A kindergarten teacher invites students to tell an autistic classmate why they dislike him. - By Bonnie Goldstein - Slate Magazine
A bit more of the story on Alex Barton. There's also a Facebook group now, with lots of contact information to send cards and letters to the family and school board.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
A kindergarten teacher invites students to tell an autistic classmate why they dislike him. - police documents
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Rachael Ray as an Islamic terrorist? Right.
Dunkin' Donuts yanks Rachael Ray ad - The Boston Globe
I might not particularly like her, but this is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read. It's scary when someone like Michelle Malkin has any influence at all.
LI researcher pinpoints autistic behavior -- -- Newsday.com
LI researcher pinpoints autistic behavior -- -- Newsday.com
Fascinating. I sometimes get so caught up in the "politics" of the autism world that I forget how much very good research is going on right now.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The New Wave of Autism Rights Activists -- New York Magazine
The New Wave of Autism Rights Activists -- New York Magazine
A very good look at not only the Neurodiversity movement, but all of the other "factions" in the autistic world.
After 12 years of being the mother of autistic children, I'd say that most of my frustration at this stage is just trying to navigate through all of the bitterness and factionalism to find actual information to help my kids live the happiest lives possible.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
I didn't think that anything could make me laugh today
We are the World, done by Japanese impersonators
YouTube - we are the world in japan
via boingboing
5 Year Old Autistic boy voted out of class
Teacher lets Morningside students vote out classmate, 5 : St. Lucie County : TCPalm
After each classmate was allowed to say what they didn't like about Barton's 5-year-old son, Alex, his Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo said they were going to take a vote, Barton said.
By a 14 to 2 margin, the students voted Alex — who is in the process of being diagnosed with autism — out of the class.
I am not sure why this teacher hasn't been fired yet. I can't imagine doing this at any age, but FIVE???? Isn't kindergarten when children are supposed to be learning how to get along with others?
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is encouraging people to contact the appropriate school authorities to express their outrage politely.
Morningside Elementary School Principal:
Mrs. Marcia Cully
cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us
(772) 337-6730
St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent:
Michael J. Lannon
4204 Okeechobee Road
Ft. Pierce 34947-5414
Phone: 772/429-3925
FAX: 772/429-3916
e-mail: lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us
St. Lucie County School Board Chair:
Carol Hilson
772-519-0397
HilsonC@stlucie.k12.fl.us
Vice Chair:
Judith Miller
772-528-4545
MillerJ@stlucie.k12.fl.us
This is appalling- children deserve a better world than what they are being given. Not only Alex, but the children who were taught to "vote him off"...they deserve to be taught about acceptance and differences and tolerance and the wonderful gifts that people who are "different" bring to all of our lives.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Most Curious Thing - Errol Morris - Zoom - New York Times Blog
"The following essay shows how a photograph aided and abetted a terrible miscarriage of justice."
Fascinating essay. Sometimes things aren't as simple as they appear.
Pirate’s Booty - Los Angeles Magazine
June 2008 - Pirate’s Booty - Los Angeles Magazine
Interesting piece about playing Jack Sparrow at Disneyland.
Pa. gets permission to spend Medicaid money on adult autism
Wonderful news for a lot of families! I didn't realize that this wasn't already happening in the United States.
Sphere: Related ContentWednesday, May 21, 2008
I'll be back in a week or so!
Going away to take care of some things in my life, so wish me luck. And here's a picture of my favourite happy looking seal to tide you over :-) I call him "durfy seal" because he looks like he's the happiest "special needs" seal ever, and he makes me smile.
CASSETTE FROM MY EX
CASSETTE FROM MY EX
Who doesn't have old mixed tapes from ex-lovers lying around? This is a fun site.
(My husband and I were also talking the other day about the lost art of making mixed tapes...mixed CDs just aren't quite as much fun.)
