Happy Hanukkah

This card remembers our dear pets of Odie and a Elliot.

Click here and on title!

Intelligence & Sex

The following letter is from The (Btitish)Sunday Times December 14, 2008. It is NOT from me, and does NOT represent my views on sexual activity. What I CAN identify with, is in color. The annonymous writer was responding to the article"Dealing with disability, but not passing it on."
AS A young adult with Asperger syndrome capable of working and living independently, I have a unique viewpoint on the arguments of Minette Marrin (Parents of a Down’s child must make painful choices, Comment, November 30) and India Knight (You forgot about love, Minette, News Review, last week), particularly in regard to sexual desirability. I am proud of my above-average intelligence and believe that we have untold riches to offer society, but the jobs we get are symptomatic of the “economic bullying” to which we are increasingly subjected in a world obsessed with charm.
I serenely accept celibacy as my lot for two reasons: firstly, since we are individually incapable of intuitive understandings with other people, I believe it would be wrong to engage in a sexual relationship, and disapprove of anything resembling dating circles for those like us; and secondly, with the difficulties we face worsening rather than improving, I cannot contemplate bringing another “Aspie” into the world.
Please click on the title to this posting.

Dog Park!

LAKE MARY -- City commissioners voted unanimously Thursday night to set up the city's first ever dog park.
The park would be located in the south section of Liberty Park, and dogs would be able to run off-leash.
Money Magazine ranks Lake Mary as the fourth best small city to live in. Residents believe a dog park could lift it to first.
"This is absolutely pristine because you can walk your dog to the park,” said Pat Blake, a dog owner. “Not only are u getting exercise, but your dog is going to get exercise."
"It's one of those things we can point to, and realtors can point to, as one of the enhancements of why Lake Mary, why should you move to Lake Mary,” said Darrel Jarvis from Trailblazers. “We have those facilities. Including in that, ‘Oh by the way, do you have a dog? We have an off-leash dog park you can use.’"
A charitable organization known as the Trailblazers is spearheading the effort to raise money to open the park.
The dog park is expected to cost around $70,000.
There is no word yet on when the park will open.

VOICES OF AUTISM: THE HEALING COMPANION: STORIES FOR COURAGE, COMFORT AND STRENGTH. 243p. (Voices of Series). photos. LaChance 2008. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1934184-05-9. LC number unavailable.
Adult/High School–This is a rich collection of essays not only by those who have been diagnosed with conditions along the autism spectrum, but also by their parents, siblings, teachers, caregivers, and doctors as well. In
“An Aspie’s Guide to Everyone Else,” a teen who has Asperger’s syndrome attempts to explain the differences between him and those he calls “neurotypicals” or “NTs.”
Another boy opens “The Price of Talk” with these words: “My name is Michael. I am 14, and I have autism. Some say that I am nonverbal, but I can communicate…. Not being able to talk is very frustrating. My mind knows what I want to say but my lips, tongue, and breath can’t make it happen.” In “My Special Brothers,” a 13-year-old girl writes, “I think it is the coolest thing to have brothers with autism. Anyone can learn a lot from them; I have.” In “The Reward,” a parent with autistic twins says, “…I learned that until you are confronted with severely life-changing situations, you can never know the extent of your capacity to love.” For teens whose lives have been touched by this baffling condition, and even for those who just want to better understand it, this book is an invaluable resource.–Pat Bangs, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Cemetery

My Parents died on 9/19/02 and 12/1/08. I have only been at the grave sites on 9/23/02 & 12/3/08 near Delray Beach, where they lived. Both were Great-Grandparents. Click here.
Click on all photos to enlarge. Then further enlargement is possible! These are the only two burials I have ever attended. All of my Aunts and Uncles have died. Two of my cousins have died. My beloved dog of 17 years died 6/3/04. I divorced on 5/9/03.
"Its been a long time since I rock and rolled. Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back. Its been a long time, been a long time, Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time. I cant count the tears of a life with no love. Carry me back, carry me back, Carry me back, baby, where I come from. Its been a long time, been a long time, Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time. Its been a long time, been a long time, Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time." - Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin, 1970's. The highlighted above, is my epitaph.

Dog & Moose

Give It Away - Red Hot Chili Peppers What Ive got youve got to get it put it in you What Ive got youve got to get it put it in you What Ive got youve got to get it put it in you Reeling with the feeling dont stop continue Give it away give it away give it away now

Bert Lerner (1915 - 2008)

My Father, and my greatest economic benefactor, died today in Lady Lake Florida. He was 93.5. At left, is a picture of him in his fifties. I am now 50. A quote to remember him by is: "Son of Bitch Bastard". Barack Obama has announced Hillary Rodam Clinton to be Secretary of State. Today marks a new era for my life, and a great new hopeful positive era for the world.

Video Repair

Click on this and every image for easier viewing.
Give It Away - Red Hot Chili Peppers
What Ive got youve got to get it put it in you
What Ive got youve got to get it put it in you
What Ive got youve got to get it put it in you
Reeling with the feeling dont stop continue
Give it away give it away give it away now
Give it away give it away give it away now
Give it away give it away give it away now
Give it away give it away give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now...
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now
Give it away now...

