Greater Independence for Deaf People with UbiDuo

The irony isn't too far from sComm, Inc, a wholly deaf owned company, with a goal too see that deaf people attain greater independency from the help of a deaf owned company in a town called Independence, Missouri.

From among the 200 deaf UbiDuo beta testers they found out very quickly it was something they couldn't live without. Even Jason Curry, CEO of sComm, Inc found that out as well that the UbiDuo is an indispensable communication device for business and personal use according to his interview with The Examiner newspaper.

"The problem with deaf people is they have been dependent on interpreters all their lives and this is the very first device that will give them the freedom to go anywhere without having to depend on an interpreter," he said.

He is marketing these dedicated wireless devices to businesses, government, employers of deaf people or who have customers who are deaf. Curry is deaf himself.

And how big could this UbiDuo get?

"I believe once the Ubi Duo gets intervened into the lives of people who are deaf or hard of hearing, I believe the landscape of communication is going to literally shift, in many ways," Jason said.

The UbiDuo's many features and functions make it an attractive communication device where many large businesses or companies will find it very useful in communicating with deaf clients, employees or customers. That's Jason goal and dream in hoping to see that deaf and hard of hearing people become even more independent than ever before with the help of the UbiDuo communcation device. It will truely become the ubiquitous device.

Next, be sure to watch Kokonut Pundits for more exclusive stories including two stories regarding liberating moments for two deaf women who had a chance to be one of the 200 beta testers of UbiDuo.


Previous blogs on UbiDuo and sComm, Inc.

US Government Approves UbiDuo!

The Ubi Duo

sComm to Debut a New Revolutionary Communication Device Today at DeafNation Expo

sComm, Inc Set to Debut Unique Communication Device for the Deaf at Expos Nationwide

sComm, Inc Received Their $1.3 Million NIH Award

sComm, Inc Wins $1.3 Million NIH Award

Matt Hughes is NOT SADDAM HUSSEIN!!

After my 8 day vacation and just got back a few days ago I was thrilled to see that Matt Hughes soundly beat Royce Gracie in the May 27 UFC 60 fight.

Hughes passed Gracie's guard and proceeded to unleash a vicious ground-and pound attack to the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Hughes mounted Gracie's back, hooked his legs around Gracie's waist and landed 17 consecutive punches to the sides of Gracie's face and head. Referee John McCarthy saw enough and stopped the fight 4:39 into the first round on a TKO.

I need to see that video!

Out with the old, in the with the new MMA style which is lots of cross-training, strength, cardio and, of course, being young against the much older Royce Gracie who have stuck only to his own BJJ style.

A fellow UFC fan emailed me about the greatest Closed Captioned faux pas ever in the history of UFC captioning, or so I believe. I honestly somehow, in a facetious sort of way against rationality, believe that this "faux pas" closed captioning was done on purpose with malice when Matt Hughes was introduced to the crowd as "Saddam Hussein." The email sender, Dave, sent me a few pictures of the Tivo'ed shots of the CC faux pas.




What the hell was the Captioner doing or thinking when he/she did this? Does the Captioner hold a grudge against Matt Hughes? Who is this captioner? A former Iraqi soldier of Saddam Hussein? Or a secret Royce Gracie fan?

It is obviouis and quite plain that the name "Matt Hughes" does not sound like "Saddam Hussein." Nor when you read lips do they look alike either. So, why the Closed Captioned "error"?

Are you a Matt Hughes fan? What do you think of this Closed Captioned mistake? Do you think this captioning of "Saddam Hussein" was done on purpose? Can anyone find out the CC company who did the captioning for UFC 60 between Royce Gracie and Matt Hughes? Who the hell was the guy who did the captioning?

Spread the word. Will there be lots of angry Matt Hughes fans?

Hat tip: Dave. He's hearing but used the CC because his baby makes so much noise and doesn't want to miss what's being said.

P.S. I'll get to Matt Hamill in TUF3 from last week after watching the episode last night. Nice pummeling on Mike Nickels giving Matt Hamill the win.

Note: Previous blogs on Matt Hamill.

Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #20
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #19
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #18
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #17
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #16
Don't Forget. Matt Hamill is on SpikeTV Tonight
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #14
Matt Hamill - First UFC Fighter? Blog #13
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #12
Reminder, Matt Hamill vs Bisping Confrontation Tonite?
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #10
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #9
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #8
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #5
Matt Hamill -First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #4
Inside Pulse to Link to Kokonut Pundits on Series Blogging on Matt Hamill
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #3
Matt Hamill, TUF3, UFC and Opening Your Mouth Too Wide with Hatred
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #2
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter?


Check out all of my Matt Hamill bloggings.

RFK Jr - Rolling Stoned?

Ah, an article was recently produced in the Rolling Stone's magazine with the titled emblazoned "Was the 2004 Election Stolen?" Rehashing the same old conspiracy theory back in December 2004 that it was, again, the Republicans who helped steal (or prevented) the votes. So, what was the first red flag before I began reading it? What else but the author who wrote that piece, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a rabid liberal. So, I read it anyway as much as I wanted to flatten my thumb with a hammer.

Now, some in the Deaf community such as the one in DeafDC.com who read the piece are absolutely convinced. Convinced I tell ya! (Did anyone read the Edison/Mitofsky report at all?) That the 2004 national election was indeed (in a deep, rumbling voice) stolen from John F. Kerry who would have been the next president (let me laugh for a moment here). Never mind the fact that RFK Jr mused about exit pollings and why it didn't reflect the voting results believing that exit polling is completely reliable. Reliable? Oh, please! And never mind the fact that RFK Jr never produced any proof that votes were actually stolen, just lots of citations and quotes. In my deaf/hh world, I'd rather see proof than to scream about some the same old rehashed conspiracy theory that reeks of denial that continued even from the bitter sweet 2000 national election when Bush won his first national election to become the next U.S. President.

Now, the biggest puzzle is how and when exit polls ever became an exact science? I know that mathematics is an exact science but exit polling is certainly not since it deals with many variables as to why people of opinions who don't mind coming forward or don't mind being approached by pollsters. But Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes that exit polling has become accurate enough so that it should predict the correct outcome of any national election, here or abroad. Problem is that answering Exit Poll questions and the actual voting are two different things. There are many reasons why exit polls will not match voters turnout as reported in the Edison/Mitofsky Election System 2004 report prepared by the Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International:

The exit poll estimates in the 2004 general election overstated John Kerry’s share of the vote nationally and in many states. There were 26 states in which the estimates producedby the exit poll data overstated the vote for John Kerry by more than one standard error, and there were four states in which the exit poll estimates overstated the vote for George W. Bush by more than one standard error. The inaccuracies in the exit poll estimates were not due to the sample selection of the polling locations at which the exit polls were conducted. We have not discovered any systematic problem in how the exit poll data were collected and processed. Exit polls do not support the allegations of fraud due to rigging of voting equipment. Our analysis of the difference between the vote count and the exit poll at each polling location in our sample has found no systematic differences for precincts using touch screen and optical scan voting equipment. We say this because these differences are similar to the differences for punch card voting equipment, and less than the difference for mechanical voting equipment.

