HOW TO: Back Up Your Social Media Presence Before the Ball Drops

Remember how we were all freaking out on New Year's Eve, 1999, convinced that the world as we know it would end at the hands of machines, of course? Well, we weathered that storm and then some. Still, as we shamble forward into the next decade, it might be prudent to take pause and take stock of the years behind us. Translation: Back up your stuff.

Think of it as stockpiling food and building a fallout shelter for the 21st century. We have a ton of information, photos and memories scattered around the web that we would be loathe to lose, and while it's unlikely that the entire Internet is going to come crashing down in the next week or so, it still might be wise to put some of that stuff in an iron box for safe keeping.

Read on, and Christina Warren and I will show you how to
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Back Up Your Facebook
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We're coming pretty close to living our lives on Facebook it's our photo album, diary and mailbox, all in one so why leave all that info up to the whims of the all-mighty servers? This October, the social network got hip to data portability after it started allowing users to download their profiles photos, statues, updates, videos and all.

The process is really too simple to forgo. Here's how you can stow away your social life for safekeeping: 1). Go to Account Settings, 2). Click on "Download Your Information" and allow Facebook to download your info, 3). Wait for an e-mail that will let you know your info is ready (it takes a while, what with all the stuff you probably have on Facebook), 4). Go through the security test that allows you to download your info (kudos on that one, Facebook), and, voila, your profile is ported to your desktop in a nifty folder. Do this before you go through with that New Year's resolution to make your profile less scandalous you know, for when you're old and gray and full of sleep and nodding by the fire.
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Back Up Your Tweets
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Yes, the Library of Congress is now hoarding tweets, but that doesn't do much for the casual user looking to keep a log of his own mundane musings, now does it?

Thankfully, you're got some options. There's TweetStream, which lets you back up your data as well as mine it for information and statistics. (Be warned, this service takes a looooong time to gather your info).

And if TweetStream doesn't strike your fancy, TweetScan, a site we covered back in 2009, will track your data back to 2007, and, using OAuth, will even grab your timeline, tweets from friends and direct messages.

Pinboard, a paid, Delicious-like (RIP) tool, also lets you store your tweets you can also back up or archive tweets from other usernames or from hashtags, as well as add favorites from a username and turn links embedded in tweets into bookmarks.

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Back Up Your Blog
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After Tumblr's epic outage the other week, we showed you all how to back up your blogs. Well, we're just going to reiterate that right now, along with some solutions for WordPress as well. Remember how you felt when your mom threw away all your old journals, crammed to the margins with angsty poetry? Well, that's not a feeling one would like to replicate later in life (unless it was relief in which case, disregard).
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Tumblr
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Last year, Tumblr launched a backup app that allows users to save their blogs so that they can be viewed on any computer, burned to a CD or hosted as an archive of static HTML files. The app is super easy to use: Simply download, enter your Tumblr sign-in info and save your blog to your desktop (it looks like the below screenshot). You can launch the app and backup more info every time you post as well.

Note, this app is only for Mac OS X (10.5 or higher), but there are other options for those who use different operating systems.
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WordPress
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If your blog or website uses WordPress, grabbing a backup file of all your posts, pages and comments is easy. In the WordPress dashboard, just go to Tools, Export and choose what types of posts you want to export.

If you want a backup of your entire WordPress database, the excellent WP-DB-Backup plugin can make scheduled database backups for your WordPress site at intervals you choose and even e-mail you the backup file.
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Back Up Your Photos
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If you're like millions of Internet users, you probably upload most of your photos to a photo-sharing site like Flickr or Facebook. While you're backing up your blog entries, tweets and Facebook messages, it might be a good idea to go ahead and archive all of your photos, too. If nothing else, this is a great way to destroy the evidence from that sorority beer bong tournament in college.

Flickr is a great service and in terms of reliability, it's consistently solid. What's less consistent is the whims of its parent company, Yahoo. If the Delicious debacle has taught us anything, it's that Yahoo isn't afraid to sell off or shut down a service with millions of daily users.

Lots of apps and tools let you back up your Flickr photo stream, but a quick, fuss-free way to unload years of photo uploads is the Adobe Air app Flump. The app works on Mac, Windows and Linux and downloads a copy of each photo in your stream to a folder of your choice.

Be aware that while this will grab each and every photo, tags, titles and photo sets are not preserved. There a few other alternatives if you're willing to invest more time in the process, but Flump gets the job done.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, matspersson0
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Reviews: Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, Internet, Linux, Tumblr, Windows, WordPress, adobe AIR, iStockphoto

More About: facebook, flickr, social media, tumblr, twitter, WordPress

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http://mashable.com/2010/12/28/back-up-social-media/

Book Review: "My Parent has an Autism Spectrum Disorder

@earlyautism: Book Review: "My Parent has an Autism Spectrum Disorder A Workbook for Children and Teens" by Barba | autisable http://ow.ly/3v9Hf

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/earlyautism/statuses/19923065127305216

Edwin Schlossberg

"The skill of writing is to create a context in which other people can think."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Edwin_Schlossberg

Japanese Proverb

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Japanese_Proverb

David Zucker

"Quit now, you'll never make it. If you disregard this advice, you'll be halfway there."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/David_Zucker

Eyewitness News - BakersfieldNow - The City of Bakersfield issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency

Eyewitness News - BakersfieldNow
The City of Bakersfield issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency Sunday evening and urged people to avoid any unnecessary driving. Rhonda Sm…Bakersfield declares local emergency

http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/112168459.html


Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/minifeed.php?id=91093559934&story_fbid=91093559934_184508074892951

@bradsdeals

@bradsdeals: Pillow Pets $12 Shipped by Christmas http://bdeal.me/ikfMwQ

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/bradsdeals/statuses/15878637555294208

Okakura Kakuzo

"The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Okakura_Kakuzo

"Whatever" voted most irritating word in poll

HA!
-jb
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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Whatever you think about using grating words, at the end of the day it's actually better not to say whatever, if you know what I mean.

http://us.mobile.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE6BE5TL20101215

The Santa Chronicles

The following is an article from Uncle John's Unstoppable Bathroom Reader.

You probably don't give Santa a second look when you see him in a department store or on a street corner every December but maybe you should.

SANTA COPS

By December 2001, Mafia fugitive Francesco Farina had been on the run from Sicilian police for more than five years. Holed up in what he thought was a great hideout -a flat in downtown Catania- Farina was able to look out his window and see whether the cops were closing in on him. But all he saw were the regular assortment of Christmas shoppers, schoolchildren, and a Santa Claus ho-ho-hoing on the street corner. A few days before Christmas, thinking that the coast was clear, Farina decided to go out on the town. Bad idea: the guy in the red suit wasn't Santa after all. A succession of surveillance cops dressed as Santa had kept their eyes on Farina, who ended up spending Christmas in jail.

SANTA'S FISTS OF FURY

An unidentified Santa was cruising down a LeHigh Acres, Florida street in his convertible when he was approached by 20-year-old Jonathan Danzey, who asked Santa for a present. Informed there was nothing for him in Santa';s sack, Danzey got angry. Words were exchanged, Santa got out of the car, and Danzey tried to punch him. According to Katherine Phillips, who witnessed the altercation, "Santa Claus whipped his butt." He ripped Danzey's shirt, knocked him to the ground, then drove away.  The cops soon arrived and arrested Danzey on drunk and disorderly charges. "He won, " Danzey conceded, "but he was stronger and more soberer."

