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David Damiano, associate professor of mathematics, and a member of the College of the Holy Cross faculty since 1984, received the 2011 Distinguished Teaching Award at the College's annual Fall Faculty Convocation and Awards Ceremony.
The Holy Cross Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes and honors the teaching excellence of the College's faculty. After careful review of nominations from individuals and groups on campus, a committee of students, faculty, alumni and administrators selects the honoree. Recipients demonstrate the College's commitment to teaching and personalized instruction by making ideas come alive for students both in and out of the classroom. The Distinguished Teacher is invited to give the principal address during the Faculty Convocation and is awarded an honorarium.
Damiano received his A. B. from Dartmouth College and his Ph.D. from Brown University. In the spring of 2010, jointly with Professors Diane Bukatko and Catherine Roberts, Damiano was a recipient of a grant to conduct workshops with middle and high school teachers in the Worcester Public Schools and the Dioceses of Worcester Schools. Damiano was a recipient of an Arthur J. O'Leary Faculty Recognition Award in 2005. His research interests include differential topology and geometry and applied mathematics and he has authored undergraduate mathematics texts on linear algebra and multivariable calculus. He has served on numerous college committees including the Curriculum Committee, the Committee on Tenure and Promotion, and Committee on Faculty Affairs. He recently served a two-year term as Speaker of the Faculty. In addition, he served terms as chair of the mathematics and computer science department, director of the College Honors Program, and director of the First Year Program. He has also been a faculty mentor in the College's Mentor Program.
Timothy Austin, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, shared a comment by Damiano's colleague during the ceremony: "He is well aware of the challenges involved in teaching today's students, and is dedicated to finding ways of reaching all students without compromising the rigorous, demanding curriculum that is the hallmark of a Holy Cross education. Students praise this man for his patience, his ability to explain challenging topics with great clarity, and his sincere dedication to making sure that his students fully and completely grasp the material."
Damiano resides in Westborough, Mass.
Also awarded at Fall Convocation was the Rev. Raymond J. Swords, S.J., Faculty Medal, which honors those members of the faculty who have served the College for 25 years or more. This year's recipients were: John Anderson, professor of mathematics; Charles Anderton, professor of economics; Lorraine Attreed, professor of history; Mark Freeman, professor of psychology; Margaret Freije, associate dean of the College and associate professor of mathematics; Ronald Jarret, professor of chemistry; Joseph Lawrence, professor of philosophy; Elizabeth Sweeney, associate professor of English and Creative Writing Coordinator; and Karen Turner, professor of history.
For additional information, please contact Cristal Steuer at 508-793-2419.
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WBUR, Boston's NPR news station, reported from San Salvador, El Salvador, during the commemoration of six Jesuit priests murdered by the Salvadoran army 25 years ago in the...11/14/14
'Astrophysicist Tyson sells spirit of science: Cosmos superstar shines at HC'
WBUR | Telegram & Gazette | Worcester News Tonight
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson lectures to a packed house at the College of the Holy Cross last night, where more than 2500 people were in attendance. The talk, titled...11/07/14
Biology Professor's Research on Extinct Dodo Bird Makes International Headlines
International Business Times | Yahoo! News | Wired
With new insight on perhaps one of the most distinguished animals to have gone extinct in human history, Leon Claessens, associate professor of biology at the College of the...


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The rooms very average but you pay for what you get. The reviews i read on here and other sites give high expectations.. but it was nothing like i read.. the place definitely needs work. But the most annoying thing was the staff were too busy with the manager saides wedding than to do business. Dont mistake me i am... More
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subset: commoncrawl


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Kroger Grocery Store 1. Kroger Grocery Store operates 2,642 grocery stores in 34 states. You have to know how to shop smart, watch the ads for sales, and don't forget to sign up for the Kroger plus card. You can get the Kroger plus card at the service desk all you have to do is fill out a short form. You will need to be sure this card each time you shop so you can get the great sale prices. It is important to register your card at the Kroger website. Once it is registered you can add … [Read more...]
Walmart Black Friday Ad 2013
Walmart Black Friday Ad 2013 Black Friday 2013 is fast approaching! Here at Madame Deals we want you to find out about the latest Black Friday Deals as soon as we see them! Today I am bringing you the 2013 Walmart Black Friday Ad!Walmart is one of the stores people are most excited about during Black Friday and for good reason, they are having some awesome sales!Walmart is doing a sale in 3 waves this year, with items available at different times. The first wave will start at … [Read more...]
New HOT Publix coupon
Don't miss this HOT Publix coupon. This HOT Publix coupon is only for specific counties. See the Publix HOT coupon coming out this weekend that is available through Wiz Clipz for early ordering. They will not ship till 11/3/13 but you can order yours now and avoid running around looking for a newspaper that may or may not have the coupon in it! Be sure to check the listing to see if this HOT Publix coupon can be used in your county! Be sure to get it quick, the coupon expires … [Read more...]
Aldi: The Ten Things I Didn't Know
Aldi's Difference I was recently asked to fly to Chicago to go to Aldi's home office and to learn more about their brand. I have to be honest what I thought I knew was wrong. I really didn't understand what they were or what they did. I didn't even know why I was asked to go since I had never shopped there before. The answered was revealed and I will share it with you later. This is what I imagined a traditional grocery store. Fact #1 - Aldi is not a traditional grocery store. That means … [Read more...]
Save on Gluten Free Food
Over 100 Gluten Free Food Products on sale at Abe"s Market Abe"s Market is your source for Natural, Organic, and Special Diet Restrictions. Right now they are having a huge sale on Gluten Free Foods and you can stock up and save. … [Read more...]
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Shop Amazon for Savings on Back To School Snacks Providing Back to School Snacks is important to keep them fueled up for learning. These snacks are even great for your student away at college. Save 25% and receive Free Shipping on most orders. … [Read more...]
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Get More Chicken for Your Cash with Zaycon Foods Zaycon Foods has just released dates and locations for their Fall CHICKEN EVENT!! $1.84/LB Get more Chicken for your Cash by ordering now thru Zaycon Foods and purchase in bulk without leaving your car. Zaycon Foods Chicken Breast features: • 100 % natural chicken with no added hormones, additives or artificial ingredients • Comes directly from the processor and has never been frozen • Sold by the case — 40 lbs in each case Watch this … [Read more...]
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Harris Teeter Harris Teeter doubles coupons up to $0.99. Check out the Harris Teeter Coupon Policy before you shop. Make sure to search our Coupon Database to find additional coupons! e-VIC ++ Some Harris Teeters will not allow you to use a $1/2 coupon on B1G1 Free items unless you buy 3 items. The prices listed with ++ denote items that will vary in price depending on if you have to buy 2 or 3 items to use the … [Read more...]
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Harveys [%printable-list:harveys061913%] Thanks to Pink Coupon Cafe for this Harveys match-ups! Please share your deal ideas by commenting below Madame Deals' Coupon Solution will help you make Dollar$ out of Change. Make sure to also check out our other Drugstore and Grocery Store Deals! ALDI | Bi-Lo | CVS | Dollar General | Food Lion | Farm Fresh | Fresh Market | Harris Teeter | Harvey's | Heb | Ingles | Kmart | Kroger | Lowes | Martin's | Meijer | Price … [Read more...]
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Ex-Badger P.J. Hill ticketed for drunken driving
Posted: 04/02/2009 - Former Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill won't face criminal charges after being accused of leading police on a short chase in Madison while driving drunk.
Posted: 04/02/2009 - Former Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill won't face criminal charges after being accused of leading police on a short chase in Madison while driving drunk.
Posted: 04/02/2009 - The Milwaukee Brewers took advantage of the Arizona bullpen and rallied for an 8-7 victory today in Phoenix.
Posted: 04/01/2009 - Ramon Sessions had his first career triple-double for the Bucks.
Posted: 03/31/2009 - Braun appeared to have been injured when he misplayed a first-inning line drive to left field.
Posted: 03/31/2009 -
Posted: 03/30/2009 - The Green Bay Packers will play Cleveland and Buffalo at home and Arizona and Tennessee on the road in the preseason.
Posted: 03/30/2009 - Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman was put on the 15-day disabled list, ruling him out for the start of the season.
Posted: 03/30/2009 - Rickie Weeks might finally be living up to his billing as the No. 2 pick in the 2003 draft.
Posted: 03/30/2009 - The Milwaukee Bucks snapped a season-high, five-game losing streak.
Posted: 03/29/2009 - The Brady Clark Rink defeated the Ryan Lemke team 3-1 to claim the 2009 Mixed Nationals Curling Championship.
Posted: 03/28/2009 - With under two weeks left in spring training, the Washington Nationals have announced that Jordan Zimmermann will be their 5th starter.
