Michael Joseph Jackson 1958 - 2009

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and philanthropist. Referred to as the King of Pop, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contribution to music, dance and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in the mid-1960s, and began his solo career in 1971.
He began a full-fledged solo career in 1979 and formally parted with his siblings in 1984.[2] In his solo career, Jackson recorded and co-produced the best-selling album of all time[3] Thriller, with worldwide sales over 51 million, received thirteen Grammy awards[4] and charted thirteen number-one singles in the U.S. Throughout his four-decade career, Michael Jackson has been awarded numerous honors, including the World Music Award's Best-selling pop male artist of the Millennium and he is a double-inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1997 and in 2001 as a solo artist.[5] He is also a member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. He was born in 1958 like Andrew Lerner, and is a favorite person of his. This post is from 2007.

Electronic range desired

Panasonic CD Stereo System $100

Sold via Amazon.com 9/18,27/10 +$82.58

Panasonic SC-PM18 executive 120 Watt 5 CD Changer Micro System
offers style and power, housing 60 watts per channel in its sleek, black-and-silver casing. The SC-PM18 includes a single-well cassette recorder and a five-CD changer with Panasonic's exclusive MASH (multi-stage noise shaping technology) 1-bit digital-to-analog converter for clear, accurate sound reproduction. And the system plays not only pre-recorded CDs but home-brewed CD-Rs and CD-RWs, too.

To ensure powerful, clear, and virtually distortion-free audio, the system features a bi-amplified, bi-wired configuration, which splits the amplifier's labor to independently power each speaker driver for more efficient power usage. Super Sound EQ boosts the low, medium, and high frequencies at the touch of a button, and four preset equalizer curves are also included.

Other features include a drift-free, digital-synthesized tuner with 30-station (15 FM, 15 AM) presets, TPS (Tape Program Sensor, which lets you search forward or backward across up to nine cassette songs), detachable speaker grilles (in case you prefer the look of naked tweeters and woofers) and a multi-function remote control. Belonged to my father, who enjoyed classical music.

Tech Specs

	Product Type	Micro Hi-Fi System
	Brand Name	Panasonic
	Product Model	SC-PM18
	Manufacturer Part Number	SC-PM18
	Product Name	SC-PM18 CD Stereo Hi-Fi System
	Manufacturer Website Address	www.panasonic.com
	Manufacturer	Panasonic
	Additional Information	Woofer: 4" cone type Tweeter: 2.375" cone type
	Package Contents	SC-PM18 CD Stereo Hi-Fi System 1 x Remote control transmitter 1 x FM indoor antenna 2 x Remote control batteries 1 x AC power supply cord 1 x AM loop antenna
	Weight	11.70 lb
	Input Voltage	120 V AC
	Number of Tracks	24
	Frequency Band	FM
AM
	Number of Channels	30
	Media Formats	CD-R/RW
	Features	RDS/EON
	Number of Cassette	1
	Number of Discs 5

Obama or Tea Party?

Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie 1958 -

Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie (born August 16, 1958), better known as Madonna, is an American dance-pop singer-songwriter, record and film producer, dancer, actress, author and fashion icon. She is noted for her ambitious music videos and stage performances as well as using political, sexual, and religious themes in her work.[1]
The Guinness World Records lists Madonna as the most successful female recording artist of all time,[2] with estimated worldwide album sales of 175 million[3] and 75 million singles;[3] Madonna is the highest earning female singer of all time according to both the 2007 Guinness Book of Records,[4] and Billboard Magazine. Forbes magazine has estimated her net worth at $325 million.[5] In addition, Madonna holds the record for the top-grossing concert tour by a female artist.[6] She was born in the same year as Andrew Lerner, and is a favorite person of his. This was originally posted previous years on this date.