SANTAS ON THE RUN

One of the oddest sights in the history of sports took place in Newtown, Wales, in December 2002. More than 1,000 runners -both male and female- participated in a four-mile race for charity all dressed in full Santa Claus garb: black boots, red pants, red coat, and a big white beard. Said one of the runners: "It's a lot easier to run in a Santa suit than to try to hold a normal conversation in one."

SANTA PROTESTORS

What if Santa were banned from Christmas? That's what they tried to do in the small town of Kensington, Maryland in 2001. Some of the townspeople complained that it made them feel uncomfortable having a "religious figure" participate in the annual tree-lighting ceremony, so the town fathers decided to ask Santa to stay home. Unfortunately, not everyone in town agreed with the decision. Result: 50 Santas showed up and marched on City Hall. Pro- and anti-Santa factions clashed; one Santa was arrested.

SANTA MELTDOWN

Shortly before Christmas in 1999, Kelley Fornatoro placed her 19-month-old son next to Santa for a holiday portrait in a Woodland Hills, California shopping mall. The baby immediately started crying. So Fornatoro suggested that Santa put his arm around the boy to calm him down. That's when Santa had a fit of his own. "I will not imprison your child!" he yelled at her. "Was it worth it for you to torture your child for a picture? You must be an evil person." As Fornatoro retrieved her baby, she said she'd be filing a formal complaint. "You can complain about me if you want, but I am Santa Claus. I am the best person in the world!" Then he got really mad. While parents rushed to cover their shocked children's eyes, Santa began undressing. He took off his hat, beard, wig, coat, and belt, and was down to his red, baggy pants and a tank top when security guards escorted him out of the building.

THE SANTA

In a quest to find Great Britain's ultimate Santa, organizers at Guinness World Records sponsored the first-ever "Santathon" in December 2001. The event included a field of eight top contenders donned in full beards, red suits, and black boots. Competitive events included sack-hauling, pie eating, chimney climbing, stocking filling, and ho-ho-hoing. First prize was awarded to David Broughton-Davis, 43, from Croydon, a professional department store Santa. "I'm not very proud to admit that my best event was eating three large mince pies," Broughton-David lamented after being awarded the Golden Boots trophy. "I just wish that event hadn't taken place before the chimney climb. It was hard on the stomach."

___________________

The article above was reprinted with permission from Uncle John's Unstoppable Bathroom Reader.

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader is having their annual Holiday Sale, in which you can save 30% on your purchase! Get free shipping on orders of $35 or more by using the code HOL10SHIP. And check out the BRI's newest volume, Uncle John's Heavy Duty Bathroom Reader.

http://www.neatorama.com/2010/12/13/the-santa-chronicles/

Anais Nin

"We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Anais_Nin

Martin Luther King Jr.

"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Martin_Luther_King_Jr.

Thomas Paine

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Thomas_Paine

Spike Milligan

"Are you going to come quietly, or do I have to use earplugs?"

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Spike_Milligan

Indira Gandhi

"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Indira_Gandhi

--
This article was sent using my Viigo.
For a free download, go to http://getviigo.com

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Joseph Addison

"A misery is not to be measured from the nature of the evil, but from the temper of the sufferer."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Joseph_Addison

Hugh Macleod

"Good ideas alter the power balance in relationships, that is why good ideas are always initially resisted. Good ideas come with a heavy burden. Which is why so few people have them. So few people can handle it."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Hugh_Macleod

Sensory processing disorder

@TheCoffeeKlatch: Sunday: Chynna Laird Author of award-winning book, "I'm Not Weird, I Have SPD" on Tweetchat w host @ChuckWalley #Sensoryprocessingdisorder

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/TheCoffeeKlatch/statuses/10506143851880449

John Stuart Mill

"If mankind minus one were of one opinion, then mankind is no more justified in silencing the one than the one - if he had the power - would be justified in silencing mankind."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/John_Stuart_Mill

5 Ways You Can Block A Facebook Stalker

A follow-up to previous post. Thanks to all who research this stuff!

-JB
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Facebook is a great platform for networking. You can reconnect with old friends from school or stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. Facebook makes it easy to find and get in touch with people. However, this feature can haunt you when someone you wish you had never met won't stop messaging and harassing you.

If your stalker's prime route of contact is through Facebook, there are several things you can do to block that Facebook stalker and make it difficult for them to contact you. This article will guide you through the options you have. The two final steps can also help to never attract a stalker in the first place.

If the Facebook stalker is or was on your friend list, unfriending them is not enough. Anyone not your friend on Facebook can still search and find your profile and see everything that you share with everyone. The only way to exclude that person, especially if you have mutual friends on Facebook, is to block them.

There are three different routes through which you can block people.

1. Via Your Block Lists

You can block both people and applications.

In Facebook, go to > Account > Privacy Settings and find the item called > Block Lists at the bottom of the page. Click the > Edit your lists link to proceed.

On the following page you can enter Facebook users by name and email address and block them.

If there are several people with the same name, you will see a list of matching profiles. Click the > Block button next to the person you were looking for.

2. Via Their Profile

On each Facebook user profile there is a > Report/Block this Person link at the bottom left. Click this link and a window will pop up that allows you to make a selection.

For example, you could report the person for > Unwanted contact and check the box to > Block this person. If you go with the block, the name will appear in your Block Lists, as described above.

3. Via Their Messages

If the person you wish to block has sent you any messages, you can block them by clicking the > Report link next to their name and the date the message was received. To see the link you must open the message. Once you click it, a window with further options will pop up.

Note that no one you block will be notified of the action. However, if they are on your friend list, they will be removed and your profile will not be visible to them. Likewise, you won't be able to view their profile. You both will be invisible to each other, with the exception of third party applications.

If you accidentally blocked someone, you can easily remove the block. Go to your Block Lists and click the > Unblock link next to the person's name. You will be asked to confirm. Unblocking a person will not restore a previous connection.

4. Remove Your Basic Directory Information

If you have a serious stalker, chances are they will just set up a new Facebook account once you block them. In this case you should consider making your profile private, so that strangers can not find and harass you.

The first thing you should do, is remove as much of yourself as possible from the > Basic Directory Information. Go to > Account > Privacy Settings and click on > View Settings.

On the following page you can define who can search and find you on Facebook, send friend requests or messages, see your friend list, and more. For each item choose carefully from the following options: Everyone, Friends of Friends, or Friends Only.

Unfortunately, you cannot completely hide yourself. Facebook states that "your name, profile picture, gender, and network are always open to everyone." This explains why.

5. Tighten Your Privacy Settings

Besides restricting basic directory information, you should also restrict who can see the things you are sharing. Go back to > Account > Privacy Settings and click the > Customize settings to adjust your > Sharing on Facebook options. You can also choose from a default setting.

A new page with a list of options will open. Go through all the points and decide who you want to see your posts, your personal information, or things others share with you. You can choose from Everyone, Friends of Friends, Friends Only, or Customize each point and make the information visible to only yourself or hide it from specific people.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that Facebook is just one medium through which a person can stalk you. No matter how tight your privacy settings or how trustworthy the people on your friend list are, someone determined to find and harass you still has the rest of the internet at their disposal. Be sure to treat your personal information, your contact data, and your online privacy in general like a raw egg.

This article can only scratch on the surface. For more detailed information, check out The (Very) Unofficial Facebook Privacy Manual written by my colleague Angela.