Three years @ employer

REW = Recycled Water

What is your reaction? I would like to know. Please click on the picture for a larger image.
Posted 6/22/08

Bert's Chocolate Lab

Home of the Labradoodle.


This is my latest original design. It is a picture of one of four original T-shirts that I have produced so far.

Circuit City

On November 3, 2008 it was revealed that Circuit City would close 155 stores and lay off 17% of its workforce by the end of the year as a result of continually struggling to remain profitable.[5]

On November 7, 2008 Circuit City laid off between 500 and 800 corporate employees from their Richmond, Virginia headquarters. The approximately 1000 remaining corporate employees would all be consolidated into one building in an effort to further reduce cost and improve profitability.[6] On November 10, 2008 Circuit City filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.[7]

On November 3, 2008, Circuit City announced that it was planning to close 155 stores, including withdrawing completely from the Phoenix, Kansas City and Atlanta retail markets, in a continuing attempt to rally falling stock value and halt heavy financial losses.

A week later, on November 10, 2008, it announced it would file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection which led to a dramatic plummet and halt in trading of the retailer's stock ending it's landslide at .02 cents per share at about 10:00 am est[26].

In Bankruptcy court, Circuit City was approved to borrow $1.6 billion to finance operations while it restructures. The courts revealed that the company had assets of $3.4 billion and debt of $2.32 billion [27], including a $119 million debt to Hewlett-Packard, and a $116 million debt to Samsung Electronics [28].

Dog breeds for Obama

The following new breeds are now recognized by the AKC:
Collie + Lhasa Apso
Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport.
Spitz + Chow Chow
Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot.
Pointer + Setter
Poinsetter, a traditional Holiday pet.
Great Pyrenees + Dachshund
Pyradachs, a puzzling breed.
Pekingese + Lhasa Apso
Peekasso, a Cubist dog.
Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel
Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean - and manly, too!
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever
Lab Coat Retriever, the E.R. mascot.
Newfoundland + Basset Hound
Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors.
Terrier + Bulldog
Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes.
Bloodhound + Labrador
Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.
Malamute + Pointer
Moot Point, owned by...oh well, it doesn't matter anyway....
Collie + Malamute
Commute, a dog that travels to work.
Deerhound + Terrier
Derriere, a dog that's true to the end.
Bull Terrier + Shitzu
Bull Shitzu, a gregarious but unreliable breed.
Poodle + Maltese
Malted Poodles, good after dinner or on a Sunday afternoon
Cocker Spaniel + Maltese
Cock-teses, well ...

The New United States of America

Return of the Democrats

President, Senate, & Congress

We are in the Promised Land

Yes We Can, Are, & Will

United States is re-born

Liberal Democratic rule

America Strikes Back

Republicans replaced

The U. S. A. returns

A Dream Fulfilled

Jonesers rule

A New Hope

Back in Blue

FINALLY!

How this happened
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 1:02 AM
From: "Barack Obama" Barack@barackobama.com
To: "Andrew Lerner" lernerandrew@yahoo.com

Andrew --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

Friends @ employment

Michael's new puppy

For Aspies, joy is elusive.

October 13, 2008 (Computerworld) The column I wrote last week, titled "Asperger's Oxymoron," offended some readers because of my contention that the contributions that Aspies can make to society are necessarily undermined by the degree to which they are withdrawn from society. My belief that isolation is detrimental to the human spirit and to the advancement of the human race isn't a particularly popular notion.

There are many dimensions to isolation. One that seems to be particularly common among Aspies is a detachment from social norms that, rather than manifesting itself as endearing nonconformity, tends to be more of an oblivious self-centeredness. The focus is inward, rather than outward. Take Richard Stallman.

I mentioned last week that Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation, had referred to himself in a 2000 interview as being "borderline autistic." While he shied away from that assessment in my interview with him in July, Stallman did acknowledge that he suspected he had a "shadow" form of Asperger's.

I knew very little about the disorder at the time, but it did strike me that he appeared to be somewhat eccentric and glaringly devoid of social grace. I thought it was cool that he felt comfortable enough to meet me in his stocking feet, so that was fine. But during the course of the interview, there was an inescapable rudeness. Just little things. It's no big deal, for example, that throughout a meeting that lasted nearly two hours, he sipped from a large mug but never offered me so much as a drink of water. It's just that it clearly demonstrates an inward rather than an outward focus.

The interview, and extensive subsequent e-mail correspondence with Stallman, reinforced a conclusion I'd drawn from a 2002 biography I'd read to prepare for our discussion: Stallman is not a happy person. There was a certain melancholy that I've since observed in other people who identify themselves as Aspies. In fact, I've observed through my untrained eye that Aspies can be content in a certain environment, but real happiness seems to elude them. Is that conclusion off-base?

For a reality check, I e-mailed Barbara Bissonnette, principal at Forward Motion Coaching in West Boylston, Mass. She provides career counseling for adults with Asperger's.

"I wouldn't say they are inherently unhappy people," Bissonnette replied. "Most have had lifetimes of not fitting in, being ostracized/marginalized and hearing about everything they do 'wrong.' ... The fact that it's a hidden disability compounds the problem because people don't realize that some of the unusual behaviors of an Aspie are not intended to be rude."

