The Serpent Bearer

Job searching.

2009-12-11T02:56:00.000-08:00

When the exams were going on I was sooooo looking forward to the holidays.
That was a month and now I am totally bored as hell. Heck, without all the stress I have to put up with anymore I am now depressed hehe. So I have been applying left, right and centre for jobs. The good news is that I've had an interview today. Hope it succeeds

So much prejudice in the world - enough for me to jump off a bridge.

2009-08-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Although NZ may have its ills, both major parties of NZ have done so much for their constituents in terms of social equality, particularly in the field of gay rights. Former PM Helen Clark saw no problem with gay marriage and even though John Key voted against the civil union bill (he was then an unknown MP who was only representing a conservative electorate) he later redeemed himself by voting against the reclassifying of marriage as being between a man and a woman and later stating his support for gay adoption.

The same can't be said for Australia.
On Saturday, PM Kevin Rudd and his Labor cronies affirmed their opposition to gay marriage or any form of union "that mimics marriage"(including civil unions). It is disappointing to hear that a person who was "committed to remove any barriers to gay discrimination" practically contradicts himself in the first place. Then I went to the Yahoo message boards, and sure enough, conservative nutjobs were celebrating their victory posting hate-filled messages against gays. I tried fighting back, but my posts would've also came off as being vitriolic and hate-filled. Traditionally, I haven't been a fan of parties that have references to Labour in their names, and this latest decision is just another nail in the coffin closer towards me casting my first ever vote against him.

Admittedly, the Liberal Party isn't much better, although embattled Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull announced that the Coalition isn't in favour of same-sex marriage, he is in favour of an end to discrimination in terms of legal and tax equality. Does that mean he's in favour of civil unions? Time will tell if he shares the views of his predecessors...

So what exactly is a civil union.
From Wikipedia:
A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples with rights, benefits, and responsibilities similar (in some countries, identical) to opposite-sex civil marriage. In some jurisdictions, such as Quebec, New Zealand, and Uruguay, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples.

Most civil-union countries recognize foreign unions if those are essentially equivalent to their own; for example, the United Kingdom lists equivalent unions in Civil Partnership Act Schedule 20.

Some commentators, such as Ian Ayres, are critical of civil unions because they say they represent separate status unequal to marriage ("marriage apartheid").Others, such as Sean Kosofsky, are critical because they say civil unions are separate but equal — because they allow same-sex marriage by using a different name.

My view on civil unions is that of an "it's a start" nature. It is unequal but it does give a gay partnership a vast majority of their legal and financial rights. Good news, but not quite great.

What Is Aspergers Syndrome?

2009-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

As I have stated earlier I am autistic, Aspergers syndrome to be precise. Its not a crippling disease or anything, but it does have an impact on my life.

This stuff on Aspergers comes from the following website: http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/dsonline/dsarticles.nsf/pages/Asperger%27s_syndrome?OpenDocument

Asperger syndrome

Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects how the brain processes information. It shapes a child's social, emotional and communication skills, and behaviours. Asperger syndrome usually becomes obvious during childhood and remains throughout life, with varying degrees of disability. There is no cure. However, a combination of support, regular routine, training and medication may assist the parents and child.

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder
Asperger syndrome is one of the 'autism spectrum disorders'. People with Asperger syndrome can show a wide range of behaviours and social skills. Some people's skills are clearly 'normal' most of the time, some may seem 'odd' at times, while some are quite different from other people.

History of Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome became a recognised developmental disorder in 1994. Prior to that, a person with Asperger syndrome was considered to be socially awkward or unsociable. Some people were misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder or labelled obsessive compulsive or simply thought of as 'odd'.

Children with Asperger syndrome
Many of the behaviours of children with Asperger syndrome are 'normal' for young children if they happen some of the time, however, if they happen most of the time they may indicate Asperger syndrome. The pattern of difficulties can be quite different for each person.

Asperger syndrome children will have many behaviours that are similar to those with autism, but they have better language and cognitive skills.

