text:
It is an offence punishable by a fine or imprisonment if a jury talks to someone about the jury`s testimony, opinions, arguments or votes while they are considering the case. Jury annulment means not applying the law to the facts of a particular case by decision of the jury. In other words, it is the “trial in which a jury in a criminal trial effectively strikes down a law by acquitting an accused, regardless of the probative value against him.”  Juries. For some, it may seem odd that 12 laymen who are not trained in law – are invited to enter a courtroom and listen to the story of events they know nothing about, involving people they do not know, and then decide if someone has committed a crime. And yet, jury trials are such a fundamental aspect of our criminal law that this right of any accused facing serious charges is part of our Constitution. Since there is no clear archetype for determining guilt, the criminal justice system must rely on jury verdicts. Even after a decision has been made, it is virtually impossible to know whether a jury was right or wrong when it released or charged an accused with a crime. Although determining the effectiveness of juries is a daunting task, contemporary research has partially supported the competence of juries as decision-makers.  At all stages of the trial, jurors may take notes of the trial. Jurors may also give notes to the jury foreman or forewoman asking the judge to explain certain aspects of the case.
A first reference to a group of jurors in England is found in a decree of Aethelred in Wantage (997), which stated that out of a hundred “the twelve Thegn chiefs shall go out with the bailiff and swear on the relics handed over to them, that they shall not accuse any innocent person or protect a culprit.”  The resulting Code of Need formally recognized the legal practices that were part of the Danelaw.  A peculiarity of jury trials in the United States is that verdicts in criminal cases must generally be unanimous. Second, a defendant may waive the right to a jury trial. The defendant`s request must be voluntary, conscious, intelligent and written. The court and the government must accept the defendant`s claim. Although in Scotland (with a different legal system than England and Wales) technically, the “not guilty” verdict was originally a form of jury annulment, the interpretation has changed over time, so that now the “not guilty” verdict has become the normal verdict when a jury is not found guilty and the “not proven” verdict is only used, if the jury is not sure of his innocence or guilt.  It is absolutely essential in Scots and English law that there be a presumption of innocence. This is not a trivial distinction, since any reversal of the burden of proof represents a significant change that undermines the protection of the citizen.  The trial of the first serious crime to be tried without a jury in 350 years continued in 2009.  Three previous trials against the accused had been dismissed for jury manipulation, and the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, cited the additional cost and burden of the jury as reasons for proceeding without a jury.
In the past, in cases where jurors were an issue, jurors were sometimes locked in a hotel for the duration of the trial. However, Isabella Sankey, policy director at Liberty, said: “This is a dangerous precedent. The right to a jury trial is not only a sacred principle, but a practice that ensures that one class of people does not judge another and that the public has confidence in an open and representative justice system.  The Seventh Amendment neither guarantees nor establishes the right to a jury trial; Rather, it preserves the right to a jury trial in the federal courts, which existed at common law in 1791. In this context, the common law refers to the legal environment inherited by the United States of England.

domain: law


text:
James Holdstock donated a kidney early in 2013 as part of a Paired Donation Scheme. Here is his story: Schmauzer and I were introduced in March – I was in Guy’s Hospital, having just donated my left kidney and Schmauzer was a gift from my wife and mother-in-law. I am part of a ‘Paired Donation […]
Helen’s husband was initially horrified when he heard about her plans to donate a kidney.
After donating a kidney, Di set up a website: www.livingkidneydonation.co.uk.
“The whole thing has been life-enriching beyond anything that I could ever describe. Of all the things I have done in my life, this one has been the happiest. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.”
Sanjiv donated a kidney at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Viv is a graphic designer who lives in Cornwall. She donated a kidney in 2011.
Professional jockey, racing commentator and altruistic kidney donor.
“No regrets at all. No second thoughts. This is something that ought to be done by more people.”
Joanna donated a kidney in 2012. “If I had three kidneys, I’d do it again,” she says.
Mary Dixon first started thinking about donating a kidney 21 years ago, when she was training to be a nurse.
Julie received a card from her recipient, which she looks at nearly every day.
“I can’t say I enjoyed the process, but I’m really glad I did it.”
Penny initially thought about donating eggs, but eventually decided to donate a kidney.
Clare wanted to help her recipient to “restart” her life.
“It was enormous fun.”
Natalia carries a picture of the kidney that she donated on her phone, and it’s also on her Facebook page.
Barbara Ryder donated a kidney in 2007. She was the UK’s second altruistic donor.
Nicholas, who is 83, donated a kidney in 2012. He is the UK’s oldest altruistic donor.
David is a retired civil servant and magistrate who lives in Devon.
Kay was the UK’s first altruistic kidney donor.
Maggie donated a kidney in 2007.
Philippa and her daughter have both donated kidneys altruistically.
Polly is a retired nurse who worked on a kidney unit.
Luc donated a kidney in the summer of 2011, when he was 25. I’m what is known as an altruistic kidney donor – that’s someone who donates a kidney to save or prolong a stranger’s life. I’ve been asked to say a few words about my experience. Before I get into the joys of […]
Nicholas Crace is a former charity director from Hampshire, gave a kidney to a stranger in spring, 2012. He was, at the time, the oldest person in the UK to have done so at aged 83 – although there have now been older donors. Nicholas Crace had good health and no dependents when his wife, […]
Paul Hinkins received a kidney through the paired/pooled kidney transplant scheme, which was made possible when the law changed under the Human Tissue Act in 2006. Sometimes someone waiting for a kidney will know someone who is willing to donate one, but incompatibility in blood group or tissue type will mean that the donor’s kidney […]
Keith, from Plymouth received a kidney from an altruistic kidney donor and describes what a difference it made to his life. “I’ll never forget the first time I ate liver and onions after my transplant. Nothing has ever tasted as good.” It was one of Keith’s favourite meals and one that he had not been allowed […]
Chris received a kidney from an altruistic donor after waiting more than three years. My transplant operation gave me back the joy of life. I had got used to life on dialysis and thought I was getting on all right. I was surrounded by people in the same position and had become almost institutionalised. I […]
Jim, from Surrey, describes what it was like waiting for a transplant. Jim had to have a kidney transplant because of a disease called Henoch-Schönlein purpura (inflammation of the blood vessels), which he developed in his late 30s. In fact, he has had two transplants, because the first one failed after less than a year. […]
Keith, from Plymouth, describes what it was like waiting for a kidney transplant. “I am someone who accepts whatever life brings along. So I did get used to being on dialysis,” says Keith. “But there is no doubt that being dialysed three times a week does interfere with your life and your family’s life.” Keith […]

