The Writer's Life 4/20 - Legomania

A blurb in today's NY Post led me to an article at foxnews.com. Here's the gist, edited by yours truly: A 15-year-old autistic boy from Iceland used 56,000 Legos to build a replica of the Titanic. He did it when he was ten. It is 26-feet-long, five-feet-tall, four-feet wide, and took eleven months, roughly 700 hours, to complete. His mom and grandfather provided encouragement. Before starting the project, he had trouble with communication and social interaction. That changed as people began to ask questions about the replica. He was finally able to look people in the eye, which thrilled his mom. His grades rose and his classmates began seeing him as another kid, not just autistic. The replica has been on display all over the world and is now at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Well done, young man. Here's a pic: 

I've been to a Starbucks only twice, in each instance waiting for a friend. I bought hot chocolate, which, knowing me, probably cost in the neighborhood of two bucks, perhaps less. Whenever I've gone into a fast food joint for an emergency bathroom break, I asked a person at the counter if it required a purchase. After this week's debacle, everyone now knows where to go to hang out with impunity. I wonder if it will become common practice at the venues of all such businesses, and if any owners will stand up for the right to oust those who do not spend any money.

From Yahoo's Odd News, edited by yt: A four-year old Massachusetts pre-school student told her mom she wasn't allowed to call a classmate "best friend." In a letter to the family, officials said it had been their experience that the use of the term, even in a loving way, led to some children feeling excluded. The parents are looking for a new school for the kid.

My thanks to the woman who bought five books in Russian, and to Mike and Eddie, who each donated five books. April 20th, and I wore seven layers, including my winter coat, to ward off the cold wind. Geez.

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