Happy Halloween!

Happy
Halloween!
Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett



Ghostbusters!

Running With Scissors - Great Movie

I managed to see the new movie, Running With Scissors, over the weekend.  I enjoyed it, despite it being very long (2 and a half hours).  It is an adaptation of the memoir by Augusten Burroughs, who has a brother with Asperger's Syndrome (the brother is not seen in the movie though).

It's a movie about Augusten, a gay teenager with a manic mother who is a frustrated writer, who is stuck living with his mother's psychiatrist and his dysfunctional family after his parents divorce.  The story takes place back in the 1970s.  The soundtrack is great.  Annette Benning, who plays Augusten's mother, puts in a great performance as the mother.

I could easily relate to Augusten's problem of being trapped in a difficult situation.  When he says out loud that he wants to have a normal life, I remember the many times I said that when I was his age.  By the way, I was in my mid-teens around the same time Augusten was back in the late 1970s.

Definately a must-see movie.

Trailer

Alice Cooper - The New DJ at WZLX in Boston

Alice Cooper's syndicated radio program is now on WZLX in Boston on Saturday nights.  Alice put in an appearance at WZLX-FM during the morning show yesterday to promote his show in Boston.  The success of Alice's radio show has grown from 5 radio stations to over 100 stations.

Great going, Alice!  Welcome to Boston!


School's Out!

I'm Voting for Deval Patrick as MA Governor

With Election Day one week away, it's endorsement time.  I choose to vote for Deval Patrick as Governor of Massachusetts because he has done very well in the debates and campaigning.  A lot of people were doubtful that he would win in the Primary election back in September, but Deval proved them wrong.

The negative ads that Kerry Healy has been throwing onto the airwaves does not defer me at all for voting for Deval.  Sure he defended a rapist, but he was hired as a lawyer to do that.   Kerry's use of scare tactics against Deval are lame and boring.  I don't see any reason to vote for her.

I feel comfort with my decision and will be heading to the voting booth on November 7 next week.

Please check out the endorsement done in the Patriot Ledger today.  They like Deval too.

Also, I am voting "NO" on Question 1 regarding selling wine in grocery stores.  I lived in Massachusetts for a long time.  I have seen people drink excessively for no reason.  Why give them more access for liquor?

Temple Grandin On the Move!

Great article about Temple Grandin who's on the lecture circuit once again.  This time she's talking at college campuses.  She is giving advice to the new parents about taking care of a child with autism.  Her message is clear and to the point.

I met Temple last year when she talked about her book called Animal Translations.

Heather Mills - Wicked Witch

Heather Mills was seen with her soon to be ex-husband, Paul McCartney, at a birthday party for their daughter, Beatrice.  Their child turned three years old during the weekend.  The event lasted 90 minutes.  Afterwards, Paul left with Beatrice.

Heather was last seen stealing the leftover birthday cake.  Guess she didn't want to share it with the other children.  What a wicked witch!

It seems every week that Heather makes new enemies of everybody.  Meanwhile, Rod Steward and Heather's own father are taking sides with Paul over this divorce battle.  I personally don't believe her lies about Paul and the alleged abuse she mentioned.  Everyone knows that Paul and his first wife, Linda, were a happy couple for nearly 30 years.  Not an easy feat for rock legends to stay married that long.  Just ask Rod Stewart (I think he's married to wife number 7 or 8).

Happy Birthday, John Candy

Today would have been John Candy's 56th birthday.  He is greatly missed around here. I grew up watching him on SCTV.

Happy Birthday,

John Candy
1950-1994

Dr. Tongue

Get Well Soon, Mick

The Rolling Stones had to cancel a concert last Friday and also tonight because Mick Jagger, the lead singer, has a sore throat.  They are on the second half of their "Bigger Bang" Tour right now.  Last Sunday, the band did a birthday concert for former President Bill Clinton.

Hope you recover quickly, Mick!

