaining 24 counties in group four in November 2013. 2013 Oster I, Oster II and Dominguez Lawsuits Settlement Process The IHSS Settlement Agreement, filed March 28, 2013, received preliminary approval on April 4, 2013. Court and legislative action was required by May 24, 2013. This lawsuit resulted in an eight percent reduction to IHSS Recipients hours effective July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014. The reduction decreased to seven percent effective July 2014 and will be ongoing, unless action is taken to offset the reduction. CCI – SB 1008 (Chapter 33, Statutes of 2012) and SB 1036 (Chapter 45, Statutes of 2012) changed the following sections of California law related to the IHSS program: Government Code 6531.5; Government Code Title 23; W&IC sections 10101.1, 12306, 12306.1,12306.15, 12330, 14182, 14186, 14186.35 and 14186.36 The CCI, a Medi-Cal managed care plan, changed state statute related to the IHSS program. The CCI began phasing in the eight pilot counties April 2014. The implementation process, including stakeholder meetings, is ongoing. As the IHSS program moves eligible recipients into CCI, it will remain very similar to the current program. The CCI legislation requires the Cal Medi-Connect plan to administer IHSS in accordance with current IHSS program standards and requirements. The plan will ensure access to, provision of and payment for recipients who meet the eligibility criteria for IHSS. Key Provisions: The IHSS recipients will retain the responsibilities as the employer of the IHSS provider for the purposes of hiring, firing and supervising their provider, appealing any action relating to his or her application for or receipt of services and the ability to request a reassessment. IHSS providers will continue to adhere to the IHSS provider enrollment requirements set forth in existing statute. Care coordination teams will be established, as needed and subject to the consumer's consent, for individual care plan development. The teams will include county IHSS social workers, consumers and their representatives, managed care health plans and may include IHSS providers and others as applicable. CDSS will retain program administrative functions, in coordination with DHCS, including policy development, provider appeals and general exceptions, quality assurance and program integrity for the IHSS. The CCI shifts the responsibility of collective bargaining functions (wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment) from county Public Authority to a Statewide Authority. This shift will occur for each county when enrollment of dual eligibles into Cal Medi-Connect is complete. This establishes a new Advisory Committee for the Statewide Authority. Each county will be responsible for paying a MOE instead of paying a percentage of program costs. Each county's MOE is based on program expenditures for FY 2011-12, which was adjusted to reflect savings based on the additional six percent FMAP for CFCO eligible cases, county negotiated wage increases and an annual 3.5 percent inflation factor starting July 1, 2014. This MOE requirement applies to all 58 counties effective July 1, 2012, regardless of when the county will begin participating in the CCI. 2013 CCI (CONTINUED) Local Assistance 2015 May Revision The CDSS, in consultation with DHCS, shall certify any agency that is contracting with Cal Medi-Connect for the provision of IHSS. The CDSS shall also develop a written appeal process for any agency dissatisfied with the decision from CDSS regarding certification. As required by CCI, CDSS has, in consultation with stakeholders, developed voluntary provider training available January 2014. Three stakeholder workgroup meetings were held between May 29, 2013, and December 3, 2013. The workgroup meetings included at least one participant from each of the following groups: public authorities, providers, recipients, county representatives, recognized employee representatives and DHCS. On March 27, 2013, the Dual Demonstration MOU was approved to integrate dual eligible beneficiaries as a component of CCI. In an effort to ensure that data-sharing needs are identified and addressed prior to the implementation of the CCI in 2014, CDSS is holding data sharing stakeholder workgroups, the first of which took place November 30, 2012. A stakeholder workgroup has been established to develop the universal assessment process, including a universal assessment tool for home and community-based services. The first stakeholder workgroup meeting was held September 20, 2013. The W&IC sections 12300.7, 12306, 12306.1 and 12306.15 were amended and delinked CCI components to allow the mandatory enrollment of Medi-Cal and Medicare beneficiaries (dual eligibles) into Medi-Cal managed care, the integration of long-term supports and services into managed care plans and the commencement of the IHSS Statewide Public Authority to proceed separately from Cal MediConnect. FLSA Final Rules Concerning Domestic Workers – W&IC section 12300.41, 12301.1 and 12301.24 In September 2013, the United States Department of Labor issued its Final Rule concerning domestic workers under the FLSA. The regulations were scheduled to implement January 2015 containing several significant changes impacting the IHSS program, including more clearly defining the tasks that comprise “companionship services” and limiting exemptions for companionship services and live-in domestic service employees to the individual, family, or household using the services and not third-party employers. Under the final rule, CDSS is required to pay IHSS providers overtime wages and compensate providers for wait time during medical accompaniment and commute time between multiple recipients. CDSS is evaluating implementation options for compliance with FLSA regulations. Policy changes to IHSS provider workweek limitations and provider orientation were made. Statutes were amended and added to provide a limitation of the hours an IHSS provider can work in a week contingent upon implementation of the FLSA ruling. Providers cannot work more than 66 hours each week, less the seven percent reduction while it is in effect (61 Hours). The 66/61 hour limit is based on the statutory maximum hours (283) an IHSS recipient can receive, divided by 4.33 weeks per month. It allows payment to IHSS providers for travel time, limited to seven hours per week, when traveling directly between different recipients on the same day. The CDSS or a county may terminate a provider from the IHSS program if he/she continues to violate the overtime/travel time limitations. The legislation also established a three month grace period for IHSS provider overtime changes, in which providers will be compensated for overtime. Statute was amended to require onsite orientation, completion of the IHSS provider application prior to attendance, oral presentations and written material translated into the IHSS threshold languages in the county. Statute also permits presentations by representatives of recognized employee organizations in the county. 2014-15 FLSA Federal District Court Ruling In late December 2014, a federal district court ruled that a portion of the regulations exceeded the federal Department of Labor's authority and delayed implementation of the regulations. Under state law, the state's implementation of overtime, commute time, and wait time were also delayed pending further action by the federal court. On January 14, 2015, Judge Leon issued a ruling, vacating the Department of Labor's revised companionship services definition that was scheduled to go into effect on January 15, 2015. ———————————————————————————————– Thanks to Connie Arnold for these additional resources!   The post Attendant Crisis- Pushing Limits – April 12, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

