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Archive for January 12th, 2011

First Published Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Katie Miller

Katie Miller is an exceptional artist and award winner who says her autism is a positive influence on her work.


PARKTON, Md. (WJZ)


Katie Miller is an exceptional artist and award winner who says her autism is a positive influence on her work.

From the provocative to the innocent to the vulnerable, these are the people and faces of Baltimore artist Katie Miller.


“The majority of my artwork is about the relationship between the mundane and the surreal, and how it relates to changing contemporary notions of childhood,” Miller said.  “I’m interested in things that look like they may be scenes from every day, but when taken out of context they seem very odd or abnormal.”


She is active in the autistic rights movement.

“Most of us are quite happy the way we are. We don’t want to be cured. We’re offended a lot by a lot of the media portrayals of autism as devastating and tragic and needing to be fixed because we are people the way we are,” said Miller.


Katie was just named a winner of the Wynn Newhouse Award for artists with disabilities.  Next month her “Child Standing on a Dresser” will be part of the prestigious VSA Armory Show in New York.


In 2006, Katie studied in Italy and then she graduated with honors from the Maryland Institute College of Art.


She’s an extraordinary artist who sees her autism as a gift.


“I think of autism as a gift because it gives me an excellent attention to detail.  I’m able to stay in my studio for really long periods and not notice anything else.  I’m very sensitive to color, to detail, to line and shape and that really helps my art,” she said.


The Armory Show in New York will be March 5-8. More than 50,000 people are expected.


Click here for more information about Katie Miller’s work.


(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)


Source(Includes Video):   http://wjz.com/local/artist.katie.miller.2.942759.html



Mayon Volcano, Philippines

HEADLINES


“Caustic soda rape sentence review … Disability charities said the sentences were unduly lenient and sent out the “wrong message.”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7885674.stm


“Cameron’s ‘beautiful boy’ dies”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7909562.stm

“Care home left illegal immigrant in charge as resident choked”:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4801880/Care-home-left-illegal-immigrant-in-charge-as-resident-choked.html


“Ten year old boy arrested”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29188424/


“Zimbabwean carer jailed in the UK”:

http://www..talkzimbabwe.com/news/117/ARTICLE/4320/2009-02-17.html


“Advertising Standards Authority to probe complaints against Action for Children ad”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/advertising_standards_authority_to_probe_complaints_against_.htm


“We’re failing autistic people, minister admits”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/22/labour-fails-autistic-people


“MP helps to bring autism law a step closer”:

http://www.24dash.com/news/Communities/2009-02-20-MP-helps-to-bring-autism-law-a-step-closer


“Help to create a new law”:

http://www.matlockmercury.co.uk/mercury-letters/Help-to-create-a-new.5001616.jp


“Victory for Autism Bill campaigners”:

http://www..nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1380&a=18817


“Craigmoor unveils expert team of quality development advisors to shape future processes & policies”:

http://www.craegmoor.co.uk/news/craegmoor/1654/craegmoor_unveils_expert_team_of_quality_devlopment_advisors_to_shape_future_processes__policies.aspx


“Parliamentary support builds for NASA hacker”:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39618459,00.htm


“World autism awareness day 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1625


“”Grand effort for children’s charity Bibic”:

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Grand-effort-children-s-charity-Bibic/article-718045-detail/article.html


“Lord Carlile joins clamour for accused hacker to be tried in UK”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/feb/23/hacking-extradition


“Gary McKinnon supported by anti-terror law watchdog”:

http://www.itpro.co.uk/609974/gary-mckinnon-supported-by-anti-terror-law-watchdog


“Blind girl has her first driving lesson”:

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Blind_girl_has_her_first_driving_lesson&in_article_id=539502&in_page_id=34


“One-armed CBeebies host ‘scaring’ children … Children don’t notice the differences. The parents need to think about how they would feel if it were their child born without an arm. It is great for children with disabilities to see people like them on the television. It just goes to show how important it is to have positive disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general.”

