It Ain't Rocket Science

Review of the movie "Adam"

Asperger's Syndrome is a condition on the Autism Spectrum which renders people socially awkward. Adam is a movie which offers a glimpse into the life of a young adult Aspie (person with Asperger's) whose father has passed away, leaving him to live alone in a New York City building. He meets a new neighbor and they develop a relationship, but they are from two different worlds and her parents are not kind about pointing this out. Parents who, as the story reveals, have problems of their own.

Despite the obvious stereotypes depicted, the story has warmth and substance... enough so that some have wondered if there might be a sequel. Overall the story revealed the inner richness of this young man and how undervalued and overlooked he felt as well as the stigma that others can place upon someone who is different. His kind and tender heart, extensive knowledge of subjects which pertained to his Special Interests, and his willingness to learn were endearing and memorable.

In the end, I would like to see a different outcome - so I am in the boat with those hoping for a follow-up.

More productive

I've been keeping a relatively well-prioritized "rolling" list the past several days and find myself working hard and ending the days with more of a sense of accomplishment than I did prior to utilizing this method. We'll see if it sticks or slides... time will tell.
****
As of August 3, so far so good. I just take anything that I don't get done today and transfer it to other days... I've been much more productive and less forgetful.

Open Letter to Susan Boyle

You may not ever read these words, but if you do I want you to know I care.

Like you, I have spent my life on the sidelines... laughed at, ridiculed and ignored: until I learned to write a good song. I never became the singer you are, but I'd be honored if you ever chose to sing one of my songs. I'd love to sing a duet or two with you any day, any time.

You have let your light shine like a beacon of hope to those of us who have reached middle age with dreams unfulfilled for whatever reasons. My heart is wrenching over the way you were treated and how overwhelming it all must have been to you.

You faced what I have always feared - the limelight, the paparazzi, the naysayers. You came through the fire like a diamond. Rest, my dear sister in spirit, and when you're recovered I hope you'll have the courage to step forth and claim your rightful place, doing what you were born to do.

If you need help and support... there are millions of us who love you and will be here to cheer you up when you're down. Please, don't stop giving us goosebumps.

((((((( HUGS )))))))

Your loyal fan and kindred spirit,
~Lydia

Net Benefitism

Imagine a life with no taxes, no more poverty, no more despair. A life in which your basic needs are all met without any expense to yourself: basic food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education are all considered necessities so they are free… (no charge to YOU) yet luxury items are still available for purchase and there is no limit on the amount of money you can earn. A life of being paid for the net benefit you produce for others and never having a job but rather, working with others to efficiently provide for all the needs of your family and society. Mothers paid for raising their children. Children paid for carrying old folks' groceries to their car or home. Everyone paid for anything they do that benefits someone. Unlike Socialism or Communism, this is an economic system which is completely independent of government. A non-POM society will actually reduce the need for government because if the only way one can get paid is to produce net benefit to others things will just get done. Prostitution, drug addiction, gambling, and crimes motivated by desperation and poverty - this sort of thing will fade away. A Utopian idea? Not entirely. We don't claim to be able to cure all disease nor alleviate ALL the world's problems - only those caused and perpetuated by our current monetary system. Don't believe it can be done? Read the book and enter the discussion.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

This is a video done for my friend Jimmy... I think it's very well-produced.

Pro-Hamas Demonstration - Fort Lauderdale FL

One of my students (I tutor) forwarded this video to me. I was amazed at the intensity of this protest, and its proximity to my home. The location of this video was about halfway between my home and where I work.

For the record, I stand with Israel... and if they can find and root out the source of these rocket attacks and prevent further incidents I believe they have the duty to do so, not just the right.

It is evil to shoot rockets from the midst of civilians then blame those who retaliate appropriately.

There can be no peace where there is so much hatred, and hatred is a disease which spreads like an epidemic.

I have nothing against anyone who has not harmed me or my family, but neither can I have respect for those who distort facts and deny truth.

Employed

I've been busy so I haven't taken the time to write... but I got a job last month and now I'm the new webmistress/graphic artist/administrative & personal assistant and gal Friday for http://www.pianoshowcase.com in Fort Lauderdale.

It's been quite an adjustment, and the job is mentally draining but provides a high level of satisfaction at day's end after completing challenging projects and trying to keep up with my insane multitasker of a boss.

While I've been settling into the job it has morphed a bit to accommodate my needs, and the latest setup seems to be a winner. I get to work on my boss' spiffy Apple Powerbook Pro with an auxilliary monitor so I can use the extra space to drag things over and not have to keep switching from screen to screen on one monitor.

I'm learning new stuff every day, and it never gets boring.
: )