2008 is Here!

Happy New Year!




"New Year's Day" by U2

Should I or Shouldn't I? New Year's Resolutions

I never understood the traditions that come with New Year's.  Everyone has to party and drink all the way up to midnight to ring in the New Year.  Then, you have to kiss someone at midnight.  I've been to parties that I didn't want to kiss anyone.

Then, there's the resolutions part.  I resolve to do ...?

I seem to make the same ones every year and the one one I succeed in is losing weight, but not every year because sometimes I have gained weight.  I lost a lot of weight in 2007. but I still have career problems, financial problems and sometimes health problems.  They never seem to go away.  Everyone tells me I am making the right steps to attain my goals, but here I am still at Square One (and I don't mean the shopping mall north of Boston).

I would love to make money at writing, but once again I hear that external voice from someone saying "You don't have experience."  Well, I do because I have written a lot of material in my life.  Only 99% of it hasn't been published yet.  No wonder self-publishing sounds so appealing these days.

To be a good writer (or any self-employment situation), you first have to have a good stable paying day job to support yourself.  Although I have a day job, it does not provide what I need to take my writing business to the next step.  What's worse about this job (which I can't go into detail about) is that the employer ignores my true talents and experience and the co-workers seem to be stuck in complaining about what's wrong with the employer but never come up with solutions.  Not a good environment to grow and develop a career in anything in that environment.   I do hate being in a dysfunctional situation.

Now, I have to find a way out of there and into a job with money and career growth.  This is something I always have to do very often in my adult life.  Hard to believe it's been more than 20 years since I graduated from Emerson College and I am still not settled in a career that has an adequate salary.

I am one of those Aspies that is underemployed.

That is only a third of my problems.  I still have problems with health.  I feel fine, but I sometimes feel stressed out and depressed which distracts my thinking.  It's hard for me to be organized in my personal life.  I can't make big decisions about my condo or my car.  Should I find another place to live or get a new car?  I just don't know where to go with that.

Another area of my life which is very personal but also a big problem area.  I have a very difficult relationship with my parents.  Right now, one of them is having serious health problems.  It's hard to describe my feelings in that area.  I am also still single.  Will I get marry and have a baby in 2008?  I'm not interested in staying single for the rest of my life, but marriage is a serious thing that shouldn't be rushed into.  I also yearn for motherhood too.  I also like to live in a big house with a two car garage in the suburbs.  Will those become a reality n 2008?

Only time will tell.

Happy New Year!

The Autism Fruit Salad

Autism expert, Donna Williams, explains the diversity of autism in her article called "What is Autism?  Beyond the Symptoms and Stereotypes."  She describes the differences in autism/asperger's like a fruit salad.  This is an interesting read.  Please, check it out.

Lack of Sleep = Diabetes

A recent study indicates that at least three days worth of lack of sleep can increase a person's risk for diabetes.  It also can lead to weight gain.  People used in the study were not able to process sugar and their metabolism slowed down after three days of poor sleep.  When people get older, it gets harder to go to sleep at night and get the required sleep.

It always looks like there is a down side to Sleep Apnea.

Traveling Birthday

Happy Birthday,
Jeff Lynne
of ELO and The Traveling Wilburys

The Beatles' "Inner Light" song by Jeff Lynne at the Concert for George



"Inside Out" by The Traveling Wilburys



"Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

Mike & Davy's Special Day!

Happy Birthday,
Mike Nesmith
&
Davy Jones
of the Monkees!

"Eldorado to the Moon" by Mike Nesmith



"Girl" by Davy Jones



"What Am I Doing Hangin' Round?" by The Monkees

Next Year, The Return of Dave & Craig

David Letterman and his company, Worldwide Pants, have reached an agreement with the Writers Guild of America in order to start making new episodes of "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."  The new shows start to air next week.  Both shows have been off the air and in reruns since early November when the Writers strike started.

Welcome back, Dave and Craig!

Outside In Song of the Week (Last One for 2007)

It's the end of 2007.  I'm still on the fence about making resolutions.  Sometimes I do; sometimes I don't.  Depends on the mood I'm in on New Year's Day, which is a couple of days away now.

"Ding Dong Ding Dong" by George Harrison

The Man's Birthday

Happy
Birthday,
Stan
The Man
Lee
Co-creator of Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, etc. of Marvel Comics Fame

Excelsior!

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_1

Kidnap Ads to Be Removed

According to Yvona Fast's recent opinion piece "Who Kidnapped My Child?", the recent kidnap ads to raise awareness about psychiatric disorders are going to be removed after protests from parents, advocates, and organizations.  The New York University Child Study Center has announced that they are going to remove the ads and want to do an online town hall meeting.

More about the end of the controversial ad campaign:

http://www.mmm-online.com/NYU-nixes-controversial-awareness-ads-on-child-psych-ills/article/100086/

Hope and Support from Canada

Learn the story about Margot Nelles, a mother who has two sons with Asperger's Syndrome and who created the Aspergers Society of Ontario up in Canada.  She helps parents and children who contact her.  She even spends up to two hours talking to every contact giving them the moral support needed.

Thanks, Margot!

Back to The Blog!

I'm back from Christmas vacation.  The last few days were busy and hectic while visiting my family.  At least, I got some good birthday and Christmas presents this year.

When I got back tonight to my condo, I was thrilled to get a Christmas card from my former dj mentor, Joe Martelle.  He lives in Colorado these days.

Storm and Cap, my two cats, were glad to see me again.  The pet sitter looked after them while I was gone.

So, now it's back to writing.

Outside In Song of the Week (Merry Christmas)

Merry Christmas
From
Outside In!

I'm going out of town for a few days for Christmas Vacation.  Won't be back until the 26th!  Enjoy!

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love on "The Late Show with David Letterman" (from 2006)

See Jane Hit 70

Happy Birthday,
Jane Fonda
(slightly belated because her birthday's December 21, and it's a little bit after midnight)

Famous actress daughter of actor Henry Fonda is now 70 years old.  What a milestone!

Back in 1968, Jane hit another milestone as Barbarella

Shopping This Week has been Hard

This past week, we in Boston have been hit with three snowstorms.  That put a dent in my Christmas shopping.  I managed to do some tonight.  I don't have any time to rest because I am flying out to DC tomorrow afternoon. 

