Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Today, My Brother Talked to Me

Enter an imprisoned mind. Sights and sounds overwhelm your synapses. Everything is moving too fast. You want to tell someone, but you can't. This is the world of autism.

My brother Matt was one of the first out of 250 autistic individuals worldwide who began using facilitated communication. This invention by two Australian scientists was a major breakthrough. Naysayers believe the handler is the one typing out the thoughts. However, Matt has typed out some very intimate information pertaining to relatives' names that his handler wouldn't know, correctly multiplied high numbers without a calculator, and has expressed how he felt at the present time.

Matt is my polar opposite. He loves country living (visits to my grandmother's farmland in Nebraska), country music, and dreadfully sides with my mother's parents as a Republican. Just before last year's Presidential election, he typed out, "I like McCain. Obama wants too much money." Alright, bro, that's a common misperception by Republicans.

Here is a brief article on today's breaking news for identifying a chromosome that is believed to trigger autism. This is encouraging news, but unfortunately, there's more to what might cause this disorder. After you read this brief excerpt, there's an interesting column written by Jim Carey about vaccination injury that has been proven in a court of law to cause autism. The consensus in the autism community believes this disorder is gene-environment based. By no means is Carey, his wife and former goofy co-host of MTV's Singled Out, trying to scare people into not taking vaccines. Their argument is "one size doesn't fit all." You don't administer an adult dosage to an infant. Also, they argue the vaccine schedule should be spread out more. Finally, there were 13 mandatory vaccines listed in 1983. That number is now at 36. It seems the CDC and Big Pharma are in a happy marriage. Here are the two articles:

PHILADELPHIA, PA.; April 28, 2009 (WPVI) -- Three new studies, including the largest ever conducted on the genetics of autism, have identified genes which contribute to the disorders.
One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases, while another study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two crucial gene pathways. Significantly, both studies detected genes implicated in the development of brain circuitry in early childhood. The study leader, Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, used automated genotyping tools that scan the entire genome of thousands of individuals. The researchers found that children with ASDs were more likely than healthy controls to have gene variants on a particular region of chromosome 5. Hakonarson's second study also used genetic scans to identify copy number variations, deletions, or duplications that increase the risk of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The gene discoveries correspond with evidence gathered from functional magnetic resonance imaging that children with autism may have reduced connectivity between brain cells. Anatomy studies have also found that children with autism may have abnormal development of the brain's frontal lobes. Doctors hope the gene findings will not only open the doors to better understanding the brains and behaviors involved in autism, but to more targeted treatment and therapy. Autism Speaks assisted in the research, both with funding, and with access to the DNA of thousands of children affected by autism. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one out of every 166 U.S. children has autism spectrum disorder.

(The author of this article should make a retraction. The number is now 1 out of every 150 U.S. children. What it also fails to mention is in 1987 it was 1 out of every 10,000.)

Link for Jim Carey's column

I wrote an article nearly two years ago on many issues Carey addresses. It's too lengthy and I believe it might have been copied and pasted to a previous entry on here.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-carrey/the-judgment-on-vaccines_b_189777.html


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Let Me Rock

Interactivity is fun. I can be a pain in the ass sometimes, and Robin can attest to that. She has Sirius radio in her car and inevitably one song is played on it just about every time I'm riding in the car with her. First, I enjoy what I feel to be a damn good job harmonizing with this band's lead singer. Second, I love miming with the lyrics for this song. For example, one lyric I misunderstood one word in it. I still enjoy improvising with my version: "Like a twister, I was born to walk alone." So, I twirl my forefinger and finish with using my two forefingers to imitate someone walking. All this occurs while singing along. This makes me feel like a teenie bopper again. By far, this is my favorite band to use these hand gestures and besides, ya' never know when you might be driving down the road with someone who is hard of hearing. My interaction (hand gestures -- pointing to the side of my head and pressing my hand against my chest for the heart and singing along) easily lasts through the duration of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKTiwCez6Zs

Alright. I respect my actions can be annoying. Initially, Robin corrected me, "It's like a drifter, not like a twister." "Yeah, but let's go with twister. It sounds much better." The song continues. "You're so fucking crazy." "What? You've gotta' add some flavor to it." Unfortunately, her patience begins running thin. "Alright. I'm changing it." "No. I'll stop." I stop singing along while getting in an occasional mime or two. About 30 seconds later, I tone it down a few decibels and begin singing again. "P.J.," she yells. "Alright. I'll stop," I repeat. Damn it. Just let me rock.

