Prepare to expand your experience! Pittverse Magazine is a quarterly publication that proudly represents the introspection and creativity of adults on the autism spectrum. Its goal is to provide thoughtful opinion and enhanced knowledge of wide -ranging topics to the public while providing its writers, who are all adults on the autism spectrum, with skills applicable to future employment.
Pittverse is produced by Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), a national non-profit agency that comprises a multitude of services for families with not only individuals on the autism spectrum but also other at-risk youth and adults. Brian Kluchurosky, the director of YAP’s PA Allegheny County Adults with Autism Program, founded Pittverse in 2013. It began
as a newsletter written by four of the adults in the YAP program. In 2015, with generous funding from Edith Trees Foundation, Pittverse grew from a newsletter into a magazine that commissions over twenty autistic adults.
Welcome to The Pittverse...
Letter from the Editor
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hanks for taking a look at our spring 2017 issue of Pittverse magazine—our first issue of volume three!
I hope you love the new look of the front cover as much as we do! Several of the Pittverse writing staff meetings were spent discussing how to update the appearance of the magazine. The writers took a look at several different options for a new cover design and worked together to make the great choice you see here!
We have some great, diverse content waiting for you inside this issue. Writers Delaine and Daniel wrote poignant pieces on living with autism (pages 11, 25, and 33). David and Michelle both chose to write about feline companions (pages 3 and 8)! We have interviews with some of Pittsburgh’s most artistic individuals—Bryan interviewed the artists of Painting With a Twist (page 5), and Sara B. interviewed a local music director (page 15).
Happy Spring!
Renee Fisher Pittverse Editor
There’s also a great short fiction section waiting for you at the back of the magazine (beginning on page 44). If you’re into sci fi and super heroes, you have to check it out. This issue really showcases the diversity and talent on the autism spectrum. We hope you enjoy it! Make sure to keep an eye on the Pittverse website (pittverse.wordpress.com) and our next issue coming this summer for some more exciting changes and new content!
Contents
3… Interview with Animal Protectors Director Mike Keryeski (David O’Rorey) 4… Hockey Coach John Stevenson (Mike Perret) 5… Twisted Art: Interview with the Staff of Painting with a Twist (Bryan Lippert) 8… My Cat, Thalia Grace (Michelle Middlemiss) 9… Interview with an Autistic Support Teacher (M.J. Devine) 11… Living Through a Meltdown and Coming Out on the Other Side (Delaine Swearman) 13… A Dog-Related Medical Information Report (J.D.C.) 14… Advice for Airline Passengers (Kevin Hart) 15… My Aunt, The Music Director (Sara Brooks) 17… Hillary and the Downfall (Dmitry Harmon) 19… Interview with Port Authority (Kevin Hart) 22… My Dream Career (Mark Sulkin) 23… Loula’s Lasagna Recipe (M.J. Devine) 24… Pittsburgh Jazz (Richard Campbell) 25… Anxieties of Living with Asperger’s (Daniel Ashkin) 27… Fish Fry-days (Delaine Swearman, Bryan Lippert, and Kenneth Miller)
31… My Geckos and Their Eggs (Michelle Middlemiss) 33… Proper Communication Skills (Daniel Ashkin) 35… Motorcycles of the Glory Road (Nature f.f. Aura) 36… Hope (Bryan Lippert) 36… Facts About Health Foods (Bryan Lippert) 37… About Cell Phone Obsessions (Bryan Lippert) 37… Independence Day (Bryan Lippert) 38… Irish Facts (Bryan Lippert) 39… Original Photography (Robert Hester) 41… Theater Round Up (Kenneth Miller) 42… Planning Ahead (Kenneth Miller) 43… My Interview with Carol from Children’s Hospital (Mike Levenson) 44… Lark Timeline (Michelle Middlemiss) 45… Lark’s Story Part Six (Michelle Middlemiss) 47… History Repeats (Sarah Lehman) 48… I Heard the News Today (Sarah Lehman) 49… Top 10 Sandra Bullock Films (Richard Campbell)
50… Top 9 Easter Movies (Sara Brooks) 50… Top 10 Places I Like To Go (Sara Brooks)
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Every Home Needs a Cat Interview with Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley Director Mike Keryeski
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by David O’Rorey
got into cats in 2006 when my mom's friend Cheryl Moffa found a female tortoiseshell cat. Cheryl gave the cat to us, and we ended up naming her Muffin. For some reason, I thought cats were evil, so I did not like her at first. I was never a fan of cats, but over the years, I got to know her and we became very close. I call her the babes or the furry friend or furry companion. I love her very much. She is my baby girl. I play with her a lot if she is not sleeping. I also cuddle her and comfort her. She also is very friendly and forgiving, and she comes up to me a lot and rubs on me.
that the animal they wish to adopt will not be housed outdoors. If the individual is a renter, they are required to bring in a copy of their lease. If living rent-free but with a relative, said relative must give permission for the adoption.
Payment in full is required at the time of adoption by cash, debit card, or credit card. Checks are not accepted. Adopters agree to contact Animal Protectors to make arrangements for the return of the animal if the adoption is not successful. There are some interesting things you might need to know. All the cats are spayed and neutered. Cost for adoption varies. Kittens under six months are a $110, cats six months and older are $90. Also, cats over seven years are $45. The shelter never kill cats, and they reserve the right to deny any application. They are also able to help with medical bills depending on the situation. I have volunteered for years and can tell you
Since I love my cat so much, I think everyone should have a cat. Recently I started volunteering at the animal shelter in New Kensington, Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley. I interviewed the director of the animal shelter, Mike Keryeski, about adopting a cat. Mike has been volunteering at the shelter for nine years. Even though he prefers dogs, he still has found thousands of homes for cats. He explained to me the process of adoption. The process takes two to three days or so. An individual must complete an Animal Protectors adoption application accompanied by photo identification. Applicants must be 18 years of age and older. This is followed by an interview by an adoption counselor. All applicants must agree
demonstrate the ability to provide a stable environment, proper veterinary care, and basic needs including food, exercise, and companionship.
Mike Keryeski and David O’Rorey
Adoptions, specifically dog adoptions, will require a property check and/or a home visit. Once a cat is selected, a vet checks on the current pet to ensure that the cat is up-to-date with immunizations. Next, they conduct a meet n’ greet with the prospective adopters. Individuals must
that they have clean cages, provide plenty of food and water, and also allow the cats to socialize. Please contact your local shelter if you are interested in adopting a cat. Shelters allow anyone to volunteer unless they have certain handicap requirements, depending on the shelter. Training is provided for all volunteers. I hope you find a shelter to volunteer at and adopt a cat for your home. They are good companions.
Hockey Coach John Stevenson by Mike Perret
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oach John Stevenson did not go to college to become a hockey coach. John Stevenson is the president and founder of the Emperors hockey team. The Emperors hockey team has been around for four years and continues to be successful. John Stevenson loves his job as a Head Coach for the Emperors. He will be continuing to coach the Emperors hockey team. John Stevenson is in charge of the Emperors organization. Coach Stevenson and his hockey team love to go on trips to hockey tournaments in the United States and to Canada. John Stevenson has hockey practices from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Saturday evening. John Stevenson has a dangerous job being on the ice as a hockey coach, and the
reason is because he can get seriously hurt even when wearing a hockey helmet. John Stevenson loves his coaching staff and the reason is because they do an excellent job coaching the Emperors. Being a hockey coach also requires a lot of attention to the hockey pucks that are flying on the ice. If you're not paying any attention to the hockey pucks that are on the ice, you can become seriously injured, be in the hospital with a head injury, or even have a concussion. Being a hockey coach is a very serious job and you have to pay attention to the hockey pucks that are on the ice. Hockey pucks are frozen and very hard to recover from a concussion if you are hit in the head with the puck.
Also, hockey pucks are made of rubber, as well. To conclude this article, Coach John Stevenson loves his job, and it can also be a dangerous job as well. Being a hockey coach requires a lot of attention, instruction for his players, practice, and focus. If anyone wants to become a hockey coach, they can look up to Coach John Stevenson because he has a lot of experience and a lot of talent. If anyone also wants to join the Emperors hockey team, all they have to do is give Coach John Stevenson a call.
Emperors Hockey Team Member
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Twisted Art
Interview with the Staff of Painting with a Twist
by Bryan Lippert
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n Wednesday January 11, 2017 I decided it would be sweet to try out a class at Painting with a Twist, located in Southside. The studio’s address is 2603 East Carson Street #101, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. I called Painting with a Twist on Wednesday, January 11 around 3 p.m. and spoke with Ashley, who explained to me what Painting with a Twist consists of.
long did you go for schooling? Ashley said these are good questions to ask the artists. My third question was, what's a typical class size that you get on a daily basis? Ashley said it greatly varies. It can be as small as two people, and they have classes with over 50 people at
She said a class is $35.00 and lasts two hours. I was lucky enough that they were running the special that night for only $25.00. You can bring your own beverage; it doesn't matter what it is. There's no cover charge for bringing your own beverage. The $35.00 you pay covers you, the art supplies, paint, brushes, the easel, the time spent, etc. Ashley sounded very nice and informative. I ended up getting very excited over the phone to interview her, take the painting class, and meet the artists and other folks. A few days after my initial call, the phone interview with Ashley took place. Ashley Painting with a Twist staff: Jake and Ashley could not answer my first question, what led you to pursue times. The class size depends on art as a career? She said, yeah, the night of the week and the that’s something an artist could paintings. Painting with a Twist answer. Ashley is not an artist; she once had a class size of 150 peoworks the business. Ashley is the ple offsite with a class they held one who answers the phone calls, at Duquesne University. The emails, and books the parties. largest class at a Painting with a Twist studio was 54 people, My second question was, what which also is the max number college did you attend, and how the studio can hold.
Next, I asked Ashley to describe a typical day at work. Ashley said she comes in, answers messages left on the phone overnight, answers emails, and books parties for people who want to have a birthday party, etc. She makes sure the events are staffed, have enough artists and assistants, and does inventory of paintings in the studio. The artists don't work all day, they just come in to work the class. Ashley works Monday through Friday during the day. The artists run the classes on nights and weekends.
Question five was, what's stressful about this job? Ashley said, making sure enough people sign up, because the business depends on how many people come to paint. It's stressful whenever people are not signing up, from a manager’s stand point. Or if customers are not happy, that's stressful, too. Next, I asked Ashley, do you plan on retiring? Ashley said, this is interesting; all the people who work here at Painting with a Twist are young, in their 20s. Ashley's parents own the Southside studio location; they obviously would love to retire. The Painting with a Twist is an individualized franchise. Question seven was, what's your next steps towards the future? Ashley said they would love to offer a variety of classes, like painting on
wine glasses. I said, wow you can already do that. The folks can bring in their wine, drink them, then paint the wine bottles. Ashley said, Bryan you’re a genius!. Ashley also said maybe down the road, she’d like to open up another studio at a different location. Ashley then asked me a time to come down to interview the artists and take the class. She gave me two options: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. the night of Friday, January 13, 2017 or 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017. She mentioned that on Saturday Jake the artist manager could either answer my questions before, after, or during class. He's actually going to be there doing office work.