domain: medical


text:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) detection may not spring to mind as a priority for clinicians working primarily with diabetic foot disease and it is certainly not common practice for such clinicians to be actively looking out for them. However as specialist podiatrist and nurse-led peripheral arterial disease (PAD) services emerge in the NHS (working closely with existing vascular and diabetic foot teams), the theme of opportunistic palpation of the abdomen for AAAs during the PAD assessment now requires some consideration.
Deaths from AAA
AAA may be defined as a permanent and irreversible localised dilation of a vessel; in this case the vessel being the aorta as it passes through the abdomen. AAA, if undetected and untreated, can rupture suddenly and has accounted for around 8000 deaths per year in the UK (Sakalihasan et al, 2005). Mortality from ruptured AAA can be as high as 90% (Prance et al, 1999) and about one third of undetected and untreated AAA will go on to rupture (Fleming et al, 2005). Conversely, in people who have been screened, found to have AAA and offered elective repairs, the total mortality for elective repairs and AAA ruptures is 3% (National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme [NAAASP], 2013).
Risk factors for AAA
AAA occurs predominantly in men >65 years of age with a history of smoking and hypertension. Family history also increases the likelihood of AAA. Although approximately six-times more prevalent in men than women, women >65 years of age with a history of smoking or heart disease are also at increased risk of AAA (DeRubertis et al, 2007). Women also have a 4-fold higher risk of rupture from AAA, compared with men (Norman and Powell, 2007).
Interestingly, in people with diabetes, a negative association with AAA has been reported in various studies, along with slower AAA enlargement and fewer rupture repairs (Lederle, 2012). Although the reasons are not yet fully understood, it has been suggested that the advanced glycation associated with diabetes can induce cross-linking of collagen lattices in the aortic media, ultimately reducing aortic wall degradation and stress, which is considered fundamental to AAA formation and progression (Lederle, 2012).
The NHS’ National AAA Screening Programme
Analysis of a large, multicentre AAA screening study has shown that screening will significantly reduce the overall number of deaths from ruptured AAA, even when taking into account the post operative deaths following elective surgical repair intervention. This has led to the development of the NAASP (www.aaa.screening.nhs.uk). The need to improve AAA outcomes has also been a major driver of the current centralisation of NHS vascular surgical units in the UK (Holt et al, 2007).
The overwhelming majority of ruptured aneurysms occur in men over 65. The NHS AAA screening programme aims to reduce deaths from ruptured AAA by up to 50%. The programme invites all men for a one off ultrasound examination of the abdomen in the year they turn 65. The ultrasound examination is done by a trained AAA technician, takes about 10 minutes and is highly sensitive and specific for detecting both the presence of and size of AAA. The possible outcomes from the screening are summarised in Table 1.
During 2011–12, around 93% of all men aged 65 years were offered an AAA screen and overall, 75% (107 000) invited men attended, which resulted in 1600 aneurysms being found. There were 190 elective AAA repairs and three related postoperative deaths (NAAASP, 2013).
Detecting AAA by palpating the abdomen
Palpation of the abdomen for an excessively pulsatile abdominal aorta is part of the normal clinical vascular assessment in many vascular clinics and has previously been recommended as part of the periodic health examination of older men (Oboler and Laforce, 1989). It is known to be only moderately sensitive in detecting AAA, but appears to be highly sensitive in people with a large AAA, if they do not have a large girth (Fink et al, 2000). Abdominal palpation is taught as part of undergraduate medical programmes and has been included in the training and examination of advanced practitioners (nurses or allied health professionals). A 10-minute training session for AAA palpation and interpretation, is detailed in the study by Fink et al (2000). The same author has suggested that any definitive or suggestive findings for AAA on physical examination should have the diagnosis confirmed by appropriate imaging, such as ultrasound.
Other clinical indicators of AAA
Most patients with AAA are asymptomatic. Outside of the national AAA Screening Programme, AAA is usually found incidentally, in patients who have undergone imaging or investigations for other reasons. Where symptoms are present, along with a pulsatile abdomen, they can involve back, abdominal or groin pain, sometimes with distal embolisation or more rarely acute thrombosis (Sakalihasan et al, 2005).
Palpating for AAA during PAD assessment
Although PAD is not a key risk factor for AAA, the prevalence of AAA in people with PAD has been found to be much higher (up to 13%) than in the general population (Barba et al, 2005). In the SIGN (2006) guidelines for PAD, it is specifically recommended that, “individuals with a history of intermittent claudication should have an examination of peripheral pulses and palpation of the abdomen for an aortic aneurysm”. This guidance is aimed at clinicians assessing and diagnosing PAD in primary care settings.
Clinical PAD assessment should include palpation of foot, popliteal and femoral pulses along with ankle–brachial pressure index (NICE, 2012). It is common practice in vascular clinics to also palpate the abdomen for the possibility of AAA, while the patient is lying down. Palpation of the abdomen opportunistically for detection of potential undiagnosed AAA has recently been included in the peripheral vascular disease (PVD) competency dimension for advanced podiatrists (McCardle and Fox, 2013). It has been suggested that this competency is considered in line with local vascular team preference.
During broad multidisciplinary consultation on the draft PVD competency dimension, palpation of the abdomen for AAA caused the most debate and identified a split in professional clinical opinion on whether it should be included or not. Concerns raised were around:
- The lack of direct association between AAA and PAD.
- Diagnostic accuracy of abdominal palpation.
- The potential for false positive and false negative results.
- Causing unnecessary worry in patients.
- Consenting patients adequately.
- Variability of verbal messages given during and following palpation.
The decision to include abdominal palpation in the published PVD competency dimension stemmed from the SIGN Guidelines recommendations for PAD (SIGN, 2006) and from experiences of clinicians piloting abdominal palpation. It has been piloted within a specialist podiatry and nurse-led PAD service (Fox et al, 2012) and by a principal podiatrist working in a neighbouring NHS Trust, who had undergone advanced practitioner training and mentorship from her vascular team colleagues (Chaudhry, 2013). The results of opportunistic abdominal palpation and the subsequent detection rate of AAA in people presenting for lower limb PAD assessment to these services are summarised in Table 2, alongside the recently published NAAASP statistics. It is also of note that in the Manchester PAD service, of the approximately 250 people checked, a total of 17 were referred on due to excessively pulsatile aortas and of these eight were subsequently confirmed to have AAA via Duplex imaging.
Cases identified initially by abdominal palpation
The following case studies are taken from patients who have attended the podiatrist and nurse-led PAD service in Manchester.
Case study 1
A 68-year-old man attended for a PAD assessment in January 2012. He was found to have mild PAD and was referred to his GP for medicines review and to a supervised exercise programme. His abdomen was not palpated opportunistically. In July 2012 at his PAD review, he was found to have stable PAD. At this appointment his abdomen was palpated opportunistically for AAA. He was found to have a pulsatile, expansile abdominal aorta. He had no abdominal, lower back or groin symptoms and was otherwise well. He was referred to his GP, for consideration of further vascular opinion. A vascular surgeon saw him approximately 4 months later, in November 2012. The AAA was confirmed by Duplex scan and found to be large. In December 2012, he underwent an elective endovascular aneurysm repair. In April 2013, he was reviewed, had healed uneventfully, his walking distances had improved and he was well.
This case was highlighted in a national newspaper to raise awareness around AAAs and PAD. He was quoted as saying, “My surgeon told me the aneurysm was over 10.5 cm. I needed surgery straightaway. If it hadn’t been investigated I don’t think I’d be here today. I’m horrified when I look back and realise how much danger I was in and didn’t even know it.”
Case study 2
A 73-year-old man was seen on 24 December 2013 for PAD assessment, due to vague leg symptoms. He had no abdominal, lower back or groin symptoms and was otherwise well. He was found to have normal arterial flow in the legs. His abdomen was palpated opportunistically during PAD assessment and his aorta was found to be pulsatile and expansile. He was referred directly for an urgent outpatient vascular appointment. In early January 2014 he was seen by the surgeon, who confirmed an AAA 7.4 cm in diameter. His options were discussed and he chose to proceed with elective surgery.
Although the NAAASP has had a major impact on the detection of life threatening aortic aneurysms, there are a significant proportion of the target population who do not attend for screening (>25%), and there are others likely to have AAA (e.g. men aged >65 years and women with a history of smoking or heart disease) who are not eligible for this programme. For people with undetected AAA who are not screened, incidental detection (e.g. during computed tomography scan/X-ray) or reporting family history of AAA to the GP may lead to the detection of AAAs.
Opportunistic abdominal palpation as part of a clinical examination is perhaps the only other common trigger for diagnostic AAA investigations (Fink et al, 2000).
In specialist podiatrist and nurse-led PAD assessment services, opportunistic palpation of abdomens for AAA has resulted in detection rates that compare well to the detection rates for people attending the national screening programme. We have not found any published data to compare our AAA detection rates in Manchester and Stockport with other vascular clinics, where opportunistically abdominal palpation commonly takes place. Previously undetected and untreated aneurysms have been found in people attending our clinics, including large ones that have required urgent surgical repair.
As vascular service reconfiguration and redesign occurs throughout the NHS with centralisation of vascular surgery in “hub” centres, it is likely that more specialist podiatrist and nurse-led PAD services will be provided in “spoke” settings; either outlying hospitals, primary care centres, or diabetic foot clinics. There is an opportunity for all such PAD assessment clinics to consider including abdominal palpation as part of the overall clinical assessment.
Patients lying flat for an ankle–brachial pressure index assessment are in an ideal position for this quick, simple non-invasive and moderately sensitive AAA examination technique. The issues of concern around abdominal palpation raised above, can all be dealt with within a reasonable clinical governance framework. A suggested route for specialist podiatrist and nurses to acquire vascular competencies and demonstrate clinical governance has been put forward previously and is summarised below (Fox, 2013):
- Identify current vascular competencies, using the PVD competency dimension.
- Complete a post-graduate Level 6 / 7 vascular disease module (e.g. Edge Hill University).
- Undergo a supervised 6-month placement in a vascular clinic, with a vascular surgeon mentor, to develop vascular diagnostic and clinical management experience (e.g. 50 hours in total).
If death from undetected and untreated ruptured AAA in the at-risk population is to be minimised, opportunistic abdominal palpation in people attending for PAD assessment needs to be considered, to supplement the national AAA screening programme. This quick, simple clinical test would identify life-threatening AAA in people who are not eligible for or do not attend the AAA screening programme.
An integrated approach from the vascular clinical community on this issue is essential and any clinicians palpating for abdominal aneurysms will need to be adequately trained within vascular clinics. Specialist podiatrists and nurses who are already providing PAD assessment as part of diabetic or high-risk foot services will need to discuss this with their local consultant vascular surgeons.


