Monday, April 18, 2011
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0DqPSF2fyo?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
Life isn’t a wreck. It’s life.
And until this site updates again, be safe.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A frightening image:
In this April 16, 2011 photo provided by Bonnie Burkett to the Associated Press, a tornado moves through Colerain, N.C. The photographer, Richard Burkett, snapped the picture shortly before he and his wife took cover in a closet underneath their stairs. The tornado hit their barn and came over their house seconds after the picture was taken.
(AP Photo/Richard Burkett)
In the last three days there have been 241 tornadoes reported.. That is amazing, scary, and hopefully NOT a sign of what is coming this spring and summer..
It’s been a deadly weekend for many..
"It's not easy connecting with Nick"
Robert MacNeil goes back to reporting for a special on his 6-year-old autistic grandson.
MacNeil narrates the comments of Nick’s mother: “I couldn’t be more sick of the word awareness. If I were any more aware of autism, I’d be dead,” she said. “I think we’ve moved beyond the point where awareness is necessary. I think it’s time we moved to action.”
Amazing statement. And how can anyone not agree..?
There is autism in my own family—and with one in a hundred or so kids having the condition, I’m sure your family too.
And I agree with the mom in this situation.. Awareness. What a word. AIDS awareness, Cancer awareness..autism awareness. Domestic violence awareness. We are all aware of these situations. It’s sad that have to compartmentalize and dedicate a block of time for the particular situation we need to have awareness of. Who does that help? And does it work to solve immense problems that autism, AIDS, cancer, and anything else supply us?
No.
I have heard a number of people argue that autism is over-diagnosed now, that it was always the same as it is now, and that there really aren’t more cases today than there were years ago. I have no hard evidence to tell me what opinion to have, but I’d defer to the startling numbers of a rising rate of autism. I just don’t believe ‘it was always this way’ and just not diagnosed the right way. Sure, you can argue that mental health clinics and eugenics programs were fully stocked with kids in time gone by, but I just can’t get myself to agreeing that autism is not a more severe problem than it was decades or so ago. I just can’t.
I see the challenges that my own family faces with autistic kids. The toughest part is getting to know them. After all, they are kids, and they like and do things kids like to do. They are not a new species.. they are not ‘pathetic’ or ‘unfortunates’. They are people.. individuals with habits, happiness, tears, and hunger pains.. They go to the bathroom. They get potty trained. They learn to read, write, and in the case of my nephews, they probably are a lot better at math and learning than I am. As a matter of fact, they may be a lot better at many things than their adult counterparts.
Perhaps the scariest thing for any parent is understanding that, despite a Google search result of the question finding millions of websites, no one really absolutely knows for sure what causes autism. No one.. There are theories. Most famous, of course, is the MMR shot. And then lots of people attacked Doctor Wakefield over his study they say was shoddy from the beginning. Interesting Wakefield stands by his 1990s research—and the journalist who constantly writes about him continues to do so.. Autism got political. When vaccines were put into the limelight of criticism, big drug companies came out in full force to tell us everyone saying their product caused the learning disorder was wrong. And then they silently too thimerosal out of their product.. I guess just in case.
Plus, who really wants to argue with Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy, who like many others, believe vaccines are a factor in autism.
Vaccines would be simple.. If only we can correlate the date together exact. It would be a relief.. But what of the kids who get vaccines and do not get autism? And why boys more than girls getting it? And why..? And how? .. the questions go on.
It would be great to have an easy answer..
Maybe it’s a lot of things.. perhaps our kids’ brains have become a stew of over-advertising on TV, chemicals on toys from China, GMO crops from Monsanto, kids food not being healthy.. too much WIFI… to little early learning? And why so many higher numbers in the United States? What is different here compared to other places?
I just don’t know.
So there you go. We’re aware. Lots of people are. Awareness.
Awareness has yet to solve the problem. However, I guess the first step is admitting there is one.
SO WHY DO SO LITTLE PEOPLE CARE THAT 1 IN 100 CHILDREN GET AUTISM!?
So there you go. My thoughts. My awareness. My confusion, my anger.. All in this long post.
