Yes, I've created a new word.
Cathaholic: 1. noun, someone addicted to religion and/or religious artifacts and symbols, catholic or otherwise. 2. adjective, used to describe someone addicted to religion and/or religious artifacts and symbols, catholic or otherwise.
In short, we all know cathaholics. People who are so obsessed in their religion that they cannot see anything besides their religion. They often try to convert you to their religion, not overtly, but cautiously. Just mentioning what a great time they've had at church on Sunday. I don't think any more description is needed. You know these people.
Now, back to the pet peeve:
I think we all know those touchy e-mails. Often sent to you by someone you only speak to once a year, these contain stories of kittens rescued from shipwrecks, or other equally soppy stuff. Some just contain cute baby pictures with captions like: 'The most important thing in live is to love!"
Anyway, we all know these e-mails, and although we dismiss them as chain letters, we all secretly like them. We like the cheesy touchy soppy emotion. So we read the story of the kitty heroically rescued from the sinking ship, and then we see something like this:
"Thank God and Jesus for saving and preserving the good things in life!"
What on earth is going on here? Is this a paid advertisement? "This story has been brought to you by Christianity!" If you really believe that kitties are rescued by Jesus, fine, that's your conviction. Don't spoil a sweet story with your attempt to convert me! And what is the message here exactly? Atheists would've let the kitten drown? Muslims don't love the same pleasures of life? You won't be able to live life fully from behind your computer screen unless you join OUR religion!
Something that should be universal is made so that only a certain group of people can enjoy it. This is theft. Religion takes credit for everything, it has a patent on happiness.
I realize that this post may upset people. While I offer no retraction or apology, I do offer a way for your complaints to be heard and acknowledged:
And yes, I hope to have a new pet peeve every day.
December 31, 2008
December 25, 2008
December 20, 2008
Curtain Call!
Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates is finally over! We got a full cast (the lead roles were recommended by me), and after much struggle, we gave four performances that were not that bad!
It was really tense for awhile. There were a few kids that would NOT STOP TALKING BACKSTAGE, but apparently the audience didn't hear them. Whew.
It amazed me how much some kids know about acting: nothing at all. It was insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teenagers are SO STUPID!!! Arrgh. But, I met a couple nice kids, and, if all goes well, I will be a member of the company's new acting troupe: Hopeless Romantics! They play at weddings. The audition is in January, and guess what? It's Paid!
It was really tense for awhile. There were a few kids that would NOT STOP TALKING BACKSTAGE, but apparently the audience didn't hear them. Whew.
It amazed me how much some kids know about acting: nothing at all. It was insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teenagers are SO STUPID!!! Arrgh. But, I met a couple nice kids, and, if all goes well, I will be a member of the company's new acting troupe: Hopeless Romantics! They play at weddings. The audition is in January, and guess what? It's Paid!
December 05, 2008
Play!
Well, if you're in the Fergus area, make sure to see ME in Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates!
It's pretty chaotic so far. We just recently cast one of the lead roles, and we're still looking for someone. And the play is in two weeks! ARRGH!!!!!
But hey, I'M IN A PLAY! Even if does mean my fingers falling off in the freezing cold barn where we rehearse.
November 13, 2008
Ennio Morricone
I can't believe I haven't mentioned Ennio Morricone yet. He is definitely my favourite composer. Not to take away from some of my other favourites: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Darren Hayes, The Proclaimers, but nobody can beat this guy. I dare anyone to try. He is most known for his scores for the movies The Mission, The Untouchables, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Here are examples:
The Mission: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvBT9sqXnew I know it's long, but the number at the end is well worth the wait.
The Untouchables: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsT-0vhkxsg&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWUFrkvWycI&feature=related
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKlxyoPNaFI&feature=related
The Mission: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvBT9sqXnew I know it's long, but the number at the end is well worth the wait.
The Untouchables: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsT-0vhkxsg&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWUFrkvWycI&feature=related
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKlxyoPNaFI&feature=related
November 08, 2008
Retard
The following are posts from the Neverwinter Nights 2 game forums.
ASpieboy:
I first discovered RPGs with World of Warcraft. I liked it at first, but the attitude of the other players was sickening. I'm glad to have found NWN2, it's a much friendlier atmosphere.
Then I came across the word 'retarded' in the forums. I don't want to point fingers, but this word is unacceptably offensive. I am disabled, and I speak for all disabled people when I say that the words 'retard' and 'retarded' should not be allowed anywhere. These words are unspeakably offensive.
I know that these words were used without intent to harm, but harm is still done. Let's be mature about this. Don't use the R word. Treat it like all other untolerated racial slurs because it is discriminating against a minority.
I didn't check in for the next few days, and when I got back in touch, it seemed that my post had created quite the controversy. Here are some of the responses:
GT74:
What's the problem here? "Retard" is a real word with a real meaning. It's not offensive per se. Why do you choose to take offense?
MaGicBush:
I don't ever use the word really, doesn't fit in anything I type or say. But I honestly don't know how this could be offensive, even if your disabled. In life you have to learn to ignore others for the most part, and take it with a grain of salt. My wife's uncle is *extremely* handicapped but I don't take offense to it, and neither does he.
Lofgren777:
If the person or persons aspie is referring to used "retarded" to mean "slowed down," as in, "The need to pause constantly to give my wizard new orders seriously retards combat," then they have nothing to apologize for. I myself have used the word this way, deliberately and as an insult, to describe a person who was causing a serious obstruction to getting done the work that needed to be done.
However, I have also used the word, in anger and without thinking clearly, to mean "stupid," or, even more vaguely, generally "bad" as one would use the word "sucks." This is something the word most definitely does not mean, except in slang, and the slang is meant to compare the person or thing described in relation to people who suffer from a particular disability.