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Influential British 1960s band Cream reunited for a concert on Monday - 36 years after the group split.
Many fans travelled from the USA to witness the reunion
Guitarist Eric Clapton joined drummer Ginger Baker and bass player Jack Bruce for a series of performances at London's Royal Albert Hall.
The band last played together in 1993 when they were inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
All four performances sold in less than two hours, with tickets changing hands for more than £500 on eBay.
Agencies had been offering tickets for the concerts for up to £1,700, and standing tickets at the top of hall were advertised for £350.
Many fans had flown over from the USA to witness the reunion, which Clapton, 60, is said to have agreed to because of the failing health of the other former members of the band.
Bass player Bruce, 61, has had a liver transplant, and drummer Baker, 65, is said to suffer from arthritis.
Cream last played at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968.
Although the band were only together for less than three years, they recorded three albums which sold more than 35 million copies.
Singles included Crossroads and Born Under a Bad Sign, I Feel Free and Strange Brew.
On Monday the band received a standing ovation after coming on stage unannounced and launching into I'm So Glad. After three songs, Clapton told the crowd: "Thanks for waiting all those years!"
He added: "We'll probably play everything we know - we'll play as long as we can."
Their set included all their most famous songs, including Crossroads, Spoonful and White Room. The encore was Sunshine of Your Love - their biggest hit single.
Clapton (r) formed Cream with Jack Bruce (l) and Ginger Baker
Before joining Cream, Clapton had previously been with the Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
Cream formed in 1966 but split acrimoniously in 1969.
Clapton, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, went on to form Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes - with whom he recorded Layla - before carving out a successful solo career.
Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker both went on to play with numerous other bands, as well as recording with each other.

domain: artistic


text:
MK Reuven Rivlin (Likud) has been waging a presidential campaign for months in the teeth of opposition from his party chairman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rivlin has heard repeatedly about Netanyahu’s efforts to find a candidate of his own to run, someone the coalition could support instead of Rivlin. There was an even an unsuccessful attempt to get the presidential election postponed.
- Silvan Shalom Accused of Sex Offense
- Israel Needs Ben-Eliezer for President
- The Politics Behind the Presidency
- Bibi Knows He Can't Push Off Presidential Vote
- Labor Raps Bibi's Bid to Delay Prez Vote
- Netanyahu vs. Israeli Democracy
- Vote for Israeli President May Still Be Delayed
- Lapid Rejects Pushing Off Presidential Election
- PM Wants Largest Party Form Gov’t
The president will be elected by the Knesset on June 14, and at least on paper, Rivlin enjoys impressive support from across the political spectrum in this body. In private conversations, he has said that if elected, he would prefer to remain in his own apartment and report to the President’s Residence every day for work. People who met with him this week said he doesn’t intend to try to fill current president Shimon Peres’ role as the country’s leading public diplomat. Instead, he wants to focus on reducing hostility between Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens.
So far, Rivlin is one of only two candidates who have managed to secure the necessary signatures from 10 MKs to be placed on the ballot. The other is MK Benjamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor), who has also received many pledges of support for his candidacy.
An Internet campaign mounted by Ben-Eliezer’s supporters bears the slogan “Israel is electing a father.” People close to Ben-Eliezer say this isn’t just a slogan; it’s a vision. He wants “to turn the President’s Residence into an institution that will help heal the rifts in the nation,” said one.
Ben-Eliezer is running as the Labor Party’s candidate, but it’s doubtful all the party’s MKs will vote for him. MK Shelly Yacimovich, for instance, refused to sign his candidacy form. Moreover, Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid says his party will oppose Ben-Eliezer, because Ben-Eliezer opposed Yesh Atid’s flagship legislation — the new army enlistment law. On the other hand, Ben-Eliezer may well get votes from Rivlin's opponents in Likud.
On Monday, when the Knesset resumes work after its spring break, the presidential race will shift into high gear. Sometime in the next few days, Yesh Atid’s Knesset faction will decide whether to let its members sign candidacy forms for additional presidential candidates. That could help some of the other potential candidates who don’t yet have the necessary 10 signatures: Nobel Prize laureate professor Dan Shechtman, former Supreme Court Justice Dalia Dorner, former Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik (Kadima), MK Meir Sheetrit (Hatnuah) and MK Uzi Landau (Yisrael Beiteinu).
Until now, Lapid has barred his faction members from signing anyone’s form in hope that Yesh Atid would find a candidate of its own to run or the coalition would unite around a consensus candidate. So far, neither has happened.
Regional Development Minister Silvan Shalom (Likud) was previously considered a strong candidate, but his candidacy is currently on hold while police look into a sexual harassment complaint against him. Though the complaint seems unlikely to result in a full-fledged criminal investigation, it remains unclear whether Shalom will be able to rehabilitate his image and rejoin the race.
The bigger question is whether Netanyahu will manage to pull a joker out of his sleeve: a new candidate capable of winning the race. Some Netanyahu associates say he opposes both Rivlin and Shalom, because he fears they might overshadow him as president — and that Shalom might use the job as a springboard to capturing the Prime Minister’s Office down the road.
Several MKs recalled this week that in the last presidential election, Peres won handily despite joining the race less than two weeks before the vote. But so far, Netanyahu hasn’t managed to find a suitable candidate.
The prime minister wasn’t impressed with Shechtman, who “has assailed the Netanyahu government in various forums,” a Netanyahu associate said. Other names that have been mentioned include Jewish Agency chairman Natan Sharansky, former Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch and former ministers Moshe Arens and David Levy. But Likud sources believe all of them would have trouble mobilizing enough support to win, and would never agree to run unless assured of victory.
One Labor MK noted that with Rivlin and Ben-Eliezer both enjoying widespread support in the Knesset, few votes are left for a third candidate. Yet on the other hand, two strong candidates who are liable to split the vote between them could provide an opportunity for a third candidate to win in the first round.
Any such candidate, however, would need to defy the statistical record to win. To date, no government outsider has ever defeated a politician in the presidential election.

domain: news


text:
Monday, January 25, 2016
I run on the trail's of Seabrook. There are lots of birds. Big sea birds. Vultures. Ducks. On Saturday, I saw a flock of green parrots. But for several weeks now, bird watching professionals have been hanging out in one particular part of the forest. These are serious bird watchers, with big long lenses, tripods, patience.
Yesterday, I finally asked what they were looking for. Grace's Warbler.
I was pondering that this morning. Lots of people are seriously looking for this small bird. While I run around not knowing of its existence at all. And even now that I've googled the bird, I don't know what is so special about it.
I chase the Holy Spirit with all the fervor of these bird watchers chasing Grace's Warbler. In fact, The Holy Spirit is Grace's Warbler.
I search the running calendars looking for a race I want to go to. I can't find what I want. There is no running adventure hanging out there on the horizon, no transcendental event; except for those I am already entered. My life seems not to have some big special thing in it. You know, us humans have a very difficult time with sameness.
I only ran 62 miles this week and worked out for 16.x hours. Next Sunday is a marathon, so I was taking it a bit easy this weekend. I hope I have fun next weekend. Its just a marathon; nothing special. See, for some, a marathon is a big deal. For me who runs many of them, its not.
My Course in Miracles lesson today is: "I choose the second place to gain the first." This is not a material world concept of getting ahead. "What seems to be the second place is first, for all things we perceive are upside down until we listen to the Voice for God. "
I wish I could see Grace's Warbler.