The lack of answers cause me to fear the MMR shot.. a lot.
Saturday night mayhem
Severe weather hit Saturday in many states, with the most severe being in 6 where 35 people (at least) lost their lives from storms..
In North Carolina alone, 62 tornadoes have been reported—this may be one of the worst early spring storms in at least two decades for the state.
The AP dispatches report it this way:
"In Virginia, disaster officials said one apparent tornado ripped across more than 12 miles through Gloucester County, uprooting trees and pounding homes to rubble while claiming three lives. Another person was confirmed dead and another remained missing early Sunday after flash flooding elsewhere in Virginia.
Scenes of destruction across the South looked eerily similar in many areas.
In North Carolina, rooftops were ripped off stores, trees were plucked from the ground and scores of homes were damaged, Hoell said.”
Thunderstorms were felt in the Northeast, including Coal Speaker home base, by late in the night Saturday.. but the severe killing storms were confined to the South.. A horrid day in weather history.. A terrible day for so many.. My empathy is with them all..
Saturday, April 16, 2011
You may not know it, but this is not the rear end of Natalie Portman, even though it’s her in the scene. A strange controversy suddenly breaks out between Portman and her body double about just how much work the star actually did.
Epic flop? Final numbers are no where near close to being in, but if things stay on the path they are on, RIO will finish a strong first at the weekend box office with SCREAM 4 numbers being surprisingly weak .. many thought the return to late 20th Century horror would bring a rebound for Wes Craven and company.. however the new numbers reported by Nikki Finke show a one weekend wonder in possible for the newest and hopefully last in the fractured franchise..
Things get better with age. Except when it's rotted maggot-infested meat.
But mostly things like wine and kids.. Not meat.
However, news of the weird being read around the world today about a butcher in Naples being arrested for selling meat that was a decade old!Some may in fact think that things were better in the early part of the 21st century, but everyone will agree on one thing: Meat from then isn’t. At least not meat from then being served now..
But the report on the strange butcher’s skills are abhorent to the senses, even carinvours would recoil in disgust at the attempt to digest the news. Food safety workers discovered bisquits with parasites, rotting meat and dairy, and even olives covered in thick mold.
“
The butcher tampered with expiry dates on the products in order to keep on selling the items, even though some were a decade old, the report said
World's oldest man passes away at 114
His secrets to a long life? Embrace change, help others, eat twice a day, and accept death. It sounds pretty well rounded to me. A nice long life.. If only all of us can be so lucky—maybe more so if all of us can take his words if wisdom maybe we would in fact live longer, and even if not longer, but healthier..
World's oldest man passes away at 114
Friday, April 15, 2011
An ode to the past
There was a very cold spring wind that blew tonight, and it made me think of two things.. First it made me think of late night trips to Perkins with friends.. and secondly it made me think of a cold spring day in April 1996 at my friend Katie’s house, swinging around pool tools at her house.. not sure if she remembers, but I do.
It’s amazing to me how fast time goes. It often makes me wonder where exactly it goes… Does time exist as an element? Is there a way to measure time? …maybe by the wrinkles on the face, or the amount of stress someone has during a lifetime.
I just wish it didn’t go so damn fast.. so fast.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhX5W7JoWI?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
Ohhh.. how you waited. Ohh how you craved it. It’s that fantastic day yet again, when taxes are due and you are too.. Be safe. Good luck with the fast form.. good luck with the exemptions.. good luck with the tax code. And most of all, good luck with the post office..
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
its not tax day - monday is!
and the version of hallelujiah you posted was horrible! - this one is much better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guL4KgkheoM
A friend of mine and reader just being honest.. Can’t win ‘em all.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkOmcIl79s?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
IN THE SPRIT OF TAX DAY
ABBA — Money Money Money
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
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PEACE
GOODNIGHT.
IF YOU CAN SLEEP…
Hallelujah
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Olive Garden intoxication
Just when you thought only Applebees was capable of serving children alcohol, here comes Olive Garden:
Olive Garden restaurants are making changes after a toddler was served alcoholic sangria instead of orange juice at a Florida location.