I Just Finished the Superhero Quiz

Your results:
You are Supergirl

Supergirl 90% Superman 90% Batman 75% Robin 70% Wonder Woman 60% Hulk 60% The Flash 60% Catwoman 45% Green Lantern 40% Iron Man 35% Spider-Man 30%

Lean, muscular and feminine.  Honest and a defender of the innocent.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

AAyyy!!! A Happy Days Birthday!

Happy Birthday,

Henry Winkler!
The Fonz from "Happy Days"

Many Happy Returns!

The Happy Days Theme Song!

A Belated Birthday Greeting

I was so busy back on October 17 that I forgot to do this birthday wish.

Happy Birthday,

Gary Puckett!

"Lady Willpower" performed on the Ed Sullivan Show

Just a Reminder- I Have Two Websites!

One of the reasons I created this blog was to generate traffic for my two websites about Asperger's Syndrome: Uncommon Bostonian and Uncommon Bostonian's Uncommentary.  I just was going over the statistics of hits for both of them.   Both sites were popular this summer.  That's great.  I'm hoping to get more traffic towards both.  It's not easy because I love working this blog so much and there's not enough hours in the day.

Also, I have had health issues this year.  My sinus headaches were at their worst this year.  Fortunately, I took some probiotics back in August and haven't had a bad sinus headache.  Then, there's my knee and spine problems.  I was in a car accident almost two years ago and still not fully recovered.  Last Saturday, I had an MRI done for my right knee.  I am meeting a doctor about what's going on with my knee next week.

I am also trying to lose weight and get back in shape.  After the car accident, I really got careless regarding my weight.  Losing weight will help me greatly, especially with my Sleep Apnea disorder.  I might able to sleep better after losing a lot of weight.  So far, ten pounds are gone.  It's not an easy thing.

Another thing I checked today was this blog's archives.  It tells me how many entries I make each month.  For this month so far, I have made 39 entries.  The month's not over yet.  Wonder if I'll make 50 entries by next Tuesday which is Halloween.

Sawyer's With The Band - Jet Fuel Only

Congrats to Sawyer Goodson, a junior high school student with Asperger's Syndrome.  His band, Jet Fuel Only, caught the attention of People magazine, which will do a human-interest story about Sawyer, a drummer with Asperger's.

The band only started two years ago with the help of Sawyer's father.  It helped Sawyer connect with his fellow students and act cool.

Being in a band is great!

Al Franken Was Right All Along About Rush Limbaugh!

Rush Limbaugh is a big, fat idiot!  Al Franken was right on the money about that guy.

Earlier this week, Rush accused actor Michael J. Fox of faking his Parkinson's Disease symptoms by moving around a lot in his chair during a political commercial for a democratic candidate who supports Stem Cell Research.  He then said that Micheal J. Fox was probably off his medication.  Rush was totally stupid to assume this since he has no knowledge of what Parkinson's Disease is.  Everyone knows that Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's Disease.  There is no reason in the world for him to exaggerate his illness.

When Fox was interviewed by Katie Couric, it turns out that he was overly medicated.

Of course, Rush has every right to disagree with Michael J. Fox over Stem Cell Research and the political candidate he was doing the commercial for.  However, what Rush said was totally out of ignorance and stupidity.  It's pretty obvious that the only reason he works in the media is because they want to exploit how much of an idiot he truly is.  At least, Rush was able to realise that he made a mistake and apologize for what he said. 

I can only guess that he has a large audience because his listeners highly anticipate the next idiotic thing he will say.  It seems that Rush delivers that easily everyday.

Michael J. Fox being interviewed by Katie Couric

Happy Birthday to a Maniac!

Happy Birthday,

Natalie Merchant!

"Carnival"

Happy Birthday, Hil

Happy Birthday,

Hillary Rodham Clinton!

SI: Social Intelligence

Daniel Goleman, the author who wrote the book about Emotional Intelligence, has written the true sequel to his book called Social Intelligence.  The article mentions that the technological obstacle for social intelligence is computers because people are not able to see each other eye-to-eye.  Goleman even mentions that people with Asperger's Syndrome are able to learn social intelligence.