domain: hobby


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text:
Ever since I was young, I noticed and loved art and graphic design. I was always creating, taking art classes from an early age, and making crafts as often as I could.
Based near Washington, DC, I have over 12 years of experience working as a graphic artist on print, web, and logo design. Most recently, I have begun illustrating children's books and creating hand-lettered art. I enjoy creating art with a whimsical style and love incorporating watercolor and vibrant hues. I live with my husband, Seth, and our two children Clara (age 6) and Theo (age 5), and now with a baby foster daughter too! It's been a joy to share my art with my family and have my kids grow up reading picture books I've illustrated and designed.
Email me for more information on my work, or to set up a meeting to discuss your project. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Follow me on Instagram @jessblanchardstudio

domain: design


text:
Quantity: 1 available
Condition: Very Good
Set of four softcover books, Some shelfwear, No 191 has some rusty staple marks seen through the card covers, some foxing to some of the pages and edge blocks, otherwise in Very Good condition. All four issues pp208 collectively, b&w illustrations and some photographs. An illustrated quarterly magazine for magicians, concert artists and all entertainers. Magic tricks presented: articles, cards, coins, cigarettes, and handkerchiefs.Tricks of the trade, list of new books, advertising. Articles: Chit chat by Frederic Culpit, Doublo and Treblo by C. W. Collier Ropes and rings again by S.P. Bowman Einstein to the rescue by Peter Warlock Three pence for a change by Rupert H. Slater Through the looking glass byW.S.Hartley Production kettle for silks by Prof. Edgar Cartoon capers by 'Mystico' More flashes from the forge byH.G. Sparks the witch doctor, Transposition by Tom Sellers Stage table production by Ernest Castro Something like a magician by Frank Staff An emergency card stand by Stanley Thomas and much more...
Title: The Magic Wand and Magical Review No. 189, 190, 191, 192, Vol. XXX
Location Published: George Johnson: 1941
Binding: Soft cover
Book Condition: Very Good
Seller ID: 012023

domain: literature


text:
Quilt Top 101
If you are new to quilting and have never constructed a quilt or just want to hone your techniques, this is the class for you. Students will learn basic skills in using a rotary cutter and ruler, how to mark and organize your project, basic quilting vocabulary and how to sew using a 1/4" seam. At the end of the class you will have a completed 69"x75" quilt top and information on how to complete a finished quilt! The class consist of two sessions.


text:
Monday News, September 8
School Board To Elect Officers
(Le Mars) -- The Le Mars Community Board of Education is scheduled to meet this evening, and on the agenda will be the election of officers. The school board will also hear from Angela Hurd of the Le Mars Parent-Teacher Organization as it is expected she will present a contribution toward the recently completed Project Playground. The school board will hear the Superintendent's annual report from Dr. Todd Wendt, as well as receive the proposed district learning goals for 2014-2015.
Hickory Avenue Closed For Culvert Repair
(Le Mars) -- The Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department has announced the closing of Hickory Avenue from county road C-12 to 100 street. That road will be closed for the next two and a half weeks beginning today, for a bridge replacement with a culvert.
Library Board To Discuss Hours Of Operation
(Le Mars) -- The Le Mars Public Library will hold its monthy meeting late this afternoon at the library. Items on the agenda include discussion concerning the computer/internet usage policy, along with the website contracting fee. The library board will also discuss the hours of operation to the public.
Wayne Marty Competes In Le Mars Sprint Triathalon
(Le Mars) -- On Saturday, the Le Mars YMCA hosted its annual Sprint Triathalon. Among the 97 participants from Iowa and neighboring midwestern states was Le Mars resident Wayne Marty. Marty, a former Biology professor at Westmar College, is 82 years young and was the event's oldest participant. Saturday marked Marty's eighth Sprint Triathalon, having competed in each year the event has been held. The Sprint Triathalon consists of a 300 yard swim, followed by a 15 mile bicycle ride, and then a three mile run. Marty recalls how he got started eight years ago.
Mary was asked if he had a particular favorite segment of the sprint triathalon.
The 82 year old Le Mars resident says his body felt good after completing the three segment endurance athletic competition.
The former Westmar Biology professor says he doesn't follow a strict regiment when it comes to running, only that he enjoys doing it.
Marty says he originally would run three miles per day, but now he has cut back a bit, and he doesn't refer to it as running.
Marty competed with his brother in last year's inaugural Mud Run, and says he hasn't yet decided if he will compete in this year's event. As for next year's Sprint Triathalon, Marty says he'll have to see when the time comes.
Hard Rock Casino Earns $7 Million In First Month
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - The new Hard Rock Casino in Sioux City reported $7.2 million in revenue during its first month of operation.
State regulators said Friday the new Hard Rock easily surpassed its predecessor's typical August results.
In the past 10 Augusts, the former Argosy Sioux City casino reported revenue between $3.9 million and $5.3 million.
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administrator Brain Ohorilko says the increase is similar to what other communities experienced after older riverboat casinos were replaced with land-based casinos. The newer facilities offer larger gaming floors and more amenities.
The early success is good news for the Missouri River Historical Development nonprofit, which distributes 4.25 percent of the Hard Rock's revenue to local charities. That translates to $304,000 for August.
Ernst And Braley Both Promote Ethanol Production
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Ethanol production has become a key issue in Iowa's closely matched U.S. Senate race, with both candidates pledging support for an industry that is important to the state's corn-powered agricultural economy.
Democrat Bruce Braley and Republican Joni Ernst have both sought to assure voters they oppose a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency that would reduce the amounts of ethanol and other biofuels that must be blended into gasoline.
Braley is touting his efforts to halt the changes. Ernst argues she supports maintaining the existing standard - known as the Renewable Fuel Standard - though she has taken questions over statements that she is she is opposed to subsidies from a "philosophical standpoint."
The Iowa Farm Bureau's political committee endorsed Ernst, while the Iowa Corn Growers Association PAC backed Braley.
Oil Pipeline Proposed For Iowa
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa landowners want to see the details of a proposed oil pipeline that would carry crude oil from North Dakota across the state to Illinois.
Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners has said the 1,100-mile pipeline would likely cross 17 counties as it crosses from northwest to southeast Iowa.
Energy Transfer Partners spokeswoman Vicki Granado says public meetings will take place across Iowa in December.
Landowner Don Kreber agreed to let the company survey some of his farmland in O'Brien County, but he still hasn't heard many details yet.
Crop Dusting Helicopter Crashes In Southwestern Iowa
MACEDONIA, Iowa (AP) - The pilot of a crop-dusting helicopter is being treated for injuries after crashing in western Iowa this weekend.
The helicopter crashed in a field near Macedonia after hitting a power line on Saturday afternoon.
Treynor Fire Chief Russ Maguire says the male pilot was out of the wreckage and conscious when paramedics arrived.
The pilot was taken to CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska for treatment. Authorities say his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Federal authorities are likely to investigate the cause of the crash.