The snow and freezing cold are an annoyance when you are trying to get things done.  What makes things worse was that I slipped and fell on the ice last Saturday and hurt my arm.  Pain is not a good thing around this time of year.  It was only three years ago when I had that awful car accident.  My right leg is still having problems in the thigh and knee area, despite all the exercises I have done and physical therapy.

I hate doing late shopping, but I can't seem to avoid it.

Vinyl 45 Records Were Popular Once

Back in the 1980s, I used to hang out with Joe Martelle, the host of the radio show called "Saturday Night Live at the Oldies."  Those were fun times.  Great music too.  The music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s were featured.

Joe used vinyl 45 records and this video shows the type of turntables used at the old WROR (98.5) FM.

"Gimme Gimme Good Loving" by Crazy Elephant (a song played often by Joe Martelle at the turntable)

Why I Hate Digging My Car Out of the Snow

Last Saturday afternoon, I was digging my car out of the ice and snow which was the result of last Thursday's storm.  There was ice everywhere, especially on the ground in front of my car.  While I was walking around it, I slipped and landed on my left arm.  It felt sore afterwards.

Tonight, I had a doctor look at my left wrist and my left shoulder.  They're both sprained.  I can't do any heavy lifting for the next several days.  So I will be having a hard time when I am going to the airport on this coming Saturday to fly down to DC to visit my family for Christmas.

Just my luck.  :(

Still Alive after All These Years

Happy Birthday,
Keith Richards
(The Rolling Stones)

Keith Richards in "The Pirates of The Caribbean: At World's End"
 


Keith Sings "Happy" Live!

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday!  Happy Birthday to Me! 
I hit 43 today!  Sucks that I have to go to work today, instead of partying all day.

"Birthday" by Paul McCartney (Knebworth 1990)

Sad News: Dan Fogelberg has Passed Away

Rest in Peace,
Dan Fogelberg
(August 13, 1951 - December 16, 2007)

The singer/songwriter passed away yesterday due to prostate cancer.  He'll be missed

"Same Auld Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg

Outside In Song of the Week

Three years ago on December 6, 2004, I was in a terrible car accident and suffered injuries to my neck, back, and right leg.  Fortunately, I wasn't totally incapacitated because I was still mobile.  However, I wasn't able to fly home to visit family for Christmas that year.

I listened to WODS-FM (who were playing nothing but Christmas music) while recovering and heard this funny song about an Italian Christmas Donkey called Dominick.  It put a smile on my face.  Laughter is the best medicine!

The song was recorded back in 1960 by Lou Monte.  Sadly, Lou passed away in 1989 of emphysema.  Thanks for the wonderful song, Lou!

Dominick the Donkey, the Italian Christmas Donkey by Lou Monte

Was I Kidnapped and Now Currently Being Held Hostage?

The "Ransom Notes" public awareness campaign in New York City is causing an uproar to many autism/Asperger's advocates.  These public service announcements started running this week in New York magazine, Newsweek, kiosks, billboards, and construction sites around New York City.  In the "Ransom Notes" ads, the psychiatric disorder (autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or bulimia) has taken a child hostage and demands the parent to do something about it.  The ads were created by the New York University Child Study Center in order to raise awareness.

One such "Ransom Note" says this:

We have your son. We will make sure he will no longer be able to care for himself or interact socially as long as he lives.

- Autism

Another one says this:

We have your son.  We are destroying his ability for social interaction and driving him into a life of complete isolation.  It's all up to you.

- Asperger Syndrome

This is a bad idea.  Were people with diabetes and cancer kidnapped and held hostage?  Of course not.  Why make these disorders look more negative than before?  A lot of advocates are trying to make psychiatric disorders look less negative.  One advocate with a son with autism said that it makes her feel that a criminal element was added to the psychiatric disorders.

Read all about this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/business/media/14adco.html?ref=media
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2007/12/14/2007-12-14_psych_groups_fury_over_ransom_ads-1.html

2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees!

Congratulations to the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees!  The ceremony will be in New York on March 10.

Inductees
John Mellencamp
The Ventures
The Dave Clark Fives
Madonna
Leonard Cohen

I am very happy to see John Mellencamp is getting the honor.  He is a great singer, songwriter, and musician.  Also, I am glad all over (pun intended) to see The Dave Clark Fives too on this list. 

"Glad All  Over" by The Dave Clark Five



"Walk Don't Run" by The Ventures



"Vogue" by Madonna

DVD Birthday

Happy Birthday,
Dick Van Dyke!

Rob Petrie is the ultimate sitcom character.  Very funny guy played by Dick Van Dyke.  His own self-tilted show is a classic.  The Must-See Sitcom ever!  It had everything: funny next-door neighbors, zany co-workers, and hilarious family members.

Rob Petrie lectures about the Art of Slapstick

AANE Members in The NY Times

A few of my fellow members of the Asperger Association of New England were mentioned last Sunday in The New York Times in an article called, "Your Child's Disorder May Be Yours Too."  It focuses on the related disorders between parent and child.  One child was diagnosed with autism while his father was later diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  One mother who is raising two sons with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) learned that she has some attention deficits and is now taking medicatin for it.

It makes me wonder if my parents have any similar Asperger's traits.  My mother is in denial about my having Asperger's Syndrome.  My father accepts I have Asperger's, but he doesn't understand the problems I still have like seeing things literally and not figuratively.  I do have a niece with Social Anxiety Disorder and a nephew with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) with some autism.  A few years ago, I learned that my father's deceased Cousin Peter was severely retarded.

Looks like disorders are all in the family.

New York Times Writes about John Robison's Book, "Look Me in The Eye"

Yesterday, The New York Times did an article called "Books: Seeing Yourself in Autism" which talks about John Robison's memoir, Look Me in The Eye.  This is a great article because they address that John gives insight, in his memoir, of what his life was before he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. 

I like the paragraph in the article that says, "For parents of children with Asperger’s, Mr. Robison’s story will give them hope."  I had just finish reading John's book over the weekend and it filled me with hope.  I happen to be an adult with Asperger's, not a parent though.

I've had many similar struggles with socializing with others and ending up being isolated a lot.  People thought the worst from me, and I wondered why they saw something different about me and why they didn't seem to have a clue what I was thinking and feeling.  I'm glad there are others like John to tell our story.

