On Brain Transplants

Usually I can go a long and happy time without needing to think about the hypothetical “cure” question. But I’ve had a few disparate thoughts lately, probably because I’ve been taking a class in the history & philosophy of psychology, so I’ll relate them here.

There are two basic conceptions of “cure”. One sees a cure as essentially a brain transplant, the other sees cure as about improving independent functioning, removing impairments. You cannot easily divide up who supports or attacks which cure into strict camps of “NDs” and “Curebies”, and I will not attempt to. Nor will I talk, so much, in this post about whether or not various views come from a deeper-seated fear and hatred of Autism. I believe it is possible to hold either conception of a cure while either accepting or attempting to eradicate autism although obviously it will have some influence on what course of action towards a cure you advocate.

To be honest, I don’t even like using the word “cure”, as though Autism is cancer–which is simply not medically true. But I think there may be some be common ground between the various factions in the Autism community.  For example, if “cure” is defined as “improvement in independent functioning” and evidenced by the gradual acquisition of, for example, the ability to communicate in complete sentences, generate original content, or converse? Then I, for one, would be considered “pro-cure”, as would a great many of my also incidentally pro-neurodiversity friends. Not, perhaps, “Autism is the devil” or “Autism is to blame for everything” or “Autism HAS my child” or “Cure at any cost”. But pro-cure nonetheless.

It can be hard, however, to separate a pro-cure stance focusing on functioning with one which demonizes Autism and calls for, essentially, brain-transplants.  In addition, there is a great deal of disagreement about what, exactly, constitutes a “brain transplant”, as it were. And–here it gets a bit wonky–this disagreement seems to stem from two basic issues.

1. Is it desirable to want your Autistic child to become Neurotypical?

2. Is there a difference between mind/personhood/personality/self and the brain?

If you believe that there is your child and then there is his brain, and the two are separate, then it makes sense to consider making his brain as typical as possible because you don’t believe you are changing who your child fundamentally is. But if you don’t share that belief, you will probably be adamantly anti-cure in this sense.

Personally, I prefer not to think about cures, and just focus on improving functioning and celebrating the person they are and letting them be a child. Working towards autonomy, not neurotyplicity. I am, in a sense, pro-cure.

I’d just like to see more people acknowledging the common ground.

[Via http://almandite.wordpress.com]

Purpose

        Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, or Progeria, is a rare, genetic condition that appears in children as the effects of accelerated aging. Progeria is caused by a mutation of the gene LMNA.  Prior to April, 2003, the cause of Progeria was unknown. Children with Progeria die at an average age of thirteen to heart disease.  Progeria was first described in the late 1800’s by Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson and Dr. Hastings Gilford.

       A cure for any ailment can only come about through extensive efforts and studies.  Funding for these studies is extremely costly.  For this reason, education is key to finding a cure for these children.  A cure for Progeria will likely also help millions of adults who suffer from heart disease and stroke as part of a natural aging process. 

       The Progeria Research Foundation is located in Peabody, MA.  They have now located 54 children in 30 countries living with Progeria.   However, researchers believe there are statistically another 150 children living undiagnosed, or not identified by the Foundation, with Progeria in the world.  I have seen their volunteers work first hand at raising money and spending their time working to raise money to cure Progeria.  Please give to the Progeria Research Foundation.

 

[Via http://ensurecure.wordpress.com]

Homeopathy: Belly Flop to a Cure!

Homeopathy says essentially this: Something that causes disease can be made to cure that same ailment if the something is diluted into water so much that it is no longer present. For example, if you were to take one molecule of cyanide and dilute it into a swimming pool, then drink some pool water, you would be cured of cyanide poisoning! Sound too simple to be true? Well, that’s because you must first release the Energy of the cyanide. Personally, I do this via belly-flopping into the swimming pool, though any kind of concussion of the water will do. Punching the water is also a pretty good way to do it.