On Saturday, May 30, 1964, Bob Crane hosted a four-hour 8th anniversary special of his KNX-CBS radio program. For this special broadcast, he aired clips from many of the interviews he had conducted over the years at KNX. Part 2 of his 8th anniversary special is presented here. Celebrity guests include Jule Styne, Charlton Heston, Meredith and Rimi Wilson, Shelley Berman, Marilyn Monroe, Alexander King, Jayne Mansfield, and Arthur O'Connell. Advertising includes commercials for National Airlines, Bandini Fertilizer, DelMonte Tomato Sauce, Chrysler, Camel Cigarettes, and Delta Airlines.© Carol M Ford Productions, LLCAll rights reserved.Selected music is licensed through Epidemic Sound and used with permission.Bob Crane's 8th anniversary KNX special was provided to Bob Crane's official biographers by a former KNX employee who worked with Bob at the station and is used here with permission of Scott Crane.For more information about Bob Crane, visit https://vote4bobcrane.org/

One of the unique aspects of my dad's collection is how many historically significant records he has in it. In this episode, we feature an example of this. This comedian, and this album, were the first to win a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Performance - Spoken, when the Academy first introduced that category in 1959. So, get ready for a man on a stool who often pretended he was on the phone in Volume 145: Inside Shelley Berman. Credits and copyrights Shelley Berman – Inside Shelley Berman Label: Verve Records – MG V-15003 Series: Celebrity Series (2) Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono Country: US Genre: Non-Music Style: Comedy Buttermilk, Zen, Nostalgia Flying (in 2 parts) Phoning A Department Store About A Woman On A Ledge Phone Call With A Small Child I do not own the rights to this music. ASCAP, BMI licenses provided by third-party platforms for music that is not under Public Domain.

Comedians Mark Bailey and Mike Miller talk funny about some of our favorite comics from the past, Shelley Berman, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Bob Newhart, Larry David, Mark's link to Lenny Bruce and George Carlin, wrestler Jerry Lawler with Andy Kaufman, and Mark explains different comedy terms such as shaggy dog story, callback, flim flam, distraction, the rule of 3, drilling down, etc. A mini-master class on comedy in this episode for upcoming startup comedians. Brought to you by Nagoyaradio.com, Nagoyacomedy.com, and stand up comic Mark Bailey.

Steve O'Donnell joined me to discuss Mike Chisholm; stand up; Sarah Silverman; Norm MacDonald loving to tell comic road stories; Massapequa; Jerry Seinfeld; Carson Daly; Larry Jacobson & Groucho; Edward Everett Horton; Jim Norton; Jim Gaffigan; Jackie "The Joke Man' Martling; hating 50's stand-ups; Shelley Berman; Jack Carter; older Rickles on Kimmel; Pat Cooper; David Brenner; Regis Philbin; using his actual gym teacher on Letterman; Norm's impressions; interview with Jane Fonda; Norm's Clint Eastwood; doing a western bit on Sports Show; 25th Anniversary of the ESPY's; Cleveland Baron's mascot; Norm didn't drive; his memoir; Canada's 70's tourism catchphrase; SCTV; Ghoulardi (Ernie Anderson) leads him to Dave; cliches; his twin brother Mark who was more of an auteur and won a Tony for Hairspray; used for twin jokes on Letterman; appeared with his brother on Strangers with Candy; Sklar Brothers; America's Got Talent; Michael Winslow; Vegas residencies; first job as a greeting card writer; sent all his writings to Letterman and Merrill Markoe while working in a tape room at 30 Rock; his interview; having to give two weeks notice and hearing his jokes being told during that time; being told his work is witty; to laugh or not laugh; a typical Steve O'Donnell joke; bringing his parents to Late Night; midwestern slang for rain; doing Letterman was more than just a job; Jim Downey; his brother individually pre-signing books each with an original joke; Dave changes jokes on air for himself; Viewer Mail construction; Alsace or Al's ass; class clowns; Jeff Martin; many comedians wore eyepatches as babies; todays comedy writers are more diverse and better looking; now being one of the few non-performers on a writing staff; being great on podcasts; the trifectas in comedy performed by Brian McConachie, Eddie Gorodetsky, and Ken Keeler; history buffs Larry David & Conan O'Brien; writing on Great Minds with Dan Harmon; writing for the Chris Rock Show; pitching a bit about to Hannibal Burress and pretending to explain what bling is; Hugh Moore and Shy Tony; writing bad jokes; audiences laughing at straight lines or not knowing old sayings or bits and thinking they're new; "No good deed goes unpunished"; animals that speak foreign languages

COVID- 19. What is it like for people living with disabilities – past and present? Is Long Covid part of your daily life? Is mass transit safe for disabled people?  Who feels safe on an airplane with all mask mandates lifted? Discussion of these issues and more. We invite people with disabilities to call with your experiences, thoughts and concerns: 510-848-4425 And check out this great resource and power-building group organizing around Long Covid, Long Covid Justice. Hosted by Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby The post Covid Call In – Pushing Limits – July 7, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.

Alex and Ellen Rush Alex Rush, 81 years old, recently went under the knife and had his chest pried over. Doctors call this open heart surgery. Hearts are complicated and, when hearts are exposed to the Goddess and everybody, much can happen. One might be shaken to the core. One's life partner might be turned upside down.  Yes, when everything is given over to fate, and mortality stares us in the face – what was buried may surface and what is on the surface may not be all there is to see. Join us as we talk to elders Alex and Ellen Rush about their experience preparing and living through a major surgery. Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby interview these long-time spouses about the inner life of an elder undergoing major surgery. With great gratitude to John Prine, they sing us a song too! Produced and hosted by Shelley Berman. The post Open Heart Surgery – Pushing Limits – June 9, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.

Bliss Cameron This week we spend time in a community of low-income seniors, many who live with a disability.  We ask how they are handling the days of this major storm.  Are they huddled in fear?  Making serious plans for a sudden evacuation?   We find human beings facing physical limitations with a small measure of resource and support.   And, we find stories laced with good humor and insight.  Reports on the downside of community society, tales of companionship and a surprising offer from a neighborhood business.   Hang out with Bliss Cameron and other seniors as the storms continue to rage.   Produced and Hosted by Shelley Berman. Production help by Adrienne Lauby. Charles St. Village, Cotati, California   The bridge over the Charles St Village creek.             (Air date Jan. 13, 2023) The post Some Seniors In the Storm – Pushing Limits – January 13, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.