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090223/tuk-one-armed-cbeebies-host-scaring-chil-45dbed5.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1152466/One-armed-presenter-scaring-children-parents-tell-BBC.html


“Wyre dad’s win-win scheme for those with cerebral palsy”:

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Wyre-dad39s-winwin-scheme-for.5011530.jp


Australia “A4 Update January 2009”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia__a4_update_january_2009.htm

RESEARCH


“Scientists spot possible treatment for Rett Syndrome”:

http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?docID=623871


“Screening for fragile X sidelined”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25079143-23289,00.html


“New kind of epilepsy shakes up memory”:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126964.900-new-kind-of-epilepsy-shakes-up-memory.html


“Rare syndrome points to sociability gene”:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126966.300-rare-syndrome-points-to-sociability-gene.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news


“On-the-spot DNA analysis to test tolerance to prescription drugs a step closer”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/onthespot_dna_analysis_to_test_tolerance_to_prescription_d.htm


“British study builds tolerance of nuts in allergic kids”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25085207-23289,00.html


“Cure for peanut allergy closer”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25081598-23289,00.html


“Fine tune your life”:

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090216/LIFE/216278847/1196


“Cannabis advert warns of danger”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7891857.stm


“Health Talk: Rain Man Syndrome”:

http://thetartan.org/2009/2/23/scitech/healthtalk


Australia “Fire disasters trigger psychological stress”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/australia_fire_disasters_trigger_psychological_stress.htm

EDUCATION


“Mum wins fight for school place for Freddie”:

http://aspieeditorial.blogcity.com/mum_wins_fight_for_school_place_for_freddie.hm


“Teachers run to raise funds for school … In a bid to generate more funds for The Quest School, which caters for autistic children, Glen Reed and Julie Yeomans took part in a running challenge, reports thisiskent.co.uk.”:

http://www.timeplan.com/news/Teachers+in+the+News-438016433/articles/Teachers+run+to+raise+funds+for+school-19036185.aspx


“Autistic student turns to comics to express herself”:

http://www..gazette.net/stories/02192009/collnew172506_32478.shtml


“Teacher’s tactics fueling debate”:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090213/ARTICLE/902130355/-1/NEWSSITEMAP#


“Measures to boost child learning … A package of measures to boost child health and learning, including a cash boost for children with disabilities, has been unveiled by ministers.”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7884050.stm


“School uses camera equipment to improve teaching”:

http://www.rapidonline.com/latestnews.aspx?id=19037344&tier1=Educational+Products&title=School+uses+camera+equipment+to+improve+teaching


“Five young stars receive awards”:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Five-young-stars-receive-awards.4981151.jp


EMPLOYMENT


“Tim Jones: Best and worst decisions of my career … My best decision concerns Steve,* who has Asperger’s syndrome. Steve had spent much of his life being moved between residential homes. … my best decision was to persevere. In doing so, I found out what Steve wanted was to be five minutes from his mother and to have his own front door. Through a shared ownership arrangement with United Response, Steve moved into his own home, near his mother, three years ago. Now he has a support team he has hand-picked and control over his life.

One of the best things for me is that I’ve learned a lot from Steve. He knows what is important to him and is about to become something of a “quality controller”, letting us know what sort of job we’re doing in supporting others. Steve has joined our leadership team and brings a refreshing perspective.”:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/02/18/110739/tim-jones-best-and-worst-decisions-of-my-career.html


“Class acts: Why public sector careers are more attractive than ever … Emily Scott, training and volunteer support officer at the National Autistic Society – a role she took after graduating in 2007 – agrees. “I don’t think anyone’s job is completely safe at the moment, but I really do think that compared to my peers in the private sector, I feel a lot more secure. I think a big part of that is because in a charity, you tend to get nurtured, so your training and development is tailored to your role, with the consequence that you have a more key role earlier on in your career in than in some private sector organisations where you have to start at the very bottom and wait a long time for real responsibility and autonomy.”:

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/class-acts-why-public-sector-careers-are-more-attractive-than-ever-1625469.html


