xkcd - A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language - By Randall Munroe
It's great to see xkcd getting back to the basics.
Monday, August 11, 2008
xkcd - Google Maps
Sunday, August 10, 2008
George Orwell's Diaries
August 9, 1938 � THE ORWELL PRIZE
Great! The Orwell Trust is re-publishing George Orwell's diary day by day, 70 years after it was written. I think that it's going to be fascinating.
Fun fact about Orwell that I didn't know...re-reading "The Nasty Bits" by Tony Bourdain the other day, Orwell apparently wrote a book about his experiences working in a restaurant. As a wanna-be foodie (who never has time to cook real food as everyone in my house eats different things), I want to read the book!
Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl
Profiles in Manliness: Viktor Frankl | The Art of Manliness
Fantastic article- how Viktor Frankl helped people to find meaning in life even while in a concentration camp. I'm looking forward to reading his book now.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
I did like this ....Barack Roll
YouTube - Barack Roll
But I'm disappointed that they didn't include more real dancing footage. You can almost see his hips move in the first 2 seconds.
Robot Playmates Help Autistic Kids With Social Skills
Robot Playmates Help Autistic Kids With Social Skills - DrKoop.com
Interesting, although something about it creeps me out on first reading.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Moving...ugh!
I'm moving today...back in a few days!
Wish me luck- moving is almost as bad as hospital days were.
My hometown's "Enabling Garden" (opens as .pdf)
geg-in-ontario-gardener-2008.pdf (application/pdf Object)
If there's anything better than "horticultural therapy", I'm not sure what it is. Gardening is one of the great joys of my life, and I'm glad that I live in a place which is using it as a resource.
(Funny story related to gardening- when I was in the midst of my teenage angst my parents took me to see our family doctor about my depression. Instead of putting me on meds, he gave me two choices- go to Africa and teach English for a couple of months, or dig a hole in the garden. I asked him how big the hole had to be, and he said to just keep digging it and filling it in and digging it again until I felt better.
I do miss doctors like that- while obviously all types of depression can't be cured by helping others or working with your hands, I still can't help but think that he had a good point. Oh, and he made house calls too!)
Jenny McCarthy speaks out on Michael Savage - Access Hollywood - msnbc.com
Jenny McCarthy speaks out on Michael Savage - Access Hollywood - msnbc.com: "I think a great way for an apology is to be sat down and educated about it,” Jenny said. “I’d love to just quietly (sit down with him and) educate him on the facts. It was clear he doesn’t know anything about autism"
The irony is almost frightening.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A bit of a change
I stole this meme from Teeni, who I was drawn to by Casdok.
I am: Packing to move.
I think: That there is too much intolerance in the world.
I know: Very little about too many things.
I have: An amazing family.
I wish: That people understood science.
I hate: Stewed tomatoes and bras.
I miss: Horseback riding.
I fear: Giant spiders
I hear: Very little.
I smell: forest, and I think of my mom.
I crave: Sausage rolls from my favourite bakery.
I search: for meaning.
I wonder: When the Song of Ice and Fire series will be finished.
I regret: Not being cloned. If I was, Dylan would still be at home.
I love: Reading an amazing book for the first time.
I ache: Everywhere, at the moment.
I am not: As bitchy as I sometimes appear.
I believe: That if people are good to each other, most other things fall in line.
I dance: When I'm drunk.
I sing: When I'm alone.
I cry: Thinking about my cats.
I fight: When I'm frustrated.
I win: Every single day that my kids are still alive and healthy.
I lose: At chess.
I never: fail to be amazed at my kids.
I always: make coffee as soon as I get up.
I confuse: actions and meaning
I listen: to my cat purring on my chest
I can usually be found: on my front porch
I am scared: of who will look after my kids when I'm gone
I need: books
I am happy about: my upcoming marriage
I imagine: a world where kids don't hurt
I tag:"
Mother of Shrek
Blei
TBTAM
Trauma Queen
Grrraphics
Some of them I don't even know, but I read their blogs and would be interested to see what they say!