It's insensitive at best – like trying to insult a white person by calling them black, a straight person by calling them gay, or a Catholic by calling him a Jew. It's meant to degrade the person by associating them with a particular class of people, not through any actual qualitative criticism.
If you, GT74, are seriously unaware of this usage of the word, then you can check it out in any number of resources. If you are not, then all I can say is that you are a gay black jew for trying to deflect a legitimate request by somebody who quite reasonably does not want their condition to be turned into a hurtful slur. If any of those descriptors actually applies to you, maybe you have some sense of how a retarded person might feel to know that comparing somebody to them is automatically an insult.
You GO Lofgren777!!!!
Pichothedestroyerofall:
Seriously when has "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" become "Words make me cry!"
GT74:
I use the word and will continue using the word. If people want to take offense at it it's their prerogative but I'd advise them not to be so precious because there are more important things to worry about.
Yes, I am slandered and discriminated against wherever I go, but there are more important things to worry about.
Sings_off_key:
Gosh, I thought most people stopped using 'retard' as a slur by the time they got out of middle school. I hadn't noticed it commonly used here; guess I must be reading the wrong threads. Tsk tsk.
My personal favourite:
xAzhreIx:
ahahahahaha. Honestly do you think "I" care about how you feel? Sorry to burst your bubble but this is the internet where 99.99999999999% of the time people could careless if you're a cancer patient on your death bed. Suck it up and get used to it. If you're going to get offended by every little thing, and yes THE WORD RETARD POSTED ON A NWN2 FORUMS IS LITTLE, then perhaps the internet is not for you. I laugh because personally I am one of those people who could care less if one is a cancer patient on his/her deathbed, and I sure as hell will use any language that is deemed appropriate for these forums whether it hurts your feelings or not.
Unclear on the concept:
Mick Marner:
The distinction should be pointed out:
"Retard", when used as a noun, is an offensive slang term. "Retarded" even when used to describe mental deficiency OR something being slowed down, is the CORRECT terminology.
i.e.
You can say "Jimmy is retarded" and that is generally seen as acceptable.
Saying "Jimmy is a retard" on the other hand is not.
This guy rocks:
Lofgren777:
Spoken like a true straight WASP with no empathy whatsoever.
You have a closer look at the OP's post. Specifically note that he is not a moderator and has no power to ban words. He's completely within his rights to make a request, and you are completely within your right to continue to express your bigotry.
Of course, since your first did not say "I disagree that the word should be banned entirely," but instead suggested that it was the OP's fault he was offended because he misinterpreted a use of the word that was consistent with its dictionary definition, I'm going to assume your sudden defense of freedom of expression is just another attempt to deflect the criticism so you can continue broadly insulting people based on immutable characteristics.
If, however, you are not a bigot (and this goes for everybody who is trying to defend this behavior), if you do not believe that handicapped people are inferior, then it would behoove you to stop using the word retard so you stop presenting yourself as a bigot. Regardless of any individual person's feelings, any non-bigot should be able to see quite clearly that turning a class of people into a slur is bad for everybody. Maybe if we start now, then when you have a retarded child your kid can grow up in a world where their unavoidable medical condition is not a callous insult.
Psychology:
nicethugbert:
A Catholic being offended at being called a Jew reveals his feelings about Jews, or his understanding of the caller's intentions. Maybe he is afraid of the inquisition.
And to finish it off:
Lofgren777:
The Catholic's feelings are irrelevent. Using the word "Jew" as an insult is an insult to Jews. Surely you see that?
A person who is late to work is indeed retarded (although that would not be a very common use of the word at all). Again, if the people the OP is referring to were trying to describe something or someone as an impediment to speed, then they have nothing to apologize for. I sincerely doubt that is the case.
After that, the post was closed by the forum moderator, who said the discussion would take place in another forum. I couldn't find this forum, so I started a new topic with:
ASpieboy:
OK, apparently there was some confusion in the last post. Let me try to explain myself as clearly as possible:
1. Retard is offensive. End of story. Do not dare to tell me, as a member of a minority, what is offensive and what is not. You do not decide. I believe that every mentally and physically challenged individual will agree with me on this point. I am not just some overly sensitive freak. I am someone who has had their fill of prejudice.
2. I understand that often this word is used without intent to harm or hurt anyone. I understand that this word has a place in the dictionary. There are many words that were once acceptable that are now understood as harmful. I could take any number of racial slurs to use as an example. Retard is offensive no matter how you use it. Don't try to tell me otherwise, for as I have already mentioned, most disabled people agree with me, and you have no right to say what is offensive to another minority. We will be the judge of that, thank you.
3. If after reading this post, you still will use the word retard in any pretext, you are insulting the entire disabled community, and I have nothing more to say to you. Don't even bother posting here.
I understand that the discussion for this was moved, but as I mentioned in my earlier post, I am new to these forums, and cannot find where the new topic is. If someone could post a link, that would be great. I have copied and will continue to copy my posts and the responses on my blog, and will notify other disabled bloggers of its existence.
Quickly followed by:
Nickolaas:
Oh give it a rest! I'm getting so tired of you politically correct types who insist that everyone needs to walk on eggshelves in order to avoid offending anyone. If I want to insult someone by calling him/her a "retard", that's my right. It's called freedom of speech. Or are you now trying to tell us it's not right to insult anyone under any circumstances? This is really not the right forum for this type of discusssion. It's a game forum, not a political gathering. Go find some place where your views will actually be welcomed.
Cinnabar Din (Moderator):
Nickolaas, that's out of line. There's no need to flame the OP. As well, you DO NOT have the right to call anyone a retard or any other derogatory name on these boards. You can say whatever you want elsewhere, but there are rules here.
ASpieboy: I appreciate the fact that you're trying to open peoples' eyes to how others may feel about the use of this word in particular (and, by extension, other words as well), but there are already rules in place for these boards that address this kind of thing. The best course of action is, if you find someone has posted something offensive, to send a PM to any of the moderators or devs with a link to the thread in question and we can deal with it.