Here are several more articles you may find helpful:
6 Simple Tips To Protect Your Privacy on Facebook
How To Secure Your Facebook Seetings The Easy Way
How to Remove False Information about Yourself on the Internet

Image credits: Ronen Boidek

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Makeuseof/~3/eouONmI-XRo/

Stop Cyberbullying and “Find Help” on Facebook

Repost of someone else's earlier post, but well worth sharing. A friend of a friend was stalked on Facebook and these links are nearly impossible to find -- even worse to find after you block the stalker because now you can't point Facebook Customer Service to his/her page!

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In response to increasing concerns about teenagers' safety on Facebook, SafetyWeb.com, a web-based monitoring site, has introduced a new "Find Help" application on Facebook.

The app allows users to report any violation or cyberbullying to Facebook officials while also connecting to safety and support organizations related to cyberbullying, child exploitation, suicide, depression, substance abuse and LGBT issues.

Clicking on the app brings up links for reporting incidents and useful numbers from organizations like the National Center for Missing Exploited Children's CyberTipline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Facebook Abuse Reporting.

Bully victims can find it difficult to self-report incidents; this app will hopefully make it easier for them to not only report abusive behaviour but seek help and guidance at the same time. Cyberbullying is a real problem that has only recently gained mainstream attention due to a rash of teen suicides.

Social networks, despite their friend lists and updates, have also shown the dangers of cyberbullying. While social media tools like "Find Help" won't eradicate the problem, they help paint Facebook not just as the site of bullying but also as a solution to it.

Are there any privacy concerns to downloading an app like this? Is there any danger of falsely reporting abuse? Is Find Help a revolutionary app leading the charge to end cyberbullying? Let us know what you think and if you'd recommend the app in the comments below.
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Reviews: Facebook

More About: bullying, cyberbullying, facebook, find help, safetyweb.com, social networks, suicide

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Merger of Christmas and Hanukkah

This is an old article, so the link may not work. But it helps express the frenzied, hurried feeling of the season. (Have a good time and try not to take the season -& stress- too seriously!)

Happy Christma-Hanuk-Kwanza!
-JB
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Continuing the current trend of large-scale mergers and acquisitions, it was announced today at a press conference that Christmas and Hanukkah will merge. An industry source said that the deal had been in the works for about 1300 years.

While details were not available at press time, it is believed that the overhead cost of having twelve days of Christmas and eight days of Hanukkah was becoming prohibitive for both sides. By combining forces, we''re told, the world will be able to enjoy consistently high-quality service during the Fifteen Days of Chrismukah, as the new holiday is being called.

Massive layoffs are expected, with lords a-leaping and maids a-milking being the hardest hit. As part of the conditions of the agreement, the letters on the dreydl, currently in Hebrew, will be replaced by Latin, thus becoming unintelligible to a wider audience.

Also, instead of translating to "A great miracle happened there," the message on the dreydl will be the more generic "Miraculous stuff happens." In exchange, it is believed that Jews will be allowed to use Santa Claus and his vast merchandising resources for buying and delivering their gifts.

One of the sticking points holding up the agreement for at least three hundred years was the question of whether Jewish children could leave milk and cookies for Santa even after having eaten meat for dinner. A breakthrough came last year, when Oreos were finally declared to be Kosher. All sides appeared happy about this.

A spokesman for Christmas, Inc., declined to say whether a takeover of Kwanzaa might not be in the works as well. He merely pointed out that, were it not for the independent existence of Kwanzaa, the merger between Christmas and Chanukah might indeed be seen as an unfair cornering of the holiday market. Fortunately for all concerned, he said, Kwanzaa will help to maintain the competitive balance. He then closed the press conference by leading all present in a rousing rendition of "Oy Vey, All Ye Faithful."

http://www.jokes.com/funny/whatever/merger-of-christmas-and-hanukkah

Picture and frame on one!

I have done this, but it sounds fabulous!

Just follow the link to the article and from there link to the actual site.
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Fracture - is a new kind of one piece picture frame that is made from printed glass. FractureMe is an easy-to-use tool that lets you customize your pictures online so they are ready to be printed on such a frame. You start by uploading your picture that you want to customize. Read more: Fracture: Get Your Images Printed on Glass Frame

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Makeuseof/~3/32SjT7pa3-0/

chocolate

"The theobromine in chocolate that stimulates the cardiac and nervous systems is too much for dogs, especially smaller pups. A chocolate bar is poisonous to dogs and can even be lethal."

A completely blind chameleon...

"A completely blind chameleon will still take on the colors of its environment."

The Hoover Dam

"The Hoover Dam was built to last 2,000 years. Its concrete will not be fully cured for another 500 years."

John F. Kennedy : "If art is to nourish the roots of our culture..."

John F. Kennedy : "If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him."

Sam Levenson

"You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Sam_Levenson

Herodotus

"If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Herodotus

Autism Support group

Barbarathankful Penaloza
Autism Support group

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171538652871428


Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/minifeed.php?id=1045590477&story_fbid=1045590477_1640088235833

@AutismTips: "... And people would have said ..."

@AutismTips: "... And people would have said of course schizophrenia and autism are caused by [the actions of] mothers." - Walter Kaye

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/AutismTips/statuses/7101134959284224

@TheOnion - "Mom..."

@TheOnion: Opinion: Mom, Jeremy Won't Let Me Create An Atmosphere Of Sustained Menace http://onion.com/hzXMOq

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/TheOnion/statuses/7101074024435712

Dr Temple Grandin - Blog Talk Radio

@TheCoffeeKlatch: My interview with Dr Temple Grandin Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-coffee-klatch/2010/07/19/temple-grandin #Autism #tck

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/TheCoffeeKlatch/statuses/6909892841439232

Shirley Trusty Corey

"The arts must be considered an essential element of education... They are tools for living life reflectively, joyfully and with the ability to shape the future."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Shirley_Trusty_Corey

Mark Twain

"Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Mark_Twain

Kern Visitor

Kern Visitor
Don't miss Huell Howser's coverage of 'Oildorado Days' in Taft, CA airing on KCET November 23rd and December 9th at 7:30 PM. The episode "Oi…

Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/minifeed.php?id=1191898181&story_fbid=1191898181_176523562361533

William Shakespeare

"Exit, pursued by a bear."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/William_Shakespeare

Washington Irving

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Washington_Irving

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein : "Imagination is more important than knowledge." – brought to you by "3001 Wisdom Quotes Free"

Amazon pulls pedophile e-book following outcry

Yes, this is real. Someone published or self-published a real pedophile ebook through Amazon. Amazon defended its business decision as not believing in censorship.

IMHO: When you run a business, you make a lot of choices. If you decide not to carry a certain item, let's say "pink stuffed bunnies", no one actually accuses you of "pink stuffed bunny" prejudice or censorship. And if they did -- so what? You can't possibly carry everything pink, stuffed, or bunny anyway. People who want "pink stuffed bunnies" simply go elsewhere.

Amazon has not tried to take on the impossible task of carrying everything that exists in print, digital or otherwise. They pass on many things everyday. This is a matter of business or practicality, not censorship.

Deciding to carry "Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure" just down the digital bookshelf from children's ebooks is questionable.
Whether or not carrying it had anything to do with censorship or business is debatable.

As much as I hate censorship, the argument/defense gets brought out every time there is a decision someone doesn't want questioned.