Jake said he's done a couple of websites for himself and others. When he did go to school, he did more sketches and charcoal. It's a good foundation when approaching any kind of art. Next, I asked Jake, what's a typical day like at work for you? He said he prepares for the class and then greets everyone old and new to the painting experience. Whenever everyone's there, he
Ashley asked would you like to sign up with me over the phone? I said yes. Ashley then took my reservation to send to Jake. I gave Ashley my first and last name; I had to spell it out for her and break it down in syllables. Out of my surprise, I was put on hold to be able to also interview Jake the artist over the phone as well. I asked Jake, what led you to pursue art as a career? Jake said, art was something that he always enjoyed growing up. He also said he enjoys teaching art to others. He mentioned sometimes people get scared of art. He likes to push people through art and watch them accomplish the task/art at hand. Bryan and Kayla It makes him feel better. Then walks them through what they're at the end of the class, when the people are done with what they doing. painted, they are surprised of My fourth question was, what's what they can do. stressful about this job? Jake said My second question for Jake was, two things from the top of his head. One is when people take what college did you attend? Jake said he went to St. Vincent Col- the class too seriously about the painting. Art is about fun, but lege. His degree was actually in environmental science, although some folks think down on themhe did minor in graphic design. selves. The second thing is trying to stay in the time limit. Trying
to make sure everyone is at the same pace, since you only get two hours to paint. Sometimes it can be stressful. Next, I asked Jake, do you plan on retiring? Jake says it's something he can keep on doing for the rest of his life, whether it be for his job or in his free time. My last question for Jake was, what's your next step towards the future? Jake says he sees himself at Painting with a Twist for a while. He also says he wants to focus back on his degree of environmental science. Then this gets better. I showed up early on Friday, January 13, 2017. Ashley told me to come around 7:45 p.m. before the 8 p.m. class starts. I arrived around 3:40 p.m. I made sure I got to see Ashley in person. It's only fair to include everyone in this who I interviewed. Personally, I think meeting in person is so much better; the phone conversation led do this. While I was at the art studio, I had to pick a class, either to paint a winter’s scene with Jake or a lighthouse with Kayla. It was great since I got to check out the art studio, meet Ashley and Jake, and to my surprise, I met Kayla who turned out to be my artist for the night, since she's the artist teacher teaching everyone how to paint a lighthouse. I really did want to paint the lighthouse, so I did it for myself and my dad. I'm sure he'll be proud, since he made his very own functional lighthouse for his and my mom's front lawn. Anyways, I asked Kayla, my artist for the night, the same questions I asked Ashley and Jake from earlier that day. Question one was, what led you to pursue art as a career? She said that's a tricky question. She always liked art history, like the famous artists Fangor,
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Monet, and all of that. The famous artists influenced her at a young age. Question two for Kayla was, what college did you attend? When Kayla was in high school, she took advanced placement art classes. She took art classes outside of high school, as well. She did this seriously since age 14. Then she went to Edinboro University and earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and her minor in art history. Question three for Kayla was, describe a typical day at work. She said she comes in, does pre paints for a couple hours, and gets ready to get up on stage to teach her class. Then, she cleans up and goes home.
times you have to raise your voice or make a joke. Question five for Kayla was, do you plan to retire? She said, "No, not yet." She's not even thinking about that. Question six for Kayla was, what are your next steps towards the future? She said along with the job at Painting with a Twist, she also does commissions. She does artwork for whomever wants her to do artwork for them. It can be simple or complicated.
The time came for me to paint that lighthouse with Kayla the artist teacher with a class size of
Question four for Kayla the artist was, what's stressful about this job? She says it's stressful sometimes whenever you're up on stage trying to teach certain things. It's hard to teach blending colors/ paints and such. Sometimes people don't always pay attention. Some-
Bryan’s Lighthouse Painting
Bryan and Jake
Bryan and Ashley
14 people: me, three other guys, and the rest were women. So I enjoyed the class. There was a point where we played a game to try to win prizes. It was hot potato. I lost. This blonde haired white lady won. Kayla seemed to teach well, with a funny twist to it. Next time I'll have to take a class with Jake, who also seemed very nice, smart, and talented like myself. I did indeed surprise myself; my painting didn't come out like Kayla’s, very close though. I was happy with the outcome. For everyone who doesn't know about Painting with a Twist, feel free to check them out some time.
An Interview with My Cat, Thalia Grace by Michelle Middlemiss
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halia, do you remember where you lived when I rescued you?
pletely gone. I still have a tailbone but my tail is more of a stub.
We are built low to the ground to make us better at hunting rodents.
At the Humane Society on the Northside. When you picked me up, it was love at first sight.
Are you a mix of anything? I have a wild mix with Lynx in my blood.
Is it true that you like to read and why?
Thalia Grace, when did I get you? I was a graduation present to you when you graduated from CCAC at Boyce Campus. You just received your Teacher’s Assistant Degree. What kind of cat are you? I am an American Bobtail. Unlike the Manx, my tail is not com-
What do your paws look like? My paws look like the Bobcat and Lynx. I have webbed toes so I can swim better in the water. Sometimes I do hop when I run. What texture is your fur? I have really soft fur from my wild side. It’s much softer than most cats.
There are always so many books in the house and you were a Lit major! I like to sit next to someone who is reading. Thalia, what is your favorite thing to do? Crawl up on your lap, purr, and fall asleep. I’ve heard people say sometimes I sound like I chirp.
Why do you look so small?
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Interview With an Autistic Support Teacher by M.J. Devine
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wanted to write an article about teachers who teach children with autism. I was in autistic support classrooms in the Pittsburgh Public School district. I went to Brookline Elementary, Pittsburgh Classical Academy Middle, and Brashear High School. I feel that I learned a lot from my teachers. I currently volunteer at Pittsburgh Classical Academy. I volunteer for preschool children and middle school aged children. The middle school children have autism. I feel I help them learn how to make friends. I talk to them about how important education is for them. I tell them to dream dreams and go after what they want and to believe in themselves and think about their future plans.
Answer: I started off freshman year as a nursing major. I knew I wanted to make a difference, to change lives; I thought that was going to be nursing, then I quickly remembered that I was no good at science and changed majors after the first semester.
Answer: Honestly, seeing the progress each individual student makes day to day. I love being able to tell their parents the progress they have made and see their parents light up with pure joy.
Question 3: How many years of college did you need to go
Answer: Paperwork of course! It truly never goes away :) Question 6: What do you hope to achieve by being a teacher? Answer: I hope to achieve teaching my students skills they need to function in the world and to be able to communicate effectively. Question 7: Do you have any heroes? Answer: I am a huge believer in applied behavior analysis and verbal behavior. With that being said, B.F Skinner. He was one of the most influential psychologists of behaviorism.
Being at the school, I decide to interview a new teacher at PCA. She is an autistic support teacher. Her classroom is a Vb classroom. Question 1: What inspired you to be a teacher? Answer: I wanted to make a difference. All successful people in the world started off with a good teacher. When deciding to be a teacher freshman year of college, I thought back to all the great teachers I had the pleasure of knowing and I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives as they made a difference in mine. Question 2: Have you ever thought about a different career? If so what?
Question 5: What is the worst part of your job?
Question 8: Did you want this career as a kid? Why or why not?
through? Answer: I spent four years at La Roche College for my bachelors and two years at the University of Pittsburgh to obtain my masters in special education and applied behavior analysis. Question 4: What is the best part about your job?
Answer: I honestly always thought I would be nurse. There was never a question, until freshman year of college with an anatomy class followed by chemistry three days a week to determine it was not for me. I never looked back after switching my major. Question 9: What were your childhood dreams? Answer: To be happy and successful. I think so far, I have achieved that!
Question 10: Do you feel that you have had an impact on the students that you’ve taught? If so in what way? Answer: I think so. To see how far they grow from the beginning of the year to the end is remarkable! Question 11: What was your major when you were in college? Answer: My undergrad was in elementary and special education and my masters was in special education and applied behavior analysis. Question 12: Have you ever been a mentor to someone? If so who? Answer: I have not been. But, I have trained multiple paraprofessionals and 1:1 aides on programming in my classroom, and I am always willing to help out other teachers. Question 13: What was it like for you in college? Answer: I enjoyed college. I had good friends, I played volleyball throughout the years, and gained
an abundance of knowledge about teaching and life. Question 14: Are you happy so far with what you’ve achieved as being a teacher? Answer: Of course. I am happy every day that I get to see growth in the kids! Question 15: How long have you been teaching? Answer: This is my third year of teaching. Prior to teaching, I was a paraprofessional, behavior management assistant, and coordinator for 3 years. Question 16: Of the years that you’ve been a teacher, which do you, think was your most successful. Why? Answer: I think this year I have felt the most successful. I left a job I loved to come to Pittsburgh Public Schools, walked into an established classroom and was able to make it my own, show the staff new things, and see so my growth in behaviors and skills in a short amount of time.
Question 19: Have you always been a good writer? Answer: I haven't! I could never be an English teacher! Good thing for spell check :) Question 20: What was it that got you interested in teaching? Answer: Having great teachers in my life who supported me and never gave up! That's what I wanted to achieve! Question 21: Why did you choose to teach Autistic support? Answer: We were required to take a special education class. I wasn't sold on teaching special education until after that class! I went straight to my advisor and added special education to my coursework. Throughout my classes in special education, I focused my research on children with autism. My first internship was given to us, and I was in an autistic support classroom. From there, I truly knew that I was meant to teach autistic support, I couldn't imagine doing anything different:)
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Living Through a Meltdown and Coming Out on the Other Side by Delaine Swearman
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o the outsider, an autistic meltdown might look like a huge over-reaction, a person looking to create drama, or a temper-tantrum by a person clearly not acting their age. One little disappointment or someone saying the wrong thing, and a person suddenly goes from being completely "normal" to flying into a rage, yelling, making unreasonable demands, and/or crying uncontrollably. Then they might isolate themselves and refuse all attempts of well-meant help.
Dominique Clemans says, "The causes are small things I tamp down and then one last thing breaks the camel's back or extreme panic/fear. It feels like your brain catches on fire and it's very difficult to put it out. Everything starts to churn and it's hard to come back down. I need to stay away from people for a while."
One local anonymous adult says, "l have meltdowns when something doesn't work out as planned and something bad happens or I'm stressed and I am trying to get stuff done on time and I get yelled at. I get angry and anxious and then I obsess over the problem. recover by listening to music and surfing the internet."
Claire Halemba says, "I don't like thunderstorms or loud noises like sirens. I think I just feel over-
Yet, to the person experiencing the meltdown, the experience is much different. This article will hopefully shed light into just what it actually feels like to be the person having the meltdown. I interviewed many autistic adults to get several perspectives, and not surprisingly there are many similarities among their experiences. I've used the name that the person felt most comfortable having published in the magazine. Some adults wished to remain anonymous about their experiences.