Graphic Designer formally known as

Andrew I. Lerner I am the Graphic Design Artist formally known as &rew. Prince (eponymous) and I were born in 1958. Dan: "But, to my knowledge Prince does not have a cactus named Elanor." Andrew I. Lerner has finished watching every episode of Mad Men, and is returning the last DVD today. Mad Men is on Sunday 10pm on AMC. Andrew I. Lerner ‎'s cactus named Elanor is bathing in the southern exposure sun right now. I hope it is therapeutic along with the 48oz of water I poured on it last night. Can you be a closet claustrophobic? Andrew I. Lerner must get to bed early since I have to get up in the afternoon for a nap. Andrew I. Lerner is extremely relieved that someone finally let me help them do something very important and necessary, after being after them about it for a year! Bess: "Someone not only needed and needs the help but the motivation to follow through" Andrew I. Lerner transplanted a cactus from a pot into the ground. Did not realize there are many of these tiny needles that are hard to see, that make my hands sting and itch. I may need a magnifying glass and tweezers. ouch. Andrew I. Lerner is glad to have read this wall to wall quote, but would have preferred a direct apology.‎"Stephen to Thom : You'll never guess who I bumped into into on face-book. Andrew Lerner! He's a friend now and we've posted on each others walls and swapped emails. I basically filled him in on what's up since '79. How about that? I was such a jerk in high school to Andrew. I don't think I really evolved until my sophomore year of college. You change, you grow, you progress." Bess: "well some folks just cant say it, so they indirectly go about it.." Andrew I. Lerner Thank you Bess for your guiding me with advice on NT people behave. Andrew I. Lerner The Menu card that I designed is now featured in UrbanSpoon.com! Andrew I. Lerner Is Sarah Palin supposed to IMPROVE FAUX-NEWS image? Can it compete with CNN ... It has an 86 year old (Larry) talking about a FOX cartoon show (Family Guy). If CNN merges with CBS, will it become CNN-B.S.? Anna Nicole Smith walks out of grave alive, and does it with Tiger Woods. Dan: "Tiger always went for those blonds!" Charlie Brown, Charles Schultz and I, are Aspies. I identified with that cartoon character throughout my life. Now even more, since I am bald. I have always been lonely, yearned for the affections of the little Red-haired girl, bet never enjoyed life as most people. There was a long lonely time of PB sandwiches back in Grade school. Andrew I. Lerner has to leave now to join 3 people at the pool. I just came back from grocery shopping at Publix, after getting out of bed at 4pm! Andrew I. Lerner just saw a yellow Lamborghini parked in the disabled spot in front of the Lake Mary Publix Super-Market. I took pictures, and will download and upload soon . Reports circulating in the Kremlin today state that Prime Minister Putin has ordered Russian military forces to prepare to confront American military forces in Afghanistan over what Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov warns is the “greatest threat to International peace and security”, Afghanistan’s thriving drug trade supported by the US and NATO Steve: "Great. That's all we need. When are we going to learn to stay out of the 'sandbox' and realize that they don't like us there, they never liked us in the first place, and they will always view us as 'outsiders', infidels and 'the other'. ...They've got long memories, they're still cheesed off over the crusades. I suppose it won't happen until they run out of oil. That's the only reason we mess around in the sand in the first place. When we're up and running on green energy, see how much we care about 'the sandbox'." http://www.nmajh.org/ Stephen: "It's an old fashioned seltzer bottle! Most probably made in eastern Europe in the 20's. I used to be a part time manager in a beer and soda store back in the early 80's. We had a bunch of them and would truck them to a place in Jamaica Queens, which was the only place around that would re fill them as they still had... the old technology that could do it. Very 'old time chic'. I bought one outright with the intent to make a table lamp out of it, but it went nowhere. The metal top could not be drilled through without destroying it. Pity..." Andrew I. Lerner Love is less than three. ♥ Andrew I. Lerner review of Line-Drive Burgers, Lake Mary: The fresh burgers are decent. Buns are good. Topping selection is nice and unlimited. The home-made chips and crinkle-cuts are thick, crunchy, and oily. Self-serve drinks are good. Order at counter, and then served later. No music. Obvious and poor value competition to Steak 'N ...Shake. 5% of the high cost goes to charity. Coupons on website. Andrew I. Lerner is relieved that even though he exhausted his UIC 2 weeks ago, he will start again under Tier 4 on Monday! Andrew I. Lerner and other Aspies, Absolutely cannot multitask. "Just calmly tell the Aspie what he's doing wrong, Don't yell at him." People with Asperger's need peace, quiet and solitude. Bess: "...if your doing something wrong they will talk behind your back, send email out and not tell anyone to their face. It's where work gets in the way if gossip..." Robbie Aasdf: "i firmly believe that only direct communication of an issue will resolve it. talking behind someone's back isn't going to help that person with the issue. state your issue, discuss in a timely manner, and move on. easy enough concepts. probably why i scare possible employers..lol." Andrew I. Lerner saved 1,998 sq. ft. of rain forest. https://juicyrewards.tropicana.com/ Andrew I. Lerner ‎'s view is that a Mosque should not be prevented from being constructed near the WTC in Manhattan. http://www.facebook.com/#!/AndrewILerner?v=wall&story_fbid=140253789340182 Andrew I. Lerner just ordered his textbooks for the Fall Semester from Amazon.com
August 9 at 12:10am Andrew I. Lerner; "AARP= "After Age of Real Productivity" August 8 at 5:59pm Andrew I. Lerner supposes that , if it was not for that pesky meteor, dinosaurs would be flying space ships by now. Andrew I. Lerner: Love is less than three. ♥ August 7 at 9:48pm Chantri: "No. heart is less than 3. Love is much more. Hahaha" Dan:
"I realize that the article was about certain workplace accommodations, but, seriously, here in North central FL particularly, is the expectation is for the AS employee to conform and be thankful to have a job in this right to work state. I... don't want to have to wear a pin that says "I am autistic, and protected by the ADA so treat me nice or I sue." The level of civility in society has declined so greatly that most NT people and employers would use that as an excuse to make you feel more out of place so you would quit voluntarily. The article is a nice thought, but not going to be adopted by the NT world any time soon." Daniel דָּנִיֵּאל "Since the diagnosis for Asperger's Syndrome didn't exist when I was in school I was "mainstreamed" by default. Information Technology tends to be a natural fit for many of us since computers are far more predictable than people... They put us down in the basement and let us play with computers, what could be better as a job? Patterns of behavior can change with a bit of concerted effort. I tend to be "blind" to things that others notice about my behavior - I don't even realize that I've done something until someone points it out. It is just a matter of learned behavior." August 4 at 9:21pm Andrew I. Lerner FINALLY installed the ballast from Home Depot and the GE bulbs from Publix on the Kitchen ceiling light fixture, and it finally works! YAY! There is light! :) August 2 at 7:48pm Andrew I. Lerner What is posted in Facebook, should be discussed in Facebook, at least before it is beyond F.B.. I am insulted if I am not directly confronted by a post I make on FB, in FB first. Confrontation, is not communication. Communication means to express your feelings, and not to ask questions to have an expected answer. If you react to me outside, instead of inside FB, do not be surprised if you are taken out of my FB August 3 at 11:58am