Welcome to a very special holiday edition of The Borscht Belt Tattler.On today's show we chat with comedian Lisa Geduldig who is the creator and host of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy. Kung Pao is an institution in San Francisco and one of the city's longest-running comedy shows. For the last 30 years, Lisa has been producing and performing in this show that has boasted a Who's Who of Jewish comedians including the late greats Henny Youngman, Shelley Berman, and David Brenner. Check out koshercomedy.com to learn more about Lisa and buy your in person and virtual tickets to the show. Follow The Borscht Belt Tattler on socials! Instagram | Facebook | TwitterSupport the showFollow The Borscht Belt Tattler on socials! Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Robert Bouvard, aka Robbie Ross Is that old neighborhood guy a wheelchair-using amputee?   Or a man in an impeccably tailored formal gown with Oscar-caliber make-up and hair?     Robert Bouvard is both. Robert Bouvard Robert Bouvard worked with the pioneering Jewel Box Revue, a female impersonation show that toured the Chitlin Circuit in the 1940s.  The Jewel Box played New York's Apollo Theater while Black Muslims on the sidewalk outside yelled, “Get the faggots out of Harlem.” Later Bouvard worked in Hollywood and toured with many Broadway musicals, including “Hello Dolly” and “Phantom of the Opera.”  Now, 85 years old, he lives in a three-room apartment with his good friend Suzie, tools his go-cart around town and enjoys his theatrical sensibility.   Jewel Box Revue. Robert Bouvard and Lynne Carter in a routine that may have inspired the movie “Some Like It Hot” staring Marilyn Monroe. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.   We ask ourselves – who else lives in the neighborhood?   Hosted by Adrienne Lauby. Produced by Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby. The post Robert Bouvard – Pushing Limits – November 11, 2022 appeared first on KPFA.

The power of the human mind is perhaps often underestimated, but it's certainly capable of much more once it enters the Twilight Zone. Season 2 of Rod Serling's masterpiece gave us two excellent examples. Episode 16 features Dick York in, "A Penny for Your Thoughts" and episode 27 showcases Shelley Berman in, "The Mind and the Matter." Both of these light-hearted episodes had us cracking up and enjoying our trip to the Twilight Zone! The post Mind Your Business appeared first on Golden Spiral Media- Entertainment Podcasts, Technology Podcasts & More.

The power of the human mind is perhaps often underestimated, but it's certainly capable of much more once it enters the Twilight Zone. Season 2 of Rod Serling's masterpiece gave us two excellent examples. Episode 16 features Dick York in, "A Penny for Your Thoughts" and episode 27 showcases Shelley Berman in, "The Mind and the Matter." Both of these light-hearted episodes had us cracking up and enjoying our trip to the Twilight Zone! Connect with Entering the Fifth Dimension: Facebook community Follow us on Twitter Contribute Listener Feedback

Lori, that's a lot of Crosses when your pickin' up a Jew.

Aircheck from "WIBQ 1220 AM”, now WSRQ in Sarasota, FL “The Suncoast Morning Magazine” I co-hosted featuring an interview with Gerald Nachman author “Seriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950's and 1960's. Originally aired 6-2-2004. (www.dougmilesmedia.com)

This week on Drama School Dropout I am joined by the amazing Alan Dale. We chat about the end of Neighbours and the possibility of Alan's return, impersonating Shelley Berman, swords falling apart on stage, doing Spamalot on the West End, starting acting lessons at the age of 52, auditioning for Ugly Betty with a pair of lacy red panties in his pocket, the time my old drama school lecturers turned up at my industry showcase and the importance of following instructions. Host: Ingram Noble Guest: Alan Dale Producers: Heather Spiden & Ingram Noble Links: Ingram's Instagram & Twitter: @ingramnoble Drama School Dropout Patreon: www.patreon.com/dramaschooldropout This Is Where We Get Off Tickets: www.hiproductions.co.uk

Creating a signature routine something your identified with join us for a look at a comic whose lack of an on stage partner would force him to be creative different and remembered in n industry where the fans are everything the next level of compliment is being respected by your peers and he would leave a legacy of just that

“What are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?” Kung Pao Kosher Comedy is an institution in San Francisco and one of the city's longest running comedy shows. Kung Pao is the brainchild of San Francisco-based Jewish comedian, Lisa Geduldig. The idea for Kung Pao came when Lisa was booked to perform at The Peking Garden Club in South Hadley, Massachusetts at what she imagined would be a comedy club, but upon her arrival she discovered it was a Chinese restaurant! Kung Pao Kosher Comedy as been operating since 1993 and was the country's first Jewish comedy show on Christmas that took place in a Chinese restaurant and has been Featured in the New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Forward. This legendary event has boasted a Who's Who of household name Jewish comedians including Henny Youngman , Shelley Berman, David Brenner, and Elayne Boosler. Celebrating it's 29th Anniversary, Lisa and I chat on how the pandemic as affected the show since going virtual in 2020. For tickets for the 2021 show and upcoming shows, click the link below. For tickets https://www.koshercomedy.com Follow Kung Pao Kosher Comedy on Twitter & Instagram @kungpaokoshercomedy ****************************************************************** Por*Ass Podcast Theme Song by Inappropriate Things www.veecomedy.com @porasspodcast - Instagram & Twitter Venmo: @BMERecovery For a personal video message from me get me on Cameo! - search Veronica Porras paypal me at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VeronicaPorras Leave a Tip Buy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/porasspodcast Leave a Tip and be added to my GoodPods Private Chat Group - Follow me on the Goodpods podcast app rate and comment on individual episodes chat with me and with other fans! https://goodpods.app.link/UzMxr9Duhkb Reddit Discussions - https://www.reddit.com/user/PorAssPodcast/comments/n02gb9/the_podcast_where_i_talk_about_living_abundantly/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/porasspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/porasspodcast/support

From gangsters to grave digging, this episode is a very interesting mix. We get the fantastic introductions to Shelley Berman as Larry's father, Nat, and Richard Kind as Cousin Andy. Also, in a surprise opening, Martin Scorsese makes an appearance. Check out this episode if you want to know the real way to pronounce Scorsese or you're curious if "Jai Ya" really means what Richard Lewis claims it to mean. 