“Meltdowns for me are like a hundred mental tornados.�
Another anonymous adult says, "l have meltdowns when people don't listen to me or ignore me and when I'm dealing with rude and inconsiderate people that have no patience. I get mad and raise my voice. I recover by listening to music that I like and trying not to get upset at others."
The majority of adults interviewed did experience "acute" meltdowns at least occasionally, although a few did not, or described their meltdowns as "nervous breakdowns" that occurred due to long term and repeated stressors. I was interested in what caused meltdowns, how autistic adults actually described the meltdown itself, and how they recovered from them. These are their responses.
whelmed and anxiety when I have a meltdown. I just calm myself down. I take deep breaths. " Lynda says, "Financial transactions that "go wrong" or people telling me "no" when I believe the answer should be "yes" and mean bus drivers cause my meltdowns. When I get frustrated, the experience is so intense I "act out" like a child, throwing a tantrum. I just cannot hold it inside. I go from zero to one hundred twenty in a few seconds when t get angry. I recover when I get exhausted from the tantrum and my throat gets sore from screaming or the situation gets resolved or I sense that I may be on the verge of getting arrested or assaulted by aggravating someone."
Richard Martin Campbell says, "Meltdowns are caused by anger, anxiety, and emotions.� David Matthews says, "My meltdowns are caused by unfamiliar situations and forgetting or not knowing something. Meltdowns for me are like a hundred mental tornados. The funnel clouds are twirling inside my head and occasionally bumping into each other. I recover by telling myself, either verbally or mentally, to control myself. I examine the situation as objectively as possible. I'll practice calming breathing." George says, "It's tough to pinpoint any specific causes, as a meltdown is usually the result of a buildup of stressors throughout the day, though sometimes it will happen earlier in the day depending on the amount of sleep and the severity of the unexpected experience or revelation. I suppose that
is a common thread, that the experience that sets off a meltdown for me is unexpected. I would describe the meltdown as a sudden feeling of lack of mental or emotional control and/or being overwhelmed, usually it's both. The best recovery options for me have been finding a place to be by myself, drinking water, and sleep." In addition to contacting local autistic adults, I asked these same questions to autistic adults I communicate with through online Facebook groups to get their responses as well. CM has meltdowns resulting from the frustration of not being able to communicate effectively, sensory overload, being tired, and dealing with people. FB has meltdowns from sensory, emotional, social, cognitive, or empathy overload
MF says having a meltdown is like "being a time bomb without a timer and any wire that gets cut will cause it to explode." JL says she feels like "the Tasmanian Devil on speed having an anxiety attack, but bound up in a straight jacket and locked in a cage." AP explains a meltdown as "my processor is over-clocked and going to shut down because there is not enough RAM for all the computations." CM describes the meltdown experience as "brain overloaded and boom you explode. I get screamed at to calm down and
JM needs quietness and deep breathing to recover. JU goes to his room, listens to music and concentrates on breathing after having a meltdown PA recovers from meltdowns by getting away from people and sitting in a dark room, preferably in bed. Interestingly, there were many different descriptions of the actual meltdown, yet they all resonated within me. The common meltdown experience that so many of us share can be described in many unique ways. I think the following is an accurate general description. The experience starts with a building up, caused by many stressors that overload the person. Then the meltdown itself has a final triggering event. It is sudden and intense and has an energy that needs to get out, but a feeling of being trapped at the same time, in a confusion and chaos. The release of energy leaves one completely drained, and recovery requires self-care, by being alone and doing calming activities.
“Having people around us who are patient and understanding will lead to the best possible outcome.�
VV has meltdowns from being misunderstood, not having enough alone time, having to switch between tasks multiple times, unexpected changes in routine, becoming confused, or people moving her things. CB says any type of injustice will cause him to meltdown.
JC says sounds like popping or chomping bubblegum set her off. AD has meltdowns when he encounters stressful situations that he can't control and when he feels helpless. SR has meltdowns due to several of the following at once: being around people, unfinished and undecided things, unfairness, unexpected outcomes, sensory stimulus.
get a grip. I have even been harshly disciplined by people because they just think I'm a brat and I want to control the situation." JS would explain a meltdown as "a time of emotional unrest like a storm that cannot be contained. It is of no use to help because it has to run its course. You will never fully understand, but you are better to just back off and allow us to work through it." MF and SR need to sleep to recover from a meltdown LKU also sleeps. She describes the experience like a reboot from a crashed computer. When she wakes up, her system is back online allowing her to move forward.
Meltdowns are extremely unpleasant to experience and can best be avoided by managing the stressors that lead up to them. However, as George said, the triggering event is usually unexpected, and dealing with the unexpected is never easy for those of us on the autism spectrum, especially if the news is not what we want to hear. When that happens, and we do have a meltdown, having people around us who are patient and understanding will lead to the best possible outcome.
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A Dog-Related Medical Information Report by J.D.C.
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yanthropy is a Greek word, which is a medical condition, in which, in both a severe mental and emotional state, of apparent insanity, in which a person behaves, symptomatically, as a dog walking on his or her hands and knees, plus jumping up and down. This mental health condition is also normally accompanied, by him or her barking, howling, growling, snarling, and bearing his or her teeth, in a ferocious bite inhibitiondisordered mode, of bizarre and threatening behavior fashion, which is similar to an aggressive, mad, and/or rabid dog, tragically, infected, with rabies and/or canine distemper! A cynic spasm is a medical condition, in which a person’s facial muscles are violently jerked, usually and normally involuntarily, thus causing him or her to have a permanent grin or snarl-like face, similar to an angry dog. Cynic is a word of Greek origins. Cynobex is also a word of Greek origins.
It is a medical condition, in which a person has a chronic, or an ongoing dry, barking cough, sounding very much like that, of an actual dog barking. It sounds like a person is coughing very similar to a dog, sadly, with canine, or dog tracheobronchitis, or dog, or canine kennel cough problems. It is also known as a dog-like cough medical health syndrome, as is related to people, with this particular medical condition. Lyssophobia is also a word of Greek origins. It is a medical condition in which a person, whether as a child or an adult, has a morbid or an unreasonable fear of contracting rabies, especially from dogs, sadly.
We must always keep, in an individual clear mind, that it is never ever the innocent pet doggies’ faults! They are all of almighty God’s innocent domesticated and furrier -than-I creatures, forever and ever! Yes, indeed! Literally and truly so!
Christ and almighty God and the Holy Spirit ordinally, forever and ever! Amen! This was sincerely written by, J.D.C. Post-script:
We believe that all innocent animals, both wild and domesticated pets alike, automatically go to heavenly paradise with Jesus perfectly, intimately, gloriously, wonderfully, immaculately, and beautifully, forever and ever! Wonderfully, yes, indeed, literally and truly so, we all also individually believe, at home, as well as, countless others, around the world, as eternal animal and pet lovers and admirers, that all of you have perfect divine deity-inspired souls, which live on in heavenly paradise, also, forever and ever, just like any other living creature, being, and entity, throughout the entire universe, now and forever and ever! Yes, indeed! Literally and truly so Amen!
Why Airline Passengers Must Arrive at the Airport Two Hours Before Departure by Kevin Hart
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he airlines tell their passengers to be at the airport two to two and a half hours before their flight so they can check in and go through security. However, some of the passengers wait until the last minute. They probably don't know they'll miss their flight when they wait until the last minute. This is when they plead with the airline, but can't be checked in for the flight they want to be on. If they do, their bags aren't going to make it and the passenger complains about something that is not the airline’s fault at all. I believe some do this on purpose, lose track of the time, or just don't pay attention to the time their flight leaves.
All they have to do is check online to know when their flight leaves and just remember to leave two to two and a half hours before that scheduled flight is supposed to leave. They'll make the flight early or on time. Some of the passengers buy tickets on the day they travel. Some have a lot of time to make their flights, but passengers pay a lot of money. Some don't have the time to make the flights. These are the passengers that don't have the two to two and a half hour timeframe. They plead with the airlines, and they don't get on the flight or their bag doesn't. What I'm trying to say is, it's very important to follow this guideline when you fly out on the day you have a flight.
This isn't hard to do. Just look at what time your ticket says the flight leaves, and leave so you have two to two and a half hours to check in so you don't miss your flight.
This goes for those who go on vacation. You should have enough time to get to the airport and check in. If you have any questions, contact your airline or travel agents about this topic. It seems that all passengers don't care if they make their flight, but that's on them. I see a lot of passengers check in. At the earliest , they check in between four to five hours before departure. When you give yourself enough time, you know you will make your flight without any issues.
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My Aunt, The Music Director by Sara Brooks
I
interviewed Marie, who is my mom's sister, my aunt, and my Godmother. She retired five years ago as the Music Director for St. Paul's Cathedral in Greensburg. When did you first know that you loved music? “I loved music from when I was very young. Sweetheart and Pup loved to sing and always encouraged us to sing too.” Sweetheart and Pup are my Aunt Marie’s parents which makes them my grandparents. Did you sing and play music with your family? “We would get up and sing in front of our own family and even people who came to visit us. We would play records on the record player and sing along to the radio. And, of course, we also danced to the music!”
Did you perform in any musicals? “I was in musicals in high school: Once Upon a Mattress; The Roar of the Greasepaint; The Smell of the Crowd; Bye, Bye, Birdie; The Wizard of Oz. “During college, I was in the musical I Do, I Do and also an opera, The Marriage of Figaro.” What is your favorite instrument? “Piano, but I also like the violin. When I was in college, as part of my education, I had to learn how to play almost all the instruments in an orchestra. I loved the violin and its sound.” What is your education and formal training? “I attended Clarion State College and got my degree
in Music Education to be able to teach music in schools. I also was involved in church music from the time I was 13. I played the organ at church, sang in the choir, and was a cantor. I continued helping in the church during my summers in college.” What did you do for your career? “Even though I got my degree in Music Education, I never had a full-time job as a music teacher. “Because of my love of church music, I became a full-time liturgy and music director at my home parish of St. Paul in Greensburg. I was responsible for planning all the liturgies, playing for masses, directing the choir, training all the people who volunteered for different ministries in the church, and playing for weddings and funerals.”
Aunt Marie and Sara
What was your favorite event that you sang and why?
Did you ever sing with anyone famous?
“This event was not one that I sang for, but one that I helped plan. In 1976 when I was substitute teaching in a school district, we were celebrating the 200th birthday of the United States of America.
“I did not sing with anyone famous, except church musicians. Because I was involved in church music, I sang at workshops with Michael Joncas (On Eagle’s Wings), Marty Haugen (Gather Us In), and David Haas (Blest Are They).”
“Our district planned a musical tribute to America, outside on a football field, with all the elementary students participating. We placed them on the field in the shape of the United States. It was awesome! The children sang and played instruments. I got to accompany them on the piano. It was a wonderful musical celebration, and I was so proud of the children and so happy to be a part of this special day.”
