MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'films'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:21 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159230&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fsmile-or-diebright-sided-by-barbara-ehrenreich%2F (Smile or Die -  UK edition / Bright Sided - US edition buy at Amazon.com) Smile or Die is social critic and author Barbara Ehrenreich’s examination of the stronghold that positive thinking has on America. She first encounters this close-up when diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is encouraged to be positive about her condition, almost to the point of considering it a gift allowing spiritual growth.  Rather than embrace this way of thinking, she finds it sinister, and the pink ribbon she is offered infantilizing.  Looking further afield, Ehrenreich finds that the notion that positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes is pervasive.  She can find no scientific evidence for this, but regardless the notion has become the basis for several best selling books, i... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159230 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:01:27 +0100 5159230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159231&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fground-control-by-anna-minton%2F Buy on Amazon.com Anna Minton’s book, Ground Control, is about the relatively recent phenomenon of the privatization of public space in the UK.  In city centres, what might once have been public space is now privately owned and managed.  Although seldom noticed, this provides a very different culture and environment; certain behaviours and people are encouraged whilst others are seen as undesirable and excluded.  Minton traces this trend back to the 1980s, when London’s Canary Wharf and Broadgate centre were built.  Since then private ownership has become a template for all new city developments.  Similarly, most new houses are now built as gated developments.  Although the perception is that only the wealthy live in these high-security environmen... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159231 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:56:07 +0100 5159231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139903&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fmetaphors-for-malignancies%2F   Published in 20-27 August BMJ How does the biggest trial unit in Europe balance the individual needs of hundreds of patient volunteers with the demands of participation in studies of treatment? Stephen Ginn reflects on a two part radio documentary Of all maladies, few so occupy human fears and efforts as cancer. This is not without justification because many of us will eventually receive this diagnosis. For an individual, cancer brings uncertainty about the future and places strains on close relationships. In many cases the disease will progress and be accompanied by failing health and prolonged treatment. Western societies, which venerate youth and are on uneasy terms with death and decay, provide little preparation for ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139903 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:45:22 +0100 5139903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992770&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fgraphic-novel-review-epileptic%2F Amazon.co.uk link / Amazon.com link Epileptic is a memoir of childhood and disease, and also tackles the dreams and fantasies of emerging maturity.  When Pierre’s brother, Jean-Christophe, develops epilepsy age 11, his family is profound affected.  In a search for a cure his parents seek the advice of all manner of alternative therapists, mediums and communities; but alas any improvement is often short lived.  Pierre seeks solace in drawing elaborate battle scenes and as an adult becomes the acclaimed cartoonist David B.  In contrast the adult Jean-Christophe becomes demoralised and distant, his life dominated by the side effects of his medication and his still constant seizures.  Central to the book, the relationship between Pierre and Jean-Christophe remain... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992770 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:30:41 +0100 4992770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992771&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fgraphic-novel-review-i-had-a-black-dog%2F Amazon.co.uk link / Amazon.com link Less a graphic novel than a picture book on an adult theme, I had a black dog is Matthew Johnson’s visual articulation of what it is like to suffer depression.  Borrowing Churchill’s sobriquet for his dark moods, throughout the book’s pages Johnson illustrates a man bedeviled by an ever-present black dog: it’s his reflection in the mirror; it lies between him and his partner at night; it sits on his food.  Johnson’s illustrations have a dark wit, but also a serenity as he charts his subject’s journey from despair toward insight and respite via professional help.  A sequel of sorts, Living with a black dog continues the theme, focusing on the challenges faced by partners and carers of people effected by d... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992771 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:19:39 +0100 4992771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992772&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fgraphic-novel-review-couch-fiction%2F Amazon.co.uk link / Amazon.com link ‘Couch fiction – a graphic tale of psychotherapy’ is an illustrated tale of fictional psychotherapy sessions between James, a successful barrister, and Patricia, a psychotherapist. Despite his wealth, James has a penchant for petty thieving and troubled relationships in his present and past.  As the therapy sessions develop both his emotions and motivations and the nature and peculiarities of the therapeutic relationship that develops with Patricia are explored.  Perry presents the therapeutic process as helpful and special, but also addresses the imperfections of the process.  For different levels of interest or expertise in psychotherapy Perry has provides two texts in parallel.  The graphic strip contains the narr... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992772 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:07:44 +0100 4992772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794994&cid=t_109016_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fas8EHZ4IUBM%2F Filming of the new James Bond film isn’t even underway yet, but its product placement sponsorship deals have already been secured for a whopping $45 million. That far surpasses the record held by Minority Report, where Steven Spielberg secured funding from Lexus, Bulgari, and American Express for $2o million. Oh Mr. Bond, how could you become such an Absolut sell-out? It was only last week that Morgan Spurlock warned me about the brainwashing effect of movies like this — but it’s Bond! So should I stay away, or should I go watch Daniel Craig and Co. when the movie finally comes out? Spurlock, whose new film POM Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold was financed entirely by product placement (to make a point, not money), said he hoped to open dialog amongst movie-goe... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794994 Fri, 06 May 2011 14:12:31 +0100 4794994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768052&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-knot-of-the-heart-almeida-theatre-by-lisa-conlan%2F The Almeida Theatre has, of late, been concerning itself with the wider aspects of psychiatry, mounting a number of strong productions on the theme of mental illness. The Knot of the Heart, a new play written by David Eldridge, is no exception. With its well-drawn characters and sharp dialogue, it is also, arguably, its finest on the subject. The play is about addiction; the compulsion, the self-destruction, the relentless careening towards rock-bottom, the loss, the bewilderment, the relapse, recovery and relapse again. It is also, crucially, about our need to understand why people become addicts. It is to the play’s credit that it offers little in the way of answers. Lisa Dillon is superb in the role of Lucy, which was written specifically for her, and plays her as self-indulgent a... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768052 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:34:34 +0100 4768052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720025&cid=t_109016_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FE7vjG_c7XTs%2F Scream 4 is out today, and although I might sound like a downer (or just old and un-fun), it stresses me out. It’s not the idea of standing in a line, squished between loud high schoolers for an hour (although that does sound like my idea of terror, in a nutshell), or the fact that tickets now cost an arm and a leg. It’s the constant wringing of my hands, clenching of my jaw, and tensing of my shoulders in anticipation of the next knife to go flailing through the air that really gets me wired. And not in a “yum, I just drank an enjoyable caffeinated beverage” kind of way. Am I the only one who thinks that scary movies aren’t always worth the adrenaline rush? Okay, so Scream might not really make me quiver under my covers for the next week – I doubt that Neve... