YouTube - Electrabel - Happy New Year (2009)(FR)
Yes, it is an ad, but it's beautiful.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year, everybody!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Autism can't tear twin brothers apart
Autism can't tear twin brothers apart - St. Petersburg Times
Interesting article- this is something I think a lot about.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
My awesome, awesome kids
Dylan
Rachel
Kirsten
I couldn't be luckier.
They are 13 years old, and the joy of my life.
I miss Dylan every single day of my life, and my biggest regret is that I don't have 2 clones who could have helped to make him and his sisters safe at home.
Rachel is most likely the most intelligent person I will ever meet in my life- all of her test scores, workers and teachers and friends agree on that. Life with her is never, ever boring.
Kirsten is now 3 year post-cancer, and doing awesomely. 4 years ago on Boxing Day we had to shave her head because her hair was starting to fall out...damn, she's come a long way since then. Her automatic openness and empathy to people who are "different" from her always put me to shame. I do it from conviction and theory desire, she does it without even thinking of it.
Yes, they're all autistic, and yes, it's difficult for all of us a lot of the time. But we manage to muddle through, and still love each other, and contribute to the world around us, and bring joy to some of the people that we meet (I think that the joy part is inspired by them, not me!) With the help of an absolutely amazing husband, my kids make my life blessed.
Sphere: Related Content
Monday, December 22, 2008
This American Life
This American Life
This week's episode:
370: Ruining It for the Rest of Us
"When they decided not to vaccinate their son against measles, two San Diego parents thought they were making the best decision for their child. But when the 7-year-old came home from an overseas trip suffering from the disease (pictured at left: measles virus), his family’s personal decision became a whole community’s problem. The resulting outbreak infected 11 children and endangered many others. This and other stories about what happens when people's actions and choices infringe on those around them. Including the disquieting truth about Amtrak’s Quiet Car."
If you listen to podcasts at all, you probably already know that This American Life is one of the best around. I'm looking forward to listening to this one.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
What Child is This and Hava Nagila
YouTube - Jingle Cats What Child is This
I'll never cease to be amazed at what you can find online.
The year 2008 in photographs (part 1 of 3) - The Big Picture - Boston.com
The year 2008 in photographs (part 1 of 3) - The Big Picture - Boston.com:
"Swiss pilot Yves Rossy, the world's first man to fly with a jet-powered fixed-wing apparatus strapped to his back, flies during his first official demonstration, on May 14, 2008 above Bex, Switzerland. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images) #"
I'm terrified of heights and flying, but I still think that he must be feeling pretty amazing.
Awesome pictures- well worth looking through.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
pics
At our favourite restaurant
The night I met my husband (at a Fark party, actually)
My mother in law (left) and me
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, December 18, 2008
We have the most awesome special ed bus driver ever
We'd moved shortly before school started last year, and because my daughter R. always buses to school, we're always a bit on the edge waiting to see what her transportation is going to be like. She's taken everything from regular school buses, to "short buses", to cabs and vans, and it's always a bit nerve-wracking.
A couple of days before school started we had a knock on our door, and I opened it to find a gentleman in his 60s standing on our front porch. He introduced himself and said that he was R's new bus driver- that he'd been driving buses for years, but had never driven special ed kids before. He'd heard that children in special education were often more comfortable when they could anticipate a routine, so he was driving his route (that Saturday), not only to find out exactly how long it would take him, but to introduce himself to any of "his" kids that might be home that day. While I'm sure that the school board might have freaked out if they knew that he was driving around introducing himself to people, it was hugely helpful to us- he and R chatted for a few minutes, and it cut her anxiety down for the first day of school by a huge order or magnitude.
We ended up having transportation problems for the first few weeks- unknown to pretty much all of us, the school board had given him an extra route, so he was generally picking R up about 3/4 of an hour late. Needless to say that meant that she was pretty much in full melt-down by the time he got here- we all know that there's nothing more that a lot of autistic kids like than to have their routine thrown into that kind of disarray. We eventually got communication worked out between the four agencies that his routes involved, and he's been prompt, as well as incredibly patient and good with all of the kids.
This morning R went running out to her bus (she got a new sweater last night, so she was itching to get to school), and a few minutes later there was a knock on the door. He and his wife had put together a little Christmas package for each of "his" kids, but he thought that he should give it to me so that she wouldn't be gobbling down chocolate on the way to school.
We see so MANY stories about horrendous transportation experiences, and people who apparently have no ability or desire to get to know our kids. This man told me the first time I met him that he'd never been in a room with an autistic person before and was obviously nervous about it, and yet he has done a wonderful job because he treats "his" kids like people. We're lucky to run across people like him.
For the first time this year, I'm in a Christmas mood.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
update for Autism Twitter Day
Things are flying fast and furiously (figure of speech) on Autism Twitter Day.
For those people asking for more information- I have triplets, born in 1995- two girls, one boy. They are AWESOME kids. They were all diagnosed at 20 months of age after I noticed speech delays, and we were lucky enough to start with integrated daycare, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and integrated day care right away.
My son moved into a group home almost 5 years ago due to extreme self-injury and aggression. I was a single mom, and I couldn't keep him safe, or his sisters safe from him. He is in a fantastic home, we see him regularly, and he is still very much a part of our lives. Right now I have one child (D) in a group home who goes to a self-contained K-8 school, one child (R) who is in a self-contained classroom, and one child (K), who is in a "normal" classroom with no assistance.