A prodigal childmay not ever return home.It is up to them.* * *By drawing your attention to the tip of the iceberg that is the Lotus Sutra, I hope to encourage you to read through it at some point in your Zen studies. In the Silent Thunder Order (STO), we recommend taking on the vast literature associated with Zen Buddhism in a somewhat circumspect manner, beginning with contemporary authors, translators and commentators, and working your way back in time and history through the countries of origin.Studying American and European works selectively, then moving to Japan, then China, and finally India, is advisable. If you simply leapfrog to the teachings from India, even in translation, you may run into a lot of confusion and frustration. Most of this is occasioned by the provenance of the written record as transcriptions of what were originally long chants, with the requisite repetition and other anomalies captured in print. But if you have already encountered the basic ideas expressed in settings more contemporary in syntax, you can get the gist of the ancient messaging, and better appreciate their context.The Lotus Sutra is no exception to this general rule. In this printing, the main body of the sutra occupies more than 300 pages of text, whereas the Innumerable Meanings preface, as well as the closing Meditation on Bodhisattva Universal Virtue, each runs to less than 30 pages. But the whole of the work is replete with hints and mentions of what are currently widely regarded as boilerplate, or basic teachings of contemporary Zen, too many to count.In the closing sutra on meditation, for example, we find a comprehensive summary of Buddha’s teachings, from the mundane to the sublime — similar to the condensed Heart Sutra chanted daily in most Zen centers, temples, and monasteries, but more strident in tone — including resonances of Master Dogen’s koan-like question of what precept is not fulfilled in zazen. Most of which are familiar; some are startling. Take a deep breath — I will run these down quickly:The importance of repetition in bringing about the fruits of wholehearted, single-minded effort, particularly in transmitting this sutra; that we do not need a teacher or preceptor; inclusion of sleeping and dreaming in the scope of daily practice; the importance of confession and repentance; a dream within a dream; sensory transformation, akin to cleansing the doors of perception, in Aldous Huxley’s memorable phrase; that buddhas and bodhisattvas of old were as we; we in the future shall be buddhas and bodhisattvas; the Pure Land paradise is accessible to all who have the eyes to see it; as are visions of the buddhas and bodhisattvas, for those willing to do the work of confession and repentance; that craving is primarily born of this body; that the six senses are thieves, and the sin of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind must be confessed; that taking refuge in the buddhas follows naturally upon confession and repentance; the expansion of the paramitas to include transcendent perfections; the three minds; the doctrine of no-mind and transcendent nonduality; the admonition to avoid the prevalent extremes of eternalistic versus nihilistic views; transcendent repentance as the ultimate destruction of discrimination; the middle way of the bodhisattva path; the three bodies; the monkey mind; sitting upright; meditating upon the true aspect of reality; false meditation; ritual cleansing; meditation as bodhisattva work; sudden enlightenment; dispensing with confession; the embrace of karma; giving oneself the precepts; raising aspiration to buddhahood; self-renunciation, self-awakening, and self-clarification; the redeemability of all transgressions; et cetera.Enough. Whew. And this is only a cursory summary. It is as if the authors wanted to ensure that no dharma was inadvertently left out, especially later tweaks that seem to contradict earlier teachings. Such as that the Path is actually no path, from the ultimate view of nonduality beyond absolute and relative.In passing I would like to comment on just one of the visions — the Pure Land envisioned as including all the requisite ubiquitous precious gems and gold, towering massive jewel trees, jewel grounds, and jewel thrones. Then, curiously, “lands…as even as one’s palm, with no mounds or hills or thorns…” The flatness of the ground in the Pure Land, which is also mentioned in the lifespan chapter as “even and smooth,” and the appeal of the absence of mounds, hills and thorns, does not have the immediate resonance in contemporary culture that it must have in more primitive times, when the main mode of transportation was walking.This taken-for-granted truism was reinforced by the great sardonic standup comic Shelley Berman, in a routine commenting upon reports gauging the relative safety of traveling, i.e. by air versus car or train: “I don’t know how much consideration they’ve given to walking.” It is always advisable to keep concrete context in mind.In this, the fourth and final installment of the Threefold Lotus Sutra, we focus on the parable of the prodigal son. This will complete our cursory journey through this extensive — one might say exhaustive — last teaching of the Buddha. We have touched on several high points that struck me upon first reading it many years ago, but have barely scratched the surface. Here is the story as told by Matsuoka Roshi, quoted in full from the Initiation ceremony we use in the STO:There is a wonderful story from the Lotus Sutra about a young man who grows up with a loving father in a fine home filled with treasure. Yet in his confusion and anger the boy runs away in search of riches. He travels for many years and undergoes many hardships, never finding his riches until all memory of his home and family are lost to him. Years later his father spies a ragged beggar in the distance yet immediately recognizes his lost son. He sends attendants out to welcome his son, yet the boy flees, thinking them sent to beat him. The wise father is troubled but devises a plan to slowly regain his son’s trust. He sends an attendant dressed as a beggar to inform the son that meals are to be had for work at the mansion. Gradually, over much time, the son is given more and more responsibility in his work until, after many years, the lost son rises to oversee the mansion and all of the father’s business interests. Only then does the wise father finally reveal his true relationship to his lost son. Only then does the son finally realize his birthright, that the riches he sought so fruitlessly were always in his possession.This rendition stands as a remarkable example of Sensei’s command of the English language, and his grasp of which traditional aspects of the history of Buddhism would resonate with an American audience. I do not imagine that this story was part of his initiation ceremony as a youth in Japan, but I could be wrong.After reading this quote, we go on to draw the obvious parallel with Zen practice: “Our practice is like this. Initiation into Zen marks the beginning of a search for something we already possess.”Like the parable of the blind leading the blind, this meme has long since been appropriated by other religious and philosophical systems, most famously in the Bible, in Luke 15:11–32, where it is attributed to Jesus. Wikipedia version:In the story, a father has two sons. The younger son asks for his portion of inheritance from his father, who grants his son's request. This son, however, is prodigal (i.e., wasteful and extravagant), thus squandering his fortune and eventually becoming destitute. As consequence, he now must return home empty-handed and intend to beg his father to accept him back as a servant. To the son's surprise, he is not scorned by his father but is welcomed back with celebration and a welcoming party. Envious, the older son refuses to participate in the festivities. The father tells the older son: "you are ever with me, and all that I have is yours, but thy younger brother was lost and now he is found."The Wikipedia team goes on to inform us that the Prodigal Son is the third and final parable of a cycle on redemption, following the parable of the Lost Sheep and the parable of the Lost Coin, and is usually read on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the Lotus Sutra, we likewise find a handful of parables sprinkled throughout.This coincidental conjunction of parallel parables conjures the conjecture around the missing 18 years of the life of Jesus that are not accounted for in the Bible, reminiscent of the missing 18 minutes on the Watergate tapes, though more respectable. Some claim evidence that “ancient texts reveal that Jesus spent 17 years in the Orient…from age 13 to 29 [he] traveled to India, Nepal, Ladakh and Tibet as both student and teacher.” The historicity of his life is often called into question, as is Buddha’s, born about a half-millennia earlier.The story in the Lotus Sutra goes on for a half-dozen pages, single-spaced type, related to Buddha by four of his senior monks — all talking spontaneously and in unison and “with one mind,” a minor miracle in and of itself. Along with some self-deprecating confessions, they finally wrap it up with an admission and appreciation:“We, heads of the monks, in years moreover worn out, consider that we have attained nirvana, and that there is nothing more we are able to undertake, so we do not press forward to seek after Perfect Enlightenment.“The Buddha, knowing that our minds delight in inferior things, by his tactful power teaches according to our [capacity], but still we do not perceive that we are really Buddha-sons. Now we have just realized that the World-honored One does not begrudge the Buddha-wisdom…Now he in this sutra preaches only the One-vehicle…Therefore we say that though we had no mind to hope or expect it, [yet] now the great treasure of the King of the Law has of itself come to us, and such things that Buddha-sons should obtain we have all obtained.”And as if this were not enough,Then Maha-Kasyapa, desiring to proclaim this meaning over again, spoke [thus] in verse:“We on this day Have heard the Buddha’s voice teachAnd are ecstatic with joy atHaving obtained the unprecedented.”He goes on for another 10 pages of recapping the whole story and its implications in poetic form, demonstrating that Ananda was not the only follower of Buddha who possessed prodigious memory. One has to wonder if Buddha and his followers really did spontaneously burst into poesy, or if this account is merely a form of revisionist history. Perhaps we lost more than we can ever know — or recover — when we gained the printed word.Another example of seemingly unconnected emergence of similar cultural memes, in geographically distant parts of the world, is that of children’s games. They often center around developing the skills, such as hunting, that they will need later in tribal life. It is not unreasonable that certain parables, similarly, developed independently in different cultures and parts of the world. They tend to reflect common experiences likely to develop in human relations anywhere, and at any time. And parables have clearly been the default mode of teaching otherwise inaccessible “moral of the story” wisdom throughout history. If you see yourself in this picture, et cetera.The main take-away from this father-son parable is captured in other tales, such as that of the monk frantically looking everywhere for the wish-fulfilling mani-jewel, only to find that it was sewn into the hem of his robe all along. But I think the more salient message is that of setting your sites too low when it comes to spiritual aspiration.These sravakas, literally “hearers” or more generally, “disciples,” according to the Wiki folks, by reciting the tale of the prodigal son, are admitting that they, too, have squandered their opportunity by “looking for love in all the wrong places.” But now, waking up to the fact that what they really needed to know and possess has been on offer all along, it is expressed as the promise of Perfect Enlightenment, which Buddha had predicted as inevitable, for the fab four, as well as several others of his entourage. Maha-Kasyapa became his direct and immediate successor, which may explain his prominence in the closing stanzas of the Lotus.Again, tip of the iceberg. We are all prodigal sons and daughter, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. Desperadoes wasting our inheritance, our dowry, our alimony or structured settlement, our annuity, on frivolous and trivial pursuits. These things that are pleasing you can hurt you somehow, when the jewel of our legacy as human beings is staring us in the face, is indeed our original face itself. We could do worse than to turn around, sit down and count up our treasure. You don’t count your winnings when you’re sitting at the table, but there may not be time for counting when the dealing’s done. No one gave your bankroll to you, and no one can take it away. As Matsuoka Roshi would often say, “My enlightenment is mine and yours is yours. I can’t get yours and you can’t get mine.” God bless the child that’s got its own (Thank you, Billie). What a shame if we don’t.* * *Elliston Roshi is guiding teacher of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center and abbot of the Silent Thunder Order. He is also a gallery-represented fine artist expressing his Zen through visual poetry, or “music to the eyes.”UnMind is a production of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center in Atlanta, Georgia and the Silent Thunder Order. You can support these teachings by PayPal to donate@STorder.org. Gassho.Producer: Kyōsaku Jon Mitchell