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720025 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:01:15 +0100 4720025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4719939&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-henrys-demons-by-patrick-and-henry-cockburn%2F In February 2002 journalist Patrick Cockburn received a call from this wife.  His student son, Henry, had nearly died swimming across the Newhaven estuary whilst fully clothed and had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.  Henry is diagnosed with schizophrenia and ‘Henry’s Demons’ is an account of the Cockburn family’s experiences of the next nine years.  Henry is unable to finish his degree and spends a majority of his time under section as his behaviour often puts his life in danger.  Despite this he is often at large for days at a time, having escaped from locked wards with an ease that dismays those that care about him.  He does not accept his diagnosis and will not take any medication, as to do so would mean that everything he think... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4719939 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:52:55 +0100 4719939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642693&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Flondon-division-march-newsletter%2F This month’s London Division newsletter is edited by me and also has a new and exciting layout.  Here’s the editorial: Never think of the future”, said Albert Einstein “it comes soon enough”. Predicting the future is a thankless task but for this issue four contributors have been willing to take on the challenge. A voice from the future Prof Hamish McSalter reflects on a time when ‘death became the last true resort of sanity’. Dr Derek Summerfield stays with the present day and frames the future in terms of what has come to pass thus far. Dr Trevor Turner stays with this theme: where psychiatrists have seen their future in the past is informative in guiding our current path. Dr Michael Maier’s focus is on the current difficulties with t... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642693 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 09:55:50 +0100 4642693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4525054&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F26%2F3-top-sources-of-psychology-myths%2F In a recent interview I asked Scott Lilienfeld, the author of 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology, about the sources of psychology myths.  Here’s what he has to say about where psychology myths come from: The primary source is the huge, burgeoning pop psychology industry: self-help books, the internet, films, TV shows, magazines, and the like. But many of these myths also spring from the allure of our everyday experience; many of these myths seem persuasive because they accord with our common sense intuitions. But these intuitions are often erroneous. The public can defend themselves against shams by becoming armed with accurate knowledge. Many other fields — not just psychology — are subject to myths disseminated by the media. So what are some of the top sources of psy... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4525054 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:19:26 +0100 4525054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450340&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Finterview-with-tim-salmon-author-of-schizophrenia-who-cares%2F Tim Salmon, author of Schizophrenia: who cares? has kindly agreed to be interviewed by the Frontier Psychiatrist blog.  FP: Please tell us about your motivation for writing the book. TS: I wrote the book for several reasons. First, I wanted to tell the world something about schizophrenia. Whether the world will pay the slightest bit of attention is of course another matter! Most people, unless they have had personal experience of the illness, have no idea what it means, what it does to people, what a devastating and truly tragic effect it has on the lives both of those who suffer from the illness and those who love and try to care for them. If they have thought about it at all, they think it has something to do with going berserk and wielding axes or having some kind of what they thin... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450340 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:08:44 +0100 4450340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314065&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-crazy-like-us%2F There’s a review by me of Ethan Watters’ book Crazy like us in the British Journal of Psychiatry this month.  Unfortunately you’ll need a log-in to read it.  It’s a book about the spread across the world of the American way of conceptualizing mental distress.  Edited version of my review: I liked it, although some other psychiatrists won’t. For a summary of his arguments see Watters’ New York Times article. Other (but less perceptive and not as well written) reviews of the book can be found at: Time magazine Neuroskeptic’s blog Good reads If you enjoyed this post you can buy me a coffee! (Source: ) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314065 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:01:35 +0100 4314065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275396&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-schizophrenia-who-cares%2F The travel writer Tim Salmon’s son, Jeremy, developed schizophrenia in the late 1980s.  This book is Salmon’s record and examination of the ‘strange voyage’ that has followed.  It’s a critical, challenging book, but very well written, and never bland. Schizophrenia turns Salmon’s previously able son into a difficult, paranoid and sometimes violent young man.  He behaves in ‘ways that were strange and inexplicable beyond anything I had ever known, beyond anything I had the language to account for’.  Every aspect of his son’s life is affected, his paranoia making friendships hard and intimate relations more difficult still.  Salmon offers a personal carer’s view on the situation that has developed; the fear ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275396 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:38:30 +0100 4275396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265855&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F18%2Fmovies-and-mental-health%2F I’m pleased to introduce Movies and Mental Health with Joseph Burgo, Ph.D. This blog is devoted to looking at films — both recent, contemporary movies and the classics — as an avenue for examining different aspects of the human experience. “I’m particularly interested in exploring and writing about the nexus between mental health issues and popular culture,” says Dr. Burgo. “From time to time, a book or TV show might also be an appropriate topic for discussion.” I love movies, and I love delving into the psychological aspects of their characters, because there are just so many darned good stories out there. So I must admit, I’m not only happy to introduce this new blog, but also will be an avid reader of it. Please head on over to Movies and Mental Health blog now and giv... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265855 Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:20:03 +0100 4265855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219818&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Finterview-with-poet-sarah-wardle%2F Sarah Wardle, poet and author of ‘A Knowable World’ recently came to speak at a conference I helped organise.  A Knowable World follow’s Sarah’s detainment in a Central London psychiatric hospital for over a year for manic episodes of bipolar disorder and it received positive reviews from both the British Journal of Psychiatry and the Guardian newspaper. I would also recommend it as her poems offer an eloquent glimpse of experiences that are relatively rarely documented. Sarah has kindly allowed me to publish one of her poems to accompany this interview, which can be found in the post following this one.   Can you tell us about the circumstances which lead to you writing ‘A Knowable World’? I had already had two collections published and in my ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219818 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:59:50 +0100 4219818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214207&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-movies-and-mental-illness%2F My review of Movies and Mental Illness 3 has been published in the Journal of Mental Health (currently online, but it will be in the next print edition).  I have posted about psychiatry at the cinema previously.  