Some day someone is going to make a real argument regarding censorship and no one will listen.

-J Burch
-----------------------
"The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure," which was being sold by Amazon for the Kindle, has been pulled from the site after threats arose to boycott the e-tailer.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-20022495-93.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

Conan O'Brien

"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Conan_O%27Brien

Bakersfield College opens "solar parking"

As of Monday, November 8, 2010, Bakersfield College has finally opened up the parking on Panorama Drive and Mount Vernon (by Fine Arts). It has been closed since the summer to install solar panels as supplemental power for the campus and shade for the cars.

Opening up the parking will really help those who had to arrive extra early to find parking wherever they could get it, including surrounding neighborhoods.

Funny how even the smallest student parking area is so important. If the new structure is taken care of, it will be even more so - both for electricity and shaded parking.

- J Burch
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

UPS Manages to Evade You and Still be “Sorry We Missed You”

This is a story I can tell about any of the package delivery companies in the US including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. I could be waiting at home all day for my latest laptop, cellphone, or gadget and Ill walk outside to check and notice the "Sorry we missed you" note. At my old apartment it was even worse with USPS. I once caught the postman and he didn't even have the package on his truck when he stuck the "Failed Delivery" pink slip in my mailbox. These guys have balls! I always wondered how I always had to go to the post office to pick up packages.

To parody the whole situation some creative artist posted a page from the UPS delivery manual on Reddit via Gizmodo:

Have you ever been in that situation? Tell us your best package delivery story!
If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:
United States Postal Service Launches Mobile Website
USPS Mobile BlackBerry App Coming in December
UPS Mobile - Track Packages & More
FedEx Mobile - Easily Track Packages & More
Empower BES MailBox v3.0 Released - Now Supports OS 4.3
Unlock ANY BlackBerry for Only $9!!! @ BerryReview Unlocking Store
---------------

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 8, 2010, 11:45 am. | UPS Manages to Evade You and Still be Sorry We Missed You | 6 comments |

http://rss.berryreview.com/~r/Berryreview/~3/1rjmdLKEGjk/

Will Rogers

"This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Will_Rogers

Douglas Adams

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Douglas_Adams

Autism-Risk Gene Rewires the Brain

@AutismScienceFd: "Autism-Risk Gene Rewires the Brain in a Way That Disrupts Learning and Language Acquisition" http://fb.me/LFyFDrEG

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/AutismScienceFd/statuses/557910467805184

Truly loving ...

@SusanBoylesCat: Truly loving another means letting go of all expectations. It means full acceptance, even celebration of another's personhood. ~Karen Casey

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/SusanBoylesCat/statuses/29636351408

Wright's Law

@TheCoffeeKlatch: Good base knowledge on IEPs and accommodations is www.wrightslaw.com & www.wrightslaw.com/blog #tck

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/TheCoffeeKlatch/statuses/29629157976

Dumb as a Blog: Roseanne Cash slammed for using respected haberdasherie family name as a punchline on truTV.com

This is too good not to share.

Politician makes a joke using Bob Hope and Johnny Cash in punch line.

Johnny Cash's daughter, Rosanne Cash, objects, calling politician an "a**hat".

Family with the name (pronounced as•shat) objects!

Who's next to object?! Fortunately, not Bob Hope's children, who seem to (rightfully) view the whole situation with proper perspective....

You could make this stuff up, or just wait for the next Facebook or Tweet!


http://blog.trutv.com/dumb_as_a_blog/2010/11/roseanne-cash-slammed-for-using-respected-haberdasherie-family-name-as-a-punchline.html

Election opinion...

@OHnewsroom: Reporter covering election: "The name of the clown may change but it's still a circus."

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/OHnewsroom/statuses/29519286737

Tom Robbins

"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Tom_Robbins

3G Mobile Internet Comes to Mount Everest

Nepali mobile network operator Ncell has installed the first 3G base station at the summit of Mount Everest, giving visitors, climbers and people living in the Khumbu Valley the ability to make calls and wirelessly connect to the Internet.

To test out the new facility, Ncell also made the world's highest video call at 17,388 feet.

So far, visitors of Mount Everest had to depend on satellite phones to make calls, but now they can do so through a standard GSM, 3G-enabled network. "The coverage of the network will reach up to the peak of the Everest," Ncell Nepal chief Pasi Koistinen said to reporters in Kathmandu on Thursday.

Ncell is a joint venture between private investors and Sweden-based telecom TeliaSonera. Ncell's network currently covers less than one-third of Nepal's population, but TeliaSonera said it planned to invest $100 million in the next year to extend coverage to more than 90% of the country's population.

"This achievement is as mighty as the altitude as 3G high speed internet will bring faster, more affordable telecommunication services to the people living in the Khumbu Valley, trekkers, and climbers alike," said TeliaSonera CEO Lars Nyberg.

Image courtesy of Rupert Taylor-Price, Flickr

More About: 3g, broadband, internet, Mobile 2.0, Mount Everest, phone call, trending

For more Tech coverage:
Follow Mashable Tech on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Subscribe to the Tech channel
Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mashable/~3/qVjtmGnGo6o/

People are more violently opposed to ...

@GiggleFlower: People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs.

Twitter Link: http://twitter.com/GiggleFlower/statuses/29036429377

eBay Offers To Pay You To Recycle Your Old Electronics

eBay has launched a new program that lets people trade in their old cell phones and other electronics for instant cash. If the devices aren't worth a dime, it will send you pre-paid postage to responsibly recycle the device. With the company's new InstantSale website, you'll be offering up your old device to various companies in the business of buying them for valuable metals, components and refurbishing. You plug in details about your device and you get an instant cash offer, deposited to your PayPal account.

http://hothardware.com/News/eBay-Offers-To-Pay-You-To-Recycle-Your-Old-Electronics

RedCross will train 5 million people in hands-only CPR in 2011

We will train 5 million people in hands-only CPR in 2011: http://bit.ly/bWSUFY

http://twitter.com/RedCross/statuses/28052243858

“A diamond is a piece of coal that stuck to the job.”

― Michael Larsen

http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-website/daily-thought/10-20-10-daily-thought-00000000045106/index.html

Henry Kissinger

"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Henry_Kissinger

"Been there, doing that, wearing the t-shirt...". Jane Burch

Barbara Hall

"The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Barbara_Hall

Thomas Szasz

"Men are afraid to rock the boat in which they hope to drift safely through life's currents, when, actually, the boat is stuck on a sandbar. They would be better off to rock the boat and try to shake it loose."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Thomas_Szasz

MYN Event: HIRE Job Fair

October is Meet Your Neighbors Month!

Greetings!

Thank you so much for joining us for all our events this weekend including the SLS Progressive Meal! Join us for all of our events in October! Visit our online Upcoming Events Page

<http://go.madmimi.com/redirects/42f3231668668b4adb4e7b13df1e0cfa?pa=2022340342>

and our online Calendar

<http://go.madmimi.com/redirects/52f71a0bb87c133e3d4f53590f499e18?pa=2022340342>.


HIRE Job Fair
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
at 9am-12pm.