Unfortunately, the first thread, as well as the first response in this one, has demonstrated that this is likely to result in insults and flaming. It's also off topic. So I'm going to lock this here along with a reminder to everyone on these boards:
review the rules of conduct before you hit that Submit button if you're in any way thinking of posting something that may offend someone or that will insult another member of the community. And don't post a hasty reply if you've got your hackles up. Take a breath, step away from the keyboard, and consider what you're about to post.
That was nice of the moderator, but I think he rather missed the point. I wanted to make it clear to everyone what they were doing. There are people who just DON'T UNDERSTAND, and privately admonishing them isn't going to help. It will just continue. It's not just the word. It's the state of mind.
I'm getting a new signature on the forums. One with a little touch of education in it.
ASpieboy:
I first discovered RPGs with World of Warcraft. I liked it at first, but the attitude of the other players was sickening. I'm glad to have found NWN2, it's a much friendlier atmosphere.
Then I came across the word 'retarded' in the forums. I don't want to point fingers, but this word is unacceptably offensive. I am disabled, and I speak for all disabled people when I say that the words 'retard' and 'retarded' should not be allowed anywhere. These words are unspeakably offensive.
I know that these words were used without intent to harm, but harm is still done. Let's be mature about this. Don't use the R word. Treat it like all other untolerated racial slurs because it is discriminating against a minority.
I didn't check in for the next few days, and when I got back in touch, it seemed that my post had created quite the controversy. Here are some of the responses:
GT74:
What's the problem here? "Retard" is a real word with a real meaning. It's not offensive per se. Why do you choose to take offense?
MaGicBush:
I don't ever use the word really, doesn't fit in anything I type or say. But I honestly don't know how this could be offensive, even if your disabled. In life you have to learn to ignore others for the most part, and take it with a grain of salt. My wife's uncle is *extremely* handicapped but I don't take offense to it, and neither does he.
Lofgren777:
If the person or persons aspie is referring to used "retarded" to mean "slowed down," as in, "The need to pause constantly to give my wizard new orders seriously retards combat," then they have nothing to apologize for. I myself have used the word this way, deliberately and as an insult, to describe a person who was causing a serious obstruction to getting done the work that needed to be done.
However, I have also used the word, in anger and without thinking clearly, to mean "stupid," or, even more vaguely, generally "bad" as one would use the word "sucks." This is something the word most definitely does not mean, except in slang, and the slang is meant to compare the person or thing described in relation to people who suffer from a particular disability.
It's insensitive at best – like trying to insult a white person by calling them black, a straight person by calling them gay, or a Catholic by calling him a Jew. It's meant to degrade the person by associating them with a particular class of people, not through any actual qualitative criticism.
If you, GT74, are seriously unaware of this usage of the word, then you can check it out in any number of resources. If you are not, then all I can say is that you are a gay black jew for trying to deflect a legitimate request by somebody who quite reasonably does not want their condition to be turned into a hurtful slur. If any of those descriptors actually applies to you, maybe you have some sense of how a retarded person might feel to know that comparing somebody to them is automatically an insult.
You GO Lofgren777!!!!
Pichothedestroyerofall:
Seriously when has "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" become "Words make me cry!"
GT74:
I use the word and will continue using the word. If people want to take offense at it it's their prerogative but I'd advise them not to be so precious because there are more important things to worry about.
Yes, I am slandered and discriminated against wherever I go, but there are more important things to worry about.
Sings_off_key:
Gosh, I thought most people stopped using 'retard' as a slur by the time they got out of middle school. I hadn't noticed it commonly used here; guess I must be reading the wrong threads. Tsk tsk.
My personal favourite:
xAzhreIx:
ahahahahaha. Honestly do you think "I" care about how you feel? Sorry to burst your bubble but this is the internet where 99.99999999999% of the time people could careless if you're a cancer patient on your death bed. Suck it up and get used to it. If you're going to get offended by every little thing, and yes THE WORD RETARD POSTED ON A NWN2 FORUMS IS LITTLE, then perhaps the internet is not for you. I laugh because personally I am one of those people who could care less if one is a cancer patient on his/her deathbed, and I sure as hell will use any language that is deemed appropriate for these forums whether it hurts your feelings or not.
Unclear on the concept:
Mick Marner:
The distinction should be pointed out:
"Retard", when used as a noun, is an offensive slang term. "Retarded" even when used to describe mental deficiency OR something being slowed down, is the CORRECT terminology.
i.e.
You can say "Jimmy is retarded" and that is generally seen as acceptable.
Saying "Jimmy is a retard" on the other hand is not.
This guy rocks:
Lofgren777:
Spoken like a true straight WASP with no empathy whatsoever.
You have a closer look at the OP's post. Specifically note that he is not a moderator and has no power to ban words. He's completely within his rights to make a request, and you are completely within your right to continue to express your bigotry.
Of course, since your first did not say "I disagree that the word should be banned entirely," but instead suggested that it was the OP's fault he was offended because he misinterpreted a use of the word that was consistent with its dictionary definition, I'm going to assume your sudden defense of freedom of expression is just another attempt to deflect the criticism so you can continue broadly insulting people based on immutable characteristics.
If, however, you are not a bigot (and this goes for everybody who is trying to defend this behavior), if you do not believe that handicapped people are inferior, then it would behoove you to stop using the word retard so you stop presenting yourself as a bigot. Regardless of any individual person's feelings, any non-bigot should be able to see quite clearly that turning a class of people into a slur is bad for everybody. Maybe if we start now, then when you have a retarded child your kid can grow up in a world where their unavoidable medical condition is not a callous insult.
Psychology:
nicethugbert:
A Catholic being offended at being called a Jew reveals his feelings about Jews, or his understanding of the caller's intentions. Maybe he is afraid of the inquisition.