Our detailed analysis by polling location and by interviewer has identified several factors that may have contributed to the size of the Within Precinct Error that led to the inaccuracies in the exit poll estimates. Some of these factors are within our control while others are not.

It is difficult to pinpoint precisely the reasons that, in general, Kerry voters were more likely to participate in the exit polls than Bush voters. There were certainly motivational factors that are impossible to quantify, but which led to Kerry voters being less likely than Bush voters to refuse to take the survey. In addition there are interactions between respondents and interviewers that can contribute to differential non-response rates. We can identify some factors that appear to have contributed, even in a small way, to the discrepancy. These include:

• Distance restrictions imposed upon our interviewers by election officials at the state and local level

• Weather conditions which lowered completion rates at certain polling locations

• Multiple precincts voting at the same location as the precinct in our sample

• Polling locations with a large number of total voters where a smaller portion of voters was selected to be asked to fill out questionnaires

• Interviewer characteristics such as age, which were more often related to precinct error this year than in past elections

We plan further analysis on the following factors:
• Interviewer training and election day procedures
• Interviewing rate calculations
• Interviewer characteristics
• Precinct characteristics
• Questionnaire length and design

We also suggest the following changes for future exit polls:
• Working to improve cooperation with state and local election officials
• Improvements in interviewing training procedures
• Changes in our procedures for hiring, recruiting and monitoring interviewers

Even with these improvements, differences in response rates between Democratic and Republican voters may still occur in future elections. However, we believe that these steps will help to minimize the discrepancies.

If exit polls are "accurate" as RFK Jr have been saying in his article throughout, then why the needed improvements on exit polling suggested by Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International?

Always a caveat in any exit polling as everybody knows except for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who expouses the credibility of Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International's exit polling as being "accurate" by citing Mexico's election results in conjuction to its "accurate" exit polling results. Is it any wonder that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. never, not once, put down the very caveats placed visibly at the beginning of the report by the Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International?

Now, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. never once produced any evidence to the fact that 357,000 voters in Ohio were prevented from casting their ballots or have their votes counted -- enough so to have put John Kerry in the White House. No proof but numerical references to citations and quotes.

Let's see NPR from last week that discussed the very same topic but a week earlier before the article came out:

May 22, 2006 · Marc Rosenbaum, a senior editor at NPR and one of the guys who pays lots of attention to polls, just got back into town from a conference on polling and sent this in:

One last thing: There also was a session called, "Who Really Won the Election 2004?" This was an opportunity for the cyber-active bloggers who think the Ohio vote was somehow fraudulent to present their best case. They didn't. Their presentations were confusing, if not incoherent to this listener, and they all seemed to boil down to one complaint: namely, that the vote totals didn't match the exit polls. The problem with that argument is that if you can give good reasons why the exit polls were wrong in Ohio (and there are many), their entire complaint disappears.

I think it all boils down to the fact that we have a "Rolling Stoned" Robert F. Kennedy Jr whose major premise is based on a supposedly very accurate exit polling results and the mismatch against the voting results which suggest "inexplicable discrepancies" between exit polls and actual vote counts that brings up this whole voters fraud conspiracy theory brouhahahaha.

RFK Jr's article is all wet. Be sure to flush it after you're done reading it.

I'm Back

Yes, folks. I'm back. And no, Kokonut Pundits didn't go down. Took my family to southern California to visit Disneyland, Disneyland California Adventure, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Chinatown and met up with a few good friends, especially the famous Richard Brklacich, owner of Deaf Republicans website, to discuss business and pleasure at the enjoyable Rainforest Cafe at the Downtown Disney District area.

Richard and I first met up at the Disney's Paradise Pier hotel where I stayed for 3 nights with my wife and 3 daughters. We all introduced ourselves to Richard and he was able to meet my three lovely daughters. Richard and I then went over to the Downtown Disney District area to visit the ESPN Zone Sports Arena (a cool place!) bar to better acquaint ourselves with each other prior to going over to the Rainforest Cafe. We all enjoyed a good dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. It was an expensive dinner but was well worth it for my kids.

Richard, me and my wife talked into the wee hours at the Disney's Paradise Pier hotel bar area. We all had a good time talking and swapping stories that lasted 6 hours. Although another person, important to the Deaf Republican organization, couldn't show up. He was down with the flu. Drats. Won't say who but he's well known even during the DPN days. Anyway, Richard is a cool, down to earth guy who is, btw, quite knowledgeable on many subjects, including deafness issues. My treat next time if Richard wants another shot of hard liquor.

It was an 8-day vacation starting with a trip on an Amtrak train from El Paso, Texas to Los Angeles and back on the return trip. My kids loved it. First time on a train where we sat up on the upper part of the double decker train and saw the sights in New Mexico, Arizona and California along the way. We had our breakfast and dinner on the train while desert scenery whizzed by. We all had fun. We all got tanned visiting the parks. And most importantly, my kids had a great time and will remember this for a long, long time.

However, the city of Los Angeles? Sucked big time. Never did like big cities. The fraffic. The hoards of people crowding each other. The terrible smog where you can't even see 1/2 mile ahead of you. Disneyland parks were fun. Los Angles? Terrible. Sorry if you feel offended but I'm not a city person. I'd rather have clean air in my lungs.

Now, I'll need a few days to catch up on news. I didn't even touch the internet for 8 days. So, lots have happened since then. The good news is that Matt Hamill won the fight (even with a very sore arm) - Shelly has more on the scoop about Matt during my absence. I'll review the fight tomorrow in a rerun and see how badly Nickels' face was bloodied up by Matt's pounding. And I'll review what's going on with the Gallaudet protest and whatever news I'll find I'll certainly blog about it.

I'll be back. Bigger and better.

Big "D" or Little "d" in D/deafhood?

An ASL interpretation of Genie Gertz's explaination of what deafhood means seen on Joey Baer's ASL blog. (updated - Joey Baer's ASL blog is no longer active. You can still see his blog and video of Genie Gertz at this site).