What is your favorite type of music and your favorite song? “I love musical theater, so some of my favorite music is from Broadway show tunes. I like almost every type of music, except rap music and some other pop music today.
and Pup loved to sing too – it’s called ‘I Believe.’ We would sing it at the top of our lungs!” Is there anything else you would like to add? “Music has always been a very important part of my life since I was very young. Music fills me with great joy, and helps me when I’m feeling happy or feeling sad. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have music in my life. It is a great gift from God!” I enjoy my aunt's company a lot, especially when we sing together!
“It’s hard to pick a favorite song, but one of my favorites is from my childhood that Sweetheart
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Hillary and the Downfall by Dmitry Harmon
A
s most everyone knows, every four years the country, or another way of saying, it "The People" decide who they feel should be running our country as "The President Of The United States." This past election was a highly anticipated election due to many prestigious candidates within their own party.
First, the basic and most common thing was the way the states were taken. The presidential election is built on a system where each candidate wins states through electoral votes. It is widely known that the southern states are majority Republican which ensures the Republican candidate a various amount of electoral votes (Texas being in the thirties).
Some of the participants from each party exhibited unique forms of patterns of personality and patterns of behaviors. Some of them came off as very honest and direct. Others tried but were often overlooked by another candidate when it came down to the wire in terms of the primaries (who were chosen to lead their party as the runner for the right to be The President Of The United States). At the end of the day, it came down to Donald Trump (R) and Hillary Clinton (D).
But out West, California is generally a Democratic state that helps a Democratic nominee secure at least fifty votes. Then we have what I
Throughout the campaign, a lot of the nation was pretty vocal with things. The debates occurred and, yes, in my opinion the debates were a bit of a farce. What I mean by that is both candidates spent more time heckling each other than actually talking about the issues that were of main concern for the people. Once the election took place, Donald Trump was officially announced as the winner of the presidential race, and in this article I would like to spend time talking about the things I believe caused Hillary to lose the election.
personally like to call the NE states (Non-Essential states). In these states, the electoral college number is so low that a candidate will not worry if they lose one to three of those states. The electoral vote is usually somewhere between three to five votes, and occasionally one that may be somewhere between six and nine. Often though, these NE states as of late been taken by the Republican candidate. Having said all that, we now must look at the absolutely crucial states, also known as swing states. The reason why they are swing states is pretty self-
explanatory, due to the fact that a Democratic nominee (provided he or she is well liked and well received) will most likely win several states that have electoral votes valued in the low to mid teens.
The three main swing states that everyone is aware of are Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In this past election, Hillary did not win any of the states just mentioned. I believe that totals out to around sixty to seventy electoral votes, which is roughly a quarter of the votes needed to win the election. She also had a lot of trouble securing states that are primarily Democratic and, in some cases, was not declared the winner of a state until very late in the election when it was starting to look pretty clear who was going to win. This brings me to the next part of the article: "why she didn't win those states and maybe some of the other ones that she should have been able to win, namely Wisconsin." One of the main reasons why she did not win some of these states was due to this big controversy with her deleting emails. According to pretty popular websites and various newspapers, there were questions to some of her ethics and how she handled certain things regarding the protocol of these 30,000 emails. Eventually the FBI got involved, looked at it (twice) and both times stated she did not do anything illegal. However, in today’s world,
By Krassotkin (derivative), Gage Skidmore (Donald Trump), Gage Skidmore (Hillary Clinton) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
politicians are looked at through a microscope, and once there is something found it may even get blown out of proportion. In this particular case, I believe the people who would have voted for her felt they did not trust her anymore. It should be noted that she won the popular vote by about two and a half million votes. Unfortunately, she did not get the popular votes in areas that would have won her counties that may have a bigger population. From the various maps, Trump seemed to win most of the counties in various states he won. Another aspect that deterred people from voting for her was the fact that Donald Trump had no political experience and Hillary had decades of politics under her belt. Voters did not trust another politician, particularly with how people felt about President Obama and his administration. Other is-
sues were, since it was another politician and they did not like Trump, some people did not vote when they have in the past. Florida had two hundred seventy thousand people who did not vote for either candidate and instead voted for someone else.
I do not think a lot of people were expecting the result that took place, and maybe some did. I know I did not expect it. I was 95 percent sure she would win, and that number started dropping fast when the results started coming in through the television.
The last and one of the most crucial aspects of becoming a president is how you campaign. I feel Hillary really did not do much in her campaign. I do not think she did great in the traveling department. She skipped states that she thought were a shoe-in. I feel that may have hurt her more than helped, and, just like me, I bet a lot of people who did vote for her at first overlooked that until the results started pouring in on November 8. Only then did they start talking about how she did not visit Wisconsin and some other states. Perhaps some people noticed in those states.
It truly was very surprising, and in the future I hope the next set of candidates are a bit more mature about running for president and the debates. I feel Trump went really far, and Hillary maybe could have stayed more focused on the debates. These last couple of thoughts are post-election when I have had time to reflect. I hope you found this article insightful, and it would be really interesting to hear other people’s perspectives or opinions.
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Public Transportation in Pittsburgh
An Interview with Adam Brandolph of Port Authority by Kevin Hart
I
'm going to write about Port Authority. I interviewed Adam Brandolph, who has been working for Port Authority for over a year. But first, let me give you some background on Port Authority in Pittsburgh.
In Pittsburgh there are three types of transit. They are: the inclines, the T, and buses. The first one I'm going to talk about is the inclines. They are the Mon Incline and the Duquesne Incline. The Mon Incline goes from Station Square to Mt. Washington, and the Duquesne Incline goes from West Carson St. to Mt. Washington. The fare is $2.50 per ride and half fare is $1.25. The second one I'm going to talk about is the T. There are three lines, which are: red line (downtown, Castle Shannon via Beechview), blue line (downtown, library via Overbrook), and blue line (downtown South Hills Village via Over-
Pittsburgh bus, incline, and T via Wikimedia Commons
brook). The red line runs more frequently during rush hour and at times is extends to SHV (South Hills Village). I take the blue line (downtown SHV) to the mall. Then after a while I go on the blue line to downtown. The blue line to library goes to a residential neighborhood. It seems like the blue line runs more often than the red line does on any given day if you ask me. The red line fare is $2.50, or $1.25 for half fare. Starting on January 1, 2017 the blue is $2.50, and half fare is $1.25. The third one I'm going to talk about is the buses. There are a lot of bus lines that go all over Allegheny County. Some of these bus routes go into bad sections of town and some don't. These buses are at times half full. Except during rush hour when it's over crowded, packed to the rim. I never see buses fill up regularly. On one route the passengers put
bags on seats and not under the seat. Some passengers give bus drivers a hard time. They either get kicked off, or the driver just stays there and makes everyone late for class or work. This makes passengers on the bus upset and aggravated. I enjoy riding the buses to get from point A to point B. I also don't have to worry about a car because of the cost of up keep and the price of gas. I save a lot of money every month by taking public transit to and from work or anywhere else they go. Sometimes the buses are early or late, making passengers wait for the next one. This aggravates passengers. They usually call to see where and when the next bus is. Most of the fare products will only be available on a connect card and half fare connect card beginning January 1, 2017. If you're paying with cash fare it’s $2.75 for each trip, so it's best to get the
Adam and Kevin at the Port Authority offices
connect card and save $.25 every time you ride or get weekly, monthly, or annual pass. Also stored value can be added to the connect card. By doing this you're saving time and money in the process. You'll get on and off buses more quickly and keep the flow of passengers running more smoothly. Don't aggravate the drivers because this will cause a long delay (this should not be done at all). Most public transit systems are using single fare zone and using connect cards. On most buses, you enter the front of the bus and exit the back. This saves the transit companies money because of the printing and distribution of paper fare products that cost thousands. Now they don't have to worry about that anymore. What I'm trying to say is, get the connect card and save $.25. Try not to aggravate the driver because they have no control of the scheduling. I hope this gives you more insight about the three transit systems we have here in Pittsburgh. I interviewed Adam Brandolph who works at Port Authority. He
enjoys to help people to connect to doctor appointments, work, etc. He does advertising for Port Authority. He also does news conferences.
to get maintenance. For the inclines, there's always someone there to maintain the cable cars and to make adjustments to the cables that move it up and down.
Adam became interested in working for public transit because he enjoys working with others.
Adam said it is rewarding to connect the people to the world, help out workers who need it, and to let us know what changes are coming to Pittsburgh’s public transportation.
He said that passengers give drivers a hard time because of being too early or late and waiting for a long time for a bus. Some drivers pass up their stop or don't pick up passengers at stops. This makes passengers give drivers a hard time. It's hard to tell why buses come early or late, but here some possible reasons. During rush hour some buses are due but are stuck in traffic. At some stops three buses are behind each other. Also some wheelchair passengers take more time than other passengers. Adam said it depends how many hours the buses are out and depends on what the problem is with the buses for maintaining them.
Now the T, they go to a shipyard and go in three or more at a time
Adam said the perks of public transit are that you save money with the connect card every time and you can get a transfer. The fare zones are gone to make it easier to ride, and a lot of people who rely on public transit can now afford it. The disadvantages of public transit are that you freeze while waiting for the buses in the winter and sometimes wonder where and when they are at. I asked Adam about changes that are going to happen to Port Authority in future is. Some of them are: having everything one zone, then connect card users save $.25 and transfers $1.00, kids half-fare connect card, and pay enter and exit back door of bus.
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His opinion on public transit is not everyone drives, so they rely on public transit. He says you save money taking public transit and don't have to worry about driving or being in traffic. Port Authority has been around since 1964, and it's still growing. Now they have close to 110 bus routes, three T routes, and two inclines. They get the funding from money in the fare boxes, the county and state on a local level, and state and federal government. If one person had a car and anoth-
er person took public transit, the one that took public transit would save $1000 per year.
the Pittsburgh transit community. Port Authority's company website is portauthority.org.
It's possible for the changes to take place for the transit company is because of careful planning, analysis, and good budget tactics. The president and CEO of Port Authority is Ellen McLean. Adam is a good source if you need information about some things you have questions about the company. I hope this information helped someone out in
Adam answers Kevin’s questions about Port Authority
My Dream Career by Mark Sulkin
O
ne of my biggest aspirations in life is to open my own art studio. I would focus on drawing cartoons. I loved to watch cartoon shows when I was young. My favorite show was VeggieTales. The artist from this show was Tim Hodge. He inspired me to draw. I would find myself drawing characters from VeggieTales. I also began to draw other TV show cartoon characters. Other favorites of mine were Thomas & Friends, Sesame Street, and Blue's Clues. I would practice drawing and eventually mimicked each character in those TV shows. Thomas is a steam engine who lives in a place called the Island of Sodor. He's blue with red stripes and is the number one engine on Sodor. He has a lot of friends on Sodor. There's Percy,
Edward, Henry, James, Gordon, and Toby. Thomas also has two coaches named Annie and Clarabel. Blue's Clues is a show on Nick Jr. The host is named Steve who has a puppy named Blue. Other characters on that show are Sidetable Drawer, Tickety Tock, Slippery Soap, Shovel, Pail, Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper, and Paprika. Blue leaves pawprints all over the house which are clues. When Steve finds the clues, he writes them down in his handy dandy notebook. Once he's found all three clues, he goes to the thinking chair and figures out what the answer to Blue's Clues is. When thinking of my own studio, my target audience would be children. I want to inspire children, just as I was inspired by Tim Hodge. My studio's name would be "Mark's Cartoon Studio." My studio would be color-
ful, display drawings, and would be a friendly, creative environment. I would have a small opening and invite friends and family. I would be a great instructor because I like to teach kids and am patient. I would make each activity fun for the kids. Each session could be a theme or TV show oriented. My friend Valerie liked to watch Are You Afraid of the Dark, Legends of the Hidden Temple, and Doug when she was little. She loved Nickelodeon. Legends of the Hidden Temple is a gameshow. There are kids, and they compete to get into the temple. Once they are there, they have to avoid the temple guards and retrieve artifacts. I love reminiscing about my childhood. Establishing a studio based on my favorite memories would be a dream come true.