Aspie Supremacy

The link above can bring you to a facebook page that this posting is based on. It does not necessarily represent my views. I found it to be entertaining, and did not take it very seriously. I appreciate the comment that has so far been contributed.
ASPIE: A superior being, while deficient in chaotic morasses such as small-talk, inferior double-standard-laden customs and values trumpeted by Neurotypicals, and deciphering Neurotypical body-language, more than makes up for it with a sharp, penetrating mind that is highly adept at developing an intense focus on a subject giving them... a near-savant level of proficiency, an inborn sense of principles that allows them to develop practically consistent characteristics and values, and an ability to reason independently, reducing their susceptibility to dogma, acceptance of groundless assertions, and the hazards of groupthink. The eccentric man with the encyclopaedic knowledge, monotone voice, and static facial expression must be an Aspie.

The Eight Asperger Advantages

1. Focus Your ability to focus on one objective over long periods of time without becoming distracted allows you to accomplish large and challenging tasks.
2. Unique Global Insights Your ability to find novel connections among multi-disciplinary facts and ideas allows you to create new, coherent, and meaningful insights that others would not have reached without you.
3. Independent Thinking Your willingness to consider unpopular or unusual possibilities generates new options and opportunities and can pave the way for others.
4. Internal Motivation Rather than being swayed by social convention, other's opinions, social pressure or fears, you can hold firm to your own purpose. Your unique ideas can thrive, despite naysayers.
5. Attention To Detail Your ability to remember and process minute details without getting lost or overwhelmed gives you a distinct advantage when solving complex problems.
6. 3-Dimensional Thinking Your ability to utilize 3-dimensional visioning gives you a unique perspective when designing and creating solutions.
7. Cutting Through The Smoke Screen Your ability to recognize and speak the truth that is being "conveniently" ignored by others can be vital to the success of a project or endeavor.
8. Logical Decision Making Your ability to make logical and rational decisions and stick to your course of action without being swayed by impulse or emotional reactions allows you to navigate successfully through difficult situations without being pulled off-course.

These traits can be used to develop invaluable leadership and entrepreneurial skills. People with autism are among the most forthright, non-judgmental, passionate people you'll ever meet.

65 years ago today

The picture to the left was created by Andrew Lerner


Line Drive was caught, one out.
by Andrew Lerner (1 review)
August 06, 2010 - C+
The fresh burgers are decent. Buns are good. Topping selection is nice and unlimited. The home-made chips and crinkle-cuts are thick, crunchy, and oily. Self-serve drinks are good. Order at counter, and then served later. No music. Obvious and poor value competition to Steak 'N Shake. 5% of the high cost goes to charity. Coupons on website.

Working With Someone With Asperger's

Susan Adams, 08.03.10, 01:30 PM EDT
People with Asperger's syndrome have trouble reading social cues. They can be long-winded, insensitive and impolite, often failing to look people in the eye. They can also produce remarkable creative breakthroughs. For instance, Temple Grandin, an animal scientist with Asperger's, invented a humane, efficient way to slaughter cattle. Forbes was among the first to profile Grandin (in 1998), and her life story was the subject of a 2010 HBO documentary.