Translation of "A Journey to Deafhood"

Hello everyone. My name is Genie Gertz, a Gallaudet University graduate in 1992. I am now a faculty member in the Deaf Studies Department at CSUN (California State University, Northridge) with a speciality in Cultural Studies. At CSUN - Deaf Studies we use a plethora of textbooks including Paddy Ladd's book on Deafhood for course readings.
I have been checking internet, reading the discussion on the blogs, and so forth. What touched me most was the discussion concerning Deafhood along the lines that one is not part of it; that is to say about deafhood excluding some people. I want to take this opportunity to clarify this misunderstanding.
Deafhood means a process, a journey for all Deaf people. It is not a measurement who is Deaf and who is not. It is a process of becoming the best Deaf human being one can become.
There are two definitions: deafness and deafhood. Deafness is a term often determined by the medical field that focuses on abnormality, diagnosis, and handicap. It also focuses on looking at deaf people as individuals with hearing loss.
On the other hand, deafhood is a process, not a state, which focuses on people's existential stances. Their existences strongly tie to normality, collectivism, and recognition of the shared beliefs and values.
This is not about labeling one another, not about whether you are a big "D" or a small "d". This is about all of us being deaf with full support of everyone's journey to reach Deafhood. That is to unite us all, not to divide us.
I had seen Paddy Ladd's message in one of the blogs and would like to emphasize some of his points he made. He is very inspired to see the concept of deafhood being spread out. This means a dialogue happening around, and being processed and analyzed. The definition of deafhood is a very complex one. It requires self-analyzing, exploring, and understanding what Deaf means to us all. Such processes are part of consciousness-raising. With all different interpretations and understanding we have, they will help us to envision where we come from and where we are going. With our different experiences and journeys, we will reach a common goal that is to unite us for Deaf humanity.
Thank you!

One thing though, the big "D" and little "d" were used throughout in the English version of theASL interpretation even though Gertz stated that this is not about labeling the little "d" and big "D". Although we see the big "D" alot. I thought this wasn't about labeling? And yet we have to go through another PC word for the deaf community....deafhood. This new term will leave a bad taste in many people's mouths who are either deaf or hard of hearing.

Either the writer who helped translate Genie's ASL into English made an honest mistake (lots of 'em), do not know the difference what's Genie is saying about the "d" whether she meant "d"eaf or "D"eaf (e.g. deafness/Deafness, deafhood/Deafhood), or that the writer is experiencing massive Freudian slippage in keeping with the Deaf mentality which would probably be much worse than I. King Jordan's supposed Freudian slip.

Which is it, Genie? Maybe we need to have an SEE signer to explain deafhood? Or is it "deaf" or "Deaf"? A "Deaf humanity"? Maybe that's your goal, Genie?

Lucky 39 - A Greg Gunderson Interview. Part III of III

Part III: Goals and Dreams - continued from Part II.

As I talked with Greg there is this one nagging issue and that's having an interpreter on the show if Greg gets selected.

Greg Gunderson: The TV producer and I haven't talked about this yet. I will make sure that we will have an ASL interpreter.

Greg goes on to elabarote the changes in technology that can help future deaf professional race car drivers.

Greg Gunderson: Yes! A new communication system is being developed by certain companies and tested by a few drivers. The reason is because noises on tracks bother some drivers, and with the system drivers could plug their ears to preserve their hearing. Speech recognition and cell technologies are used to transmit messages to drivers' visor on their helmet - display with arrows and messages. Speech recognition would allow me to speak specific words to communicate with pit crew and spotters. This is something I expect to use when I get on the show. A deaf driver has shared his experience with radio TDD device starting back in 1991. It is very fantastic to be able to communicate with pit crew and spotters during long races! This definitely level the playing field for me among a pool of fifty drivers, and I want the opportunity to show deaf people can do anything except hear!

And so we go onto another discourse on Greg's hopes and dreams for future professional deaf drivers and results he has had on other people.

Greg Gunderson: People have come up or emailed asking me some questions. I told them that I have 4 simple but powerful reasons why I want to be on TV show. 1) I want to show that deaf people CAN do anything except hear! 2) I want to encourage deaf children everywhere to pursue their dreams! 3) I want the hearing world to feel comfortable with the world of deaf people! 4) And I wish to pursue my long-time interest in car racing.

Kokonut Pundits: And there are many ways to do that. You might get that chance! Continue with the car racing and maybe become the first deaf NASCAR driver ever.

Greg Gunderson: I hope so!! I have received unbelieveable numbers of emails from all over the world.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, I can imagine the popularity you are experiencing right now.

Greg Gunderson: And some emails from deaf kids like 11 years old told me that they wish that they could be first deaf NASCAR driver. I told them that you will become YOUNGEST DEAF NASCAR DRIVER! Because I am old!! (38 years old) Wink. And they like that!

Kokonut Pundits: You said you get lots of emails. How many have you been getting lately ever since word got out about the Racin for a Living?

Greg Gunderson: First day of voting, I got over 200 emails. Then 2nd week of voting, I got an average of 40 emails per day.

Kokonut Pundits: Wow! Support emails? Were they supporting you, I mean?
Or jealous emails?

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes, all of them are supportive and positive. I got 2 or 3 saying "Stop this spammer" so they must thought that was one of junk mails.

Kokonut Pundits: ha ha

Greg Gunderson: Oh well. And I got like maybe 10 emails asking me if I am really deaf.

Kokonut Pundits: Ha ha...asking if you were really deaf...not surprised.

Greg Gunderson: And other maybe 15 emails from hearing people asking me how can I communicate with the spotters/pit crews if I win the spots on TV show. That is when I thought why not put the video on website to prove them that I am really deaf. and that helps a lot. And now I get about 25 emails per day

Kokonut Pundits: Has anybody else contacted you to do a story on you?

Greg Gunderson: Yes, several different media did the story on me. Mostly are local news. No magazine so far

Kokonut Pundits: You must be very humbled by all this.

Greg Gunderson: I have learned about much about this reality TV show that I never realized before.

Kokonut Pundits: For example?

Greg Gunderson: I never thought that could be very emtional and very hard work. Took a lot of time

Kokonut Pundits: Emotional? meaning happy? Angry?

Greg Gunderson: Everything. Exciting, nervous, upset, happy, confused, etc. Excited about great opportunity. Nervous being away from family for three months. I will miss my family so much.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, and you'll be MORE nervous in front of a camera with maybe several million people watching the show.

Greg Gunderson: Yes that too. Upset that voting rules have been changing all the time. Confused after what many people telling me what to do. So many different opinions. Can't please everyone.

Kokonut Pundits: Well, don't worry about the voting because you're in an unique situation where you have a very large deaf community in support of you and will continue to vote for you. This is something that other drivers do not have. Success is hard to come by in the deaf community.

Greg Gunderson: My biggest joy is to see any deaf people success in any thing they dream to be!