When you are out of meat, try blood..
News is spreading around the internets tonight of a woman who, before attending a Lady Gaga concert, chose to drown her cat in order to wear its blood as her fashion statement..
And now, the 20-year-old faces animal cruelty. ..
SOAP OPERA OFFENSE
Just got a very nasty message from a soap opera fan not appreciating my insensitivity over the loss of two shows.. never thought of them, like you do, as family.. never even watched them. And lucky for me (and you too even though you don’t know it yet) I never will have to
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=281]
The Lady is in. I’m out. Goodnight.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
An excellent article from TIME magazine: Why the US is still fighting the Civil War
I have to admit, I couldn’t put this article down.. Very interesting, informative, and troublesome..
An excellent article from TIME magazine: Why the US is still fighting the Civil War
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba030UmbkCo?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
This not only makes me sick to my stomach but it makes me fear that the Republic, as we knew it, is now dead. This reminds me of concentration-type slave training….
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
So just in case life isn’t scary enough for you, try this one: Yellowstone Supervolcano Bigger Than Thought
Eatin' good in the neighborhood.. but maybe not for kids
There was some news lately about an Applebees making a pretty big mistake: They served alcohol to an underage kid .. How young? A toddler! They gave liquor to a child, mistaking a margariti for juice.. And now the staff is going to be trained all over again.. According to a report on Reuters tonight: The company that owns the Applebee’s restaurant chain said on Monday it was immediately retraining its workers nationwide after a server at a suburban Detroit location accidentally served alcohol to a toddler..
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb-Nacm-pKc?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=281]
Learning to fly? I’m just waiting for a baby to crawl.. Goodnight all.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Chernobyl: The 21st Century version
Japanese nuclear agency “provisionally” raises the threat level from a stricken power plant from 5 to 7, the most severe category.
On the advice of my sister..
I Netflixed-up the best of Wrestlemania tonight with my wife and newborn son, forgot about real life for a bit, and felt like a kid all over again. Thanks Erin. Now back to reality.. (After a few minutes humming Hulk Hogan’s ‘Real American’)
Frustrated with insanity: Of salt and radation
Modern world:
Ban salt! Ban Happy Meals! Stop eating fat!
The modern world:
Radiation isn’t that bad for you. Don’t worry about that kind of stuff…
Welcome to the new world order, Boston version, where thermal cameras invade privacy and see a bit too much..
A friend of mine today told me that his professor, only his in 40s, died suddenly over the weekend.. The person had kids, a wife.. a life. A great job, a great background in education, and according to my friend, was an influential member of the faculty at the University he worked for.
Weird how quickly your events of life can change.
This is the exact type of story that makes me want to change my whole life.
Having a son has really altered the course of my very existence. Everything I do and think now involves him.. I am second to him. But in the same way, I want to be happier and have a better life for myself, but in a way that only can make his life better too..
I don’t know if it makes sense or not… but I used to ‘hate’ jobs I’ve had. Now I find the need for them. But I am extremely displeased with them now… less in a selfish way and more in a way that I really am not doing what I want to be doing. But isn’t this, in the end, how all people feel one day or another?
And what makes me nervous as, illustrated by your professor’s mishap, we don’t have very long to try to get to a point in which we actually do what we want to do….. and that makes me sad.
Comfort Food: Meet the woman from Florida diagnosed with Pica.. Just don’t sit on her couch, you may ruin her meal..
Meet the boy who would die if he fell asleep
NBC details Liam Derbyshire, a 12-year-old, who relies on a ventilator to keep him alive every time he falls asleep.
Meet the boy who would die if he fell asleep
While everyone was sleeping..
Massive quake hit Japan.. Another tsunami warning got posted.. More nuclear trouble follows..
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wg1DNHbNU?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
Once in a Lifetime — Talking Heads
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
With age comes the lack of widsom
My wife and I are watching a Sunday night PBS show of two local high schools in a Jeopardy type competition.. and my wife and I in turn have never, ever felt dumber.
I have no clue.. on anything!
I’m not smarter than a 5th grader, and in no way smarter than a high schooler. I don’t even think I was smarter than a high schooler in high school..