Commonwealth Building, 3300 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield
(Oak and Truxtun behind Conroy Florist and The Garden Spot Restaurant)

Please note these correct times

Here's a list of the employers committed to being there:

* ACS
* Alianza Recycling
* Bakersfield Family Medical Center
* Career Services Center
* Community Action Partnership of Kern
* Farmers Insurance
* Golden Empire Transit
* Goodwill
* Kelly Services
* PCL Industrial Services
* Rain For Rent
* Sherman Brother's Trucking
* Social Vocational Services
* Spherion
* State Farm Insurance
* University of Phoenix

Checklist for Job Seekers:

* Bring Copies of your resumes.
* Dress for success. You should look like you are going to work.
* Do not bring children. You will be very busy.
* Bring information to fill out a job application: former employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates worked & names, and info of your professional references.

This is a final notification to invite or bring job ready job seekers to the event tomorrow. See the attached flyer for more specific information please!

For more information please contact:
Aaron Markovits
Kern Regional Center
Project Director
3200 N. Sillect Ave.
Bakersfield, Ca, 93308
661-852-3291
fax:661-324-5060
amarkovits@kernrc.org
www.hire-us.net

©2010 Meet Your Neighbors | 3300 Sillect Avenue | Bakersfield CA | 93308

MYN Movie Night at Jastro Park

These are pictures from a great night at a wonderful student production from Inclusion Films, Joey Travolta Performing Arts Project. http://www.joeytee.com.

A big thanks to Kern Regional Center and Arts Counsel of Kern.

The individual list of people involved to thank and that participated is an extremely long one.

Talk to any of the above agencies if you want to be involved in the Adult program that starts in a few days or the next Film Camp/Performing Arts Project that goes for two weeks starting the first week in June.

~Jane Burch
~blog admin

Walt Kelly

"We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Walt_Kelly

Anonymous

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Anonymous

Anatole France

"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Anatole_France

From - 5001 Amazing Facts Free

"Vaccines contain formaldehyde, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), phenol (disinfectant / pesticide), and aluminum." – brought to you by "5001 Amazing Facts Free" available at BlackBerry App World!

JB note: and some people are worried about mercury content!?! (In connection with autism spectrum disorders)

Please add to your schedules - Events and Guest Speakers 2010-2011

Dear all,

Just two weeks until our next gathering. Again, we will have time to connect and I will present more details on a problem solving strategy developed from The Eclipse Model. Please RSVP if you plan to join us. Thank you!

Save the date: All meetings with speakers will include separate time for networking/support only. The following months will include the following agendas:

Nov. 16 - Taft College's Independent Living (TIL) Program with Program Director, Sandi Popejoy, and TIL students

December - No Meeting. Happy Holidays.

January 18 - possible speaker pending

February 15 - Diana Kelly, B.C. Disability Support Counselor and AHEADD information

March 15 - Adult with Asperger Syndrome. Back by popular demand!

April 12 - No speaker. 2nd Tuesday of month due Spring Break the following week

May 17 - End of Year Pot Luck

Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist

Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311

Work: 661.665.2800X 68
Fax: 661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068

Please add to your schedules - Events and Guest Speakers 2010-2011

Dear all,

Just two weeks until our next gathering. Again, we will have time to connect and I will present more details on a problem solving strategy developed from The Eclipse Model. Please RSVP if you plan to join us. Thank you!

Save the date: All meetings with speakers will include separate time for networking/support only. The following months will include the following agendas:

Nov. 16 - Taft College's Independent Living (TIL) Program with Program Director, Sandi Popejoy, and TIL students

December - No Meeting. Happy Holidays.

January 18 - possible speaker pending

February 15 - Diana Kelly, B.C. Disability Support Counselor and AHEADD information

March 15 - Adult with Asperger Syndrome. Back by popular demand!

April 12 - No speaker. 2nd Tuesday of month due Spring Break the following week

May 17 - End of Year Pot Luck

Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist

Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311

Work: 661.665.2800X 68
Fax: 661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068

Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group, Oct 19th

Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism
Support Group



Who: Parents, Professionals or Other Caretakers


When: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
6 – 7:30pm

Where: Kern County Superintendent of Schools Bldg.
Room 1A, Main Floor
1300 17th St.
Bakersfield 93301

The building is on the northwest corner of 17th and L St.

Free parking in the parking lot that one enters from 18th St., immediately east of K St. The parking lot is open until 7pm. Anyone parked in there prior to 7pm can exit at any time, day or night.



Why: Share your successes, concerns, network

"Take Away" Info: Problem Solving Strategy from The Eclipse Model


RSVP by email:

Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist

holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68

Parent Support Group has moved!

Parent Support Group for Teens with Social Cognitive/Communication Needs - We've changed our name & moved our Facebook page! Please follow us at KAN AASG, Twitter-@KANAASG, http://KANAASG.blogspot.com !

 

Kern Autism Network Presents- Aspergers Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group - Free monthly parent/caregiver support group meetings at Kern County Superintendent of Schools Building at 1300 17th St. Room 1A, Bakersfield 93301.

 

Third Tuesday of each month September - May (no December meeting) from 6 - 7:30PM.

 

This group offers a forum for families to share information and learn with other families in similar situations. Occasional guest speakers address specific issues as identified by support group participants. Meetings focus on concerns for pre-teens, teens and young adults.

 

Facilitator: Holley Arbeit, M.A., Speech-Language Pathologist. For further information, call 661.204.8531 or 661.665.2800 X68.

 

Jane Burch

Tweet from: @Disabilitygov

From: @Disabilitygov
Sent: Oct 1, 2010 6:30a

#DGovQtMe: "Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you." Walt Whitman

sent via SocialOomph

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/Disabilitygov/status/26079503443

Confucius

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Confucius

Memory : Popular Acronyms & Acrostics

Acronyms and Acrostics are often used to help people remember specific facts.
A few of the most popular acronyms are listed below:

To remember the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), try this man's name:
ROY G. BIV

For naming the planets in order from the sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto):
My Very Easy Memory Jingle Seems Useful Naming Planets

The biological taxonomy (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species):
Kings Play Cards On Fat Green Stools

The arithmetic order of operations (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction):
PEMDAS (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally)

To remember the color codes on resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components:
Bright Boys Rave Over Young Girls But Veto Getting Wed

Medical students can remember the 12 cranial nerves with:
On Old Olympus' Towering Top, A Finely Vested German Viewed A Hawk

The basic trig functions (sine=opposite/hypotenuse) (cosine=adjacent/hypotenuse) (tangent=opposite/adjacent):
SOH CAH TOA

The great lakes of North America (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior):
HOMES

http://www.braingle.com/mind/220.html?r=1009

Robert X. Cringely

"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Robert_X._Cringely

Jane Goodall

"Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is all right, as long your values don't change."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Jane_Goodall

Free entrance to national parks this Saturday

This Saturday, Sept 25, the National Park Service is offering free access to 392 national parks to commemorate National Public Lands Day, reports the America&rsquo;s Great Outdoors Campaign, a community-based conservation awareness effort.

http://www.enn.com/lifestyle/article/41808

Performing Arts Project or Travolta Film Workshop Premiere

Dear Peer Mentors, Interns, Parents of Film Participants and Professionals,
 
The free film premiere of the June, 2010 summer workshop will be on Oct. 12th, Tuesday, at 5:30PM at Jastro Park.  Jastro Park is between Elm and Myrtle Avenues and between Truxtun Avenue and 18th Street, just east of the 99 Freeway.  The movie will be shown on a jumbo outdoor screen.
 
Dinner will be served for $8 or free to KRC clients.  Dinner will be a tri tip sandwich, chips, cookie and soda.  If you would like to order dinner for yourself, and/or others, please contact Pamela Flockton at 661.865.8245.
 