How do the rest of us get along in the workplace with these unusual people? Asperger's, considered a mild form of autism, was first identified in 1944 by Viennese pediatrician Hans Asperger. He called his patients "little professors," because many had above-average intelligence, and they tended to become obsessed with arcane subjects. Psychiatric authorities accepted the syndrome as a disorder in 1994, though there's some dispute about whether it should continue to be identified as separate from other autistic conditions. Estimates vary on the prevalence of Asperger's, from 1 in 5,000 to as many as 1 in 500.

For advice on how so-called neurotypicals can work side by side with "Aspies," we turned to Grandin and to Jeffrey Deutsch, an Aspie who runs a consulting firm called Aspies Linking with Neurotypicals, or A SPLINT, which offers coaching to people with Asperger's, their families and employers.

Grandin and Deutsch say you should communicate with Aspies as specifically and clearly as possible. "You can't just say to an Aspie, 'Develop new programs,' or 'Develop a new sales plan,'" Grandin explains. "Aspies need clear instructions on what the job is." Expect them to tackle one project at a time, she adds. "They absolutely cannot multitask."

An example of a set of directives an Aspie can follow, says Grandin: "I want you to develop software to use on phones for finding restaurants really easily." Offer as much additional detail as possible, like how much memory you want the software to take up and how easy it should be to use.

E-mail is a great tool for communicating with an Aspie, both Grandin and Deutsch say, and deadlines should be made crystal clear. "Don't be vague with a person with Asperger's," advises Grandin. "It's better to set an actual date."

Give Aspies specific instructions about behaviors you find annoying or difficult, even in nonwork matters. Grandin says she used to have a problem with her own personal hygiene, including body odor, until a boss told her plainly that she needed to use deodorant. "Just calmly tell the Aspie what he's doing wrong," she suggests. "Don't yell at him."

Deutsch agrees. "Lay out the behaviors that are causing issues," he says. Those can include eye contact, standing too close or too far away from other people, and voice tone and volume. "The normal mind tends to be too vague," adds Grandin. "The Asperger's mind sees the details."
Grandin says that people with Asperger's also tend to be extrasensitive to their environment, including lighting and ambient noise. She says fluorescent lights often pose a problem. "They can see the flicker in the bulbs," she says. "It's like being in the middle of a discotheque." People with Asperger's need peace, quiet and solitude. "If you put them in a cubicle by the coffee machine, that's not going to work," Grandin says.

Perhaps the most useful coping mechanism for working with Aspies is to recognize that they have limitations. For instance, many people with Asperger's have trouble looking others in the eye. "Just accept that that's the way it is," Grandin says.

No Toilet Humor

"REST" is an acronym for RElief STation, as in "REST Room". There is usually one in each of (a) booth-ed stall(s) in a shared public room. These water closets with toilets can be used by men or women. However, this picture depicts a multi-man station, that is without a lavatory room. Would you use it? For yes, click box below. A=Yes F=no. (women need not vote)

Click the picture for an enlargement, and again, for an even further enlargement. This is usually the case in this blog.

Face Book

A Jew and a Clinton are married.

FACEBOOK: What is posted in Facebook, should be discussed in Facebook, at least before it is beyond F.B.. I am insulted if I am not directly confronted by a post I make on FB, in FB first. Confrontation, is not communication. Communication means to express your feelings, and not to ask questions to have an expected answer. If you react to me outside, instead of inside FB, do not be surprised if you are taken out of my FB.

Andrew... had a delightful meal at Tijuana Flats (BOGO), and picked up DVDs of Mad Men Darn, it was the only TV series sold out of both season 2 and 3! could only get first 3 DVDs of season 1 only!

The picture posted is of my friend's dog. It was too excellent and adorable not to post.

Aspie Careers: worst and best.

Spectrum Solutions Personal Growth Development for Children, Teens, and Adults on the Spectrumby Stephen Borgman July 29, 2010, AutismHow To Find Your Career on the Autism Spectrum How To Find the Right Job For You

It's important to be honest with yourself about your intellectual capabilities. I, for example, am not very gifted in the areas of math and science. As much as I may have aspired to have my PhD in the past, the subjects of statistics and research don't come very easily to me. In the same way, you must be honest with yourself about your intellectual capacities. If you are in the low or below average range of IQ, it just means that you may need to have more support and coaching, and that your career choices may be a little more limited. However, it will give you a better idea of what choices you may be able to be successful in.

If you are of average or above average intellectual ability, you may have more possibilities. Just remember that the social aspects of any job will be challenging for you. And I will tell you now: Buy Ms. Simone's book! Asperger's on the Job is an invaluable resource for you, for your employer, and for any therapist or advocate who is working with you. It contains tips and strategies for you, and for your employer.
Be Aware of Your Hard Wiring

Feel free to agree or disagree with Ms. Grandin here, but these are some characteristics I learned from reading this article she wrote:Many individuals on the autism spectrum have difficulties with short-term memory. Therefore, there are a number of jobs that are not particularly suited in this regard: some examples she gives of these jobs would be cashier; short order cook; waitress; taxi dispatcher, airline ticket agent, futures market trader, receptionist/telephone operator. You can read her article for more detail on her reasoning for these being a poor fit.