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Cody is a small town in northwestern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin founded by, and named for William F. Cody, better known to most Americans as Buffalo Bill. For many travelers Cody is the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. However, Cody is a worthy RV travel destination in its own right. While camping at Buffalo Bill State Park's Lake Side Campground we'll explore the town, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Buffalo Bill Dam, the historic cabins, saloons and stores of Old Trail Town, and even Heart Mountain Interpretive Center on the grounds of a World War II Japanese internment camp.
Filmed: August 20-25, 2023
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:50 Cody, Wyoming
- 2:39 Buffalo Bill Dam & Reservoir
- 4:48 Buffalo Bill State Park Camping
- 9:30 Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- 18:00 Old Trail Town
- 21:33 Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
- 26:21 Wrap-up and what's next
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Cody/Yellowstone Wyoming https://www.codyyellowstone.org/
- Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center https://bbdvc.com/
- Buffalo Bill State Park https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/buffalo-bill
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West https://centerofthewest.org/
- Old Trail Town https://www.oldtrailtown.org/
- Heart Mountain Interpretive Center https://www.heartmountain.org/
GET GRAND ADVENTURE STUFF
We've created some fun and quirky merchandise particularly for RV campers, including t-shirts, coffee mugs and more. Sales help to support Grand Adventure to keep bringing you outdoor adventure videos each and every week. Visit https://teespring.com/stores/grandadventure to browse our selection.
USE WHAT WE USE
We've opened a Grand Adventure store on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/shop/GrandAdventure Unlike other Amazon shops, every single item you see in our store is hand picked from things we use ourselves in our own Grand Adventures, from RV stuff to our dogs and even photography and videography. We've tried it, we've tested it, and we can heartily recommend it. No random stuff or paid product placements.
It costs you no more to shop Amazon with us, but by shopping our store a portion of each sale goes to bringing you more and better Grand Adventure videos! Thank you for clicking through to give us a look!
🎵 We license music for our videos from Soundstripe https://soundstripe.com?fpr=grandadventure. Use the coupon code "GRANDADVENTURE" to get 10% off a yearly or monthly Soundstripe subscription.
Welcome to Grand Adventure, a YouTube channel that focuses on RV-centric outdoor activities including not only of course camping, but also mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, always filmed in stunning 4K.
We're based in Salt Lake City, Utah during the winter months, and invite you to come along as we travel all around the U.S. My wife Patricia and I, and dog Zoe are avid boondockers, so while you'll occasionally find us in RV parks or even dry campgrounds, we're usually camped in some of the most remote and beautiful spots that you could ever pull a travel trailer into. We've now transitioned from "long-timing" for six months a year, to living and traveling in our RV full-time.
We'll provide beautiful travel videos, as well as some tips and insight on trip planning, and equipping and maintaining your RV to make your next adventure a grand one indeed! So, subscribe to make sure that you catch every episode, and remember...life is nothing but a Grand Adventure!
CONNECT WITH US
Become one of our Grand Adventurers and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
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domain: travel


text:
Chinese, last quarter of 20th century. Large Hong Kong Macau porcelain floor vase of of bulbous form with flared and ruffled rim at top above sloping neck, exterior with transfer and hand painted decoration with figures in garden setting and seated in interiors with view of mountains and water in green landscape with stylized pine trees, overlapped medallions amid floral rosettes and scrolling on textured ground, accents in gilt throughout on white ground. Marked on bottom with red seal mark for Qianlong period (1711-1799), however, later work from 20th century. Overall approximate height 52.125", diameter of opening at top 16.75".
Prior to bidding, please consult the additional photos provided and ask all pertinent questions (i.e. condition, size, etc.). Packing and shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, please see our website for a list of shipping companies. For a condition report, please email Condition@AandOauctions.com. For additional photos, please email Photos@AandOauctions.com.


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Fan reaction to Colton Underwood coming out has been a mixed bag. It has also sparked the idea of an LGBTQ version of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. Some fans even suggest giving Underwood another shot at finding love on The Bachelor, but with male contestants this time.
Is Bachelor Nation ready for a love story featuring a gay lead?
Bachelor in Paradise Dipped Toe Into Diversity Pool
Bachelor in Paradise is a tawdry version of the ABC dating competition. It takes former contestants and strands them on a private beach. With alcohol flowing freely, things get hot and heavy between the stars.
Season 6 of BiP featured one of the first (openly) bisexual contestants. Demi Burnett first appeared on Colton Underwood season of The Bachelor. She didn’t find love with Underwood, but went on to try her luck in Paradise.
After a brief fling with Derek Puth, Burnett realized that she was still in love with her ex, Kristian Haggerty. The franchise brought Haggerty to Paradise to rekindle the couple’s romance. The two became the first same-sex couple in the history of the franchise.
Sadly, their relationship didn’t last long after the show ended.
On April 14, former Bachelor Colton Underwood publicly came out on Good Morning America. Demi Burnett was among the Bachelor Nation alum showing their support for Underwood. She sent out a simple tweet, welcoming him to the LGBTQ community.
Welcome to the community brother 🌈✨— Demi Burnett (@demi_burnett) April 14, 2021
Is Bachelor Nation ready for a gay lead?
Many longtime viewers of the franchise were not entirely surprised by Colton Underwood’s announcement.
It had been rumored for years and he addressed it during his time on the show. He clearly wasn’t ready to come out at the time, and strongly denied the rumors.
Fans of the franchise spoke out on social media, clamoring for a new season for Underwood or an entirely new spin-off with a gay lead.
At least one fan made the suggestion on GMA’s Instagram post about the interview:
boonia229: They should bring him back as the bachelor and bring guys as contestants to compete for him.
Another fan took to Twitter to express the same idea.
TMZ reports that producers in the franchise are talking about the same thing. As of now, it’s just informal chatter among the producers.
Colton Underwood’s GMA interview came days after internet rumors that he was filming a reality show with Netflix. Those rumors are gaining traction after he was seen with a camera crew after his interview.
Netflix has yet to confirm or deny the rumors.
Do you think Bachelor Nation is ready for a season featuring a gay Bachelor or Bachelorette? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
- ‘Bachelor’ Star Lea Cayanan Opens Up About Dealing With Trolls - April 21, 2024
- How Much Are Former ‘Bachelor’ Stars Really Worth? - April 21, 2024
- Would Tyler Cameron Take It All Off For Money? - April 21, 2024

domain: celebrity


text:
Battle of Crete - Australian Army Campaigns Series 1 (Paperback)Albert Palazzo
Paperback Published: 01/06/2007
- Can be ordered from our supplier
Between 20 May and 1 June 1941 the Second World War came to the Greek island of Crete. The Commonwealth defenders consisted of Australian, New Zealand and British refugees from the doomed Greek Campaign who had not recovered from defeat.
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing

domain: library


text:
Directions to Pekarna Savski kruh (Ljubljana) with public transportation
The following transit lines have routes that pass near Pekarna Savski kruh
How to get to Pekarna Savski kruh by Bus?
Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules.
From Klopca Pod Smarno Goro, Ljubljana84 min
From Kavarnica Kaval, Ljubljana47 min
From Brezovica40 min
From Priključek Cikava, Grosuplje74 min
From Predor Mali vrh, Grosuplje56 min
From OMV, Grosuplje76 min
From Črna Vas, Ljubljana34 min
From OMV Grosuplje, Grosuplje80 min
From McDonald's, Ljubljana36 min
Bus stations near Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana
|Savsko Naselje||3 min walk||VIEW|
|Središka||4 min walk||VIEW|
|Savske Stolpnice||7 min walk||VIEW|
|Friškovec||11 min walk||VIEW|
Bus lines to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana
|7||Nove Jarše - Pržan||VIEW|
|19||TOMAČEVO - BARJE||VIEW|
|22||Fužine (P+R) - Kamna Gorica||VIEW|
|7L||Letališka - Pržan||VIEW|
Directions from Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana to popular places:
Questions & Answers
What are the closest stations to Pekarna Savski kruh?
The closest stations to Pekarna Savski kruh are:
- Savsko Naselje is 182 meters away, 3 min walk.
- Središka is 234 meters away, 4 min walk.
- Savske Stolpnice is 457 meters away, 7 min walk.
- Friškovec is 804 meters away, 11 min walk.
Which Bus lines stop near Pekarna Savski kruh?More details
How far is the bus stop from Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana?
The nearest bus stop to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana is a 3 min walk away.More details
What’s the nearest bus stop to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana?
The Savsko Naselje stop is the nearest one to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana.More details
What time is the first Bus to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana?
The 2 is the first Bus that goes to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana. It stops nearby at 4:23 AM.More details
What time is the last Bus to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana?
The 2 is the last Bus that goes to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana. It stops nearby at 11:54 PM.More details
Public Transportation to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana
Wondering how to get to Pekarna Savski kruh in Ljubljana, Slovenia? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Pekarna Savski kruh with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.
Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Pekarna Savski kruh in real time.
Looking for the nearest stop or station to Pekarna Savski kruh? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Savsko Naselje; Središka; Savske Stolpnice; Friškovec.
Want to see if there’s another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Pekarna Savski kruh easily from the Moovit App or Website.
We make riding to Pekarna Savski kruh easy, which is why over 930 million users, including users in Ljubljana, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You don’t need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.
For information on prices of Bus, costs and ride fares to Pekarna Savski kruh, please check the Moovit app.