Another example: it is clear that humans are basically a disease of the earth. We’re polluting the crap out of it, killing all the wildlife, etc. Now, this should be easy to fix with homeopathy. Since people are causing these bad things on Earth, all we need to do is have someone go swim in the ocean, concuss the ocean, and then distribute ocean water all over the world. In the same way that you can dilute a cyanide molecule into a pool, you can dilute one person into the ocean. You still need to release the Energy of that person, though. I would suggest the concussion be from underground faults leading to earthquakes and tsunamis, though enough belly flops would likely also do the trick. I feel quite certain that there have been a few people in the various oceans when these kinds of concussive events have occurred, therefore it is clear that Sea Water can already fix global warming!

And while we’re thinking about it, just imagine how many things have been diluted into the oceans: people, animals, plants, drugs, chemicals, pesticides, fish nets, volcanoes, tsunamis, airplanes, boats, etc, etc, ETC! This means that sea water can stop volcanoes from erupting, release fish from nets, repair damaged boats and aircraft, fix broken bones caused by tsunamis and downed aircraft, release the hallucinogenic hold of LSD, cure various cancers, and so on. In fact, if you have a disease, all you have to do is jump into the ocean, and then you will be diluted to homeopathic levels, meaning your disease will be diluted to homeopathic levels.

Belly flop into the ocean. Then drink up. Any disease you have will be cured!

[Via http://adamcoster.com]

"There is no Neutral Territory." C.S. Lewis

The warrior recognizes the truth of the C.S. Lewis’ words, “There is no neutral territory.” 

Most of the citizenry wants to believe that life is lived primarily on neutral territory where they can escape the battle.  There is no such place in the spirit or in the body.  We choose to fight, or we choose to aid and abet the enemy by not fighting.  These are our only two choices.

The general attitude toward training is that it is a hobby we do when we can get around to it.  Or even if we exercise regularly, we half-ass it by giving our attention to other things while we lope on the treadmill or go through the motions with the machines.  How much time and energy has been wasted in gyms by people who didn’t engage fully during exercise?

We are born on a battlefield.  Spiritually and physically, our choices are victory or decline.   I read some great advice the other day on bodybuilding.com: “…to ‘train like a barbarian‘: Treat every single set like it is your last set.  Treat every single rep like your life depends on it.”   Truthfully, your life does depend on it.

On the battlefield, I am being attacked.  Regardless of how I feel about it, or how tired I am, or how much I may want to be doing something else, or how shaky my arms or legs are, I am still being attacked.  Either I fight as if my life depends on it, or I resign myself to decline and defeat.  Oh, how bitter it would be to stand in defeat knowing victory had been only moments away if I had just fought with passion till the end.

When we train, let’s train as if our lives depend on it…because they do.

King Leonidas: “This is where we fight. This is where they die!”

[Via http://godandkettlebells.wordpress.com]

Fibromyalgia and Neck Posture

I recently stumbled upon this video that seems to explain a great deal of my own Fibromyalgia story.  My very first complaints were that of neck pain.  My physical therapist said I had forward head posture more than likely worsened by soft tissue damage from an auto accident.  It makes complete sense that if your spine is not aligned correctly, it forces more pressure on certain nerves.  This may be why our limbs are always going numb and we get pain surges up and down our bodies.

The doctor also speaks about the over medication of most Fibromyalgia sufferers and I totally agree.  We are given more and more prescription drugs and all they do is end up treating the side effects of each new drug.

I am going to do a little more research on the subject and report back on the validity of this argument, but I may have just found someone who truly can cure my Fibromyalgia.  Please feel free to add your thoughts and/or experiences with new treatments…I am grasping at straws because this is no way to live and I just cannot accept it today!

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

[Via http://thefibrolife.wordpress.com]

Beethoven

Chapter 1 – Fate, For Elise

He hurried past the front door in the morning,

A letter in his hand, for Elise.

What is to happen of her, poor thing?

Of all the kids she hated him least.

The typewriter keys were like Piano keys;

Heavy and reluctant to submit.

A letter had to be typed, for the sake of Elise;

And in the morning he had to go post it.

Last night he’d typed, “It’s the brain, sorry.”

Apologising for his own disease.

In the morning he left in a hurry.

In his hand, a letter to Elise.

Spring was to bring with it song and dance.

So much for leaving things to chance.

Chapter 2 – Tempest

Of all the Elders she loved him the most.

Elise’s love for him was deep.

So, that day what came in through the post

Made Elise sit down and weep.

“Remember what it means to grieve”, he said.