The blanks are
I am:
I think:
I know:
I have:
I wish:
I hate:
I miss:
I fear:
I hear:
I smell:
I crave:
I search:
I wonder:
I regret:
I love:
I ache:
I am not:
I believe:
I dance:
I sing:
I cry:
I fight:
I win:
I lose:
I never:
I always:
I confuse:
I listen:
I can usually be found:
I am scared:
I need:
I am happy about:
I imagine:
I tag:
MYSTERY OF AUTISM BEGINS WITH DECIDING WHAT IT IS
MYSTERY OF AUTISM BEGINS WITH DECIDING WHAT IT IS - Yahoo! News
Dear Abby does a great job talking about autism.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Dying eight-year-old 'marries' his school sweetheart - Telegraph
Dying eight-year-old 'marries' his school sweetheart - Telegraph
I have no idea how I feel about this. Having a daughter who is a cancer survivor, I've seen too many kids die from our time in the oncology wards.
But there's just something "off" about it to me. That's a lot of pressure to put on a little girl.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Obama’s Response to the New Yorker Cover, as Told to Larry King
It's nice to see someone who is not only articulate, but gracious as well. How long has it been since there has been someone in politics who not only doesn't fly off the handle when they are "insulted", but manages to turn it into another valid talking point?
Sphere: Related ContentSunday, July 13, 2008
Current Archaeology - The Enigma of the Red Snake
Current Archaeology - The Enigma of the Red Snake
Great archeology article...I'd never even heard of this before. Fascinating.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Patrick Stewart on Extras
YouTube - Patrick Stewart on Extras
I may have even blogged this before, but it's one of my favourite Stewart clips.
The Truth of the Situation � Odd One Out
The Truth of the Situation � Odd One Out
Autism and truth. I wish that this was one of the first posts that I'd run into after my kids were diagnosed.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Autism boy jumps to death over cancelled school trip - Mirror.co.uk
Autism boy jumps to death over cancelled school trip - Mirror.co.uk
How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to his family as well as to his community.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
30 Useful Tools Everyone Should Own
30 Useful Tools Everyone Should Own | Marc and Angel Hack Life
Useful information- I don't disagree with many of them, although I'd put a chainsaw on the list just for those extra frustrating days.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Heelarious High Heel Crib Shoes
Heelarious High Heel Crib Shoes
We live in a seriously screwed up world.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
She Put The Move In Movies - washingtonpost.com
She Put The Move In Movies - washingtonpost.com
When I was growing up Cyd Charisse epitomized female sexiness and grace for me. The world's a little bit dimmer without her in it.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
This election is getting more embarassing to watch as it goes on
TRAIL BLAZERS Blog | The Dallas Morning News
I assume that vendors at a Republican State meeting would have to be approved by some party committee. I'd prefer to hope that some idiot just snuck these in.
Monday, June 16, 2008
A Remarkable Photo From Tornado Country
A Remarkable Photo From Tornado Country - The Lede - Breaking News - New York Times Blog
These pictures scare me, but I do love weather porn.
John McCain Debates Himself on Supporting Bush
YouTube - John McCain Debates Himself on Supporting Bush
Hats off to the JedReport for showing how laughable he really is.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
YouTube - Stephen Lynch - D&D
This is just too much like too many people I knew in high school.
YouTube - Stephen Lynch - D&D
Friday, June 13, 2008
Mystery on Fifth Avenue
Mystery on Fifth Avenue - NYTimes.com
Who wouldn't love to have an architect like this?
Conservative MP apologizes for 'hurtful' comments on aboriginal people
Conservative MP apologizes for 'hurtful' comments on aboriginal people
And the Conservatives step in it again. Maybe I'm beginning to understand why Stephen Harper prefers not to let his ministers speak to the public.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Cute
Faraiq � Blog Archive � Stop Looking At My Bottom
And apparently it's not photoshopped!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Moodstream™ by Getty Images
Moodstream™ by Getty Images
This is fun to play with!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
� Autism and the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet Black Triangle
� Autism and the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet Black Triangle: Weblog of Anthony Cox
Excellent article. (it actually contains peer-reviewed science!)
