Maybe it is just me, but I am so thankful that Facebook was not around when I was in high school. The drama that it can cause is ridiculous. Even people in their late 20s and 30s succumb to the drama Facebook provides. "You checked in at where with who? I thought you were home sick! You told me you don't even like that girl. Liar. We're through!" "I get so mad at all those girls who comment of my boyfriend's wall. Don't they know we're together now?" "Who is that guy who always ‘likes’ your photos and comments? Do I need to pay him a visit?" "Why are you still friends with your ex? Now he can see everything we do!" Please raise your hand if you have been a part of or heard of situatio

Scott Grochowski is a young man with a great sense of humor and a compassion for animals, but up until about a year ago his Folsom neighbors had never seen that side of him. Instead, Scott was known for violent outbursts and aggressive behavior. The 26-year-old has been diagnosed with Mental Retardation, Autism and mild Cerebral Palsy, which severely limits his ability to speak. This verbal communication deficit meant people who came into contact with Scott had a difficult time understanding him. The frustration Scott endured from his inability to communicate with his community caused him to lash out. When angry, Scott might yell, run at dangerous objects or bite his own arm. Scott’s fami

Everyday, millions of conversations take place across the country. Employers ask, teachers tell, and friends talk. Communication, it is said, is the key to success. For many people with developmental disabilities who cannot speak, the lack of basic communication is an ever present barrier in developing relationships, finding a job, being hired, or performing a job optimally. Other than a few exceptions, people who cannot talk do not work. An inability to effectively communicate with peers, employers and support staff most often leads to stereotyping, social rejection and failure in the workplace. Frustration caused by an inability to express basic needs becomes a “behavior problem” to be f

What began with an adult beverage and a frustrated Twitter post quickly led to a series of grassroots efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento.  Radio personality Carmichael Dave, founder of #HereWeBuild, was relaxing in his backyard when he discovered that the Anaheim City Council had voted to pursue efforts to bring the Sacramento Kings to Anaheim.  “I thought this is frustrating and I’m ticked off and I want to let people know,” Carmichael Dave said. “So I tweeted out, ‘Carmichael Dave votes one-to-nothing to issue $200 into a fund to build a new arena. Whose with me?’” Then the explosion happened which soon resulted in the HereWeBuild, HereWeStay and SacDeflated.com campaigns, and th

Q: I have one of those co-workers who always wants to know what is going on in my personal life. Every Monday he asks personal questions about what I did over the weekend, how my boyfriend is and even how my dog is doing. I don't want to be rude, but I am the kind of person who likes to keep my work life separate from my personal life. I know he is just trying to be nice, but frankly I don't want him knowing anything personal about me. How can I make that clear without coming across as unfriendly or just plain mean? A: Don't worry, you aren't the only one with this problem. I think we all have that co-worker who thinks that we are "BFFs" and wants to know all our secrets. You have every r

Chuck D is a rebel without a pause. The co-founder of seminal hip-hop group Public Enemy is a rapper, author and activist. He refers to himself as a "raptivist," and "an ambassador for hip-hop." Thursday night, D will give a free speech at Sacramento State, where he'll be talking about rap, race, technology and communication. The event will also be a celebration of Black History Month. D likes to talk. Given that he writes a blog, tours the world on speaking gigs, and owns the SLAMjams music label, which recently threw together an iTunes album for Haiti, he is surprisingly available. He called me for an unscheduled interview, just a few minutes after I e-mailed him. "You can't go throug

We’ve all heard the phrase:  “Some things are better left unsaid”.  However, there are times when we need to say things.  Sometimes conversations become crucial, and have life or death stakes. I interviewed Desiree Aragon Nielson, Learning and Development Professional at Catholic Healthcare West / Mercy in Sacramento.  Desiree has been certified in teaching “Crucial Conversations”, a best selling book (McGraw Hill) based on extensive research.  She trains employees in her health care setting, noting that “In health care, it is life and death …we appreciate crucial conversations as a tool”.  1) What are Crucial Conversations?  Based on the authors’ extensive research, Desiree says “three

Today Sacramento transitioned to a nationwide, digital television (DTV) service, which is an advanced broadcasting technology that will improve our television viewing experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality, and more programming choices for viewers. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with analog technology.  It will also provide Sacramento residents with more advanced wireless services, including enhanced wireless broadband. “I am so pleased that our transition to DTV in Sacramento has been seamless thus far, and my office will continue to be a resource for people with questions in the coming da

Many people have opinions about twitter.com and I am trying to find out if anyone on sacpress.com also uses twitter?  We use it as part of an online marketing campaign and to highlight workshops and events. I was honestly a little hesitant to use this tool but after 239 followers and many many direct messages I am really interested in this medium.