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Loula's Lasagna Recipe by M.J. Devine • • • • • • • •
WHAT YOU'LL NEED 12 ounce shredded Italian cheese 12 ounce shredded Colby cheese 12 ounce shredded mozzarella cheese 3/4cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 eggs 1 pound ground beef 1 jar (45 ounces) Prego Three Cheese Italian Sauce 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
HOW TO MAKE IT
1. Stir the colby cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and eggs in a medium bowl and set it aside. 2. In a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the beef until it's well browned, stirring often to break up the meat. Pour off any fat. Stir the sauce in the saucepan. 3. Spoon 1 cup meat mixture in each of two 2-quart shallow baking dishes. Top each with 2 lasagna noodles and about 1 1/4 cups cheese mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining 2 lasagna noodles, remaining meat mixture and the Parmesan cheese. 4. Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or it's until hot and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes.
My Experience of Getting to Know and Like Pittsburgh Jazz and the Artists Who Make Jazz Great by Richard Campbell
I
’ve had the pleasure of listening to, seeing, meeting, and having my pictures taken with some of the greatest names in Pittsburgh jazz. I even had two CDs autographed too: Seasoned to Taste by drummer H.B. Bennet and the late trombonist Randy Purcell of the Baleeny Big Band and Sunday Jam which trombonist Al Dowe and vocalist Etta Cox Pittsburgh jazz favorites themselves had the pleasure of doing so. Now in 1988, H.B. Bennet, Gene Laws, and Fran Dutty Snyder were the first (the very first Pittsburgh musicians in jazz I ever heard (the very first)).
But do you know who the first jazz vocalist I had my picture taken with was? The late, great, Sandy Staley, that same day, Monday, May 8, 2000. At Al Dowe’s place, “Dowe’s on 9th.” It’s now the “Blush” Gentleman’s Club.
It wasn’t until late April 2008 that I got to really know Pittsburgh jazz. And that’s when I saw, heard, and met, as well as had my pictures taken with, trombonist Al Dawe and vocalist Etta Cox. Then a few years later I heard and met two more great trombonists, “Mr. Trombone” the legendary Hardel Betters, who last month celebrated his 90th birthday and his trombone is still as expensive as it was yesterday. Also, that same year, I had the great honor to see, hear, meet, and have my picture taken with another Pittsburgh jazz diva who let us to se in her prime. I saw her at the Reservoir Jazz at Highland Park. That person was Point Breeze native and Duquesne University alumnus and faculty member as well as a St. Beele Church Parishioner, Maureen Budway! It was a moment I’ll always remember. Less than five months
later, a two decade battle with breast cancer claimed Maureen Budway’s life. She had an absolutely gorgeous voice, a voice few Pittsburgh jazz singers could equal. And when she took the stage at the Reservoir of jazz, she wore a purple sleeveless dress, and Maureen Budway electrified everyone who saw the show including “yours truly.” And if I can get pictures from my digital camera (more were two of me and Maureen Budway) I’ll get extra copies made. Maureen Budway may be gone but her music and legacy live forever! Sure, too, there are many other Pittsburgh jazz artists too numerous to mention. From Sandy Dawe to Lisa Forward, from Kenny Blake to Michele Benson, from Pat Crosley to Jessica Leete, Donna Bailey to all the legacy of Pittsburgh jazz no matter where you go.
Glenn Miller was a trombonist and big band leader. You can learn about him and listen to his music on WESA Saturday evening. 6-5000 is the number at the Pennsylvania Hotel in NYC where you can call to reserve a table to see Glenn Miller. "Pennsylvania six five thousand!" "Pennsylvania six five oh oh oh!"
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Anxieties of Living with Asperger's by Daniel Ashkin
I
am going to discuss the anxieties of living with Asperger’s. First, this article will discuss how people looked at this problem during the 1980s and 1990s. Second, I am going to discuss the visual patterns associated with this problem. Third, Relaxation Therapy may play a major role in learning how to adjust to the everyday stresses of life that may likely become unpleasant for a person afflicted with this physical condition. Finally, expecting too much of yourself can likely lead toward more depression and anxiety.
tists, and other employees often require the similar standards as typical persons in life. Unfortunately, the answers to life’s problems are not black and white. This often makes me feel inadequate or useless. Ordinarily people cannot visualize the abnormal circuity inside my brain. They often think that I am not trying as hard as everyone else is. However, many As-
Individuals often want to become like everybody else when they see other people making more money than their monthly budget. Comparing yourself to everyone else is more common when you suffer a disability. You often feel like an outcast in society because the public has little knowledge of your physical condition. For an example, many employees abuse me for making perception mistakes at work. Because my brain neurons’ structure is different from everyone else, workers often humiliated me for not visualizing color patterns correctly. Unfortunately, we live in world where every employee must oblige by the same standards in the work place despite their limitations. When you brush your teeth, the dentist expects you to concentrate on brushing on every part of the tooth. When you are cleaning the house, your mother and some counselors expect you to perform like them. Bosses, mothers, den-
perger’s persons are trying very hard to accomplish the same task. However, the perception problem makes it extremely difficult to see the normal patterns as does everyone else. For an example, seeing many color patterns makes it hard for me to concentrate on one thing. Bright lights often make it hard for me to keep my head straight to brush my teeth. In addition, looking at bright colors makes it very challenging me to concentrate on each pattern.
I read a book by May Sarton, She said, “Mankind often treat it selves like a machine that is infallible.” She is a fiction writer from New England who has written many books about her personal life and struggles. For an example, when our automobile breaks down, he or she often suffers an anxiety attacks. After the panic attack, your car needs put back together. In contrast to car breaking down, the psychiatrist and social worker can repair your body through therapy by gaining self -confidence through positive thoughts. The doctor or physical therapist must heal the body’s stiff joints through exercises. At last, the yoga teacher can teach you how to breathe in your nose through relaxation music and exercises. Relaxation enables a Asperger adults to learn how to handle the abuse and the insults from your employees. However, it is still a challenge in visual environment for me. Unless your body is relaxed, you may likely to lash out at another employee or friend without thinking rationally. This type of irrational behavior can often leads to severe trouble at work and with your friends. Carol King, who is a famous songwriter said, “It takes some time for the birds to grow like on telephone wire.” May Sarton said, “Mankind often treats our bodies like a machine.” She recommends
that mankind become more patient in working out our problems through stress. Working out our stress for Asperger’s individuals means learning to accept ourselves as a typical person in society. Emotional growth takes time and patience. Unless you take these little steps in learning to accept your emotional growth, he or she may likely see themselves as a person who is not part of society. Because many individuals tease you in the past, counselors can help you overcome the stereotypes of the
previous years of mistreatment.
Working out our stresses and anxiety from the struggle of looking at bright patterns can be relieved through relaxation. However, the problem will remain. Drawing and listening to nature movies are an excellent ways to lessening stress from the visual problems. Watching the waves go in and out often calms our brain until we are able to make rational decisions. In order to make rational decisions in life, you must learn how to tranquil your brain activity. Unfortunately, no magic doctors
can replace the broken circuits of the brain. Finally, expecting too much from people can often lead you into severe depression and anxiety because the standards are impossible to overcome with neurons that are damage from birth. Perhaps, by learning about the symptoms of Asperger’s, society may likely become more respectable to us as a whole. Education plays a major role for managers, parents, and your friends to understand the physical conditions of this type of condition.
How well can you keep your eye on the dots and lines in the pictures below? Some persons with Asperger’s symptoms are unable to concentrate on the individual dots.
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Fish Fry-days by Delaine Swearman, Bryan Lippert, and Kenneth Miller
K
enneth, Bryan L and David O went to the Ash Wednesday at Volunteer Fire House #4 in New Kensington (below). The fish was "THIS BIG." Kenneth and Nature went out a week latter to the Elks Lodge on the North Side and Brian K ate a fish sandwich at a Giant Eagle Market District. Kenneth and Tess got FryDay take out from Saint Pete's across from Max and Emma's. The Kuhn's Grocery Store on the North Side has big battered fried halibut for $6.99 every Friday all year long and on Wednesdays during Lent too.
Riley’s Pour House Reviewed by Bryan Lippert
I
went out for a fish fry sandwich on Friday, March 3, 2017 around 12:30 p.m. The place I went to was Riley’s Pour House at 215 East Main Street Carnegie, PA 15106. It was nice inside, small but cozy. There was an older man playing a piano. This is funny: Ken thought the fish sandwich he had was big, not really. I measured my fish sandwich came out to be 9 inches. Anyways, this is what I ordered "The Whaler Fish sandwich" 8.oz. Atlantic cod lightly
breaded, fried crisp or baked in orange juice served with lettuce, tomato, onion, lemon and coleslaw, served with cocktail sauce or tarter sauce and a big pickle. I got the first choice with both tarter and cocktail sauce. It came out to be $12.84, not very cheap since I know somewhere else I can go to for a cheaper meal and an even bigger fish sandwich. Overall, I'd go back again to try something different. The fish was pretty good; the coleslaw was nice and juicy.
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St. Bartholomew Annual Lenten Fish Fry Reviewed by Delaine Swearman
O
n Friday, March 10, 2017 I decided to partake in the “Big Bart” Giant Fish Dinner. According to the “Fish Fry” supplement to the Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper, the annual fish fry at St. Bartholomew school cafeteria, starts at 4:30pm and goes until 7pm, on every Friday of Lent, except Good Friday. I arrived just as it started, pulling into the parking lot at 4:35. Except to my amazement, at 4:35, the parking lot was already packed, and there were no spaces to be found. I ended up parking in an adjacent lot and walking back to the school. When I walked into the cafeteria, the line to order food stretched the whole way down the length of one
wall, halfway across the back of the room and then down the center length again! Determined to get my fish dinner, I joined the line, swiping a copy of the menu to look at while I waited. While standing in line, I also watched people pick out their desserts from an assortment of cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon buns and other delicious looking baked goods. I hoped there would be some left by the time I got to choose mine. While in line, I also overheard someone saying that the best time to arrive is around 4:00, half an hour before they even start serving!