If you are an individual on the autism spectrum and you have noticed that you are a very strong visual thinker, there is a whole range of jobs that may be ideal for you. Ms. Grandin lists some of these as examples:

* Computer programming
* Drafting
* Commercial art
* Photography
* Equipment designing
* Animal trainer or veterinary technician
* Automobile mechanic
* Computer-troubleshooter and repair
* Small appliance and lawnmower repair
* Handcrafts of many different types such as wood carving, jewelry making, ceramics, etc.
* Laboratory technician
* Web page design
* Building trades
* Building maintenance
* Factory maintenance

You may be a non-visual thinker, but be good at numbers, facts, or music. Here are some suggestions posed by Ms. Grandin:

* Accounting
* Library science -- reference librarian.
* Computer programming
* Engineering
* Journalist
* Copy editor
* Taxi driver
* Inventory control
* Tuning pianos and other musical instruments, can be done as freelance work
* Laboratory technician -- Running laboratory equipment
* Bank Teller
* Clerk and filing jobs
* Telemarketing
* Statistician
* Physicist or mathematician

If you are a person on the autism spectrum who is nonverbal or struggle with your verbal skills, here is a list of jobs that Ms. Grandin has suggested worth researching:

* Reshelving library books
* Factory assembly work
* Copy shop
* Janitor jobs
* Restocking shelves
* Recycling plant
* Warehouse
* Lawn and garden work
* Data entry
* Fast food restaurant
* Plant care
www.andrewlerner.blogspot.com Please read the column at the left, left click on all of the posting titles, pictures, and underlined blue words. Please click below, on "Comments, Reactions, & Feedback", below, to read reviews, and or write your own reply. This means a great deal to me.Each box, below the date below, corresponds to the letter of your choice: A = Funny. B = Informative. C = Clever. D = Disagree. E = Excellent. F = Frivolous.1) Please place your cursor arrow onto the little white box, next to the letter, that represents your selection. 2) press down to click. 3) A check mark will then appear, showing that you have voted. The counter for that box, will increment by your one rating (#).

My Rack Card Creation

FACEBOOK: Andrew.....
received an A on his 2011 Rock calendar, and a B on his That Deli rack card, that he did yesterday and being due last week.
..is so happy he finally has completely finished constructing all 3 storage furniture towers, and now finally has a complete functioning office.

Review of That DELIcious Deli
Excellent, fresh, wholesome, nutritious and tasty good food. Friendly, fast, and clean. Clever combinations of foods make every choice original and unusually DELIcious. Order at counter, then table service. Self-serve beverages are excellent. Better value than Pain-era.

End of Middle Class

The Middle Class in America Is Radically Shrinking. Here Are the Stats to Prove it.
Posted Jul 15, 2010 02:25pm EDT by Michael Snyder in Recession Related.
From The Business Insider Michael Snyder is editor of theeconomiccollapseblog.com

The 22 statistics detailed here prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the middle class is being systematically wiped out of existence in America.

The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer at a staggering rate. Once upon a time, the United States had the largest and most prosperous middle class in the history of the world, but now that is changing at a blinding pace.

So why are we witnessing such fundamental changes? Well, the globalism and "free trade" that our politicians and business leaders insisted would be so good for us have had some rather nasty side effects. It turns out that they didn't tell us that the "global economy" would mean that middle class American workers would eventually have to directly compete for jobs with people on the other side of the world where there is no minimum wage and very few regulations. The big global corporations have greatly benefited by exploiting third world labor pools over the last several decades, but middle class American workers have increasingly found things to be very tough.

Here are the statistics to prove it:

