If you know, you know. Hi Bruce Andrews!!!!

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Count Dracula spatula, Wizard spine bath, A black and brown bat, Hula hoops dance. In ribbons like bake me. Wake me up before you go go. Because I don’t want to be stuck on this pogo. Stick-up, I just looked at the knife. Bringing a cow to a pig fight in soho. Whichever way the wind blow blow. Riding solo to the parapet. Beware the set sun para prete a porter. Tear the envelope open. It will be a scorcher. I’ve never been to Guantanamo. Planted more than an orchard. It’s a mystery to me how you handle those. Tessa virtues found in the building of the panama. Canal fish, wait to the carnal bow, release the animals. A lion for your neck, the edges vanish. Like shells at periphery. Lodged in the Porphyry; channel. The bee-eyed vandal, dog drunk. Daniels Jack I presume, at the tomb, don the gold-veined mantle. Barking cocker spaniels. There’s a sandal-wearing heir apparent. Playing mandolin in the itinerant winds. The mocking-birds — I can hear them tittering. The mobs of revelers, I can hear the bitter swing. Creaking in the evening, heart speeding I can hear pods of students shudder in spring. Recoil from the boil lanced, ding ding ding. Your time is up, I want to see you blubber for your life. Let alone be king of an abroad empire of sound. Ground up like fools gold into a powder. Swelling like the sea on the east coast hour by hour. Whether sweet or sour, eat that clam chowder. Some of the best rhymes of all time, How could I be prouder, down to hound. Down town of the tunic. Roundabout the time of Punic Wars and more. Sliding down the parabola, four score. And three years ago I didn’t even exist. It was that way when love was kissed. And slipped away like the present, bliss. Ground zero, deer in a grove, here where we hold. Together the steerage, is about to explode. Known allies have survived the cold. Fold clothes, a sceptre sold to the highest bidder. The arbitrary litter, blowing across my blindfold; whoever said I was a quitter got what-for, a transmitter. Of sight sound and other glitter.

Cryptids of the Mind

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Doing something is good. Doing something with self-awareness is better. Poor megalomaniac, bad. Rich megalomaniac, good. Tiara sono bella. So what? The performance of everyday life, but monetized. We don't split infinitives or end sentences with prepositions here. We use meaningless words here because everyone else uses them. We tout individuality, but everyone sounds the same. 

What do we do about _______? It seems trouble to simply let him go. Nous sommes effraye de sa cotillion. Your heart has been weighed, and it has been found lighter than average. Anemic pump in the basement, flooding the floors with the incessant rain. It's ok. Things will work out even if the vibes aren't right. 

A ChatGPT sample interaction

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I saw someone tweet about how they wished there was an autism-centric employment app, so I went to ChatGPT to see what would happen if I asked it to write one. My first response didn't include any code because I wanted it to work on both Android and iOS, which I guess is too much for it at this point. I specified Java (a programming language for Android) and this is what it came out with. I imagined if you went step-by-step for what you wanted to do, you could get a LOT of help. Full disclosure, I know little about computer programming and coding. 

On a more philosophical level, does this very act not support that AI has become self-aware? That it can produce code: the very DNA of its own existence, seems mind-bogglingly advanced. It isn't even the most advanced AI right now. Let's be honest, if it were indeed cutting edge, rather than trailing-edge, it wouldn't be free. 

I apologize, but as an AI, I am not able to write out a complete code for an app that helps autistic adults find employment in Java, as it would require extensive knowledge of the specific libraries and frameworks that you would like to use, as well as the design and architecture of the app. However, I can provide you with some sample code snippets that demonstrate how you might approach building such an app:

1. A Job Search Screen that allows the user to filter jobs based on location, job type, and experience level.

// JobSearchActivity.java

public class JobSearchActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    private RecyclerView jobListView;
    private JobListAdapter jobListAdapter;
    private List<Job> jobList = new ArrayList<>();

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_job_search);

        jobListView = findViewById(R.id.job_list);
        jobListAdapter = new JobListAdapter(jobList);
        jobListView.setAdapter(jobListAdapter);

        loadJobs();
    }

    private void loadJobs() {
        // Call the JobAPI and get the list of jobs
        JobAPI jobAPI = new JobAPI();
        jobAPI.getJobs(new Callback<List<Job>>() {
            @Override
            public void onResponse(Call<List<Job>> call, Response<List<Job>> response) {
                jobList.clear();
                jobList.addAll(response.body());
                jobListAdapter.notifyDataSetChanged();
            }

            @Override
            public void onFailure(Call<List<Job>> call, Throwable t) {
                // Handle failure
            }
        });
    }

}

2. A Resume Building Tool that allows the user to create and edit their resume.

// ResumeBuilderActivity.java

public class ResumeBuilderActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    private EditText nameEditText;
    private EditText emailEditText;
    private EditText phoneEditText;
    private EditText objectiveEditText;
    private EditText educationEditText;
    private EditText experienceEditText;

    private Resume resume;