Some characteristics of Asperger syndrome
People with Asperger syndrome may display some of the following characteristics:

* Difficulty in forming friendships.
* A preference for playing alone or with older children and adults.
* Ability to talk well, either too much or too little, but difficulty with communication.
* Inability to understand that communication involves listening as well as talking.
* A very literal understanding of what has been said. For example, when asked to 'get lost', as in go away, a person with Asperger syndrome will be confused and may literally try to 'get lost'.
* Inability to understand the rules of social behaviour, the feelings of others and to 'read' body language. For example, a person with Asperger syndrome may not know that someone is showing that they are cross when frowning.
* Behaviour varies from mildly unusual to quite aggressive and difficult.
* Having rules and rituals that they insist all family members follow.
* Anger and aggression when things do not happen as they want.
* Sensitivity to criticism.
* A narrow field of interests. For example a person with Asperger syndrome may focus on learning all there is to know about cars, trains or computers.
* Eccentricity.

About 10 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with Asperger syndrome , however, it is possible that girls with Asperger syndrome are better at learning and copying social skills.

Some people can be very talented
Some people with Asperger syndrome are very talented in their chosen field of interest. They may enjoy academic and vocational success. While strengths and abilities differ from one individual to the next, a person with Asperger syndrome may have:

* Normal or higher than average intelligence.
* Extensive vocabulary - but many people have difficulty with the practical use of language (see above).
* Expertise in their chosen topic of interest - although this can become difficult in social situations as they may only talk about one topic.
* Excellent factual memory for their chosen topic of interest
* Dedication and commitment to their job if they work in a supportive environment and their job is suited to their interests.
* The drive to perform well at school or work, if given a supportive and inclusive environment.

Asperger syndrome is not a disease
Asperger syndrome is not a disease or illness. A person does not catch it or recover from it, however, the effects often lessen as people get older and learn coping skills. It is present from birth but it usually takes a long time for people to be convinced that the unusual behaviour and difficulties of a child fit the pattern of Asperger syndrome.

Causes of Asperger syndrome
It is not clear exactly what causes Asperger syndrome. In many families with affected children, there are other family members who have some similar difficulties. There is also a link in some families with autism. This supports the belief that Asperger syndrome may be inherited. Sometimes, Asperger syndrome has developed after problems during the pregnancy or birth, or as a result of a viral infection before or soon after birth.

Diagnosing Asperger syndrome
Parents may be aware for some time that their child's behaviour is different, but it may be years before the pattern of behaviour is linked to Asperger syndrome. There are several sets of criteria or rating scales that can be used to diagnose Asperger syndrome, including questions about social and emotional abilities, communication skills, learning abilities, movement skills and special interests.

Treating Asperger syndrome
There is no cure or specific treatment for Asperger syndrome. However, social skills training can be helpful. Obtaining a diagnosis of the condition may mean that children and their families can access special services, such as teacher support time. Diagnosis can also allow the family and others to understand the behaviours and feelings of the child. This can assist in developing more realistic expectations of the child, taking a planned approach to routines and incremental changes, and managing stress.

Things to remember

* Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder.
* Children with Asperger syndrome have excellent rote memory, but view the world differently and have difficulty with social, emotional and communication skills. They are often seen as eccentric.
* There is no cure, but support, understanding, routine and training can assist.

Political views

2009-07-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

These are my political views

My Political Views
I am a centrist social moderate
Left: 0.01, Libertarian: 0.75

Political Spectrum Quiz

My Foreign Policy Views
Score: 2.14

Political Spectrum Quiz

My Culture War Stance
Score: -2.4

Political Spectrum Quiz

That's where I lie. This next picture is the main US and Australian parties

In other words I'm a Australian Liberal party supporter to a degree (I disagree considerably with some of their social policies, namely gay rights which I fully support but I want a tougher stand on severe crimes such as rape murder and paedophilia.), I honestly doubt that I'm far away from the US Democratic Party though. I agreed with slightly more of Obama's policies than I did McCain's and quite frankly, half the Republicans (McCain excluded) are a bunch of fundamental nutjobs.

Post Number 2. More about me.

2009-07-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

My second post on my new blog hehe, never thought I'd get round to this.

Anyway since I feel in more of a cut and paste mood for now. I might just sling up some quick profile questions. I'll put up more in the near future.