That the rudeness may not be intentional doesn't make it any less off-putting. I recently received an e-mail from Roy Brander in Calgary, Alberta, who wrote that when he was president of the Calgary Unix Users Group, he invited Stallman to speak. Stallman agreed and asked to stay at a member's home rather than at a hotel.

With an estimated 40% of the world's information now residing behind a firewall, employee productivity is driven by the ability to quickly find key information no matter where it's stored across your organization. At Google, we believe in a simple premise: all of the information you need to be productive at work should be available through one search box, giving users real-time access to content across the enterprise and delivering a single, integrated, secure set of search results. "The guy who hosted him vowed, 'Never again,' " Brander wrote, adding that it's impossible to spend time with Stallman "and not think 'Asperger's syndrome.' " He noted that while Stallman's legendary inflexibility can be forgiven because it "may have hard-wired neurological roots," his intransigence is marginalizing him within the free software movement.

I'm now convinced that Stallman has far more than a "shadow" form of Asperger's. I'm also convinced that his relentless free software advocacy is driven by a personal distaste for proprietary software, rather than by any interest in advancing the well-being of others. Hence Stallman's joyless demeanor.

Whether or not the elusiveness of joy among Aspies is inherent, it remains painfully apparent. What brings true happiness is serving and uplifting other people -- looking outward rather than inward. Aspies deserve that happiness, and they should receive whatever assistance is needed to bring it about.

Don Tennant is editorial director of Computerworld and InfoWorld. Contact him at don_tennant@computerworld.com, and visit his blog at http://blogs.computerworld.com/tennant.

Hillary & Obama in Orl&O FL!

Republican COlin POwell endOrses Barack Obama!

AP - Florida kicked off early voting on Monday, with record crowds heading to the polls and voters waiting hours to cast their ballots.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/andrewlerner

Cartoons

Up to 5769 ה'תשס"ט

Today is the most important day of the year. It is a day we reflect on the year that has just past. I will also reflect on my new era of these past 3.75 years. I am still being born, and discovering life. I finally have a home, a community, financial security, stability, consistency, and peace. I have not only discovered what a vacation means, but am experiencing a permanent one.

I have discovered the delight and relaxation of swimming, floating on my back, and looking up at the palm trees, clouds, and sunny blue sky. I have discovered that I can float on the water and breath, without moving my limbs! With my first goggles, I can see underwater! With wax, I can keep water out of my ears! Swimming is so soothing, yet invigorating! It is a great remedy to the excruciating stress at work!

After years, for the past six weeks, I have finally forced myself, and discovered that I can have the built-in pool all to myself every Monday and Tuesday late morning or noon! I am so glad I have been getting this exercise on two of my days off every week for at least the past six weeks! I found, and played with a cute frog the other week! It is amazing that it can do everything a frog can do, even though it was only the size of my thumbnail! I suppose it could live off the dead mosquitoes on the water surface. Then perhaps it would be eaten by a bird etcetera. The pool area is a pleasure since new stone flooring was put down on the cabana, veranda, spa, and pool-rim.

Burritos are my favorite food dish since lasagna! Chipolte, and my one-month Roommate Steve introduced it to me. I enjoy buying all of the ingredients, and making them fresh for myself! Even salsa was a new introduction to me three years ago as my favorite condiment!

Seven (7) years ago, I purchased my first cell phone, digital camera, and received my first Palm. Today I have a Palm device that includes and replaces all three! I also received a pair of wayfarer eye-shields seven years ago. All of four of these were from The Wiz. I have now lost these, along with my first and only two pairs of prescription eye-shields that I ever owned, during these 3.75 years.

I have progressively been feeling younger. I am the same exact age as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Ellen Degenerous. Those are three of my favorite people. To quote NY Magazine: When Michael Jackson is 50; you know that you are old! How fitting, that NASA and AARP were first created when I was born! Now I live near NASA, and first qualify to be a member of AARP!

Bill Mahr is two years old than I, and one of my heroes. His views, beliefs, values, and attitude is nearly identical to mine! I now take 13 pills from two pillboxes each day for medical reasons! My parents lived through the Depression. One of which is still alive. I am glad to be employed during these times. Fortunately, my 401K has twenty years to recuperate. I love my new lifestyle!

Are they related?

Hillary Clinton Compares Bush TO Alfred E Neuman[snip]
"I sometimes feel that Alfred E. Neuman is in charge in Washington," Clinton said referring to the freckle-faced Mad magazine character. She drew a laugh from crowd when she described Bush's attitude toward tough issues with Neuman's catchphrase: "What, me worry?"