“Auties.org”:
Individuality, Diversity, Equality, Achievement

Auties..org is an Aspie & Autie friendly site for all people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out to occupation and employment, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers.

http://www.auties.org/


“Prospects”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=473&a=2348


“AutismJobs”:
Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs

http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009


“Current job vacancies within the NAS”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=170


For further employment information, please view”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST


“Reno mother teaches autistic daughter to read”:

http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9892968

VIDEO Autistic couple find love “Learning to love with autism”:

http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/12217745

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Z4-okGnkM

“Daniel Tammet interview: Wide sky thinking”:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Daniel-Tammet-interview-Wide-sky.4968423.jp


“Charles Darwin was autistic, claims leading psychiatrist”:

http://www.thelondonnews.net/story/467968


“Psychiatrist sheds new light on Darwin’s extraordinary creativity”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/139428.php


“Time to reclaim the night for sleep”:

http://news.bbc..co.uk/2/hi/health/7880583.stm


“The voices of epilepsy”:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/the-voices-of-epilepsy/


“Children with multiple behaviour problems ASD and ADHD”:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5727101.ece


“Dogs to help autistic children”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/7904418.stm


“Why geeks are suddenly chic”:

http://women.timesonline.co..uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5703629.ece


“Sex and disability”:

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article5716226.ece

PHILIPPINES

El Nido

Autism Society Philippines

ASP is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons with autism spectrum disorder. We envision an environment that empowers persons with autism spectrum disorder to become, to the best of their potentials, self-reliant, productive and socially accepted members of the community.

http://autismsocietyph.org/

Boracay Island, Philippines

Colors of Autism Spectrum & Alyana

Includes YouTube Video on Acceptance & Inclusion(4mins 24secs)

http://pinoyblogmachine.com/2008/08/27/autism-society-philippines-updates-colors-of-autism-spectrum-alyana/

Tarsier - Bohol, Philippines (smallest monkey in the world)

Autism Society of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter Photo Workshop(Includes Photos”:

http://junsphoto.wordpress.com/2009/01/11/autism-society-of-the-philippines-iloilo-chapter-photo-workshop/

Banaue, Philippines - Morning View

Filipino-American Autism Community

Autism is a part of our existence. This is what brings us together in this community.

Autism transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Maybe it is a culture in itself. One to understand and accept.

The Filipino-American Autism Community is a support group focusing on the social and recreational needs of families with autism. It is a gathering of friends who share their experiences to recognize that our children can and will live a fun and active life despite the disability.

http://www.filamac.org/index.html

Filipino Costume

The Official Website Of The Republic Of The Philippines

DepEd takes into its fold autistic children:

http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=23311

Filipino children

“Philippines Facts, Information & History”:

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_philippines.html

Manila Skyline

“Living in The Philippines … everything you could possibly wish to know about living, retiring, travelling, and doing business in the Philippines. This site includes a look at Culture, Education, Medical/Dental Care, Law(political & international), Crafts, Painting, Recipes & more ”:

http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/

ADD/ADHD


“Shire announces opening of office in Japan”:

http://www.drugs.com/news/shire-announces-opening-office-japan-16292.html


“Meditation reduces ADHD symptoms among students”:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0902/S00047.htm


“High point pediatrician questions use of psychotropic drugs to terat ADHD”:

http://www.salisburypost.com/Lifestyle/022209-ADHD


“The benefits of nutrition in ADHD”:

http://www.y95radio.com/supplements/0,4825,345457,00.html


“Temple research finds an ADHD drug could help individuals with aphasia regain language abilities”:
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=139347


“Kids with eczema more likely to have ADHD”:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/18/healthmag.eczema.adhd/index.html?eref=rss_latest


“ADHD expert coming to Elmira”:

http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/ADHD-Expert-Coming-to-Elmira/Z1mfj4Z1V0m11P92IrAzxg.cspx


“Triplet Tales: Thanks to surgeries, love, boy’s heart still keeps rhythm”:

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/596483.html


“What is the nature of alcohol and drug addiction? … Since we were children we learned that if something hurts, we should take a pill to make the pain disappear. We also see that children are being prescribed drugs such as Ritalin in increasing amounts, as parents and doctors smudge the line between active, healthy kids and kids with a true Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).”:

http://www.y95radio.com/motivation/0,4825,426493,00.html


ADRES “Adverse Drug Reaction Electronic System(Adverse Drug Reactions Website)”- This website provides patients, doctors, and other medical professionals with a comprehensive examination of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), side effects, and other safety information for both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Our goal is to allow users of our website make informed decisions when taking (patients) or prescribing (doctors) drugs. We are providing unmatched information and analysis tools.

http://www.adverse-drug-reaction.net/

“adders.org”
Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to those affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.

http://www.adders.org/


“ADDISS” The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…

http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html


“ADDA”:

http://www.add.org/index.html


“hi2u ADHD Pages”:

http://www..adhd..org.uk/


“CHADD”:

http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562

SPORT


“Overnight camp listings”:

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11706566


“Trek the Inca Trail – 22-31 May, 2010”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1863


“Trek Ben Nevis – 19-21 June, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1971


“Flora London Marathon 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1823


“It’s back! The London to Paris Bike Ride 2009 – 15-18 May”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1860


5-8 June, 2009 “Five Countries Bike Ride – England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1970


“Racecourse Bike Ride – 12 July, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2116


“Trek Hadrian’s Wall – 7-9 August, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2088


“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10-14 September”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1833


“Cycle India – 27 November – 6 December, 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1832


“Sky Diving”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1726

MUSIC


“
Stars Shine for Autism 2009 – 12th March, 2009

Featuring Alfie Boe and the London Chamber Orchestra”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1972&a=18050


“The AutisMusic Project”:

http://www.autismusic.com/

ART


Katie Miller (Includes Video – 2mins 6secs) “Local artist is positively influenced by autism”:

http://wjz.com/local/artist.katie.miller.2.942759.html


“Stephen Wiltshire”:

http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/

http://www.outsiderart.co.uk/wiltshire.htm


YouTube Video(5:18) “Stephen Wiltshire: The Human Camera”

In this short excerpt from the film Beautiful Minds: A Voyage into the Brain, Wiltshire takes a helicopter journey over Rome and then draws a panoramic view of what he saw, entirely from memory.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8YXZTlwTAU


“In blindness, a bold new artistic vision”:

http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/in_blindness_a_bold_new_artistic_vision.htm


“Exhibition showcases autism talents”:

http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=139183


“Art Auction – 26 February 2009”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2118&a=18049


“Enter the Hoffman Foundation’s prize for drawing and painting”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17569


“ARTROOM ………where under 17s can make and display art online”:

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artroom/index.php

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT


“12-year-old autistic director debuts film at Beloit Film Festival”:

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/39889412.html


“Actors for Autism”:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/

BOOKS


Autism’s False Prophets “Vaccine book brings out hidden support”:

http://www.canada.com/health/Vaccine+book+brings+hidden+support+Author/1301769/story.html


“Review: Embracing the Wide Sky by Daniel Tammet”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/14/embracing-the-wide-sky-review


“Fiction Reviews”:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6637217.html?industryid=47159


Challenge Me!

Coming Soon “Challenge Me! (TM) Speech and Communication Cards”

Amanda Elliott

Illustrated by David Kemp

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109464


Coming Soon “Grandparenting a Child with Special Needs”

Author: Charlotte E. Thompson M.D.