And to finish it off:
Lofgren777:
The Catholic's feelings are irrelevent. Using the word "Jew" as an insult is an insult to Jews. Surely you see that?
A person who is late to work is indeed retarded (although that would not be a very common use of the word at all). Again, if the people the OP is referring to were trying to describe something or someone as an impediment to speed, then they have nothing to apologize for. I sincerely doubt that is the case.
After that, the post was closed by the forum moderator, who said the discussion would take place in another forum. I couldn't find this forum, so I started a new topic with:
ASpieboy:
OK, apparently there was some confusion in the last post. Let me try to explain myself as clearly as possible:
1. Retard is offensive. End of story. Do not dare to tell me, as a member of a minority, what is offensive and what is not. You do not decide. I believe that every mentally and physically challenged individual will agree with me on this point. I am not just some overly sensitive freak. I am someone who has had their fill of prejudice.
2. I understand that often this word is used without intent to harm or hurt anyone. I understand that this word has a place in the dictionary. There are many words that were once acceptable that are now understood as harmful. I could take any number of racial slurs to use as an example. Retard is offensive no matter how you use it. Don't try to tell me otherwise, for as I have already mentioned, most disabled people agree with me, and you have no right to say what is offensive to another minority. We will be the judge of that, thank you.
3. If after reading this post, you still will use the word retard in any pretext, you are insulting the entire disabled community, and I have nothing more to say to you. Don't even bother posting here.
I understand that the discussion for this was moved, but as I mentioned in my earlier post, I am new to these forums, and cannot find where the new topic is. If someone could post a link, that would be great. I have copied and will continue to copy my posts and the responses on my blog, and will notify other disabled bloggers of its existence.
Quickly followed by:
Nickolaas:
Oh give it a rest! I'm getting so tired of you politically correct types who insist that everyone needs to walk on eggshelves in order to avoid offending anyone. If I want to insult someone by calling him/her a "retard", that's my right. It's called freedom of speech. Or are you now trying to tell us it's not right to insult anyone under any circumstances? This is really not the right forum for this type of discusssion. It's a game forum, not a political gathering. Go find some place where your views will actually be welcomed.
Cinnabar Din (Moderator):
Nickolaas, that's out of line. There's no need to flame the OP. As well, you DO NOT have the right to call anyone a retard or any other derogatory name on these boards. You can say whatever you want elsewhere, but there are rules here.
ASpieboy: I appreciate the fact that you're trying to open peoples' eyes to how others may feel about the use of this word in particular (and, by extension, other words as well), but there are already rules in place for these boards that address this kind of thing. The best course of action is, if you find someone has posted something offensive, to send a PM to any of the moderators or devs with a link to the thread in question and we can deal with it.
Unfortunately, the first thread, as well as the first response in this one, has demonstrated that this is likely to result in insults and flaming. It's also off topic. So I'm going to lock this here along with a reminder to everyone on these boards:
review the rules of conduct before you hit that Submit button if you're in any way thinking of posting something that may offend someone or that will insult another member of the community. And don't post a hasty reply if you've got your hackles up. Take a breath, step away from the keyboard, and consider what you're about to post.
That was nice of the moderator, but I think he rather missed the point. I wanted to make it clear to everyone what they were doing. There are people who just DON'T UNDERSTAND, and privately admonishing them isn't going to help. It will just continue. It's not just the word. It's the state of mind.
I'm getting a new signature on the forums. One with a little touch of education in it.
November 06, 2008
Michael Crichton
I recently found out that one of my favourite authors, Michael Crichton, has died. His most famous novels include Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, The Great Train Robbery, Disclosure, Congo, Next, and State of Fear. He created the television series E.R.
Just as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the master of detective novels, Michael Crichton was the master of science fiction. His books are both educational and exciting, although the film adaptations were some of the worst ever created. He was without a doubt one of the best writers and thinkers of the 20th century. He died of cancer at age 66.
http://www.crichton-official.com/
Just as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the master of detective novels, Michael Crichton was the master of science fiction. His books are both educational and exciting, although the film adaptations were some of the worst ever created. He was without a doubt one of the best writers and thinkers of the 20th century. He died of cancer at age 66.
http://www.crichton-official.com/
October 31, 2008
October 03, 2008
September 16, 2008
Umbrage and other matters...
I'm going to give speeches to high schools in my area, talking about autism, and how autistics are under attack. I've written my first draft, and I'll post it here when it's finished editing.
September 07, 2008
I'm normal, the world is weird!
Okay, In Michael Moore's book Dude, where's my country? he mentions that Osama Bin Laden's family owns part of the Carlyle Group. Yesterday night, I found this in an article written by Frank Serpico: "But thanks to the Carlyle Group, the $11 billion contract for the Crusader is still alive. It seems this war on terrorism is a boom in business for the “Big Boys” and a burden on the masses."
Whoa, hold on. Let me get this straight. The Carlyle Group is getting rich off the bombs that the US uses. That money then goes to the investors in the company, including the Bin Laden family. Yes, the Bin Laden's are making money off Bush's war. I still can't believe it.
Please read the Frank Serpico article: http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2002/08/roomforaview/room_2.html
In more personal news, school has started, yippee. I'm planning to give talks in local schools about Autism, and the people who are trying to destroy all those 'afflicted'.
Whoa, hold on. Let me get this straight. The Carlyle Group is getting rich off the bombs that the US uses. That money then goes to the investors in the company, including the Bin Laden family. Yes, the Bin Laden's are making money off Bush's war. I still can't believe it.
Please read the Frank Serpico article: http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2002/08/roomforaview/room_2.html
In more personal news, school has started, yippee. I'm planning to give talks in local schools about Autism, and the people who are trying to destroy all those 'afflicted'.
August 27, 2008
August 25, 2008
Prison term for Chinese petition organizer
I recieved the following newspaper article in the mail.
