what a crock…

IT seems to me that anyone can get research money to try and prove damn near anything causes autism.

The latest piece of rubbish study I have seen to date tries linking increases rain fall ( aka the gobal warming ) with the rise in numbers of autistic
children.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7703072.stm

The US study found autism rates were higher among children whose states experienced higher rainfall in their first three years.

The work appears in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

I have seen some rubbish published on autism over the last two years but this takes the biscuit. Thankfully for balance the bbc got a quotes from those who seems to know their arse from their elbow.

Mark Lever, chief executive of The National Autistic Society said the latest theory would join a succession of others advanced about the condition and its origins.

He said: “In recent years autism has been linked to factors as varied as older aged fathers, early television viewing, vaccines, food allergies, heavy metal poisoning, and wireless technology, to name just a few.

“Some of these theories are little more than conjecture or have been discredited, others seem more promising and are in need of further study. As yet, however, very few have been substantiated by scientific research.”

He said: “We don’t yet understand what causes autism, although scientists do believe that genetic factors might play a part.

“People with autism and their families are naturally concerned to get the right information and there is a lot of confusion and concern over the conflicting theories put forward.”

Dr Michael Fitzpatrick is a GP in London and author of the book ‘Defeating Autism: A Damaging Delusion’.

He said: “The notion that autism is caused by higher rainfall is manifestly absurd.

“It is about time we recognised that autism has largely genetic causes and devoted our energies to providing the best possible education and care services for people with autism and their families.”

Have you heard about the 3rd usa presidental nominee ?

Cynthia Ann McKinney.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_McKinney

Cynthia Ann McKinney (born March 17, 1955) is a former United States Representative and the 2008 Green Party nominee for President of the United States. McKinney served as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993–2003 and 2005–2007, first representing Georgia’s 11th Congressional District and then Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. She is the first African American woman to have represented Georgia in the House.

Yup the ‘other’ party, cos it may not seem it but there are more then two,
the green party which is growing in the USA has for their nominees two female candidates
who are of colour.

http://votetruth08.com/

videos?task=videodirectlink&id=2

and her running mate Rosa Clemente

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Clemente

Rosa Alicia Clemente (born 18 April 1972) is a United States community organizer, independent journalist and Hip-Hop activist. She is the vice presidential running mate of 2008 Green Party Presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney.[1]

Clemente was born and raised in South Bronx, New York. She is a graduate of the University of Albany and Cornell University. Clemente has been delivering workshops, presentations and commentary for over ten years.

The fact there both these women are official nomimess who’s names will be on the ballots is ground breaking and making history. There are those who will say why bother, as they don’t have the money or clout of the who main parties but it’s a start and pebbles can become avalanches. Even if all
they achieve is to put some issues on the table, make people ask questions and make even 1 child think that one day they can make a difference and they could be elected then they will have done wonders in my book.

Princess and the frog…

watch?v=bQ25UWjn7Rs

This time the newest member of the disney princess possé teaches young girls that when being pressured into preforming intimate acts with a person they are not attracted<a to do give in as he may turn into the prince you want to marry………

Oh and look finally a princess of colour, cos they have an asian one, a red head fishy one,
several blondes, a raven haired one, a native american one, a booksish brunette one and have at last one
for nearly every lil girl to aspire to be………….

Cynical moi ?

That was unexpected.

McCain has announced a female running mate.
His team are looking to split the votes as much as possible.

His choice not only does that but partners him with someone who has imho a lot more credibility.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7588435.stm

McCain ‘picks woman running mate’
Sarah Palin (image from December 2006)
Sarah Palin has been serving her first term as governor of Alaska

US Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has picked Sarah Palin, the female governor of Alaska, as his surprise running mate.

At 44, she is younger than Barack Obama and is credited with reforms during her first term, but she is relatively unknown in US politics.

Mr McCain is due to present her on stage at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, to celebrate his 72nd birthday.

Analysts say the Republican is keen to wrest back headlines from Mr Obama.