The latest article on the kids talks about an awesome sensory playground that we go to every week.
I'm so glad that so many people are interested in us, as I have wonderful kids. They are a constant inspiration to me (and yes, we are going through puberty, so let's just say that every minute of every day is NOT inspirational).
Monday, December 15, 2008
Board games for family fun
Board games for family fun
Some good reviews if you're looking for Christmas presents!
Gingerbread Fantastic
YesButNoButYes: Gingerbread Fantastic
If there's a cooler gingerbread house than CBGB I'm not sure what it is :-) There are some awesome creations here.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
YouTube - The Pug Head Tilt
YouTube - The Pug Head Tilt
I'm not really a small dog fan, but that's pretty funny.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
How the Grinch Prorogued Parliament
CalgaryGrit: How the Grinch Prorogued Parliament: "How the Grinch Prorogued Parliament"
Even if you're a Harper supporter, this is still cute.
Canada ties for last among developed countries for child services: UNICEF
Canada ties for last among developed countries for child services: UNICEF
Well, that's depressing. Somehow I doubt if it's going to get any better with the Conservatives in charge.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Alex Trebek Interview - Jeopardy Host - Quotes on Jeopardy and Life - Esquire
Alex Trebek Interview - Jeopardy Host - Quotes on Jeopardy and Life - Esquire:
"A good education and a kind heart will get you through life in pretty good shape."
"Don't tell me what you believe in. I'll observe how you behave and I will make my own determination."
"If you can't be in awe of Mother Nature, there's something wrong with you."
Alex is still one of my heroes.
Yarn Harlot: What is happening in Canada
Yarn Harlot: What is happening in Canada
A great explanation of what's going on right now with Canadian politics. It's a fun time to be Canadian :-)
American Airlines Now Charging Fees To Non-Passengers
American Airlines Now Charging Fees To Non-Passengers | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
It's always good to see the Onion getting back to its old form :-)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Majority of local authorities failing adults with autism
eGov monitor - A Policy Dialogue Platform | Promoting Better Governance
From a UK study:
1. 148 out of 149 local authorities do not know how many adults with autism are in their area. However, 27% are planning to address this issue.
2. 64% do not have a named team or individual with responsibility for autism in line with Department of Health recommendations. Just over a third of local authorities are following Government guidance in this area, although a further 11% have acknowledged the need for further action.
That's appalling, and I would love to know if Canada is any better.
Brain waves are window into autism language woes
The Associated Press: Brain waves are window into autism language woes
This study makes some sense to me- it will be interesting to see where they go with this.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Dutch man 'Europe's most committed sperm donor' - Telegraph
Dutch man 'Europe's most committed sperm donor' - Telegraph
Interesting article. Obviously, having triplets myself, I know a lot of people who have had to use fertility treatments to become pregnant (most triplets are conceived with fertility assistance of some type). I have a lot of respect for people who are sperm or egg donors, or surrogates, as I've seen the end results and know how happy a lot of families are because of the assistance of strangers (or people who they eventually get to know well).
I didn't realize until I read this article that sperm donor anonymity is almost a thing of the past in Europe- that strikes me as being bad news for infertile couples, although possibly good news for the children born of donors. I haven't had any contact with my biological father since I was about 10 (with the exception of one odd phone call in the middle of the night when I was 18), but in the last few years a member of his extended family found me and was able to give me a lot of health information about the paternal side of my family which is appreciated. To me my stepfather is my real dad, but I can't deny that it is nice to know what medical issues I have a higher possibility of facing in my 50s and later life.
Little Shrimp Kicks Ass on Treadmill
Little Shrimp Kicks Ass on Treadmill�|�Environmental Graffiti
This is likely the coolest experiment that I've ever seen.
My guess is that they came up with the idea in a bar.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Creative Grooming
A Poodle Ninja Turtle-Leonardoodle
I don't think that any comment I make can adequately explain how I feel.
Creative Grooming
GenderAnalyzer - Determine if a homepage is written by a man or woman
"Results
We think http://www.chaosandjoy.blogspot.com is written by a man (67%)."
Oops.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Animal Communicator Georgina Cyr: Animal Communication Consultations and Courses
Animal Communicator Georgina Cyr: Animal Communication Consultations and Courses: "CANADIAN RESIDENTS: Add 7% GST S&H."
I am very definitely in the wrong business. I would absolutely only charge $175 a session to tell people that dogs need to be walked.
Eagles Fly on IYI, or what to do when your local news station has technical difficulties
YouTube - Eagles Fly on IYI
Awesome! From the information section: "The IYI crew visited Alton Illinois to interview Brett Stawar, executive director of the Alton Regional Convention and Tourism Bureau. Alejandro Cruz, the videographer, had technical difficulties with his wireless mic set, and couldn't capture any of Aileesha Breedlove's interview questions. This is what we did to salvage the segment. Ryan Wiggins wrote approximately 90% of the lyrics based on rough edits, and performed the resulting vocal arrangement. The vocals were captured with an Electro-Voice RE20 microphone, and recorded to DVCpro tape. The audio and video were edited and mixed entirely with Vegas 6.0. All of the 3D titles were produced and rendered with Blender 3D, an open source 3D graphics package.