By Richard Spencer
Beijing - A disgruntled factory worker who organized an online petition against illegal land seizures in China headed "We want human rights not the Olympics" was jailed for five years yesterday.
In a sign the Chinese authorities were in no mood to appease critics of their human rights record, even in the run- Yang Chunlin's sentence was the maximum for the charge of subverting the power of the state. Yang, 54, was hit with electric batons as his family scuffled with police after the hearing, said his lawyer, Li Fangping.
"Both the family and us lawyers think it is a heavy sentence, as five years in prison is the highest sentence possible in this case," he added.
The former factory worker was one of thousands of people from all over China who have protested against what they say is illegal seizure of farmland for development in recent years.
He organized a petition of 10,000 names against the activities of local officials. Linking the issue to the Olympics won him extra publicity but also seems to have aggravated the local authorities' reaction.
Yang claims he is innocent and he was exercising his right to free speech, which is theoretically guaranteed in the Chinese constitution. His sister, Yang Chunping, says while he was in custody he was tortured by having his arms and legs stretched, and then chained to the corners of his bed.
Yeah, hope you all enjoy the Olympics. Go Canada!
By Richard Spencer
Beijing - A disgruntled factory worker who organized an online petition against illegal land seizures in China headed "We want human rights not the Olympics" was jailed for five years yesterday.
In a sign the Chinese authorities were in no mood to appease critics of their human rights record, even in the run- Yang Chunlin's sentence was the maximum for the charge of subverting the power of the state. Yang, 54, was hit with electric batons as his family scuffled with police after the hearing, said his lawyer, Li Fangping.
"Both the family and us lawyers think it is a heavy sentence, as five years in prison is the highest sentence possible in this case," he added.
The former factory worker was one of thousands of people from all over China who have protested against what they say is illegal seizure of farmland for development in recent years.
He organized a petition of 10,000 names against the activities of local officials. Linking the issue to the Olympics won him extra publicity but also seems to have aggravated the local authorities' reaction.
Yang claims he is innocent and he was exercising his right to free speech, which is theoretically guaranteed in the Chinese constitution. His sister, Yang Chunping, says while he was in custody he was tortured by having his arms and legs stretched, and then chained to the corners of his bed.
Yeah, hope you all enjoy the Olympics. Go Canada!
August 23, 2008
What the Buck?
For all you people who enjoy youtube videos, these are the best. WHAT THE BUCK? with Michael Buckley! I'll be adding a link to the right.
Also, I would like to say that I have found the perfect World of Warcraft guild. It's name is, can you guess?
UMBRAGE! Yes, UMBRAGE! I googled the word, and it popped up. By sheer luck, they are on my realm, Arathor. YIPPEE!!!!!!! Now I just have to level my character to 70...
For those of you who don't know my fondness for the word umbrage, I've put the button back!
Take some Umbrage!
Also, I would like to say that I have found the perfect World of Warcraft guild. It's name is, can you guess?
UMBRAGE! Yes, UMBRAGE! I googled the word, and it popped up. By sheer luck, they are on my realm, Arathor. YIPPEE!!!!!!! Now I just have to level my character to 70...
For those of you who don't know my fondness for the word umbrage, I've put the button back!
Take some Umbrage!
August 15, 2008
It's done!
YES! I have completed my Grade 7 piano exam. Very nicely, if I say so myself. Of course, I still have to wait a few months before I get my results, but still... nice to have it off my chest. While I was at Shakespeare school, I bought the sheet music to Cabaret, but now I can play it! I would like to know if I passed or not though...
ARGHHH!!!!! THIS IS TAKING FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARGHHH!!!!! THIS IS TAKING FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 14, 2008
August 11, 2008
I HAVE RETURNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sound the trumpets! Yes, it is me, back to bore you some more! Shakespeare school was fun and AMAZING, I even got a contact sheet with the names and e-mail addresses of my classmates! Not that I'll ever write to them, but still, nice to have.
I think I met an fellow aspie there. He has even less social awareness than me and he plays World of Warcraft, which is the ultimate test. By the way, if you are planning to see any Stratford play, Cabaret was my favourite out of the ones I saw. Truly AMAZING, funny, and very scary at times.
If, by some weird cosmic coincidence one of my classmates is reading this, I'd like to say it was great working with you, and if any of those pictures we took make their way on Facebook, I will hunt you down and kill you. For an explanation why, please see the link on the right side of the page.
Now, I hereby promise to add more posts more frequently. Even if they make no sense whatsoever. If you want to be weirdness free, you should go to another blog. This one isn't for you.
P.S. If anyone from my YAPAP youth theatre group that I worked with last year is reading this, don't worry, I still like you as well.
I think I met an fellow aspie there. He has even less social awareness than me and he plays World of Warcraft, which is the ultimate test. By the way, if you are planning to see any Stratford play, Cabaret was my favourite out of the ones I saw. Truly AMAZING, funny, and very scary at times.
If, by some weird cosmic coincidence one of my classmates is reading this, I'd like to say it was great working with you, and if any of those pictures we took make their way on Facebook, I will hunt you down and kill you. For an explanation why, please see the link on the right side of the page.
Now, I hereby promise to add more posts more frequently. Even if they make no sense whatsoever. If you want to be weirdness free, you should go to another blog. This one isn't for you.
P.S. If anyone from my YAPAP youth theatre group that I worked with last year is reading this, don't worry, I still like you as well.
August 03, 2008
Shakespeare
Well, I'm off to Shakespeare school for the week. That's in Stratford, by the way. I'll get to see 5 plays from the festival, so HAHA!!!
I've been there before, just to try it out, make sure it was aspie-proof (few things are), but now, I'm going for the full week. Therefore, I shall be away from the computer (parting is such sweet sorrow).