Check out John Robinson's thoughts about the NY Times article:

http://jerobison.blogspot.com/2007/12/me-in-new-york-times-upcoming-events.html

Chicago Tribune Writes about Asperger's

The major newspaper called The Chicago Tribune has a great article titled "Asperger's Syndrome Comes Front and Center."  They talk about people with Asperger's syndrome who are in the spotlight right now model Heather Kuzmich of "America's Next Top Model," author John Robison of Look Me in The Eye, and music critic Tim Page of The Washington Post.

All this publicity does help the general public understand what Asperger's is.

Thanks, Chicago Tribune.

Let's Not Forget Jim Morrison Today!

Happy Birthday,
Jim Morrison
(December 8, 1943 - July 3, 1971)

Overshadowed by John Lennon's murder, Jim Morrison's birthday is today.  However, a lot of radio stations focus more on John Lennon on this day and briefly mention that it's Jim's birthday today.

Back in 1981, I read the biography about Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors called No One Here Gets Out Alive by Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman when I was a high schooler in suburban Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.  After reading it, I felt very compelled to go to college and find a career.  It was a life-altering moment for me because it helped me become ambitious.  I was such a different person back then.  I felt as though my life was hopeless and unfocused.

Thanks, Jim, for the Mojo Rising.

Jim Morrison Shocks the World in 1969



"Touch Me" by The Doors (From the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour)



"Break On Through" by The Doors (on the TV show called "Shebang")

Remembering John Lennon (Part 2)

John Lennon used to be in a band back in the 1960s called The Beatles.  He wrote a lot of songs for that band (with a little help from fellow Beatle Paul McCartney).

"I Am The Walrus" by The Beatles



"Nowhere Man" from "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles



John went solo after the Beatles broke up in 1970 and created a lot of classic songs on his own.

"Watching The Wheels" by John Lennon

Outside In Song of the Week (Remembering John Lennon)

Hard to believe that it was way back in 1980 on this day when John Lennon was mercilessly gunned down by a deranged fan right in front of his apartment building, the Dakota.  It stunned the world.  We miss you, John!

A few days ago, a madman gunned down 9 people in a shopping mall.  Why is this happening frequently?  Several months ago, there was another man gunning down people in Virginia Tech.  Something has to be done about the mental health profession. 

Just last week, there was a hostage crisis in New Hampshire town at a Hillary Clinton Campaign office.  A man with road flares taped to his body held people there for several hours.  Thankfully, no one was hurt or killed, despite the fact that the man was hoping to get himself killed by police.

When will people give peace a chance?  It's sad that the mall massacre happened during the holiday season.  Should we be on guard and watch our backs for the next lunatic with a gun to show up?  John Lennon didn't want to be paranoid and have bodyguards around him constantly.  He was living a peaceful life and just wanted to go back into the music business and start touring to promote his new album, Double Fantasy.  That wouldn't bother anyone, except for a deranged person.

Is there an answer to this problem?

*****Yoko Ono suggests that everyone do a moment of silence for John at 11:15 pm tonight in memory of him.******

"Happy Christmas (The War is Over)" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Remembering the Big O!

Roy Orbison
April 23, 1936 - December 6, 1988

Very much missed!  I cried like a baby when I heard on the radio that he had died of a heart attack.

"You Got It" by Roy Orbison

Long Tall Milestone

Happy 75th Birthday,
Little Richard!

He hits a milestone today!  Congrats!

"Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard

OZ Birthday

Happy Birthday,
Ozzy Osbourne!

"Crazy Train" (Live in Concert) by Ozzy Osbourne

Life: The Virtual Reality Game!

The University of Texas at Dallas Center for BrainHealth are working with people with Asperger's Syndrome to help them with life skills using virtual reality training.  The researchers are helping them with typical real life situations that involve using social skills like job interviews and asking someone out on a date.

In the virtual reality programs, the people with Asperger's Syndrome can encounter new people and situations in a safe environment and learn how to respond correctly in social situations.

Sounds like fun.

Yvona Fast Asks "Are We Ready?"

Author Yvona Fast's editorial "Embracing the Face of Autism: Are We Ready?" is a great read.  She talks about Hillary Rodham Clinton's $700 million autism plan to help families with children of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).  Then, Yvona wonders if the general public is ready to handle to huge number of adults with ASDs coming into the work force.

She goes into detail about the struggle that many of us like her went through as undiagnosed adults with ASDs).  We were all picked on while growing up and had to problems trying to fit in.  Getting the work we want was a hassle because everyone noticed that we were not good at making social connections, even though we were capable of doing our tasks.

Fever!

A study suggests that children with autism spectrum disorders who were suffering from a fever showed behavior changes.  Dr. Andrew Zimmerman, pediatric neurologist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, believes that poor connections between the synapses in the brain causes the behavior problems and lack of social and language skills in children with autism spectrum disorders.  Dr. Zimmerman wonders which synapses are involved and how to stimulate them.

His study consisted of two groups of children with autism spectrum disorders.  One group of children had fevers while another group didn't.  Their parents filled out questionnaires about behaviors during the week.  The children with fevers showed changes, but only temporary because the new behaviors disappeared with the fevers.

I don't recall acting differently whenever I had a fever.  I don't know what to make of this.

Outside In Song of the Week

I finally got my tree decorated!  So, in honor of the holiday season, let's do a Christmas song.  'Tis the season to be jolly!

"The Chipmunk Song" by Alvin and The Chipmunks with Dave Seville (aka Ross Bagdasarian, Sr.)



The new "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie comes out on December 14!

Cool Article about Steve McQueen, the King of Cool

I found an article on Matchflick.com called "A Guide to the King of Cool" by Andy York.  He writes about the famous movies that Steve McQueen made:

The Magnificent Seven
The Great Escape
Love with the Proper Stranger
The Thomas Crown Affair
The Sand Pebbles
Bullitt
The Getaway
Papillion

I've seen these movies except for Love with the Proper Stranger and The Sand Pebbles.  Steve McQueen was certainly the King of Cool.  A true Hollywood Icon that is greatly missed.  He started out as a TV star on a show called "Wanted: Dead or Alive."

RIP Evel Knievel

I was shocked to hear on the CBS Evening News that Evel Knievel had passed away after a long illness.  He was in the news earlier this week settling a lawsuit with Kanye West over a video where Kanye calls himself "Evel Kanyevel."  I used to watch Evel do his stunts on TV when I was kid back in the 1970s.

Evel was 69 years old.  E! News wrote a tribute article for Evel called "Death of a Daredevil."

