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You’re Anti-Social!: Dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome by John M. Ellison IV
When I was about 15, my mom and I were at the grocery store doing some shopping. In the peripherals, there was a fieldtrip going on. My mom noticed this one little boy that wouldn’t walk down the aisle that had very pungent cleaning agents. My mom noticed this and asked the woman that led the group “what was wrong with the boy? My son had the same problem when he was younger and still kind of does.” The woman explained that he was autistic. My mom had an epiphany and we rushed back home to look into autism.
Back at the house, I remember being in my room reading some book on music theory or something. My mom walked into my room with these papers she printed out. I noticed she had this energy that emanated an aura of good news and resolution to a longtime confliction. She explained that I fit the profile of being on the autistic spectrum and what I have is called “Asperger’s Syndrome.” I read the print out and I could see a parallel to parts of my personality and the symptoms. To understand what Asperger’s Syndrome more, we went to a therapist who specialized in autism for an official diagnosis. Our suspicions were confirmed that the findings were accurate.
To anybody reading this, this shouldn’t be that much of a revelation. I’ve talked about this or I’ve referred to me being on the “spectrum” on my twitter account a few times but never really went in-depth about it. I guess I’m only talking about it because April is “Autism Awareness Month.” Understand, like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two cases are exactly alike. I underlined, highlighted and added an addendum to my symptoms and how they differ from the text book definition. Some of these symptoms I still deal with but some of these have actually weaned over the years.
I guess I’m expatiating on this because I’m tired of people that are on the autistic spectrum being seen as weird or perceived as incompetent and to explain to people that they’re different degrees of Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism. If some of my readers are parents and have a child on the autistic spectrum, hopefully this can help the parent understand them better.
Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others’ body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.”
Unless it’s a concert with my preferred genre of music, a convention that’s subject I’m interest in (ex. comics, anime, music etc.) When I’m out my realm, it gets a bit awkward on my end.
“Dislike any changes in routines.”
Saying “Yes” would be an understatement.
“Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the word “beckon” instead of “call” or the word “return” instead of “come back.”
Well, when I was in Kindergarten, some kid walked in on me while I was in the bathroom I was embarrassed by this and told the teacher I was “humiliated.” She never heard any kid in her class use a 5 syllable word and I also was reading at a high school level in 2nd grade.
“Avoid eye contact or stare at others.”
Hence the reason I wear sunglasses like 95 percent of the time. It’s nothing personal, I learned with some people that you happen to be looking in their direction while deep in thought and they…putting it eloquently “go ape shit.” To even add more fun to the equation, it’s been ingrained in our society to assume that people who don’t make eye contact are shifty. If we ever meet in public and I’m not looking right at you, don’t take it personally.
“Have unusual facial expressions or postures.”
I’ve been told that I wear my expressions on my face.
“Be preoccupied with only one or few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger’s syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or studying astronomy. They may show an unusual interest in certain topics such as snakes, names of stars, or dinosaurs.”
Well, let’s see…I have a website about music, politics and other subjects that’s basically an extension of my personality since I was about 8. It was either writing about this or I just babble on with somebody. Also, who decides what’s considered an “unusual” or usual interest? At least I try to “broaden my perspective.”
“Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.”
See the previous answer. As awkward as I am, if you give me like 15-20 minutes to feel comfortable around you or if I can feel in the situation then I usually can’t shut up.
“Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.”
A definite on learning how to ride a bike, but being 260-ish weight wise, yeah you can assume that I know how to use a fork. I guess I don’t have a “swagger” when I walk I just…walk. My handwriting…not too bad but could be better.
“Have heightened sensitivity and become over stimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures.”
Yeah…let’s just say that the clanging metal of shopping carts really sucks.
In closing, “Does it suck to have Asperger’s?” I usually respond, “Well, it could be worse, I could be ‘normal’…”
For more information:
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome-symptoms
Here’s a list of famous people on the Autistic Spectrum
http://www.asperger-syndrome.me.uk/people.htm
26
Dayton Family-Cocaine review by John M. Ellison IV
What do I know about Dayton Family…well, I know that they’re a rap group out of Flint, MI that’s currently signed to Hatchet House records and they’ve been a part of the Michigan rap scene for a minute. The group is now composed of Ira Dorsey, Raheen Peterson and new Matt Hinkle who perform under the respective personas of Bootleg, Shoestring and new member Backstabba.
The song in question is titled “Cocaine.” Yep, “Cocaine” You know, like the song by J.J. Cale that Eric Clapton made famous. You’re probably wondering how I came across this video? Well, I was checking out my Facebook page and I noticed a post from Iann Robinson where he posted a video for their single off Dayton Family’s EP “Psycho.”
When I first saw the video, my first few thoughts were…
What…the…hell?
Is that white powdery–ARE THEY COVERED IN COCAINE DOING LIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY?!
…Shouldn’t this song be faster?
The video is set in a club and features an opening montage that parodies the still frame intro of “Cheers”, women wrestling in kiddie pools full of cocaine and cameos from members of the Psychopathic Records roster. I remember when Insane Clown Posse was about dousing their fans with Faygo…now Violent J’s looks like Dr. Rockso! Song wise, I see the humor in it and Shoestring interjecting “Dem bitches selling coke!” had me laughing out loud because it was so random to me but flow wise the group kept my attention. In closing, I see the humor in it and I don’t think it’s meant to be taken too seriously.