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109068


New “Small Steps Forward: Using Games and Activities to Help Your Pre-School Child with Special Needs”

2nd Edition

Author: Sarah Newman

Illustrated by Jeanie Mellersh

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106937


CD-Rom “ISPEEK at Home: Over 1300 Visual Communication Images”

Janet Dixon

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105107


CD-Rom “ISPEEK at School: Over 1300 Visual Communication Images”

Janet Dixon

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105114


“Everyday Education: Visual Support for Children with Autism”

Authors: Pernille Dyrbjerg and Maria Vedel

Foreword by Lennart Pedersen

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104575


“Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education”

Author: Paula Crimmens

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843102915


“Acting Antics: A Theatrical Approach to Teaching Social Understanding to Kids and Teens with Asperger Syndrome”

Author: Cindy B. Schneider

Foreword by Tony Attwood

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108450


“Rules and Standards: The Second Book of Speaking Up: A Plain Text Guide to Advocacy”

Authors: John Tufail and Kate Lyon

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104766

MOVIE

A Matter of Loaf and Death

Wallace & Gromit

A Matter of Loaf and Death

UK DVD Release 23rd March

http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/index.html

VIDEO GAME

Endless Ocean (Wii) Rated 3+

Dive into tropical waters and discover the life aquatic, a life of nature, beauty and intrigue. In Endless Ocean, you are the guest of a tranquil sea filled with creatures so unique they must be experienced up-close. More of an experience than a game of any sort, Endless Ocean gives you the freedom to explore underwater locations, searching for fish to photograph and place in your log, or simply take a relaxing swim among the inhabitants of the sea. Come face-to-face with such animals as angelfish, penguins, walruses and dolphins. Whilst underwater, you can even find lost ruins and secret diving locations.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nintendo-045496900427-Endless-Ocean-Wii/dp/B000WINB56/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1LAPVE0138L35&colid=2M2468ZYIVALY


Nintendo DSi Exclusive Hands-On Preview

(Set For Europe Release April 3rd 2009)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologyreviews/4807839/Nintendo-DSi-exclusive-hands-on-preview.html

TECH

From the Archives

Theatrophone – the 19th-century iPod

“Sickly and often bedridden, by February 1911 French novelist Marcel Proust had one constant companion in the solitary confines of his cork-lined Paris sanctuary: a mysterious contraption that he kept by his bed. When he wasn’t labouring over his magnum opus, A la recherche du temps perdu , Proust would collapse into bed, grasp a pair of wires trailing into a primitive headset, and lose himself in Claude Debussy’s opera Pelléas et Mélisande.”

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19726382.000-histories-theatrophone–the-19thcentury-ipod.html

ROBOTICS

Robotics at the Science Museum, London

“Berti the robot has human touch … One of the most sophisticated robots created in the UK has made its public debut – with a game of rock-paper-scissors. Robots like Berti could be used in the development of prosthetic limbs for people who have been in car accidents or to carry out extremely dangerous jobs such as land mine clearance.”:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090217/tuk-berti-the-robot-has-human-touch-6323e80.html


Take Care,

Julie

Manila Palm

(Message to Australian Autism Community – The site in Australia seems to be experiencing technical difficulties at the moment.  Will post as soon as things are up and running again.  xx)



First Published Thursday, 26 February 2009

LONDON – The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating whether an Action for Children ad has breached its code.


ASA probes Action for Children ad


The execution has been slammed by a coalition of disability rights campaigners, autistic people, parents and autism specialists who have complained that the ad is an inaccurate and unethical portrayal of autistic people.


More than 60 people have complained to the regulatory body and in excess of 2,000 people have joined a Facebook group calling for the ad’s withdrawal.


The execution features a young boy called Dan talking about his experiences of living with autism and how Action for Children helped him with behavioural problems, in particular, his tendency to lash out at others who were insulting him. It depicts him as being trapped inside a rampaging monster until the charity takes him under its wing, after which he emerges as a vulnerable young man.


The results of the investigation are expected in April.


Source:   http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/883477/Advertising-Standards-Authority-probe-complaints-against-Action-Children-ad/



First Published Thursday, 26 February 2009

Gary McKinnon

Hacker loses extradition battle


Computer hacker Gary McKinnon lost the latest round of his fight against extradition to the US when British prosecutors refused to bring charges against him.


Mr McKinnon, 42, from Wood Green, north London, is accused of sabotaging vital American military systems after the terror attacks of September 11 2001.


His lawyers appealed for him to be prosecuted in Britain on lesser charges, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) rejected their request.