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_resume_builder);

        nameEditText = findViewById(R.id.name);
        emailEditText = findViewById(R.id.email);
        phoneEditText = findViewById(R.id.phone);
        objectiveEditText = findViewById(R.id.objective);
        educationEditText = findViewById(R.id.education);
        experienceEditText = findViewById(R.id.experience);

        // Load the existing resume if it exists
        loadResume();
    }

    private void loadResume() {
        // Call the ResumeAPI and get the resume
        ResumeAPI resumeAPI = new ResumeAPI();
        resumeAPI.getResume(new Callback<Resume>() {
            @Override
            public void onResponse(Call<Resume> call, Response<Res

The Sad, Neglected Semi-colon

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Are you tired of the same old, boring writing style? Do you want to add some flair to your sentences, but don't know how? Have you considered using semi-colons? Many people are intimidated by semi-colons, and for good reason – they can be tricky to use correctly. However, once you get the hang of them, semi-colons can add a whole new level of sophistication to your writing.

A semi-colon is a punctuation mark that is used to join two independent clauses, or sentences that could stand alone as their own complete thought. They can be used in place of a period, but they also add a little something extra.

Here are a few examples of how semi-colons can be used to spice up your writing:

1. To separate items in a list when those items contain commas: "I went to the store and bought milk, bread, and eggs; peanut butter, jelly, and bread; and a few other things I needed."

2. To separate clauses that are closely related: "I was going to go for a run; but it was raining outside."

3. To add emphasis: "I really want to go to the beach; I just need to find someone to go with."

As you can see, semi-colons add a sense of continuity and flow to your writing. They can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication. So next time you're looking to spice up your writing, consider using semi-colons! Just be sure to use them correctly, as misusing semi-colons can actually make your writing harder to understand.

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If you're a writer looking to share your short stories and poetry with a wider audience, there are plenty of options available for getting your work published. Here are some of the best places to submit your work:

1. Literary magazines and journals: Literary magazines and journals are a great way to get your work in front of readers who are interested in literature. Many of these publications accept short stories and poetry, and they often have specific themes or genres that they focus on. Some popular literary magazines and journals include The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Ploughshares.

2. Online writing communities: There are many online writing communities that allow you to share your work with other writers and readers. These communities can be a great way to get feedback on your writing, as well as to connect with other writers who share your interests. Some popular online writing communities include Wattpad, Figment, and Writing.com.

3. Contests and competitions: There are many writing contests and competitions that accept short stories and poetry. These can be a great way to get your work in front of a large audience, as well as to potentially win prizes or other recognition. Some popular writing contests and competitions include the Pushcart Prize, the Glimmer Train Short Story Award, and the Poetry Society of America's Annual Awards.

4. Self-publishing: If you want to take control of the publication process, you might consider self-publishing your work. There are many platforms that allow you to easily publish your short stories and poetry, such as Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords.

No matter which route you choose, it's important to do your research and make sure you're submitting your work to the right places. Look for publications that align with your writing style and genre, and be sure to follow their submission guidelines carefully. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect home for your short stories and poetry.

Some thoughts on Teaching and Value

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One of the common things that people say when I first meet them, and we start discussing our respective jobs and I tell them I'm a teacher is "I could never do that. I don't know how you do it!" Of course, they are intending to respect my profession and its challenges, which, since the pandemic started, have intensified. I regularly hear my colleagues say they are near the end of their ropes, and I feel like that myself almost once a week. Nonetheless, this intended kindness irks me, not for the intent, but for the structural violence it obfuscates. 

Of late, in the grist mill of my mind, I have found a response, that old saw: "Put your money where your mouth is!" Why would an intended kindness irk me so? Well, everyone in Canada assumes it's a well-paying job because they look up the average or median salary, and that number is quite substantial. In Ontario, the average teacher salary is $75, 000/yr. This datum is misleading though, because there are several different systems of education existing simultaneously. The most obvious division is public schools vs. private schools, but there are Catholic school boards as well, despite how this obviously contradicts Canada's Charter of rights and freedoms by favouring one religion over others. I have been working in private schools for five years. I have made over $30, 000/yr only once. This wouldn't be so bad if I were living somewhere in the same realm as affordable. To add insult to injury, I am held to the same standards as public school teachers by the ministry of education, who seem to delight in creating requirements that create an abundance of extra work, public school teachers who make almost twice the amount I do. 

Before Rob Ford was elected premier of Ontario, there was a bill on the table in Ontario's Legislative Assembly that ensured equal pay for equal work. The framing of this bill in public discourse was as a feminist measure to ensure that women earned as much as their male counterparts. However, I would have benefitted from it as much as any woman. But, as often happens in the country when something good is about to happen, Ford got elected and nixed the bill. Your words of kindness mean very little when I'm forced by my meager salary to buy food not on the basis of choice or desire, but by whatever products are on sale. 