Check it out for yourself.
25
So…I Was at the Arlington Draft House Friday by John M. Ellison IV
I remember first seeing comedians Erin Jackson and Bryson Turner open for John Witherspoon at the “D.C. Improv” comedy club in 2008. After the show, I found both of their respected Myspace pages and corresponded with Erin and Bryson. In fact, I even sent Erin some of my earliest attempts at being “funny.” Rule number…something, never TRY to be funny! Being funny on purpose is a lot like hemorrhoids. It’s painful, unwanted and easily prevented. I’ve been meaning to check her out whenever she’s in town, but due to scheduling issues on my end I couldn’t check out her set. I even tried to make it to her New Year’s Eve show in 2010, but the “road crew” and I were in Texas on a family vacation. But for every show I couldn’t make, I always got the word out that she was performing so people could check it out.
On April 22, I was checking out my Facebook messages and I noticed invite from Erin Jackson. She was doing a one night only show in Arlington, VA at the “Arlington Draft house.” Well, Arlington isn’t that far from where I am also mom and sis had to pick up my sister’s godsister’s baby in Arlington anyway. So, the missus and I bought two tickets at the gate and mom and sis went to pick up “lil’ dude.” When the missus and I were in the lobby, I noticed that we were surrounded by HIPSTERS! But to be fair, they were friendly though…probably because of the booze. Also I think I offended a drunken hippie with my kind of off color comments while standing in line with the missus.
After we found some seats, we sat down and waited for the show to start. Then the announcer introduced the first comedian Mike Way to the stage. Mike Way was quite funny, more of an observational kind of style. The second set was with comedian Jason Weems, more observational humor that went with the tone of the show but Jason Weems more animated. Either way, both were funny!
The announcer then introduced Erin and when she hit the stage she received quite an enthusiastic reaction from the sold out crowd. There were some familiar jokes that I remember her doing back in ‘08, some material that I read on her blog and some newer material as well. Erin’s set was a great mix of observational humor, public confession and all around very smart comedy.
The thing that I dig about shows like this is the “meet and greet” the performer has with the fans afterwards. Here’s the trouble with me and these moments of fan interaction. You can ask anybody that knows me offline or anybody who I’ve met and made some impression on can confirm that I am REALLY nervous around people I haven’t seen in awhile or meeting for the first time. Basically turn into a very jumpy version of ““Boomhauer”” from “King of the Hill”…well for the first 15 minutes that is.
Anyway, there was a line to meet Erin but she was talking with some fans and I didn’t want to intrude. To not look as awkward by just standing there I saw Jason Weems at the merchandise table with his comedy special on DVD “Jason Weems Intellectual Property Vol. 1.” We spoke briefly; apparently we both dig the same comedians and then I realized who he was. I also picked up a copy of his DVD that I’ll probably do a review on later. Remember, I’m still in “Boomhauer” mode at this point and I was legit afraid that I was going to say something dumb that would take me from my status as “very supportive fan” to “creepy yet helpful stalker.”
So after some comforting words from the missus I stayed in line, then when it was my turn I walked up to Erin and I barely whisper “hi.” From her expression, I could tell that she recognized me from somewhere and said that I looked familiar. In my timid state I said “it’s me…uh, John or SketchofMD on Twitter.” She was pleasantly surprised that I made it out to the show and gave me a hug. What surprised me was that she recognized me by my real name. I also explained to her that I’ve been meaning to check her show out since ‘08 but since I couldn’t make those shows I always made sure that I would get the word out that she was performing. She noticed that I did that for all this time and appreciated it.
It’s still kind of blurry but I remember her asking where I was from; I mentioned that I was out in…well, not going to mention it on here but I originally lived near SE DC. I asked “whatever happened to Bryson?” and she said that he was in New York now. I asked her about her plans she was going to meet with some friends she hasn’t seen in a minute. During the exchange, the missus took some photos of us and she inquired in a friendly matter if they were going to be on my site. Honestly, I was elated that she even noticed my site.
So I scurry off to the side with the missus and after checking out the photos she took I was going to tell Erin that I was about to head back home but I noticed Erin talking to some other fans and I didn’t want to intrude on that. So the missus and I rolled out and headed back home. I’m proud of the strides that Erin’s making and she’s a great example of the power of a strong fan base, hard work and social networking can lead to a sold out show.
If Erin Jackson’s in your town and you’re truly a fan of comedy, it’s imperative that you check her out!
21
Muthawit-men & women (la Revenge de Uncle Baldy) review by John M. Ellison IV
I’ve just gotten a copy of the redux of “men & women (la Revenge de Uncle Baldy.) This version of the album has had a few songs removed. That’s kind of disappointing because some of my favorite songs got cut off. The album “men & women (la Revenge de Uncle Baldy)” sounds like a concept album about the crumbling of a relationship between a man and a woman at first but after repeated listening to grasp nuances; it’s more about how men and women interact with each other in general. From what I’ve noticed, this album really plays more like a film than an record. Every composition is like a scene rather than a song. If you had to label it genre-wise…well like most music under the UrbAlt umbrella it’s kind of difficult to do that.