Maytte Bustillos It's ten years since her brain cancer diagnosis, a time when doctors gave her two years to live. Now, it's three days before her fourth brain surgery and Maytte Bustillos is not thinking too much about all these numbers. She speaks with us about finding joy amidst the challenges of living with a chronic and terminal illness. Since we last talked with her, Maytte Bustilos has been raising her daughter, teaching school and dealing with the end of her marriage.  She speaks openly of the challenges and delights of a life of health routines, family ties and spiritual strength. Produced and hosted by Shelley Berman. Heading Home   Day after surgery The post Maytte Bustillos: Still Living with Brain Cancer appeared first on KPFA.

We're blowing up language, we're blowing up humanity in talking about expansion of who we are. JOIN us! Fresh! “Lev” White L-R Jessica Dene Schlesinger, Sharon-Peterson, Fresh! “Lev” White. Excerpts from the First Voice apprentice program's Full Circle show on allyship. This show starts a conversation to re-imagine ourselves and our world…and teaches us A LOT! Jess Dene Schlesinger and Fresh! “Lev” White explore intersectionality and allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community and that of people with disabilities. Also, news about the Gender Krip Planet event with Rapper AJ420, deaf poet Joy Elan, Lisa Ganser, Leroy F. Moore Jr. at LaPena Cultural Center in Berkeley, March 30 at 7 pm. Sharon Peterson produced and hosted the original program. Our excerpts were edited by Sheela Gunn-Cushman and hosted by Shelley Berman. Adrienne Lauby also contributed to this program Glossary of Terms Cis gender: A person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex. Cis hetero: A person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex AND they are attracted to people of the opposite sex. Microaggressions: Brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative prejudicial slights and insults toward members of a marginalized group. Ally: One who understands basic issues for a marginalized person or group and stands with them, especially when they are attacked or disparaged individually. Accomplice: (as defined by our guests in this program) One who becomes an ally and also seeks to dismantle the systems that marginalize certain groups of people, one who tried to change institutional and governmental injustice toward a marginalized group that is not your own. Trauma-Informed: A person-centered response focused on improving an individuals' all around wellness rather than simply treating symptoms of mental illness or other difficult life experiences. The post On Being An Ally appeared first on KPFA.

Becky and Dena Taylor's book tells the story of a girl with a quirky mind, an eccentric family, and oh yes, a disability. Born premature, Becky was given the usual prognosis “probably going to be blind, deaf and retarded.” Yet, at age four she was doing calculus in her head. One day her dad sought to stump his daughter-the-math-whiz by asking, “Is infinity an odd or an even number?” She thought about it for a bit, smiled, then replied, “Tell me the number before infinity. We talk to Becky and Dena Taylor about growing up with cerebral palsy and their book, Tell me the Number Before Infinity from Many Names Press. Alternating voices, this mother and daughter team explore the obstacles and harassment Becky faces as a person with a visible disability — the bullying, the teachers with inflexible rules and the lack of support even from some Disability Center staff. These are stories of a mainstreamed education told with humor, intimacy and frankness. We also feature, Every Crumb, Every Minute, Every Day by John McCutcheon, a song he wrote after reading Becky and Dena Taylor's book. This fund drive special is hosted by Shelley Berman, Josh Elwood, Sheela Gunn-Cushman and Adrienne Lauby. Throughout the hour, we ask people to become members of KPFA and offer this singular book as a thank you gift. The number to call is (510) 848-5732, or toll free at (800) 439-5732. “This book should be required reading for teachers and everyone in equity and critical disability studies.” –Gloria Filax, Professor of Disability Studies, Athabasca University Becky Taylor lives in Santa Cruz where she vice-chairs the Commission on Disabilities, and is involved with other civic organizations. She is a UC Santa Cruz Computer Science graduate. Her mother, Dena Taylor, MSW, is retired from a career in social work and education. She is the author, editor, and co-editor of six books on women's issues. The post Tell me the Number Before Infinity appeared first on KPFA.