Veronica Victorious!

Here's an article about Veronica VanAuch, a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, who has overcome her emotional reticense after joining the Panthers Cross Country team at her high school.  She recently ran a 3-1 mile race in 27 minutes, 26 seconds, breaking her old record of 20 minutes.

Congrats, Veronica!

Blackout!

Tonight, I was driving to the grocery store that I like to go to because it's big.  On the way there, I went throught Cleveland Circle and was surprised to see the traffic lights and headlights were off.  In fact, all the lights in the buildings in the few blocks around that area were off.  It was a total blackout.

I had to carefully drive through intersections and turn on my car's highbeams to see where I was going.  I got through the blackout area with no problems.  It was an odd feeling like driving through a black hole.  Other cars and subway trollers were moving cautiously through the darkness.

I also encountered the blackout area again while driving down another street after leaving the big grocery store.  I was heading towards another grocery store I like to shop at.  I found it odd that there were no policemen to direct the traffic.

Oh, Canada! Quebec Holds First Annual Gala for Autism Awareness

Proceeds from Quebec's First Annual Gala for Autism Awareness will go to the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped and the Pat Roberts Centre.  Many parents who have children with autism attended this event.  They raised $3,000 from raffle ticket sales.

Thanks, Canada!

On The Long Road To Illnois

There's a big article in the Southern, an Illnois newspaper, about children and autism called "The Long Road Home."  They talk about treatments and therapy.  Also, there's a story about a mother who has two autistic sons in the same article.  Very informative.  The last feature in the article is about a Family Fun Day.

Happy Birthday, Johnny Carson!

Happy Birthday,

Johnny Carson!
(1925-2005)

He would have been 81 years old today.  Thanks for the laughs, Johnny!






Johnny Carson Tribute from the Late Show With David Letterman




Johnn Carson Singing as Willie Nelson

Don't Blame Television

An article in this week's Time magazine talks about a bizarre new study that claims that TV watching causes Autism/Asperger's Syndrome.   I guess it was a matter of time (no pun intended) until someone starts blaming television.  Shortly after Columbine happened, television was being blamed as well as video games and Marilyn Manson.

How many times I have I heard someone say that it's because of television that (insert bad event) happened?  Pure nonsense.

Happy Birthday to a Travelling Wilbury and a Heartbreaker

Happy Birthday,

Tom Petty!

"Saving Grace"




"I Won't Back Down" with George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Jeff Lynne

Remembering Lynyrd Skynyrd

It was on this day in 1977 when a plane carrying the band called Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed taking the lives of three of their members: Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and Ronnie Van Zant.

We miss you.  Always.

"Freebird"

HAIL! HAIL! 80TH BIRTHDAY, CHUCK BERRY!

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY,

CHUCK BERRY!

MANY HAPPY RETURNS!   YOU MADE IT TO THE ULITIMATE MILESTONE!  80!

"JOHNNY B. GOODE" With John Lennon

Time Interviews Clint Eastwood

With "Flags of Our Fathers" coming out soon, Time magazine interviews the movie's director, Clint Eastwood, about "The Burden of Heroes."  The movie is about the men who raised the American flag at Imo Jima during the end of World War II.  Clint, who has played heroes in past movies, talks to the Time interviewer about what is or isn't a hero.

It's very interesting to read.  Check it out.

See the Trailer for "Flags of Our Fathers"

Should I Join The X-Men? A Genetic Mutation Raises Autism Risk!

An article called "Mutation Raises Autism Risk" says that researchers have found a mutation in the gene called "Met" and believe that raises the risk of autism.  The gene is involved with brain development, the immune system and the gastrointestonial system.  Autism affects these areas.

If I did join the X-Men, I would call myself "Uncommon Bostonian."

A Good Reason To Listen to NPR on Monday

A teen with Asperger's Syndrome named Joshua Yuchasz will be telling the world about himself on NPR this Monday, October 16.  He'll be on the "What I Believe" segment during the "All Things Considered" news show talking about his life as a high schooler.

Good luck, Josh! 