In high school, I practiced tennis and practiced tennis some more. I was your typical naive American teen with a dream: Become a rock star or professional athlete. Obviously, neither came to fruition. I did love music and wanted to learn how to play some of my favorite grunge songs at the time on guitar. So, I went to a guitar instructor who taught a mutual friend of mine at the time. This friend now professionally plays for a rock band who has gained many props. Google "Dead Confederate."

O.k. I completely expected this guitar instructor to have at least three earings in each ear and several tattoos. Nope. He turned out to be a square. Nice guy, just a square. He basically dissed the 90s sound, saying it's a takeoff from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and a few other bands. Thanks for the vote of confidence there, Chet (not his real name).

He wanted me to learn the basic chords like G-Major, D-Minor, etc. However, I wasn't paying this guy to learn some silly lullaby songs; I was paying him to rock. I wanted to ride the bicycle by taking off the training wheels already. So, he jumped ahead and had me practice a few songs. I did o.k. but never practiced after our sessions. I was hoping he would magically transform me into a rock star by our mere one-hour, one day a week time frame.

This lasted only for approximately a month-and-a-half. He was a nice guy who loved Pink Floyd (I can stand a few of their songs along with The Moody Blues but not many). I also livened the mood when we met, since this guy was dry as toast. He was also a computer nerd who had to stop our sessions a few times to explain to some kid over the phone how to work a certain software program. All and all, he was a nice guy but lame. That was the end of my brief attempt to become a rock star. Once again, you do all the work and just let me rock.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Christopher Hitchens destroys Ken Blackwell

I'm comfortable debating many people on topics I know, but Christopher Hitchens isn't one of them. I had a few college professors who I felt I was smarter than and still do today. One nut, an English professor, tried to make the nonsensical argument that poetry should have a singular interpretation. I think he took offense to my rebuttal and consequently, my grade was lowered one down from where it should've been ("B"). Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJNsWN-QGW8

Friday, April 17, 2009

I Dream of Janeane! Well, not exactly

Here are some personality traits I look for in the ideal woman: sarcastic and silly sense of humor, cynical, and down-to-earth. Janeane Garofalo fits these descriptions, but I have a rule of thumb for tattoos. If it takes you more than 5 minutes to explain each tattoo on your body, you've already lost me. I can understand one or two. However, I don't want to be staring at some fire-breathing dragon or goofy Chinese caricatures that you use to try and make yourself appear to be this benevolent, spiritual person. Janeane has too many but to her credit, she's lost that frumpy physical appearance she had for awhile.

I'm not picky when it comes to women. There are two things in life I refuse to share: my remote control and women. I like women who are sinewy and voluptious. Last night, Garofalo assessed the tea baggers much better than I did on yesterday's post with Keith Olbermann. Enjoy.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#30255102

O.k. You should've probably known the right wing mouthpieces would respond to this critique. As usual, they play the McCarthy card and dismiss her as an out-of-touch celebrity. Pay close attention to what Garafalo has to say to some more sheep one month before our invasion of Iraq. "We're not racists. I didn't see any signs using race at the rally I attended." The Republican Party's positions on policies pertaining to equal rights have historically been associated with a nihilist.

Garafalo cites a few publications, notably not those major newspapers constantly dubbed as liberal like The New York Times and The Washington Post by right-wingers. The McClatchy Newspaper Washington, D.C. bureau and journalists like Jeremy Scahil and Amy Goodman were also ahead of the curve. Perhaps, more people should view Garafalo as an American and not merely a know-nothing entertainer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3MjivZU2w4&feature=related

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Stop Throwing Away My Lipton, Fake Paranoia, and Upcoming Post on Ridiculous Bans on Smoking

Perfectly good tea bags were thrown away yesterday. Anti-tax protestors rebelled like it was The Boston Tea Party even though the majority is taxed with representation. I'm sure there were some well-meaning Libertarians who follow the likes of Ross Perot and Ron Paul. However, the vast majority seemed to simply use ignorance and are wanting to deregulate and continue the failed tax cut policies we implemented over the past eight years.

My assessment of the majority of these people are this: they dismiss you if you don't adhere to their beliefs and call you names like "stupid" and "idiot," love stockpiling their homes with guns they don't need, and want you to subscribe to their narrow, religious views. My tax return was the best yet this year. A recent Gallup poll showed the most amount of Americans supporting this tax structure since the 1950s. Besides, why would you complain when 95 percent of those are getting breaks?

The signs held yesterday were absurd, "No to Socialism" (We're the one industrialized nation who uses very little socialist policies -- Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, public safety, and public buildings. So, you can assume they don't know what Socialism is. "Born to Live, Taxed to Death." Compare how you're taxed to a European country. The bottom line is this: These same people are going against their own economic interests. They wanted us to sit back and do nothing about this economic crisis. Currently, we're seeing signs the economy is turning around.

