Sasha's commentary for 3 December 2012 (TWO WEEKS LATE)

1) I might be totally wrong here, but I want to pose this theory:

I'm now advocating for going back to the one room schoolhouse. Centralizing the s*** out of American public education has failed. It's interesting how once school districts merged across the nation, the quality of American education suffered and in fact has become more expensive.

That or bring in the overseas experts. We're trying to have Americans solve our education crisis when I wonder if Americans are competent enough to do it. I would like to believe we are.

Now for my opinion on the news:

In a recent Huffington Post blog from former NBCUniversal (GE) chief Bob Wright, who is now one of the honchos over at Autism Speaks wrote how

A little memo to Mr. Wright: I support much of the work that Autism Speaks has done, but there's one BIG problem: in the autism community (as in those who are autistic and are active in self-advocacy and whatnot) Autism Speaks has a public relations issue. Ask your run of the mill Aspie out there, and they will tell you that Autism Speaks is the work of Satan himself. Of course I am exaggerating a bit, but still. Most HFA (high functioning autistics) and Aspies don't want to be cured of autism, for various reasons. I worry that if I were to become neurotypical, I would lose most of my polymath abilities. (I shouldn't speak too soon, because Bruce Dickinson, the leader (and chief pilot) of metal band Iron Maiden is a polymath, almost to where he could be a semi-savant, but he's neurotypical).

How about this Mr. Wright: instead of "It's time to listen" how about "We're listening". Because a lot of auties/Aspies out there have a lot to say, and it's fairly critical. Personally, I have not much of a problem with Autism Speaks (except they come off a little bureaucratic and pushy) but some hate the organization outright. It's time for a new strategy, and one where auties and Aspies are accepted for who they are.

I tried starting an Autism Speaks chapter at SUNY Potsdam, where not so long ago I attended. It didn't get off the ground, but I at least hope that autism awareness on the campus of my alma mater is now ignited. I tried getting a Quidditch team running at Potsdam, and that was a farce, but with this new Harry Potter oriented "do-gooder" group, who knows. A lot of their fundraisers (I think) have been through Quidditch matches. But that's besides the point.

Well, it's official. The Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is baking the future king/queen of England. Next summer, it'll be Prince William all over again, circa 1984. Yay. Can we go on with our lives and be happy for William and Kate and let them have their privacy. I'll quote the Queen herself: "It's a private matter".

According to CNN, Lake Placid is a real life wonderland. Cool. New York has something other states in the Northeast don't have. A mini Aspen right in our own backyard. But CNN, you got something SERIOUSLY wrong. It's not "43 peaks for hiking". It's 46. Do your homework CNN.