Posted: 03/28/2009 - UWSP 10-runs St. Norbert in game two of a double-header to earn a series split.
Posted: 03/25/2009 - The Green Bay Packers say they want to re-sign Auburndale native Mark Tauscher, but it depends on how long it will take for the right tackle to rehabilitate his injured left knee.
Posted: 03/24/2009 - Head coach Bret Bielema joked it only took three questions before he was asked who would play quarterback.
Posted: 03/24/2009 - Alex Erdmann, Clayton Heuer, Josh Veldhuizen and Jordan Mach earn All-State honorable mention honors.
Posted: 03/24/2009 - The Wisconsin Newspaper Association and Gannett Co. filed a response and counterclaim in federal court in Madison against the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association on Tuesday.
Posted: 03/24/2009 - The lead analyst for CBS' NCAA Basketball coverage, Clark Kellogg, spoke with NewsChannel 7's Dale Ryman on Tuesday.
Posted: 03/23/2009 - The Packers will open the season against the Bears in the Sunday night game on September 13. They'll also face the Lions on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit.
Posted: 03/22/2009 - Wisconsin wins 3rd women's hockey title in 4 years.
Posted: 03/22/2009 - BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- B.J. Raymond scored 15 points and Xavier finally broke through Wisconsin's defense midway through the second half, pulling away to a 60-49 victory Sunday in the second round of the East Regional.
Posted: 03/22/2009 - BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Freshman Kim English came off the bench with 5.5 seconds left and made two free throws for the hurting J.T. Tiller to lift Missouri to an 83-79 victory over Marquette in the NCAA tournament Sunday.
Updated: 03/22/2009 - The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Marquette senior guard Dominic James has been cleared to play in Sunday's NCAA Tournament game against Missouri. He's been sidelined with a broken left foot since Feb 25.
Updated: 03/22/2009 - Assumption falls in WIAA D4 boys basketball championship.
Posted: 03/21/2009 - Hughes comes up big in Badgers' 61-59 win over FSU.
Posted: 03/20/2009 - Lazar Hayward scored 26 points and the Golden Eagles made 10 straight free throws down the stretch to hold off Utah State 58-57 Friday in the first round of the West Regional.


text: James Christie 2014-11-26T01:36:06-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=james-christie Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for James Christie Good old fashioned elbow grease. Is There or Is There Not an Actual Job? tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.6195782 2014-11-20T19:39:44-05:00 2014-11-21T07:59:02-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY! Only to find, upon arrival at the gates of Oz, that there is no job at the end of the rainbow but instead a shifty little character mouthing meaningless phrases like, say, "economic downturn", "next financial year", "there's no work" (said once to me) or, more likely: "You've impressed us a great deal during your work trial, you show great potential and promise, we will keep your details on file until something comes up." But still, despite the aid of several agencies, placements and progress reports courtesy of (God help me...) quality assurance frameworks (QAF), there is no actual job at the end of all that effort. We live in an age of smooth phraseology and soundbites that makes any requirement for black and white cause and effect or a Yes or a No answer seem almost Neanderthally crude (you used to turn a TV on or off, now it stops somewhere in the middle at standby), but looking back over my so-called career, what I most regret is not insisting more bluntly that the word if was not acceptable, jumping through hoops while smooth HR people ticked off QAF boxes, labouring through badly-run, home-grown and humiliating "training" courses with a possible job dangled like a carrot at the end of them or (in a couple of cases) traineeships lasting six to nine months. It was not always someone else's fault - on occasion I was not suitable for the posts supposedly on offer - but in the end I think I'd far rather have just tried out the job itself for a week or so to see if I had the right stuff instead of being stuffed through a quasi-educational traineeship, work trial or placement. But that would have to mean there was an actual, solid, real job to try out. A genuine, black and white, no-nonsense job. Not possible or probable but actual, to be all no-nonsense and Neanderthal about it. And such a job would truly be a holy grail for a high-functioning Autist, enabling him or her to achieve some independence, save for the future, buy groceries, avoid isolation and gain self-esteem in the real world, where you can't just put your mortgage on standby with a smooth phrase... According to the National Autistic Society employment service, "only 15% of people with autism are in full time employment" (which admittedly makes my twenty-seven-year car crash of a career sound a little better) but a 2009 Guardian article showed that, in the case of Asperger Robyn Steward, "the lack of understanding of her needs ... has meant she feels unable to contemplate applying for jobs." So it's quite a trial for an Asperger to go on a work trial, but you would think it only fair that there at least be a job at the end of it, and no nonsense about it. That'll be the day. In a meeting recently, not long after I'd laboured through a twelve week trial for my own holy grail of a library job, only to indeed be told by some muppet of a manager on the very last day that there was no work; I met a young man with Aspergers who summed the whole thing up perfectly: "You do a job placement and then there's no job!" Employers demand much from their employees. Perhaps it is time employees and agencies demanded Yes or No answers from employers to questions like: "No if, but or maybe! Is there or is there not a job at the end of all this?" And if you don't get a clear answer, don't budge a blinking inch! James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Scotland to Marry England! tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5686211 2014-08-17T16:58:54-04:00 2014-10-17T05:59:01-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ Well, actually, no. Not yet, anyway. I am a professional writer. Took me a long time to be able to say that and an unbelievable amount of work. Doesn't mean I know it all about words. But I know a bit. Re keeping the pound, the Parliament's brochure says: "Our proposal is for a formal currency union with the rest of the UK." Proposal? The Concise Oxford Dictionary. - 10th ed. defines a proposal, first and foremost as: "A plan or suggestion." And also, rather humorously in the context, as "an offer of marriage." It might seem like fun to play with words. It is nothing of the sort. They shape the fates and destinies of nations. I've taken quite an interest in the U. S. Constitution recently and the Second Amendment's precise meaning has been vociferously debated over the decades, most recently in District of Columbia v. Heller. The exact meaning of a word can dramatically influence a country's future, and no question about it. Which is why the Scottish Parliament's sentence is such nonsense, and quite possibly dangerous and damaging nonsense. They're suggesting to the UK government that the UK government enter into such a union with them, and the UK government (all three anti-independence parties and the Treasury) has already told them it ruddy well won't. Even if Westminster turns into a complete (rather than partial) bunch of utter toadies and does some dire deal, that will not happen until after the 18th September and it very probably won't happen at all. An Asperger brain works with logic first and emotions afterwards, and when I read Treasury chief Nicholas Macpherson's clear and concise letter advising against a currency union, I first and foremost saw logical fact. Fact agreed to by the rest of the UK government and all three major parties. If I myself was Macpherson, if the YES vote prevailed and if Alex Salmond then phoned me up asking to negotiate I'd politely tell him to take his suggestion re currency union and stuff it up his nether regions. However, to some neuro-typical minds, the Macpherson letter is an emotional threat made to keep Scotland under London's thumb. Many are sure it's a bluff. And maybe it is. After all, Westminster is full of neuro-typicals as well. But my gut, Asperger, logical feeling? Don't bet on it. To take us into independence on the strength mainly of a suggestion which has, it seems, already been rejected and either might or might not be given a hearing after the glorious 18th is, I would seriously say, extremely reckless and naïve. The origin of this suggestion, as repeated endlessly by Nicola Sturgeon once the Treasury had made its position plain, was the Calman Report, put together by a distinguished bunch of top academics, business leaders, senior judges and QCs. I have no doubt it's very well-written, intelligent, perspicacious, even brilliant in parts. But here's the rub. It was written regarding a devolved Scotland, not an independent one. Its remit (among other things) was to "continue to secure the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom." And in the end, all it is is a report. Nothing more. The UK government does not have to take any notice of it whatsoever; and since it would probably be political suicide for them to go back on their word so utterly, I very, very much doubt they will. So on the precarious basis of a suggestion which will probably be booted out the back door before you can say Braveheart, the Scottish Parliament wants us to trust them to lead us into independence and a glorious future. Even if I hadn't had personal experience of the lack of talent, ability and character in Scotland's leadership, I'd be a bit wary of that. As I know how badly they and their ilk can mess even the simplest things up, there is no way I'd trust their judgement in this matter. And regarding the secondary definition of proposal, I thought Scotland wanted to become independent, not marry the rest of the UK... James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Equality? Diversity? What's the Reality? tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5622349 2014-07-25T19:03:03-04:00 2014-09-24T05:59:07-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ eyeless? Perhaps it was because I'd seen too much of the ugly side of human nature to believe the dirty truths of that nature should temporarily be sticking-plastered over for the sake of a transient sporting or political event. I am left unmoved by shiny red, blue and gold banners suggesting we all just close our eyes to the evil that men do and pretend that things can only get better when the reality more often resembles a crude patchwork of glacially slow progress. Consider one little nugget of news, almost overlooked: the case of Detective Sergeant Paul Whiteley of the West Yorkshire Police. An organization whose statement regarding equality and diversity reads as follows: In accordance with our Purpose and Values, West Yorkshire Police will put our communities first, responding to their needs and concerns, and our officers and staff will act with compassion, humility and respect. Every police officer, special constable and member of police staff is responsible for delivering a fair and professional service, promoting equality for all. According to the Huddersfield Examiner and the Northern Echo, Whiteley (a commended officer with twenty-two years service) has just been convicted of assault by beating after being challenged about his intent to drive while drunk after a long and bibulous afternoon at the Fylingdales Inn near Whitby. Bad enough, but you might argue that justice has now been done. However, during the incident one short statement was allegedly made by Whiteley to a girl called Mia Crossley. Mia is autistic. This was the alleged statement: "F-ck your f-cking disabled child." People with autism can't always say how they feel, and if a neuro-typical detective sergeant who doubtless attended a manure-load of equality and diversity seminars can so quickly and plainly state how respectful he really feels regarding someone so vulnerable after downing a couple of bottles of plonk, then I think we've got a long way to go before we can let banners promoting our "progress" fly so gaily, and a lot of growing up to do. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> The Ragged Road to Adult Autism Research tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5538892 2014-06-27T20:39:11-04:00 2014-08-27T05:59:06-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ Autistica's new Research Centre for Ageing with Autism at Newcastle University as the inevitable by-product of history's march: "In Vietnam we spent five million dollars a head to kill the citizens of that country, and our profit was the undying hatred of everyone there, both north and south, and the loathing of the civilised world. We've made our mistakes, now let's profit from them. "For far less than one thousandth of the cost of killing a man, and making his friends our enemies, we can save a life and make the man our friend. Two hundred bucks a head, that's what this operation costs." (Commando Raid. Harry Harrison. 1970) That quote was fiction. This next one is not. "You know, I'd have been willing to work with you, to have been some sort of autism ambassador. "But now, after what you've done, after the way you've treated me, you can whistle for it." How do I know this quote was real? I said it. The organisation to whom I was quietly and bitterly talking, the last one for which I worked, most certainly earned my absolute and utter undying hatred. I'd also been becoming aware that far less appeared to be being done for adults with autism as opposed to children on the spectrum [see (Lette) Kathy Come Home] and that many of those grown-ups, often therefore unable to contribute to society, would (according to my arithmetic from that article) need at least three million pounds worth of support during their lifetimes. As there are about 500,000 adults with autism in the UK, the total bill for our upkeep may be about £150 billion. And counting. I'm not good at sums, but Ruper Isaacson, the father of an autistic son, just mentioned in The Mail on Sunday of 22nd June that: "...if almost every group of people that predates industrial society has a way of integrating neurologically different individuals into the core of their culture, then why haven't we? "We had better answer these questions. If the current figures for autism are true - one child in 88 over the age of eight, and one boy in 56 - then if you tried to institutionalise all these people, the economy would implode." So institutionalisation won't work, but it's not easy to unlock adult Autists' talents. I should know. As I recently mentioned, I have my limitations, could never have worked full-time in journalism and took a decade or so to reach my peak. But being literally tortured by selfish little bigots while I struggled at work? No, that was not okay. Although I'd still like to see such bigots lowered into molten lava an inch or so at a time, it was with a cautious sense of hope that I heard about Autistica's research centre. Autistica's figures (added up and boiled down better than mine, most likely) still front up the same hard facts: 1% of the UK population (600,000) has autism. This will certainly go up, many remain undiagnosed. Only 60 pence per adult per year is spent on research into adults with autism. If I've got my sums right, that means only £300,000 is spent on us per annum. Whereas... Autism is estimated to cost the UK economy £32 billion every year, largely in the form of adult care costs and lost earnings. At the moment, only 15% of adults with autism are in full-time work and a quarter of us cannot speak. I'm one of the relatively lucky ones - I'm articulate, I managed to work for about twenty-six years and became a successful published author; but the hard and terrible lesson I learnt along the way is that there is a crude and xenophobic core of creatures in our society who care nothing for others and turn on anyone perceived to be different. That brave new world which would place us far from such ugly attitudes and provide platforms for other potential Newtons, Jeffersons, Lawrences and Einsteins (all probable Aspergers) may seem as remote as a sunlit city on the edge of forever, but if that city's name is Newcastle I hope the research to be undertaken there will benefit that jobless 85% and mute quarter of adult Autists who, today, are not as lucky as they should be. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> "They Don't Know Any Better..." tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5425133 2014-05-31T19:42:34-04:00 2014-07-31T05:59:04-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ Daily Express that I found out Lewis Gill's four year sentence (quite possibly out in two!) for the manslaughter of Asperger Andrew Young in Bournemouth last November will not, despite complaints to the Court of Appeal that the term did not reflect Gill's "gratuitous, unprovoked violence," be increased by one single day. What to say about such a decision that does not make me sound like a right wing demagogue bent on hanging, flogging, drawing and quartering? Well, there's death due to brutish assault and battery; and there's torture due to callous ignorance. Andrew Young was killed and I was tortured by much the same type of small, selfish creature. It is not right wing. It is not left wing. It merely is. In Andrew's case, he received one punch to the face which knocked him down and caused him to crack his skull on the concrete ground. In my case, I was subjected to radio noise for eight-and-a-half months by a bunch of self-centred loudmouths. Aspergers cannot filter out extraneous sound, and after some weeks of it, the relentless beat of bad music became sheer torture. And what did management have to say about that? "They don't know any better." I will never forget those weasel words. Not ever. Both Gill and the so-called employees who tortured me were adults (Gill is only twenty-one but my dear colleagues were in their forties) and most definitely old enough to have known better. Pardon me if I'm not impressed by the soft touch attitude of craven judges and cowardly managers. They are not fit to lick Andrew Young's boots. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Operation American Broken Spring... tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5383346 2014-05-23T21:07:29-04:00 2014-07-23T05:59:04-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ "despotic and tyrannical federal leadership." Except that isn't quite what happened. Despite fervent belief and a flood of farcical Facebook posts promising that ten to thirty million "patriots" would descend upon Washington D. C. and force the President and most of his Cabinet out of office, only about 460 showed up. And as far as I am aware, Barack Obama has not yet resigned. It would be really, really easy to take the piss out of this one; but I've now crossed America four times (first in 1989 and more recently in 2010, 2012 and 2013), I've met Republicans and Democrats, hung around in Greyhound bus stations in the wee small hours, admired the Lincoln memorial, crossed the Rockies and nearly fallen into the Grand Canyon. I like Starbucks, I'd say the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world's most beautiful structures, and most of all I like the folks. They really are, as Christopher Meyer, Britain's former ambassador to the U. S., commented in DC Confidential, "this most generous and hospitable of peoples." According to Theodore Roosevelt, the American identity includes, "strength, courage, energy, and undaunted and unwavering resolution," while British characters have a great tendency to take the piss out of each other in pubs. However, as I had experience of both cultures and American Facebook friends from both sides of the political divide, I decided it would be fair simply to wait and see how the Colonel's dream of an "American Spring" turned out. I didn't really expect to wake up on Saturday 17th May to see headlines proclaiming SUCCESSFUL COUP IN AMERICA! OBAMA OVERTHROWN! NEW WORLD ORDER! but I did wonder if this march on Washington might have some echo of Martin Luther King's 1963 gathering. I do think the people should hold governments to account by peaceful protest and/or civil disobedience, I don't agree with right or left wing extremism that expresses itself in intolerance and ends in violence. The rebel becomes that which he himself (or she) professes to despise. In the end, "Operation American Spring" turned out exactly as I'd expected. 