The entire project took about 4 hours from conception to completion. "
The best lyrics (in my opinion)"
Eagle moustache, eagle snow
Eagles know when it's cold
They're so smart
Birds know a lot
Birds are like people living in trees
Saturday, November 29, 2008
More Than Just Cookies: Rethinking the Girl Scouts - TIME
More Than Just Cookies: Rethinking the Girl Scouts - TIME
Interesting article. While Brownies and Guides (the Canadian version of the Scout movement) were a huge part of my childhood, I only know one child out of all of my friends' children who is involved in it in any way. Most kids I know are so overwhelmed with activities already (usually at least 3-4 times a week), that I'd be surprised if Scouting ends up making it. It's too bad, as I certainly got a lot of valuable things from it, and learned a lot as well. One of the things that I very much enjoyed about Brownies/Guides was that you were always learning something new- it wasn't like dance lessons where you did the same thing over and over again- you were exposed to so many different activities and then could concentrate on the ones that interested you.
It seems that a lot of the old organizations are having difficulties- my girls were involved in Big Sisters for a long time, and while it was hugely successful for us I know that the Big Brother/Big Sister organizations themselves are usually having a lot of difficulty staying viable. I think that in the long run it's going to mean that our children miss out on a lot of things.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Give Thanks? Science Supersized Your Turkey Dinner
Give Thanks? Science Supersized Your Turkey Dinner | Wired Science from Wired.com:
Americans eat a pound of sugar every two-and-a-half days. The average amount of sugar consumed by an Englishman in the 1700s was about a pound a year
Fascinating article about the changes that have taken place in traditional Thanksgiving foods.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
YouTube - Harry Chapin sings TANGLED UP PUPPET Live
YouTube - Harry Chapin sings TANGLED UP PUPPET Live
I can't embed it, but it's worth watching, especially if you have kids going through puberty :-)
As a Canadian, I'm horrendously embarassed by this-Carleton University drops Shinerama, the big Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser, because it's "too white"
Disease dropped
I'm just appalled. (cue get off my lawn speech) When I was in University we protested Reagan and the arms build up, the horrors that were going on in El Salvador and Chile, and demonstrated for Amnesty International whenever we got the chance.
Carleton University is theoretically one of Canada's premier journalism schools, which makes this story even more frightening. Political correctness goes so far and then it only reinforces the supposed evil that it's fighting against. A "white man's disease"? I spent some very frightening hours in a hospital room waiting to see if my then 3 year old daughter had cystic fibrosis.
I am so sick and tired of people thinking that a diagnosis or condition or illness is restricted to race, or age, or "level of functioning". As far as I can tell, the only thing that affects every single one of us is that (if we're lucky), we get old, and then we die. I'm tired of being told that it's so weird that I have 2 autistic girls because autism's a guy thing. I'm tired of being told that my son has "skinny white boy" prematurity issues still hanging on, tired of trying to support people whose kids have different conditions where it seems to turn into a "whose kid is worse" contest.
Canadians aren't all assholes, and this one student council's action is certainly not representative.
Monday, November 24, 2008
What song is this?
YouTube - What song is this?
This is one of the more clever things that I've seen in a while.
Lines at the ER, a television boom, emptying suburbs. A catastrophic economic downturn would feel nothing like the last one. - The Boston Globe
Sunday, November 23, 2008
20 Strange Sculptures (Part I)
20 Strange Sculptures (Part I) | Village of Joy
They're not kidding. They are strange.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Kyle Dutter
Kyle was a 12 year old autistic boy who loved Halloween.
About Us:
"House is decorated, and I am choosing between a Ghost (of course) a
skeleton, or a pirate captain this year...
I got a new bike (see pics) THANKS DARSEY!
I go to the Halloween store every other evening."
Kyle was murdered by his father this week.
My heart goes out to his surviving family.
My kids at Playsense
Facebook | Your Photos - Playsense
My son comes home from his group home for dinner every week, and we always go to play at this awesome play centre for kids with special needs. The pictures really don't do it justice, but the entire place is designed to serve sensory as well as gross motor needs. I really can't say enough good things about it- they run amazing programs as well as class tours, and we're lucky to be able to go there. Hopefully you can get some idea of it from the pictures :-)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The magic of make-up, photography and a good model
Miss at la Playa: The magic of make-up, photography and a good model
Fascinating- the same model made up to look 10 years old, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. Apparently 30 was not a good year for her.
Review of My Toddler's Pretend Restaurant
Review of My Toddler's Pretend Restaurant | Momlogic: "Review of My Toddler's Pretend Restaurant"
This almost makes me sad that the toddler years are over for us.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A photo of 2 little girls and a reunion in Congo
IndyStar.com | AP National | The Indianapolis Star
Damn. I am hugging my children extra hard tonight.
Random Recipe Generator
jamesoff.net � Random Recipe Generator:
"Cod Liver Oil Stew
Serves 3
You will need:
* 140g chicken
* 70ml cod liver oil
* 40g sugar
* 90g cheese
* 80ml soy sauce
Instructions:
1. pre-heat the oven to 190 C
2. grill the cheese
3. grill the soy sauce
4. sift the chicken
5. blend with the chicken
6. spoon the soy sauce onto a warmed plate
7. heat the chicken in the saucepan
8. heat the cheese in the saucepan
9. heat the cheese in the saucepan
10. fry the sugar
11. flambe the soy sauce
12. fry the cod liver oil until browned
13. bake for 70 minutes and serve hot
Yum."