“Rememeber whatever I’ve taught.”

“Remember that you too will one day be dead.”

“And that day be turned to naught.”

“There is, though, one thing left for me to give you.”

“Your inheritance, if you may.”

“Or maybe a lasting link between us two.”

“A sovereign o’er which to pray.”

Spring brought with it fear and pain.

And floating faces in the rain.

Chapter 3 – Kreutzer

Birds chirped joyously outside the window,

It’s hard to die in Spring,

When sunshine has replaced the cold, cruel snow,

It’s scary, the prospect of dying.

Elaborate Visions plagued Elise’s mind,

And made her tremble with fear.

It was insanity of the uterine kind

That made these demons appear.

Physicians found it hard to digest,

That the Elder’s health was at it’s best.

Physicians found it rather hazy

That Elise had been driven crazy.

The Elder couldn’t understand why,

Elise hadn’t sent a reply.

Elise drowned deeper into the abyss.

The Elder suspected that something was amiss.

(Perhaps it was the sovereign?)

The Elder thought it’d be wise to investigate.

Death appeared to be in Elise’s fate.

(Perhaps it was the coin?)

He arrived a day too late.

Perhaps it was the Kreutzer.

Spring was to signal the end of strife.

Instead it signalled the end of a life.

(It’s hard to die in spring.)

Chapter 4 – Moonlight

The coin rested on the Elder’s mantelpiece

As his health started to deteriorate.

A week after claiming Elise.

The coin sealed the Elder’s fate.

Spring was to bring with it song and dance.

So much for leaving things to chance.

[Via http://basedonanuntruestory.wordpress.com]

Backbiting - And ways to prevent it.

Islaah ul Gheebah: The Cure for Backbiting

(Remedy of the evil disease of backbiting)

By: Hazrat Shah Abrarul Haq (rahmatullahi alaihi)

There is an extremely detrimental spiritual disease which has become very widespread in our day and age. It is the disease of gheebah (back-biting) due to which a person is harmed both in this world as well as in the hereafter.

In reply to the request of some of my acquaintances I have briefly compiled some of the harms of this disease along with the remedy for it from the writings and utterances of our pious predecessors.

By continuously pondering over these harms and by practicing and applying the remedies mentioned we will Insha-Allah rid ourselves of this evil habit and be able to protect ourselves from it.

THE HARMS OF GHEEBAH

1.) Gheebah is that it causes disunity and separation. And from disunity and separation; arguments, fights and disputes break out. One is deprived from the benefits and advantages which come from unity and love.

2.) Due to gheebah, darkness overtakes the heart. If a person has any spiritual perception and feeling in the heart, then at the time of gheebah he will feel a type of choking feeling and discomfort.

3.) Both one’s Deen and dunya are harmed by gheebah. The worldly harm is that if the one who is being back-bitten finds out about it then he will disgrace and rebuke the one who is back-biting him. The Deeni harm is that Allah Ta`ala becomes displeased with such a person and Allah’s displeasure is tantamount to hell-fire.

4.) It is mentioned in a Hadeeth Shareef narrated by Imam Baihaqi in Shu`abul Imaan that:

“Gheebah is worse than fornication.”

5.) Allah Ta`ala will not forgive gheebah until the one against whom this sin was committed forgives him. (On the condition that the person knows that he was back-bitten. But if he does not know then it is sufficient to ask forgiveness from Allah.) This is because of the fact that the sin of gheebah affects the rights of the slaves of Allah.

6.) Making gheebah is tantamount to eating the dead flesh of one’s own brother as mentioned in the Qur`an Majeed, Suratul Hujuraat, verse #12. How despicable can a person be to do such a lowly action?! Now the same way a person would hate to devour the flesh of his own dead brother, similarly one should abhor doing gheebah just as much.

7.) Doing gheebah is sign of cowardice and fear. This is why it is done “behind the back” in another person’s absence.

8.) By continuously being involved in gheebah, the NOOR and spiritual brightness of the face is taken away. The face becomes lusterless and everyone has scorn for such an individual.