Finally, at 5:15, I reached the ordering table where I paid $9.00 for my “Big Bart” Giant Fish Dinner. I went with the
recommended “battered” fish sandwich rather than baked or breaded and chose Mac n cheese to go along with coleslaw as my sides. I was given a number, “303” and a coupon good for “one dessert”. I rushed to the dessert table, only to discover that cookies were the only thing left. I took my time picking out my cookie though, going with two smaller ones, rather than a big one. And as soon as I picked up my plate of cookies, I heard them calling, “NUMBER 303”. I took my dinner home to eat, and I must admit that fish sandwich was enormous! They had to fold it into three pieces to fit it into the take-out box! The sides were pretty good too. I might go back. But next time, I will be there at 4:00!
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My Geckos and Their Eggs by Michelle Middlemiss
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he day after coming home from Harrisburg from my Autism Advocate meeting, I woke up the next morning to find the first eggs ever. I have had my leopard geckos for a few years now, and this was a big surprise. The night before, I had jokingly said to my six-year-old female gecko, “Give me some eggs, Teddy Spike.” The next morning there were some eggs in the tank that were dehydrated and not able to be incubated! They were dented in and not round. They didn’t survive. That was January 25.
depends on the degrees that the egg is incubated in. At 80 degrees it’s a 100 percent chance for a female to be born. At 87 degrees, it has a 50-50 chance for a male or a female baby. From 90 degrees up it has a 98 percent chance to be a male. If the temperature is kept less than 74 degrees, the embryo will die. Mark also said to make sure the female leopard gecko is getting calci-
I went to “The Enclosure” on Golden Mile Highway which deals with reptiles of all kinds. I inquired about lizard breeding. What conditions do lizards need? What do you do with the eggs once hatched? And how much moisture is necessary for the eggs? The owner Mark told us to mark the top of the egg with a pencil or marker so we would know where the top of the egg is. The egg cannot be turned or rotated because the embryo can become loose and drown inside the egg. Also, you can't directly get the egg wet or the embryo could drown, but the egg does need to be in a moist environment. It'll dent when dehydrated, so you need to spray the moss in the container, which we would soon set up. At The Enclosure, they told us that the sex of the baby lizard
um, because she will lay eggs a few more times this breeding season. I bought a “hide box” which is for egg laying. It's a black colored plastic box that is enclosed. It has a round hole for the female gecko to crawl through so she can get in and out easily. We put moist moss in it for the female to lay her eggs. It turned out that “Unseen” who is my male leopard gecko was the one that likes to be in the box! Teddy Spike likes to hide
other places. A couple times, Unseen got stuck in the box because he is bigger than the female. We actually had to help him get out of it, but he still likes to play in there. In mid February before the second set of eggs, Teddy Spike’s belly became very blue. It was worrisome because she never looked that way before. Mom called many places and no one could really explain the blue color. She shed her skin as usual, which is a few times each month. After a few days of worrying, my gecko laid two eggs at the end of February. The eggs may have been taking up a lot of space in her stomach and the blue color was the blood vessels. Mom didn't tell me much about the blue stomach because she didn't want me to get upset and worried about my lizard which I love very much. The one egg was flattened but I was excited that the other looked healthy, so I kept it in the tank. I felt nervous when we put the good egg in an incubator that we made from a small plastic container with a lid and air holes on the top. We put moss in it and made it really moist and placed the egg on top with a little moss on top of the egg. My two lizards started looking for the egg that they had been protect-
ing. This was the only egg that Teddy Spike had laid inside their wooden house. My geckos had been taking turns sitting next to the egg. They didn’t know where it went and looked like they were having a panic attack, running in and out of their house searching everywhere in their tank. They had shown no interest in the infertile egg from the moment it was discovered. It seemed like they were mourning when we put the fertile egg that had gone bad, back in the tank near them. I had been very disappointed when the fertile egg started to become dented. Also mold was starting to grow in the incubator. We didn’t want to move the egg, so we didn’t know what to do with the mold. Neither egg survived. Around March 13, Teddy Spike’s belly became blue again, and I thought she must be going to lay another egg. We cleaned the tank out so that it was very clean and
moved the geckos’ little wooden house that my dad made for them, over to the left side which was the cool side. We put the two rocks that they like to lay on toward the right hand warm side under the light. I hoped that Teddy would lay fertile eggs in the next batch, and I hope they are incubated more successfully. I bought some more crickets which we fed oranges and raw potatoes, thinking that would be nutritious for the geckos. That night Teddy Spike started running around the tank almost like she was pacing. In the middle of the night on March 16 at about 5 a.m., Mom had woken up and went downstairs. She looked in on the lizards and was surprised to see both lizards awake and Teddy Spike sitting there near a rock, surrounding the newly laid eggs. Unseen was on top of the rock protecting the eggs as he
had done before. The oblong shaped eggs look very solid. Mom hoped to surprise me in the morning with these good-looking eggs which were hopefully fertile. But in the morning the eggs had moved over a bit; maybe Teddy Spike moved one of them closer to a heat source. I don't know, but one of them looked to have a small dent in it. The other looked rounder so we put a pen mark on top of each of them and put them in the little incubator making sure that they were laying flat. The mark would help us to know if the eggs had rolled over. We would need to turn them again if we didn't see the dots. Still no luck having fertile eggs. Maybe next time… but I won’t give up!
Pittverse 32
Proper Communication Skills when Speaking to People by Daniel Ashkin
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ommunication skills are essential when a person is experiencing Asperger’s symptoms. In this article, I am going to suggest appropriate topics from the website http://www.do2learn.com/games/ learningames.htm to help hone your communication skills. To navigate the website, click the blue “Social Skills” button at the top of the page. Then choose “Communication Skills.” Here, you will see another link titled “Appropriate conversation topics.” This chart will assist Asperger adults in speaking to their family, strangers, acquaintances, and authority figures. Speaking effectively is an important life skill for people with Asperger’s. Choosing the wrong words in a conversation may destroy a relationship with your friend or cause people to dislike you in a work environment. Inappropriate words can even lead you into serious trouble.
When you are speaking to your family, you can say nearly anything to them. However, you should avoid giving a parent personal advice on how to raise their son and daughter, which can be offensive even if you mean well. On the other hand, when talking to acquaintances, try to stick to safe topics like the weather, hobbies, and favorite courses. Excellent topics to start a conversation are movies and television. One topic to you may want to avoid bringing up with acquaintances is your personal problems. Friends enjoy speaking together about hobbies, games, and their professional sports teams. Like acquaintances, friends also love to discuss television and movies. However, you usually don’t want to discuss the topics of money, trust funds, or religion with friends. Friends with differing religious views may feel uncom-
fortable even if you say wellmeaning things like, “I pray that Jesus can heal your dizziness,” or “I hope that God will heal your pain.” When you are walking down the street, you should be wary when speaking to strangers. Strangers could even lash out at you for accidentally saying the wrong thing. You should also be especially cautious when talking to authority figures like teachers, judges, religious leaders, and police officers. Asperger’s Adults should exercise extreme caution when talking about religion, politics, or money with authority figures. How would your teacher feel if a student asked him, “Are you a Democratic or a Republican?”, “Do you approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance?”, or “How much money do the teachers make a year at your district?” These types of personal
questions will likely offend the authority figure and embarrass you when they give a response. Adults should try to always give positive feedback when a student reads an essay, performs in a play, or gives a presentation to the class. In addition, at our Pittverse Magazine release parties when an individual performs or speaks for the audience, it’s a good idea to congratulate them. Negative feedback can make a person feel empty, useless, and inadequate. When a person hears negative remarks off stage, they feel like their friend has abandoned them. Another time to be cautious with your words is when dealing with mental health. For example, people both with and without Asperger’s may accidentally say something offensive to people who suffer from depression.
For instance, “You should try to become a happier person in life.” The depressed person may perceive this kind of statement as judgmental, arrogant, and uncaring to them. Two, parents and caring friends are likely to say, “You should just get over your sadness and depression.” The depressed member of the family often feels inadequate, useless, and lousy about themselves when they hear this. Unfortunately, depression is a chemical imbalance of the brain that needs to be dealt with by a certified psychiatrist in the medical field. Third, many family members often say, “You are the only one suffering from depression and anxiety. Please grow up and find a job to support yourself and not act like a baby.” Since the person with depression fails to meet societal standards, these remarks will only make them feel angry with themselves
for not overcoming depression. Fourth, many parents often say, “You should go out there and make more friends.” This type of statement may often make the people feel useless, empty, and hollow. Since many of us accidentally say offensive remarks to other people, I strongly recommend reading all ten suggestions on the website: https:// blogs.psychcentral.com/ caregivers/2016/01/10-worstthings-to-ever-say-to-someonewith-mental-illness/
cidentally say things that are offensive in our society. I strongly recommend that you study the website carefully and think of positive comments that you can say to other people for moral support. Society must work harder to achieve positive, favorable, and beneficial communication skills with interacting races of people despite their differences in life.
Both people with and without an Asperger’s diagnosis can ac-
Pittverse 34
Motorcycles of the Glory Road By Nature f.f. Aura
T
he thing about motorcycles is the symbolism they represent. And what represents it is the fact of one great word that is our right throughout history and is as true as the open road itself. The word of truth that I speak of is sweet beautiful freedom, through this very fact of the matter itself. Riding on the road does not mean a job. It does not mean a way to show off. It does not mean intimidation, violence, or murderous behavior, as you see on those horrible god awful movies and shows. What it really means is the freedom aspect. It is the inspiration to do what we want to do and be who we want to be.
If others have a problem with it, we true riders of the glory road will ignore the naysayers, continue riding, and be who we truly are, as well as inspire this great honorable pastime to an all new high. We will bring back what we have lost, follow no other master but our own selves, and let our hearts, minds, and souls leading us on our way to our own destinies. To what we feel and what we can accomplish by doing so. Not worrying about the weapons of mass destruction or another living thing that is equal to what we are telling us who we are or what we need to be.
They are not in charge of this life that we lead for ourselves. We are in charge of what we are, what we say, and what we need to do. So if you want to be truly free, do not want to be judged for who you are, and want to feel like you can be accepted and loved without worrying about war, violence, or being told what to do, then build your motorcycle. Find that glory free road and ride with us, and you’ll see what I’m saying is greatly true. Peace and love to all. Written and created by your brother and one of the many guardians of the earth, Nature f.f. Aura
Hope by Bryan Lippert
H
ope is what you want and what you need in life. Without hope, there's no hope for you in this world because of the fact it's getting worse. I, for one, always hope for the best, but at the same time I'm not forgetting about the worst. I admit that I'm wrong at times and make some mistakes. I'm hoping for the best in any given situation. In order for hope, you have to be positive throughout everything in your life. Plus, don't give up on yourself. If you do, then you will be walking the road to failure. Don't let the hatred tear you down, because you have to rise above it all.