It's laughable Conservative talking heads feel they're targeted over this latest memo released by the Department of Homeland Security. The Southern Law Poverty Center reported that Hate Crimes increased by 54 percent in 2008. In no way, does this report target those idiots like The Boss Limbaugh and other cooks who simply spew hot air on their radio programs. This memo targets those who have or are potentially forming militia groups. Yes, they're looking at recruiting veterans who are already vulnerable after returning from overseas. It's also a lie when they say Veterans are targeted.

Many of these people are the same kids who got everything from their parents growing up. They're not used to not getting their way. Now, they're pissed and we see like a spoiled child, just how immature and irrational they act.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #1

I lack musical talent. All I have to offer is a halfway decent singing voice and on many occasions, its not good. My father's side of the family has some very talented musicians.

This week marks the 15th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's suicide. While I wasn't a big fan of Nirvana, I appreciate what he and his two bandmates offered to identify with this generation -- willingness to break away from societal norms, emphasizing individualism, and occasionally yelling to release that inner rage of solitude that existed for so long. I chose to do this through writing. Even if you're a casual fan of Nirvana, I saw a very interesting documentary several years ago questioning whether Cobain's death was indeed a suicide.

My grandmother gave me a gift certificate to a music store. I was indifferent to music, but this album caught my attention with a bare-chested man folding his arms with a burning cross in the background. It symbolized to me how all the ills of society were burning on that cross, while a man possesses the inner strength to reach out to others with benevolence. That certainly seemed to be the theme of the music. To this day, they still along with U2, sound like no one else to me. I'll give you a hint who this is: you'll find the band name on this blog's sidebar. Several hundred poems, one published along with a short story, brief stint in journalism, and trying to juggle the ambivalent thoughts that prevent me from continuing a novel can all be attributed to these guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvBFbtQ1NwM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOculxtdX8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=velIlLxxnb8

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Trigger Happy Conservatives and personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #2

Conservatives have a difficult time pretending to be grown-ups. I'm baffled by this recent wave of resistance they're spewing over the 2nd amendment. The Obama administration and Congress is seeking to ban assault rifles. However, you wouldn't know it by their actions. A caller to our local baffoon, Austin Rhodes, invoked his fear by saying he had problems finding amunition anywhere for his assault rifle. He ended by saying he wanted to purchase a few hundred rounds. This hardly sounds like a guy who simply wants to hunt deer.

Why do people feel such an urge to own guns in this country? There are countless examples of manufacturing defects and people who completely lose their minds that use guns for all the wrong reasons. It would be nice to have a complete ban and leave the guns to our police and military. Sorry, Rep. Michelle Bachmann. Your recent insanity over peacefully taking up arms against our government makes you an accessory to the potential deadly crimes that inevitably will transpire.

#2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61R0LO9Sa0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkSBY7O0-mc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XSJjzheHs8

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Master-bators invade Augusta again and personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #3

There are certain competitive games that shouldn't be classified as sports -- billiards, bowling, any card game, trashy car racing, and yes, golf. Put these games on ESPN Ocho (Dodgeball film reference). The Augusta National golf course is a picturesque scene I've been very grateful to see firsthand. You won't find grass finely manicured, beautiful colors of azaleas, pine, and old oak trees. But aside from nature's beauty, you see golf competitors and spectators acting like 10-year-olds. Though there's no scientific poll out, I'm willing to guess many in attendance are heirs to fortunes. They're some of the most dim-witted people I've come across. Southern Hospitality abounds this time of year, since you're spending your money to the natives.

Our goofy mayor who likes to begin many non-government proceedings with a prayer, because he can, offered the key to the city to a true humanitarian, Fuzzy Zoeller. This is the same douchenozzle who had this to say about Tiger Woods' win at the tourney:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ufpU3X-t4w

#3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9b8aICpyEg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBBBg3Ue2ug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9Dq1I1yM4

Friday, April 3, 2009

I'sa like this, how 'bout you?

Next week, I'll relive my top 5 favorite bands from my generation, the 90s. Speaking of the 90s, I haven't heard these guys in quite some time. It's nice to see there are a few plugs of them live. This harkens back to my days as a terrible radio DJ during my first year of college. Think Howard Stern in Private Parts before he revolutionized the "shock jock" wave of DJs. I look back and believe I would get under people's skin just a tad, as I've become more and more outspoken. Tell me what you think about these two vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7luK_mQrOs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5I7apl4s-0