Fun stuff :-)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Necessary Angels
Necessary Angels — National Geographic Magazine
"Rural problems are simple," Arole says. "Safe drinking water, education, and poverty alleviation do more to promote health than diagnostic tests and drugs."
The Monty Python Channel on YouTube
YouTube - The Monty Python Channel on YouTube
That's smart as well as awesome. Monty Python is putting ALL of their archives on YouTube.
Wired- Top 10 Amazing Animal Videos
Top 10 Amazing Animal Videos | Wired Science from Wired.com
I actually hadn't seen a few of these yet- the polar bears playing with dogs, and the sharks repelled by magnets are pretty neat.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Crazy Cat Attacking Spuds Dog
YouTube - Crazy Cat Attacking Spuds Dog
Bull Terriers are the best dogs ever- they're either frighteningly intelligent, or not intelligent at ALL. But they've all got personality to burn- this isn't a bad
example :-)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Play brings autism into focus
MiltonCanadianChampion.com: A & E: Story: Play brings autism into focus
Interesting- I would like to see this. Hopefully the University will videotape it and I can get it through inter-library loan at some point!
Doesn't it always figure? I just found their tour schedule and they were in the city right next to mine last night.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Forum sheds light on new methods in autism care
Forum sheds light on new methods in autism care
This is great news- I get very excited when I see new conferences and initiatives in parts of the world where autism care and research is not as prevalent.
In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents’ Genes Are in Competition
In a Novel Theory of Mental Disorders, Parents’ Genes Are in Competition - NYTimes.com
Fascinating- I couldn't even make a guess whether they're on the right track, but it sounds like it's going to spur discussion.
Monday, November 10, 2008
FDR, stamp collecting, Obama, and Curly the Barber
Greg Laden's Blog : My Friend Curly and the President Elect
(I'm still half-asleep, but I'm assuming that this has to be a parable).
Write In My Journal
Write In My Journal
This is fascinating- a man just asks different people to write in her journal. I'm going to spend some reading time here today.
(Edited because the author is a guy!)
Saturday, November 08, 2008
WTF? The new Terminator character is diagnosed as autistic?
"Personality-wise, Cameron still has a ways to go, recently having been professionally diagnosed with mild autism. But like all Terminators to come before her, she's a sponge for information."
So now Hollywood has resorted to classifying robots as autistic? I find that extremely offensive, and I hope that it's a misprint.
I'm not beaten yet: Terry Prachett on the frustration and fury of Alzheimer's | Mail Online
I'm not beaten yet: Terry Prachett on the frustration and fury of Alzheimer's | Mail Online
I can't say enough about my admiration for him for going public with his Alzheimer's struggle, and educating a lot of people. I continue to wish him and his family all the best- after everything that our family has been through, and watching a lot of people close to me die over the years, Alzheimer's is still my biggest personal fear.
Bullies may enjoy seeing others in pain: Brain scans show disruption in natural empathetic response | The University of Chicago
Bullies may enjoy seeing others in pain: Brain scans show disruption in natural empathetic response | The University of Chicago
Interesting, as is the earlier study Children are naturally prone to be empathic and moral.
I think that I would probably want to distinguish between "bullies" and kids with conduct disorder though- that's a pretty specific diagnosis that goes way beyond just normal bullying.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The next President of the United States - The Big Picture - Boston.com
Fantastic pictures from the campaign trail. Even if you don't like him, the pictures are amazing. 
The next President of the United States - The Big Picture - Boston.com
Saturday, November 01, 2008
What Rocky Horror Picture Show Character Are You?
I'm not sure whether to be happy about that or not.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Otto the octopus wrecks havoc
Otto the octopus wrecks havoc - Telegraph
Awesome. I'd pay a lot to see a video of him juggling hermit crabs :-)
Death Threats, Hate Mail: Autism Debate Turns Ugly
ABC News: Death Threats, Hate Mail: Autism Debate Turns Ugly
This is appalling. I'm not sure how our community is supposed to help anyone at all when so much of its time and energy are spent in this horrendous way.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Enchanted Doll by Marina Bychkova
The Enchanted Doll by Marina Bychkova
Wow- spectacular dolls! The stories make for very interesting reading- I also love the Bride of Frankenstein.
Stephen Hawking writes about having ALS
Stephen Hawking
"I have had motor neurone disease for practically all my adult life. Yet it has not prevented me from having a very attractive family, and being successful in my work. This is thanks to the help I have received from Jane, my children, and a large number of other people and organisations. I have been lucky, that my condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case. But it shows that one need not lose hope."
What a fantastic story he has.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Bunny show jumping
Bunny show jumping - Snotr
I don't even know what to say except that now I think that the years I spent going headfirst off of horses were a bit wasted.