I also Did The Super Villain Quiz

Your results:
You are Mystique

Mystique 76% Dark Phoenix 50% Catwoman 47% Apocalypse 46% Venom 42% Magneto 38% Green Goblin 28% Juggernaut 28% Poison Ivy 28% Dr. Doom 26% Riddler 25% The Joker 24% Lex Luthor 21% Kingpin 21% Two-Face 20% Mr. Freeze 18%

Sometimes motherly, sometimes a beautiful companion, but most of the time a deceiving vixen.

Click here to take the "Which Super Villain am I?" quiz...

Once Again, I've Taken a Superhero Quiz

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman 80% Supergirl 80% The Flash 75% Superman 60% Hulk 60% Batman 55% Robin 50% Green Lantern 40% Spider-Man 35% Catwoman 25% Iron Man 15%

You are a beautiful princess with great strength of character.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Gray Matters

Researchers say that there is more gray matter in the brains of autistic children than healthy children, according to a recent study.  The brain imaging techniques (diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and apparent diffusion coefficient based morphometry (ABM) have shown an increase of gray matter in the area of the parietal lobes.  It makes it difficult for the brain to process the learn by seeing method (Monkey see, monkey do).

Mirror neutrons were studied.  They are brain cells that activate when one does an action or experience an emotion and when you see someone else do the same thing. 

Good Luck with Your Future, Heather!

I was sorry to learn that Heather, the model with Asperger's Syndrome, was ejected from America's Next Top Model last night.  Her exit interview shows that she is optimistic about her future and that's the important part.

Good Luck!

Remembering George Harrison

It was six years ago today when George Harrison, the Baby Beatle, passed away due to cancer.  A very sad day for all Beatles fans.  I cried my eyes out when I found out.

"What is Life" by George Harrison



George on the "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"



"Something" by The Beatles (written by George Harrison)

My X-MAS Tree is Up!

My Christmas tree is up, but it's not completely decorated.  At least, the lights are on it and they work.  My tradition is usually when I get back from Thanksgiving vacation I put up my Christmas tree and decorate my home.  However, I had to start today with just putting the tree up because I had other matters to attend to.

Just before Thanksgiving, back on Sunday, November 18, my 10-year-old water heater burst while I was in the shower shampooing my hair.  My building manager had to shut off the hot water.  It was a good thing I spent part of Thanksgiving week with my parents at their house in Maryland.  I would have gone nuts with living in condo with no hot water for a week.  The earliest time for my getting a new water heater was after Thanksgiving.

Also, on that same Sunday my car started experiencing problems while I was driving home from Watertown that night.  The steering wheel creaked and squeeked every time I turned it.  I just got my car fixed today.  Lots of old parts in the steering column deteriorated  and had to replaced.  I just got my car back tonight.  It's working fine for now.

Anyway, I am glad I have my Christmas tree up.  I'll continue to decorate it for the rest of the week.

Back on Monday, I had the new water heater put in

Remembering Two Icons Today!

Happy Birthday,
Jimi Hendrix
&
Bruce Lee

Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix



Bruce Lee vs. Japanese School (The Chinese Connection/Fist of Fury)

RIP Kevin DuBrow

Sad news out of Las Vegas today.  Lead singer of the heavy metal band Quiet Riot, Kevin DuBrow, was found dead at his home Sunday afternoon.  No sign of foul play.  An autopsy is planned, but it will take several weeks to learn the results.  Kevin DuBrow was 52 years old.

RIP Kevin!  Thanks for the great heavy metal insanity!

"Cum on Feel The Noize" by Quiet Riot

Holiday Gift Suggestions!

I got this from Marnie Winston-Macauley, who is part of the Outside In family.  This will help in figuring out what to get for the holidays.

Enjoy!!!!!

“Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother” and the “2008 A Little Joy, A Little Oy” calendar and book by Marnie Winston-Macauley.  Andrews McMeel Publishing

 

 JEWISH MOTHERS & THE HOLIDAYS: DID JEWKNOW? 

 

 YOUNG, TALENTED, BLACK – AND JEWISH
She speaks better Hebrew than her bubbe, and keeps the Sabbath! She’s Rain Pryor, the daughter of the late comedy genius Richard Pryor and a Jewish mother.  She attributes a strong sense of Yiddishkeit, to her maternal grandmother who introduced Rain to the holidays and Jewish foods.  Rhe mix turned into a winner with her autobiographical show, ‘Fried Chicken & Latkes.”

 

 WHEN THE WORLD'S FIRST FEMALE CANTOR LED ROSH HASHANAH
Picture it! September 15, 1955.  The place: evening services at Temple Avodah of Oceanside, New York.  Betty Robbins led the congregation in liturgical song. Her appointment as cantor marked the first time that a woman wore the garb and performed the traditional role of cantor. ...

 

 JEWISH MAMAS AND ... GOOD SPORTS
Benjamin Leiner (Benny Leonard) may have been the greatest lightweight who ever lived. At the start, Mama was dubious. "A prizefighter you want to be? Is that a life for a respectable man? For a Jew?" Throughout his career, Leonard,  refused to fight on a Jewish holiday.

 

 These and other fascinating, moving, and humorous anecdotes are in the recently published ‘Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother” a book that takes on:
 *Is there such a thing as a “Jewish Mother?” *How & Why The Jewish Mama, indeed, all mothers, turned from revered to ridiculed.  *DidJew Know?  Unusual facts about Jewish Mothers who broke the mold.

 

 A PERFECT HOLIDAY RECOMMENDATION

 

You’ll howl over the Jewish mother who ran for President– her slogan? “Things’ll get bettah with Yetta.”  You’ll be riveted by the pioneer Jewish mother – who shlepped by stagecoach from Arizona to California  to make sure her son was circumcised in eight days. You’ll be amazed to find out why pirate Jean Lafitte attacked Spanish ships. You’ll laugh reading personal celebrity anecdotes ... from Judy Gold, Mallory Lewis, daughter of Shari Lewis (“You’re never too dead to be a Jewish mother”), to Jackie Mason.  And your heart will fill hearing first-hand accounts from legends such as Dr. Ruth Gruber and Caroline Goodman. 

 

This book resonates for anyone who is, has, or has had a mother.

 

The “2008 A Little Joy, A Little Oy” calendar is Marnie’s best-selling Jewish calendar. Now in its seventh year, it’s filled with new material about all aspects of Yiddishkeit.