domain: geography


text:
Visual artist Sari Palosaari tells about working with stones as part of her artistic practice: the material, quality, and character of the subject. Sari will share insights, memories, and stories in Kiasma's Coexistence exhibition.
Subsequently, participants will start a workshop on storytelling with digital marketing and social media specialist, Liisa Siitonen. Liisa will take the contributed rocks by the participants and the work by Palosaari as a starting point and inspiration for non-human narratives relating to traveling and migration of rocks and stones.
Language: English Duration: 120 minutes (from 1.30 to 3.30 pm) No prior experience is required! Please bring a small clean rock with you.
Free of charge with a valid student card. For non-students with museum ticket purchaced on the event day.
Photo: Sari Palosaari Time is out of joint 1, 2018 Finnish National Gallery / Pirje Mykkänen


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WORLD champion swimmer Liam Tancock says it’s time for him to give something back to Loughborough before riding the wave to the Olympics in 2012.
The 24-year-old, who smashed the 50m backstroke record in striking gold in the world championships in Rome this summer, has declared himself available to represent Loughborough in the BUSA Championships in Sheffield next month.
And he is delighted to be focusing on local rather than global glory.
“I want to be there for the College and the University,” he said. “We have the best coaches and facilities here and they are playing a real part in the revival of British swimming.
“I don’t know which events I’ll be taking part in – that is up to the coach. I don’t mind going outside my usual events if it means helping the team.”
Tancock values the event at Ponds Forge from November 13-15 so highly he is flying straight back from a World Cup series event in Sweden to take part.
Looking slightly further ahead, Tancock says he is regarding next year’s European Championships and Commonwealth Games as ‘important stepping stones’ towards his main goal in London.
And he is very optimistic that Great Britain are set to build on the sensational double gold medal triumph of Rebecca Adlington that brought swimming back out of the doldrums in Beijing last year.
“When I was coming up through the age group levels we were at a very low ebb nationally and I remember how that feels,” he said. “But now we have the benefit of the best coaches and support and a group of very talented swimmers developing together. It’s great to be part of this era in British swimming and I’m confident we can ride the wave now all the way to 2012.”
Tancock has been studying sport science at Loughborough College since 2003. After making his senior debut for Great Britain in 2005 he has been aided by funding from the National Lottery.
“My course is taking a while to finish as it has to work around the swimming but the college have been really good in accommodating for that,” he continues. “The Lottery funding helps with my general costs so I’m able to train twice a day with only Sunday’s off.
“I’m an Exter boy originally but I live in the town now and I do get recognised occasionally.
“Obviously Loughborough’s quite a sporty place and we tend to know each other but it’s great being together with so many athletes from different sports and there’s a great atmosphere to the place.”
Meanwhile Tancock says his second appearance on the cult sporting quiz Question of Sport, broadcast on Friday night, was a ‘brilliant experience.
The College sports science student was part of Phil Tuffnell’s team who went down to light-hearted defeat by a single point and Tancock revealed that the show took many of his friends by surprise.
“I only told my family and a handful of friends, so I had plenty contacting me to say they were watching me on TV,” he said.
“Meeting the people involved was great and is one of the reasons I attend a lot of sporting events.”
• This year marks The National Lottery’s 15th Anniversary. Thanks to Lottery players, more than £23 billion has been raised for Good Causes, which has meant talented British athletes have benefitted from grants, making a difference to people, places and communities all across the UK. www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk


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off topic: star wars names
hi, i'm roc quattro naproxen
To determine your Star Wars name you follow this recipe.
1) you take the first 3 letters from your first name.
2) you add to that the type of car you drive
3) to this you add the last medication/drug you took as the name
of the planet you come from.
two strokes are faster than four!
this message was composed using the vi editor.
'83 ur-q - yamaha rz350 - suzuki ts250 - chaotic good