Stephanie Thomas If you're finding a determination for resistance, a rage to protect vulnerable humans, or wishing for the joy of community strength; maybe it's time for some direct action. Stephanie Thomas, a long-time organizer with ADAPT, the disability movement's direct action arm, joins us to explain how ADAPT actions organize some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the U.S. to stand tall for our rights and our lives. Remember the photos of disabled people being dragged out of wheelchairs by security guards as they protested proposed cuts to Obama Care a year ago. That ADAPT action put a terrifying attack on our health care back on the Congressional shelf. “My Medicaid Matters” Listen in for the skinny on it all. And… because every protest needs a good tee shirt, we'll be offering protest gear for the winter season for those who support KPFA by becoming a new or continuing member. Call 510 848-5732 or 800-439-5732 during the show. Mark Romoser, Shelley Berman, Josh Elwood and Adrienne Lauby join Stephanie Thomas for stories of triumph and accessibility. The post Direct Action Disability Style with Stephanie Thomas of ADAPT appeared first on KPFA.

Santa Rosa, CA protest of Trump administration border policies 6-30-18. Photo by Jessica Wood. Shelley Berman hosts a different view of Independence Day through the heart-felt viewpoint of Disabled Native American Activist, Mercedes Trippo. Other disabled folks chime in on the question, “From what would you like to be Independent?” Shelley's sarcastic, biting repartee pushes the limits of acceptability and reminds us that ALL children are under fire under the current Fascist Regime of “Divide and Imprison” right here in the U.S. of A. Disabled Lesbian Singer/songwriter, Ferron, is featured. The post Independence 2018 appeared first on KPFA.

Disabled Worker in mainstream job, New Zealand, photo courtesy of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Flicker The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 created the right to a minimum wage, with one huge exception — people with disabilities. We interview producer-director Jordan Melograna and play clips from “Bottom Dollars,” his documentary on sheltered workshops and the sub-minimum wage.  How is it that nearly 250,000 people are currently and legally paid, on average, less than $2 an hour? The documentary exposes the exploitation of people with disabilities through personal stories and expert interviews. It also presents clear job alternatives, showing how people with disabilities can earn a competitive wage and work within the community. With a commentary on the 12,000 wounded Palestinian protestors by Shelley Berman. Josh Elwood, Mark Romoser and Adrienne Lauby host this extended fund drive program. The post “Bottom Dollars.” How 250K Disabled People Work for $2. an Hour appeared first on KPFA.

Hope Jahren Hope Jahren, author of the best selling memoir, Lab Girl, joins us for an hour of discussion about mental illness, trees, and the life of a woman scientist. Shelley Berman, Josh Elwood, Sheela Gunn-Cushman, Adrienne Lauby and Mark Romoser talk to Ms Jahren, read from her book and entreat listeners to become members of KPFA. Lab Girl is a book about work, love, and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. It is told through Jahren's stories: about her childhood in rural Minnesota with an uncompromising mother and a father who encouraged hours of play in his classroom's labs; about how she found a sanctuary in science, and learned to perform lab work done “with both the heart and the hands”; about her bouts with mental illness, and about the inevitable disappointments, but also the triumphs and exhilarating discoveries, of scientific work. At the core of this book is the story of a relationship Jahren forged with a brilliant, wounded man named Bill, who becomes her lab partner and best friend. The post “Lab Girl” with Hope Jahren appeared first on KPFA.

Maybe the way to end poverty is to give poor people money. The idea of a universal basic income in the U.S. isn't new. Progressives pushed the concept in the 1960s and 70s, and several other countries have tried local experiments. But, tech industry leaders like Tesla's Elon Musk have recently taken up the idea and that's making a buzz. Many of us in the disability community already live on the basic income called Social Security and SSI.   Today, Mark Romoser, Josh Elwood, Sheela Gunn-Cushman, Eddie Ytuarte and Adrienne Lauby examine this new (old) idea. Would a universal income produce more volunteers for your organization as those who are beaten down by poverty become activated empowered voting individuals. Or would poor people simply have more isolation and personal loneliness without the necessity to work a series of low-wage jobs? Based on the experience of people who currently live on the fixed income of Social Security our panel takes up this and other issues. Produced and hosted by Adrienne Lauby with audio editing help from Sheela Gunn-Cushman. Audio engineering by Shelley Berman. The post Minimum Basic Income and Disability appeared first on KPFA.

Photo courtesy of BLM.gov Sharon Rae Robinson who lived with memory loss, Christina Hanson, a 27 year-old woman who used a wheelchair her entire life because of Spina Bifida, and other disabled people were among the 42 who died in the Northern Calif. fires in the last ten days. Among the 20 thousand humans evacuated in Santa Rosa were people from numerous assisted living and supportive group homes, including 240 people from the Sonoma Developmental Center, 450 people from Oakmont assisted living facilities, and both Sutter and Kaiser hospitals. A private school for autistic students of mixed income in the Wells Fargo Center burned down. Lake Kowell, Staff member of Disability Services and Legal Center in Santa Rosa, California We talk about the fiery disaster with Lake Kowell, a staff member at Disability Services and Legal Center.  Ms Kowell, who lives with a spinal cord injury, has spent many days working in the Local Assistance and Evacuation Centers. Some of the information we discuss in this program: Governor Brown's veto of SB 649 which would have made it easier to build cell phone towers. Fire Fund for People with Disabilities.  The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers has established the Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund. Donations made to the fund will be used to assist survivors with disabilities across the state who have lost their critical mobility and accessibility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, hearing aids and communication devices in the fires. Gift Cards for people with disabilities.  Sterling Adaptives and Adaptive Technology Service will match donations. For very $10. you give, $30 will be given to people with disabilities. Mail cards to: 62A Brookwood Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Investigation of Varenna and Villa Capri licensed care facilities in the Oakmont Senior Living Development by the California Department of Social Services.  That department also does routine reviews of all assisted living facilities which were evacuated before people can return. (All 430 residents of these two care homes were evacuated safely.) Lake Kowell's “Dancing with the Stars” performance.  A Raven Performing Arts Theater fundraiser, Saturday Nov 4, 7:30 pm.  Some proceeds to fire victims. Electronic Visit Verification could mean onerous new rules for IHSS workers, the people who help us live independent lives. The State of California is being pressured to comply with a new Federal mandate. It could require workers and people with disabilities to call into an electronic system as they move from task to task. It is being resisted. If you want to get involved in pushing back against these new rules, send me an e-mail at adrienne@sonic.net. Produced by Adrienne Lauby.  Hosted by Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby. The post North Bay Fires and Disability appeared first on KPFA.