Unfortunately in order to get the review published I’ve had to sign over my copyright.  So the review is available here, but only to people with a login.  In summary this book exhaustively documents psychopathology as seen in cinema.  Major diagnoses get a chapter each where one film is studied in detail.  At the end of the book there is an appendix of films listed by disorder as well as an exhaustive index.  The authors are evangelical about films as a medium to teach psychopathology.  Personally I prefer documentary and literature. I... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214207 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:50:09 +0100 4214207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207347&cid=t_109016_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fiw_oTadelV0%2F Blisstree Editor-in-Chief Christine Egan on the highly controversial subject of “rape fantasies” as portrayed in the media, from her post: When No Means Yes: Top 10 Rape Fantasy Scenes on Film and TV Post from: BlissTree Rape is against the law (in most countries, anyway). Still, a fair number of film and TV characters really seem to ask for it a lot. (Or maybe it’s that most film and TV directors are men. Wait a minute…) Obviously, these disturbing scenes exist for a reason, but what? To provoke thought, to promote dialogue, to teach, to titillate? Are these alleged rape “fantasies” supposed to be the character’s, the director’s – or ours? (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207347 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:00:56 +0100 4207347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118781&cid=t_109016_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F29%2Fthe-assassination-of-dr-tiller-msnbc-documentary-narrated-by-rachel-maddow%2F The MSNBC documentary The Assassination of Dr. Tiller aired earlier this week. I don’t think there’s a lot that’s new big picture stuff there if you followed the story closely – most repro rights people likely know why Tiller was targeted and about the history of violence against him and other providers. In broad strokes, I think those of us who follow these things all kind of know the story. The documentary does provide some specifics that may be new or interesting, though. The discussion with members of Tiller’s church and interviews with his staff were interesting, as were interviews with Scott Roeder’s ex-wife proving his backstory on his anti-abortion activities. The material on the ramping up of anti-choice activities beyond the violent act of one... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118781 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:04:02 +0100 4118781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098084&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-estates-an-intimate-history%2F The Coalition Government is proposing that council houses ‘for life’ are to be phased out, with new tenancies being of fixed term and tenants being encouraged to find accommodation in the private sector when they are financially able.  No better time to review Estates: An Intimate History by Lynsey Hanley: Council estates – very often large, indistinguishable blocks of housing found in inner cities and on the outskirts of towns – have become familiar features of the British landscape.  The social problems encountered on many of these estates have meant that, rather than realising the anticipated Bevanite socialist dream, ‘council estate’ has become shorthand for ‘proletarian hell’. In this part history, part personal memoir journali... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098084 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:42:28 +0100 4098084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060906&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Ffolie-a-deux-madness-in-the-fast-lane%2F Last month’s BBC documentary ‘Madness in the fast lane‘ has just come to my attention.   It tells the story of Ursula and Sabina Eriksson, two Swedish twins, who were captured on camera as they ran into the traffic on the M6 – apparently without motivation.  One spent months in hospital, whilst the other was released from police custody and subsequent events lead to a murder trial.  Unfortunate title aside, the twin’s behaviour appears to have been the result of an episode of folie à deux so is of interest to students of mental disorder.  The documentary is available in four parts on YouTube Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4   Folie à deux Shared delusional disorder was first described in 1860 by Jules Baillarger, who ca... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060906 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:53:40 +0100 4060906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3954208&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fharry-shearers-documentary-the-big-uneasy-blames-big-government-for-hurricane-katrina%2F Hurricane Katrina was to blame for the deadly destruction that paralyzed New Orleans five years ago, right? Not according to Harry Shearer. Yes, that Harry Shearer. The funnyman and radio host most famous for his work on The Simpsons, Spinal Tap, and A Mighty Wind believes that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is to blame for Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, and just made and released a documentary about his controversial theory. The Big Uneasy reveals how the complete failure of this governmental body led to the flooding of residential neighborhoods – and how this catastrophic disaster could have been prevented. (Oh, and then there’s the little issue of the Corp’s alleged cover-up of its actions.) The Big Uneasy will be screened next week at select theaters in New York ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3954208 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:33:25 +0100 3954208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845163&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Finterview-with-darryl-cunningham-author-of-psychiatric-tales%2F Cartoonist Darryl Cunningham has kindly agreed to be interviewed by the Frontier Psychiatrist blog.    Darryl has recently published his graphic novel ‘Psychiatric Tales‘, which I throughly recommend.  It was recently reviewed in the Observer and seems to be doing very well.  Darryl’s own blog is called Darryl Cunningham investigates.  See the end of this post for further links. You’ve just had your graphic novel "Psychiatric Tales" published in the UK. Can you tell us about it? Psychiatric Tales is a collection of eleven graphic stories about mental illness. Drawn in a stark black and white style, reminiscent of woodcuts. Subjects he book covers include schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression, anti-social personality dis... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845163 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:39:25 +0100 3845163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786174&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fpsychiatry-at-the-movies%2F I’ve just been writing a review of the book Movies and mental illness 3 which will appear here as soon as it is published in print. It’s a handbook for anyone who wishes to use cinematic depiction of mental illness to teach and understand its presentation. It’s more of a textbook than something that can be read enjoyably cover to cover but nevertheless worth a look. Practically any relevant major film, even one which only fleetingly depicts an altered mental state, is included.The dedication of the authors is such that they are not too proud to include some films which, although they illustrate psychopathology, are otherwise almost without artistic merit (although concerned readers will be glad to hear that Swept Away is not included) The depiction of mental illness in fi... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786174 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:07:31 +0100 3786174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746713&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fhipster-nutrition-zooey-deschanel-gives-up-vegetarian-and-vegan-diet%2F photo: WENN.com Attention, all you vegan and vegetarian hipster chicks out there, you just lost one of your own. Zooey Deschanel, queen of the indie screen and, lately, indie airwaves (She & Him), has given up on her vegan/vegetarian diet. Apparently, Deschanel found out that she couldn’t eat soy or wheat, and made the decision to incorporate meat and dairy back into her diet. We can’t exactly blame her. If we didn’t eat soy, dairy, meat or wheat, we’re not sure exactly what we’d eat besides straight up fruits and vegetables. And, as Deschanel says, “…sometimes you just need a little something, a little meat.” via Contact Music Post from: BlissTree Hipster Nutrition: Zooey Deschanel Gives Up Vegetarian and Vegan Diet (Source: Breastfeedin... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746713 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:07:54 +0100 3746713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737043&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fteeth-regenerating-gel-may-mean-no-more-fillings%2F2010.07.08 Although people are generally proud of their dental hygiene, undoubtedly many have had root canals that have been plugged using traditional fillings. The procedure is far from being everyone’s favorite pasttime, as only true masochists can enjoy having high speed drills working their teeth and hot glue guns filling them. A team of French researchers has been working on a new approach that uses nanostructured and functionalized multilayered films to help regenerate teeth and fill in cavities with little pain but all the gain. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737043 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:00:49 +0100 3737043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706639&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fempty-handed-birth-control-struggles-for-women-in-uganda%2F The average woman in the United States will give birth to 2.06 children in her lifetime. In Uganda, the average is 6.7 children. Why? Birth control is virtually unavailable in this African nation. That’s not to say Ugandan women don’t want it, however. But even when a pregnancy would be risky to a woman’s health, she has no means of preventing it. A new short film, Empty Handed: Responding to the Demand for Contraceptives shares the plight of these women: Empty Handed from Population Action International on Vimeo. Post from: BlissTree "Empty Handed": Birth Control Struggles for Women In Uganda (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706639 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:49:20 +0100 3706639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577368&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fwomen-and-art-why-are-male-artists-more-successful-than-females%2F photo: Thinkstock When thinking about areas where women are misrepresented, we usually imagine a traditional office setting, with women being passed up by men for managerial positions, or getting lower raises. We forget that women are also underrepresented in more non-traditional workplaces, like the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Half of the trained artists in the U.S. are women, yet they make up just 2% of the artists whose work hangs in the National Gallery. And, as Salon points out, this isn’t just a problem rooted in historical gender issues – at the contemporary art-focused Hirshhorn Museum, women make up only 5% of featured artists. Pamela T. Boll examines this disparity and its causes in her documentary Who Does She Think She Is? Though the film was released in ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577368 Tue, 18 May 2010 22:30:44 +0100 3577368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573651&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fshining-parody-of-the-shining-video-of-the-day%2F Possibly the greatest movie parody ever made in trailer form. Four years after it was posted online, it’s still pure genius. Here’s Johnny, like you’ve never seen him before: Post from: BlissTree Shining! (Parody of The Shining): Video of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573651 Tue, 18 May 2010 14:00:28 +0100 3573651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3424908&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F31%2Fthe-mental-power-prague-film-festival%2F Our friends organizing the mental POWER Prague film festival wanted me to let you know that they’ve extended the submission deadline for films. What is this film festival? (Keep in mind that mental disorders are thought of differently in different cultures, and are referred to with different terminology, so please don’t take offense at the specific language used below.) [It] is an international film festival of (non-)actors with a mental or combined handicap organized by HENDAVER, o.s. The festival shows feature films in which exclusively people with a mental and combined handicap act. The main idea of the festival is to create the conditions for artistic self-fulfillment of handicapped people and thus to take part in their mental development. In addition to that, this activit... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3424908 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:55:46 +0100 3424908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316210&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fprincess-and-frog.html The film was released here just after we left for our holiday and it had been out for so long in the US that it was no longer shown in most cinemas. So keen as were (me and Lady anyway!) to see this, we just had to wait until we got home again. So a few days ago we headed off the local cinema for a bit of old fashioned Disney animated goodness. Now I am aware that Disney films are not all peachy and contain heaps of patriarchy pushing and much outright racism but I like, even love most of them, flaws and all. OK so Ariel has some twisted ambitions, Cinderella is so wet and pathetic and Belle falls for a creature who locks up first her dad and then her and shouts and is cruel, but I'll overlook these things, they can happen to any of us.As usual in the cinema I sat by Duncan. He took a whil... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316210 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:13:00 +0100 3316210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239639&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Finterview-with-iain-mcgilchrist%2F It’s interview week here at Frontier Psychiatrist and I’m very excited that Dr Iain McGilchrist has agreed to be featured on this website.  Dr McGilchrist is a psychiatrist with an unusual background as, before he turned his attentions to psychiatry, his first career was in the academic study of literature.  He has recently published ‘The Master and his Emissary’ a book which posits that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, making possible incompatible versions of the world, with quite different priorities and values. If readers would like to find out more about Dr McGilchrist’s ideas then the introduction of the book is available for download from his website.  He has also published an essay in the Wall Street ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239639 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:20:11 +0100 3239639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108422&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Freview-of-stiff-by-mary-roach%2F Here is an uncharacteristically positive review for “Stiff: The curious lives of Human Cadavers” which I wrote for the StudentBMJ in 2004.  It is a very entertaining book, if you happen to find this sort of thing interesting.  You might just have enough time to buy it before Xmas if you are short of a present… *** I have spent the past few years deeply embroiled in the study of how to prevent Londoners from dying. But I have never devoted much time to wondering what happens to their remains once they are actually dead. Nevertheless, human remains have something morbidly interesting about them, and this subject provides American journalist Mary Roach with more than enough material for her fascinating book. Many people donate their bodies to science with the hope that in ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108422 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:05:28 +0100 3108422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3019182&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fnew-moon-headbanging-and-thinking-for.html Duncan continues to take great pleasure in producing various pictures of Chuckie from the Rugrats. Is it perseveration? Do I care? Each picture is different in at least some small way. I think they're cute and funny and witty.Thomas doesn't like to draw. He'd rather do maths or count the money in his Tardis money box. (I don't mean it's bigger on the inside, it's just shaped like a Tardis.) We've been doing some P4 stuff on Education City (free trial) and he's acing it all. Lady has used that site too and they both quite like it so I might subscribe. Does anyone have a code they want to share?He's also decided he wants to try school after we return from our holiday in February (2 weeks in Orlando!) He says that everyone else in the family has been to school at some stage but he never went ... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3019182 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:26:00 +0100 3019182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974051&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fwhen-nietzsche-wept%2F Someone gave me this for my birthday.  I’d not heard of psychotherapist and novelist Irvin D. Yalom before, although apparently he’s quite popular, and sufficiently revered to merit the publication of a ‘Yalom reader’.  