Visuwords™ online graphical dictionary and thesaurus
Visuwords™ online graphical dictionary and thesaurus
Fun dictionary site...it's kind of addictive.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Sunday, June 08, 2008
A Very Special Concert, page 1 - News - SF Weekly - SF Weekly
A Very Special Concert, page 1 - News - SF Weekly - SF Weekly
Great article. I have newfound respect for Huey Lewis.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Albino Squirrel Heaven
Albino Squirrel Heaven - a set on Flickr
I don't even know what to say.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
No charges to be filed in drowning of 5-year-old girl | autistic girl
No charges to be filed in drowning of 5-year-old girl | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun
There is a petition at http://gfcfrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/06/autism-petition-5-year-old-girl-drowned.html
The family is going to be meeting with the head District Attorney, who can overrule the previous decision not to press charges. It sounds like there is ample room for discussion with him about the needs of autistic children. Who thinks that it's a good idea to leave a non-verbal child with the cognitive development of an 18-24 month old
alone in a pool?
ZAC Browser - Zone for Autistic Children
Very cool! A grandfather developed a special web browser for his autistic grandson, and it's now available for free.
From an article about it:
The Zac Browser greatly simplifies the experience of using a computer. It seals off most Web sites from view, to block violent, sexual or otherwise adult-themed material. Instead it presents a hand-picked slate of choices from free, public Web sites, with an emphasis on educational games, music, videos and visually entertaining images, like a virtual aquarium.
Other programs for children already offer that "walled garden" approach to the Web. But LeSieur's browser aims to go further: It essentially takes over the computer and reduces the controls available for children like Zackary, who finds too many choices overwhelming.
For example, the Zac Browser disables extraneous keyboard buttons like "Print Screen" and turns off the right button on the mouse. That eliminates commands most children don't need anyway, and it reduces the chance an autistic child will lose confidence after making a counterproductive click.
Children using the Zac Browser select activities by clicking on bigger-than-normal icons, like a soccer ball for games and a stack of books for "stories." The Zac Browser also configures the view so no advertisements or other flashing distractions appear.
"We're trying to avoid aggressive or very dark or complicated Web sites, because it's all about self-esteem," LeSieur said from Las Vegas, where he lives. "If they're not under control, they will get easily frustrated."
It sounds like a great idea for some kids!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Classrooms in Florida aren't sets for 'Survivor'
Classrooms in Florida aren't sets for 'Survivor'
The latest update on the Alex Barton case.
Autism linked to low birth weight, preterm birth_English_Xinhua
Autism linked to low birth weight, preterm birth_English_Xinhua
Interesting if it's true. My kids were born at 30 weeks, 2.13, 2.14, and 3.4 pounds. (2 girls, 1 boy)
Monday, June 02, 2008
Down Syndrome dolls
Wonderfully Unique Dolls
I honestly have no idea how to feel about these dolls. At first I thought "Great...more inclusion, dolls like real kids, etc." Until someone brought up the point that they might be used for other purposes. I hate second guessing myself, but I do it constantly.
So daughter #2 came home from school today
They watched Planet Earth Seasonal Forests in school today. The conversation went something like this:
"It was an okay day. We watched Planet Earth- Seasonal Forests."
Me: "Did you see the part about the Taiga?"
Her: (with some scorn in her voice) "NO. Seasonal forests, not the Taiga."
Me: "Was it good?"
Her: "There was one part where one dog got a part caught inside another dog.
Me: "Okay. Was it interesting?"
Her: "Well, they got stuck together." (Big pause).
"That must be kind of awkward."
Me: "Hmmm." (Sometimes I'm just caught off guard).
I love puberty.
70 Famous Dyslexics
70 Famous Dyslexics
It's an extremely pink site, but this is a great list. Dyslexia is no fun at all- it's nice to see some role models.
What Happened to Ricky
What Happened to Ricky - WSJ.com
Family finds son 40 years after he is institutionalized. Thank God things aren't still like this. (Much more information in the article).
YouTube - Surfwise: The Amazing True Odyssey of the Paskowitz Family
The children certainly do not seem enthralled with their experience. 9 children in a 24 ft. trailer?
And a fascinating interview with them, which is more positive than the documentary makes it seem. It's definitely an interesting family!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
A kindergarten teacher invites students to tell an autistic classmate why they dislike him. - police documents
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.
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).
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