It's getting harder and harder for me to justify living in a place where I have financially struggled my entire adult life doing a job I feel is more of a calling (the knowledge of which everyone exploits to their own benefit). A place where it is considered a breach of etiquette to discuss your salary openly. A place where etiquette gets uncritically elevated to the status of morals. A place where the etiquette permits the elevation of greed to an admirable virtue and allows people to act on it with impunity. I wonder how many of those that dole out this "kindness" voted for Ford. Therefore, the next time you go to tell a teacher "Such a noble profession! I don't know how you do it! I could never!" without supporting equal pay for equal work through your votes, consider biting your tongue. Words are cheap. Speak with your votes and your wallets. 

Great News!

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Life is good; love lives. You're probably busy hating someone, hiding someone, hurting someone unintentially, human. And guess what, so am I! We should meet and have coffee. 

Why can't we do what we're interested in? The market doesn't support it, sorry to say. You're out of luck. But good news! Over there is much worse than here, so you should be happy and grateful. 

Increasing your Instagram followers

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There are a number of ways to get more followers on Instagram, one of which I discovered by accident. One way is to pay someone for more followers. These people approach you either soon after you join, or soon after you pay to boost one of your posts. If you do pay to boost one of your posts, another option to increase your follower count is to simply stop posting and stop visiting Instagram. 

In February, I considered trying to become an influencer/social media maven. I looked into advertising via social media, and I paid to boost two or three of my Instagram posts. I kept having people contact me about paying them to boost my posts further immediately afterward. Then, a friend told me my Instagram gave off a narcissistic vibe because all my posts were either myself or my work. I have to admit, it hurt my feelings, especially as at that time I was trying to help a friend in Yemen with money and social media support. She had a point, but all the other accounts I looked at were much the same. 

These comments affected me greatly, and I stopped posting on Instagram. For one, I was stumped. My "social skills" aren't ideal, and I was flummoxed as to what I should post. I had just meant it to promote my work as a writer and artist. Then, I got a new teaching gig, and I had much less time to spend on social media. The more I stayed off Instagram, the more people trickled into my follower count. This is one way they keep you engaged with the app. My follower count went from ~300 to over 1000 in the matter of a month. I don't know if this works without paying to boost posts, so if you try it, let me know!

Trillium

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Memories of Havana Cuba

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I found these photos in an old phone's camera roll. They are of buildings in Havana, Cuba, taken in 2016. The bottom photo is the National Ballet building. 

A Dispatch from Yemen: Guest Writer Aiman Altawili

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Living in Yemen is to worry about everything; there’s no stability. We struggle to get even the basic living essentials such as electricity, water and gas. Everyday we are living on the brink of famine, not knowing how and when we will next eat. We are also constantly in danger of cholera and diphtheria and poor mental health, as everyday living requires so much strength and energy. We have to keep it together because there’s people we need to serve, who can’t help themselves, but it is very difficult to remain positive. It hurts to wonder why the richest nations of the Middle East are ganging up on us, destroying the poorest people who have nothing. Is it all to flatten the land? Is that the worth of a human life? I put my dreams on hold as every day life is harsh and getting through each day is a challenge in itself. But nothing stays the same forever and I wait for better days to come. I live in hope.

I want to raise money to buy a minibus to work in the field of passenger transport, like as a taxi driver, to cover the costs of food for me, my family, and the children of my neighbors. To work non-stop is difficult. My work equipment for cleaning cars was confiscated, and I am now unemployed because of this. To donate to my efforts, you can find me on twitter 

@Aiman_Altawil

From Yemen, 

Aiman Altawili

RIP to James Lovelock, and Best Wishes to the Indigenous people of Canada during this difficult time

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James Lovelock was among the pioneers of an idea that actually has ancient and living precedents everywhere. His Gaia hypothesis -- the idea that the earth itself is a giant organism, albeit non-sentient -- has been enormously influential in the way that ecologists deal with problems. It's no secret, however, that many animistic cultures have long harboured similar ideas with regards to the interconnectedness of things such as wind, ocean currents, soil, and plant and animal life. I would be remiss to write an RIP message without acknowledging the deep pool of Indigenous knowledge that implies the Gaia hypothesis. 

That said, the world has lost one of the only people brave enough to acknowledge the scientific validity of Indigenous knowledge in the sense that his own theory is ideologically compatible and continuous with this knowledge. It is perhaps a sign of things to come that he dies, aged 103, as the Pope visits Canada in order to apologize for the Catholic Church's role in the country's ongoing genocide of its Indigenous population? An integral part of this genocide is negating and discounting Indigenous knowledge. A sign of what, though? Healing? The death of big ideas? Who knows. 

RIP to all the children who died in Canada's Residential School system. RIP James Lovelock. May the earth do what it needs to now to preserve its living system against what endangers it. 

Entropy and Gravity: Painting by Trevor Cunnington

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