Autism Ain’ts…
NTs Are Weird � Blog Archive � Autism Ain’ts…
# - Different from Asperger’s
# - Just another word for “geek”
# - Something that makes us superior
# - A horrible condition
# - A prison sentence
# - A guarantee of loneliness
There's a great list up at NTs are weird, and people are contributing more all of the time.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Memories Selectively, Safely Erased In Mice
Memories Selectively, Safely Erased In Mice: "Memories Selectively, Safely Erased In Mice"
Targeted memory erasure is no longer limited to the realm of science fiction. A new study describes a method through which a selected set of memories can be rapidly and specifically erased from the mouse brain in a controlled and inducible manner. New and old memories have been selectively and safely removed from mice by scientists.
That's pretty freaky.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sarah Palin: Pointing a loaded gun at the environment? - Telegraph
Sarah Palin: Pointing a loaded gun at the environment? - Telegraph
"Palin's administration, for example, opposed legislation, put forward earlier this year, that would have banned the flame retardant Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), which affects brain development in young children, including memory and learning functions.
The toxic compound also causes thyroid problems, slow sexual maturation and significantly reduced sperm counts in adults.
Democratic state representative, Andrea Doll, from Juneau (Alaska's capital), tried to get Palin interested in her bill early on. "I told her about the bill," she says. "But she was totally not interested in any way, shape or form. It was that look on her face - that 'don't even go there' look."
So much for her heralded interest in special needs kids.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Spanish Baby Engineered To Cure Brother
Spanish Baby Engineered To Cure Brother | Guanabee
Wow- there's some ethical questions there. I wouldn't presume to say whether they're right or wrong, but it definitely raises some interesting questions to think about.
Sex ID
BBC - Science & Nature - Sex ID
A fascinating test to find out whether you have a male or female brain. It took me about 10 minutes (after I found a ruler), but it was even more interesting to see why they asked certain questions than the actual results.
For the record, my brain is apparently 50/50 :-)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hawaii ending universal child health care
Hawaii ending universal child health care: "Hawaii is dropping the only state universal child health care program in the country just seven months after it launched."
I pay considerably less in taxes for a family of four (Canada), than my husband does for 4 months of U.S. health insurance, and I have rarely had to pay out of pocket for anything (we did have to pay for an ambulance ride a couple of years ago, and there was one injection-GCSF- that my daughter got to boost her immune system while she was doing chemotherapy that OHIP didn't pay for).
So for 13 years of premature triplets (including about 3-4 weeks of hospital stays for me before their birth, plus assorted ultrasounds, genetic counseling, doctor's visits etc), 9 weeks of NICU for the kids, probably 20 weeks of additional hospitalizations due to pneumonia from the girls' lung damage, then cancer and treatment for one child (about 8 months worth all together including surgery), developmental pediatricians, speech, and occupational therapists as well as a version of ABA because of the autism...I've paid taxes. When I was single, and working, earning over 100,000, I was taxed at about 17% (I understand that's gone up a bit). I paid my "dues". So did my parents...my mom had 13 years of treatment for her malignant melanoma before she passed away. My dad did have to wait about 6 months for his knee replacement, but I think that he was consoled for that by the fact that he could take my mom to the hospital whenever he wanted to.
My husband is paying almost $800/month for his health insurance right now (just for him) through the American company that he works for. We know that it's high, but because he has a "pre-existing condition" he has to. We couldn't move our family to the United States if we wanted to, because even completely aside from the autism, one of my daughters had cancer and we could never get her health care covered, and we could never be sure that any job that WOULD cover her would stay forever.
The United States pays more per capita than any other nation in the world, and yet they can't afford to insure their children have health care in even ONE State? No matter how many times people explain it to me, I will never understand that. Kids growing up in a developed nation deserve more.
Freakiest fish of 2008
Freaky Fish Contest | Oceana: "This creature is like an octopus-squid hybrid — it has eight arms like an octopus, but it also has long retractable filaments that squids use for hunting. When it feels threatened, it spits bioluminescent clouds from the end of its arms, and it can also go into 'pumpkin' or 'pineapple posture,' inverting its arms over the body so it’s covered in spines"
Putin tries satellite navigation device on his dog - Yahoo! News
Putin tries satellite navigation device on his dog - Yahoo! News
Just because it's such an awesome headline :-)
Snog Away, Teenagers - Scanner
Snog Away, Teenagers - Scanner
Very funny Dick and Jane Styled sex-ed book...definitely not for kids.
The Superficial - Jenny McCarthy claims magical healing powers
The Superficial - Jenny McCarthy claims magical healing powers
Finally, even the stupid gossip mags are realizing that McCarthy has no clue about what she's talking about.
Friday, October 17, 2008
What is it?
What is it?
What a great idea for a blog. He's got some interesting stuff there.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Blog Action Day: Alarming Poverty Statistics - The Seminal :: Independent Media and Politics
Blog Action Day: Alarming Poverty Statistics - The Seminal :: Independent Media and Politics
Scary stuff- and I don't think that Canada is any better than the U.S.
Take On Me: Literal Video Version
YouTube - Take On Me: Literal Video Version
I'd seen this floating around a few days ago, but never had a chance to watch it until this morning. I laughed, pretty hard. I remember the 80s too well.