Ms Palin is perhaps the most daring vice-presidential choice for Mr McCain,
the BBC’s Kim Ghattas reports from Dayton.

The two most likely choices were, until recently, former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney and Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty.

A staunch opponent of abortion, Ms Palin is married with five children.

Analysts say she may have been chosen by the McCain campaign as a tactic to win over Democratic women voters, disappointed by the defeat of Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Geekgirldinners

Tought this might interest a few ladies here.

http://www.irelandgirlgeekdinners.com

What’s this all about???

Girl Geek Dinners are a chance for ladies in technology to get together, enjoy some nice food and drinks, and have fun meeting other women in their field. In Ireland, we plan to rotate the dinners around the country to give more women a chance to attend and see what it’s all about.

The dinners were started in London a few years ago and have now spread throughout the UK and Europe. You can find more about the international Girl Geek Dinners at http://girlgeekdinners.com. There is a short podcast here about the beginnings of Girl Geek Dinners that gives a good overview of the events.

Events may include speakers and speaking opportunities for those interested. We are actively seeking sponsors for the events as well. If you are interested in getting the chance to speak or interested in being a sponsor for Ireland Girl Geek Dinners, please contact us.

Registration now open for the dublin girl geek dinner
14-Aug-08

Thanks for your interest in the Dublin Ireland Girl Geek Dinner on TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th. The dinner will start at 7:30pm. The location is Herbstreet restaurant on Hanover Quay in Dublin’s South Docklands (near Ely HQ and the Grand Canal Square).

We have tables for 30 booked for our private party. Please register as soon as possible so that we can update the numbers as needed.

Please use the comments form below to register your attendance. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail martharo [at] microsoft.com.

(Please note that attendees at this dinner will be paying for their own dinner and drinks. Dinner at Herbstreet is a set three-course meal for €35 per person. You can see their Facebook page here for sample menus if you’re interested: Herbstreet Facebook Page.)

Pussy

Right so long gone are the days when ‘Pussy’ meant cat and something a lil bit ruder that we as kids weren’t sure what it was exactly. These days it only means vagina but in a supposed soft non treating way unlike cúnt unless it’s being used as a sexist put down to say a bloke is weak.

So the meaning of words can shift and change but the things is some re branding ideas are doomed to fail, so is this one ?

Would any of you drink this ?

pussy-can.gif

Pussy is unique. It is made with a blend of fresh white grape juice from Southern Italy, pressed Mexican limes and lightly carbonated water. These are then mixed with Grenadilla and Lychee flavours, infused with six selected botanical herbs :

So is it a dafty marketing ploy or is it just another way of making sex and women a product ?

Addiction

here are many forms and many types of addition; all are to my mind distraction from differing truths about how we are currently choosing to live our lives.

There are two tracks which to me are glorious, both the same piece of music both gloriously distracting both were the sound track to my ever quest days and of late I find myself listening to them a lot.

watch?v=cgUql7E7S-k

watch?v=DKlLgZZCtgc

If I had to choose between the to it would depend on the mood, Vanessa’s is more distracting but the orginal
has earthier tones; and for those concnerned re my retrun to subscription mmorpgs it’s more my state of mind then my state of play….

it surprises and scares

watch?v=d5Uj5osbPKU

“Isobel”

in a forrest pitch-dark
glowed the tiniest spark
it burst into flame
like me
like me

my name isobel
married to myself
my love isobel
living by herself

in a heart full of dust
lives a creature called lust
it surprises and scares
like me
like me

my name isobel
married to myself
my love isobel
living by herself

when she does it she means to
moth delivers her message
unexplaind on your collar
crawling in silence
a simple excuse

nana na nana
nana na nana

in a tower of steel
nature forges a deal
to raise wonderful hell
like me
like me

my name isobel
married to myself
my love isobel
living by herself

when she does it she means to
moth delivers her message
unexplaind on your collar
crawling in silence
a simple excuse

nana na nana
nana na nana
nana na nana
nana na nana