Effect Measure : Once again: dead bodies don't cause disease epidemics
Effect Measure : Once again: dead bodies don't cause disease epidemics
Interesting...I had no idea. For some reason it seems that we grow up "knowing" that dead bodies cause disease after an epidemic, so it's nice to see an explanation of why they don't.
Why Every Man Should Go to a Barbershop | The Art of Manliness
Why Every Man Should Go to a Barbershop | The Art of Manliness
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite blogs...the writing is just great, and the articles are almost always interesting (even though I'm not a man). It's a fun place to browse around!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Organic Batter Blaster ™ - Original Pancake and Waffle Batter
Organic Batter Blaster ™ - Original Pancake and Waffle Batter
I thought that this was a joke. I was wrong.
See the video!
Turning the Pages™, the British Library
Turning the Pages™, the British Library
This site gives me goosebumps (I'm a book nerd).
Look at old (and very delicate) books online, with incredibly gorgeous colours and detail. It's worth taking a peek at.
(Don't forget to look at the Golden Haggadah from right to left...I haven't had much coffee yet, so it took me a minute to remember!)
Incredible.
Thanks to mental floss for the link.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
PETA Thinks Ashton Kutcher Is Just Ducky
The PETA Files: PETA Thinks Ashton Kutcher Is Just Ducky
You've got to give it up to PETA for managing to find ANY reason at all to ask someone to work for them. (I can't imagine actually writing that letter as I'd probably be laughing too hard.)
Friday, May 16, 2008
Great video of sand sculptures
I love the walrus!
growabrain: A giant sand sofa
(and some other cool links as well.)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
YouTube - Famous Failures
Very well done. One of my 12 year olds watched this, and said "that's good". There are worse lessons in life to learn than this.
� Sample Active Child Trades | Child Trader Child Exchange Network
And yes, it wouldn't be funny if it wasn't a joke site. But the descriptions are wonderful. 
Name: Isabella
Age: 10
Gender: Female
Physical Description: Average height, usually wears braids but can pull off almost any look. Already showing signs of blooming but doesn’t have gawky arms or anything yet.
Medical History: Strong cat, dog and ragweed allergies and possibly others too. History of ear infections believed related to allergies. Does not require inhalers or other things.
Strengths: Cute in her own way. Very academic in her own way. Likes to show off sometimes.
Weaknesses: Not what you might call a fruits and veggies eater.
Agency Comments: The feet on this girl are beyond suspect. At the rate these clompers are growing you’re going to have an eleven foot giant on your hands by sixteen. May become Amazon, but may incur high shoe and transitional clothing costs and/or undue boy attention upon puberty. Bookish nature may offset growth potential, but consider cost compensation accordingly.
Desired Trade: Looking for something more petite, possibly Asian, or 5th wheel travel trailer (2006 or newer.)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Scientific American: You Say "Ga," I say "Ba," but Everyone Hears "Da"
Scientific American: You Say "Ga," I say "Ba," but Everyone Hears "Da"
Absolutely freaky auditory illusion...look at the article first.
Obama-Curious George Tee an Instant Cobb County Classic
I find this absolutely unbelievable. But maybe that's because I'm Canadian. I feel sorry for liberals in Cobb County- that's got to be horrendously embarrassing.
Fresh Intelligence : Radar Online : Obama-Curious George Tee an Instant Cobb County Classic
My worst nightmare
School Van Driver Accused Of Raping Child - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston
The driver of the special needs bus is now accused of raping a 12 year old autistic girl while driving her home from school. That's terrifying.