I will be attending (wouldn't miss this for the world!) but am not responsible for this free event.  No need to RSVP to me or to anyone in KHSD.  Just come and enjoy!
 

This is a free presentation.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase of or attendance to this service or event.
 
Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kern High School District
Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311
 
O:    661.665.2800
Fax: 661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068
 #e

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Tweet from: @TheCoffeeKlatch

From: @TheCoffeeKlatch
Sent: Sep 22, 2010 6:54a

Tonight 9pm - The New York Times references our guest as "The Child Whisperer" Elaine Hall author of "Now http://tl.gd/64957k #Autism #tck

sent via TweetChat

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheCoffeeKlatch/status/25213214013

Transitions are difficult for most autistic

From: @conniehammer
Sent: Sep 16, 2010 6:00p

Transitions are difficult for most autistic to make & going back to school may be the most challenging one there is. http://dld.bz/pt7N

sent via SocialOomph

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/conniehammer/status/24713855390

Asperger/High Functioning Support Group Meeting Next Tuesday,9.21.10

Friendly reminder,

Meeting next week. Note: New location and time. See attached.



Thank you for RSVPing with a quick email to me.



Holley Arbeit

Speech-Language Pathologist



Stockdale High School

Room 606

2800 Buena Vista Road

Bakersfield, CA 93311



Work: 661.665.2800X 68

Fax: 661.665.0914

Intradistrict: 62068



-----------------------

Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism

Support Group







Who: Parents, professionals or other caretakers

No students, please



When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010

6 – 7:30pm



Where: Kern County Superintendent of Schools Building

Room 1A, Main Floor

1300 17th St.

Bakersfield 93301



The building is on the northwest corner of 17th and L St. There is free parking in the parking lot that one enters from 18th St., immediately east of K St. The parking lot is open until 7pm. Anyone parked in there prior to 7pm can exit at any time, day or night.







Why: Start of the Year Gathering

Share your summer successes, concerns, network

"Take Away" Info: Problem Solving Strategy











RSVP by phone or email:



Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist



holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68

Parent Support Group_ 9.21.10

Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism
Support Group

Who: Parents, professionals or other caretakers
No students, please

When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
6 – 7:30pm

Where: Kern County Superintendent of Schools Building
Room 1A, Main Floor
1300 17th St.
Bakersfield 93301

The building is on the northwest corner of 17th and L St. There is free parking in the parking lot that one enters from 18th St., immediately east of K St. The parking lot is open until 7pm. Anyone parked in there prior to 7pm can exit at any time, day or night.

Why: Start of the Year Gathering
Share your summer successes, concerns, network
"Take Away" Info: Problem Solving Strategy

RSVP by phone or email:

Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist

holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68
-----------------------

Dear parents, caretakers and professionals,
 
Well, we are in our third year and back in full swing for the 2010-2011 school year.  I am looking forward to seeing all that attend the support group, either regularly or sporadically.

Big change:  There is a new name, meeting place and start/end times for the support group.  This should make the group more accessible to our entire community.  The building is on the northwest corner of 17th and L Streets.  There is free parking in the parking lot that one enters from 18th St., immediately east of K St.  The parking lot is open until 7pm.  Anyone parked in there prior to 7pm can exit at any time, day or night.

The group is now under the "umbrella" of the Kern Autism Network and can be found at:

http://www.kernautism.org/ 

No other changes have been made.  The format of the meetings will be the same unless you, as participants, would like a change.

Our first meeting will have no speaker, giving everyone an opportunity to share how summer and the start of school went.  I will always bring "take-away" strategies or background information to support social communication, executive functioning (organization) or sensory integration skills.

 

Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group: Free monthly parent/caregiver support group meetings at Kern County Superintendent of Schools Building at

1300 17th St., Bakersfield 93301, Room 1A, Main Floor.  Third Tuesday of each month September - May (no December meeting) from 6 - 7:30PM. This group offers a forum for families to share information and learn with other families in similar situations. Occasional guest speakers address specific issues as identified by support group participants. Meetings focus on concerns for pre-teens, teens and young adults. 

Facilitator:  Holley Arbeit, M.A., Speech-Language Pathologist. For further information, call

661.204.8531 or
661.665.2800 X68.

Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kern High School District

Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311

O: 661.665.2800 X68
Fax: 661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

"The human tendency to regard little things as important has produced very many great things."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Georg_Christoph_Lichtenberg

Memory : Get Organized

One of the best ways to improve your memory for every day facts and avoid absentmindedness is to get organized. Disorganized people report more memory problems than people who can easily structure the information that comes to them.



Having a good organizational system in place will ensure that information will not be misplaced, because if you have a specific place for everything, the mind knows exactly where to go to retrieve that information. For example, a disorganized person might throw their keys anywhere in the house. This means that they must remember at all times where their keys are, otherwise the keys become lost. If you are organized and always place your keys on the hook next to the door, then your brain doesn't need to remember where they are because they are always in the same place.



For less tangible information such as phone numbers and dates, you could use a PDA or notebook to keep track of the information. This frees up some mental energy for more creative or productive uses. Once this stuff is written down, you no longer have to expend energy keeping it in your brain.

http://www.braingle.com/mind/695.html?r=1009

Hyman Rickover

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Hyman_Rickover

Rabbinical Saying

"Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Rabbinical_Saying

Martin Luther King Jr.

"Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Martin_Luther_King_Jr.

Film camp teaches autistic children - Daily Tribune: Breaking news coverage for southeastern Oakland County, Michigan

Joey Travolta Film Workshop teaches autistic children and adults how to make films:

http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/08/11/news/srv0000009065544.txt

brain scan to detect autism

From: @earlyautism
Sent: Aug 12, 2010 11:10a

British scientists develop brain scan to detect autism | My TV20 Detroit: News, Weather, Sports Detroit, MI http://ow.ly/2oD4B

sent via HootSuite

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/earlyautism/status/20995096920

back to school tips for #autism

From: @HollyRod4kids
Sent: Aug 12, 2010 11:00a

Some great back to school tips for #autism from Pathfinders for Autism: http://bit.ly/bZZ4rJ

sent via Seesmic

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/HollyRod4kids/status/20994513838

New to Disability.gov: Service Pathways to College Success

From: @Disabilitygov
Sent: Aug 11, 2010 11:08a

New to Disability.gov from AACC's Project Reach. Enriched & Inspired: Service Pathways to College Success http://bit.ly/8pBXVR

sent via API

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/Disabilitygov/status/20905539696

The importance of enjoying the habit

Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on twitter.

I've written a lot about habits it's in the title, after all and after all these years, and after all the questions that people have asked about forming habits, there's one thing that seems more important than anything else.

It's simply this: enjoy the habit.

That might seem obvious to some of you, but you'd be surprised how many people try to force themselves to do things they don't enjoy. They try to instill "discipline" because they think it'll make them a better person or give them a better life, but what kind of life is it if you force yourself to do things you hate all the time?

And here's the thing: if you try to make a habit of something you don't like doing, you're almost sure to fail. I know, because I've tried it many times. If I find myself saying, "I hate this, but I can do it!" then it's an uphill battle, and one I almost always lose. Because after a week or two of doing this, you'll lose enthusiasm. You'll run out of the incredible energy required to form a new habit, and then miss the habit one day, and another day, and soon it's over.