Also, I just got an MP3 player. Yes, ASpieboy has joined the 21st century!!! Wow, blogging, MP3, I'm beginning to turn into a typical teenager!!! AH!!! I'll have to up the weirdness level to make up for this strange normalcy.
I found a new webcomic by the way. It's on the right. Or will be. It's not there NOW, but I'll put it on in a couple seconds. Unless my computer crashes or something. Then you'll never see the webcomic, NEVER!
OK, I think I've countered the normalcy threat. Enough weirdness for today.
I've been there before, just to try it out, make sure it was aspie-proof (few things are), but now, I'm going for the full week. Therefore, I shall be away from the computer (parting is such sweet sorrow).
Also, I just got an MP3 player. Yes, ASpieboy has joined the 21st century!!! Wow, blogging, MP3, I'm beginning to turn into a typical teenager!!! AH!!! I'll have to up the weirdness level to make up for this strange normalcy.
I found a new webcomic by the way. It's on the right. Or will be. It's not there NOW, but I'll put it on in a couple seconds. Unless my computer crashes or something. Then you'll never see the webcomic, NEVER!
OK, I think I've countered the normalcy threat. Enough weirdness for today.
July 17, 2008
Fencing and Aspieness
So, I've recently started fencing. For those of you who don't know, that's sword fighting. One day, there was a substitute teacher. I was going to have a 'bout' with him. It wasn't until after he won, when we went to shake hands, I noticed he was left-handed. I simply had not picked up on that at all during the bout.
That sort of thing is something I miss very often. I just don't pick up on these rather obvious facts in my life. I suddenly see a guest in my house and have no idea when they arrived. I live in my own shell, where I can play my music as loud as I want, and tune out the world.
P.S. Yes, I know I haven't posted in a while. What can I say? I have a life.
That sort of thing is something I miss very often. I just don't pick up on these rather obvious facts in my life. I suddenly see a guest in my house and have no idea when they arrived. I live in my own shell, where I can play my music as loud as I want, and tune out the world.
P.S. Yes, I know I haven't posted in a while. What can I say? I have a life.
June 27, 2008
Circle Versus Square!
On the right you will find a link called Circle Versus Square, my new favourite comic strip. Check it out, it's very funny.
All hail King Pentagon!
All hail King Pentagon!
June 24, 2008
Money
The economic situation of the world is in dire need of a change. Currency should be, in short, removed from all society. Burn the money. Now.
It was a bad idea to begin with, but now it has gotten ridiculous. Today's currency is a mixture of paper money and electronic pulse batted back and forth between computers. Someones complete economic class depends upon a series of fictional ones and zeroes.
Let us be clear on the following points: money is the largest difference between people. The amount you have determines your entire life. This is the only purpose of currency; to divide people into different economic classes. The situation gets out of hand in cases like the infamous stock market crash, where everyone was poor and starving due to a matter of mathematics. The system is flawed when a few get everything, and the rest get nothing. There is no logical purpose for money. It's only function is to harm society.
Is it too much to ask for people to go to work, do their job, and have free housing, free food, provided by people who in turn get what they want and need for free? What is stopping us from cooperating to this extent?
You may think this is insane, but isn't it insane to have 80% of the population having 20% of the world's wealth? I'm not the crazy one.
It was a bad idea to begin with, but now it has gotten ridiculous. Today's currency is a mixture of paper money and electronic pulse batted back and forth between computers. Someones complete economic class depends upon a series of fictional ones and zeroes.
Let us be clear on the following points: money is the largest difference between people. The amount you have determines your entire life. This is the only purpose of currency; to divide people into different economic classes. The situation gets out of hand in cases like the infamous stock market crash, where everyone was poor and starving due to a matter of mathematics. The system is flawed when a few get everything, and the rest get nothing. There is no logical purpose for money. It's only function is to harm society.
Is it too much to ask for people to go to work, do their job, and have free housing, free food, provided by people who in turn get what they want and need for free? What is stopping us from cooperating to this extent?
You may think this is insane, but isn't it insane to have 80% of the population having 20% of the world's wealth? I'm not the crazy one.
June 17, 2008
Normal
Normality should not be a goal for the human race. What is generally meant by normal is average. Thus, someone who is normal would be average in all ways. None of us fit this description. We are all freaks. End of story.
We all pursue this concept of normality. All of us want to be normal. And before you think to yourself "Not me! I'm an individualist!", I have no doubt that you are, but you still want to be normal. Deep down, we all have this instinct. Not that it's a completely bad thing, occasionally we do have to conform and give up our interests for the good of the group. However, very few of us give up for the group nowadays, and we are obsessed with appearing absolutely ordinary. Why? Be honest, do you really like the standard to which you hold yourself? Of course not. If you are normal, than you have no life. All great artists were weird. Don't you think they're on to something? Be freaky.
Here's something I bet you didn't realize, strange people are liked. Really, don't you have a good friend who's a little on the off side? These are the people that are really envied, that you really want to be like. These are the people that shine. Maybe they make you shine for a little bit, then they go away and you reassume your 'normal shell'. Why do you do that? What are you afraid of? What do you have to lose? Weird out!
"Do not look at the faces in the illustrated papers. Look at the faces in the street." -G.K. Chesterton
We all pursue this concept of normality. All of us want to be normal. And before you think to yourself "Not me! I'm an individualist!", I have no doubt that you are, but you still want to be normal. Deep down, we all have this instinct. Not that it's a completely bad thing, occasionally we do have to conform and give up our interests for the good of the group. However, very few of us give up for the group nowadays, and we are obsessed with appearing absolutely ordinary. Why? Be honest, do you really like the standard to which you hold yourself? Of course not. If you are normal, than you have no life. All great artists were weird. Don't you think they're on to something? Be freaky.
Here's something I bet you didn't realize, strange people are liked. Really, don't you have a good friend who's a little on the off side? These are the people that are really envied, that you really want to be like. These are the people that shine. Maybe they make you shine for a little bit, then they go away and you reassume your 'normal shell'. Why do you do that? What are you afraid of? What do you have to lose? Weird out!