460 people came along and the media had a bit of fun with them with tweets like: "No, we didn't say around 10 mill people ... we said 10 people mill around." It would be easy to satirize this, and there are indeed elements in American society whose attitudes make no sense to those of us on the other side of the pond. But it's important to remember how little Americans and Europeans understood each other's viewpoints up until quite recently. In the foreword to Alistair Cooke's wartime American Journey (written in 1945, lost and re-issued in 2005), the editor commented that "nobody in Britain had much more than the foggiest notion then what the Americans might bring to the war, or indeed what Americans were really like." Cooke's weekly radio programme, Letter From America, which ran from 1946 to 2004, helped bridge the gap; but it may only have been with the birth of the internet and the blossoming of Facebook that for the first time Britain, America and pretty much everyone else were being exposed to each other's culture courtesy of video, audio and real-time un-edited interaction. I'm old enough to remember the cost and rarity of international phone calls forty years ago. Back then I only heard of American affairs via Weekend World, Panorama or the Nine O'Clock News. I have an unfocused memory of an old-timer wearing a baseball cap saying THANK GOD FOR AIDS or some such in a documentary about the American right wing, but most of my information about the U. S. trickled through via traditional broadcasters' filters, Charlie's Angels and DC Comics. It's a bit different now, and therein lies the rub. For America is still the world's only hyperpower and of colossal global importance. Thirty years ago, comment on an event like "American Spring" would have been confined to the inside pages of hard-copy broadsheets or quiet lampooning in Punch, and that would have been that. Not today. Today we get shares and comments direct from some American citizens which liken Obama to Hitler and suggest he was not born in Honolulu... So let's be as honest, unwavering and resolute as Roosevelt might have been about the outcome of "American Spring." The operation had its chance and it failed utterly. It was pretty stupid and rather embarrassing, both for the people involved and to some extent (I would argue), for the country as a whole. As the BBC's North America correspondent Mark Mardell said re the recent U. S. political brinkmanship over Obamacare, "governing by lurching from crisis to crisis, clutching a hostage, does not improve America's image in the eyes of the world." America and the Americans are now under swift and new scrutiny via ultramodern social media, so (traditional and archaic as it may sound) I'd suggest true patriotism includes the obligation to remember you're representing your country, culture and values when you post online. What you write will be there forever. Once the world was blind, but now it can see. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Talent, How Not to Train or Keep It... tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5325639 2014-05-14T15:59:56-04:00 2014-07-14T05:59:03-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ The Times after a fine and fruitful meeting with my publisher at The Fox in Felpham, I found a supplement entitled Employee Engagement & Benefits and some fascinating phrases about problems facing businesses from Andrew Benett, author of The Talent Mandate: "Amid all the alarms being raised, we hear only rarely about what may be the most fundamental crisis facing most businesses today - talent. How to get the best. What to do with it. And how to keep it." More specifically, Mr Benett went on to say: "The talent crisis hasn't erupted because of a shortage of workers. There are plenty of people out there looking for jobs. The problem is that we don't simply need people with specific sets of skills, workers we can slot into place as others retire. Our new, vastly more complicated organisations require high achievers with vision and drive; people who can create positions within the company that we didn't even realise we needed." Well, much though you may went 'em, Andrew, if my experience is anything to go by, you ain't gonna get 'em. For though I was now at the apogee of a life which read like fiction, a published author discussing the possible translation of the tales of Dear Miss Landau from book's pages to the tread of boards on stage. An Asperger who'd made history and crossed America for the film star he'd met on Sunset Boulevard, defined by a former fundraising officer of the National Autistic Society Scotland as "a unique human resource" and (more obscurely) a walking piece of Scottish library history, I had not reached that place (and lunch at The Fox) courtesy of the care and development of complicated organisations. Quite the opposite, in fact. Twenty-four years ago, an organisation supposedly in search of talent found me and put me on their first-ever training course. Fans of The Simpsons will know of Mr Burns and his slimy assistant, Smithers, but might be forgiven for believing (hoping?) that such creatures don't exist in real life. Would that I could tell them they were right. I met Burns and Smithers, all right, and underneath a precipitously thin surface veneer of charm, "Burns" quickly proved himself to be (in the words of another employee) a "schizophrenic megalomaniac" and (I have absolutely no doubt) one of the one in twenty-five business leaders who is in fact a psychopath. "Smithers" happily confessed that "I always do what I'm told" and he and "Burns" set out paternally to teach us the business, basically by pressuring all hell out of us in the mistaken belief this would make us "thrive under pressure." They screamed if anything went wrong, turned the classroom into a pressure cooker, mouthed bland buzz words and despite having dimly realized they needed to find good people ("Smithers" commented early on that they were expecting lots of ideas from me), reverted to type almost as soon as they got us through the door. It really did feel like the Stanford Prison experiment reincarnated. At the time, I was an undiagnosed Asperger and these were unqualified teachers, acting more like like sadistic old dominies from Victorian Scotland. They most certainly did not have one clue how to run a course. It was a month of living hell which I endured in the belief that this was my chance, throughout which they said they knew what we were capable of, finally admitting they didn't. From being on the supposed fast track to the top, I was fired. You do not want to know what it felt like to go from top to bottom so fast. I think another person might have killed himself or refused to accept the experience and blanked it from his memory. With the terrible clarity of the focused Asperger (and no knowledge there was any reason for my inability to learn) I faced my failure and set out to redeem myself - specifically by being published on merit. One of the hardest things in the world to do. It took twenty-two years for me to reconstruct myself and crawl back out of the pit, during which I presented a cheery face to the world and hid the darker truth within. I once said to a friend that anyone going for a Sunday stroll through the depths of my subconscious would come back white-haired and shaking. He thought I was joking. My course mates? They were placed in slots and did what they were told. In the end I was indeed published on merit, but the road to that lunch with my publisher at The Fox was harder than anyone will ever know. In fairness, I had my limitations, could never have worked full-time in the business I was supposedly "trained" for and had not then reached my maturity (I only really "peaked" at forty-four, when I wrote Drusilla's Roses) but the ability was there and very difficult to discourage, but both that first organisation and others seemed determined to do their very best to destroy me, while at the same time proclaiming their desperate need for talent... I deeply doubt much has changed. They cannot change their controlling ways and the very people they need the most are those least likely to tolerate them! Just the other year, I had an interview for a part-time local job. The HR man interviewing me was inflexibly set on putting me in a specific slot while I tried to suggest ideas to him he didn't know he needed. I might as well have been speaking Martian. In the end, feeling much like Morgan Freeman did during his last interview with the parole board in The Shawshank Redemption, I told him to go to hell and walked out. (Extracts quoted from The Times, 4th March 2014) James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Turning the Garden Shed Into a TARDIS tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5291903 2014-05-08T20:05:39-04:00 2014-07-08T05:59:03-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ ODD AUTHOR AND ASPERGER KILLED BY SHED. Or... ASPERGER GONE TO HELL WITH DRU, MOST ATYPICAL. Or, most accurately... WHAT A STUPID WAY TO GO. But the shed didn't fall on my head, though some may think it might have improved my writing if it had. It also seemed some sort of internal mechanic kept watch on my construction, calling up to my conscious mind from a neurological Engineering in the manner of a deranged Scotty with comments like: "Ye cannae do that, the crossbeams willnae take the strain..." "Ye're really gonnae gie yersel' a hernia this time..." and, most frequently: "Are ye com-pletely deranged!!!" And so it came to pass that I put the final bolt on the door, added the coat of arms to the finial and finished the wood in a soft shade of harvest gold, nicknaming the shed my Type 40 TARDIS and explaining away the fact that it looked nothing like a nineteen-sixties police box with the simple comment that "the chameleon circuit on this one actually works." Not exactly newsworthy, of course, except for the fact that in Barbara Jacob's helpful book, Loving Mr Spock, an early but lucid, analytical and realistic look at life with an Asperger, she had said: "Don't expect any DIY or much help around the house. Aspergers can be very good at arranging things, but can take hours over a simple task, and are too clumsy in subtle ways to do decorating or home improvement." With regard to her Asperger spouse, a contributor to Spock also commented that: "He often strips screws, breaks components when he is assembling things, because he fanatically over-tightens. He is so precise he makes simple jobs very complex and time-consuming." However, although there certainly were echoes of this in my own behaviour (plus some swearing when I broke another drill bit...), I tightened screws but knew when to stop, selected the right tool for the job and erected the whole thing efficiently and without ego. So although Aspergers can be a great excuse to avoid doing jobs around the house, it's not a total get-out clause. Why? Well, apart from the fact that autism is a broad spectrum disorder and those on the spectrum are as different from each other as chalk is from cheese, there are (very roughly) two types of Asperger - the focused and the unfocused. There are those who painstakingly grind their way through the flood of information coming at them and slowly, carefully, sometimes crudely, make the right decision. The Mr Spocks who work it out with hard logic and no little effort. Carrying out functions under manual control which neuro-typicals deftly fly through on autopilot. Then there are the unfocused others, like Danny in Loving Mr Spock, who: "...actually managed to put the wardrobe together, in a makeshift kind of way, but had to prop it up with a piece of wood. The rest of the bedroom remained in the boxes. It was still there the last time I looked." Overwhelmed by the information they cannot filter and unable to let up on their need for precision, they may indeed be dunces at DIY; and it must firmly be remembered that mundane tasks which are easy for neuro-typicals may be like climbing Everest for those with autism. So I was pretty pleased to finish my shed, manage the house and even work the washing machine efficiently while Mum had a brief stay in hospital. It may seem a bit soulless, but at least she had a clean, tidy, neat and ordered home to return to when the time came. Aspergers has its advantages. And we also have our childlike imagination. My shed became a TARDIS and sparked a renewed interest in Doctor Who; and though I can't quite claim it's dimensionally transcendental, that golden box at the bottom of the garden looks to me like a ship ready to cross the universe. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders when not time-travelling through other galaxies.]]> Let Them Not Fall Through Life's Sieve, Those Who Cannot Bob Or Weave tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.4904295 2014-03-05T11:03:16-05:00 2014-05-05T05:59:01-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ Lewis Gill punched Andrew Young to the ground. Andrew, who (like me) had Asperger Syndrome, cracked his head on the pavement and died in hospital the next day. Thirteen years ago, a thug in a Lanark street punched me three times to the head, but in my case the circumstances and outcome were a little different. I was then about as old as Andrew was, but unlike him my mental age was that of an adult. I was also a veteran of weight training and boxing gyms; and at a height of six feet four inches as opposed to my assailant's six feet, I outweighed and (as he soon discovered) outgunned him. Three punches to the head, but it was like a light-heavyweight taking on a heavyweight and he could neither seriously hurt me nor put me down. Slightly drunk, he then retreated across the street with his hands down, which was not a very bright thing to do when facing a puncher who'd been trained by an ex-amateur boxer. A left hook put him down, and I'd swear I saw a look of complete disbelief on his face as he hit the pavement. How, that look seemed to say, could a tough young guy like me have been decked by a thirty-eight-year-old librarian? But this discourse is not meant to be a macho exercise in triumphalism. I was big, fit, well-prepared and lucky. Many people with autism are far less capable of defending themselves. In general, we are somewhat dyspraxic (physically clumsy), our reflexes are not that good (my own reactions were once described as similar in speed to those of a three-toed sloth) and we are not always streetwise enough to know when we are in danger. I survived my assault, and even managed to send my attacker home with bells ringing in his head. Andrew Young, who had a mental age of fourteen, no ground-in defensive skills, and probably lacked street smarts, was not so fortunate. The Attorney General has until March 21st to decide whether Lewis Gill's four year sentence is far too short. Funnily enough, I'm writing this in Bognor, fairly near Bournemouth. And frankly, I hope they throw the book at him. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Faith tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.4784140 2014-02-13T16:19:38-05:00 2014-04-15T05:59:01-04:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ They were treated as incomers (and not in a nice way), victimized, assaulted and on one occasion locked out of their place of work. On another occasion, threats were made to evict them from their tied house, which would have left us homeless. This went on for thirteen years, I grew up hearing about it every night and, as the Hopi and Navajo believe, it was as if a dark wind entered my soul. My father once defined the attitudes we encountered as "a drip of poison." My mother was forced to retire early because of the vicious treatment she received from an official at Strathclyde Region, then the largest local authority in Britain. My father was a World War II veteran, and my mother always said the bravest thing she ever saw him do was walk back into the training centre after they'd been locked out, and face up to the people who'd done it. The way you are treated in your formative years shapes you for the rest of your life. We bought our own house in another part of Scotland, where the people were different, and did our best to put it behind us. But of course, you never quite forget. Just before the turn of the Millennium, I was asked to catalogue the local subscription library on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council. I agreed to do so, and voluntarily worked every weekend for a year to complete the job on the understanding I'd receive a letter from the council thanking me for doing so. I also quietly said to myself that I'd do my job, and as long as they carried out their part of the bargain, I'd put my memories of Strathclyde Region behind me. One simple letter. They didn't do it. The reason given (and this is verbatim) was: "Ooooh, we cannae do that. The council widnae like it." I ended up paraphrasing Tunes of Glory, calling the then-leader of South Lanarkshire Council the meanest of mean men, and swearing I'd never lift a finger to help the council again. Time went on and, as detailed in Dear Miss Landau, I joined a Scottish public sector organisation about the same size as the late and unlamented Strathclyde Region. I have not the space adequately to describe the horror of realizing that virtually nothing had changed since the days of Strathclyde Region. The organisation completely failed to deal with my Aspergers, pushed me into a near-nervous breakdown, left me hanging in redeployment hell for years and finally, disgracefully, offered me a part-time post in writing, put me through twelve weeks of trial (which I passed with flying colours) and then and only then told me there was no work. People with autism often have limited employment options, and that job was my holy grail. To offer it to me and then withdraw it at the very last moment was utterly beyond the pale. I had no respect left for authority after that. Before I left the organisation, I contacted the Scottish Government several times re the treatment I had endured. I received nothing except bland reassurances in reply and suggestions I contact ACAS. Holyrood seemed identical to Westminster, and the whole lumpen morass of government and public sector just felt like Strathclyde Region all over again. I kept the correspondence, by the way, and that might well have been the end of it. It's no revelation to say that as they grow older, people can become very disillusioned with politicians, the public sector and governments - in fact with just about everything. Life is unfair, and it's also hard, brutish, nasty and short. But now the Scottish Government is talking of independence. There are good arguments both for and against, but rather than just putting up with the status quo I'm being asked whether I want them to be my leaders, YES or NO. It's vital to say that I also met very kind people in the organisations for which I worked, that I am grateful beyond words to the union representative who unstintingly fought tooth and nail for me for years, and that without the help and commitment of autism charities I would have been destroyed, but do I really want the same kind of people who ran Strathclyde Region, South Lanarkshire Council and that public sector organisation in charge of me? Am I willing to trust them? No, I'm not. It's a pity, because if Strathclyde Region had welcomed my parents with open arms, if South Lanarkshire Council had written one simple letter and if the organisation had delivered on their promise of a post after several years of hell, I might be talking a different tune. But they did not, and I am not. It is a terrible thing to lose one's faith in one's country, and if I'd not been asked the independence question I might well have kept quiet about it, but I don't want to be queried in future days about what I did during the debate and have to reply, "well, I didn't want trouble so I just kept my head down." Scotland is a fine country, but I'll never trust its leaders again. No. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Dru Empowered tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.4500026 2013-12-24T21:23:58-05:00 2014-02-23T05:59:01-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ Front Row is doing a Buffy the Vampire Slayer special on Boxing Day, in which (according to Naomi Alderman's article on the BBC website), many critics and commentators are bemoaning the fact that there have been far too few strong central female characters similar to Buffy Anne Summers since the show itself wrapped a decade ago. Two thoughts present themselves to me, one in exasperation: One: What is so darned difficult about writing a strong female character like Buffy and, incidentally, having her relate to other strong female characters in the show - Willow, Cordelia, Anya, Jenny Calendar, Lilah, Darla etc. There have been characters of such resilience in film and TV before. Ripley from Aliens comes immediately to mind, and some years back (if memory serves) Sarah Bowman in George A. Romero's Day of the Dead was a tough and ruthless scientist. It's not like there isn't any precedent, and even if there wasn't I don't see why any competent screenwriter can't just write females as fully-rounded characters. Two: After all, I did! In addition to Dear Miss Landau, I wrote four unpublished novellas about Drusilla the vampire, another strong character in Buffy, and almost absent-mindedly empowered her so much it wasn't even funny. In the latest instalment, I have her beating up Spike and mowing down Taliban with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher while (I sincerely hope) still showing the fragile sides of her vulnerable psyche. If an unemotional Asperger with no particular commitment to feminism can do it, why can't you? James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Lawrence of Asperabia tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.4455783 2013-12-16T18:34:22-05:00 2014-02-15T05:59:01-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ Peter O'Toole has passed away. Like Jeffrey Bernard, he is rather more than unwell; and the news has savaged his fans and followers more acutely than the critics of Macbeth savaged him back in 1980. I remember him for different reasons, most simply because on the day I was diagnosed, my psychologist (a highly-experienced man who'd dealt with hundreds of Aspergers) told me unequivocally that he'd once seen Lawrence of Arabia and that T. E. Lawrence (as written by Robert Bolt and played by O'Toole) had displayed unmistakable symptoms of Aspergers: "He focused intently on one precise skill - cartography, drove his employers mad and disappeared into the desert on a camel!" he said. I focused intently on cataloguing, drove my employers mad and disappeared into the Mojave desert on an Amtrak train! There's also one short scene in Lawrence which clinches the argument for me. Near the start of the film, T. E. Lawrence walks through the officers' mess in Cairo en route to have a "pow-wow" with a general. His uniform is rumpled and gives the impression he is an outsider, He wears his cap indoors (which looks out of place), disrupts a game of billiards and twirls dyspraxically into a fellow officer. He is considered a clown, he says it's just his manner. The general doesn't know whether he's bad-mannered or half-witted. Neither does Lawrence. I know the feeling. That single scene, written economically, shot cleanly and acted immaculately, captures Lawrence's Aspergers perfectly. At the time (1961-1962) no one had ever heard of Asperger Syndrome, yet Bolt, David Lean and O'Toole caught its characteristics perfectly. One reason I agree that Robert Bolt's screenplay is arguably the greatest ever written, and perhaps why I have been increasingly influenced by and impressed with it. There's one other funny thing. It was mentioned in Dear Miss Landau that, as we prepared for my own little trip (to go see Juliet Landau, not take Aqaba) in 2010, the National Autistic Society Scotland did begin to wonder whether I might be the first Asperger to carry out and record such a trip. Perhaps I was, but Lawrence predated me with Seven Pillars of Wisdom and Revolt In The Desert. As he is now long dead and cannot be diagnosed, I could cling to my paper title on a technicality, but on the whole I don't mind coming second to such a man. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> The Singer and the Syndrome tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.4422451 2013-12-10T21:22:09-05:00 2014-02-09T05:59:01-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ And it took until her middle years for Susan Boyle (SuBo to her millions of fans) to prove them all wrong. Incorrectly believed to have been brain damaged at birth, Susan Boyle has now been properly diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and, like me, found to have a relatively high IQ and (as is now known to the world) extraordinary ability in a certain area. Also like me, and as quoted in the Observer, "Boyle says that her struggles growing up made her more determined to succeed but also left their mark on her. 'You don't fight without some resentment.' " Susan and I are part of the "invisible generation" of older people with autism, and The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS) recently made the point that there was still a tendency to associate the condition with children and estimated that one in five people with autism were over 60. The first Aspergers diagnoses weren't even made until the nineteen-eighties, by which time both Ms. Boyle and myself (Susan is 52, I am 49) were already in our twenties and struggling to make sense of an often uncaring and, yes, bullying world with no idea we had the syndrome, no knowledge that there were relevant charities to turn to and nothing else to do but struggle along. I most certainly have my resentments, too. In one recent case, colleagues in a large public sector organization wilfully went on playing a radio right in my ear until they nearly pushed me into a nervous breakdown (I cannot filter out extraneous noise and after a short time such treatment becomes torture), and when I complained their only excuse was a long whine of "naebody telt us..." Like Susan, I've achieved my life's ambitions and proved them all wrong, but the more I look back at my experiences in mainstream work, the more I consider Human Resources departments pretty hopeless re understanding Aspergers and the interview process itself a complete farce. Last interview I had, I basically told the HR man to go to hell... The worst thing is that there are many more Boyles and Christies in the world who could contribute to society (approximately 50,000 in Scotland, according to the NAS), but who have never reached their potential. This is partly because life is indeed unfair, but also because there are too many organizations out there who think they know best but have not got a clue. They end up doing far more harm than good because, for all their talk of diversity, all they often want to do is hammer recruits into conformity. And if there is one thing people with autism will never, ever be, it's conformist. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Getting Hit by a Mack Truck tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.4380899 2013-12-03T21:12:03-05:00 2014-02-02T05:59:01-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ I'm staying in a motel in the small California town, and a helpful gent has given me a lift to the location of the bridge where the Joads crossed in the 1940 film version of The Grapes of Wrath. A fictional trek based on reality and referenced several times by me in Dear Miss Landau. We pull over onto the hard shoulder of the Interstate, jog-trot back to the centre of the bridge over the Colorado river and get several photos of the sign denoting California's state line. The place they crossed. The place I crossed. I'd never seen it before. I'd been going the other way in 1989, my mind was on different matters in 2010 (how to live up to meeting with Juliet Landau), and I just plain missed it in 2012. Not this time, though. We traverse the border line several times, photograph "Joads bridge" and snap off shots of the state line and border signs. It's only on the way back to the car that my companion mentions that a Mack truck just veered a bit and drove over the spot we'd been standing on only a minute before. My mind goes back to a quip I made in Dear Miss Landau. "I'll try not to get hit by a Mack truck..." It was jest but also metaphor. Soldiers assume there's some bullet out there with their name on it. Travelers like me know that however carefully we prepare, events can overwhelm them. Although Dear Miss Landau and these blogs were written to inspire people with autism, risk cannot be eradicated from life and if there is one lesson I must deliver from my meticulously-planned progress across this continent, it is that though I may be as lucky as one of Napoleon's generals, I could still get myself killed. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]> Honour the Past, But Don't Live in It tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.4327966 2013-11-23T02:44:34-05:00 2014-01-25T16:01:55-05:00 James Christie http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-christie/ The week marking the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address also played host to the 50th anniversary of John Fitzgerald Kennedy's assassination in Dallas. And when I realized that, sitting in a motel room in nearby Austin, a simple thought occurred to me: In all the years since that day at Dealey Plaza, I have never heard of Lee Harvey Oswald's actions being cited as a reason for gun control. The core fact of the matter is beyond dispute. Lee Harvey Oswald let off three shots at John F. Kennedy from a sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository. Two hit, ending the life of the 35th president of the United States. The weapon used was a 6.5 mm Carcano Model 91/38 carbine which fired 6.5 x 52 mm Modella 1895 rimless cartridges. This enabled Oswald to end Kennedy's life from a distance. The National Rifle Association (NRA) defends the right of U.S. citizens to bear arms by repeatedly stating: "Guns don't kill people. People kill people." This is oversimplified rubbish. Without the help of a rifle, Oswald could not have killed Kennedy from a distance of two hundred and sixty feet. The 1791 Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, written at a time before industrial warfare had been invented, at a time when America was still indeed frontier territory and settlers were genuinely vulnerable to attack seems to me (despite decades of tortuous legal argument) to have been a pretty straightforward sentence allowing the local sheriff to raise armed militias to keep order as and when necessary. Times changed, the destructive ability of weaponry increased to a level undreamed of by 18th century Man, and yet America has continued to cling on to a right to bear arms which has led to atrocities like Columbine, Aurora and Sandy Hook. Texas, in particular, is seen as embodying the American desire (as defined by Lincoln at Gettysburg) to be a great nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. The president of the United States is sworn to preserve, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution. In addition to that and due to his youth, charisma and potential, it could be argued that in 1963 John F. Kennedy seemed to embody the American Dream. Why, then, did not the inescapable fact that the Dream was struck down by rifle bullets in the heart of Texas lead to some serious soul searching, reassessment of the past and realization that America was no longer violent frontier territory but a settled nation and global hyperpower. The world had changed. The frontier was closed, the territory settled. Peggy Sue even got married. So why do so many Americans still cling on to their guns? There are of course many reasons, but in general modern Americans are more patriotic than Britons. As the UK's former U.S. ambassador Christopher Meyer once said: "...most Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, sophisticate or redneck, believe that their country's actions in the world are intrinsically virtuous; and more fool those countries that do not recognize this. The attitude of Britain's Victorians was very similar." And, again in general, many Americans are gun owners. Consciously to have to acknowledge that a rifle blew away the American Dream and ended the age of innocence may be a mite uncomfortable for some Americans, so they hang on to the NRA's "people kill people" mantra and to frontier values forged in the founding of America. The United States, I heard it said recently, is still a young country floundering a bit in search of its own identity and, not unnaturally, a little prone fiercely to defend its new traditions in the face of foreign criticism. But, as is always the case, you must come to terms with the past or be bound and imprisoned by it forever. A Texan law professor has suggested it's time to consider replacing the Second Amendment. In the pilot episode of HBO's The Newsroom, a fictional news anchorman has a moment of clarity and gives it straight: ... The first step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one. America is not the greatest country in the world any more. Enough?" In real life, in Dealey Plaza, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings just said: "...each of us must meet our oncoming challenges head-on, with courage - honouring but not living in the past ... and never flinching from the truth." I stand in Dealey Plaza and hear the sound of distant drums. Whether they stand for the retention of old frontier attitudes, or for change and reinvention, I do not know. James Christie is the author of Dear Miss Landau. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism, at the age of 37 in 2002. He lives in the Scottish Borders.]]>


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4662 results « previous Page 2 of 234 next »
Florida State University police fatally shot a gunman at the campus library early today in a shooting that left three students wounded as hundreds studying inside the library fled or took cover in panic.
Pope Francis demanded a more just distribution of the world's bounty for the poor and hungry today.
An 11-year-old girl is in critical condition after doctors removed from her stomach 104 cocaine-filled capsules her father made her swallow.
Tears and anger poured out for the dark-haired beauty who was to have flown to London on Wednesday to represent Honduras at the Miss World pageant.
Some suburban St. Louis gun dealers have been doing brisk business, particularly among first-time buyers, as fearful residents await a grand jury's decision on whether to indict the police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown.