• 83 percent of all U.S. stocks are in the hands of 1 percent of the people.
• 61 percent of Americans "always or usually" live paycheck to paycheck, which was up from 49 percent in 2008 and 43 percent in 2007.
• 66 percent of the income growth between 2001 and 2007 went to the top 1% of all Americans.
• 36 percent of Americans say that they don't contribute anything to retirement savings.
• A staggering 43 percent of Americans have less than $10,000 saved up for retirement.
• 24 percent of American workers say that they have postponed their planned retirement age in the past year.
• Over 1.4 million Americans filed for personal bankruptcy in 2009, which represented a 32 percent increase over 2008.
• Only the top 5 percent of U.S. households have earned enough additional income to match the rise in housing costs since 1975.
• For the first time in U.S. history, banks own a greater share of residential housing net worth in the United States than all individual Americans put together.
• In 1950, the ratio of the average executive's paycheck to the average worker's paycheck was about 30 to 1. Since the year 2000, that ratio has exploded to between 300 to 500 to one.
• As of 2007, the bottom 80 percent of American households held about 7% of the liquid financial assets.
• The bottom 50 percent of income earners in the United States now collectively own less than 1 percent of the nation’s wealth.
• Average Wall Street bonuses for 2009 were up 17 percent when compared with 2008.
• In the United States, the average federal worker now earns 60% MORE than the average worker in the private sector.
• The top 1 percent of U.S. households own nearly twice as much of America's corporate wealth as they did just 15 years ago.
• In America today, the average time needed to find a job has risen to a record 35.2 weeks.
• More than 40 percent of Americans who actually are employed are now working in service jobs, which are often very low paying.
• or the first time in U.S. history, more than 40 million Americans are on food stamps, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects that number will go up to 43 million Americans in 2011.
• This is what American workers now must compete against: in China a garment worker makes approximately 86 cents an hour and in Cambodia a garment worker makes approximately 22 cents an hour.
• Approximately 21 percent of all children in the United States are living below the poverty line in 2010 - the highest rate in 20 years.
• Despite the financial crisis, the number of millionaires in the United States rose a whopping 16 percent to 7.8 million in 2009.
• The top 10 percent of Americans now earn around 50 percent of our national income.

Giant Sucking Sound

The reality is that no matter how smart, how strong, how educated or how hard working American workers are, they just cannot compete with people who are desperate to put in 10 to 12 hour days at less than a dollar an hour on the other side of the world. After all, what corporation in their right mind is going to pay an American worker 10 times more (plus benefits) to do the same job? The world is fundamentally changing. Wealth and power are rapidly becoming concentrated at the top and the big global corporations are making massive amounts of money. Meanwhile, the American middle class is being systematically wiped out of existence as U.S. workers are slowly being merged into the new "global" labor pool.

What do most Americans have to offer in the marketplace other than their labor? Not much. The truth is that most Americans are absolutely dependent on someone else giving them a job. But today, U.S. workers are "less attractive" than ever. Compared to the rest of the world, American workers are extremely expensive, and the government keeps passing more rules and regulations seemingly on a monthly basis that makes it even more difficult to conduct business in the United States.

So corporations are moving operations out of the U.S. at breathtaking speed. Since the U.S. government does not penalize them for doing so, there really is no incentive for them to stay.

What has developed is a situation where the people at the top are doing quite well, while most Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to make it. There are now about six unemployed Americans for every new job opening in the United States, and the number of "chronically unemployed" is absolutely soaring. There simply are not nearly enough jobs for everyone.

Many of those who are able to get jobs are finding that they are making less money than they used to. In fact, an increasingly large percentage of Americans are working at low wage retail and service jobs.

But you can't raise a family on what you make flipping burgers at McDonald's or on what you bring in from greeting customers down at the local Wal-Mart.

The truth is that the middle class in America is dying -- and once it is gone it will be incredibly difficult to rebuild.

www.andrewlerner.blogspot.com Please read the column at the left, left click on all of the posting titles, pictures, and underlined blue words. Please click below, on "Comments, Reactions, & Feedback", below, to read reviews, and or write your own reply. This means a great deal to me.Each box, below the date below, corresponds to the letter of your choice: A = Funny. B = Informative. C = Clever. D = Disagree. E = Excellent. F = Frivolous.1) Please place your cursor arrow onto the little white box, next to the letter, that represents your selection. 2) press down to click. 3) A check mark will then appear, showing that you have voted. The counter for that box, will increment by your one rating (#).

Science coexist

"Religion is dangerous because it allows human beings who don't have all the answers to think that they do." - Bill Maher 'Religulous'
FACEBOOK: With all the strong unsecured wireless signals in my area for free, how does it make sense to pay $40/month for cable HSI? If Georgia is the deep south, than I must live in the deep north, called Florida. Andrew is an unemployed former Hurricane. In 1958, a couple would date, get married, live together, have sex, and children. In 2010, I invite a complete stranger into my home. We live together, get married, and have been dating since then. We are childless, and plan to keep it that way.

Mad Men

I spent the past couple of weeks watching past episodes to get introduced, seduced, and up to date. Now I am hooked with my wife. I am from NYC, now in FL. We are so eager for 10PM on AMC. Mad Men is the best show since six feet under, St. Elsewhere, My So-Called Life, Northern Exposure, Picket Fences, LA Law, and SATC!