"Do not look at the faces in the illustrated papers. Look at the faces in the street." -G.K. Chesterton
June 16, 2008
The Fantastic Adventures of the Autie Team!
Part II: ASpieboy meets The Stim Kid!
ASpieboy accompanies his Mom on a social mission to allow his Mom Coffee Time with her friend, the Stim Kid’s Mom. The women stay in the kitchen to chat while Aspieboy follows The Stim Kid to his bedroom.
The Stim Kid’s latest form of entertainment consists of putting his story tapes on fast forward and listening to the voices and sound effects on high speed. ASpieboy listens intently, laughing uproariously at the distorted sounds and is oblivious to The Stim Kid’s rocking and flapping.
Suddenly he is aware of another sound close to his ear, a high pitch whine that is not part of Stim Kid’s continuous happy noises. He moves his hand toward his ear in time to see a mosquito fly away from his head.
DISASTER!!!!! A mosquito – THE WORST POSSIBLE HORROR IMAGINABLE!! He fills his lungs to scream and prepares to run from the room in terror, when he catches sight of Stim Kid, who has stopped rocking and flapping.
He quickly remembers the foolproof technique his Mom taught him. He takes several deep breaths and says to himself: “This is not the end of the world, this is not the end of the world. I am ASpieboy, I shall overcome, I can do this, I can do this…”
The story tape is forgotten as Stim Kid begins a low humming and starts finger-flicking. ASpieboy watches Stim Kid’s eyes and realizes that his friend is following the intricate path of the stealthy insect.
Without a word spoken, the two boys circle the room, Stim Kid never taking his eyes off the mosquito and ASpieboy never taking his eyes off Stim Kid. As long as Stim Kid is humming and moving, ASpieboy knows he has the mosquito in sight. Suddenly, The Stim Kid stops and stares at the wall. ASpieboy follows his friend’s gaze to a spot on the wall that he realizes is no ordinary spot!
He quickly picks up one of his take-everywhere books and smashes it against the wall, killing the despicable creature instantly. Stim Kid blinks and moves back to his tape player, rewinding and beginning again. ASpieboy thanks his friend for using his incredible fixation powers and brings the book to his Mom to be wiped clean.
ASpieboy explains the crisis that was recently averted and the two Moms praise the boys’ skills and cooperation. They send ASpieboy back to the bedroom with two bowls of potato chips.
But they don’t do it for the appreciation, or the yummy treats. They do it because they can. They are successful. They are triumphant. They are ASpieboy and The Stim Kid. They are the AUTIE TEAM!
(cue theme music)
ASpieboy accompanies his Mom on a social mission to allow his Mom Coffee Time with her friend, the Stim Kid’s Mom. The women stay in the kitchen to chat while Aspieboy follows The Stim Kid to his bedroom.
The Stim Kid’s latest form of entertainment consists of putting his story tapes on fast forward and listening to the voices and sound effects on high speed. ASpieboy listens intently, laughing uproariously at the distorted sounds and is oblivious to The Stim Kid’s rocking and flapping.
Suddenly he is aware of another sound close to his ear, a high pitch whine that is not part of Stim Kid’s continuous happy noises. He moves his hand toward his ear in time to see a mosquito fly away from his head.
DISASTER!!!!! A mosquito – THE WORST POSSIBLE HORROR IMAGINABLE!! He fills his lungs to scream and prepares to run from the room in terror, when he catches sight of Stim Kid, who has stopped rocking and flapping.
He quickly remembers the foolproof technique his Mom taught him. He takes several deep breaths and says to himself: “This is not the end of the world, this is not the end of the world. I am ASpieboy, I shall overcome, I can do this, I can do this…”
The story tape is forgotten as Stim Kid begins a low humming and starts finger-flicking. ASpieboy watches Stim Kid’s eyes and realizes that his friend is following the intricate path of the stealthy insect.
Without a word spoken, the two boys circle the room, Stim Kid never taking his eyes off the mosquito and ASpieboy never taking his eyes off Stim Kid. As long as Stim Kid is humming and moving, ASpieboy knows he has the mosquito in sight. Suddenly, The Stim Kid stops and stares at the wall. ASpieboy follows his friend’s gaze to a spot on the wall that he realizes is no ordinary spot!
He quickly picks up one of his take-everywhere books and smashes it against the wall, killing the despicable creature instantly. Stim Kid blinks and moves back to his tape player, rewinding and beginning again. ASpieboy thanks his friend for using his incredible fixation powers and brings the book to his Mom to be wiped clean.
ASpieboy explains the crisis that was recently averted and the two Moms praise the boys’ skills and cooperation. They send ASpieboy back to the bedroom with two bowls of potato chips.
But they don’t do it for the appreciation, or the yummy treats. They do it because they can. They are successful. They are triumphant. They are ASpieboy and The Stim Kid. They are the AUTIE TEAM!
(cue theme music)
June 15, 2008
The Fantastic Adventures of the Autie Team!
Part I: The amazing adventures of ASpieboy!
ASpieboy is invited out to a friend’s house for dinner. He is nervous, but his Mom advises him to try new things. She drops him off at his friend’s home and they play Legos for a while. Everything is going well, since his friend is ADD and quite content to talk in non-sequitors – or simply play in silence. ASpieboy relaxes and begins to enjoy himself and they are called to dinner. He knows his mother advised his friend’s mom on what was allowed on his GF/CF diet and he sits down knowing he will be able to eat most, if not all of what is put in front of him. But,
HORRORS!!!! When the plate is put in front of him, THE FOOD IS TOUCHING!!! The peas are rolling wildly into the corn!! The mashed potatoes are indistinguishable from the turnip!! And both are covering part of the meat!! Oh no!!!!!! How will he overcome this tragic turn of events and save the friendly atmosphere of dinner?