I mean, overall “men & women (la Revenge de Uncle Baldy)” fuses many musical elements that are rooted in genres such as shoegazing, post-punk, soul, avant-garde but has blended it together into what is so unique to the MuthaWit Orchestra.
Here are some of my favorite “scenes” from this great movie.
Wasted (Fill My House with Salt)
This is a bluesy, jazzy rocker with fuzzed out bass that would inspire one to try to start a mosh pit…at a jazz club.
“Waiting For My…”
Another rocked out gem with Boston Fielder being the driving musical force behind this composition along with the imperative work of Meryl “Miss J” Jefferson on violin and Sam Myer on trombone.
men & women
This is a composition that plays with sound, like an orchestral jazz fusion piece written for a ballet.
In closing, if you’re not really familiar with UrbAlt, then consider this album the UrbAlt manifesto; a visual and audio hypnotic, unique experience that blurs the line between dream and reality. Look for the physical release of Muthawit’s men & women (la Revenge de Uncle Baldy) on June 3rd 2011.
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“Waiting for My…” by Muthawit Orchestra review by John M. Ellison IV
Hey folks, right now I’m listening to “Waiting For My…” by Muthawit Orchestra. “Waiting For My…” was featured on the first version of the “Men & Women (La Revenge de Uncle Baldy) album.” I’m not sure about the upcoming physical release, but the online version doesn’t seem to have “Waiting For My…” One of the differences that I noticed from the original release of the album and the re-release is the sonic clarity of this version in comparison to the original.
The core musician on here is Boston Fielder. Boston on here plays drums, guitar, bass, keys, percussion and is also on lead vocals. Fielder is also accompanied by the talents of Meryl “Miss J” Jefferson on violin, Sam Myer on trombone, additional guitar and bass work by Lou Rossi and Martell Ade Olusina Brown respectively and Arthur J. Fielder Jr. on background vocals. One of the highlights on “Waiting For My…” would have to be “Miss J”‘s wah violin solo and Sam Myer’s trombone playing brings a jazzy kind of sophistication to the song.
In closing, if you want to hear something that’s sophisticated but accessible at the same time…you would definitely want to take a listen.
Find “Waiting For My…” on Bandcamp
15
Joey Ramone Tribute by John M. Ellison IV
Wow…it’s been 10 years since the passing of Ramones lead singer Joey Ramone, (real name Jeffry Ross Hyman)
In recognition, I’m posting some of my favorite solo cuts from Joey’s solo career. Not deep analysis needed, I’ll just let the music speak for itself.
“Cabbies on Crack”
“What a Wonderful World” cover
“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”
Don’t Worry About Me
14
Prince on Lopez Tonight! by John M. Ellison IV
Well of course I had to feature Prince’s performance on Lopez Tonight! Prince is doing a string of 21 shows at the Forum in Los Angeles,CA which starts on April 14, 2011. To promote it, Prince performed on TBS late night show Lopez Tonight. Oddly enough Lopez Tonight is filmed at Warner Bros. studios. For people that understand Prince’s tumultuous history with Warner Brothers Records…well you see what I’m getting at.
Here are some clips from the April 13, 2011 performance on Lopez Tonight
Prince-The Beautiful Ones
Prince-You’re the One for Me
12
Sketch Malkus-Treacherous Cretins album
No, this isn’t “The Jester” album that I was talking about earlier this year. Actually, this is an album called “Treacherous Cretins” that I recorded when I was living out in Hanover,MD that I just put up for download on Bandcamp. “Treacherous Cretins” is an instrumental rock album with elements of funk, rock, electronica, post-punk and industrial that I recorded back in ‘06-07 as a project out of the frustration for not being able to find musicians that understood what I was trying to accomplish musically and also out of the lack of interest in most popular music of the time. So, instead of complaining about the state of music it I just recorded my own album. Understand, this was recorded between ‘06 and ‘07. I’ve learned a few lessons from recording this album…like mixing. Enjoy.
11
Straight Line Stitch-”Tear Down the Sky” review by John M. Ellison IV
Just came across this band called “Straight Line Stitch” after checking out Afropunk.com. Straight Line Stitch is a metalcore band out of Tennessee that reminds me of a more accessible version of Otep minus the rap influenced vocals. Actually, lead singer Alexis Brown’s delivery kind of remind me of a female Phil Anselmo.
In this case I’m going to focus on the first track off of their 2011 release “The Fight of Our Lives” titled “Tear down the Sky.” Lyrically, my interpretation of “Tear down the Sky” is about somebody dealing with deception and having your delusions shattered. Instrumentally, the band pulls off a balance of hard hitting double kick drums, downtuned guitars but has that accessible edge so even casual music fans that are looking for something heavier but don’t want to go full “metal” just yet can enjoy. Also the slight electronica edge to sweeten the sound doesn’t hurt either.
In closing, if you’re looking for something along the lines of Otep and Pantera, you might want to check this out.
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