Kokonut Pundits: So true! Thank you Greg, for the interview. Good luck with your “Racin for a Livin”.



Folks, please visit "Racin for a Livin" website and vote for Greg Gunderson as many times as you can for as long as you can until July 31 when the voting ends and votes are tallied up. Right now, Greg is #15 and has slipped from #8 only a few weeks ago. Please vote often and as many times as you can in support of Greg Gunderson.

Thank you!

Previous interviews
Lucky 39 - A Greg Gunderson Interview. Part I of III
Lucky 39 - A Greg Gunderson Interview. Part II of III


Check out past and current Greg Gunderson blog reports by Kokonut Pundits.

My First Strongman Competition

Competition day! I completed my first strongman competition today May 21, 2006. You can check out my videos below of my competion. Did pretty well considering this was my first event. I placed 3rd in the lightweight category (under 200lbs) and received my 3rd place trophy beating out others out for the 3rd place position. Lots of people there. Not bad of a placing considering that this was my first strongman event. I plan to do more and get better. The first one is always an eye-opener.

Tire flip. Flip a tire 3 times before moving on to the next heavier one. 3 tires altogether at 500, 800 and 1130lbs. Flipped the 500lb tire 3 times. Easy.

500lb tire for three flips

Flipped the 800lb 1 time and nearly got it the 2nd time. I've never flipped an 800lb tire before. All I have is my 620lb tire in my backyard as my heaviest one of the three tires I have to practice with. That'll change soon when I get some heavier ones to work with. See the video of my 800lb tire lift as I go for the 2nd flip attempt. In the video you can see the orange marker behind me where the tire started. See the end of the video to see it better.

Conan's Wheel with 500lbs for distance: about 30 feet. Dropped it because of my still healing left bicep strain I had two weeks ago. Better to save my arm than to miss out 3 other events. A sacrafice I had to make. First time on Conan's wheel. See my video.

Keg lift. Metal beer keg partially filled with sand. It shifts when you lift it over to your head in an overhead press. The shifting sand makes it very difficult to hoist it to your shoulder and pressing it overhead. Kegs at 100lb, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200.Lifted 100 and 120, almost got 140 when I pressed it upward. See my video of my 140lb keg lift.

Truck pull (12,000lbs with weights added to inside of truck) - 15.4 seconds over 90ft. Very good time. First time on truck pull. See video of my truck pull.

Atlas stones: 160lb, 240lb, 260, 320, 350. Lift it to platform. Lightest stone get lifted to a platform that was located near my forehead! Progressively heavier stones will get lifted to a shorter platform height. I managed to lift the first one. But had a hard time lifting the 240lb. Good learning experience. First time on stones. First time using tacky (resin from tree sap). See my video of my Atlas stones lifts.

My arms ended up totally bruised and quite sore (another look one day later here). A price to pay for having a fun time. Will keep training for the next strongman event. Don't know when or where. But I weighed in (with my sweat pants and shoes) at 191lbs, so my actual bodyweight was really around 188/189 at the time. I wanted to come in at 198/199 and have that extra 10lbs of muscles to put me at a better advantage in competing. That will be my goal as I continue to add weight and get myself around 203lbs. Allowing me to drop 4 pounds for the next competition in the under-200lb weight category the next time in the under-200lb strongman event. But ultimately I have about another 20lbs or so to go. Packing on 40lbs in 10 months wasn't easy just to put on those muscle mass. Another 20lbs or so for this year is attainable.

All in all it was a very good day. Wife and kids got to see me in action. A deaf friend of mine came over and watched the event. He also graduated from Gallaudet University. The day was hot and got up to about 92 degrees by the time it was over. Sunburn on my face and arms. Ate dinner at Red Robin in Albuquerque with my deaf friend and his deaf wife (who also graduated from Gallaudet) and two hearing daughters (4 yrs and 2 years old). Discussed many things over dinner table signing. Even about the protest which they find ludicrous as well among many other things. And then the long 3 hour drive home with my wife driving.

A Greg Gunderson Vote Alert #2

Greg Gunderson's current poll standing vote has slipped from #8 down to #11 to 12 and now at #14!! Start voting people! Greg needs your help in keeping up with the pressure and keep him in the top 8 poll rank position.

Vote often and as many times as you can UNTIL JULY 31! Because of our complacency we allowed Greg's poll ranking slip to #14. With that lazy attitude it will ensure that Greg's position won't stay in the top 15 poll vote position. Hit the vote button! Hit it hard and often!

Reminder...do not use the back button to continue the voting of Greg. It will not register your votes that way. You have to start at the beginning by going directly to the link and hit the vote button.

Spread the word.... again. Vote often and as many times as you can. Greg's success can only work with your help. We must continue with the voting and not stop until July 31. Help Greg out!

Go here to vote: http://www.racinforalivin.com/

Lucky 39 - A Greg Gunderson Interview. Part II of III

Terrible Crashes of Lucky 39

Greg Gunderson: Many people keep telling me that 39 is best luck number for me.

Kokonut Pundits: Maybe...lucky 39. Maybe you'll get your second birthday present next year by winning the NASCAR when you turn 39.

Greg Gunderson: That is what I told them. Daytona 500 usually is on my birthday. Right now, I wish I could spend some more time lifting weights.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, some cardio and high repetition lifting would be good for you as a driver.

Greg Gunderson: Yes, you are right.

Kokonut Pundits: Drivers need the stamina, and not strength.

Greg Gunderson: I have ParaBody Gym system that I have been using. You are right. Many people don't realized that to be a good driver, you have to exercise. They think that all they do is just can sit and drive. No. it is more than that!

Kokonut Pundits: Yeah...it's more than that. It takes lots of concentration.

Greg Gunderson: Yes

Kokonut Pundits: It can get very fatiguing.

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes, believe me! You have to be in great shape to help to get LESS hurt in the crash too.

Kokonut Pundits: Do you have a crash story?

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes. Ummm, which ones? My first crash was on my last race of 1989, the day before I flew back to Gallaudet for 2nd year of college. Then my second crash was in mid season of 1991. That was just minor.

Kokonut Pundits: Didn't Gallaudet do a story on your crash? I seem to remember something about it or maybe I heard from other people talking about it.

Greg Gunderson: Gallaudet did only one story at end of my Senior year.

Kokonut Pundits: Were any of the crashes serious?

Greg Gunderson: I had two wild crashes that I was lucky walking away. one in 1996 at Oklahoma City and another one in 2000 at Jackson, MN

Kokonut Pundits: How did that crash happen? Did you flip? What happened?