But look at the opposite scenario you do something you love doing. Well, how hard is it to motivate yourself to do this? You look forward to it. You are excited about it. When you actually do the habit, you're happy, and your overall experience is positive. That's a habit that is much more likely to stick.

I've done dozens of experiments in creating habits in my own life, and I've helped hundreds if not thousands of others form habits, and it's a common theme when the person doesn't enjoy the new habit, it fails, and when they do, it has a high degree of success.

Sure, there are other factors how consistent you are, whether you have a trigger that's already anchored into your regular routine, whether you have social accountability, etc. But the most important factor, by far, is loving the habit.
The things we don't like

I'll acknowledge there are times we have to do things we don't like. That's a necessary part of life. But why choose such a thing to become a daily habit? If that's what you're doing, you should take a long hard look at whether it's really necessary, and if so, whether you can possibly make changes to your life so that you don't need to do this activity on such a regular basis. I've done this many times, and though the change in my life is sometimes time-consuming, the result is always worth it.

But what about kicking bad habits? Isn't that hard and unenjoyable? Sure, of course. I kicked the smoking habit (almost 5 years ago), and it was difficult. Agonizing. Fortunately, I figured out that I had to put enjoyable habits in place of the smoking, and I actually looked forward to them things like running to relieve stress, eating healthy foods, writing, stuff like that. I love those activities, and it made the whole process much easier.
How to love the habit

This how-to section will seem too obvious to some, but it seems necessary to me. How do you go about enjoying the habit? Two ways:

1. Choose a habit you already love. This is the easy way. If you love reading, or drinking tea, or journaling, or taking walks in the park, choose something like that. Want to get active? Choose a sport you love playing, or an outdoor activity that gives you joy. Want to be more productive? Choose a work activity you love doing as your first task each day.

Or:

2. Focus on the enjoyable aspects. If you don't already love the habit, learn to love it. Not by reprogramming your mind to love something you hate, but by finding things about the habit you do enjoy. For example, when I started running, it was hard. I was a recent smoker, so my lungs were crap, and my legs were weak, and I'd get tired fast. But there were things I enjoyed too getting outside, the fresh air, moving and feeling my heart beating, the beauty of nature, the good feeling after I was done. So I focused on these things, and it worked. And then eventually the running got easier and I loved everything about the activity. This kind of thing can be done with almost anything look hard for the good aspects, the things you enjoy. If you can't find anything, you've chosen the wrong habit.

In the end, discipline doesn't work. You can't use discipline to form a habit you hate, because what exactly do you do when you don't feel motivated to do the habit? You find something about it to get you going, and that's thinking about something enjoyable the enjoyable end result, for example, or an enjoyable reward, or how good you'll feel telling others you did it. There are many ways to motivate yourself with something enjoyable, but no ways to use the nebulous concept of "discipline" to do something you hate.

Love the habit, and it will stick around longer.

If you liked this guide, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.

http://zenhabits.net/enjoy-the-habit/

Edward Teller

"A fact is a simple statement that everyone believes. It is innocent, unless found guilty. A hypothesis is a novel suggestion that no one wants to believe. It is guilty, until found effective."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Edward_Teller

Memory : Only 10% of Your Brain

It is a myth that humans only use a fraction of their brains. Even though scientists are still trying to unravel the mysteries of the human mind, every part of the brain is known to have a function. From an evolutionary point of view, larger brains would not have developed if there had not been an advantage to do so.

The origins of this myth are unknown, but it might have originated from a researcher named Karl Spencer Lashley who lived about a hundred years ago. He removed parts of the brains of rats and showed that they could still perform certain tests. The problem with these results are that the rats were only tested on tasks that required the parts of the brain that had not been removed. If the rats had been given other tests, they would have certainly failed.

http://www.braingle.com/mind/21.html?r=1008

Creativity : Left vs Right Brain Thinking

As we know, the two hemispheres of the brain think in different ways. The left brain tends to be logical and analytical, while the right brain tends to be more creative and spontaneous. When you are using one side of your brain more than the other, this is called left or right brained thinking. Both types of thinking are valuable, so one should try to develop their skills in both.

Unfortunately, left brained thinking is the type that is most valued by our society and taught in our schools. Almost all of the major subjects taught in school (math, science, history, etc) depend predominately on left brained thinking. Rarely do teachers encourage their students to think creatively and explore alternate solutions, and rarely are right brained studies (art, design, music, etc) encouraged.

This over emphasis becomes even more problematic as students move into the professional world. In order to get support for a new project or idea, it must be clearly defined and understood (left brained thinking) by the people who are going to be paying for it. It's very difficult to get funding for a project if the goals are not clearly understood. As a result, creative ideas don't happen as frequently as they could if right brained thinking was more valued.

It's no coincidence that the really creative ideas that occur from time to time are usually self-funded by the inventor working out of their garage. These are the people who understand the true value of thinking creatively.

http://www.braingle.com/mind/653.html?r=1008

“Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view again.”

― Alex Tan

http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-website/daily-thought/08-05-10-daily-thought-00000000038456/index.html

Immanuel Kant

"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Immanuel_Kant

Saint Francis de Sales

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Saint_Francis_de_Sales

Lawana Blackwell

"Patterning your life around other's opinions is nothing more than slavery."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Lawana_Blackwell

Benjamin Disraeli

"I am a Conservative to preserve all that is good in our constitution, a Radical to remove all that is bad. I seek to preserve property and to respect order, and I equally decry the appeal to the passions of the many or the prejudices of the few."

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Benjamin_Disraeli

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5 Things You Must Check Before Disposing of Old Computers

Computers are essential tools today. Software demands and hardware capability tend to grow exponentially. So if you want to stay on top of things, it's a good idea to get a new computer every two to three years. Now what do you do when disposing of old computers?

Whatever you do, there are a few things you must check before giving away, trashing, or recycling a computer. Backing up information and securely deleting private data is one major concern. You may also be able to reuse parts or the entire computer. This article provides a quick overview of your options when it comes to disposing of old computers.

1. Backup Data

Obviously, you will want to keep a copy of your data. Here is a quick list of information you should not forget to backup:
Personal Files
Pictures, Music, Movies, anything entertaining you have on your computer, don't lose it. Same goes for any documents or files you have downloaded.
The Best FREE Backup Software for your PC
Browser Data
This includes bookmarks, saved logins & passwords, extensions, and other personal settings. It's much easier to transfer the data than to set it all up again, don't you agree?
Backup & Restore Your Internet Explorer Browser Settings
Back up your Firefox Profile with MozBackup
Email
If you're using a desktop eMail program like Thunderbird or Outlook, do backup your profile and take your conversations and your address book with you.
5 Easy Ways To Back Up Your Microsoft Outlook Data
Archive Your Browser & Mail Settings With MailBrowserBackup
Program Data
Did you create databases, make specific settings, or save other data with any of the programs you're using? Think of calendars, bibliography tools, image editing software, games, or music playlists. Any of that information can be backed up and transferred to your new computer. Usually, these data are saved under documents & settings or in the respective program files folder. The easiest way would be to backup these two folders entirely.
Fonts
Have you downloaded and installed any additional fonts? They are likely compatible with your new computer, so save you the time of tracking them down again and just backup the fonts folder. In Windows, it's found under C:/Windows/Fonts.