Facts About Health Foods by Bryan Lippert ●Apples help scrub your teeth clean. They have a high concentration of malic acid, which increases the saliva, also removing stains from your teeth. ●Pineapples contain bromelain, a compound with anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. Bromelain also is an active ingredient and has some stain removing toothpastes. ●Broccoli is high in fiber; eating lots of it reduces inflammation in your mouth along with the rest of your body. Broccoli also protects your teeth from enamel degrading acid that's produced by bacteria. ●Raisins help clean your mouth out faster. They stimulate salvia; they also prevent plaque stains and cavities from developing. ●Cheese helps keep your teeth strong with minerals, such as calcium, and it has protein that protects tooth enamel. The lactic acid in cheese is also a protective against tooth decay and stimulates your saliva. ●Drinking a lot of water will help keep your teeth pearly white. Drinking water during a meal and after helps rinse your mouth of any debris and loose plague. ●Strawberries have malic acid and have an added benefit of ellagitannins. Antioxidants could help reduce stain attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth, which can prevent gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
Pittverse 36
About Cell Phone Obsessions
I
by Bryan Lippert
feel that people are very obsessed with their cell phones and headphones. Too many people text on them while in a vehicle, bus, plane, subway, boat and even in public. None of those are actually safe, just think about it.
people listening to their music while in any vehicle that I mentioned. Some people blast their music up too high and get carried away in their music.
Let's say if you text while on the highway, there’s a high chance of getting killed. In a bus, plane, or boat, you'll never know about the many dangers if your head is down in your phone texting all day.
I'm not obsessed with my cell phone. I barely use it. I talk on it inside a safe area, not out in the open or driving unless I have Bluetooth headset, hands free all the way.
You might not be able to focus on, let’s say, a random person who could straight up shoot you or run you over if you’re texting while crossing the street. Even if the light is red, some people don't care. It's pretty bad when I see
Also some people just have to check their social sites, emails, and text too much while walking driving; whatever, I said all of this already. I heard so many people dropping their phones while doing all of that or dying.
Independence Day by Bryan Lippert
W
hen Independence Day comes around in July, I usually spend the day with my parents. We normally have a cookout with hotdogs, hamburgers, and small fireworks. Well now since I'm a vegetarian, I don't eat any of those types of food. Now I can eat vegetarian burgers, French fries, coleslaw, and some other healthier choices. Applesauce is always a good side dish. So is baked beans and tofu. We normally drink homemade
It's also not safe while listening to music while jogging outside. You need to focus on your surroundings. I feel you should only listen to your music at your home. It should be a safer environment. Plus, if you turn your music up to full blast, you might not hear a gunshot; you'll be hearing nothing but your music.
iced
tea
and
iced
water.
The fireworks that I have seen have always been so wonderful and beautiful with many different colors and effects that light up the sky. I think fireworks going off should be seen as romantic with a special person.
Irish Facts by Bryan Lippert Irish Healthy Eating
Celtic Knot Symbolism
Colcannon is a traditional dish, which mainly consists of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage. Read how to make it online; it has many resources.
Celtic knots have endless parts and represent eternity and never ending. This can be in love, faith, loyalty, and friendship. They were discovered in 450 A.D.
Vegan shepherds pie consists of soy milk, white pepper, potato, tofu, mushrooms, peas, corn and carrots. It's very good for you, and it is all vegan.
Anyone who is interested in Irish inheritance or other related Irish facts can look it up in books or online. I own a cool looking Celtic knot belt buckle that I purchased from the Irish Festival in Pittsburgh a few years ago with my mother. I spent 25 bucks on it.
St. Patrick’s Day I happen to be part Irish, and I love it the best. Irish inheritance symbols, love, clothing, etc, are interesting to me and very descriptive. I dislike that some people just simply think it's a day to get wasted. Not! There are more meanings to St. Patrick’s Day than drinking, so I just keep learning more facts from books and online, and so can the rest of you.
Pittverse 38
Original Photography by Robert Hester
The newly re-named PPG Paints Arena
Pittsburgh’s “The Point”
Pittsburgh’s skyline against a sunny spring sky
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittverse 40
Theater Round Up: Five Pittsburgh Plays of 2016 by Kenneth Miller
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etween Riverside and Crazy by Adly Guirgis at the Pittsburgh Public Theater was about a black NYC cop, his career, the city law department, rent stabilized apartments, family, drugs and disability. There was a gambling theme.
which of his three sons, a soldier, a lawyer and a petulant brat, would succeed him. Hand to God from City Theatre was about how the craziness of three men denigrating the educational environment of the women around them.
The River from Quantum is about a guy with a heart of stone. He courted a series of beautiful women, taking each through a series of bizarre personal rituals before they eventually left.
Playboy of the Western World at CMU is a play about an adolescent who clubs his father over the head and runs away from home. When his father comes to find him, he does it again. The women he is attracted to realize how confused he is.
The Lion in Winter, in PICT’s new home the Union Project, was about an English King discerning over a holiday weekend
Of the ones I did not see, Seven Guitars, was a big one at the childhood home of August Wilson, produced by August Wil-
son’s theater company, Pittsburgh Playwrights. Fences was produced at by students at CCAC South. Denzel Washington delivered a film version of Fences in early 2017 in time for Black History Month 2017. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was produced by CAPA students. The Royale, about a black boxer, Jay Johnson, opened at City Theatre, and Hidden Figures, about three Black Women at NASA in the 1960s, is in theaters everywhere. Members of the Black Political Empowerment Project organized a group to see Hidden Figures together at the AMC Waterfront on February 16.
At Shakespeare’s birthplace in Warwickshire, you can get a pressed pence inscribed with his great quote, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.”
Planning Ahead: and Free Speech TV
City
of
Asylum,
Manchester
Farm,
by Kenneth Miller
C
scouring the Earth for secular writers and convening them here. I can go to a couple events each month. I can read more books.
SUMMER 2017 NEIGHBORHOOD BEAT The old Mason Hall, who knows what happened there? It has been out of use for decades, blight next to the GARDEN moniker. City of Asylum is scaling the Tower of Babble by transforming the old Mason Hall into an Alphabet City,
I saw Tony Campbell and his “Young Lions” there last night. Two of the Young Lions are CAPA alumni. The bassist is Miles J. Started off with some Herbie Hancock and then did a Freddie Hubbard and a Stanley Turrentine and then two off of his new album… he is monthly now at Alphabet City. An Alderdice student sang “Bye Bye Blackbird.” They ended with “Sack of Dreams” by Gary McFarland. Tony Campbell’s eyes rolled into the back of his head. Manchester Farm, Growing To-
elebrate Lent with 100 fish sandwiches, attend BPEP JAZZ on Easter Monday. I know that I need to plan ahead… like to get a new job and a trip to London. I have to do things to have a life and get to know new people. I need to re-establish old friendships. Here are some reasonable goals for the months ahead.
gether, is the community farm closest to me… I can have a few rows of corn and sunflowers, and potatoes, peanuts and a pumpkin patch. I can manage the flower boxes on my stoop. PCTV Comcast 21 and Verizon 47 FREE SPEECH TV. Where else am I going to host a SPUD FEST or a Grateful Dead Hour or another episode of Let’s Talk About Sweatshops @ PNC Park? It would be really nice to get some of my colleagues at Pittverse writers through the orientation and work together to get us set up for some studio time in a few months.
Order early from www.chocolategelt.com for Chanuka Hanuka.
Pittverse 42
My Interview with Carol from Children's Hospital by Mike Levenson
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hildren’s Hospital is a UPMC hospital in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It is the only hospital in Western PA that is 100 percent focused on children. I volunteer at Children’s Hospital, and I interviewed one of the staff members. 1. What is your full name? Carol Molskiewski 2. What is your official title? My official title is Surgical Liaison. I wear many hats, and I have a lot of different responsibilities in order to help people. 3. How long have you been working at the hospital? I've worked her for 13 years 4. What is the best part of your job? The best part about my job is the children. 5. What is your least favorite part of your job? My least favorite part is seeing the pain of the family. 6. How did you find your job? I found my job through a recommendation. 7. What do you like to do on your days off? I like to relax on my day off. I especially enjoy all kinds of fishing.
Lark: timeline by Michelle Middlemiss December 1990 Lark, Levi and Lavi are born in the Dark Dimension. Clea defies Umar and learns that Umar is her mother. At first the triplets’ father doesn’t know that they had been born. January 1991 Doctor Strange takes Lark back with him to Earth. Levi stays with Clea to become prince of the Dark Dimension. Levi and Lavi also spend half their time with their father. July-December 1991 Infinity 6 Gauntlet happens when the triplets become 1 years old. Clea, even though she is Queen, helps out with the others. December 1990-May 1991 Iron Man goes through the Second Armor Wars. December 1992-1994 The War of the Seven Spheres begins. At first, Dr. Strange didn’t want to be in it. 2005 Where Normal Earth 616 diverges into the Earth of “House of M” is when Magneto does go to war with the humans. Because in the seventies humans push the mutants too far, too soon. So when Magneto fights back, his old friend Charles Xavier backs him up rather than fight Magneto. So in the end Magneto rules the Earth. But this Earth was made when Wanda's brother talked her into changing Regular Earth. Lark was 15 at that time.
Pittverse 44
Lark’s Story Part Six by Michelle Middlemiss Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel. I do not get paid for my story. The character Lark is my own creation. 2009
I
t had been five years later when Lark, Billy and Tommy found out that Billy and Tommy were Wanda’s twin boys. Now the three were closer than ever before Kang kidnapped Billy and Tommy. Now Lark and Tommy were married to each other and had children of their own. Both knew that this world was no good to raise strong young mutants in, but neither one could think of how to give them the life they deserved, life without fear of what might happen to them. But Lark was tied to this plain because of the role she was born to play. The only chance they had of a normal life would be in a Pocket Dimension of this, or another time or an alternative reality that was still connected to hers. But from what Cable has told her, there wasn’t one. That’s why he needed to come back here to raise Hope, with the help of Lark’s magic of course. Cable had helped Lark out during some of the most trying times of her life so she could not turn him away in one of his most trying. That would not be how she had been brought up, no matter what she felt about anything that happened, she would not give up the morals she was raised by. That would be like spitting on Captain America’s grave, giving into the fear that most people have done, the fear that had caused the Super Heroes Civil War, the war that
brought the end to her somewhat happy life. It’s true she had already lost her left eye years before, but the Resistance felt like a close-knit family. Matt Murdock and Cable continued to teach her to not only count on her eyes but every other sense. That would be the reason that Lark had been able to fight out of the Dark Dimension, very much pregnant. Part of Lark wondered if her grandmother had just let her go. That was two years ago, two long years of confusion and pain. *** Lark knew she had to be dreaming; the nineteen year old was no where near a grass field. In fact, this month her family was hiding in Cap’s apartment in the Bronx, safe at the moment. Lark then felt a familiar tickle in her mind. It was Morph. She hadn’t seen this shape shifter for over four years. Morph was from a group of heroes known as the Exiles. If he wanted to talk to her, something must have gone wrong. Well, more wrong than she had thought.
that’s nowhere near abnormal.” “That’s why I wanted to contact your father, and when I tried this big shot told me that you had taken over.” “My ‘father’ is going through one of his identity problems, and because I’m nineteen I can fill in…” Lark stopped. She hated talking to any Morph, especially this one who had seen her during troubled times. Even at age fifteen Lark had to become a lot stronger. Actually, according to Blink, Morph knew that Lark had to be strong since she had been six. “So that’s why Tallus is saying that the team will need to babysit you and the others,” Morph said. “Good. I thought it was something like what happened in Blink and Saber tooth’s home plain.”