Mr McKinnon insists he was only looking for evidence of UFOs when he hacked into a series of US military networks in 2001 and 2002. He has signed a statement accepting that his hacking constituted an offence under the UK’s Computer Misuse Act 1990.


His supporters say he acted through “naivety” as a result of suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome – a form of autism – and should not be considered a criminal.


But the US military alleges that he caused 800,000 dollars (£550,000) worth of damage and left 300 computers at a US Navy weapons station unusable immediately after the September 11 atrocities.


Mr McKinnon’s legal team hoped to avoid his extradition by having him prosecuted in the UK, and made a formal request for this to director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer in December.


The CPS said it found enough evidence to bring charges against the hacker under the Computer Misuse Act for obtaining “unauthorised access with intent”. But Alison Saunders, head of the CPS organised crime division, said: “The evidence we have does not come near to reflecting the criminality that is alleged by the American authorities.”


The CPS also decided that the case was best prosecuted in the US. Mrs Saunders said: “The bulk of the evidence is located in the United States, the activity was directed against the military infrastructure of the United States, the investigation commenced in the United States and was ongoing, and there are a large number of witnesses, most of whom are located in the United States.”


Glasgow-born Mr McKinnon is accused by the US of “the biggest military computer hack of all time”. He allegedly hacked into 53 US Army computers and 26 US Navy computers, including those at US Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey, which is responsible for replenishing munitions and supplies for the Atlantic fleet. He is also accused of hacking into 16 Nasa computers, one US Department of Defence computer and one machine belonging to the US Air Force.


Source:   http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090226/tuk-hacker-loses-extradition-battle-6323e80.html


Nasa hacker judicial review date set


Tom Espiner ZDNet.co.uk


Published: 27 Feb 2009 18:03 GMT


A date has been set for a High Court judicial review of Nasa hacker Gary McKinnon’s case.


The review, set for the 9 and 10 June, will focus on whether McKinnon’s diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome was taken into account during his appeals process.


Gary McKinnon’s mother Janis Sharp told ZDNet UK of the judicial review date via an email on Friday. Sharp said she had felt “broken” and “beaten up” by a Crown Prosecution Service decision on Thursday not to prosecute McKinnon in the UK, but that she was now “getting back in fighting mode”.


McKinnon has been accused by US prosecutors of “the biggest military hack of all time”. The US authorities allege that McKinnon caused $700,000 (£500,000) of damage, and disabled systems and military equipment, by hacking into US military computers at the Pentagon, at Nasa, and at US military installations in 2001. McKinnon has never denied hacking US systems, but denies causing damage. He claims to have been searching for UFOs.


McKinnon faces up to seventy years in a maximum security if found guilty by a US court. He is currently forty-three.


McKinnon’s solicitor Karen Todner told ZDNet UK on Friday that she hoped the High Court review would prevent McKinnon’s extradition.


“We’re hoping the court will say that Gary’s Asperger’s will prevent his extradition, as to extradite him would be a breach of his human rights,” said Todner.


The review will include an appraisal of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith’s decision not to halt McKinnon’s extradition to the US in September. Smith was aware of McKinnon’s Asperger’s when she turned down the autumn appeal against McKinnon’s extradition.


Source:   http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39619910,00.htm


Judicial Review To Decide Of McKinnon’s Fate In June 2009


Gary McKinnon has been handed yet another lifeline as it was revealed that a court will decide whether McKinnon’s Asperger’s syndrome should have been taken into consideration by the CPS.


According to ZDNet, the High Court Judicial review will “focus on whether McKinnon’s diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome was taken into account during his appeals process.”


The CPS rejected McKinnon’s request to be trialled in the UK earlier this week and the hacker seemed doomed, having gone through a number of previous reprieves.


A number of high profile supporters have publicly voiced their support for McKinnon. They include Singer Sting, London Mayor Boris Johnson, Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University and Terror law watchdog Lord Carlile.


Of course, the decision by the CPS comes during the week when former Guantanamo Bay detainee, Binyam Mohamed returns to the UK after what Duncan Campbell from the Guardian, calls “his appalling mistreatment at the hands of the US authorities”. He also questions whether the UK government should offer another British citizen to the US criminal justice system.