Greg Gunderson: That crash in 1996, I had back injury that I had been seeing the chiropoter (spelling? back doctor) and it never get better. Unbelieveable that my back finally got better and I haven't seen the chirocpator ever since! In 1996 crash, it happened on final lap and on final turn. My right rear wheel broke and then I couldn't steer and went straight and smashed onto the rail and went for wild series of flips at over 125 MPH.

Kokonut Pundits: That must have been scary! 125 mph!!!

Greg Gunderson: Destroyed my fastest car I had ever ran!

Kokonut Pundits: ha ha..and you walked out alive, man!

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes, I still remember in my head today.

Kokonut Pundits: What were your last words? "Oh sh*t!"??

Greg Gunderson: No time to say anything and just pray. Rescue team was scared when they arrived to my scene. Rescue team was scared because I didn't respond back to them. They didn't know that I was deaf.

Kokonut Pundits: Well, you're deaf!

Greg Gunderson: Then one of drivers who is my good friend ran to me and asked me if I am all right. I said yeah, please get me out now.

Kokonut Pundits: No injury from crash?

Greg Gunderson: I have picture of it. I wish I have the video. Just a back injury.

Kokonut Pundits: Oww.

Greg Gunderson: I didn't feel it until I got back to motel at that night.

Kokonut Pundits: You didn't go to the hospital? Boy, you were really lucky. Where did the crash take place in 1996. Do you remember the date and place?

Greg Gunderon: lol. At Oklahoma City during Memorial Day weekend.

Kokonut Pundits: What was the name of the race?

Greg Gunderson: ASCS, American Sprint Car Series Tour. I was running fourth place when my car was upside down and they turned me over then I got out.

Kokonut Pundits: Was 1996 the worst crash ever?

Greg Gunderson: Probably so and 2000 was second worst.

Kokonut Pundits: What happened in 2000? Describe your crash.

Greg Gunderson: I flipped during middle of the race, very high and wild series of flips and that my rollcage get bent badly.

Kokonut Pundits: Any video or pictures of the crash?

Greg Gunderson: No picture or video of it. bummer.

Kokonut Pundits: Darn. What was the name of the race and where and when it took place in 2000?

Greg Gunderson: Jackson Speedway in Jackson Minnesota I think at mid of July 2000.

Kokonut Pundits: I see. Now, how many races have you competed in altogether? And how many of them are considered amateur versus professional race events?

Greg Gunderson: I have raced over 400 races and had about 12 crashes out of 400. That is considered VERY LOW RATING of crash.

Kokonut Pundits: Below average?

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes, way below average for crash. I have won more than 40 races. That is very good rating of winning.

Kokonut Pundits: Any particular race where you won that you are very happy about?

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes!!! I will NEVER NEVER forget about my first win!

Kokonut Pundits: A first win is a very memorable moment. Is racing your full time job? Or is this a professional hobby of yours?

Greg Gunderson: Professional Hobby.

Kokonut Pundits: And your dream is to become a fulltime professional driver?

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes, looks like I have this chance with reality TV Show!

Kokonut Pundits: Let's hope so and keep our fingers crossed. Maybe with enough effort we get you into the top 5 position.

Greg Gunderson: If not for this opportunity, it will be VERY VERY TOUGH to get on NASCAR, IRL, or other National level racing because you must have LOT LOT LOT OF $$$$$$$

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, I know. $$$$$

Greg Gunderson: And most of NASCAR drivers are family generations.

Kokonut Pundits: But you have a very large backing...the deaf community...and that gives you an unique advantage over other drivers to get on this show if everybody do their part and VOTE!!

Greg Gunderson: I really WANT to get in this show and win the chance to get on NASCAR Busch Series to open new doors for future deaf racers.

Kokonut Pundits: And if you can do that, then deaf/hh drivers will thank you for that!

Greg Gunderson: I know deaf drivers are MUCH better drivers than hearing drivers!

Kokonut Pundits: Ha ha.

Greg Gunderson: Check out Media page on my website http://www.gundersonracing.com and click video. Did you see other video (Deaf Mosaic in 1993)?

Kokonut Pundits: No.

Greg Gunderson: In video, I told them that deaf drivers have more advanatage than hearing drivers.

Kokonut Pundits: What are the advantages?

Greg Gunderson: We can feel the vibrations.

Kokonut Pundits: You mean you are more aware of the vibration and not worry about noise?

Greg Gunderson: I can feel on race track where the best traction are on. Noise has NO benefit at all!!! And I also can feel many different vibrations on suspension and motor.

Kokonut Pundits: How do you communicate with the crew pit while you are driving?

Greg Gunderson: Sprint car racing doesn't allow any communication during the races. Too much action during the race that drivers couldn't be able to talk and drive at same time.

Kokonut Pundits: I see. Is that what you do now? Sprint car racing?

Greg Gunderson: Yes, Sprint car racing. the MOST ACTION racing in the world and it also considered one of the MOST DANGEROUS and FASTEST type of any auto racing.

Kokonut Pundits: I've seen those races. Especially those flips. Seems easy to f lip if you wreck the wrong way. Ok. What about pit stops? How do you communicate?

Greg Gunderson: Oh yes, they are very easy to flip. Sprint car racing don't have the pit stops and it is NON-stop racing unless cautious or red flag.

Kokonut Pundits: Ah, i see. no pit stops. How many times do you race around on the track?

Greg Gunderson: Heat race tends to have 8 to 10 laps. Final reace tends to have between 15 to 40 laps. Final race tends to have between 15 to 40 laps.

Kokonut Pundits: How many miles?

Greg Gunderson: Race tracks tends to be 3/8 to 1/2 mile around. It has very high degree of G force.

Kokonut Pundits: Meaning you feel pushed to the outside as you go in circles?

Greg Gunderson: OH YES Unbelieveable! Yes

Kokonut Pundits: Sounds fun. Do you ever get sick?

Greg Gunderson: Yes so much fun to me and so much scary to many rookies! No, I never get sick from it! It is my best medicine! GRIN!

Kokonut Pundits: Not even dizzy?

Greg Gunderson: No. I love the feeling of adrenline and edges!

Kokonut Pundits: Do you like roller coaster rides with loops?

Greg Gunderson: They are BORING! NO Challenges. hahaha! I can't compare that to sprint car racing.




Greg Gunderson's first memorable first place win at the Sioux
Empire Fair in 1990.



An exclusive never before seen internet photo of Greg Gunderson's
1996 crash at speed of 125mph when wheel came off as seen in the
photo (see red arrow). Race took place at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.


Visit Kokonut Pundits and read Part III of III of Greg Gunderson's Interview: Goals and Dreams


Previous interview
Lucky 39 - A Greg Gunderson Interview. Part I of III


Check out past and current Greg Gunderson blog reports by Kokonut Pundits.