Tina Fey

Emmy Awards
Outstanding Writing - Variety Program2002 Saturday Night Live Outstanding Comedy Series2007 30 Rock2008 30 RockOutstanding Writing - Comedy Series2008 30 RockOutstanding Actress - Comedy2008 30 Rock
Golden Globe Awards
Best Actress - Musical or Comedy Series2008 30 Rock
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series2008 30 Rock

Sarah Palin
On the 34th season premiere episode, aired September 13, 2008, Fey returned to SNL in the role of Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, alongside Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton. Their repartee included Clinton needling Palin about her "Tina Fey glasses". It quickly became NBC.com's most-watched viral video ever, with 5.7 million views by the following Wednesday.[16] The return has been speculated to be temporary, despite the potentially long-term nature of the role, should Palin be elected.[17] Palin's campaign said that Palin was amused, particularly because she had once dressed up as Tina Fey for Halloween,[18] though Palin later said she had seen the sketch without hearing the audio. John McCain's top economic advisor Carly Fiorina called the skit sexist.[19] During the 2008 Emmy Awards, Fey said of the vice-presidential candidate (in what may be the only known political advocacy regarding the 2008 Presidential election on Fey's part), "I want to be done playing this lady November 5. So if anyone could help me be done playing this lady November 5, that would be good for me." [20]
On September 27, 2008, she reprised her role as Palin, parodying the CBS News interview with Katie Couric, who was played by Poehler. Portions of the skit were direct quotes and gestures from interviews with Couric on September 24, 2008.
On October 4, 2008, Tina Fey once again returned to Saturday Night Live, playing the role of Palin at the 2008 vice-presidential debate, with Jason Sudeikis playing Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden and Queen Latifah as moderator Gwen Ifill.

$375 Monthy all-inclusive Private Bath 12x11 Lake Mary

All inclusive: Internet, electricity, CATV, air, pool, spa, purified water, laundry, bus, shopping, 2 bath, 2 BR, just you & me.
Security: $300.00

Your Private 12' x 11' Room: Private full bathroom, with tub + new shower, 12' w/w closet, TV set, Laundry, Dining, Patio, Living, Kitchen, Iron, board, Linen and towel supplies, w/w carpeting, free central air conditioning, ceiling fan, bed, dressers, desk, executive chair, night table, clock radio, lamps. Unfurnished is possible for the right long-term person.

Parking: free spaces, off-street are included.
Share: New larger Front-Loading "he" Washer & Dryer, Purified Water, Dishwasher, electric broil, microwave, grill, toaster oven, Dishes, pots, pans, small appliances, & utensils.

You are female or male, straight or gay, non-smoking, 26-50, with no pets or children. I am a straight single male.

FURTHER DETAILS: I am a gentle, organized, clean, direct, open, honest, stable, calm, consistent, responsible Jewish Democrat from Long Island and NYC (age 50). I own this free and clear, & employed full-time. A live meeting in person is mandatory for consideration. I enjoy Science Channel, PBS, CNN, Metal Rock music, and South Park.

Roommate Profile Questionnaire

Please cut and paste only the following profile inquiry list into a new email (or the blank message box). Then type in the requested information, and send it back to me. I look forward to your reply.

PROFILE DATA
1=Today's date:
2=Full name:
3=Phone:
4=Email
5=Which of the 24 hours to call you:
6=Reason for stay:
7=Town of, and DATES of work:
8=Date to move in:
9=Months of stay:
10=Age and Occupation:
11=Items bringing:
12=Children or Pets:
13=Describe an example of "being clean":
14=Smoke or Drink:
15=Visitors:
16=Work schedule:
17=Gender and Orientation:
18=Explain your specific attraction to this posting:

Landlord References

I need a responsible and quiet person, like myself, to rent out the other bedroom with attached bathroom. I desire a tension and stress free environment. Lake Mary is rated as the 4th best town to live in the USA by Money Magazine! Minimum stay: 3 months.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Well friend, It's time for me to move on. What started out to be a 3-month assignment, turned into nearly 2.5 years. You are a good Friend & good Landlord. I hope you feel that I was a good tenant. Dusted & vacuumed the room. If you ever in North Georgia, call me.I will be coming to Orlando once a month for the next four months. Schedule permitting, perhaps we can have lunch @ Too-Jays. Kindest Regards, Alan.

I do contract work for a major insurer. My assignments last from 30 – 180 days in cities across the U.S. When I arrived in Lake Mary, I quickly tired of hotel living because of the closed space and high cost. I found Andrew’s rental offer on Craig’s List. After a few e-mail exchanges and a face-to-face meeting, I moved in. Andrew has a beautiful two bedroom condo in a wonderful development, only one mile from my office. I found Andrew to be a person who was very private and respected my privacy. I had a bedroom (with computer cable and TV) along with a private bath. I would highly recommend this rental to anyone, male or female, desiring a reasonable, short-term place to reside. Regards, Steve Duke.

Although not seeking any living arrangements currently, I nevertheless browse the postings for entertainment/amusement value.Thank you for your posting - witty, charming, eclectic and memorable. So very few honest, entertaining and intelligent postings these days.Again, thanks and have a great weekend. Lewis Vining.

5769 = When era replaces error.

01/20/09 =
A new era
end of an error.

Register to Vote.
Vote for change.
Change the error for a new era.

Barack Obama.

For this new year of 5679, The following have been updated on the left of this site: "A Sight" (picture of my logo), my &rew-card, the view of &rew, and my profile.