Mad Men is an American dramatic television series created and produced by Matthew Weiner. The show is broadcast on the American cable network AMC and is produced by Lionsgate Television. It premiered on July 19, 2007 and completed its third season on November 8, 2009.^[2] The production of a fourth season began on April 12, 2010.^[3] Season 4 will premiere on AMC July 25, 2010 at 10/9c.^[4]

Mad Men is set in the 1960s, initially at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency on Madison Avenue in New York City, and later at the newly created firm of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.^[5] The show centers on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), creative director at Sterling Cooper and a founding partner at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, as well as those in his life in and out of the office. It also depicts the changing social mores of 1960s America.

Mad Men has received critical acclaim, particularly for its historical authenticity and visual style, and has won multiple awards, including nine Emmys and four Golden Globes. It is the first basic cable series to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, winning the award in 2008 and 2009.^[6]

<sup>In California 90% of adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed. For the 10% who have found employment they are earning less than $5,000 a year. http://life-with-aspergers.blogspot.com/2010/07/improving-employment-prospects-for_15.html I have been trying to since 1976. I have had 54 jobs. My longest and highest paying job was Convergys 11/21/05 - 2/23/09 between $8 and $10. I am having an extreme difficult job with college. My source of rental income has stopped due to additional unemployment. Happy and relieved that Senate finally Passes Bill To Restore Jobless Benefits. Obama to sign Thursday! Happy to receive this message: "Saw your web site / blog thought it was interesting, clicked on the fb link saw we have much in common - raised on LI now live in FL we both have AS in a redneck state that prides itself in the criminalization of folks rather than train law enforcement."

FACEBOOK: "Hang On Sloopy" is a song by the pop group The McCoys which was #1 in America in October 1965 and is the official rock song of the state of Ohio and The Ohio State University. It was written by Wes Farrell and Bert Russell and is named for singer Dorothy Sloop (1913-1998), who used the name "Sloopy" on stage.[1]</sup>

Sex and the Aspie

While most discussions surrounding autism focus on childhood issues (prevention, education, and a cure), much less attention is paid to adults living on the spectrum. In Good Vibration's interview with Dr. Amy Marsh, sexologist and creator of The Intimate Aspie, she too admitted that there isn't a lot of research or information surrounding adult sexuality while living on the spectrum. For those that are in it, and the neurotypicals who love them. What is similar when we discuss living on the spectrum is the need for a change in expectations. As Dr. Marsh points out, non-Asperger's Syndrome partners also have certain thoughts that need to be challenged within the realm of an intimate relationship, so the need for clear communication is amplified (even though this is necessary in all types of people.)

The non-AS person will probably be doing most of the apparent adjusting in the relationship, because the AS partner is usually working overtime just to deal with the anxiety and stresses of being around another person who has emotional and sexual expectations for the relationship. In other words, the non-AS person will feel he, she, or ze is doing most of the work, but that’s because non-AS people don’t train themselves to look for what the AS person is doing and contributing. AS people are supposed to be socially “clueless” and rigid, but the truth is, the same is true for non-AS people, who have set certain standards for social and emotional interactions simply because they are in the majority.

Then, the partners should expect to use clear, concise language to work out boundaries, rules, and other things about the relationship. Sensory stuff should be discussed. Intimate time together should be planned so that the AS person doesn’t have to deal with the anxiety that comes from having to switch gears suddenly, as in “it’s a beautiful day, let’s go for a walk!” Outside of these guidelines, anything can go, just as with a non-AS partner. While this is just a small portion of an interview with Dr. Marsh, she recommends if you're in a relationship with someone on the spectrum, you immerse yourself in reading to understand your partner and how his or her needs may differ from your own. Both you and your partner can learn more on The Intimate Aspie where Dr. Marsh explores gender and sexual diversity in a sex-positive way.

FACEBOOK: Andrew I. Lerner is thrilled and relieved that the Unemployment Benefits extension bill has finally been approved by the senate, and is off to be passed by congress tomorrow. Elanor is moving from the southern-most peninsula in the USA, to the Northern-most peninsula in the USA. Andrew I. Lerner will send you a free 2011 Rock calendar. Miss Ogny wrote the book on "Hating Men and Boys". Charles Shultz and Charlie Brown were Aspies. Did you know this? Andrew I. Lerner wonders if he should buy flood insurance on account of the imminent tsunami from the gulf.