Congressional authorization of the U.S. war against Islamic State extremists has gone nowhere in two weeks since President Barack Obama vowed to coordinate with lawmakers on a stronger legal basis for military action, prompting growing frustration with the White House.
Top Republicans say two things are clear: Last year's government shutdown hurt the party. And Republicans must not let the president's pending immigration action bait them into a repeat.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is promising the new Republican majority will quickly resurrect Keystone XL pipeline legislation killed by Democrats.
Model and TV host Janice Dickinson added her name to the women who have accused comic Bill Cosby of sexual assault.
The man who became known as the "20th hijacker" from the Sept. 11 attacks wants to testify in lawsuits filed by victims of terrorism.
The federal government is demanding that the auto industry recall millions of additional cars equipped with faulty air bags that can injure -- and even kill -- a driver.
The Senate on Tuesday blocked a bill to end bulk collection of American phone records by the National Security Agency.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi overcame gripes about Democrats' losing campaign messages and breezed to re-election Tuesday as House minority leader.
The Navy secretary has spent more than a full year of his five-year tenure on overseas travel, racking up more than 930,000 miles on trips that cost the taxpayer more than $4.7 million.
Mass murderer Charles Manson plans to marry a 26-year-old woman who left her Midwestern home and spent the past nine years trying to help exonerate him.
As Frederic Chopin gasped for air on his deathbed in Paris in 1849, he whispered a request that became the stuff of musical legend: Remove my heart after I die and entomb it in Poland.
With just two years left in power, President Barack Obama is elevating his efforts to combat global warming.
Two Palestinians stormed a Jerusalem synagogue today, attacking worshippers with meat cleavers and a gun during morning prayers and killing four people before they were killed in a shootout with police, officials said.
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1. Columbus stabbing leaves one in hospital COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY
2. DA: West Point assault going to grand jury in coming months AREA
3. West Point PD makes third arrest in August altercation COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY
4. Younger claims Dist. 17 runoff COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY
5. Starkville, Carver Drive contractor engage in pay dispute STARKVILLE & OKTIBBEHA COUNTY


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I decided not to work OT this weekend or go to camp. I probably should have worked Sunday for the double time but since its Mother's Day, I decided not to.
I will probably do more OT next weekend. It is nice to be able to choose to do it or not to do it.
I took a walk at the park, 2 miles, today. There were lots of baby Canadian geese there and I got to sit and watch them for a long time. They were so cute, all yellow and fuzzy. I also saw some really big trout. It was a nice day. Sunny and 80.
We are going to the Outer banks in NC in June. It will be our 2nd time there.
I'll be doing some gardening this weekend as well as exercise. I can't wait to start planting.
It's supposed to get down to 33 degrees Sunday night. Maybe I should wait. kim
I had a good time this weekend besides having to work all weekend. We had a lot of laughs at work. And a nice pot luck lunch today. I did well on the food and water. I weighed 164 this morning and I got my Zumba DVD's in the mail yesterday. i can't wait to try them out!
It's raining today so I'm watering my house plants by putting them outside, I have a chiropractor appointment tomorrow. I really could use me more than once a week.
I found out what my foot pain is. It's plantar fasciitis. Lovely!
My weight goal for May 1st was 165. i weighed that this morning. I'm psyched!
this head cold is really getting to me. I tried to get out of working this weekend because of it but no luck. the good news is its only 3 (8) hour days instead of 3 (10) hour days, the bad news is it goes right into next week with no break. I'll survive though. kim
I'll have to dig hard for a positive as I have to work all weekend, Friday, Sat and Sunday and right thru the week and will continue for the next 4 weeks at least with the occasional Sunday off.
the positive is the paychecks will be nice and I got to do my favorite job today. It was cold and cloudy here but the sun peeked thru occasionally so it wasn't all bad.
I have a cold too which sucks. but I went to the goodwill after work and got 3 wreaths, a deer picture and a light up snowman for $4.80. I love to have different wreaths and I put them up everywhere, inside and outside. I have 3 doors, and I put 2 on my front porch, one on my fence, and 3 indoors.
I have to be careful though with the ones I put outside. Not even thinking over Christmas I put up a Christmas wreath with fake holly berries and the birds literally ate all the paint off the berries before I realized that they would be tempted to eat them. I felt bad.
One of the ones I got today has different fruits and nuts all over it. I don't dare put that one outside or it will be bare. Fake or not. LOL, kim


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93 results for "jason thompson"
Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings resume Josh Smith trade talkMarc Stein
The Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings have resumed trade discussions on a deal that could send Josh Smith to Sacramento, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.Story | Conversation | July 16, 2014
Pistons might trade Josh SmithMarc Stein
Stan Van Gundy's first trade as the new president and coach of the Detroit Pistons might prove to be a whopper. Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Tuesday that the Pistons have engaged the Sacramento Kings in trade discussions this we...Blog | June 24, 2014
Raps, Kings likely not done dealingMarc Stein
The Toronto Raptors, according to the latest chatter in circulation after Sunday's shedding of Rudy Gay, are by no means done making moves between now and the Feb. 20 trade deadline. The same, though, can be said for the team gambling on Gay. A...Blog | December 08, 2013
Rapid Reaction: Clippers 110, Kings 101Jovan Buha
With 9 seconds remaining on the shot clock, Blake Griffin ran to the top of the arc to set a screen for Chris Paul. Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson, Griffin's defender, had no choice but to switch onto Paul. As both Thompson and Isaiah Thomas...Blog | November 01, 2013
Kings beat Nuggets 90-88 in celebratory opener
Kings beat Nuggets 90-88 in celebratory openerRecap | Box Score | Conversation | October 30, 2013
Three players score at least 20 each as Kings handle Hornets
John Salmons had 22 points, and Jason Thompson and Marcus Thornton each added 20 to help the Sacramento Kings snap a four-game losing streak with a 121-110 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.Recap | Box Score | Conversation | April 10, 2013
John Salmons, Jason Thompson key Kings' rout of Bobcats
John Salmons scored 22 points and Jason Thompson had 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings in a 119-83 victory over the slumping Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday.Recap | Box Score | Conversation | March 03, 2013
Thaddeus Young of Philadelphia 76ers, Mo Williams of Utah Jazz am...Josh Whitling
Josh Whitling lists players worth picking up or trading for, in hopes of quality contributions in the final two months.Story | Conversation | February 21, 2013
Jason Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins combine to power Kings
Jason Thompson scored 19 points and DeMarcus Cousins added 18 points Wednesday night, leading the Sacramento Kings to their second road win of the season, 97-94 over the Cleveland Cavaliers.Recap | Box Score | Conversation | January 02, 2013
Lakers at Kings: What to watchAndy Kamenetzky
With the Lakers now north of the .500 mark, the early-season chaos has increasingly given way to an atmosphere of normalcy. However, the skeptic would note how, Tuesday's win over Brooklyn the noted exception, each win has come at the expense of nobo...Blog | November 21, 2012
Rajon Rondo of Boston Celtics, Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat out with...Neil Tardy, Special to ESPN.com
Neil Tardy recaps Thursday's games from a fantasy perspective, including the impact of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade missing time.Blog | Conversation | November 16, 2012
Fantasy basketball pickups: Luke Ridnour of Minnesota Timberwolve...Josh Whitling
Josh Whitling looks at the best available players on waivers in many leagues, including the steady if unspectacular Luke Ridnour.Story | Conversation | November 15, 2012
Lakers vs. Kings: What to watchAndy Kamenetzky
With so much tension swirling around the Los Angeles Lakers since their poor start, it wasn't shocking to see a lot of energy channeled into a walloping Friday win over Golden State. This was a team clearly in need of a cathartic release, and Mike...Blog | November 11, 2012
Sacramento Kings extend qualifying offer to Jason Thompson
The Sacramento Kings have extended a qualifying offer to Jason Thompson to make the forward a restricted free agent.Story | Conversation | June 25, 2012
Lakers at Kings W2W: Should Kobe Bryant go for the scoring title?...Brian Kamenetzky
Kobe Bryant needs 38 points in Thursday's regular season finale against the Kings to capture this year's scoring title over Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. Bryant has said repeatedly over the last few days he doesn't particularly care if he wins. Th...Blog | April 26, 2012
Goran Dragic of Houston Rockets looking more like a threat for re...Brian McKitish
Brian McKitish offers his latest rankings and discusses players who are prominent on the most-added and most-dropped list.Story | Conversation | March 26, 2012


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Mom is Blue and Dad is Red Nose. All are papered including blue slips for puppies! P.O.P. First shots and wormed. Please contact Mike for more firstname.lastname@example.com.