Kyle Broflovski

Kyle Broflovski, is a character in the animated series South Park.
Voiced by series co-creator Matt Stone, Kyle is one of the four central characters, all of whom are eight or nine year old boys. Stone has claimed that Kyle was loosely based on himself when he was younger. His most notable catch phrases are "You bastard(s)!" (following Stan's "Oh my God, you/they/we killed Kenny!"), and "I've learned something today" (usually before the end of an episode), or "No we haven't, dude. No we haven't" after Stan's "Well, I guess we've learned our lesson." Kyle is mostly known for being Jewish,

He also regularly shows his disdain for Eric Cartman, calling him names such as "Fatass" and the like. This, in return, only fuels Cartman's need to call Kyle out as well, taunting him about Kyle's religion.
Kyle typically displays higher moral standards than the other boys. Kyle also usually gets higher grades than his associates, and is the member of the group who often provides the sober thought to plans or ideas made by the other boys. Since Kyle is the more rational of his peers, he usually put in the shoes of the protagonist to Eric Cartman's antagonist. Kyle is on better terms with Stan Marsh, often to Eric's chagrin. He is the most caring and compassionate of the boys. His friendship with Stan has probably got deeper due to the many times Stan has saved his life (Cherokee Hair Tampons, Super Best Friends and Cartmanland). This is shown in Smug Alert! when the two are seen hugging at the end. Andrew Lerner originally posted this on Saturday, August 11, 2007. It is posted today because of the hurricanes of Ike, and now Kyle. They are Jewish brothers. Ike is Canadian. The hurricane that bares his name went into Canada!

Mabus

Mabus to advise Obama on Middle East issues
The SunHerald May 22, 2007
By Emily Wagster Pettus
Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus, who served as U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Clinton administration, is joining Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign as an unpaid adviser on Middle Eastern issues.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/05/22/mabus_to_advise_obama_on_middl.php

Nostradamus may have predicted the rise of three "anti-christs". The first was Napaulon Roy (Napoleon), the second was Hister (Hitler). Century 2, Quatrain 62: Mabus will soon die, then will come, A horrible undoing of people and animals, At once one will see vengeance, One hundred powers, thirst, famine, when the comet will pass.

Does MABUS = OBAMA + BUSH ? Please note that Nostradamus only refers to a "Mabus" as dying, and "bad" things to happen afterward.

12/21/2012

December 21, 2012
THE END.

Today, one week before the end of this year of 5768, I have instituted a new poll for you to vote on. Will the earth come to a permanent change four years from now? I have also posted a new photograph of me with my smart phone. The last one was done with my first digital camera, 7 years ago!

Aspie bio.

Living with Asperger’s Syndrome in a Neurotypical World by Debbie Scally
Almost all of us are acquainted with someone whom we would identify as a total nerd: the guy who has an umbilical attachment to his computer; the obsessive Trekkie fan; the one who can talk your ear off about the mating habits of fruit bats, the geek who’s so shy he couldn’t get a date if he paid for it. In fact, you probably know more than one. Well, here’s the thing. That person may not necessarily just be a total loser. He or she might be one of the growing numbesr of people who have a neurological wiring issue that is the cause of many, if not all, of their strange social behaviors, up to and including clumsiness and lack of non-verbal communication skills. Right now the numbers stand at about 100 per 10,000 people, but the numbers are increasing at an amazing rate.
In fact, in the next several years or so, many parents are going to discover that their daughter or son (most likely son) has a neurological condition called Asperger’s Syndrome, after the Austrian psychologist who first noticed the behavioral differences in the children he worked with. Asperger had been forced by the Nazis in the 1940s to conduct psychological profiling on youngsters to separate the wheat from the chaff of Aryan society. Those who didn’t make the cut would be dealt with in the usual way the Nazis dealt with anything they considered less that acceptable. Asperger was concerned about his young charges, who exhibited characteristics such as inability to socialize, an unusual fascination with one or two subjects to the exclusion of everything else, and a way of talking that made them sound like “little professors.” He made it his mission to help these children and to demonstrate their value to a society obsessed with a certain kind of “perfection.”
It wasn’t until after Asperger died in 1980 that his diagnostic criteria became known by his name – not until after a British psychiatrist, Lorna Wing, who specialized in autism spectrum disorders, got into Asperger’s work and noticed that he was dealing with a new diagnostic category that didn’t really fit into the autism spectrum.
The reason I know all of this now is because this year, after much heartache and many tears and immense frustration, my son was finally diagnosed as an Aspie (the name they call each other). Many kids who exhibit symptoms on the autism spectrum, from mild to severe, are diagnosed early because their parents sense that there’s something not quite right. It wasn’t that way in my son’s case. He walked and talked early; he was amazingly bright (he surprised me one day when, at the age of four, sitting in his carseat, he explained his take on sarcasm!); he clearly made eye contact when spoken to.
Yet from the day he started school it was clear that something about him was different. He just could not make friends; he got bullied and made fun of on a daily basis. At first I chalked it up to the fact that my school experience was similar; I was the class “brainiac” and got made fun of all the time. I figured that he was just suffering the fate of the smart kid in public school and that it would get better. But it never did. In fact, it got worse, and by the time he was ten he was taking anti-depressants.
Life went on, the way life does, and it just seemed that no matter what he did or where he went to school, he couldn’t make it socially, and it was getting worse. When he went to middle school (for one semester), he would start sobbing the night before and then sob in the morning and often refuse to get out of the car. Again, I just thought that it was the school; bullying wasn’t really handled very well in his school district. It got so bad that I removed him after one semester and homeschooled him. But when even the kids at his homeschool co-op started giving him the cold shoulder, I really started to look at things differently. Someone had asked me if I thought he might have Asperger’s and I had indignantly replied “No!”
I decided to re-think my knee-jerk reaction and started reading everything I could find. Yikes! There he was, in print. Everything I read led me to believe I needed to get him tested.
Then, just for grins, I found a self-test for Aspies online, and I told him about it. I figured he’d blow it off, but one day he handed me a stack of paper with charts and graphs on it, and it was the test. He was clearly on the spectrum. Then I started searching for support. We found a psychologist in our area who specialized in Asperger’s and made an appointment. About five minutes into the session, she had him as a 4-5 on the spectrum and explained that his diagnosis was probably missed because his cognitive level was so high.
So, our journey has begun. He is nearly seventeen, and is still not really happy with what he sees as his new “label,” but I can tell that he is as relieved as I am to finally have a name and explanation for his situation. We’ve met many parents and kids in our support group and are both grateful that we have found a haven.
Moreover, the more I learn, the more I am able to identify the qualities that psychologists call “Asperger symptoms” in my own students. Aspie kids have some great qualities, one of which is a sense of honesty and justice. In fact, I used to wonder why my kid seldom lied to me like other people’s kids seemed to do. Now I know it’s part of his wiring. I used to wonder why he was so clumsy and why he just couldn’t seemed to “get it” socially. Now I know. Now I can work within the framework of his neurology. His dad, sadly, still doesn’t quite accept that Asperger’s is not just the new flavor of the month problem, but we’re hoping he’ll come around.
So, although every nerd does not have Asperger’s Syndrome, the next time your computer nerd buddy is boring you with endless details about World of Warcraft or the finer points of bird-watching, think about this. He’s not trying to drive you insane; he might just be an Aspie. Be kind.