Unity for Whom? And Why do I ask?

You may still be wondering why I keep bringing up this “Unity for whom?” question in various blogs as well in my own blog. I’m still getting emails about it. So I'll explain more. Also, be sure to check out the poll at the bottom.

It is a very simple answer and that all you need is to have a few good examples from well known Deaf people or even leaders that would assuredly put doubts into people’s minds that all Deaf people are really for this “Unity for Gallaudet” kumbaya thing. A lofty ideal where deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf people can all get along with no discrimination whatsoever because of their background, communication preferences or even a particular hearing device (check out the latest poll results) to use. Perhaps Dr. Jane K. Fernandes and I. King Jordan weren't far off explaining why (as one of the reason) students, staff and faculty protested the BoT selection of JKF where it had to do with "Identity Politics" and all of this is just one big culture war. Only because of what they saw were the same thing that a lot of other students have seen and experienced as well? Yet they continue to say that it was never about Deaf culture or being culturally deaf enough. Yet we continue to see Deaf people throw their huzzahs into this whole thing by wearing the now famous “Unity for Gallaudet” t-shirts (and here). Which is fine, however. Extremisms still exist that shouts a more serious underlying problem that most Deaf people are not willing to acknowledge.

One very well known Deaf person who is considered as a "leader" in many ways (even with FSSA's support and the Deaf community at large as I am told) in this protest who had this to say of anyone, including deaf or hard of hearing person, who would dare talk with their voice on the campus of Gallaudet University (emphasis is mine).

One time, I saw a student who used the cell phone to talk. I cut him and told him that it is rude for anyone to use the cell phone in the Gallaudet Barfeteria because this is Deaf University -- want to use the voice? Go outside. I was not joking when it happened. I was very blunt with him as I told him that I do not appreciate for him to use the cell phone in the Barfeteria at all.
July 27, 2004

Five months later, this same person clarifies his position even more. The title of this person's blog tells it all when it comes to peers of deaf people.

Using Voice In Front of Deaf Peers

Which is why he resented Gallaudet as of today. Which is why he resented Deaf students who lambasted or attacked hearing people (or hard of hearing students, for that matters to mcconnell) for using the cell phones in the cafeteria. Let's be realistic -- the world is 99% hearing-dominated society. It is always offensive and discouraging when a hearing person picks up the cell phone and yakked in front of us, leaving us pretty much clueless. Whereas if we chat with each other, and they can read us because they knew ASL. But when they talk with the voice, they talked because they knew that we cannot hear nor lipread what they said. Is that rude? Of course it is.

So it is my duty to make sure that the cell phones or using the voice in a "deaf-dominated places" are discouraged. Period. If you fling at me with that bird, you can bet there will be an uproar out of Deaf people. For once, Gallaudet is ours. Not yours. It is Deaf place, not hearing's. We have to endure these offensive behaviors of hearies outside of Gallaudet campus, but at Gallaudet, let us have these rules in our own backyard. No cell phones or using the voice -- use ASL at ALL TIMES.
December 08, 2004

Oh, sure. My name is in all this but this is not about my hatred or anything like that when I blogged about this. I'm simply questioning his past commentaries which happens to be one of the best examples out there on why I doubt this whole kumbaya "Unity for Gallaudet" thing. It is simply beyond believable for a lot of people who are in the same position as I am and share the same doubtful concerns about this whole protest's message. Especially when it comes down to each deaf individual's right to use whatever mode of communication preference. If I or a hard of hearing person want to use the cell phone on the campus of Gallaudet to speak into and listen, then it is that person's right to do so. If a deaf/hh person would rather speak to a hearing (or hard of hearing) person while on campus rather than sign, it is his or her right to do so. It's an individual choice. This individual choice does not belong to the Deaf community on telling what a person can or cannot do.

I am trying to present my views, my perspective and my experience of the whole matter at hand as a hard of hearing person who have experienced the good and bad times at Gallaudet just like many other students. And why I seriously doubt whether many Deaf people are even really serious about this whole "Unity for Gallaudet" kumbaya thing. I am certainly NOT alone in all this. Respect my views and opinions is all I ask.

Now, believe me. I want to see successful deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf people because they all can easily prove a point nowadays that we are not constrained by hearing people's perception on what we can or cannot do. We just simply can do it. Nothing more. Nothing less. We're no different. We can show to the world that we have the capacity to succeed just as well (or better) as any hearing person regardlesss if we wear cochlear implants or hearing aids, use sign language (ASL, SEE, PSE, Rochester, etc), use visual cues such as Cued Speech, have additional disability, use our voice instead of signing, or have preferences as to who we want to hang out with. Whatever we choose, it should NOT be an issue to anyone else.

We have the likes of Christy Smith, a deaf Survivor show competitor; Matt Hamill, a deaf mixed martial artist who is gunning for the UFC slot in the TUF3 show; and recently Greg Gunderson, a professional deaf driver who has a real chance in getting on a the newest reality show "Racing for a Livin." Or we have successful deaf entrepreneurs and business people such as Jason Curry, a deaf person who grew up oral and has a cochlear implant where he sets out to help improve greater independency among deaf people who interact with hearing people with a new communication device; or Joel Barish, CEO of DeafNation which is a widely successful and popular business event catering to potential deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing clients or customers in expos all across the United States. All of these people are examples of what they can do despite their hearing loss. We're all in the same boat. But I see time and time again that many Deaf people are simply not being honest with themselves about this whole "unity" thing.

So, I must ask this question again, unity for whom?

Check out the poll below and vote.

Should deaf and hard of hearing students on Gallaudet campus be allowed to talk (as in voice) on their cell phones? No Yes Free polls from Pollhost.com

Thank you for reading and participating in this poll.

Iranian Law Requires Jews, Christians and non-Muslims to Wear Badges

Deja Vu!

Iranian expatriates living in Canada yesterday confirmed reports that the Iranian parliament, called the Islamic Majlis, passed a law this week setting a dress code for all Iranians, requiring them to wear almost identical “standard Islamic garments.”

The law, which must still be approved by Iran’s “Supreme Guide” Ali Khamenehi before being put into effect, also establishes special insignia to be worn by non-Muslims.

Iran’s roughly 25,000 Jews would have to sew a yellow strip of cloth on the front of their clothes, while Christians would wear red badges and Zoroastrians would be forced to wear blue cloth…

The new law was drafted two years ago, but was stuck in the Iranian parliament until recently when it was revived at the behest of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Now, bear in mind that this law was pushed before Mahmoud came to power. No surprise that it passed this time with Mahmoud in power. And yet, ya'll still think that we're the ones who are the oppressor? Please, get a grip.

Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #17

Nothing much of Matt Hamill today. Just a glimpse of him in a few parts of the episode. It's all about Tait Fletcher and Josh Haynes who, by the way, is called a "Blue Smurf" by Tait because of Josh' hair dyed blue.

But when Noah quit in the last episode, I figured they'd bring back Jesse. Sure enough. Jesse comes back....with a mohawk. Guess he'll try and spike to death the next fighter he meets.

Round One. The usual. They both tried to box each other to death with Tait trying to take him down numerous times with limited success. It was a scrappy fight. Just as exciting as watching a dust devil whip up some dirt and trash along the way. But in this round Tait tried to get a knee lock off of Josh which was a pathetic attempt to copy Matt Hamill's techique seen in last week episode where Matt showed Kendall a joint/knee lock from a standing position. Hey Tait, what gives? If you really wanted to learn, all you had to do was ask Matt for some more pointers. Matt would simply ground and pound Tait in the 1st round.

Round Two. Both are getting progressively tired. More boxing. Josh lands a good one on Tait and he goes down. He sees the opportunity but Tait managed to get Josh into a triangle at the last few seconds of the bell. Still a scrappy fight. Two wannabe boxers doing their thing with a few takedowns mostly done by Tait.

A decision comes down. Points added up. The winner is Josh. There won't be a 3rd round fight.

I'm guessing that Tait now wished he was the "Blue Smurf" guy.

Glimpse from the next episode has Matt Hamill showing Danny some wrestling moves. Not much hope to see more of Matt next week.

Previous blogs on Matt Hamill.


Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #16
Don't Forget. Matt Hamill is on SpikeTV Tonight
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #14
Matt Hamill - First UFC Fighter? Blog #13
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #12
Reminder, Matt Hamill vs Bisping Confrontation Tonite?
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #10
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #9
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #8
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #5
Matt Hamill -First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #4
Inside Pulse to Link to Kokonut Pundits on Series Blogging on Matt Hamill
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #3
Matt Hamill, TUF3, UFC and Opening Your Mouth Too Wide with Hatred
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter? Blog #2
Matt Hamill - First Deaf UFC Fighter?


Check out all of my up todate Matt Hamill bloggings.

Is talking and listening a crime?

Here's a poll. Might have an interesting result for those who have a preference to speak and listen rather than sign even though you know or are fluent in sign language. How many of you were given a pass as a "hearing" person when Deaf people signed "hearing" to the forehead?

As a deaf or hard of hearing person were you ever accused by Deaf people who signed "hearing" to the forehead because you can or prefer to speak and/or can hear? Yes No Free polls from Pollhost.com

Life Gets Heavy

With my first strongman competition coming up this Sunday, here's a video called "Life gets heavy." About one guy's determination to really become a sick strongman. Sick as in heavy, dude! Watch and enjoy the minute long clip and see him flip a small car over...by himself!

Lucky 39 - A Greg Gunderson Interview. Part I of III

An EXCLUSIVE! three part series interview with Greg Gunderson.

Here’s a story you don’t hear very often about a deaf person’s rise to professional status as a deaf race car driver in a world dominated by hearing professional race car drivers. This is a story about luck and lots of determination. This is about Greg Gunderson's rise to the top and his lucky number 39 race car.


Part I: The Interview With Greg Gunderson.

Greg Gunderson was born as the only child with hearing parents. He was born deaf and the cause of his deafness is unknown but his two other cousins of his are deaf. Genetic? Who knows? While Greg grew up he attended the South Dakota School for the Deaf (SDSD) from kindergarten through 12th grade. Also, he attended regular school at the same time. From grade 7 to 9 he attended Whittier Junior High and then attended Brandon Valley High school. He attended fulltime from kindergarten through 6th grade and then began splitting his time between SDSD and regular school. He graduated at Brandon Valley with a high school diploma.

Over time, just like many deaf and hard of hearing people, he was discriminated against sometimes on purpose or unknowingly just because of his hearing loss. This was a common theme of his while growing up and during his adult life although it was never enough to discourage him and ruin his spirit. And Greg makes the case that

Deaf people tend to have two families; the real blood family and a BIG deaf community. Deaf people also share more feelings with other deaf individuals than their own hearing family members. I have attended many deaf people’s funeral this year and I noticed that more than 95% of audience is DEAF. Deaf people usually are there to support other deaf people when they need.

Greg Gunderson graduated from Gallaudet University on May 1991. He was a member of Class of 1990.

Greg was then asked a personal question whether if he would want to become hearing and why?

I always have different answer to that question everyday, depending on how things go around me. I often would like to be a hearing person to have the better job opportunities and equal respect.

And then followed with a question whether if he prefer to have Deaf or hearing children.

I am blessed that my two children are hearing. My one daughter has one deaf on left side and hearing on right side so she is an unique!

One question was asked that every Deaf daughter or son would wish to have, do you wish that your parents were Deaf?

For the communication/emotional needs, yes I wish they were deaf because they will understand me.

The ability to communicate with their own hearing parents have always been a problem among deaf and hard of hearing children. Greg's father didn't know how to sign or fingerspell. His mother made her own homemade sign language while growing up.

With the issue of cochlear implants being somewhat controversial nowadays, Greg offered his on opinion on the subject.

I will support when the deaf people who make the option of taking a cochlear implant. I will not support the idea of someone who force the deaf person to take a cochlear implant.

Greg then described the three most important things as a Deaf person when it comes to equality.

Equal access, Equal opportunity, and Equal respect. Because we all are the same human beings and we just can’t hear.

Here's a popular question among deaf people that was asked of Greg. If you had a choice, would you rather be Deaf or Blind?

My first professional career was the Deaf-Blind Program Specialist and I worked with many deaf-blind clients. I also went to Helen Keller National Center for three weeks training. Many of them came from many different backgrounds. I noticed when they were blind first then deaf later, their choice would be blind. Same for deaf people, their choice would be deaf. I personally prefer to be deaf so I can RACE. I also can be more independent by driving to any place where I need to be at by myself. I also can go shopping, can look at the pictures, can watch the movies, can play many different sports, and many more.

Here is the rest of the interview that was done over AIM.


Kokonut Pundits: Well, I’m certainly glad that you are one of the 50 drivers for the Racin for a living.

Greg Gunderson: Yes, it is very exciting and it is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! And I don't want to miss that chance.

Kokonut Pundits: Oh, yes, a very rare opportunity. But how did the people of “Racing for a Livin” contact you?

Greg Gunderson: I saw the promotion in several different racing forums with the sign saying "Drivers Wanted". Anyone can be member on many different racing forums. I have been reading and posting a few messages in racing forum and saw that topic "Drivers Wanted" and it explained about new the reality TV show.