He will be reading his essay about his being different on the radio program.

Dan Aykroyd told the whole world that he has Asperger's Syndrome on NPR a couple of years ago.

For more details: go to "All Things Considered"

Here is a direct link to Josh's Essay: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6254308

Maui Rocks! Earthquakes Hit Hawaii Islands!

Citizens of Hawaii got a jolt today from two earthquakes today.  Former Boston disc jockey is okay, but he's still in hiding for now (he calls it a sabbatical).  He should be back on his blog and his Maui radio show next month. 

For details: check out The Big Mattress, Charles' blog.  You can even find a comment from an old friend of his:

"Charles is enjoying a short vacation. He wanted me to tell you folks to be sure and vote republican."

Posted by: Mark Parenteau | October 15, 2006 03:30 PM

Celebrating John Belushi

Last night, I went to a benefit event at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts, hosted by Right Turn, a non-profit organization that helps creative people with addictions, illnesses, and psychiatric issues.  The event was called "Celebrating John Belushi" that featured his widow, Judy Belushi-Pisano.  She talked about her life with John.

They also had a blues band and singers performing a two-hour concert that was spectacular.  There was a live auction and a raffle.  I won a set of jewelry: a necklace, braclet and earrings.  They look great on me.

The finale was the showing of the Blues Brothers movie.  It was definately a great time.

Btw, Dan Aykroyd also has Asperger's Syndrome, just like me.

John Belushi was my favorite cast member of "Saturday Night Live."  I started watching it in 1977.  I loved watching the original cast.  They were the funniest and the best cast the show ever had.

I still remember the day that I found out that John had died of a drug overdose (March 5, 1982).  I was a senior in high school.  I was already home from school that day.  My parents were at the dental office where they worked.  I was a latch-key kid.  In the basement of the house was the stereo and my records as well as Smokey, my cat, and Emma, my dog.  I listened to my Blues Brothers albums.  Then, I went to the kitchen to get the food ready for dinner and turned on the radio.  I listened to Q107-FM in Washington, DC at the time.

Five minutes later, Dave Thompson, the disc jockey, stopped the music and allowed their news man, Steve Palmer, to come on the air with breaking news.  John Belushi had died in Los Angeles.

I went into shock, screamed "No!" and started crying non-stop for the rest of the evening.

Watching him on the television and at the movies always cheered me up a lot while I was growing during those difficult years, especially after my brother Alfred died.  In fact, Alfred's death was the day before the Blues Brothers movie debuted in the theatres in June 1980.  I saw the movie just a few days after Alfred died, just before his funeral.

Birthday Bound on Friday the 13th

Happy Birthday,

Paul Simon!


Paul Simon on Saturday Night Live with the Beatles' George Harrison

Tower and Virgin: Both Going Out of Business

This week, I went to both Tower Records in Cambridge and Virgin Megastore in Boston.  I wasn't planning on going to these places, but both are going out of business.  It was a few weeks ago when Virgin Megastores announced that everything in their store must go.  Just last week, Tower Records announced that they are closing their entire chain.

Seems like both the Internet and iTunes killed the record store chain stars.

I bought only two DVDs at Tower back on Sunday.  Both of them contained episodes of the Lone Ranger TV show starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels.  The CDs and DVDs were at a discount of 10% off the regular price while magazines were 30% off the regular price.  No wonder they're going out of business.

Tonight, I went to the Virgin Megastore after work.  They had apparel at a discount of 75% off while CDs and DVDs were 50% off.  I bought a DVD of Silver Streak starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, a DVD of Absolute Power starring Clint Eastwood, and a Best of Dean Martin CD.  Why are they going out of business?  These were great deals.  That place is closing on November 4.

I was at the opening of the Virgin Megastore in Boston back in February 2002.  Richard Branson himself was there dressed as the Mad Hatter.  It was his "Boston Tea Party."  All the major TV and radio stations were covering the event.  Bradley Jay was there for WBCN do a live on the spot broadcast of the opening.