Ontario failing adults with autism spectrum disorders: report
Ontario failing adults with autism spectrum disorders: report
It's good to see someone worrying about adults for a change.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Truth About Andrew Wakefield
Autism Blog - The Truth About Andrew Wakefield | Left Brain/Right Brain
Great post by a Guest Blogger on LeftBrain/RightBrain . I can't wait to read the book.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Lester Bangs audio interview
Lester Bangs audio interview - Boing Boing
I grew up reading Lester Bangs, so this was a thrill to find. Posted through Boing Boing because they also have some interesting articles on him linked.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope that all of my fellow Canadians are having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend- YAYYY for turkey! I've got a lot to be thankful for (even aside from turkey).
(the gorgeous image is from FeministLawProfs)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Stories Behind Three Classic Halloween Movies
Neatorama � Blog Archive � The Stories Behind Three Classic Halloween Movies
Things I didn't know- Night of the Living Dead never mentions the word "zombies".
In Halloween , Jamie Lee Curtis’ wardrobe cost about $100 and came from J.C. Penney.
Alfred Hitchcock turned down the chance to direct The Exorcist.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Blumenthal: Pollsters facing perfect storm
Blumenthal: Pollsters facing perfect storm - National Journal- msnbc.com
Interesting, especially since some of them (especially the cell phone question), will likely be influencing non-political polls for a long time to come.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
My babies are 13 years old today- TEENAGERS!
I love you Rachel, Kirsten, and Dylan!
Browse the Artifacts of Geek History in Jay Walker's Library
Browse the Artifacts of Geek History in Jay Walker's Library
Wow- the best personal library ever. I am green.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
How the Obama Campaign Makes “Two Minute Volunteers”- new IPhone application
mental_floss Blog � How the Obama Campaign Makes “Two Minute Volunteers”
This is interesting. No matter who you're voting for, it seems like an application that could change some parts of the campaign process.
Practical Latin
My World and Welcome... Funny Pages: Handy Latin Phrases
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.
I have a catapult. Give me all the money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head.
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
History's top 5 reasons to cross-dress
History's top 5 reasons to cross-dress - CNN.com
They've got some good points!
Halle Berry Is the Sexiest Woman Alive, 2008 - Esquire
Halle Berry Pics - Halle Berry Sexy - Halle Berry Is the Sexiest Woman Alive, 2008 - Esquire
"Sexy is not about wearing sexy clothes or shaking your booty until you damn near get hip dysplasia; it's about knowing that sexiness is a state of mind -- a comfortable state of being."
I love this quote, and I also love that a 42 year old woman who's obviously getting more comfortable with her sexuality as she ages "won". While it's still a silly article, it was fun to read something from an actor who's loving getting older.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Life in Zimbabwe - Wait for Useless Money
Life in Zimbabwe - Wait for Useless Money - NYTimes.com
Sometimes the daily struggles that my family face don't seem so bad.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Maim That Tune - Detune your head
Maim That Tune - Detune your head - A service of prettypictures.com
Pretty fun for those times when you get a VERY annoying song stuck in your head.
Medical Studies Vary in Validity of Findings
Medical Studies Vary in Validity of Findings - NYTimes.com
Good article explaining different types of medical studies.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
One Dad's Opinion: PO'd at PETA
One Dad's Opinion: PO'd at PETA
And PETA hits another new low.
Steve has a good commentary up at his page which actually contains science!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Autism Blog - Hey, “Big Autism”. This is what a PSA looks like. | Left Brain/Right Brain
Autism Blog - Hey, “Big Autism”. This is what a PSA looks like. | Left Brain/Right Brain
Ms. Clark has a great post over at LeftBrain/Right Brain. Bring your kleenex for some of the advocacy videos- there is great work being done.
The children of presidents and vice presidents shouldn’t be in combat. - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Contributor - The children of presidents and vice presidents shouldn’t be in combat. - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Very interesting editorial- it certainly had a different spin than I thought it would.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sarah Palin swimsuit video
Five Things - Salon.com
Awesome!
(And I'm extremely glad that there isn't any video of me floating around in my stupid years.) I remember when I was planning to become a professor in Tudor history- raising triplets is sure a long way from that!
Hear our Voices
Hear our Voices
A very powerful video about poverty, disability and exclusion, from Inclusion International. Thanks to Estee at the Joy of Autism for posting this.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sea Turtle
Email Bookmarking Blog: It's Not PhotoShop !!
Awesome! I never had hair this punk!
(caveat...no one seems to know why this turtle has hair...if it's something harmful, I retract the awesome comment).
Muslim sentenced for religious ceremony cruelty
Muslim sentenced for religious ceremony cruelty
| Oddly Enough
| Reuters
As I've talked about before (Jen in the comments), I'm not sure why these people get charged, and people who submit their children to unnecessary medical interventions for years don't.
New study shows that kids want to be included in own health care
CTV.ca | Kids want to be included in own health care: study
Even though this is a very small study, I find it very consistent with things that I have heard from my own children as well as others. When one of my daughters had cancer the hospital that we were in made very sure (through child play specialists as well as others), that children were able to express their own feelings about their care. I was also "lucky" that it was my "verbal" daughter who had cancer (if you can ever use the word "lucky" to refer to childhood cancer- she's said herself that it was better that she would get cancer rather than one of her siblings, which makes me proud as well as breaks my heart). She was able to tell us what she was feeling and what she wanted throughout most of the diagnostic/recovery period. I've always believed that the more that the "patient" has input into their care (whether it's cancer or autism or CPD or whatever), the better the results are likely to be.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Vote For the Environment - Canada
Guelph | Vote For Environment / Voter Pour l'Environnement
Useful site- I have this linked to my home riding as they're having problems with the coding on the postal code search to get to it, and it's one of the "Red Hot Ridings" on the front page. If you're Canadian, it's at the very least a good way to find out what the latest polls for your riding say.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
This is how an obituary should read
Casper Star-Tribune Online - Obituaries
"True to his personal style, he spent his final hours joking with medical personnel, cussing and begging for narcotics and bargaining with God to look over his loving dog, Biscuit, and his family."