Automated Kohls calls me on the phone. Says I owe $8.10 with late fees. This was an error in itself. I press numbers to finally wait for an agent. He could not take a payment for less than $10 over phone. I said I plan to go online like he said I can, and make the 8.10 payment. He also closed my acct at my request. Online said that I have an invalid email address and password. I call up and make a $10 payment using automated service. It cuts me off after I type in all check numbers. Agent said they don't accept payment for more than the balance, or there would be an additional $10. fee! In the end, she took $8.10 only, and I am fine now. Saturday at 6:28pm

In order to get your name changed on your Driver's license in Florida, you must first have your name changed on your Social Security Administration card. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must first have your name changed on your Driver's license. I suppose that post-9/11/01 means "trust nobody". July 16. Notice the new buttons below each of my posts! You can share me on FaceBook now!

www.andrewlerner.blogspot.com Please read the column at the left, left click on all of the posting titles, pictures, and underlined blue words. Please click below, on "Comments, Reactions, & Feedback", below, to read reviews, and or write your own reply. This means a great deal to me.Each box, below the date below, corresponds to the letter of your choice: A = Funny. B = Informative. C = Clever. D = Disagree. E = Excellent. F = Frivolous.1) Please place your cursor arrow onto the little white box, next to the letter, that represents your selection. 2) press down to click. 3) A check mark will then appear, showing that you have voted. The counter for that box, will increment by your one rating (#).

She's Leaving Home

I have hugged goodbye my best Florida Friend. Elanor is leaving for MI. I am now without a fitness buddy, Graphic Design Tutor, Lunch buddy, and a dinner guest at our house for my wife and I. We, and Colbert Fluffy Lerner will miss her extremely much. We are very happy for her. I am reminded of a Beatles song missing from the calendar she helped me make. (The lyrics don't apply) It is from the most outstanding record album ever released. To the right, is a stamp that she helped me with. I have completely finished constructing my 3 final furniture pieces, and my office.

Mary and Max

For this video, you might want to pause after pressing play, come back minutes later, and press play again after it has fully uploaded.
www.andrewlerner.blogspot.com Please read the column at the left, left click on all of the posting titles, pictures, and underlined blue words. Please click below, on "Comments, Reactions, & Feedback", below, to read reviews, and or write your own reply. This means a great deal to me.Each box, below the date below, corresponds to the letter of your choice: A = Funny. B = Informative. C = Clever. D = Disagree. E = Excellent. F = Frivolous.1) Please place your cursor arrow onto the little white box, next to the letter, that represents your selection. 2) press down to click. 3) A check mark will then appear, showing that you have voted. The counter for that box, will increment by your one rating (#).

I'm Not a Jerk, I Have Aspergers

Opposing Views: I'm Not a Jerk, I Have Aspergers Opinion by bagpiper2005 (2 Hours Ago) in Health / Autism

I read this line somewhere, albeit I can’t remember where I found it, and it may be worded slightly differently than I have worded it. I think this line speaks volumes about the challenges that I as a sufferer of Aspergers face on a day-to-day basis.

I often times come across as abrasive or brash, both in my opinion editorials and in my day-to-day dealings with people, all to often to be written off as a “jerk” or an “a*******” before people really just get to know me. It’s this unfair treatment I receive that causes me to sometimes feel like an outcast. I can’t help but wonder why, though.

An estimated 1 in 91 children will be diagnosed with some form of Autism at some time in their lives. For those who are mathematically challenged, that’s greater than 1% of people walking the face of this earth have some form of Autism, and I know I’m not the only one that gets treated unfairly because of it.

So we might be a little bit challenged in the social skills department, and we might not be “normal,” but normal according to what? The DSM? Are we really going to let some board of capitalistic, money-hungry pigs determine what is “normal” and what is not? It’s nice to have an explanation, sure, but I’m against forcing anyone to be treated for anything.

Anyone who really gets to know me knows what a kind, caring, loving individual I really am beneath my “Aspie” surface. It might take me a little while to warm up to you, and for you to warm up to me, but give me a chance, will you? Just ask my students, once they get past my idiosyncrasies and come to really know me, they learn of what a dedicated, caring, talented teacher I really am.

I think all of us are a little rough around the edges in some way, and some of us more than others. Usually if I come across as being nasty, it’s not my intention to do so, and sometimes I don’t even realize I’m being mean or offensive. There is a very clear difference when I say something accidentally mean and when my intention is to all-out hurt or offend, trust me, those that really know me can tell the difference.

I’m as capable of loving, caring, and being a friend as a neurotypical, but I might not show it as well or in the same way as a neurotypical would. You have to really hang around me and get to know me to understand. All I’m asking is for you to give me a chance, and let me show what kind of a person I am below the surface. I challenge you to do that for your Aspie/Autistic neighbor today.www.andrewlerner.blogspot.com Please read the column at the left, left click on all of the posting titles, pictures, and underlined blue words. Please click below, on "Comments, Reactions, & Feedback", below, to read reviews, and or write your own reply. This means a great deal to me.Each box, below the date below, corresponds to the letter of your choice: A = Funny. B = Informative. C = Clever. D = Disagree. E = Excellent. F = Frivolous.1) Please place your cursor arrow onto the little white box, next to the letter, that represents your selection. 2) press down to click. 3) A check mark will then appear, showing that you have voted. The counter for that box, will increment by your one rating (#).