Helga Spizman with her hand-made pussy hat Police march down the boulevard chanting “Whose Street? Our Street,” and Oklahoma City police gun down Magdiel Sanchez, a developmentally disabled deaf man, despite neighbors who yell, “He can't hear you.”   All this in a week when the Republican congress hopes to pass a health care bill that will radically restructure and deeply cut Medicaid, health care for poor and disabled people. Afraid yet?  It's time to take a stand for ourselves and for each other. Anita Cameron This week, we'll talk to two women with disabilities who work for justice:  Helga Spizman, a activist holocaust survivor, and Anita Cameron, an ADAPT organizer who is headed to Washington D.C. this weekend to protest the Cassidy-Graham health care bill. Young Helga Spizman spent World War II look for hiding places as her father obsessed about his decision to move to England, which he expected to be overrun by the Nazis.  After the Trump election, she attended the Women's March and pussy hats emerged from her knitting needles like flowers popping up in the spring. Anita Cameron, whose blog is called “Musings of an Angry Black Woman”, has been arrested a heroic 129 times in the non-violent struggle for justice. An organizer for ADAPT, the disability movement's civil disobedience arm, she's been involved in social change activism and community organizing for 36 years. We talk to these role model women about their fears, their history and their expectations for something better.  And, we'll talk to you about supporting Pushing Limits by becoming a member of KPFA. Produced by Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby.  Hosted by the Pushing Limits collective. The post Taking a Stand: Helga Spizman & Anita Cameron appeared first on KPFA.

  This week I catch up with Jeff Beachbum Berry for a chat here in Sydney, news on the passing of the great comedian Shelley Berman and in Swank Advice we talk about ironing.     www.cocktailnation.net   Out Of Abingdon-Change It Jetset Sweden-Scilian Clan Martin Denny-Isle Of Love James Spencer -Lotus Land Alika Lyman-Arthurs Line Alien Fashion Show-Rocket 95 Sergio Mendes-Constant Rain James Morrison-Summertime Chet Baker-Let's Get Lost Laura Ainsworth -An Occasional Man Typhanie Monique-What is This Thing Called Love Mark Copeland-I Love Paris Bobby Darin -Charade  

Ethan Borochoff with Sam Fuld, professional baseball outfielder who also lives with diabetes. Six year old Ethan Borochoff is interested in many things and most of them are NOT Type 1 Diabetes. Yet, like most kids with severe disabilities, he knows way more than the average bear about the disease he lives with. Listen in to hear how he makes it through his days. Ethan explains it all: insulin pumps, carbohydrates, wobbly legs and why children can experiment with batteries but not the electricity in plugs. Last summer, Ethan chatted about insulin pumps with Sam Fuld, a professional baseball outfielder who also lives with Type 1 Diabetes.  He met Sam at Root Bear Float Day at an Oakland A's game, a benefit for the Greater Bay Area Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This year's benefit is Tuesday, July 18th when the A's play the Tampa Bay Rays in a night game. Since 2003, the A's have raised over $486,000 for this cause. Click here to purchase tickets. All proceeds from Root Beer Float Sales and a portion of special tickets will benefit the research. Ethan Borochoff & retired Oakland A's outfielder, Ricky Henderson Ethan is the youngest guest to ever do a feature interview on Pushing Limits but we hope he won't hold that record for long. We'd like to interview more children who live with severe disabilities. Send them to us at (707) 795-2890 or via email at pushinglimits@kpfa.org. Produced and hosted by Shelley Berman, with help from Adrienne Lauby. Editing by Sheela Gunn-Cushman. The post Ethan Explains Type 1 Diabetes appeared first on KPFA.

Eli Clare.  Portrait by Riva Lehrer White, disabled, and genderqueer, Eli Clare's new book, Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure, questions the typical hostility of the disability movement toward the mythology of The Cure. He explores his rage at the many ways the ‘search for the cure' has ostracized and limited people with disabilities. But, then he dives deeper. Based in his own experiences with severe mental disability, numerous conversations, research and his chosen surgery to support a gender change, Clare asks questions that have been taboo within our movement for much too long. Clare is a nationally-known writer, speaker and teacher who is celebrated for his ability to talk about difficult topics with bruising and unblinking honesty. Join us to consider your own relationship with “The Cure.” Produced by Adrienne Lauby, co-hosted by Shelley Berman, Sheela Gunn-Cushman, and Josh Elwood. The post Eli Clare – Grappling with Cure appeared first on KPFA.

Maytte Bustillos Maytte Bustillios was given two years to live after the discovery of a cancerous tumor in her brain (Oligodendroglioma).  Now, seven years and three craniotomies later, she talks to Shelley Berman about her fitness routine, mothering a child with a heart problem and dealing with the daily limitations of disability.   With an analysis of California ballot measures by Shelley Berman.   Produced and hosted by Shelley Berman. The post Maytte Bustillos: Living with Brain Cancer appeared first on KPFA.

Guest: Vilissa Thompson of Ramp Your Voice The Movement For Black Lives posted their incredible Vision 4 Black Lives Platform in late July. As one could expect, it is most thorough in issues related to police violence and incarceration in the black community, including demilitarization of the police and an end to the bail system. But, it draws a much wider net to encompass many of the core issues that make Black lives difficult including reparations, investment and divestment, economic justice, community control, and political power. Developed in a year-long process that engaged at least 50 black-led organizations and hundreds of individuals, the platform contains 30+ policy briefs with information about whether legislation can happen at the local, state or federal level, links to groups already working on related projects, and resources including model legislation and talking points. For any movement or organization, a document like this represents a major achievement. Vilissa Thompson of “Ramp Your Voice” Now, for the critique. In the third paragraph the platform says it believes “in elevating the experiences and leadership of the most marginalized Black people,” including the differently abled (sic). Yet, in the over 85 pages of the platform, the word “disability” or “differently abled” is mentioned only six times and the insights of the Disability Justice Movement are missing from the document throughout. The erasure of Black people with disabilities is particularly shocking, given the large number of police killings and harassment of Black people with disabilities. Black people with mental disabilities are particularly at risk of death at the hands of police, yet their lives are invisible in this document. Today, we read some of this remarkable “Vision 4 Black Lives” Platform out loud: The Introduction and, from the Reparations Demand, the proposal for a guaranteed livable minimum income for all Black people. Then, we talk to Vilissa Thompson who will spell out what the Black Lives Matter organizations missed by excluding the insights of Black disability justice activists. Adrienne Lauby hosts. Reading by Shelley Berman, Mark Romoser and Adrienne Lauby The post Movement for Black Lives, Platform and Critique appeared first on KPFA.