"Wow, Rock Stars Ask For Some Stupid Crap" - May 13, 2008
"Wow, Rock Stars Ask For Some Stupid Crap" - May 13, 2008
The Foo Fighters 2008 Tour Rider...funny :-)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Good Moms / Bad Moms - Best & Worst Moms Ever - TIME
Good Moms / Bad Moms - Best & Worst Moms Ever - TIME
Mrs. Jumbo loves her baby elephant boy with all of her heart. She doesn't care that his ears are growing to gigantic proportions, but seemingly everyone else does. Mama Jumbo does what she can to shield Dumbo from the taunts of other elephants and circus visitors, but when some mischievous boys tug at his ears, she goes into an elephantine rage. The circus workers think that Mrs. Jumbo has gone crazy and lock her up lest she injure anyone else. Dumbo is separated from his mother and left unshielded from the unrelenting attacks. But, showing the fortifying effects of a mother's strong love in his heart, he turns what others see as his greatest weakness into his greatest strength and uses his ears to fly. The metaphor is apt: a supportive mother can give her child wings.
What autism means to a father -- -- chicagotribune.com
What autism means to a father -- -- chicagotribune.com
Nicely written (even if I don't agree with everything that he says).
Friday, May 09, 2008
Gorgeous food pictures from Japan
Samples - a set on Flickr
I'm not sure that anyone presents food as beautifully as the Japanese, and now I'm starving.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Best bathrooms in the world
I like the New Zealand one :-) 
mental_floss Blog � High Class (and high price) Toilets
I don't even like sports and this made me cry
Girls, Sports and Sportsmanship - Well - Tara Parker-Pope - Health - New York Times Blog
Yes, it is an emotionally manipulative piece, but it's always uplifting to see a good news story for a change. It's almost as good as this one.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Jamie Lee Curtis Turns 50
Jamie Lee Curtis Turns 50
Great article with Jamie Lee Curtis about aging. I'm not 50 yet, but I hope that I will be looking at it the same way that she does!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Top 10 Mysterious People
Top 10 Mysterious People - The List Universe
Some of them aren't all that mysterious, but it's fun reading.
via reddit
Video Killed the Radio Star - CollegeHumor video
Video Killed the Radio Star - CollegeHumor video
Very impressive performance! This is actually one of the better cover versions I've heard of anything.
Blogthings - What Color Is Your Mind?
Your Mind is Blue |
 Of all the mind types, yours is the most mellow. You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles. Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life. |
I'm not sure that "mellow" is the way to describe my mind these days. Sphere: Related Content
Dark Roasted Blend: Nightmare Playgrounds, Part 2
Some of these are truly disturbing. 
Dark Roasted Blend: Nightmare Playgrounds, Part 2
CTV.ca | Special needs kids may be forced into foster care
CTV.ca | Special needs kids may be forced into foster care: "Government infighting has families in a northern Manitoba community in anguish about how to best care for their children.
The Norway House Cree Nation has told the families of children with special needs that they may be forced to give up their children because the First Nation can no longer pay for their care, and federal and provincial governments can't agree on who should pay."
This is shameful...I thought that we'd had it bad when we were looking for care for my son.
Friday, May 02, 2008
A shining example of anti-vaccination idiocy
Think twice before you vaccinate your child : Winona Daily News
I'm not sure which is worse- the editorial, or the fact that an actual "newspaper" let them print it. Apparently journalistic standards aren't too high in Winona.
The Things That Carried Him - Joe Montgomery
The Things That Carried Him - Joe Montgomery - Iraq Casualties - Army Funeral - Esquire
Incredibly well-written story of a soldier, and how he came home.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Why is it when South Africa had an aparthied system we all boycotted it, yet India has had one forever thats's apparently not worthy of a boycott
In this Horrible CNN article a man pushed a 6 year old girl onto burning embers for walking on a road that wasn't designated for Untouchables? If the girl was put into a fire because she was walking in a white's only road the political outcry would serve to cripple India's already hurting economy and we would force it to change.
Sphere: Related ContentHuman Organs for Sale, Legally, in Which Country? - Freakonomics - Opinion - New York Times Blog
Human Organs for Sale, Legally, in Which Country? - Freakonomics - Opinion - New York Times Blog
Very interesting post about how Iran runs it's organ donation program.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
And yet another cool turtle story
MAKE: Blog: Turtle wheels
Apparently there's just a run on cool turtle stories right now.
men_in_full: Love letter to a fat man
men_in_full: Love letter to a fat man
Fantastic response to that godawful MSNBC article "What if no one were fat?"