Before the Virgin Megastore opened at that location (Newbury Street and Mass Avenue) in Boston, it was the home of the Boston Tower Records which opened on December 17, 1987 (my birthday).  I bought the Monkees' Greatest Hits Part II album there as a birthday gift to myself.  In 2001, the landlord made a deal with Richard Branson and evicted the Tower Records store to the Fenway area.  Then, the Boston Tower Records faded away quickly afterwards.  I only visited the Fenway location a couple of times.  It was a very small store.  The Boston Tower Records was supposed to re-open at the newly renovated Kenmore Square, but it never happened.

Happy Birthday, Daryl!

Happy Birthday,

Daryl Hall
of
Hall & Oates

Loved their music back in the 1980s.  I used to play their songs when I was a disc jockey in college.

The Return of Homer the Mascot

Interesting story about the return of a high school's mascot, thanks to a student with Asperger's Syndrome.  It had been 15 years since the mascot was last used.  Nate, the student with Asperger's Syndrome, enjoys wearing the suit.  What a wonderful way to start high school in Burlington, Iowa.

Reseachers Trying to Solve Autism's Mysteries

I found another article that talks about efforts at other labs that are trying to find what causes autism.  One lab is going to use mice.  Families are donating DNA samples with another lab.  Could it be a drug that the baby or mother took during pregnancy?

Lots of questions out there.  It's nice to know that the reseachers and scientists are active in finding what cause autism and Asperger's in people.  Twenty years ago, this wasn't happening.

Better late than never.  It was twenty years ago when I graduated from Emerson College in Boston.  I went out into the working world and had a very difficult time.  Not one person thought that I might have a neurological disorder.  I remember that people treated me as though I was weird or just a rude person.  That wasn't me at all.  I was very confused about people's negative reactions towards me because I had no idea what I did to bring it on.  As far as I knew, I didn't do anything to make the other person uncomfortable.

CADDRE to do a Study on Autism

No birthday wishes or videos here.  CADDRE is the Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology Network.  Five centers are going to do a five-year study on the causes of autism and other developmentally delayed disorders.  This multi-site study was give a $5.9 million grant from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. 

The centers will be looking for genetic and enviromental causes.  They will also examine children, fathers and mothers.  They will also look at family medical histories  as well.

For more details:  check out "Multi-State Study on Autism"

Happy Birthday, Jackson Browne (He's Still Alive!)

Happy Birthday,

Jackson Browne!

He's still alive!  The other three major stars stars sharing a birthday today with him (John Lennon, John Entwistle, and Peter Tosh) are deceased. :-( 

Sean Lennon has a new album out, and Sharon Osborne also has a birthday today.  What can I say?  I'm an Asperger person who loves music.

"You're A Friend of Mine" with Clarence Clemons

Happy Birthday, Peter Tosh!

October 9 is a big birthday day.

Happy Birthday,

Peter Tosh!

"Don't Look Back" (with Mick Jagger)

Happy Birthday to the Who's John

Happy Birthday,

John Entwistle of the Who

"Boris The Spider"

Happy Birthday to Beatle John!

Happy Birthday,
John Lennon!
A very much missed Beatle, and Happy Birthday to Sean Lennon too!




Even Presidents can sing John's song too! (Just barely)


Here are The Beatles with a little help from ELO's Jeff Lynne

Happy Birthday, John Mellencamp!

Happy Birthday,

John Mellencamp!

Thank You, Sharon Osborne!

Sharon Osborne, wife of Ozzy, is going to have a teenager come on her show to display her artwork.  Victoria Clinton-Davies, a 19 year old with AS,  has made a portrait of Sharon and her dog Mini that will be shown on her show and then will be sent to the Scream Gallery of the Ronnie Wood Studio.

Thanks, Sharon!

Did Hans Aspeger Have Asperger's Syndrome?

An article called Symptoms Misunderstood says that Hans Asperger, who was born 100 years ago, may have had Asperger's himself because he had poor social skills.  The article goes on to say that other famous thinkers might have had it too like Einstein and Mozart.  There seems to be very often speculation that many famous scientists, phiosophers, mathematicians and other great geniuses in history that had Asperger's Syndrome.