McKinnon’s mother, Janis Sharp, has also written to President Barack Obama, pleading her son’s case with probably the only man in the US who can reverse the extradition and grant him pardon.


There’s something fundamentally flawed about the way McKinnon is being treated by the British Government. It surely has nothing to do with the fact that he is of Scottish origin. The government seems to have done more for Binyam Mohamed, who is not even a UK citizen, than for McKinnon and this doesn’t bode well for the rest of us.


Related Links


Nasa hacker judicial review date set


Source: http://www.itproportal.com/security/news/article/2009/3/1/judicial-review-decide-mckinnons-fate-june-2009/


NAS – Disappointment at Decision Not To Prosecute Gary McKinnon In The UK


Despite widespread public support from campaigners and the autism community, the Crime Prosecution service (CPS) announced today (26 February 2009) that it would not bring charges against Gary McKinnon in the UK.


Gary McKinnon was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in August 2008 and is facing extradition to the United States to stand trial for allegedly hacking into US Defense computer systems. As a result of his late diagnosis, his Asperger syndrome was not taken into account in any legal proceedings prior to August 2008.


The National Autistic Society (NAS) Chief Executive Mark Lever said:


“We are very disappointed by today’s CPS decision not to prosecute Gary McKinnon in the UK. Over 4000 people emailed the Attorney General about this through a campaign on the NAS website and gary continues to have a lot of support from the autism community. We still strongly believe that the extradition, and a possible maximum security prison sentence, would be inappropriate and very damaging for anyone affected by Asperger syndrome.


“Despite this setback we will continue to challenge his extradition and we are urging you to contact your MP and request that they sign up to Early Day Motion 487 in support of Gary McKinnon.”


The case now rests on a Judicial Review of the Secretary of State’s decision to extradite Gary, which is likely to take place in the next couple of months. The decision to allow Judicial Review was the result of a High Court hearing on 23 January 2009. The NAS submitted evidence to this hearing relating to the nature of Asperger syndrome and the issue of late diagnosis. This evidence was particularly important since the High Court acknowledged that Gary had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome late and that it seemed that late diagnosis was not uncommon.


Please visit this page, www.autism.org.uk/mckinnon, again soon to find out how you can take action in support of Gary McKinnon.



Related resources



Relevant areas/articles elsewhere on this website Media statement: Gary McKinnon

Source:   http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1895&a=18512

Sting Supports Hacker McKinnon’s Fight for UK Trial


Sting

Author: Ian Grant
Posted: 16:00  02 Mar 2009



Police frontman Sting and wife Trudie Styler are among the latest celebrities to support self-confessed hacker Gary McKinnon’s bid to be tried in the UK for what US officials call “the biggest military hack of all time“.


Sting and Styler have written to home secretary Jacqui Smith backing his case against extradition to the US, reports the Mail on Sunday.


Last week, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) said he found “no evidence” on which to charge McKinnon in the UK. Lawyers for McKinnon said the DPP had not asked to see what evidence the US held for its extradition request.


Extradition arrangements between the US and UK allow the US to demand and receive the extradition of UK citizens without having to show prima facie evidence that supports their suspicions. However, the US insists that British requests for US citizens to face trial in the UK are supported by evidence.


McKinnon earlier wrote to the DPP to confirm that he had admitted to UK police in 2001 to contravening the Computer Misuse Act. McKinnon also asked to be tried in the UK rather than the US, where he faces up to 70 years in jail.


Sting told The Mail on Sunday, “It is a travesty of human rights that Gary McKinnon finds himself in this dreadful situation.


“The US response in relation to the true nature of Gary’s crime is disproportionate in the extreme. Gary is even contemplating suicide because of his fear of incarceration as a terrorist in a US jail.


“The British government is prepared to hand over this vulnerable man without reviewing the evidence.”


Earlier, the government’s former terrorist watchdog Lord Carlile supported a local trial for McKinnon. London mayor Boris Johnson also lent his weight to McKinnon’s bid.