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Terrifying Sex Organs of Male Turtles
I don't know what's funnier...the article or the comments.
But when you combine it with the turtle rape video I don't think that I want any turtles for a while.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Cigarette packs patch up hole in chest | Metro.co.uk
Unbelievable.
At the moment I've lost my enthusiasm for debating the merits of Canadian vs. American health care. 
Cigarette packs patch up hole in chest | Metro.co.uk
Industrial Revolution, Take Two (A new approach to "environmentalism"
Industrial Revolution, Take Two: Entertainment & Culture: vanityfair.com
What an encouraging article- McDonough takes a completely different look at environmentalism and makes it work. I realize that he's been doing it for years now, but it's new to me!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Naked chicks on post-it notes
Naked chicks on post-it notes
One of the more interesting blog ideas that I've seen. Some of the drawings are beautiful.
Horrendous 60 minute piece on gastric bypass surgery
CBS News Video - Top Stories and Video News Clips at CBSNews.com
Check out the archives at Junkfood Science and Back Across the Line if you would like to get a more balanced view of gastric bypass.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Environment- Why Bother?
The Green Issue - Climate Change - Environment - Energy Efficiency - Consumption - New York Times
Excellent article on why it is important that individuals make changes in the way that we deal with the environment.
Great Wall 360 degree panorama at Jinshanling
Great Wall 360 degree panorama at Jinshanling
360 degree panorama shots generally make me a bit nauseous, but this is pretty spectacular.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
ABC News "Politics is Hard, so we do this Instead"
Well, that pretty much sums up the debate. I'm glad that I'm Canadian.
YouTube - Juicy
This Way of Life: Living With Executive Dysfunction
This Way of Life: Living With Executive Dysfunction
Although I'd never heard this term before, this is certainly an excellent article on strategies to help some autistic people to manage every day life more easily.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Grilled Cheese Invitational Rules!
Grilled Cheese Invitational Rules!
This sounds like a fun place to go.
NO FLAME-THROWERS!
Yes, this means you. No ice-melters, Molotov cocktails, you name it. If you bring something that even vaguely resembles a flame-thrower you WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
Have sex with somebody before the competition - Let your hair down and relax, then come and grill cheese. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it really makes in the grill.
CNN is like the worst "news" source. Ever.
Great drawings of CNN's worst headlines, like Pit Bull kills Cancer Boy's Miniature Horse
CNN is like the worst "news" source. Ever.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Discovery Channel: I love the World
YouTube - New Ad Discovery Channel: I love the World
It's not very often that a commercial just makes you feel happy.
via reddit
Tips for Giving Birth
The attitude of my heart, before your eyes: An uncandid glimpse into childbirth
Great list of pointers for giving birth, from a Labour and Delivery Nurse.
Via At Your Cervix
He's Dead Jim
He's Dead Jim - DoubleViking Video
A LOT of people died on Star Trek.
How Time Changes A Song: Billy Bragg’s “A New England”
mental_floss Blog � How Time Changes A Song: Billy Bragg’s “A New England”
Still one of my favourite songs from the 80s :-)
The Art of Manliness | Man Up
The Art of Manliness | Man Up
When I first heard of this site I thought that it was a joke site, but it's actually got surprisingly well-written and useful articles. It's an interesting place to browse through.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
From one of my favourite medical bloggers
other things amanzi: zombie
Wow. I don't even know what you say to that.
Junkfood Science: Sunday reflections — perfect bodies
Junkfood Science: Sunday reflections — perfect bodies
Excellent article on genetic testing. With a link to a very good Youtube video
My kids would never have been born, and that would have made the world a poorer place for a lot of people.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
What Power Looks Like
What Power Looks Like | Newsweek International Edition | Newsweek.com
Fascinating article on "The Superclass". From the article "being a member of the superclass means being able to "get to anybody in the world with one phone call.""