Kokonut Pundits: I see. So, it was a lucky day for you to see that "Driver's Wanted" posting?

Greg Gunderson: Yes, you are right that it is lucky for me to see that posting!
Kokonut Pundits: What were the qualifications?

Greg Gunderson: I can't remember all qualifications but you have to be between 18 to 45 years old to apply and must have some racing experience. I applied online with a few questions and then they emailed me with attachment of forms. So thick of forms!

Kokonut Pundits: Ha ha

Greg Gundrson: So many questions! I had to tell them everything what I did in my life. They asked me who was my favorite elementary teacher, and why? What kind of personality do I have? What racing success do I have? How I started racing? Did I play sports? Etc. And did I get arrested? Of course I told them of course NOT!

Kokonut Pundits: Ha ha

Greg Gunderson: Asked me about hobbies, so forth.

Kokonut Pundits: You never gotten a speeding ticket?

Greg Gunderson: Ha ha. I told them that I had a few of them. And they laughed about it. Then I mailed out the forms with pictures, copies of newspaper clips, and video of my racing.

Kokonut Pundits: So, how long did it take for them to tell you that you were selected among the 50 drivers?

Greg Gunderson: I waited a few days, got an email from the director. He had a few more personal questions to ask me. Then the next day, he emailed me saying "Congratulations, you are one of top 50!"

Kokonut Pundits: A few days later...wow, that was fast.

Greg Gunderson: I was 12th person notified being one of top 50. Of course I was soooooo shocked and sooooo happy about it. I found out at midnight and I couldn't wait to tell my wife next morning as she was sleeping. I couldn't sleep overnight that night! I was too happy to go sleep.

Kokonut Pundits: Did you call your friends and families? Did you wake up your wife?

Greg Gunderson: No I waited patiently until morning to tell her the news! She at first thought that I was teasing. And then she was surprised and was very happy for me. I couldn't sleep for next a few nights.

Kokonut Pundits: When was this announcement made on? April Fool's day?

Greg Gunderson: On my birthday, February 20th.

Kokonut Pundits: Wow...that's a really great birthday present!

Greg Gunderson: Yep! Then I shared with my family and friends. Of course, they couldn't believe it.

Kokonut Pundits: Did they think you were teasing them, too?

Greg Gunderson: They thought that I was joking. And they also couldn't believe that they picked me because I haven't raced since 2000. Then all top 50 finally got picked by middle of March. Then voting started on March 28th.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, I heard about you around April. Really, you haven't raced since 2000? But you have been practicing, right?

Greg Gunderson: Last time I raced sprint cars was in 2000 and last time I raced ATV was in 2002. I have been working out and I hope I will do some "Sub" driving this summer to prepare myself for TV show. I don't think that would be any problem. I took three years break between 1997 and 2000 and I won first race on 2000 on my comeback.

Kokonut Pundits: Do you consider yourself as an amateur race car driver or a professional one?

Greg Gunderson: Professional

Kokonut Pundits: Are there other deaf race car drivers beside you?

Greg Gunderson: Before the voting starts, I knew about 6 deaf drivers. Now I learn about 10 more new deaf drivers

Kokonut Pundits: Professional or amateur deaf drivers?

Greg Gunderson: Few are profesional and most are amateur.

Kokonut Pundits: Did they also apply for the "Driver's Wanted"?

Greg Gunderson: They didn't tell me that they applied for. I know some of them told me that they wish they knew about it. I told them that they will have other one in 2007. They can apply in January 2007.

Kokonut Pundits: That's sounds like a good opportunity for them in January. It could get interesting next year with more deaf drivers applying for the show next year. I encourage every deaf drivers to apply.

Greg Gunderson: There were 4500 applicants for this first show and only 50 picked out of 4500.

Kokonut Pundits: 4500!!

Greg Gunderson: Wow, that was tough screening for them!!

Kokonut Pundits: Did you tell your wife that you applied for the "Driver's Wanted" or kept it a secret?

Greg Gunderson: Yes, I told my wife and I can tell that she didn't think that I would be selected.

Kokonut Pundits: Ha ha...doubting Thomases.

Greg Gunderson: *laughing* I am very excited but I also am nervous.

Kokonut Pundits: I wrote a blog about how I see a trend in reality shows where there are deaf competitors.

Greg Gunderson: I read that.

Kokonut Pundits: The first one was Christy Smith. On Survivor. Then we had a few more with the current one on TUF3.

Greg Gunderson: Yes, I watched Christy in her whole series of Survivor.

Kokonut Pundits: I think this is a very positive sign that people are interested in watching deaf people compete in reality shows.

Greg Gunderson: Yes, that is very true, to boost TV rating.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes. I think tv producers and directors now realize that having a deaf contestant is a plus for them and makes the show much more interesting to watch.

Greg Gunderson: I hope this director do see that.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, I believe so.

Greg Gunderson: Voting has been very challenging. I have been up and down in the ranks.

Kokonut Pundits: Yes, many deaf and hard of hearing people are committed to get the word out as often as possible to make sure your poll ranking stays high in the top 15.

Greg Gunderson: I hope I could finish in top 5 by July 31. Then top 15 and other 5 from wildcard (total of 20) will have two days of testing to pick 12 of them to be on 3 months of show.


Visit Kokonut Pundits and read Part II: "Terrible Crashes of Lucky 39" with photos!



Check out past and current Greg Gunderson blog reports by Kokonut Pundits.

A Greg Gunderson Vote Alert

If you are voting for Greg Gunderson to help him become the first deaf professional driver to get on the Racin for a Living reality show, please, DO NOT use the back button! It may not record your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th,...etc...votes. This is what the website says after you voted for him the first time on the poll ranking page.

To Vote again, return to the home page HERE. If you hit the back button, your next vote might not count.

So, keep on voting! And go directly to the voting page to vote again. Do not use the back button.

Also, I have completed an EXCLUSIVE interview with Greg Gunderson that will come out later today. The story will be a three part series since the interview took 2 hours to complete (with more planned in the future). So, lots of interesting stories, crashes and details not heard or seen before.

You won't be disappointed. It was a very enjoyable interview. A super cool guy!

Join Deaf.GOP.com!

Are you a deaf or hard of hearing person who support the Republican party? Would you like to be a part of this new deaf grassroots organization that is affiliated with a nationally recognized poliltical organization called GOP.com? Now you can. Join Deaf.GOP.com. It's easy to sign up. Once you sign up you will also be a part of the Deaf Republicans organization that began in October 2004. This a growing organization that many people do not realize that it exist. Pass the word around and be a part of an informed and knowledgeable deaf political organization. You will never be alone again.