Organizer, HolLynn D'Lil with her new book. Sometimes, we take accessible buildings for granted; but they aren't always accessible for people living with disabilities and our rights aren't always granted.  Every now and then we have to make some noise, show up and be counted, prepare for a smack down… So it was at the California Building Standards Commission last week.  Couldn't make it to Sacramento?  Didn't really understand the issues?  Wondering what happened?   Advocate Delores Tejada. We've condensed two days of testimony and cliff hanger votes into 30 jam-packed minutes with 12 of the advocates who made the trip and stood up for your access rights.  They are Ana Acton, Barry Atwood, Vanessa Proe, Nicole Sykes, Connie Arnold, Tim Thimesch, Dawn Anderson, HolLynn D'Lil, Russell Rollings, Kristen Ansel, and Dolores Tejada.   Produced and Edited by Sheela Gunn-Cushman with production help from Adrienne Lauby and Shelley Berman.   For more details and to follow this issue: Complete Hearing: Jan 19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qvsIfkWdvo Jan. 20:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6Z26-9QJxw Disability Organizing Network  https://disabilityorganizing.net HolLynn D'Lil:  hdlil@comcast.net   The post State Standards Smack Down appeared first on KPFA.

Corbett Joan O'Toole. photo by Karen Nakamura Highlights from Corbett Joan O'Toole's reading from her new memoir, Fading Scars: My Queer Disability History.    Partial transcript available here. Arriving in Berkeley among the first wave of people with disabilities, Corbett O'Toole experienced the creation of the west coast Independent Living Movement first hand.  In this book, she brings those early days to life.  But that's just the beginning.  With her signature intelligence and humor, she takes us through the major issues of our disabled lives.  From violence to crip dancing, O'Toole's analysis is often surprising and always illuminating. Cover photography & model: Chun-Shan (Sandie) Ye Published by Autonomous Press, a new press devoted to disability, O'Toole's book establishes the life-saving necessity for the disability rights movement as it points out the many places we have yet to go. Edited from a live reading at the Ed Roberts Center in Berkeley,  this program includes O'Toole's history of the ground-breaking 504 sit-in, including the little known history of Black Panther support.  O'Toole also explains how she approached the problem of writing for people who don't like to read due to their disabilities — while also writing a book for people who love to read. O'Toole mentions learning some details of “plain language” from Self Advocates for Becoming Empowered.  This article by Elizabeth “Ibby” Grace explains why it is important in academia. Find our more about Corbett O'Toole here. This program produced and hosted by Adrienne Lauby.  Sheela Gunn-Cushman and Shelley Berman provided audio editing. The post Fading Scars: My Queer Disability History appeared first on KPFA.

Charlene Love. Photo by Shelley Berman Oh, the dreaded holidays…have to find time to clean the doggone house…but… What if you didn't have a house to clean? What if you were homeless, not only for the holidays, but everyday?   Meet Charlene Love—formerly homeless, on the fringe, disabled, and an activist. We usually don't think of homeless people as part of the disability community but in Sonoma County, just for one example, nearly two-thirds (63%) of the homeless reported one or more health issues in 2015.  Over a third live with psychiatric or emotional limitations. Many others live with drug and alcohol addictions. And, 30% of the homeless, almost a third, live with a physical disability.   It is not uncommon to find wheelchair users in shelters or even in outdoor encampments. In progressive Berkeley, the City Council has just instituted new laws against the homeless. Part of the law requires all homeless people to keep themselves and their possessions within a 2-foot square. On the other side of the bay in San Francisco, the homeless are being disappeared altogether to clean up for the big super bowl party…got taxpayer money for parties, but not for social welfare. Often homeless people have a complex mix of severe physical and emotional disabilities. Chronic diseases, such as hypertension, asthma and diabetes, are hard to manage under stressful circumstances. Acute problems such as infections, injuries, and pneumonia are difficult to heal when there is no place to rest and recuperate. According to National Health Care for the Homeless, homeless people are 10-20 times more likely to suffer disabling health conditions than other low-income people. It's clear that the disability community needs to claim and become advocates with our homeless members.  We are a community of poverty and, like all poor people, are at risk for homelessness as the gap between rich and poor increasingly widens. Shelley Berman and Adrienne Lauby produce and host. The post Charlene Love: Disabled and Homeless appeared first on KPFA.

Dorian Taylor (Due to a technical error, this program was cut short last week.  We are running it again in it's entirety.  It holds crucial information, not just about Dorian Taylor, but the many others who live with mental disabilities.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.) Paralympic hopeful, Dorian Taylor has heard a cacophony of NO in life but Dorian Taylor is a force of YES. Dorian speaks with humor and finesse about competitive kayaking and life on the spectrum — both gender and autism. Injured in a brutal police tasing, raised in the foster care system, unable to access social services and even diagnostic health providers, Dorian lives with lupus, PTSD and partial paralysis, a thoracic syrinx that goes from the T3 to the T11 of the spinal cord — and many hours on beautiful Lake Washington in Seattle. A unique life. A unique goal. An athlete to cheer for as Dorian Taylor heads for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. You can reach Dorian on Facebook here. Shelley Berman produced and hosts. The post Dorian Taylor – Sprint Kayaker appeared first on KPFA.

Not all queers just want to get married. Outside The Frame: Queers For Palstine Film Festival, offers a radical alternative to Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival.  Frameline, which boasts that it's the largest queer cultural institution in the world, has had a long partnership with the Israeli government.  Outside The Frame, a free one-time only event, June 19-21, will present 28 films by filmmakers who have pledged not to screen at Frameline until the festival agrees to respect Palestinian calls for a cultural boycott of Israeli institutions. Lisa Dettmer talks to organizer Amanda Bloom and filmmaker Jennifer Abod, whose film The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen will have its Bay Area sneak preview at Outside The Frame.  The singer Ronnie Gilbert, who passed away last week, was best known as a member of The Weavers, the singing group that also featured Pete Seeger.  Gilbert's bright career was abruptly interrupted when the group was targeted by the House Unamerican Activities Committee in the 1950s.  She moved to California, raised a daughter and became a psychotherapist. In the 1980s, she connected with Holly Near and joined the vibrant women's music scene, eventually coming out as a lesbian.  Adrienne Lauby, Thyme Siegel and Shelley Berman of KRCB's Outbeat Salon interviewed Ronnie in 2009 about how the partnership with Holly Near and the women's and lesbian movement impacted her life.  We listen to part of the interview, as well as some of Ronnie's songs. The post Queers and cultural revolution – June 15, 2015 appeared first on KPFA.