But it also got me to thinking: When did I get this dumb? When I got a job? When I stopped my ‘learning’ experience in a classroom.. Am I the only one that feel this way?
A tale of two sports
I was flipping back between the Celtics/Heat game the Masters.. What a major difference..
Fighting on the court of the Celtics game, with Lebron James smashing a ball against the Celtics player’s back.
Then to golf.. polite subdued claps, along with quiet announcers.
It made me laugh..
And for some reason I was just addicted to continuously switching back and forth
Something else for us all to worry about: Naked penguins.
Apparently they are now choosing to lose their feathers.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUO_5EALZoM?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
Strange things happening in the world.. twas always thus and always thus shall be. Goodnight.. don’t worry. And don’t fear the reaper..
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
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Happy Saturday to all. And to all a good evening.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
I suppose Mother Nature has been watching too many GOLDEN GIRLS reruns.. Some interesting an sexually suggestive vegetables like these may not be suitable for children under 12—I think clicking on this link may not really even be safe for work..at least not if you work in a garden.
Not to be crude and rude..
This is a breaking news event in the family: My son just had the largest, most immense, most substantial ‘Assplosion’ of all time.. It was as though a device went off in his rear end.. Residual effects are still being felt in the Diaper Genie. Authorities have said that at least one 3-month sized outfit has been ruined, with adult clothing being hit with severe odors and stains.
Officials claim that the scene has been cleaned. Although sources say there are additional odors emitting from the disaster site.
Counselors have already been contacted.
“Tomorrow, I’m pleased to announce that the Washington Monument, as well as the entire federal government, will be open for business,” President Obama
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvVOoCKjonY?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]
Be a human.
But..being a human sometimes sucks.
Goodnight and just enjoy life, even if your job shut down today. And relax. It goes fast.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Friday, April 8, 2011
BUT EVEN IF THERE IS NO SHUTDOWN AT MIDNIGHT, IT MAY JUST BE DELAYING THE INEVITABLE
CNN is reporting: Negotiators are working on a proposal to keep the government open for three days while leaders try to put together a broader deal this weekend
A stop gap measure averts a shutdown—for now.
LET'S MAKE A DEAL? BOEHNER SAYS PROGRESS.. NO SHUTDOWN WILL OCCUR.. AGREEMENT REACHED.
Breaking news being heard around the world.. At least the parts of the world that care about federal government workers not working, parks being shut down, and the military continuing to get paid. Disaster averted? Or just delayed? No one knows yet.. developing story
I realized how quick life can go by..
But I may have found a way to savor the moment: Mental images. Take in the entire room, entire scene, and everyone in it. Tonight I watched my mom and dad talk to my son.. I took it all in and kept in my mental album, hopefully for the rest of my life.
Russians lay down the law
And they don’t want you to Gmail or Skype about it..
For some reason, Russia seems to be planning out a ban of Hotmail, Gmail, Skype, all because they pose a ‘security threat’ of some type to the nation."The FSB would like to ban these services in Russia because "security authorities cannot access them"
The UK TELEGRAPH further reports:"Communications Minister Igor Shchegolev affirmed later that there were "no plans to cut off Skype, Gmail, Hotmail or any other foreign services working in Russia," the Interfax news agency reported.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov on the other hand defended Mr Andreyechkin’s view, calling it “based on the (FSB) service’s duties” and “well-reasoned”, Interfax reported.”
Now how will Russian brides mailed to America communicate with family back home?
Ahhh yes. The privileges and perils of modern technology
Note to parents (me’ included): Don’t overdo technology for your children.. They may go through withdrawal when you take it away..
The next bubble is bursting
And you can most likely see it for yourself. It’s at malls, once thriving, now diving. Vacancy rates are reaching some scary highs..
The FBI releases 'the vault' of documents
They include memos on Malcolm X, 9/11, and a truly fascinating account of how the US government recovered alien bodies from a UFO crash site in New Mexico.. A truly interesting read if you peruse the vault.. And amazing that this UFO tidbit was included with the declassified docs
The FBI releases 'the vault' of documents
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