When I see articles mentioning historical people who might have had it, I wonder why employers don't hire us because we can be very beneficial to them and society at large.

Shock It To Me, Tony!

Austrialian clinician Tony Atwood, one of the top Asperger's Syndrome experts, says that more adults will be diagnosed with AS in the next decade.  According to Dr. Atwood, a lot of adults born between the 1930s and 1970s were misdiagnosed and mislabeled as eccentric or mad.

Check out the article: Adult Autism Shock in Store

Ten Years With Sally, the Mustang

Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of my buying my very first car, which I still have with me (I don't think I'll have time tomorrow to make an entry; so I'll do it today).  Back in 1996, I set up an appointment to meet with someone who would drive me out to Kingston, Massachusetts, to see their car dealership.  I did not know how far away Kingston was until we drove out on Route 3 after work that evening and got stuck in traffic.

The rest of that night I was talking to several people and looking at cars.  When I told them that I was interested in getting a Mustang, the woman who was about the fourth or fifth person I was talking to that night got on the telephone with someone on the car lot.  I was skeptical about getting a Mustang because I didn't see any there.  The car dealership wasn't a Ford dealership.  They sold Nissans.

Then, the woman guided me outside and there was Sally, the Mustang.  They had her in their used car lot.  The car was almost a year and a half old.  It had been a rental car for Enterprise.

After testing driving it and negotiating a price for it, I decided to take it as my car.  It was almost 9 pm that night, just before closing time.  I was very dismayed that it took so long for me to get my car.  Even more so when I saw that the gas tank was almost empty!  They paid for the gas.  One of the dealers gave me directions and drove his car ahead of mine on the way back to Boston.

It was also raining heavily when I left the car dealership driving Sally, the Mustang, back to Boston.  Route 3 was flooded.  I could the car hydroplaning as I drove back into Boston.   The rain was coming down so hard that I couldn't hear the radio.

At least, Sally and I made it back in one piece to my condo.  It wasn't an easy drive for me because I had just gotten my license a couple of weeks before.  Long story short, my older brother Alfred died of a head injury after he ran his car into a tree back in 1980.  I was very afraid to drive because I thought I was going to get killed too.

I have only had two car accidents in the last ten years.  The first one was in December 2001.  The back and neck injuries developed a few months after the accident, and I went to a chiropractor to get relief and heal from those injuries.  The second one was scarier in December 2004 because two cars hit me from behind during a minor snowstorm making Sally skid out of control and run right into a wire fence.  I ended up with more severe injuries to my neck and back.  Also, my right knee was injured.  I don't recall my knee hitting anything in the car, but it was in a lot of pain like my neck and back.

Fortunately, my neck and back are feeling better now because I went back to the same chiropractor.  I'm still having trouble with my right knee, but I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor next week.

Remembering Janis

It's 36 years later and she's still remembered fondly.


One Life To Live's Marcy Walsh (Kathy Brier) pays homage to Janis Joplin a few years back.

Another Famous Person with AS - Dr. Charles Richter

Back in 1985, I worked in the WERS newsroom at Emerson College and wrote an obituary of Dr. Charles Richter, the inventor of the Richter Scale which measures the severity of earthquakes, for our noon news broadcast.  Little did I know that I had something with Dr. Richter: Asperger's Syndrome.

According to the article called "Measure of A Man: Seismologist Charles Richter," it's now believed that he had Asperger's as well.

Policeman's Birthday!

Happy 55th Birthday,

Sting!
(formerly of the Police)

Is BMA DOA?

This recent article about the 19th annual Boston Music Awards described the awards show as a snooze-fest.  Shred, one of my fellow Emerson alumni and a staffer at WBCN, is mentioned that same article.  The whole overall tone of last week's event was no respect.  A lot of the winners didn't even show up for the award.  Even one band member sent someone else out to pick up her award.

How odd!  Is the awards show dead on arrival?