 Both are perfect holiday gifts.

ORDER THROUGH AMAZON OR YOUR LOCAL  BOOK STORE

 

Uncommon Bostonian's Readability

Cash Advance Loans

http://www.bostonnow/blogs/uncommonbostonian

Outside In's Readability

Cash Advance Loans

So it's a safe guess that anyone can read this blog.

Don't Make Us Normal!

Great editorial by Marc Rosen on Newsday.com called "Don't Try to Make Autistic Kids 'Normal'!"  He points out that some things simply don't exist for those who have autistic spectrum disorders.  He's right about that.

Check out what he says in his editorial.

Belated Birthdays to Ann Marie and Mr. Solo

Happy Birthday,
Marlo Thomas
(Ann Marie from "That Girl" and Mrs. Phil Donohue)
She hit the 70 mark back on November 21!

Scene from "That Girl"



Happy Birthday,
Robert Vaughn
(Napoleon Solo of "Man From U.N.C.L.E.")
He hit the 75 mark on November 22!

1986 ETW segment about Robert Vaughn and David McCallum appearing together on the "Say Uncle Affair" episode of "The A Team" (Robert had joined the cast of that show)

Remembering Freddie Mercury

It was on this day in 1991that we lost Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, to Aids.  A real tragedy.  His voice was great and mighty.

"Somebody to Love" by Queen

Back From Thanksgiving Vacation!

I'm back from Thanksgiving Vacation!  My train was a little bit late.  Only 20 minutes.  I got home to my condo a little after 6 PM.  Storm and Cap, my two cats, were glad to see me back.

Now, back to blogging!

Outside In Song of the Week

I'll be back in town late Saturday.  So, I'll do this early today.  Also, Charles Laquidara is having a birthday on Saturday.  Happy Birthday, Charles! 

There's one group that Charles and I didn't see eye to eye on.  They are called Three Dog Night.  Charles dislikes them because they didn't write their own songs.  So what?  They made great records anyway.

"One" by Three Dog Night (written by Harry Nielson)

Turkey Day

I'm heading off to DC today.  So, I'm saying this a day early.

Happy
Thanksgiving!

Eagle Birthday

I forgot to mention yesterday (it's past midnight now).  He turned 60 on November 20.  He's one of my favorite guitar men.

Happy Birthday
Joe Walsh!
(The Eagles/The James Gang)

Rocky Mountain Way (Live!) by Joe Walsh

Dogs Love Autism

Parents are interested in specially trained dogs for children with autism.  It's been noted that children with autism bond with pets a lot easier than with peers.  Of course, it depends on how the child will react to having a dog and, most importantly, interested in having a dog as a companion.

During my childhood, my family had dogs living in the house as pets.  They were great friends of mine and I still miss them.

Hard to Get to Sleep for Kids with AS

A new study says that children with Asperger's Syndrome have sleep problems.  The results are that there is a high prevalence of sleep disorders and problems getting to sleep and sleep restlessness during the night.

I remember when I was a kid that I had a hard time going to sleep and not getting a good night's sleep.  Sometimes, I went to bed early in the evening and ended up waking up in the middle of the night.  I had a really hard time getting back to sleep.

It was until 2005 when I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea.  It turns out that I wake up many times during the night without my knowing it.  I wasn't able to have a deep sleep because of that.  My breathing would stop making me wake up.  That's why I use a CPAP machine to help me breathe through the night.

Of course, I have to take Melatonin, a vitamin supplement to aid the Melatonin that's in my brain to make me go to sleep.

Downtown Belated Birthday

Petula Clark hit the 75 mark back on November 15 last week.  Her music was played often on Joe Martelle's "Saturday Night Live at the Oldies."  So let's pay tribute to her right here.

Happy Birthday, Petula Clark!

"Downtown" by Petula Clark

Two Soap 65th Birthdays

Happy Birthday,
Linda Evans of "Dynasty"
&
Susan Sullivan of "Falcon Crest"

Dynasty Catfight



Falcon Crest Season 1 Opening Credits

Outside In Song of the Week

I'm hanging out this weekend at the Boston Megafest at the Shareton Tara in Framingham.  The guests of honor are Adam West and Burt Ward, better known as Batman and Robin.  Julie Newmar who played Catwoman is also there as well as the Batmobile.  Tons of other celebrities as well like Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) and Helen Slater (Supergirl).

Batman Theme Song

Number 1 Reason David Letterman is a Good Guy

Dave is paying his non-writing employees for "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" until the end of the year.  His production company, Worldwide Pants, is the owner of those two shows, not CBS.

That's so wonderful!  I love watching his reruns. 

Does Florida Have Enough Resources?

The Northeastern Florida school districts are wondering if they have enough resources for students with autism spectrum disorders now that the state has broaden the definition of autism spectrum disorder.  The new definition has increased the number of students that need services at school.

Check out: "Will You Be There for Me?"

NAS VS TA

It seems like there is a battle over in England on the pages of The Independent.  The Natural Autistic Society (NAS) is promoting understanding and awareness of autism.  Treating Autism (TA) disagrees with their approach and says that helping children with autism is more important.

It's all here in this article called: "Autism: What are the Ethics of Treating Disability?"

Lennon Statue Robbed of its Glasses

A thief lifted the glasses off the bronze statue of John Lennon at the Liverpool airport that bears his name.  A temporary pair of glasses are now in place while a replacement pair for the statue is being made.  The artist who created the statue says this is not the first time the glasses were taken.

Pretty sad that some memorabilia hunter swiped the statue's glasses. 

X-MAS TIME at WODS

This past Monday, November 12, WODS-FM in Boston started playing their Christmas Oldies and Holiday Classics 24/7.  So, we'll be hearing this format until December 25.  It's the first time they started this early.  10 days before Thanksgiving.

I'm a lover of Christmas so it doesn't bother me.  I already have my radio at work tuned in.

Hear them live at their website:
http://www.oldies1033.com/

or you can can catch them on iTunes.

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Author! God Bless You!

Happy Birthday,
Kurt Vonnegut!
(November 11, 1922 - April 11, 2007)

Very much missed by me.  I met him back in 1995 after he did a lecture at a writers festival in Boston.  He was very kind.

Check out his artwork at Vonnegut.com

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day!

Honor all our veterans past and present today!

Outside In Song of the Week

I've always been a fan of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) since the 1970s.  One big attraction for their videos is Jeff Lynne's hairstyles.  His hair during that decade was HUGE!!!!