I'm a college English teacher working on my dissertation. I am an anime junkie and a Shakespeare scholar, a voracious reader and a political rebel.

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Light-shields

Light-shields is the newest name I thought of today, for a devise holding dark lenses, to shield my eyes from bright light. I use them at night for high-beam headlights from inconsiderate automobile drivers. Therefore they are not sun-glasses. They are also not made of glass. Previously I used the term "shades". Using the word spectacles, makes a spectacle of myself.

I lost my Wayfarers in August 2008, after 7 years! They were given to me, for free, by Bose, along with a free blues CD, and a free black Bose shirt. I have recently superimposed my Love/Florida logo over it. I finally went to Walgreen's for a new pair of light-shields today. This is the first time I remember purchasing this item or in a store in at least 35 years! Much has changed!

There appears to be 3 kinds. 1) Complete, & fits over other vision-frames. This is most like how I used my lost ones, and $20. 2) Rimless, & attaches only to the front of other vision-frames. These stretch and fit well in size and shape with my rimless eye-lenses, and $15. 3) Clip & Flip. These are larger rimless, and easily clip from the top of any eye-frames. They can also easily be flipped up and off when not needed. They appear to be the best value at $10. I just made my decision. I will return the two more-expensive other ones I had purchased. I had also spent an hour at the store!

There is always a bargain to be found at Walgeens. In addition to the fish oil I came for, which was BOGOF again. I purchased a new black ink cartridge for my HP printer for $6! I often paid around $20 for this!

I may have lost my black Wayfarer shades for the last time, at my swimming pool in August 2008. I swam there these past 3 days in a row during my stay-cation in Florida! That is the most consecutive days at my pool in my 3.25 years here! It was so delightfully relaxing with the blue sky, clouds, palm trees, flowers, and clean warm water!

I have had many people apply for my home. I have declined, ignored, or rejected many. I have changed my price from $475 to $394 to attract more people. 943 is my street address, and the inspiration for the price of 394. I am waiting for a long-term compatible person over someone who always pays much, and is never here. I believe this is the best time of year to take this time and risk. My goal is October. This was my original goal when Steve was supposed to be here and paid until then.

I have been wanting a mobile phone for years, that would have a loud-speaker and incorporate my Palm PDA. I love my new smart-phone. It has the same information I inputted 7 years ago! That was my first Palm PDA. It sold for $500 retail. Palm gave it to me for free. 7 years ago is when I also purchased my first mobile phone at dealer's cost! I still have that same plan! My phone can also record and play movies and music. I choose not to pay for the Internet services including television.

Our last opportunity.

I live in Florida, a purple state. It is the southern-most Northern state. Alaska is the is the northern-most Southern state. It became the 49Th in 1958, when I was born. Sarah Palin is its present Governor. She is a Joneser like me, born after Alaska became a state.

Barack Obama, a Joneser like me, was born in Hawaii after it became the 50Th and last state of the union in 1959. Therefore he just barely qualifies to be President. Joseph Biden is the Senator of the FIRST state, Delaware.