He first calms himself by tensing all his muscles and then relaxing them. He takes three deep breaths and recites in his mind, “I am ASpieboy, I shall overcome, I can do this, I can do this…”
Using his amazing powers of organization and ability to line up objects, he corrals the peas with his fork, driving them into the side of his plate. The corn now stands alone. Picking up his knife, he now scoops the mashed potatoes mess away from the meat. Realizing that the turnips and the potatoes are irrevocably intertwined, he takes another deep breath and mashes both together with his fork. This creates a homogenous mixture that cannot be identified or classified as either potato or turnip. Thus, muttering under his breath to congratulate himself on averting another catastrophe, he begins to eat.
Remembering to thank his friend and friend’s mom for a great dinner and fun visit, he is picked up by his Mom and whisked off to the safety and security of Home. Where the food never touches. He tells Mom of his narrow escape and she rewards him with lavish praise and computer time.
But he doesn’t do it for the rewards, or the praise. He does it because he can. He is triumphant. He is successful. He is ASpieboy.
(Cue theme music)
ASpieboy is invited out to a friend’s house for dinner. He is nervous, but his Mom advises him to try new things. She drops him off at his friend’s home and they play Legos for a while. Everything is going well, since his friend is ADD and quite content to talk in non-sequitors – or simply play in silence. ASpieboy relaxes and begins to enjoy himself and they are called to dinner. He knows his mother advised his friend’s mom on what was allowed on his GF/CF diet and he sits down knowing he will be able to eat most, if not all of what is put in front of him. But,
HORRORS!!!! When the plate is put in front of him, THE FOOD IS TOUCHING!!! The peas are rolling wildly into the corn!! The mashed potatoes are indistinguishable from the turnip!! And both are covering part of the meat!! Oh no!!!!!! How will he overcome this tragic turn of events and save the friendly atmosphere of dinner?
He first calms himself by tensing all his muscles and then relaxing them. He takes three deep breaths and recites in his mind, “I am ASpieboy, I shall overcome, I can do this, I can do this…”
Using his amazing powers of organization and ability to line up objects, he corrals the peas with his fork, driving them into the side of his plate. The corn now stands alone. Picking up his knife, he now scoops the mashed potatoes mess away from the meat. Realizing that the turnips and the potatoes are irrevocably intertwined, he takes another deep breath and mashes both together with his fork. This creates a homogenous mixture that cannot be identified or classified as either potato or turnip. Thus, muttering under his breath to congratulate himself on averting another catastrophe, he begins to eat.
Remembering to thank his friend and friend’s mom for a great dinner and fun visit, he is picked up by his Mom and whisked off to the safety and security of Home. Where the food never touches. He tells Mom of his narrow escape and she rewards him with lavish praise and computer time.
But he doesn’t do it for the rewards, or the praise. He does it because he can. He is triumphant. He is successful. He is ASpieboy.
(Cue theme music)
June 14, 2008
ASpieboy has arrived!
Wait, what's ASpieboy mean? Well, an aspie is someone who has AS, or asperger's syndrome. Whoa, hold on! Was that Asperger's syndrome? As in, Autism? Yes, I am an autistic. But before you whip out your puzzle ribbon and start drooling with pity, remember, Autism isn't that bad!!! In fact, I am proud to be autistic.
Wow. Brain shock. Here's something you probably didn't know, everyone with Autism detests the organizations like Autism Speaks and others that try to 'cure' us. In case you didn't get that, let me say it again: NO AUTISTICS WANT TO BE CURED!!! We also don't like being called a plague, a tragedy, and all we want is for people to treat us like people. Still not convinced? Go to some of the autistic links on the right for more info.
OK, now that that's over with...
As said in my about me section (again, found on the right), I will talk about whatever pops into my head while sitting here. I have some pretty good ideas as to how to make the world a better place, but the posts won't all be serious. Of course, they won't all be funny either. Laugh at what I say, but listen to what I say as well.
I will now take the time to further introduce myself with what I am already (somewhat) known for. I am on another (poorly maintained) blog which can be found here http://www.tricapd.blogspot.com/. Also there are YouTube videos of me and my sister performing soloes from last year as well (Autistic Pride dancers, find here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDPgIWFayQU and here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgIcr3Jhk9E). Also, I am the co-writer of the Autie Team series of which the first two installments I shall post later.
But don't worry, I'm not all about Autism. I am also an avid fan of Michael Crichton and G.K. Chesterton, although I have yet to buy one of his books yet. You name it, it will be found here eventually.
Good-byeeeeeee!
Wow. Brain shock. Here's something you probably didn't know, everyone with Autism detests the organizations like Autism Speaks and others that try to 'cure' us. In case you didn't get that, let me say it again: NO AUTISTICS WANT TO BE CURED!!! We also don't like being called a plague, a tragedy, and all we want is for people to treat us like people. Still not convinced? Go to some of the autistic links on the right for more info.
OK, now that that's over with...
As said in my about me section (again, found on the right), I will talk about whatever pops into my head while sitting here. I have some pretty good ideas as to how to make the world a better place, but the posts won't all be serious. Of course, they won't all be funny either. Laugh at what I say, but listen to what I say as well.
I will now take the time to further introduce myself with what I am already (somewhat) known for. I am on another (poorly maintained) blog which can be found here http://www.tricapd.blogspot.com/. Also there are YouTube videos of me and my sister performing soloes from last year as well (Autistic Pride dancers, find here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDPgIWFayQU and here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgIcr3Jhk9E). Also, I am the co-writer of the Autie Team series of which the first two installments I shall post later.
But don't worry, I'm not all about Autism. I am also an avid fan of Michael Crichton and G.K. Chesterton, although I have yet to buy one of his books yet. You name it, it will be found here eventually.
Good-byeeeeeee!
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