"I Can't Get It Out of My Head" by Electric Light Orchestra

400 Went to an ASD Seminar in Iowa!

An autism spectrum disorder seminar in Dubuque, Iowa, was originally scheduled for 50 people at the Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque's sixth floor board room.  Instead, they were getting more registrations than they expected.  So, they moved it to the Grand River Center.

More than 400 people showed up!  It proves that a lot of people are interested in learning about autism spectrum disorders.  At the seminar, the speakers expressed early intervention and therapies (speech, occupational, etc.) for children.

UCEDD Brings in 90

University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) held a program to raise awareness about autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  90 people showed up at the event!  They presented to parents, educators, nurses, and family members the resources available to understand these developmental disabilities.  The program was so successful that they are doing another one at the beginning of next year.  The program was in Malvern, Arkansas.

Bravo!

We're an Untapped Work Force

Great letter to the editor by Laurie Jerue of Naperville, Illinois.  She wrote that employers should hire adults with developmental disabilities because we are "an untapped work force."  She suggest to employers to contact job vocation and special education coordinators.  She also suggests that young adults with developmental disabilities and their parents voice what their job goals are to local city counsels and chambers of commerce.

Great ideas, Laurie!  Thank you!

Secret Birthday Man

Happy 65th Birthday,
Johnny Rivers!

An excellent performer!  I've seen him in concert several times in Boston.  He definitely puts on a great show every time I see him.

"Secret Agent Man" by Johnny Rivers
(This song was used as a theme song for "Secret Agent" starring Patrick McGoohan.  The show was called "Danger Man" in England.)

If Only They had Social Skills Seminars when I was in College

I just read an article about a Dr. Mary Riggs Cohen teaching a Social Skills Seminar who college students that have Asperger's Syndrome at the University of Pennsylvania.  I only wish I had something like that when I was a student at Emerson College back in the 1980s.  However, no one knew about Asperger's Syndrome back then.  Everyone thought I was just a difficult person who didn't want to get along with others.  How wrong they were.

The transition to adulthood was difficult.  So many misunderstandings that set me off angrily towards the other person.  I sometimes felt I was in the "Twilight Zone" because I seem to speaking one language that no one seemed to understand and they were always assuming that I would say or do what was expected of me.  I didn't know what was expected of me.

APN Helps Out in Arizona and Beyond

The Asperger Parent Network, created six years ago in Arizona, goes to great lengths and distance to help parents and children with Asperger's Syndrome.  According to Carolyn Warden, the founder of APN, the better part of 1,000 families have been served in Arizona and as far away as Alaska.

The reason Warden formed the network was that there were no support services around to get information about treatments, special needs education, or even a place for parents to talk about everyday challenges.  Being a parent of a son called David who has Asperger's, Warden has faced her own challenges with misdiagnoses and explaining to schools and the public what Asperger's is.

Her son, David, is now a third-degree black belt in karate and a member of the Mustang club.  Warden disclosed his condition to those communities to achieve understanding and awareness.

APN has recently put together a DVD movie that features interviews with parents, children, relatives, and others that discuss their challenges with Asperger's Syndrome.

For more info, check out http://www.apn.150m.com/

Time Management - Tough Task

I have been preoccupied from one thing after the other these days.  I don't seem to have time to write entries here in my blog or at the other blog (Uncommon Bostonian).  Right now, I am planning my Thanksgiving vacation and that holiday is just around the corner.  Yes, I know I am very late in doing this.

In the past, I was able to get my travel plans done sooner, but so many other things distract me like my looking for a better paying job (no one at my present job is aware of my blogging so it's safe for me to mention my job search here).  I don't want to go into detail about a personal matter involving my family here because that's too personal for the Internet.

When I am planning a trip, I first have to make certain that my cats are taken care of.  They're both senior citizens, and one of them is diabetic and needs insulin twice daily.  Doing telephone tag with the pet sitter is always stressful, but I need her assurance that she will be there to look after them while I am away.  Once I hear from her, I'll feel more comfortable with making my travel plans.

Thanksgiving vacation is always stressful for me because I get into conflicts with my family.  I know it's supposed to be a good gathering for family, but not with mine.  There's always a battle about something.

It's hard for me to sort out the time to do things even on vacation or not.  I have so many things to read like books and articles, etc.  I never have enough time to get to them.  This is probably a side-effect of my Asperger's Syndrome or my Non-verbal Learning Disorder or both.

I just like to write for a living and get paid for it.  I wonder why so many people are able to make money writing while I can't.  I love writing, but the money hasn't followed.  Marsha Sinetar was wrong when she wrote Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow.

70 For Hotlips!

Happy Birthday,
Loretta Swit
(Margaret "Hotlips" Houlihan of M*A*S*H)

Classic Hotlips Scenes!

Outside In Song of the Week

It's raining outside heavily because Boston is getting the outskirts of Noel, the hurricane  of the week.  I went outside earlier today it was just cloudy and no rain.  In less than an hour, it started to rain lightly.  Soon, it was raining in buckets and freezing.

"Rain" by The Beatles (Ringo's favorite song)

USA Today: Rise in Autism Reports

A great big article in USA Today regarding the rise in autism reports.  More children have been diagnosed since 1990 because the doctors have been able to recognize different types of autism (i.e. autism spectrum disorders; Asperger's Syndrome).  Services in schools have increased.

The article also talks about that children were labeled as odd and difficult a few decades ago.  Nice to know that people are recognizing what is really going on, instead of labeling them something bad.

Valerie Speaks The Truth: Focus on Strengths

Valerie Paradiz, author of Elijah's Cup and co-founder of The Open Center for Autism in New York, says that people should focus on strengths that a person with Asperger's Syndrome has.  She says that autistic children become less anxious when they have a better sense of themselves.  Once they have more confidence in themselves, it is easier for them to self-advocate and make friends.

I agree with her.  More should be paid attention towards the strengths, not the weaknesses.

Employers Take Heed: You're Ignorant!

Wonderful article by Fiona MacLeod called "'Ignorant' Employers Missing Out" talks about employers discriminating against people with autism.  It says that employers are wary of hiring people with the condition because they fear the unknown.  Simply said, the employers don't know in fact that people with Asperger's Syndrome can be punctual, don't gossip and don't engage in office politics.  They can be the perfect employees.