John Mc'Cain has found answers to his issues with Sarah Palen. 1) Religious-Right friendly 2) Joneser like Barack. (youth friendly) 3) Maverick, conservative, stubborn, determined, ruthless. (soul mate & partner.) 4) Female like Hillary, and historic like Barack.

What is scarier than having GWB president, and declaring war against a stable sovereign nation for his own personal agenda? It is having a person who is a heartbeat away from controlling the fate of this planet, who is even more inexperienced, delusional, narrow-minded, selfish, and intolerant than the current Despot GWB. As Bill Mahr said, we do not need the cutest "Stewardess". He is a Joneser, and a favorite person of mine.

John McCain lives in his own world. He almost died twice. With all the torture he has endured, it is amazing he lived to be 70, and keep his "sanity". We do not need someone else who lies and cheats to achieve their personal ambitions in the White House.

Sarah is even more reactionary than John! She wants to drill for oil in the wilderness refuge of her state! We need to protect, and work WITH our environment & planet. 1) Oil is finite & bad. 2) Animals are finite & good. 3) We must invest and change our infrastructure to be independent, with infinite & renewable energy resources. She does not "believe" in global warming!

Instead of putting a burden on our society, pro-choice people terminate pregnancies of a disabled fetus. Sarah purposely goes to term with her down-syndrome child. Besides being a burden, she goes a step further. She supports more of our money go to children of "special needs" like her child!

Sarah believes in abstinence, instead of education and birth-control. This is why her 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. This puts and even more of a burden on our society. Sarah's place is in her house to take care of her children. She is no Hillary.

We need to support OURSELVES. Georgia & Iraq can take care of themselves. Being "independent" does not mean borrowing from Communist China, and kissing the butts of Saudi Arabia. We need to get off our butts and face reality. The time is now to harness tidal power off the coast of Florida, instead of bottling that water with vitamins into plastic bottles.

Dire times has been GWB in office after 9/11. This time, there will be no more times, unless we vote Democratic and change our course back in the correct direction.

I am pleased that 73 of you have voted so far on my poll on this site. I am happy to see, it has been a consistent 80% for Barack Obama, and 19% for John McCain.

I Like Ike

I will survive Ike!
Ike is both a hurricane below my state of Florida, and a favorite character of mine from South Park.

Because he's a genius, Ike was accepted into kindergarten early. There, Mr. Garrison nominates him for class president when no one opposes Fillmore (Ike being reminiscent of President Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower). The vote is tied, as a little classmate of theirs named "Flora" (spoofing Florida's role in the 2000 US Presidential Election) can't make up her mind and Fillmore's aunt, Rosie O'Donnell, shows up to demand justice. Ike is asked to give a speech on why he should be president to which he clearly states, "Cookie monster... Ike." Eventually, Ike's opponent gives up, and Ike becomes class president (to which he can only exclaim (loudly), "I pooped my pants!"). Dwight Eisenhower was President, fifty (50) years ago in 1958! Rosie O'Donnell is a Joneser from Long Island like me.

O2D2 & PHone2

I have the Beanie Baby named Weenie. It reminds me of my dog Odie, and gives me comfort at my job. I had asked in a poll on this site, what should I name it? The names I though of to be voted on are Godie, &og, O2D2, & Korny. Godie just adds a G to Odie,and suggests either being on the go, or God. God is dog spelled backwards. &og stands for Andog, a combination of my name and the word dog. O2D2 stands for Odie two, dog two. The only letters also spell out O-D. It is inspired by the Star Wars droid called R2D2. Korny is a corny name spelled like a favorite Rock music group called Korn. All two votes received chose O2D2. 10/15/08: I have since thought of two new names. Rew is short for roo since it looks like a Kangaroo, and shares my name without the &. Nissan, because it is not a Dachshund. The car company was previously named Datsun.

When I called on 8/11/08, to have my number transferred to my new cell-phone, I was asked if I wanted to renew my contract. Not understanding what this meant, I said yes, and received a free $50 credit to my account. I then found out that the consequence is a two year deadline to renew. If I stop service before that time, I would be fined a $200 fee. Since I have had the freedom of no-contract, I called back to return the $50, and regain my freedom. My plan continues to be $15/month for 750 anytime anywhere minutes, and 50 text messages per month. I have no contract deadline, or cancellation fees.

I made another call to Vonage to cancel my phone service. I have the $4.99 plan. I was offered no-cost service for three months, and I accepted. I continue to have both house and mobile phone numbers and services, and I am only paying $15/month.

50.50 from 1958

In 1958, 50 years ago, the following were created: AARP, NASA, The Peace Sign, The Jim Henson Company, The Integrated Circuit, Color TV... It was the first Post-Baby Boom year, and part of the Jones Generation (unfulfilled expectations), during the Recession, and the statehood of ALaska.

I share my Birth Year with: Caroline Kennedy, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ellen DeGeneres, Andie MacDowell, Holly Hunter, Tim Robbins, Sharon Stone, Matt Frewer, Kevin Bacon, Tim Burton, Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe), Bebe Neuwirth, Grandmaster Flash, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Gary Oldman, Alec Balwin, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Wade Boggs...

