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Speaker: Seven Good Reasons

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  • Craig Ranapia,

    Sorry I can't make it, but I have a quite atypical confidence that it will be a rip-roaring success and look forward to reading the book.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • andrew llewellyn,

    Can't make it either - but with any luck there should be 5kg of SunnyO grown macadamia nuts to auction off.

    So my nuts will be there.

    I have waited all my life to type those words.

    Since Nov 2006 • 2075 posts Report

  • Robyn Gallagher,

    So my nuts will be there.

    Oh, how I wish I was in Wellington!

    I'm sure it'll be a great evening. I'm really excited about the launch of the Humans website, and looking forward to reading David's book.

    I insist that all my posse in the capital get along and support this super event and have a great time.

    Since Nov 2006 • 1946 posts Report

  • Stephen Judd,

    Well, we'll be there. And I'm sure someone will be delighted to get their hands on Andrew's nuts.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • andrew llewellyn,

    See? Hours of fun with 4 letter words. I do hope they make it.

    Since Nov 2006 • 2075 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia,

    Well, we'll be there. And I'm sure someone will be delighted to get their hands on Andrew's nuts.

    And pay dearly for the privilege... I'm sure there's a word for that.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • andrew llewellyn,

    Those nuts are pro. They know what they're doing.

    Since Nov 2006 • 2075 posts Report

  • Kyle Matthews,

    And pay dearly for the privilege... I'm sure there's a word for that.

    Nut allergy? In both senses...

    Since Nov 2006 • 6243 posts Report

  • Jackie Clark,

    I too would have like to go along to the Hustle Puffle thingy for Autism. I listened to David on the National Program in the weekend, and he spoke so beautifully about autism. So true that it affects many - I'm sure I've taught alot of undiagnosed autists - and a friend of a friend has a wee boy who is now doing okay at a mainstream school with intensive help (they are wealthy people and he goes to a private school - would that everyone had that opportunity). Good luck for the night, guys - I hope you raise obscene amounts of moola.

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report

  • Robyn Gallagher,

    I hope you raise obscene amounts of moola.

    Speaking of which, is there a way that those of us who care but can't be there can donate?

    I missed out at Hustle For Russell time cos I was in a maxed-out/starving artist phase, but now I'd like to give a little something.

    Since Nov 2006 • 1946 posts Report

  • Stephen Judd,

    We just got back, and while it would be presumptuous to say a good time was had by all, I can confirm a good time was had by me. Who knew that Bill English could speak soulfully and well of the curse of the middle class drive for perfection? Who knew that David Cohen is an accomplished public speaker (as long as he stays near the mike)? And who knew that the Bonnie Scarlets were a tight wee act with eerily taut little late 60s skinny white boys play the blues stylings? Not me.

    I'm not one to gossip but you can guess at:
    - the National Party stalwart who wanted the wine signed by Helen Clarke. My question: did she make it herself?
    - the parade of women eyeing up Andrew's nuts. Only one walked off with them - in their sack.

    I also met a bunch of people with autistic kids (who they'd found babysitters for, bless them). I think it's worth pointing out while duh, of course you would meet such people at an autism fundraiser, I got reacquainted with parents I already knew socially in four different families with autistic children. I would never have known of that if I hadn't seen them this evening. It's out there folks, and more common than you know.

    If you weren't there, why not drop by the fabulous new site and then give them some money. (Russell, Pamela: lovely to meet you, now get a Paypal account.)

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • kmont,

    Good times.

    I hope the human.org site grows into a fertile and fabulous place.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Sue,

    and tada
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellipse/sets/72157601250615362

    Yes it's some hideously bad photos from the Evening, for some reason my Camera was wobbly ;)


    I can confirm SunnyO's nuts went to a good home
    and how amazing are those folks at PeadPR

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 527 posts Report

  • andrew llewellyn,

    Good.

    Since Nov 2006 • 2075 posts Report

  • Jason Kemp,

    Came across this quite by chance - it has some numbers in it from the U.S and seems to be useful - from the NY Times

    What Autistic Girls Are Made Of
    By EMILY BAZELON
    Published: August 5, 2007
    Research and clinical observation are starting to show that autistic girls are different from autistic boys. And these differences may have implications for the quality of their lives.

    What Autistic Girls Are Made Of

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 368 posts Report

  • Don Christie,

    Made it for a short time only.

    Bill English was brilliant.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1645 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    We just got back, and while it would be presumptuous to say a good time was had by all, I can confirm a good time was had by me. Who knew that Bill English could speak soulfully and well of the curse of the middle class drive for perfection?

    Did he nail it with that or what? I was impressed.

    Hilary Stace has provided us with our first entry for the "Stories" section at humans.org.nz, but I'll wait till I get back to my proper computer to add it.

    The Autism Invention Trust people were so happy last night -- not just about the money (about $20,000 was raised) but to have their issues talked about in such a setting.

    Point of interest: morning tea with John Key went for $1500 at auction. But dinner with Maryan Hobbs fetched $1600! Who'da thought?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Jeremy Andrew,

    Any chance of a transcript, or slightly longer abstract for those of us who missed it?

    Hamiltron - City of the F… • Since Nov 2006 • 900 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    Any chance of a transcript, or slightly longer abstract for those of us who missed it?

    A few people have asked about English's speech. I'll see if I can get it for humans.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Stephen Judd,

    If I remember correctly, and bear in mind I had had a few pints by that point, Billy Glish pointed out that the phenomenon of autism strikes a fatal blow to the middle class fantasy of the perfect life, with a perfect house, a perfect lifestyle, and perfect children. He then outlined the alternative aspiration of a Good Life.

    There was more besides, some of which was a bit stretched or blethery for this cynical and perhaps overly-critical member of the audience, but Middle Class Perfection was a insight quoted many times as the evening went on.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 3122 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    He then outlined the alternative aspiration of a Good Life.

    Actually, that was me, quoting David's phrase from the book.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Don Christie,

    Any chance of a transcript, or slightly longer abstract for those of us who missed it?

    Well, he had notes and some quotes from Cohen's book but didn't feel like a written out speech.

    He spoke of knowing David Cohen at school. A disruptive force in Bill's life of order and respect. He spoke of fatherhood, of being Minister for Health and being briefed by parents of autistic kids about the mountains they face.

    But really it was the tone not the content. As Stephen says:

    Who knew that Bill English could speak soulfully and well of the curse of the middle class drive for perfection?

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1645 posts Report

  • kmont,

    Yes, it was good insight and he seemed sincere. The speech was a little tiny weeny bit long for this perhaps overly-critical member of the audience. I was rather surprised to be temporarily locked out of the venue with Bill English at about 6:40. Suffice to say, he made a few calls and we were let in eventually. It was all very Wellington for this girl.

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

  • Don Christie,

    Also, David Farrar covers the evening. I had forgotten this point from English picked up on:

    He said that after reading the book he probably agrees that hope, even more than love, is the most important emotion.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1645 posts Report

  • kmont,

    wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 485 posts Report

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