Cambridge University’s Simon Baron-Cohen, a world authority on autism, said McKinnon, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, an autistic condition, should be tried in the UK. McKinnon should be treated not as a terrorist but as a man with a social disability, he said.


Source:   http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/03/02/235094/sting-supports-hacker-mckinnons-fight-for-uk-trial.htm


Ma McKinnon plans musical extradition protest


G20 ‘sing-in’


By John Leyden
13th March 2009 12:20 GMT

Janis Sharp, mother of US extradition target Gary McKinnon, has hatched plans to conduct a sing-in protest to coincide with President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to London.


The demo is planned to coincide with Obama’s visit to attend the G20 conference at the beginning of April, where global leaders will meet to discuss the global economic crisis. Sharp has rewritten the lyrics (but not the tune) of Graham Nash’s Chicago as a protest against long-running attempts to haul her self-confessed UFO evidence hunter turned hacker son over to the US and the “one-sided” UK-US extradition treaty more generally. Nash is famous as a member of Crosby, Stills & Nash.


Sharp said that she picked the song, which comes from the era of the Vietnam War protests, in order to “rekindle the spirit of protest” of those times. She hopes to get television crews along to film the protest, first mentioned in a Twitter post. “We want to appeal to Obama for justice,” she told El Reg.


Music has featured quite a bit in McKinnon’s long-running campaign against extradition. Recent converts to McKinnon’s cause include former Police frontman Sting and wife Trudie Styler.


Ross Hemsworth, managing director of Glastonbury Radio and UK director of the International UFO Congress, floated plans to organise a benefit gig on McKinnon’s behalf back in November. Kayleigh-fondlers Marillion expressed an initial interest but pulled out apparently because of concerns about upsetting their US fans, according to Sharp.


Hemsworth also talked of bringing musicians together to make a recording of a song written by McKinnon, called Only a Fool, with the proceeds going to charity. That venture didn’t quite make it to fruition either.


The planned ‘sit-in’ musical protests come in the run-up to a June judicial review on whether the Home Secretary was right to allow extradition proceedings against Gary McKinnon to proceed following his recent diagnosis with Asperger’s Syndrome. The hearing represents McKinnon’s last best hope of avoiding US extradition and trial following failed appeal to the House of Lords last year and a more recent decision by UK prosecutors not to bring a case against McKinnon in the UK. ®


Source:   http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/13/mckinnon_musical_protest/


Related Articles


Gary McKinnon – Ongoing Updates:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_updates.htm


Ongoing Updates: Gary McKinnon: Extradition Judicial review Hearing Set for Jan 20″:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/ongoing_updates_gary_mckinnon_extradition_judicial_review_.htm


Ongoing Updates: Dan Ackroyd, Peter Howson, Politicians Rally Behind Gary McKinnon/”Only A Fool” Music Video”:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/dan_ackroyd_peter_howsonpoliticians_rally_behind_gary_mcki.htm


Gary McKinnon: Last Ditch Attempt Fails, Judicial Review Only Recourse Left:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/gary_mckinnon_last_ditch_attempt_fails_judicial_review_onl.htm



First Published Thursday, 26 February 2009

Still Life

The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for Servier’s agomelatine (Valdoxan®, Thymanax®), the first melatonergic antidepressant for the treatment of adult patients with major depressive episodes.


It has melatonin receptor (MT1) and (MT2) agonist properties and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2C (5-HT2C) antagonist properties.


Valdoxan’s mechanism of action is unlike those of the commonly-prescribed antidepressants, the SSRIs and SNRIs, as Valdoxan exerts its antidepressant efficacy without having an impact on serotonin levels,” says Professor Racagni from the University of Milan, Italy.


Valdoxan is claimed to be effective against all the core symptoms of depression, including depressed mood, anxiety, feeling of guilt, psychomotor retardation, sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, without affecting sexual functioning or weight.


Following approval from the European Commission, Valdoxan is expected to become commercially available in European countries in the coming months.