The National Autistic Society Scotland surveyed 46 percent of employment advisers and learned from them that the employers are ignorant of the condition.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!

"Monster Mash" by The Late Bobby Boris Pickett with Richard & The Young Lions in 2005



The Addams Family Theme Song

Candy Birthday

Happy Birthday,
John Candy
(10/31/1950 - 3/4/1994)

A greatly missed comedian and one of the stars of "Second City Television."  I was very heartbroken when I heard the sad news that he died of heart failure while making the movie, Wagons East.

"My Girl" by The Recess Monkeys (John Candy, Rick Moranis, and Eugene Levy)



The original version of "My Girl" by Chilliwack

Fonz Birthday

Happy Birthday,
Henry Winkler!
(aka The Fonz from "Happy Days")

I grew up watching him and met him last year at alumni weekend at Emerson College in Boston.

Classic Happy Days Moment

Universal Autism Screening

The American Academy of Pediatrics are recommending that a universal screening of autism should be done twice on 2-year-olds.  They are saying this to get the children into treatment sooner because it would benefit them in the long run.  They say it should be done, regardless of symptoms.

Program to Help with The Transition into College Living

Great article in The Washington Post today about a program called College Living Experience.  Their goal is to help students with learning disabilities make the transition into college life.  It involves setting up schedules for going to class, socializing with friends, buying groceries and balancing the checkbook.

I only wish I had something like that when I started college.

Good Luck to Laura Freeman on going to college!

In Scotland, NAS is Saying "Think Different - Act Positively"

The National Autistic Society Scotland is starting an autism awareness campaign called "Think Different - Act Positively."  This is a result after their research turned up facts that there are ignorance about what autism really is and people with autism are bullied at school and the workplace.  In some cases, people with autism are not getting the education they are entitled to or even allowed to grow and develop their own working careers.

I wish the NAS Scotland were helping us out here in the USA.

Outside In Song of the Week

In 1999, I went to a nightclub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called "The Middle East" and saw Men at Work perform in concert.  This is the song they opened the concert with.  I had a great time there.

Since we're a few days away from Halloween, it seemed appropriate to use this song

"Doctor Heckyll And Mister Jive" by Men at Work

And That's How Big Al Goes!

Alex is a 13-year-old wrestling expert with his own talk show called "Al's Wrestling Talk. " At six, he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  When he's not talking about wrestling, he's raising awareness about autism.  He says that others like him should focus on their unique gifts and talents.

Big Al (the radio name Alex uses) has been selected to be the spokesperson of Wrestling Autism, a fundraising event for the National Autism Associations.

Congrats!

Alabama Autism Awareness Success Story!

Spanish Fort High School in Alabama has a program called "Project Reach" which helps improve communication for students diagnosed with autism and connect with children who don't have autism.  The 13 autistic students have responded well to this program.

The program started last year.  It is the only program of its kind in the entire Baldwin county area.

They All Have Something In Common with Hill

Happy Birthday,
Natalie  Merchant!

Happy Birthday to the others who share a birthday with Hill and Nat!
Cary Elwes
Dylan McDermott
Rita Wilson
Pat Sajak
Jaclyn Smith
Bob Hoskins

"Nowhere Man" by Natalie Merchant

Will Hill Be Our Next President?

Happy Birthday,
Hillary Clinton!

She's running for President.  Will she win next year?  We have to wait more than a year to find out?

In the meantime...

"Hillary Clinton for President" Music Video (Courtesy of Youtube)

Tammet's Mind: Beautiful

An article about Daniel Tammet, author of Born on a Blue Day, is called "A Beautiful Mind," which made me think of John Nash who was the subject of the movie, A Beautiful Mind.  Tammet has Asperger's Syndrome and is the subject of a documentary called Brainman/The Boy with a Beautiful Brain.

Interesting article.

Happy Birthday, Johnny Carson

I always have to acknowledge Johnny's birthday.  He made me laugh!  I loved watching "The Tonight Show."  I started watching in late August/early September 1977, just before Johnny celebrated his 15 year anniversary.

One of my school teachers in junior high told me that Johnny was shy just like me.  That made me feel very happy that day.  I was always picked on a lot at school.  I'm sad that I never had the chance to meet him.

Happy Birthday,
Johnny Carson!

Classic Tonight Show Moment: Johnny confronts Don Rickles over Broken Cigarette Box

In Othe Llanview News: Dr. McBain Puts Man in Hospital

On "One Life to Live," Dr. Michael McBain is in trouble with perjuring himself in court about his knowing for months that his adopted son Tommy is really Todd Manning, Jr. and also not telling his wife Marcie about Tommy's true identity.  In real life, Dr. McBain's protrayer, Nathaniel Marston, has been charged with assaulting three men with a crate early Sunday morning in New York.  He broke one of the men's legs sending him to the hospital.  When police came to arrest Marston, he fought them too.  One officer suffered a cut hand and bruised knee.

A spokesperson for "One Life to Live" said that they are reviewing the incident.

Last week on "One Life to Live": Dr. Michael McBain talks to Marcie on the cellphone after she kidnapped Tommy while Todd, Tommy's real dad, is very upset.

Sad News Out of Llanview: Lee Patterson RIP

It was recently discovered that former "One Life to Live" star Lee Patterson had passed away back on February 14, 2007.  He played Joe Riley, Vicki's first husband and the father of Kevin and Joey, during the late 1960s to the late 1970s.  In the mid-1980s, Lee Patterson returned to "One Life" as Joe's long lost twin brother Tom Dennison.  During that time, he briefly got to play Joe Riley once again while Vicki was in coma dreaming about reuniting with her late relatives and friends.

One Life to Live in 1976: Vicki and Joe Name Their Son Kevin

Dania in The News!

The Asperger Association of New England's executive director, Dania Jekel, is quoted in an article about disclosure called "Your Child with Special Needs: Sharing your private issue with others."  Dania advises that the child should mention that s/he has difficulty with social ability.  Building relationships with the child's peers lessens the onset of bullying and teasing.

Well said, Dania!

Outside In Song of the Week

October 20, 1997 was the day the plane carrying the band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi.  Their final album "Street Survivors" was released on October 17, 1977.  The original cover photo had the band engulfed in flames.  It was recalled and replaced with the back cover photo.  In both photos, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant is wearing a Niel Young's "Tonight's the Night" t-shirt (an album that has a theme about a rock singer's premature death).