“Hi Lark, I won’t ask how things are going” Morph said, looking at the weakened girl, he could see that she had been through more than when he last saw her.
“Unfortunately Morph, things are almost that bad. So when your team comes I’ll fill you in and meet you in New Jersey. It’s not safe in New York right now,” Lark told him. As she woke up she lay there for a few minutes. If the Exiles were coming back to Earth 616 she knew there might be a way to change the past few years. Go back to when she had been fifteen, maybe even farther. Either way Lark knew things could now begin to heal or in a real way she might not have to.
Lark was also caught off guard because Morph wasn’t joking around and this was bad. “Thanks Morph, but what’s bad enough for the Exiles to visit this plain? Yeah, things have gone from bad to worse, but
Even though she was nineteen, Lark looked to be fifteen and could act that age when need be. She would often sneak into schools to see what the Civil War and then the Dark Rain had done to the kids. Lark, being a telepathic mu-
tant could tell what was going on. Most of the time Lark’s heart would break because the children couldn’t care less about the way the world had changed. Lark had willingly given up her childhood, and all this hiding and moving around was destroying her own children’s childhood. Even as a small child she had understood why her family had to do what they thought was right. But to think what the world was now, all the fighting and all the pain wasn’t worth any of it. They should have let Magneto take over the world and have the mutants rule. Yeah, there were problems but nothing that a few raids by the X-Men couldn’t solve to make sure the Sapiens were being treated right. Magneto was a good man at heart, unlike Osborn who was insane. Osborn ruled the world at this point and made it more of a mess than it was before. At least they weren’t constantly being hunted down like they had been. But it had been dangerous to openly fight the battle that needed to be fought. That’s why Bucky, the new Captain, had given them shelter in Steve’s old home. In his will, Steve Rogers had given Bucky his apartment. His sons Tommy and Billy got everything else. Liking the two, Bucky let them set up a place in the apartment. Lark got dressed as well as she could, trying not to wake her husband to help her. Lark’s left eye had died on her a very long time ago, but over the last few years things had gotten worse. She still had her mutant powers over electric and had to help the planet
more. That took a lot of training to control; she had to relearn everything that Cable and X-Man had taught her when she was just nine years old. But they had never given up on her and in return Lark would not give up on them. Right after almost all the mutants had been turned into humans, Lark had met the team of Exiles. She had known Blink and Mr. Creed (a Saber tooth) for a lot
he saw as family. Lark thought it would be nice to see Mr. Creed too; one of the only Saber tooth’s who was not a blood thirsty killer. Even though Creed could kill as well as the others. However, that was very different than killing for fun. A lot different and she always had to keep that in mind. Especially now that Hawkeye, whom the government approved of, was the assassin, Bullseye. Lark wrote a note to Tommy telling him where she was in case he needed to get a team together to break her out of jail. Lark then put on a jacket and left the safe house to go to New Jersey to see her brother-in-law Billy. If Morph had wanted to talk to her father, magic might be needed. Even though Lark was very good at magic and was the Inter Sorceress Supreme it was always a good idea to have backup. A lot of backup at times.
longer than that. Lark had been six years old when the clone of Jean Grey and Scott Summers of AOA first came from his crooked world to the normal world. Nate Grey as the clone called himself, soon became Lark’s babysitter. He didn’t mind that at all and he still kept in touch with her over the years.
She could also check up on how the Resistance was doing down there. Plus, XMan was staying with Billy and Teddy to help and protect them. Lark got on the bus and opened the book she was reading. She also was making a study guide for her kids who were being home schooled. To be continued…
Lark hoped that Morph would have told Nate that the Exiles were coming. That way Nate would get to see one of the people
Pittverse 46
History Repeats by Sarah Lehman with edits by Michael Kurland
I
’m standing somewhere inside Starkiller Base, with Ren, Finn, and Chewie nearby. In front of me is my son Ben Solo, now a Dark Jedi named Kylo Ren. Supreme Leader Snoke turned him to the Dark Side years ago. But I haven’t given up hope just yet. I’m sure my son is still in there. “Take off that mask,” I say to him. “You don’t need it.” “What do you think you’ll see if I do?” he asks. “The face of my son,” I reply. “Your son is gone,” he responds. “He was weak and foolish like his father, so I destroyed him.”
“That’s what Snoke wants you to believe, but it’s not true,” I say. “My son is alive.” “No. The Supreme Leader is wise,” he contends. “Snoke is using your for your power,” I say, remembering what I’ve heard about Darth Sidious. “When he gets what he wants, he’ll crush you. You know it’s true.” “It’s too late,” he says simply.
“No, it’s not,” I insist. “Leave here
with me. Come home. We miss you.” Kylo—Ben—is silent for a moment. Then, he takes off his helmet. For a brief moment, there is hope. But then, I look closer, and I see that there is no desire to return. Yet, there is also reluctance. “I’m being torn apart,” he says to me. “I want to be free of this pain. I know what I have to do, but I don’t know if I have the strength to do it. Will you help me?” Just from his eyes, I know my son is lost. He is torn, but it is because he can’t bring himself to let go. He wants to prove himself, but he can’t bring himself to kill his own father. I know what he is asking. “Yes,” I say. “Anything.” What I mean is, do what you have to do. And he does. He thrusts his lightsaber into my chest—not an instant kill, but a fatal wound all the same. He withdraws the blade, and I fall from the walkway. As I fall, I remember how I got caught up in the Rebellion.
How I used to be skeptical about the Force, until Luke showed me the light. How I fought with Leia so often, before we finally admitted that we loved each other. How I learned that there were things more important than money or keeping my own skin safe. Most notably, I think of how Obi-Wan ‘Ben’ Kenobi—my son’s namesake—died at the hands of Darth Vader. He was cut down by a lightsaber, just as I was. It’s kind of funny, really, how history repeats itself. I just hope it will be the same with Ben. Leia, forgive me for not succeeding. Chewie, never forget me. Rey and Finn, the fate of the Resistance and the New Republic now rests in your hands. And Luke, please redeem my son and bring him to the light. May the Force be with you, always. Adapted from the Screenplay by Michael Ardnt, J.J. Abrams, & Lawrence Kasdan Star Wars Created by George Lucas Characters and Settings © 2015, 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.
I Heard the News Today by Sarah Lehman
L
ooking down at the body, Detective Jay Harland turned to his partner. “What do you make of this, Shepard?”
Next to him, Detective Amanda Shepard knelt down to inspect the body more closely. “Gunshot to the head,” she noted. “My guess, it came from his gun—went off when he got knocked into the wall.” “But what sent him flying?” Harland asked. “I think there was a super fight going on, but I don’t know that much about it.” “Excuse me, detectives.” The two officers turned and saw a brunette woman approaching, followed by a seven-year-old boy, most likely her son. “I’m Samantha Reynolds,” the woman said. “You want to know how that guy got killed?” “Did you see what happened?” asked Harland. “Yes,” Samantha answered. “My son Cody and I were walking back to my car when we heard
noise coming from that direction.” She pointed off to the right. “As it turns out, Barricade and Firefly were fighting Lunatic, and one of those blasts went wild. It almost hit Cody.” “Almost?” inquired Shepard.
“I heard somebody yell ‘get down’ and then somebody tackled me,” Cody said, pointing to his knee. “I scraped my knee, so Mom rubbed some spit on it, since she didn’t have any BandAids.” Harland knelt to look at Cody. “Did you see who pushed you down?” Cody nodded. “It was a man with glasses—big round ones. Mom looked pretty surprised to see him, but then we heard the sirens and came over here.” “Where was this, exactly?” Harland asked. “Back by the hotel,” Cody answered. “I saw him go back inside just before Mom pulled me away.” The two detectives looked at each other.
“Why, exactly, do you want to know?” asked Samantha. “Well, seeing as how this happened because of a super-battle, we need to include it in our report,” Shepard explained. “Casualty records and all that.”
************* A short distance away, Yogen— an Asian man wearing a dark green robe with silvery-grey accents and the Japanese character for ‘future’ on the hood— observed the conversation, his expression solemn. “Had things been different,” he mused quietly. “There would have been another man killed today. The world would have lost an icon—a man whose words inspired so many people, and still do. But it seems that Fate was willing to spare him, in exchange for the one who would have killed him. A life for a life.” He closed his eyes. “You will most likely never know how close you came to death today, Lennonsan.”
Pittverse 48
Top 10 Sandra Bullock Films by Richard Campbell 10. Speed 9. Speed 2 8. Gravity 7. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood 6. Crash 5. Two Weeks Notice 4. The Lake House 3. The Blind Side 2. 28 Days 1. Miss Congeniality (2001)
Eva Rinaldi [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Georges Biard [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Places I Like To Go by Sara Brooks 10. Bath & Body Works 9. Bed, Bath, & Beyond 8. Barnes & Noble 7. Kohls 6. Target
Top 9 Easter Movies by Sara Brooks 9. Hop 8. It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
7. The Easter Bunny’s Coming to Town
5. Dairy Queen 4. The Library 3. Rite Aid 2. Marshall’s 1. JC Penny’s
6. Here Comes Peter Cottontail 5. The First Easter Bunny 4. Winnie the Springtime with Roo 3. The Chipmunks Easter Collection 2. The Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible The Easter Story 1. The Velteen Rabbit
Pittverse 50
Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) currently has programs in 17 states and serves 25 major US cities as well as dozens of other urban, suburban, and rural communities. By tapping into the strengths and capabilities of the 10,000 families we serve each year, our 2,000+ YAP staff members, and the capacity of communities, YAP affects positive change.
YAP has developed unique service delivery principles that guide our work with youth and families involved in the Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Behavioral Health, and Education systems. Our staff, who reside in or near the neighborhoods they serve, work non-traditional, flexible hours and are accessible 24/7. Our demonstrated ability to recruit and energize indigenous resident leaders within neighborhoods is another unique element of our success. External evaluations of YAP confirm the validity of our approach. Our model has also been cited by several external bodies, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as a “promising practice” in providing effective alternatives to institutional care. Since our agency opened, YAP has experienced rapid growth. We have broadened our scope of services and increased our capacity to service more children, youth, families, and adults—including those who have not succeeded with traditional services. We continue to explore new opportunities to demonstrate our unique and effective community-based alternatives to out-of-home placements.
Spring 2017 Pittverse Writers Kevin Hart
Sara Brooks
Richard Campbell
Dima Harmon
Kenneth Miller
Michelle Middlemiss
Bryan Lippert
Daniel Ashkin
David O’Rorey
J.D.C.
Nature f.f. Aura
M.J. Devine
Sarah Lehman
Mark Sulkin
Mike Levenson
Delaine Swearman
Mike Perret
Robert Hester