Eric Garbarczyk

Eric is Cavalier: Showing arrogant or offhand disregard; dismissive: a cavalier attitude toward the suffering of others. I believe that is what makes his job in Customer service easier. He is not empathetic, and feels no pain. He just picks up garbage dumped on him by Agents and customers, and hauls it away.

People have a hard time pronouncing his name. About 3 months ago, Eric approached me to print on a shirt of his, the phrase 'Eric Garbage truck'. I was eager to do this for him as a favor to please him. I am proud of the design I created that is shown in this posting. He constantly made specific promises of when and how he would give me a white T-shirt. I had designed and printed on T-shirts for a few other co-workers.

At irregular intervals, sometimes daily, I ask or remind him about bringing me a shirt. He continued to assure me that he does indeed want his white shirt printed on, that he wants above phrase on his shirt, and will bring it in. He even promised to put it into my draw on my day off with a note. I even came in on my day off, and it was not there. I decided that I no longer wanted to make this gift for him if he would not bring it in the next day. I told him this, and he again promised to bring it the next day. He did not bring it in. Then, on the day after that, I instead printed it out on paper, and showed his friends. Eric was not at work, and I have not shown him my work to this day.

The following day after that, as I was leaving, he smiled, and held his white T-shirt above his head. He proclaimed that he wants to keep his shirt blank. Although I thought he would do this childish act, I was surprised, amazed, and disappointed that he was not the virtuous person I once thought he was. I am also very puzzled by his behavior. I am surprisingly not angry. I instead feel sorry for him. I don't treat people the way Eric did to me. I definitely do not deserve this treatment.

I have been frequently been dumped on, earlier in my life. It appears people abuse my vulnerabilities for their gain, due to my "disabilities" The name of this is now better known as being an Aspie. People get the impression that I am rude, and insensitive. I am quite the contrary. I have been frustrated most of my life, to overcome my syndrome. I fortunately now finally have a name & definition for it (AS). This has empowered me. That is why I say that "I am empowered by the Aspie operating system."

During these first three years that I have been in Florida, I have come to trust and love people. For the first time, I love many of the people I work with. I have worked very hard to overcome my impression on people. One way I do this, and to show my appreciation to those who are kind to me, is to do things or give things to these people. I enjoy giving to people. I am compelled to demonstrate my appreciation to people who are respectful, tolerant, and helpful to me. I hope this can compensate for my lack of social skills. I have had a frustratingly hard time my entire life to make friends, and develop relationships. I frequently want to give up trying as hard as I do. I believe I will continue my lonely life until I die. Unfortunately, I never give up hope. What is your reaction? I would like to know.

My Palm Phone

I started being careless on how I put my $400 Palm PDA of 3.5 years in my pocket one day on 7/22/08. As a result, on that same day, the money clip on my wallet broke the screen, and rendered my PDA trash. I am sad. On 8/3/08 I ripped out the money clip from my leather wallet. I never carry cash. I carry only cards, and they are all the same size.

However, a replacement Tungsten-C Palm PDA on eBay is about $125. A new basic cell phone is $200 brand new (free with a contract). A new PDA is $200-400. My 7-year old cell phone has frequent drop outs (one band), and a talk time of one hour. The buttons don't respond well. I have a green screen with black characters. It requires being flipped open. Sometimes I have issues with the ringer. Having both a separate hand-held computer, & a cell phone is too much for my pockets. I often use a wired headset to hear and be heard better.

I decided to get a Palm PDA/cell phone combo. This is called a smart phone. Instead of the $400 cost for a new one, I purchased a Centro on eBay for about $215. I picked it up from the post office on 8/4/08.

Brand new, the $400 smart phone is $100 with a contract. Unlike most people, I do not have a mobile phone contract. I only pay $15/month for 750 minutes. Its similar to buying a car or home instead of renting or leasing. I would rather pay full price, and save in the long run.

I feel decadent replacing my 6/28/01 SCH8500 Samsung Sprint cell phone that only cost me $84. It still works, I only use 250-500 minutes per month. I am sad my PDA broke. It is one of my favorite things in my life, and cost me $300 on eBay. However, I have now fulfilled my fantasy of a device that will do more than both devices together, and smaller than either! All my electronics and communication are finally together and integrated.

Since the phone/PDA will be more reliable and dependable, I plan to disconnect my home phone service and number. It has been $15/month for unlimited local, long distance, and Europe. Now it is only $5/month. However with tax and fees, it is $8/month or $100/year! I receive two 45-60 minute phone calls in total per week.

I enjoyed Don Adams in Get Smart, as Max Smart, in the 1960s. He recently died, as did Charles Shultz. A new movie called "Get Smart" has recently been released. He had a wireless phone in his shoe. So, when the term "Smart phone" came into our lexicon vernacular, I thought of the fact that Maxwell Smart had a "Smart" phone thirty years early! Please click for my posting. Another TV show of the sixties had a cell phone and PDA thirty years earlier. It was the communicator and Tricorder of Star Trek. Today we have one combined device called the Treo! I have the successor, called the Centro.