text:
This is What Asperger’s Looks Like
During the sexual harassment discussion, one commenter said certain elements of SF/F fandom simply lack social graces, and you’re going to run into these drooling Asperger types. It’s not their fault. All you can really do is avoid them and try to warn others.
I’m not linking to the comment, because several people have already confronted the commenter (including an excellent post by Mrissa here). I’m certain it wasn’t intended to be hurtful. It’s the kind of comment I’ve heard many times, and I know it’s not malicious.
But it hurts.
I’m having a hard time being my normal, “reasonable” self about this. My son was diagnosed with Asperger’s early this year. He’s high-functioning, but there was no question about the diagnosis. It’s been months, and I’m still adjusting and learning. But I know one thing — my son is Fucking Awesome.
Let me show you one example of what Asperger’s looks like:
That’s my son Jackson in his Halloween costume, vanquishing one of our neighbors. (Everyone knows the gorilla is the natural enemy of the Italian plumber, right?)
Jackson does struggle socially. I remember picking him up from preschool last year, asking how his day went, and fighting tears when he said, “Nobody wants to play with me.” Most days I’d find him playing by himself in a corner. He has meltdowns when routines get broken without warning. He can also be overly physical and affectionate sometimes, and we’ve had to work with him on that, but he’s learning where the boundaries are.
He struggles physically as well. He’s 5 and a half, and still can’t ride a bike. He’s in physical and occupational therapy every week. He runs laps in the house most nights. Lately, he’s started whipping his hands around as a form of self-stimulation.
He’s Fucking Awesome.
He’s in kindergarten now, and he’s making progress. He’s starting to learn how to get along with other kids. We visited some friends a few weeks ago, and he spent four hours playing with their five-year-old, with only a few minor, typical squabbles. I don’t know how to explain how much that meant to me.
The harasser from WFC? That was someone who knows to behave one way in public and another when he has a woman alone. That’s someone with social awareness. Hell, many abusers and harassers have very advanced social skills. I remember the first time I sat in on a batterer’s group, and how terrifyingly charming these guys were. These are not people who simply lack social skills or don’t know how to behave due to autistic spectrum disorders.
I’ve heard it before. Cons and fandom are full of Aspies who can’t communicate save through Monty Python jokes. Really? Because Asperger’s Syndrome is an actual diagnosis, with fairly strict criteria that include more than simple social awkwardness. Like sensory issues. (Jackson sometimes asks me to squeeze him, because the physical pressure is comforting.)
I had a rough time in school. My social skills sucked. But I didn’t have Asperger’s. I was just a geek. Smart and awkward and doing my best to get through the day without having my books knocked out of my hands.
I’m not sure when or why it became “cool” for people in fandom to self-diagnose as Aspies, or to misuse that label as shorthand for the awkward, unwashed masses, but I wish it would stop. It’s hurtful. It reinforces attitudes and false stereotypes that make life harder for those who actually have autistic spectrum disorders.
My son has Asperger’s. He’s not some filthy, drooling fool. I don’t believe he’s going to grow up to become a harasser. He’s a brilliant, energetic, loving little kid. He remembers passages from books and movies, and can recite them word for word months later. He loves superheroes and Mario and Transformers, and watching animated LEGO videos on YouTube. He’s excited about coming to his first convention with his Daddy this month.
And he’s Fucking Awesome.
November 9, 2010 @ 8:59 am
Your boy rocks, Jim.
November 9, 2010 @ 9:02 am
Looks like Jackson’s dad is pretty cool, too! He is lucky to have a dad like you. And you are lucky to have such an awesome son.
November 9, 2010 @ 9:05 am
My son is 14. He has Aspergers.
And he’s Fucking Awesome, too!
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 9:38 am
Damn right. Thank you.
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 9:38 am
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 9:38 am
Tweets that mention Jim C. Hines » This is What Asperger’s Looks Like -- Topsy.com
November 9, 2010 @ 9:40 am
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Lisa Shearin, Laura and John O’Keefe, Jim C. Hines. Jim C. Hines said: New Post: This is What Asperger’s Looks Like http://bit.ly/bKR7BL […]
November 9, 2010 @ 9:44 am
A friend with OCD has similar complaints when he hears people say they have OCD because they like things in particular order or organization. It diminishes the hardship he deals with every day and I have to admit I was just as guilty as everyone else.
As for him not knowing how to ride a bike yet, I was 7 when I learned how. Don’t forget the fundamental importance of big wheels to one’s childhood. 🙂 (Do they still have those? Because they were awesome.)
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 9:49 am
No luck on the big wheels either. The pedalling requires a degree of sensory awareness and body control that he’s still struggling with.
I’ve misused OCD that way on occasion. It’s something I need to be aware of too…
November 9, 2010 @ 10:10 am
I tried several times over the years to teach my son to ride a bike. Never with any success. As soon as he wanted to learn he taught himself in an afternoon.
November 9, 2010 @ 10:21 am
Not all the socially-clueless fanboys (and fanbois) have ASDs, whether you are talking about mild cases of autism or Aspergers Syndrome or ??? This self-diagnosis makes all-too-convenient an excuse for *some* of them (some of us?) not to even try to interact appropriately with other fans. Further, it leads to fans treating “mundanes” with contempt; not the best way to get along even under ideal conditions.
However, being a woman who socializes widely in fannish and net-geek circles, an education activist for special-needs students, and the parent of a trio of twice-exceptional kids, none of whom meet the diagnostic criteria for ASDs, I will say that fandom as a whole, takes its members as they present themselves, and tends not to harass those who are shy, diffident, narrow or atypical in their interests, or otherwise different-but-not-harmful in behavior, while also holding people accountable, within the group, for not behaving too disruptively. It’s remarkable how much difference it makes, to me, not to be treated primarily as “nubile female” when I first meet most SF/fan people. It’s very different from encountering say, a fellow parent at the PTO, a new neighbor or a new colleague at work. It also makes those few individuals who try to capitalize on the “I’m bad at social skills” meme to grope or gape at me (or the younger women, I’m now more matronly than is attractive to those folks) stand out very starkly as the worst sorts of opportunists and violators of social norms.
In many fannish gatherings, ideas are considered more on their merits and the skill with which they are expressed than on the social status of the speaker. Friendships start and grow based on commonality of interests, rather than on similarities of age, formal education or place. This is a sub-culture in which many persons with autism can interact on their own terms and be taken seriously. At least one MI group who studies autism has asked to allow a researcher to tag along with a couple of Ann Arbor area families whose parents are fannish and whose kids have been brought up within the fannish subculture. Apparently these young people have done much better at developing social skills and a tolerance for ambiguity than their therapists expected, and at least some credit is given to their having a face-to-face community in which expertise and language skill, rather than age, gender, athleticism, or family wealth is *the* way to enhance one’s social standing. They, like Jim’s son, and the other kids described by the commentators, are Fucking Awesome! So are my kids, who don’t have any ASD’s, but are geeky-nerdy-weird in ways that include “reciting whole passages of books and movies” and being at least as knowledgeable about several alternate histories as they are about the real one.
Rock On, Mario Jackson! Defeat the gorillas and rescue the princess. Unless, of course, the princess in question has already rescued herself!
So yes, we will have those drooling dopes who inappropriately lech after the sweet young things in Slave-girl Leia costumes around from time to time, but *they* are scarcely ever people with Asperger’s. They are merely poorly socialized opportunists. They need to either learn better ways to interact, or be made unwelcome.
November 9, 2010 @ 10:23 am
I was 8 before I took my training wheels off my bike, fwiw. And yes, your kid is completely awesome! His dad’s pretty cool too.
Right, wrong, or indifferent, I think it’s pretty common to joke about these things, a variety of gallows humor, in that it takes away from our anxiety about our own non-“normal”-ness.
November 9, 2010 @ 10:54 am
As the parent of a kid with high functioning autism / PDD, I applaud you for this post. It’s very frustrating to deal with this crud from people who think it’s just “part of being a geek”. Ugh. And the people who try to “encourage” you by saying something similar. It’s hard to put into words just how much that bugs me. Thanks for your efforts.
November 9, 2010 @ 11:13 am
Michelle Sagara has a very interesting and insightful series on her livejournal: msagara.livejournal.com about her son (now 17) and his journey w/ Asperger’s. Sounds a lot like you 🙂 Best wishes and warm regards to you and your awesome son! Thanks for a wonderful blog!
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 11:15 am
Michelle’s a friend of mine, though I’ve never met her son. I agree her posts are very much worth reading.
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 11:19 am
Thanks. And yes, it can be normal … but some of it can also be hurtful or harmful, too.
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 11:20 am
Thanks, Boyd. And yeah. I think I understand…
November 9, 2010 @ 1:16 pm
Hubby (fan, gamer, writer) has Aspergers. He was dx at 14. He words damn hard to deal with the world as it comes. He’ll never feel MY love, but he loves me unreservedly. He’s Fucking Awesome too!
November 9, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
Your son is definitely Fucking Awesome, love those pics!
And he has a far better chance of knowing himself to be Fucking Awesome, and finding other people who realise that he’s Fucking Awesome, because he has parents that see that and love him for exactly who he is, but are willing to help him develop the skills he needs to interact with the majority of society.
I know that my father liked to self-diagnose as having Asperger’s, though not in the joking manner most people say it (or OCD as referenced above). He never actually tried to get a real diagnosis, and from what I’ve read he certainly fit some criteria and certainly did NOT meet many other criteria. I think that for him he wanted some “thing” that he could point to that made him so socially awkward and caused others to pick on him for most of his life and even for his parents to neglect/verbally abuse/physically threaten him. I think he felt that if he could point to this diagnosis as something he couldn’t help or change, he wouldn’t feel so bad or guilty about those things. (Unfortunately I think he also felt like if he had Asperger’s he couldn’t be held responsible for his social failings, explosive anger, or the way he treated his own family.)
November 9, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
Thank you, Jim. This is terrific.
And your son sounds fabulous, and also just the person one needs when facing gorillas.
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
He’s great. When we roughhouse, he gets into his tough pose, beckons with one hand, and says “Bring it.” Which is unbearably cute coming from a five-year-old 🙂
November 9, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
I so feel what you are going through as you adjust to your son’s diagnosis and to navigating the challenges of Asperger’s. My son was diagnosed when he was in second grade, and I can still vividly remember the cascades of emotion that came with accepting and learning to work with that.
And I share your hurt at the unthinking and offensive comments about people with ASDs; it’s hard for me to get over those, too, especially as they seem so needless. It’s shocking that it never seems to occur to the makers of these comments that their remarks *are* hurtful, and that Asperger’s etc. are real disorders that real people are struggling with.
I love the pictures of your son–he does indeed look like an awesome kid. My son is awesome, too (of course!), and I’m happy to say that he’s now in college, majoring in physics and truly enjoying (for the first time) the society of his fellow students. But he’s still never learned to ride a bicycle. 🙂
Carrie Mook Bridgman
November 9, 2010 @ 5:08 pm
Jim, it sounds like you and Jackson have already discovered OT for sensory issues. My son, now 12,is very bright and verbal and the consummate extrovert, so we had a hard time getting others to recognize that he really did have sensory integration problems. No, he was not being spoiled or manipulative when at age 6 he screamed hysterically over a shampoo or utterly refused to put his face in the water at the pool, or when his shoes “had the lump in the wrong place,” or when he ate almost nothing that the school served. We finally did OT for a short time, and learned some techniques–like the burrito wrap for deep pressure, or chewing gum before eating. Just the validation that his problem was real was a big help to him. We have learned that all sensitivities–physical and emotional–go up when he’s under stress, so we can be proactive.
What I finally realized was that I need not push him on things that weren’t necessary. If Jackson *wants* to learn to pedal, I hope his OT and PT can help. My Ben now *can* ride a bike, but he doesn’t choose to. He loves swimming and *can* tolerate doing it without a mask if absolutely necessary, but what’s wrong with a mask?
Given that you and Jackson have bigger fish to fry, take a deep breath when a difficulty arises and first decide if it’s worth worrying about. Thank God he’s got a dad who’s in his corner. God bless you all.
November 9, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
Your son rocks, Jim. And kudos to you for being such an awesome dad.
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 6:25 pm
My wife is a licensed therapist, which has helped a lot in staying on top of the research and things like the sensory integration trouble. We’ve done the burrito wrap before, though I hadn’t heard of the gum-chewing.
We’re also trying not to push on things that aren’t as important. I’ll ask him about the bike, but if he’s not interested, or if he only wants to do it for a minute and then stop, we’ve never turned it into a fight.
And the mask is a good idea. He’s had a lot of trouble in swimming class. That might be something to try… Thanks!
Jim C. Hines
November 9, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
Of course he is 🙂 And I’m very glad to hear he’s doing so well.
November 9, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
Thank you thank you! Thank you for having your son checked out at an early age and not simply insisting he’ll ‘grow out of it’. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD at the ripe old age of 42, I can tell you, living with an undiagnosed mental difference is hell. Your son will grow up knowing he is unique AND knowing how to compensate well for those things his brain kind of falls down on.
I’m just learning how to do these things after a lifetime of being a fuckup and a failure, being told I just had to try harder…
and yes, your son is fucking awesome! Mine is going through a full evaluation right now, and no matter what it says? He’s still the King of Everything.
November 9, 2010 @ 8:32 pm
Scooters are good bike substitutes. Less coordination across the midline because no pedals. The balance learned does help with bike riding as well. Or take the pedals off a bike and just buy a lot of shoes.
My son has Asperger’s. He’s awesome.
November 9, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I… um… still can’t ride a bike. I have no sense of balance. I think it comes from growing up hard-of-hearing (I’m better now, though). I’m fail at anything involving spatial awareness and balance, even MORE fail if it involves both at the same time. Me and Rollerblades are like watching Herman Munster on a tight rope.
I’m glad he’s learning how to compensate socially. We’ve all got stuff going on (I’ve got some other stuff that I have to work through too), and learning how to cope and compensate is about all we can do. And getting help to learn how to cope is sooo valuable. I’m glad you’re able to get that for him now when he’s young. It will make things so much less frustrating further down the line.
November 10, 2010 @ 1:40 am
Your son is absolutely awesome, no doubt about it 🙂 So is my daughter, she has Asperger’s, too, and suffered for it growing up undiagnosed. I agree with you, one hundred percent, in everything you said.
November 10, 2010 @ 2:00 am
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for posting this.
My son doesn’t have Aspergers, but he does have Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which is something else that regular/average people don’t understand. While he has issues we are treating, he is one smart, awesome kid.
Nobody’s diagnosis should *ever* be used as an excuse for some @sshole’s bad choices.
P.S. Yes, your kid is awesome too. 😉
Jim C. Hines
November 10, 2010 @ 8:49 am
Thanks, Tammy. That’s the hope — that the sooner we identify the challenges, the better we’ll be able to help him learn how to address those.
In his case, I think it’s a sensory awareness thing, but the results are similar to what you describe re: balance and coordination.
November 10, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
I’m a special education teacher and my classroom is primarily students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I know that teachers are not supposed to have favorites, but my students with Aspergers are the most amazing, fun, and hardworking students! You should be proud!
Jim C. Hines
November 10, 2010 @ 3:19 pm
“You should be proud!”
Oh, I am. Of both of my kids. (My daughter is also awesome, in different ways 🙂 )
November 10, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
Your kid sounds amazing. Actually he sounds fucking amazing! Any kids who wants to be Mario at Halloween is automatically fucking amazing. 🙂 And how he overcomes is pretty damn cool, too.
November 11, 2010 @ 7:07 am
“I’m not sure when or why it became “cool” for people in fandom to self-diagnose as Aspies, or to misuse that label as shorthand for the awkward, unwashed masses, but I wish it would stop. It’s hurtful. It reinforces attitudes and false stereotypes that make life harder for those who actually have autistic spectrum disorders.”
Thank you. I wish people would point this out more often.
I have Asperger’s Syndrome. As a writer, I need to spend time socializing and building a network; as an Aspie, I can almost never bring myself to actually do this. I’m too afraid. These self-diagnosed “Aspies” have done a lot of harm.
Just wait. Your son is only five. Imagine how awesome he’s going to be when he’s fifteen. 🙂
Jim C. Hines
November 11, 2010 @ 3:41 pm
Oh, no. When he’s 15, he’s going to want to start learning how to drive. I’m not ready to imagine that yet!
Andrew S Balfour
November 12, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
A lot of what you’re describing reminds me of me when I was around 5-7 and just getting the hang of my own brain-related issues (ADHD, similar but different). Sounds to me like you’re giving Jackson exactly the support he’s going to need in the coming years.
For the record, I was Fucking Awesome.
Links are Future Trash, too « zunguzungu
November 13, 2010 @ 11:13 am
[…] Hines on his son with Asbergers: Jackson does struggle socially.
November 13, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
I had a friend, well – as close as I probably could have, back in sixth form. He was two or so years younger than me and he had Asperger’s, and he was one of the best people I ever met in that place. He was clever, he’d risen above his condition, he had friends, he loved his bass guitar and listening to music and whilst I’ve lost contact with him, I’ve no doubt he’s doing well for himself and by now he’s probably studying in University. I think he was an artist, too, and his art was brilliant.
Yeah, I’d say he was Fucking Awesome (Pardon my French).
November 13, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
(Oh, and before I forget, this is MichaelM. I just updated my details :p)
Jim C. Hines
November 15, 2010 @ 10:51 am
Given the post, I’m hardly in a position to complain about profanity in the comments 😉
November 22, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
Your son is super-cool 🙂
I don’t have Asperger’s, but I do have dyspraxia (a problem with coordination) which often comes along with the autism-spectrum package. I mention this because the difficulty in riding a bike might be a dyspraxia thing – I know I struggled with it, as well as things like jumping, skipping and climbing. It might be worth asking his psychologist/doctor/other specialist about it – maybe they could help him.
And a note about the future – my dyspraxia hasn’t held me back too much – I can’t dance, but I can do lots of other things! I’ll qualify as a doctor next year, along with a friend on my course who has (properly diagnosed) Aspergers. He, too, is super cool! He hasn’t found all of the course easy, and he’ll probably go into a low-patient-contact branch of medicine, but it shows how much can be overcome.
Good luck to Jackson, in whatever he chooses to do!
November 22, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
My son is almost 14 and also is a high-functioning Aspie (by diagnosis). I get just as angry, fed up, and disgusted by people using that label to describe various social issues as I do by people saying that every person who has a mental illness is “crazy” or “psycho.”
Like your son, mine has had a lot of struggles over the years and we’re not in the clear yet, but he is one of the most loving, insightful, witty people of any age I know.
Having gone to many a con of many a theme, I’ve met those lecherous souls what constantly overstep boundaries. They’re not Aspies, they’re just plain ignorant.