Nov 14 -
Cincinnati :
Burlington - Dogs & puppies
I have four females ( 1) brownish red w/white irish markings,a blaze on face. She is very flashy and is the largest. 2) red solid w/white above nose, toes, feet and chest. She is the smallest but runs the show 3) red/fawn w/white irish markings and white about her nose. She ...
Nov 5 -
Cincinnati :
Loveland - Dogs & puppies
Rehoming blue nose bully puppies. Please call, text or email for more info.
Nov 1 -
South Bend :
Elkhart - Dogs & puppies
I have a beautiful 10 Month old Blue eyed, blue nose Pitbull I'm looking to rehome. I have had him since he was a puppy, born on Nov. 23, 2013. I now am going to school and working and I don't have the time to spend with him that he needs. I recently have moved and don't ...
Oct 30 -
Cincinnati :
Lynchburg - Dogs & puppies
I have five American Staffordshire blue nose/ red nose gator mouth pit bull puppies 3 boys 2 girls brindle and reverse brindles. Mom is a blue brindle American Staffordshire pit bull Dad is a red nose gator mouth pit bull both full blooded. I own mom and my father owns dad. ...
Oct 29 -
Cincinnati :
Hillsboro - Dogs & puppies
This adorable little girl is as loving as the day is long. She is eager to run by your side and as loyal as they come. Tydus, the sire, is 100% European, stands at 36" and 150 lbs. Phoebe, the dam, is 75% European, stands at 35" and 115 lbs. This litter is 7/8 ...
Oct 16 -
St. Louis :
Troy - Dogs & puppies
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text:
Samsung Galaxy S2 Wont Turn On
What do you think about this video?
chris marku: have u tried factory reset
Ruqia Bibi: I have the same problem I went to school and left my phone charging when I came home it said full charged when I took the charger off it said low battery so im just charge and use it for a while
pleasetryagain: mine does the same thing
daniel odonnell: i have this problem i bought a new charge port and battery, was working fine but wen i woke up it had died and wont turn on or charge and this was in the space of 17 hours of having it fixed ??
Deangelo Hampton: They Put Something In Our Phones To Make Them Shut Completely Down So We Will Upgrade To A Newer Phone 💯 Think About It
rosalinda pena: Hi did your phone have minutes. When that happen
Keoni Paul: this is the same with my phone just send it in the shop
Tiffanie Wicks: My phone bis doing the same thing I updated it cause I thought it was that but now it not turn on at all
hush baby: you need to send yr phone to samsung workers. but, it is expensive. orz
Eileen Jay: Mine is the same way..These phones are GARBAGE and I will NEVER buy a Samsung again
Adam14Crash: I have the same problem
Adham Odeh: Dude if it dosen work just tell a friend GOD
Roheen Shah: Samsung kies download that might work
Gloria Gomez: I have the same problem :'[
Rafael Godinez: Ive been havin problems with mine I always charge it an it stays around 50% I can go for hours charging it an it will stay around 47 to 50% than I factory reseted an now it just turns on an stays on the power screen that says tmobile its a galaxy s3 had it for less than a year someone please help
Timber Wolf: What about this, charge one while using the other? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11286991&numProdsPerPage=60
sukhraj singh: Hard
redcentdude horner: mine does the same , my battery is charged it turns on but then it shuts down i tried everything, i need help
MIG 7: mine is the same i put it on charge theres nothing on the screen but the phone get hot
Kristjan Nrecaj: well you can chang the charger thats what i did and it worked
Kit Kat: Its easy to fix happens to me i got a universal battery charger were u put u r battery in it
sukhraj singh: Hatd reset it
Farhad Opiani: Yes dude I can help you' plz plz broke the phone and buy new one don't get headAche ;) hahahahah a
antonio tss: i dried every thing and my phone still wont turn on
zjapp: Charge it for 10 minutes and it worked for me
rayan afsar: Try leaving it on charge for about 10 min . my s2 was the same i left it on charge for a while and it worked. HOPE IT WORKS ;D
acsjoe1224: I forgot to mention dont let your phone totally discharge and when you charge it make shure the lighting bolt turns on quick if not quickly plug and unplug the charger till it does if you dont you phone will turn off.
acsjoe1224: Well here we go first dont throw away your batteries. I will be making a video as soon as i get a chance. First make shure your charger works, then you will need another working charger to which you will cut and strip the phone connector. make shure you seperate the black and red wires, strip both the black and red about 1/8 of an inch.well now for the fun part as you insert the battery into the phone insert the copper wires in between the battery and the phone battery terminals. Make shure you dont short the black and red wires. Plug the charger into the wall. Now get the other charger and plug it into the phone first then plug it into the walloutlet, it should start charging the battery if not plug and unplug unitl it does, hope this works. I just did it for a fiend. you welcome ACSJOE
Mike Averett: Plug ur charger in.your phone and push up gentle on.the cord and see if that charges if noy push down.gentle and try that your usb port might be messed up
ExplosiveGamlng: if you find a solution let me know. Thanks
Shawn Shalizi: I have this problem for my galaxy ace 2x and like nothing works
Luke Johnston: It needs a new charge port?
21pimppin: Try using an USB cord and try chargin your cell through a laptop. I had problems charging my cell and tried using 3 different chargers. I'm not shure if that will be a good solution for your phone to turn on.
Malcolm Watkins: Same thing happened to me also..mine come on but the battery and circle thing come on and off
bronxnigga77: i also have this problem.. its crazy how an expesive like and this and so many pplz with the same problem
Katherine Whitley: This solution seems to be working for me. thanks The Tyellis!
Dolmorii: This is what happens when you buy stuff from ebay. I never trust ebay or kijiji or anything like that for expensive things... if it was a purpose-made site for computers such as newegg, I would trust more, but seriously, never buy "new" phones or computers from ebay.
tmk: I have also had Samsung service say it was water damaged when in fact I never had it fall into water. Very bad customer service!
ARAB money: that didnt work for me :(
jameshone1000: send it back and i need help with my s2 it keeps turning it self off
Prince ŔĕēĐōŏ: thanks :)
temuulen Batuumur: buy oem flexible cable from ebay and replace it. Mine had same problem. But before u do that open phone and dissassemble everyhing. and put it back.
Patrick Munoz: Just go buy and buy batery,, hahahaha
War Sarcsz: i just used the original usb cord/charger and i charged it on the computer it worked...yehey
lucamutu: Is there realy no solution?
Marlos Sinner: happend to me too
ExplosiveGamlng: I sent in in to samsung and they sai it was water damged but it was never water damged or in steam so they lied to me and sent the phone back... Bad custermer serviice
qwazsx1011: Maybe its a non-therhered unlock,if not , brjng it back Or Call samsungtech support their pretty good
Pablo Martinez: just plug it in ur computer should work
jjbredesen: Clean the usb
Samsung Galaxy s2 wont turn on 4.2 out of 5


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Hello, I'm just curiously poly
Hello, I've looked into the polyamory concept...it's rules, it's pros, and it's cons. I vaguely remember talking to a past friend about this from way back. For now I mainly have a monogamous outlook on relationships, but polyamory is a concept that has been lingering in my mind and it pops up at random.
So I'm pretty much polycurious. I'm open to admit that I don't have much luck with the ladies, but that doesn't really bother me. In fact, I developed something that delves into the polyamory concept. I don't mind if I'm just friends with the opposite sex and I do care for a girl's well-being. I do date when I get the chance and just enjoy a girl's company. I'm pretty much sincere and I live by my own standards and expectations. :D
I'm not sure what you mean by 'not much luck', but from my continued investigation into the matter, whatever you bring to a monogamous relationship you can also expect to find in a poly relationship, multiplied by the number if interactions (ie, 2 girls, two relationships, plus the fallout of the girl-girl relationship if any).
Your Aura
The "aura" that is seen or felt, is exactly what you choose to transmit. It is not some natural thing. Choose to project a new aura. Choose to manifest a man who is powerful and with charisma and it will happen. You simply need to make that choice.
Greetings CuriouslyPoly,
Welcome to our forum. Please feel free to lurk, browse, etc.
Glad you're here to look and share and learn more about polyamory. I'm sure you'll find some interesting insights, some easy, some challenging, all another aspect of poly. Who knows, maybe you'll decide to try it yourself at some point, but for now it's great just that you're getting familiar with it.
Good to have you with us.
Kevin T., "official greeter" :)
There's a *lot* of good info in Golden Nuggets. Have a look!
Please read through the guidelines if you haven't already.
Note: You needn't read every reply to your posts, especially if someone posts in a disagreeable way. Given the size and scope of the site it's hard not to run into the occasional disagreeable person. Please contact the mods if you do (or if you see any spam), and you can block the person if you want.
If you have any questions about the board itself, please private-message a mod and they'll do their best to help.
Welcome aboard!
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