This is an accolade of which I can only dream, not least because I have never written a novel. Lovers of psychoanalytical historical fiction need look no further.  The plot centres on Dr Josef Breuer, feted Viennese physician, mentor to the young Freud and his relationship with Friedrich Nietzsche, notable philosopher.  In the opening chapters Breuer is much troubled. Chiefly and inconveniently he is in love with a former patient, the famous Anna O, whose treatment in the real world has since been regarded as marking the inception of psychoanalysis.  Relations ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974051 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:24:15 +0100 2974051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804234&cid=t_109016_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FU1pRWsI9gUE%2F There are several good reasons Alcoholics Anonymous wants its members to avoid the spotlight. A dozen years ago, after my first novel came out, I was on a live radio talk show in New York City when the show’s host asked, "So, are you in AA?" It was a logical question. My first novel [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804234 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:09:00 +0100 2804234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786072&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fqa%2F Christopher Crook who wrote the extract in the previous post answers my questions How did you come to write the novel? It was about being my own boss more than anything, being in full control of something without risk of interruption or distraction. I knew I had lots of points I wanted to make and the only way to put them all together was to write a book. Also, I’d been dabbling rather half-heartedly with journalism but I knew this was something i could do whole-heartedly. The novel appears to have a lot of autobiographical content.  Do you feel able to tell us a bit about your experiences? At the start one of my main motives for writing the book was so that I could finally draw a line under some difficult and painful experiences – and most importantly – a feeling of inj... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786072 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:40:43 +0100 2786072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786073&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2Fmemory-loss-and-possession-of-all-the-facts%2F Quite unexpectedly, a few weeks ago I was contacted by an author about novel that he’d written and for which he was looking for a publisher.  I couldn’t help at all, but he sent me a chapter anyway and he’s agreed to let me post it below.  It’s visceral stuff, and  a valuable counter viewpoint for anyone – like me – who’s ever worked in an inpatient ward and been party to people being treated against their wishes. The novel is called Memory, loss and possession of all the facts and it’s written by Christopher Crook.  He’s keen for his novel to reach an audience and also to hear people’s reactions to what he’s written.  You can leave a comment below, or if you wish you can contact him directly via me. This chapter was ... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786073 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:24:18 +0100 2786073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2639561&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7502 Dear Yasmin, You inspired us with your little films clips on family values, kinship, friendship, colour-blindness and interracial ties. You teased us on our human frailties and weaknesses. You made us think, laugh and cry. You may be gone, but you will not be forgotten. Al-faitiha Yasmin Ahmad This TV commercial “Funeral” was made by Yasmin for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) (it) looks at relationships in a different light, through a woman at her husband’s funeral. Ultimately, the TVC celebrates the beautiful imperfections that make a relationship perfect. This is fresh off MCYS latest Viewers’ Choice 2008 win for last year’s Family TVC which promotes the importance and value of family bonding. it’s classic Yasmin. See mo... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2639561 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2639561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786077&cid=t_109016_109_f&fid=38954&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrontierpsychiatrist.co.uk%2F448-psychosis-by-sarah-kane-at-the-young-vic%2F That the play 4.48 Psychosis has a strong theme of mental disintegration was obvious to me from the moment I walked into the Young Vic theatre and heard a fragment of a conversation taking place to my left.  ‘…I self diagnosed…’  4.48 is celebrated playwright Sarah Kane’s final work, performed for the first time only after her death in 1999 when at age 28 she hanged herself in Kings College Hospital.  Previous to this she had twice been a voluntary patient at the Maudsley, seemingly overwhelmed by depression. Kane’s final piece is an angry, fragmentary work.  It makes no attempt at plot or character and was written without any direction as how many actors were intended to voice the play.  When first performed in 2000 at the Royal Court Theatre, two women and one woman perf... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786077 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:30:52 +0100 2786077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584227&cid=t_109016_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FlK_9-rhCE7A%2F Poor Rupert Grint! (He’s the cutie that plays “Ron” in the Harry Potter films.) He’s just getting over a bout with the swine flu. Yes, even the stars can catch this disease. Rupert’s case was mild, however, and luckily the crew was able to shoot around him during filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. No production days were lost. Rupert was also able to attend the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price on Tuesday. What a trooper! Image: Zuma Press Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Rupert Grint Gets Swine Flu (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584227 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:05 +0100 2584227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232823&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fmore-manure-about-autism-in-media.html Sweet mother of mercy have they taken leave of their senses. Some dude wrote a totally ridiculous book, and the newspapers give him lots of space to promote his totally wacky notions. Can this be right?The book is called "The Horse Boy" by Rupert Isaacson. The Times features the book opening with the title,"Shamans and horses work magic on autistic RowanRupert Isaacson was almost at his wits’ end over his son’s demonic fits, but a riding trip in Mongolia to visit local healers brought an amazing change""Demonic fits"...I ask you. How is this stuff cleared for publication, doesn't anyone catch themselves the hell on and think that perhaps such language might be offensive, inaccurate, discriminatory?! And given that the young son of a prominent politician died this week, a child who had ... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232823 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:14:00 +0100 2232823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232829&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fkissing-maid-marian.html Duncan continues to draw and make films on the computer. Usually these days, he is dressed in his short green trousers, and a green t-shirt he customised with a pair of scissors, cutting the sleeves shot and shaping the shirt bottom to medieval style zig-zags, finished off with a yellow hard hat. He got a grey fleece hat a few days ago, and asked me to "read it" (name it) and now he wants me to buy a yellow fleece hat with a bright red feather.Many times he has presented me with the camera and asked me to take a photo "like that" as he does some move or other. It's videos he wants, not photos and I've made a dozen or so in the past few days. He takes the files and uses movie-making software to add a few effects, text and music then gets me to upload them on YouTube. A few times I've forgot... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232829 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:06:00 +0100 2232829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144640&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fduncan-takes-over-my-blog.html I've been caught up in efforts to stop the Action for Children demonic autism campaign (now with 625 members!)But I must still blog as I have been ordered to do so.The little man created another of his fine, artistic videos. He asked me to upload it to YouTube as usual, but he also asked me to help him annotate it with little speech bubbles. He's more aware of YouTubian innovations than I am!So he provided the text and I provided my limited technical assistance and we've developed the following masterpiece. Oh, and I was also instructed to, "put it on the blog"!He asked me to let him type a bit, so here's Duncan's post. He asked me to put his words in italics. I must get him a blog of his own.The Rugrats are going to the jungle with dinosaurs and eggs and meat of the egg travels the desert... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144640 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:33:00 +0100 2144640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1908856&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1064 Eliminating Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Care: What are the Options? Download PDF Racial and ethnic disparities in health care – whether in insurance coverage, access, or quality of care – are one of many factors producing inequalities in health status in the United States.1 Eliminating these disparities is politically sensitive and challenging in part because their causes are intertwined with a contentious history of race relations in America. Nonetheless, assuring greater equity and accountability of the health care system is important to a growing constituency base, including health plan purchasers, payers, and providers of care. To the extent that inequities in the health care system result in lost productivity or use of services at a later stage of illness, there are healt... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1908856 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:09:22 +0100 1908856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1848002&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D935 Discussion of Medicare policy to date has focused generally on the role of private plans in Medicare, ways to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and system-wide changes to reduce health care costs overall, such as adopting electronic medical records, increasing preventive care, and improving chronic care delivery. However, the direction and pace of reform will be significantly affected by the election outcome. The future direction of the program appears to be governed by differences in ideology, particularly the role of government versus the role of the private sector. The broad visions of how Medicare should be designed in the future and how Medicare benefits should be provided will inform the policy choices made by Congress and the administration over the next four years. Therefore it... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1848002 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:10:00 +0100 1848002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844825&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D930 ‘A Lot of Unknowns’ By Jessica Bennett | 9-18-08 | Medical advances are helping many HIV patients live into old age. But that blessing presents its own unique set of tribulations. Newsweek Web Exclusive . . . Researchers know that HIV and age make for a complicated balancing act—a convoluted interplay of the disease itself, natural aging symptoms and the side effects of antiretroviral medication that may enhance those symptoms. Part of the aging process is already about a loss of immunity. So the fact that HIV is an immune disease may be one reason why its sufferers tend to age fast, in everything from body changes to cardiovascular disease, says Dr. Richard Havlik, an epidemiologist and former chief of the epidemiology, demography and biometry laboratory at the National Institute ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844825 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:56:02 +0100 1844825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844826&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D929 reason tv: raiding california — medical marijuana and minors UPDATE: On August 5, 2008 Charlie Lynch was found guilty on all five counts. Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2008. For reason.tv’s coverage of the trial (including an on-camera interview with the jury foreperson), go here, here, and here. Protest Rally for 10/6 will start will begin at 11am. The courthouse is located at 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles. Protesters are encouraged to bring acoustic instruments to the rally check to see further details here. For public transit information, click here For more information, visit Friends of Charles C. Lynch. For information on how to contact your elected officials, please go here or here. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844826 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:23:36 +0100 1844826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844827&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D928 I wanted to thank you for showing interest in Charles Lynch’s federal cannabis case. I’m doing everything to get the word out about this travesty and to get people involved. Charles Lynch was convicted of 5 cannabis-only offenses in Federal court 2 weeks ago and faces up to 100 years in federal prison for operating a medical marijuana dispensary even though his dispensary followed all his business license requirements, city regulations, county restrictions and state laws. This grave injustice happened because cannabis is a schedule one drug under federal law. The jury was forbidden to hear any evidence about medical marijuana or state law and was instructed to come to a verdict solely on Federal law. I first heard about Charles Lynch on Drew Carey’s ReasonTV piece. It&#... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844827 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:45:32 +0100 1844827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844828&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D927 “Turpentine’s a hard line! huh!” And so, with music and magic, the world premiere of “Turpentine Jake,” staged at Loyola Marymount’s Del Rey Theatre, takes off on a smart flight of legendary scope and impact, a skillfully-crafted historical drama of character and social justice that doesn’t depend on a car-chase mentality for suspense. To the contrary, the soaring use of language in gem-like self-narratives, poetry and songs, accentuates the action. Set in the”debt peonage” system of the Florida Turpentine camps in 1937, the story is dramatized by the grandson of one of those workers, James E. Hurd Jr. (who also co-directs with Jim Holmes and stars as Jake) and writing partner and producer Linda Bannister, who together conducted extensive reasearch and interview... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844828 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:40:35 +0100 1844828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812830&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F2NjYyw3eglk%2F Something to watch: The September 16th New York Times reports on Reabilities: The First Annual NY Disabilities Film Festival, which will be held from September 21-23. Among the films is Ben X, a Belgian film about an autistic boy who “hides from the harsh reality of being bullied in school by escaping to his favorite online computer game.” And somethings more on the West Coast: Creativity Explored is a San Francisco-based non-profit visual arts center where “artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.” Go here to see an online gallery of artwork. The colors and forms on this painting of cakes by Camille Holvoet draw me in. At Back to School night, Charlie’s teacher had mentioned that she was trying to work out an arrangement with the... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812830 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:36:13 +0100 1812830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809833&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fhjsu_SzlCgI%2F A theatre production of the 1988 movie Rain Man opens this week at the Apollo Theatre, today’s 24dash reports. The National Autistic Society has been involved with the production from the script and even rehearsals, and Caroline Hattersley, head of information, advice and advocacy, says: “For many people, the film of ‘Rain Man’ was where they gained their first knowledge of autism, so we are very excited to be so involved in this production and we’re delighted that they were so keen to represent autism accurately. “A lot has changed in our knowledge of this serious, lifelong condition in the 20 years since the film was released. We now have much more knowledge about autism and how people can be supported to live more independently. “One thing we are keen to emphasise is t... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809833 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:22:33 +0100 1809833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770637&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D894 7TH ANNUAL WEST HOLLYWOOD BOOK FAIR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 10AM to 6PM West Hollywood Park 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. Cost - FREE! Map to the Event - Click here. 400+ AUTHORS & ARTISTS Literary legends, celebrity guests, poets, storytellers and LA authors 100+ PANELS & BOOK SIGNINGS Mystery, entertainment, politics, memoir, comics, fiction, LGBT, food and multi-cultural 3 LIVE PERFORMANCE STAGES Theatre, poetry performances, storytelling, readings and poetry readings CHILDREN’S AREA Kids’ Stage with storytelling, children’s authors and performances. Arts, crafts, games hosted by exhibitors 125+ EXHIBITORS Independent book stores, small presses, authors, literary groups COMICS SCENE! AUTHOR ROW WEST HOLLYWOOD WRITES WRITING WORKSHOPS AND OVER 25,000 FELLOW READ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770637 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:38:16 +0100 1770637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730737&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D872 An infectious cause India Today Sunil Sethi August 22, 2008 AIDS Sutra: Untold Stories From India by Salman Rushdie, Kiran Desai, William Dalrymple and Others Random House India Price: Rs 395, Pages: 340 The HIV/AIDS story in India is full of strange and savage contradictions. For years, there was quibbling about the approximate number suffering from it. Figures veered wildly between 20 million and five million until the National Family Health Survey (2005-06) confirmed a realistic estimate of between two and three million. The patients are concentrated in certain states and districts and among high risk groups-sex workers, drug users, truckers among others. Indian drug companies have taken the lead in reducing the cost of anti-retroviral drugs, yet a combination of poor delivery, ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730737 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:09:15 +0100 1730737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1711782&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FyuGljrjApwA%2F Today’s New York Times weighs in not so much about the movie Tropic Thunder’s use of the r-word, as on the more general phenomenon of certain Hollywood movies seeking to top levels of tastelessness and crassness, and un-PC-ness, all in the name of box office revenues. The r-word is kind of r-rated around here and, indeed, just simply rude. And a sign of a rube? Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, beats, ben stiller, disabilities blog, disability, dream works, Family, family blog, films, Health, hollywood, intellectual disabilities, jack black, jr., Language, Movies, new york, parenthood, Parenting, pdd-nos, r-rated, robert downey, special olympiShare This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1711782 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:06:47 +0100 1711782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709272&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fu-yuPYW3BrU%2F I read about Jenny, a “special-needs elephant” (per the New York Times; she has, among much else, “crippling depression”). In the midst of discussions about the “r-word” in the Tropic Thunder movie, the words we use to refer to “kids who are different” or “academically challenged” or “special ed/special needs” resonate. When did “special” come to mean “needs SPECIAL education,” with undercurrents of, “not the most academically gifted student; not even average”? It’s not an academic question to me. My son Charlie’s academic abilities are “way way below” those considered “average” for his grade and age. And yet Jim and I, and his teachers too, aren&#... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709272 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:28:07 +0100 1709272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1704770&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FcHtQ07CYw9M%2F Regarding this boycott of the movie Tropic Thunder over its use of the term “retarded” and director and star Ben Stiller’s portrayal of “a weak-minded character named Simple Jack” : It’s starting to seem that, really, Hollywood’s got the “developmental delays”—is being “a little slow to get it”—-at least when it comes to understanding why mocking the “retarded” may be the last acceptable prejudice. And, why they should stop doing it. Here’s an article on the Special Olympics website about the boycott. Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, beats, ben stiller, disabilities blog, disability, dream works, Family, family blog, films, Health, hollywood, intellectual disabilities, jack black, jr.,... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1704770 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:00:04 +0100 1704770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696280&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FgShimX5nu7o%2F More than a dozen disabilities groups—including the Arc of the United States, the National Down Syndrome Congress, the American Association of People With Disabilities—-are calling on Monday for a boycott of the movie Tropic Thunder, which is to be released this Wednesday. The film is directed by actor Ben Stiller and is, according to the August 10th New York Times, a “movie-industry spoof”: A particular sore point has been the film’s repeated use of the term “retard” in referring to a character, Simple Jack, who is played by Mr. Stiller in a subplot about an actor who chases an Oscar by portraying a mindless dolt. ….. DreamWorks and Paramount have shown “Tropic Thunder” in more than 250 promotional screenings around the country since April, but sign... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696280 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:33:25 +0100 1696280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1535814&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F316980217%2F For your Saturday afternoon viewing: Autism Neighborhood offers a number of autism-related movies, all viewable online and offering thoughtful,and  hopeful, insights about autism. Interviewed are: Stephen Shore, an adult with autism, self-advocate, and author; Larry and Sharon Ceresi, the parents of Ryan Ceresi, who is 10 years old and autistic; faculty of the Yale Child Study Center; marriage and family therapist, Dr. Trent Cornell; and George Washington University anthropologist Roy Richard Grinker. Dr. Ami Klin says that the intellectual ability and potential of autistic individuals is often much greater than what they can display in terms of adaptive functioning and real-life skills—it’s a statement that definitely describes my own son, who can barely read but who clearly ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1535814 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:17:47 +0100 1535814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1475463&cid=t_109016_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwhat-is-it-like-to-be-108-years-old.html The video below features Australian Olive O'Riley, now 108, who went back to visit her childhood home in 2004. She was born in 1899 in the heart of Australia in Broken Hill. Her visit was recorded in the video below. She is known as the oldest blogger on the internet. You can visit her website at All About Olive.Her friend, Mike Rubbo, assists her with the blog and makes the videos. The entire video All About Olive is available for purchase at Ronin Films . (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475463 Wed, 28 May 2008 17:51:00 +0100 1475463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162578&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fmore-of-duncans-drawings.html I don't remember if I have ever mentioned here how Duncan is interested in logos and titles, especially for films and TV programmes. He will replay the opening scenes on his DVDs and videos many times, pausing to have a good look at the logos. Youtube has once again proved its marvellousness, since lots of other logo fans have made films of the idents and logos. Right now, I'd say his favourites are the VCI and Ragdoll production logos on his Tots TV and other BBC films. He draws these often, on the PC, on paper, on the steamed up car window and sometimes creating versions made from lego.Here's a film he and I put together of some of his most recent PC produced logo pictures. I have not yet bought him a graphics tablet (must do so soon) so he has managed to create all these using a rather ... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162578 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:02:00 +0100 1162578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1136909&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Ftarzan-times.html For the past few days, it's been all about Tarzan for Duncan. He has watched loads of clips from the Disney film on YouTube. He then found other versions of the story, including a cheesy 70's animation. I've listened to (endured?) countless Phil Collins songs. I actually really like the soundtrack, and the Disney film which I bought on video for Lady when Duncan was a baby. The scenes of the baby at the beginning of the film remind me of those days and my own wriggly boy and I can't watch them without getting a bit teary eyed.He must have listened to this slice of euro-pop a hundred times today. (Be warned, clicking that link may irritate!) Somehow I've managed not to go bananas.And of course, the pictures are produced and the Dogz are adopted and named. On the left are Tarzan dog, wearing... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1136909 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:35:00 +0100 1136909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1071046&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fbelts-woo-and-personalities.html Lady and Thomas graded in Ju-Jitsu at the weekend. They're now the proud owners of an orange and a white belt respectively. I'm surprised that Thomas graded so soon after starting, but the sensei said he was ready. He answered all the questions correctly too! So well done to them!Duncan usually stays with his grandma while the class is on, and Gordon and I go to the gym. On Saturday Duncan made it very clear he didn't want to stay there, so we wandered the town together for an hour. It was really nice. We picked a few library books, and I was tempted to pay a visit to the event upstairs, where there was some sort of CAM fair with stands on reiki, aromatherapy, angel er, handling(?) and the like. Duncan was in his major buggy, and although there was a lift somewhere, I couldn't be bothered ... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1071046 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:45:00 +0100 1071046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040121&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Flessons-with-food.html We're just back from our traditional Tuesday swim. Thomas can now swim 5 or 6 strokes on the surface. I give him a few tips now and then, but he prefers to get on with it by himself. Duncan has become more confident in the water as the weeks go by. I don't have to stay right beside him, and can swim around near them in the learner pool, so I'm getting a bit of exercise too.Thomas and Lady developed a 'history project' yesterday. They dressed up in different outfits, and read the relevant bits from their 'History Explorer' CD Rom. But the main point of the exercise seemed to eating the food of different places and eras. The had tea (ancient China) olives (Rome and Greece) bread (medieval Europe) and raisins, substituting for dates which we don't have, (Egypt). Like their parents, they belie... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040121 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:26:00 +0100 1040121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=811191&cid=t_109016_145_f&fid=35710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fksdescartin.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F08%2F20%2Fthis-artists-canvass-some-of-my-blahs%2F Thank you, Odette & Yuneeks for sharing this video. Thank you Joey Velasco for doing what you do. We all have a part. And it is very easy to forget. I hope the good collective intents and doings will have more and more tangible effects. The artist has done a very good service in letting the rest know what exists. Jose’ Rizal has always been right about bettering EDUCATION. With better education (and I mean real education and not just rote ABCs minus the practicality), people can think more, and can understand complexities of life more like the merits of planning and knowing when to have children or not. Procreation is a basic instinct. It is a primeval conduct. And personal evolution, seeing beyond and living beyond instincts, can be achieved with better education — better ... the story of healing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=811191 Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:24:15 +0100 811191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=774146&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F02%2Fcancer-took-roger-eberts-voice-not-his-ability-to-review-movie%2F Filed under: Throat Cancer, Daily news, MoviesRoger Ebert, one of America's best known film critics, has not been able to speak since he had emergency cancer surgery on July 1 to repair a burst blood vessel near the site of his June 16 surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his salivary gland. But he can still give a thumbs up or thumbs down as he reviews movies on his Web site.Starting today, clips from Ebert & Roeper and Ebert's prior episodes of his movie review TV show will be posted here. It just may be the largest collection ever of video-based online movie reviews -- 5,000 movie reviews spanning the past 20 years will be featured.Ebert is not quite sure when he might return to television as he awaits another surgery to restore his voice. In the meantime, he screens as many as t... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=774146 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 774146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=692398&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F127248733%2F The sometimes very heated back and forth exchange in a post about the Wright family feud has been noted. For myself, I think some tension inevitable when so much is at stake in regard to certain topics: the ethically loaded question of a possible prenatal test for autism; the “fighting word” that is “cure” (which this doctor, who treats autistic children with chelation, preferred not to use in this 2004 deposition). So I thought I would assure you all that, in film rating terms, and at the risk of myself appearing as a sort of Pollyanna, this blog is very much family-friendly. From Mingle2 - Online Dating Share This (Source: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=692398 Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:47:41 +0100 692398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=683373&cid=t_109016_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D584 the process of preparing for a big event (like for me, the pride parade) requires rest. there can be any number of modalities. unconsciousness is one of the tried-&-true, but the drawback is time slips away too quickly. ditto many forms of meditation. time & consciousness often disagree. or refuse to speak to one another. dreamtime stuff. one of the more fun and awake resting techniques is based on the principle of active rest, back from the days when i was a personal trainer and “group exercise” instructor at the gym. active rest. when you train for a physical event, like a 1.7-mile-long proud marathon in daylight, you want your training to include elements of rest, both before and after the big moment. so, instead of sitting at home staring at the tv, you delve into a co... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=683373 Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:52:55 +0100 683373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=637983&cid=t_109016_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F25%2Ftv-causes-elevated-glucose-in-children%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Lifestyle, Research, SupportThe report says, diabetic children who spend a great deal of time watching television had a tougher time controlling their blood sugar. I saw the headline and immediately envisioned that scene in The Poltergeist -- the infamous horror movie from the 80s. The study looked at 538 children with an average age of 13 who were affected by Type-1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused when the body cannot make insulin, which converts sugar from food into energy. The study's authors say encouraging children with Type-1 diabetes to watch less television may play an crucial role for improving blood sugar control and better health overall. Chicago diabetes educator Monica Joyce founded a basketball camp for diabetic children and wasn't surpris... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=637983 Fri, 25 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 637983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=514071&cid=t_109016_133_f&fid=35127&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthefamilyvoyage.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fsaturdays.html I do like Saturday afternoons. Lady and Gordon always go to the gym then to visit his mum and it's a really important routine for them all. It's just me and the boys at home. Thomas helped me to bake some cakes with icing and sprinkles. As I was stirring the icing, he was arranging the cakes and counting them, when he told me 'I know what 4 and 4 make, 4 and 4 makes 8!'Now he's playing in garden and Duncan has taken a break from drawing and writing (his main activities these days) to play the Home on the Range DVD on their computer. I've just done my traditional Saturday mega-clean of the kitchen while listening to the erudite and eloquent Mark Kermode film review show.It was our wedding anniversary yesterday. 11 years of wedded bliss...I'd rhapsodise the fella but he wouldn't like that so... The Voyage blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=514071 Sat, 31 Mar 2007 15:41:00 +0100 514071