A profile about YOU. (Actual interesting questions) Created by roguesorcerer and taken 615 times on Bzoink
When or if you are in school, what is a bad habit you have in class::	I tend to wiggle my legs in class
Did you or do you study for most tests::	Yes
Do you ever go to the school library or local library::	Yes
If so, what do you usually get there. And if not, why not::	To browse the net, read the papers
Do you like te snn or the moon best::	Sun
Are you a nature lover::	Yes
Do you like animals, if so, what is your favourite::	Yes, I like cats
Are you in a relationship::	No
What is your hair colour::	Dark brown
If you could make it any colour, what would it be::	I don't really care
If you had a chance to go to the moon, would you::	No
If not, why would you not want to go, and if yes, why do you want to go::	It will be a dangerous mission, all the training, and I quite frankly am not willing to travel in a vehicle for several days for several thousand kilometres
Do you believe in aliens::	Yes - but they are far far FAR away they probalby won't notice us.
Do you like mythology::	A little bit yea
Do you like to draw::	Occasionally
Do you do anything creative::	Yes
How long was your longest relationship::	Haven't had one yet
Do you like anime::	Some anime, not a heavy watcher
What are your favourite animes::	Pokemon, Dragonball series
Do you want Adult Swim::	No
Do you smoke or drink::	No
Why do you or why do you not::	Too young
Do you like any sports::	No not really
Do you wear sunglasses::	Yes
Do you read::	Yes
What do you normally read::	non-fiction books, political/current events
What is your favourite food::	I have many
Would you rather be a demon or an angel::	Angel - dunno why but I just do.
Are you unique::	Yes
Do you still watch cartoons or do you think it is childsih::	Yes I watch cartoons
Does television really rot your brain::	If not utilised properly lol
I don't think so, you can learn by certain things you watch. Do you agree::	Yes
Have you ever been on a boat::	Yes
Have you been to Disney world::	No
Do you even like Disney::	A little bit, its been with me through the years
Do you read Dr. Suess::	Used to
Are you in college::	Yes
How old are you::	17
Do you have a Gaia online account::	No
Do you have any other internet accounts::	Yes
If so, what accounts do you have::	Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, Bebo
What is your myspace URL::	Can't remember
Do you label yourself::	Yes
Do you like Sailor Moon::	No
Do you have any pets::	Yes
What pets do you have::	3 dogs
Do you often wonder why people can be so ignorant::	Yes
Do you daydream alot::	a little bit
What do you normally daydream about::	random stuff
Do you write::	No
If so, what do you normally write::	I don't
Do you always have time for your friends::	No
If not, why is that so::	I'm too isolated
Do you give everyone respect::	Mostly everyone
Are you homophobic::	No, but I'm unsure of my own sexuality yet though.
Do you believe homosexual people have rights::	No, they're the spawn of Satan (rolls eyes sarcastically)
I do, why do you or why don't you::	They're just people, they just happen to like other people of the same-sex. Don't see why thats odd
Do you believe we have a creator::	No
What do you think it is::	I don't
Do you have a religion::	No
Do you currently have a crush on anyone::	No
What is your favourite celebrity::	Don't have one
Do you like Tim Burton::	I'm actually unsure
Do you go to the carnival::	Yes - when I have the chance
Did you like this survey::	Meh
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2009-07-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

After much consideration and thought. I've decided that now is the best time to start up my own blog. I will use this blog to discuss current and political events, pop culture and and other aspects of life from the viewpoint of a 17 year old autistic teenager.

I am Andrew Russell, who was born in the southern city of Invercargill in New Zealand but currently resides in the seaside Western Australia city of Mandurah. Known as Andrew to the outside world, online I take on more of a "snake-like" role as Ophiuchus, Ophiuchus14 or just simply Andyman. Ophiuchus means "serpent bearer" in Ancient Greek (hence my blog name). It is the name of a large constellation found in the equatorial regions of the night sky between Scorpius and Sagittarius. It lies on the travel path of not many the planets but also the sun. It is the "thirteenth" constellation of the zodiac but has been unfairly relegated to the sidelines.

Anyway it is getting late where I am now and I'll be back tomorrow to expand more on my life.