9.) Another great harm of gheebah is that on the Day of Judgment the good deeds of a person will be transferred to the one whom he made gheebah of. If his right is not fulfilled by the transferring of deeds, then the sins of the person who was back-bitten will be loaded onto him. Ultimately he will be doomed to enter hell-fire due to his pitiful condition at that time. This person has been called a muflis (a poor and destitute person) in light of the Ahaadeeth. Therefore one should make amends of this before that time.

PRACTICAL REMEDY TO GHEEBAH

1.) One should take action and not be passive and quiet when gheebah is taking place. Rather one should take a practical approach. If someone does gheebah in front of you then first of all you should prevent the person from doing it. [This could easily be done in a friendly manner by changing the subject saying, "Aw come on.... Let's talk about something else!"]

If the person still persists in his gheebah then you must excuse yourself to leave that gathering. [Make an excuse to go to the bathroom or something else. Freshen up and come back. Hopefully the person will get the idea that you are trying to avoid his harmful conversation by leaving that gathering. And if he doesn't get the idea, then...] one should clearly let him know that what he is doing is a sin and do not be afraid of breaking his heart or hurting his feelings.

A true believer does not break his own Deen for the sake of not breaking the heart of someone else. We do not cause hurt to our own Imaan for the sake of not hurting someone else’s feelings.

2.) One very brilliant remedy to this evil habit is that you should notify the person whom you have back-bitten and let him know what you said about him. If one punishes and humiliates the nafs like this a couple of times then one will regret doing this sin for good Insha-Allah.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:

1.) The definition of gheebah is to say something about someone (whether Muslim or non-Muslim) in their absence that they would not like to hear. Such as, saying someone is stupid, or lacks intelligence or to talk low of someone due to their lineage or family/worldly status. Or to talk about the defects in someone’s house, clothes, body, appearance, etc. In short, to mention anything about somebody that would hurt their feelings.

Gheebah can be done verbally, by making a gesture, by winking the eye, or even by giving an indication to it in one’s speech. All of these things are included in gheebah.

2.) To attain complete benefit from these advices one should also consult a qualified Muslih and form an ISLAAHI TA`ALLUQ (reformative and spiritual connection) with him. If these methods of remedy do not have any effect then one should refer back to one’s Muslih and notify him of one’s condition.

3.) There are some instances in which gheebah can be permissible such as:

-If by hiding someone’s condition and not speaking about him openly, you are sure that it will definitely cause harm to the Deen or to people, then it is necessary to speak about him. This is NOT haraam, rather it will be considered naseeha (well-wishing) for others.

-Of course before openly speaking about the condition of someone and making “gheebah” of him one should first consult and Alim who practices the Deen, whether the condition of this person is such which can be spoken about openly or not. After he has overlooked the situation and allowed it, then one can go ahead and implement his allowance.

Otherwise if this is not being done for the sake of saving the Deen and people from harm and it is done due to the desires of one’s nafs and enjoyment, then it will be considered gheebah and it will be haraam. To talk about someone’s short-comings and faults without proper knowledge of his condition, is buhtaan (SLANDER).

4.) Even if gheebah takes place in one’s Shaikh’s gathering, then one should make an excuse and leave that gathering. Just like rain is a beneficial thing and enjoying the rain drops fall is pleasing, but if it starts to hail then one should run from there for fear of getting hurt. [Likewise the Shaikh's majlis is a means of showers of mercy but when there is sin in that very majlis then the showers of mercy turn to the shower of Allah's displeasure. Therefore one should not remain there.]

[Via http://aymenn.wordpress.com]

Cure-All Soup

It’s 8 degrees BELOW zero right now – without windchill!! That means it is definitely time for warm, hearty home cooking!!

This recipe for my Hamburger Soup is quick, easy, uses whatever you have on hand – and even has added benefits!

17 years ago I was VERY broke, VERY pregnant and VERY hungry – all the time! I still remember the day I pulled everything out of my almost empty cabinets, and was trying to figure out what on earth to make to feed my family that night. It was cold, snowing, I had just worked a 12 hour shift as a waitress (think – seriously hurting feet/swollen ankles, exhausted and sore back here). I had some hamburger left over from the previous nights meal, and so out of desperation, I browned up the burger and started throwing things in the pot. Now, I know there have since been several recipes for this type of soup put out there – but this is my original that came to me that day ( I did not own a computer, or a cookbook for that matter, at the time) and I still stand by it today. I have added a few spices, and the tomatoes, to the recipe over the years – but the recipe stays otherwise unchanged.