There is certainly personality to spare here. Obituaries SHOULD celebrate the person.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Inside the vaccine-and-autism scare | Salon Books
Inside the vaccine-and-autism scare | Salon Books
Salon has a GOOD article about vaccines!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
39 Masterpieces Of Creative Advertisements - Opensource, Free and Useful Online Resources for Designers and Developers
39 Masterpieces Of Creative Advertisements - Opensource, Free and Useful Online Resources for Designers and Developers
Some great advertising pictures. (Although I hate linking to a blog that doesn't credit the original creators).
Terrifying- Disney film about menstruation, in 1946
YouTube - Disney '46 - Story Of Menstruation
Apparently it's also the first time that "vagina" was used in a screenplay. I'm not sure whether this is better or worse than the godawful little pamphlets that we used to get at the doctor's office. On the upside, I was able to completely humiliate my older sister with the pamphlets when I was about 7...I picked up a pile of them, and thoughtfully dumped them on her lap when she was making out with her boyfriend :-) Amazingly enough, she still talks to me.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
YouTube - Oprah vs. over 9000 PENISES
YouTube - Oprah vs. over 9000 PENISES
She gets less and less credible every day. The fact that her staff would even let her believe for a second that she should take anything that an anonymous troll said seriously on a message board really does speak to the intelligence level at Harpo.
The scary thing is that now the "level of terror" over childhood pedophilia will reach even NEW heights, thus guaranteeing even more children anything vaguely resembling a normal childhood. I'm guessing that her fans will clamp down even harder on their children ever going out unsupervised, playing in parks, etc. It's sad.
On This Day: Witold Pilecki Allows Himself to be Captured by the Nazis
On This Day: Witold Pilecki Allows Himself to be Captured by the Nazis
On September 19, 1940, Witold Pilecki, deliberately got himself arrested by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz, where he spent two years supplying Allied forces with information about the concentration camp.
Witold's Report
Witold Pilecki
And his death
"
Witold Pilecki escaped from Auschwitz on the Easter Monday 1943, he also survived the Warsaw Uprising an the German POW camp in Germany.
He returned to Poland after the war and started organizing resistance
against the communists.
When he learnt that the Allies would not help to liberate Poland from the Soviets he started demobilizing the military underground organization.
It was then, that the communists arrested him.
He was interrogated and tortured for many months. His finger nails were pulled out and his collarbones broken and he could hardly walk.
He never talked.
After his process, which was a simple farce, he was sentenced to death by a firing squad.
There was no firing squad though.
The executioners dragged him the basement of the Security Headquarters building, into the boiler room.
He was gagged and could not walk.
They shot him with a single slug into the back of his head. He was buried somewhere on the rubbish tip next to the Powazki Cemetery.
His body was never found."
Friday, September 19, 2008
In honour of Talk like a pirate day! -free pirate fiction download
I've heard very good things about Shimmer- it's definitely worth a free download to check it out!
The mental_floss College Ain't Cheap Tuition Giveaway
The mental_floss College Ain't Cheap Tuition Giveaway
Awesome. This is probably my favourite blog, and I'm very impressed that they are giving away $10,000 scholarships (for 2 or 4 year courses in the U.S. and Canada).
What a great idea.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Truth on Earth Band - Bios & History
Truth on Earth Band - Bios & History: "Truth On Earth is a Band featuring three sisters that sound like a rainbow of old and new, heavily influenced by ‘60’s & ‘70’s rock such as Creedence Clearwater, Lynard Skynard, Jethro Tull, Eric Clapton and Santana.
The band name, lyrical messages and powerful world-changing mission are based upon the work of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time and the basis of Martin Luther King, Jrs Civil Rights movement. Gandhi said that Peace could best be achieved through truth and non-violent protest and he proved it for a time by causing the end of a century of British rule over India. One small man had a giant influence. So the band is named in Gandhi’s honor to carry on his work and ideals through the universal language of music to a planet that is struggling greatly just as it always has to understand and apply this very simple and highly effective principle."
Pretty impressive "teen girl band". Their music doesn't strike me as half-bad, and their message and commitment to actually contribute financially to what they believe in is a great role model for my girls. I like them.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Bad, bad, BAD idea - 6th Hitchhikers being written
BBC - Today
Ugh. Sometimes people should just let series die a natural death.
Lizard on a Wind Turbine
He looks like he's having fun :-)
YouTube - LIZARD ON MY WIND TURBINE ANOLIS CAROLINENSIS: ""
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Blogging the Muse - interview with Mary Robinette Kowal
Blogging the Muse � Blog Archive � Author Interview Series #26 - Mary Robinette Kowal
One of the authors that I've been lucky enough to find (courtesy of John Scalzi) over the past year. She's got a great blog- if you've got a couple of hours, download or read some of her fiction.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Awesome sneaky cat
YouTube - Ninja cat comes closer while not moving!: ""
Although the cat's probably wondering what the hell his idiot owner is doing.