domain: psychology


text:
This week was my 1st grader’s teacher’s birthday–so we made her a little ‘gift.’
Here’s what we used- the new DCWV Carnival Stack (which I LOVE!), the DCWV Chalked Up mat stack (which is a MUST!) and the Pink by Design Sweet Grams stamp set.
What I love about the Sweet Grams stamp set– is it allows you to make everyday candy into a beautiful, yummy gift!
First you will need to take a sheet of solid cardstock- and cut it to 7 x 9 5/8 inches.
Score the long side at 4 1/8 & 5 1/2 – fold on the score lines.
This will make a ‘book’ the perfect size for a box of WHOPPERS!!
Then using printed card stock, stamps, chalkboard paper and chalk- decorate your book! I like how it looks like a chalkboard on the front of the book.
You can use a repositionable adhesive to adhere the Whoppers straight to the card stock back and binding.
Don’t forget to decorate the ‘spine.’
That’s it- Easy Peasy- and a quick way to make a Whopper of a Gift! 🙂
(and if you make the cuts ahead of time- it’s easy enough for a 1st grader to put together)
Now for the Giveaway! You guys wanted another DCWV giveaway, which means you must love them as much as I do! So, here it is!
I am giving away a 12×12 All Chalked Up Stack along with an All Chalked Up mat stack to one lucky commenter! These stacks are so much fun!! Just comment below and extra entry if you link this post somewhere (FB, Pinterest, Twitter, Blog, etc) and tell me you did so.