And from David Brin's blog posting this morning: The next few decades will in part revolve around whether these people decide to side with Western Civilization... and with our children ... or instead, they give into the blandishments of ego and human nature, doing what you or I might do, if we stood in their $20,000 loafers.
It's not going to be a boring time ahead for anyone.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
What's wrong with being angry?
What's wrong with being angry? - CNN.com
Interesting article about the place of anger in marriages.
The Man Who Lost His Name—and His Genetic Identity | Cancer | DISCOVER Magazine
The Man Who Lost His Name—and His Genetic Identity | Cancer | DISCOVER Magazine
I've been hearing about this story for a couple of weeks, but hadn't had a chance to sit down and read it- it's quite a read, to say the least!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
5 Incredible Buildings Made of Ice : Environmental News Blog | Environmental Graffiti
5 Incredible Buildings Made of Ice : Environmental News Blog | Environmental Graffiti
A picture of the Quebec ice hotel, where hopefully Mark and I will go for a holiday some day. I'm not fond of cold, but I'd love to try it!
There's a neat documentary from the Documentary Channel called The Ice Hotel...it's worth watching if you ever get a chance.
Koro- the oddest mental health syndrome I've ever heard of.
Koro-like syndrome in a Jordanian male
Especially since it comes in "epidemic" form. From the mentalfloss link where I found it: "Koro doesn’t just strike one unlucky person; it hits southeast Asia in waves of a mass hysteria in which everybody becomes terrified of death via genital retraction."
So everyone wakes up in the morning and decides that their genitals are disappearing, and they're going to die?
And another great article on it.
God bless the internet...bringing you more information on things that you didn't know existed for a long time now.
Dear Abby Letters
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Dear Abby Letters
Selection of classic Dear Abby letters.
"Dear Abby:
I have a man I can't trust. He cheats so much, I'm not even sure the baby I'm carrying is his."
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Behind the times as usual...I had no idea that this existed
Latest Videos (1432) - FoodTube.net
Videos recipes. I feel the sudden need to ignore my housework/paperwork.
Autism asks community to understand
Times Herald - www.thetimesherald.com - Port Huron, MI
Nice article, especially this quote from Gwynne Dyer ""Whenever you have a thought that excludes or judges anyone else, you aren't defining them; you're defining yourself as someone who needs to judge others."
I wish that this could run in more newspapers.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
The Meth Project
The Meth Project
Certainly the most effective anti-drug campaign I've ever seen. I'd recommend not watching the "Sister" one.
VIDEO: Extremely Rare Lion Baby Born
VIDEO: Extremely Rare Lion Baby Born
Damn, extremely cute animal video of the day #2.
11 Very Strange Videos From the Internet Archive
11 Very Strange Videos From the Internet Archive
Interesting, and definitely odd. (I think that all of them are safe for work).
My favourite is probably Bela Lugosi meets a Brooklyn Gorilla, but I have a soft spot in my heart for extremely bad movies. How can you not love a movie that has "Ramon, the romantic chimp", AND bad musical numbers?
If you're an SF nerd like me
Welcome to Asimov Online
.mp3s of interviews with Isaac Asimov
(sorry, I can't remember who sent this to me)
Letters from Johns: I Have a Physical Disability
Letters from Johns: I Have a Physical Disability
On my never-ending quest to find information about "disability" and sex education, I found a very interesting post this morning. (It is fairly non-explicit, but does involve a visit to a prostitute.)
One of the things that I find the most frustrating as my kids near puberty is the lack of any good information at all on sexuality and people with different needs, so I look for it everywhere. While this gentleman's situation is quite different from that of my kids' as he is able to express his needs and desires and has the legal and cognitive ability to make decisions for himself, regardless of your moral stance on prostitution, at least he's found a workable outlet for himself. (And no, I am not blind to the fact that nothing gives us any clues as to why the girl is a prostitute, and whether or not this was a profession that she chose willingly).
I just found it thought-provoking.
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