A Villa for one euro? Yes, there is a catch
Intelligent Travel: A Villa for One Euro?
What a great idea for the town. I can imagine that people who could normally afford to buy a villa could afford the restoration on it, the local townspeople get work, and a bit of history is saved. It's impressive to see a town official thinking outside the box like that.
(Not to mention that I wouldn't complain about having a Sicilian villa. Oh well!)
Modern Love - My Son’s Battle With Autism
Modern Love - My Son’s Battle With Autism - NYTimes.com
What a heart-rending and difficult story to read. I may not agree that I would have made the same choice as she did, but there's no doubting her pain or her love for her son.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
This is a dog that REALLY wants out
YouTube - Escape de Sof�a: ""
I guess we know who's the Alpha Female in that cage!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Obama's pretty funny too
CBS | Late Show with David Letterman : Video
Nice answer. "She would be the pig."
I like him more than I thought that I would...he does seem like someone you could have a beer with.
MoreCowbell.dj
MoreCowbell.dj
I recommend Pinball Wizard with 80% cowbell and 10% Walken.
Fun site.
On 9/11, Obama-McCain (Briefly) Unite - TIME
On 9/11, Obama-McCain (Briefly) Unite - TIME
There are certain things that I'll never understand in life. My husband lived in Manhattan during 9/11, and had a large number of friends and acquaintances who were killed in the bombings. I remember being glued to my TV crying most of that day (not only because of the horror of it all...not only the numbers, but also the fact that if someone was going to be bombed in the U.S., my sleepy little town in Ontario where many bombs were manufactured was a target,and because I was scared to death for my then-boyfriend who was teaching in Tennessee near one of the possible next bombing sites). Aside from personal reasons, terrorist bombings are awful no matter which way you tabulate them.
But I've got to say that in some ways I'd considerably rather see Obama and McCain meeting at a homeless shelter to commemorate the 12-40% of Americans that live in poverty over a 10 year span, meeting at a high school to discuss appropriate education for sexually active teens, a laboratory to discuss the future of science in the United States (which is a pressing issue if you look at scientific literacy rates among U.S. teenagers), rates of funding for "special needs" people in North America- any number of things. It's not an anti-American thing- Canada has consistent and huge problems with funding for low-income families, families with special needs, and child poverty. And unfortunately Canada is certainly going down the "terrorists are the worst things on earth" mindset if you look at Stephen Harper's policies, even though we have huge internal problems (hello...why aren't we rushing through legislation for immigrant doctors to help with the internal problems we have with a huge lack of GPs?.)
I hear the pain in my husband's voice every time he talks about 9/11- his wife at the time was severely disabled, and they were caught in mid-town Manhattan in the middle of the tragedy. It took him a very long time to get her home safely, and then make his way to Ground Zero to offer whatever help he could. I'm still horrified every time I think about it, and i wasn't directly involved.
I don't think that anyone could argue that terrorism isn't bad, worthy of attention, or worthy of combating in an intelligent way. But I grew up learning from boat people who had escaped from Vietnam and other Eastern countries (my parents' church sponsored 6 families in the 70s, so they became part of our family), Cubans (fortunately Canadians can go to Cuba, and our dollars help to make a lot of Cuban families' lives better if you do it intelligently), people from Eastern Europe, as well as Jewish and Egyptian and Irish and Iranian friends who faced terrorism on a daily basis, that 3000 people dead is horrendous no matter which way you cut it, but with all of the challenges facing the world right now, my guess is that there are other issues which should possibly take precedence if you're trying to become President of the United States.
As a Canadian I have a vested interested in seeing a "good" U.S. President. Like it or not, the rest of the western world unfortunately has a vested interest in the U.S. election. That's scary with the way that things are going right now.
Stephane Dion | Not a leader.
St�phane Dion | Not a leader. | Not worth the risk. | notaleader.ca
It's always good to see that the Conservatives are living up to the class that we've grown to expect of them. I'd thought that it was a satire site, but apparently it's not. It's still pretty funny if you can get over the fact that it's meant to be real.
Vaccine Skeptics vs. Your Kids
Vaccine Skeptics vs. Your Kids
Well-done article. And I was actually surprised- much as I like MotherJones, I truly would have expected them to come down on the anti-vaccination side. Kudos to them.
Experts say autism may have helped boy survive ordeal
Front page news - newsjournalonline.com
Such an incredible story- it was great to see a happy ending for a change. I can certainly understand what they're saying about the water as well- 2 of my kids are more comfortable in the water than anywhere else.
While I can't even imagine the horror that his parents have gone through and I wish that it had never happened (obviously), it's wonderful to see such a happy ending, and also to see something positive about autism in the media. Our kids so often have incredible strengths which are ignored because they are "disabled".
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Respectful Insolence: Barack Obama: A pro-vaccine pharma shill who doesn't care about autistic children?
Respectful Insolence: Barack Obama: A pro-vaccine pharma shill who doesn't care about autistic children?
Finally! A candidate actually comes out on the side of science! (and is predictably attacked by the anti-vaxers)
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