Is your computer no longer booting or is the hard drive dead? Check out the following articles:
How To Back Up Data From Computer That Won't Boot
How To Get Data Off A Dead Hard Drive
2. Serial Numbers & Registration Keys

This point deserves special attention because losing a serial number or registration keys can actually cost you money. If you're not sure where you stored that information, retrieve it before it's too late:
3 Ways To Recover Serial Numbers In Windows

If you purchased software online and downloaded the installation file, rather than having it on a CD, be safe and back that up, too.
3. Wipe Private Data

If you seriously don't want to keep your hard drive or can't be bothered to remove it from your old computer, make sure all your private information is gone. Your data in the wrong hands could result in humiliation, financial loss, or worst of all: identity theft.

Neither deleting files, nor emptying the trash, or formatting your hard drive is enough! To be on the safe side, you must shred and overwrite your data. Follow the steps described in this article: How To Completely & Securely Erase Your Hard Drive [Windows]

Some great suggestions on how to delete, shred, and terminally wipe your private information are also given in the replies to this question on MakeUseOf Answers: How can I clean a laptop before donating it?
4. Strip Out Useful Parts

Basically, all parts of your computer, if still functional, may be useful for you or someone else. So think twice before you trash anything. If computer parts are alien to you, read this article first: The Basic Parts Of A Computer & How To Upgrade Them [Technology Explained]
Monitor
Keep it as a backup, set up a dual screen if your graphics card supports it, or hook it up to your laptop for a better screen.
Cables and External Devices
Keep one set of everything as a backup. Nobody wants a used mouse or keyboard anyways.
Hard Drive
Put it into a USB case and use as an external hard drive, hook up internally to your new computer, or wipe it clean before you give it away.
RAM
If your old RAM is compatible with your new computer's motherboard, you may as well use it. However, never mix different RAM modules. Read the answers to this MakeUseOf Answers questions for some leads: How can I upgrade my RAM and hard drive?
Power Supply Unit
An often searched for replacement part.
Motherboard & CPU
You won't need that with your new computer. But someone else may use it as a replacement.

CD / DVD drive
Card Reader
Floppy drive
Graphics Card
Sound Card

Try to sell the parts you can't use yourself on eBay, and give away leftovers via your local FreeCycle.
5. Re-Use Entire Computer

This may be the most important point! Maybe you can actually still use your old computer. So check out the possibilities before you submit it to the trash.

If your old computer is still running, it can serve many purposes. If it can connect to the internet, you could donate the CPU time. Your could also give it to someone who needs it or turn it into an entertainment center. These and many more ideas are summarized in my article Top 10 Cool Uses For Old Computers And Laptops. Finally, if your machine is really old, maybe the local tech museum is interested in it.

Can you think of any more uses of old computers or parts or alternatives for disposing of old computers? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Image credits: speedy2, forwardcom, drizzle, Vyolett

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Makeuseof/~3/ZlcIP1SXkfU/

World's Stupidest Criminal Found in Canada

Stupid: Robbing a Starbucks
Stupider: Cutting in line to rob a Starbucks
Even more stupider: the people you cut are police officers.
Neatorama-worthy: IN UNIFORM!

According to police, a short time later the officers were inside the coffee shop ordering at the till when the man they had spoken with outside walked directly up to the till, threw a drink at the employee and demanded cash.

"[The officers] looked at each other in astonishment that someone would attempt that with two uniform officers in the room," Sgt. Bruce Carrie told ctvbc.ca.

Link - via The Consumerist

http://www.neatorama.com/2010/08/01/worlds-stupidest-criminal-found-in-canada/

The Ready Kern Emergency Notification System

From: @kerncountyfire
Sent: Jul 29, 2010 4:58p

Are you Ready Kern? The Ready Kern Emergency Notification System was used on the West Fire to help notify... http://fb.me/ELZ7DL8n

sent via Facebook

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/kerncountyfire/status/19865598856

2010.04.12 AHEADD and Loren John Presley

Holey Arbeit, Regional Program Director, and Sandy Poole of AHEADD, Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities

It started along the East Coast and it has come to the west coast via Bakersfield -- a support organization for those with verbal/non-verbal language and learning disabilities to go the next step beyond the highly structured elementary and high school environment to college, career, and independent living. 

Carnegie Mellon University has been described as a "mini-MIT" and has been the place where the AHEADD program came into its own. 

Traditional accommodations under IEPs for students with disabilities include:

• extended time for tests (and sometimes assignments),
• technology aids,
• distraction free environment,
• preferred seating. 

Non-traditional accommodations individually include:

• establishing a network of support,
• facilitating communication with professors,
• aiding in self advocacy skill development,
• social language instruction,
• regular assistance with organization (pragmatics/executive functioning),
• increased academic and personal accountability,
• regular meetings with AHEADD staff/professors to discuss progress,
• structured peer support,
• life skills education. 

The west coast region already has several students in several different cities, thanks to being vendored by the Rehabilitation Department and California State Regional Centers (locally Kern Regional Center).  If the KRC or Dept of Rehab client is approved for the service, these agencies can cover the tuition, which starts at $4200 per student per semester.  Given the how comprehensive the services provided are, other services are a lot more expensive. 

For more information about the organization on a national level, email Carolyn Komich Hare, Director of AHEADD or visit AHEADD, Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities. 

Loren John Presley, college student, author, and person with Aspergers

Loren Presley loves writing books, building robots, and (digital) animation.  In a previous visit to our Parent Support Group (PSG), he told of his life journey of trying to figure out who he was and why he processed things differently than other around him seemed to.  This time, he focused more on the process of the self-discovery process. 

• Who are we?
• What has hurt you?
• Why did this happen to me?
• Am I worth anything?

From preschool he used his imagination, was drawn inward, and focused on inner thought. He had to find strength within himself and support outside of himself. 

• Even though there are these things, you can succeed. 
• Total rejection -- horror stories.
• We must learn to stop hating
• Essential needs of every human
  • we all deserve them
• Hope and human heart
  • quantity and/versus quality
• Love is a universal value

Diagnosed by third grade, he was aware of the feeling that he was different.  The feeling shook his self esteem and self confidence.  To him the diagnosis, like many who struggle with undiagnosed disbelieved problems, was actually a relief! 

• He emphasizes human
  • humans are important
  • human equals frame
    • like in robotics and animation, the human body is just a frame (for the soul)
  • everything else is just an accessory
• Essential needs
  • Loyal friends and a support system
  • Safe, secure, understanding

Middle school and high school were like the Medieval Ages.  (note-were? -jb)  (reference -- Freaks, Geeks, and Aspergers.)

• Advocate Dignity

Jane Burch

Technorati Tags: Loren John Presley,aspergers,autism,aheadd

The beginning of the school year is upon us.

With three kids in three different schools, these last few years have been especially hectic.  Trying to make time for each and allow them the time they need for what they have to do is always a balancing act.  Then there is keeping them on track and, for one kid, checking to make sure the child isn't taking the easy way out. 

Trying to remember that your job isn't about popularity and trying to make sure that they know that they are valued.  Trying to teach and trying to make sure they know that they are capable.  Trying to get jobs done and making sure they get their jobs done. 

Whether or not you hit-the-mark today, tomorrow is another day. 

Aspergers kids/high functioning autistic kids are concrete thinkers.  Pragmatics, executive functioning, organizational skills have to with how they arrange, rearrange, don't-arrange their external world in accordance with their internal world (processing).

Technorati Tags: aspergers,autism,kids,school,time management