BEWARE!! There is an added benefit to this soup that I found out about by accident……No matter what cold/flu/sickness you are afflicted with, eat 2 – 3 bowls of this soup and it cures whatever ails you within 24 HOURS!!! Everytime!!! I’m not sure how – and I don’t care, I just know by personal experience – IT WORKS!!!

So, without further ado – here’s the recipe for Shady’s Hamburger Soup:

*NOTE: Recipe can easily be doubled (this is how I normally make it now, I also will use frozen veggies when I can) or you can even triple the recipe for freezing leftovers. Recipe freezes wonderfully, and will keep up to 6 months this way – just thaw and reheat*

1 1/2 to 2 lbs ground beef , browned and drained

2 cans corn (drained)

2 cans green beans (drained)

1 can carrots or mixed veggies (drained)

1 can peas (drained)

2 cans stewed tomatoes (do not drain) (optional)

1 large can tomato juice (or 2 cans plain tomato sauce mixed with 1 can water if you are out of juice)

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp (or more to taste) ground black pepper (this soup LIKES pepper)

2 tsp Italian seasonings (or 1 tsp each Oregano and Basil)

1/2 tsp. onion powder (optional)

*if more soup broth is desired, you can add 1 can plain tomato sauce to above ingredients*

Dump all into large pot and simmer on med-low heat until heated thru, stirring occasionally.

Serve and enjoy! I occasionally top with shredded cheddar cheese if I have some on hand, and a dollop of sour cream tastes great too! 

 This soup warms your insides, and makes a nice change from chili on really cold days.

Hope y’all enjoy!

Shady

[Via http://shadybrooks.wordpress.com]

Standing Up for the Disabled

Recently, the President of Parade Publications and a CURE Board Member, Randolph Siegel, wrote an eloquent and passionate article called “No Way to Refer to the Vulnerable” which was printed in the Chicago Tribune.  The father of a daughter with epilepsy, and a supporter of CURE, Mr. Siegel addressed the ways that people refer to children and adults in our society who exhibit special needs.

In his article he said, “But if the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens, then these mean-spirited attacks are not only indefensible, they reinforce the intolerance and discrimination that these children and adults often face in their schools, communities or workplaces.”

CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy), including President Susan Axelrod, newest board member Connie Milstein, and others, applaud Mr. Siegel for his honesty and passion in this article.

[Via http://conniemilstein.wordpress.com]

Choosing a Hand-Raised Parrot

Buster, My African Gray Parrot

Parrots provide plenty of laughs for the whole family, however, getting the right parrot is essential.

Terms such as “hand-raised”, “hand-fed”, “spoon-fed”, and similar terms mean quite different things. I made the mistake of believing that a hand-raised parrot meant a tame parrot. If they haven’t been socialized before four months old they will NEVER be comfortable being handled no matter how old they get. Parrots experiencing “people fear” when young are imprinted for life.

Sometimes, sellers will try to pass off an older bird as a baby. They often can do this because birds are full-grown by about four months of age.

Tip 1: Ask how the parrot was raised. What you want to hear is that the parrot was fed by hand and that the bird was socialized. Socialized means the parrot was handled and played with by several people. Socialized birds welcome contact with people and like to be with them.

Tip 2: Look closely at the parrot. The eyes should be clear and without a yellow ring around the outside edge of the eyeball. If there is a yellow-ring the bird is older than one year.

Tip 3: Look at the parrot’s legs and feet. Older birds have a great deal of scaling (ridges) on their legs and feet while parrots under a year have smoother legs and feet.

Tip 4: Next, Check out the parrot’s health. Look at the beak. A smooth beak is one indication of good health. Feathers are another. They should be smooth and glossy with no signs of feather picking. The red tail on an African Gray should be a vibrant red and at least 3 inches long.

Tip 5: Make sure a “metal band” is on the bird’s leg usually signifying a professional breeder handled this bird.

I hope this article keeps you from getting hoodwinked by unscrupulous sellers!

[Via http://boomermiracles.wordpress.com]