Ronnie Van Zant was killed in the plane crash along with band members Steve Gaines and his sister Cassie Gaines.

"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Petty Birthday

Happy Birthday
Tom Petty!

I love Tom Petty!  I've seen him in concert twice in 1998 and 2001.  He's great!

"Don't Come Around Here Anymore" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Barry Scott Gets Lost in The Boston Globe

The Boston Globe wrote a great article about fellow Emerson alumni, Barry Scott.  As you know, Barry has been hosting his radio show, The Lost 45s, for more than 25 years.  Back in the summer, Mayor Thomas Menino gave Barry a proclamation recognizing his show's 25 years of success!

Congrats, Barry!

I went to college with Barry in the mid-1980s so I've known him from the very beginning!  I know a lot of DJs!

The $110,541 Tax Credit Jackpot!

The Youth Opportunities Program in Missouri has awarded the Judevine Center for Autism in St. Louis a $110,541 tax credit.  The Center will be using the tax credit money for the next two years to provide services with youths with Asperger's  Syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.

Congrats, Judevine!

New From NLC: The Question Companion

Natural Learning Concepts, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders and educated children with ASDs, have created a new product called "The Question Companion."  A series of cards to assist in learning language, communication, socialization and comprehension.  Each pack of cards cover the "Why," Where," "What," "Which" and "When" questions and answers.

Check out Natural Learning Concepts at http://www.nlconcepts.com/

Roll Over Birthday, Chuck!

Happy Birthday,
Chuck Berry!

October is certainly "Rocktober" with all the rock legends having birthdays this month.   Chuck Berry is the man who started Rock and Roll.  He influenced everyone that came afterwards.

"Roll Over, Beethoven" by Chuck Berry

Happy Birthday, Gary!

Happy Birthday,
Gary Puckett!

He's with the Union Gap.  He's gorgeous and a great kisser!

Btw, Gary is going to be at Foxwoods next Tuesday and Wednesday (10/23 - 10/24)!

"Lady Willpower" By Gary Puckett and The Union Gap

Wheat and Gluten Free Diet = Lose Weight?

A new wheat and gluten free diet is helping autistic children by alleviating the autism symptoms, according to a recent ABC News report.  Dr. Jerry Kartiznel has been working with autistic children and believes reducing gluten and wheat in their diets will make them more focused and energetic.  Actress Jenny McCarthy who has a son who is autistic has worked with Dr. Kartiznel and says that her son, Evan, has "come out of his cloud."

The real important question for me is will it help me lose weight.

The Bond Who Has a Birthday Today

Happy 80th Birthday,
Roger Moore
(James Bond and Simon Templar a.k.a. The Saint)

Roger was Bond from 1973 to 1985.  I grew up watching him do his Bond movies.  Last week, Roger Moore got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Congrats, Roger.

Have a shaken but not stirred Birthday, Roger!

The Spy Who Loved Me Trailer

Outside In Song of the Week

I just found this on YouTube.com, courtesy of JohnLennonLivesForev.  Back on Tuesday, October 9, it would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday.  In New York's Central Park at Strawberry Fields, a bunch of people gathered and paid tribute to John Lennon and his music.   This is spectacular.

The Beatles' "Come Together" by The John Lennon 67th Birthday Tribute NYC



Check out the other videos regarding the John Lennon 67th Birthday Tribute NYC
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=JohnLennonLivesForev

Frame's Family Rejects Abrahamson's Opinion

Janet Frame's family disagreed  with Dr. Sarah Abrahamson's opinion that the famous New Zealand writer had autism.  They insist that the late author was very shy but not autistic as Abrahamson claimed in The New Zealand Medical Journal.

The family declared that they were not formally contacted before the story was printed up in the journal.  Abrahamson believes that it is easy to recognize autistic symptoms through a person's writings.

Hall Birthday

Happy Birthday, Daryl Hall!

"Private Eyes" by Hall and Oates

Here Comes the Election Judge!

Congrats to Mason Green for being picked as the only student election judge in Prior Lake, Minnesota.  Mason is a teen with Asperger's Syndrome and a senior at Prior Lake High School.  His interests include math, history, and politics.

Mason is involved in many things: Knowledge Bowl team, Junior Optimist Club, and Eco People.  He is fond of Mexico and everything about that culture.

New Zealand Author Janet Frame Autistic?

Interesting article in The New Zealand Herald says that a doctor named Sarah Abrahamson believes that writer Janet Frame (1924-2004) had high functioning autism.   Dr. Abrahamson came to that conclusion after reading Frame's three part autobiography.  Janet Frame rose to fame as a writer/poet.  She struggled with socializing and was misdiagnosed as schizophrenia.  She was put into a psychiatric hospital and was forced to get shock treatments.  A British hospital revoked the diagnosis several years later.

Dr. Abrahamson states her findings in the latest issue of The New Zealand Medical Journal.

Several months ago, the Asperger Association of New England (AANE) presented a movie based on Janet Frame's three autobiographies called "An  Angel at My Table."

The Greatest Radio Personalities of Boston

Great article about the Greatest Disc Jockeys of Boston of the 1960s and 1970s.  It's an impressive list.

My former DJ mentor, Joe Martelle, is on the list.  Congrats, Joe!

http://www.visitingnewengland.com/top40radio-newengland.html

Happy Birthday to Everyone Else who Shares a Birthday with John Lennon

Happy Birthday,
Sean Lennon
Scott Bakula
John O'Hurley
Tony Shalhoub
PJ Harvey
Sharon Osbourne
Jackson Browne
John Entwistle

They all share a birthday with John Lennon

"Imagine" by Scott Bakula from "Quantum Leap"

Happy Birthday, John Lennon!

Happy Birthday,
John Lennon!
(1940-1980)

He would have been 67 years old today.  Wish he was here to celebrate with us.

"You Can't Do That" by The Beatles



"Instant Karma!" by John Lennon



"Nobody Told Me" by John Lennon

Happy Birthday, Chevy!

Happy Birthday,
Chevy Chase!

He was seen on "Saturday Night Live" during the Weekend Update segment last week.

Here he is back in 1980 in the movie, "Caddyshack."

Modesto Looks for Answers

Interesting article in The Modesto Bee, a California newspaper, called "Looking for Answers about Asperger's Syndrome."  Parents and their children with Asperger's Syndrome talk about their difficulties and the efforts they are doing to make going to school easier for them.

The article mentions one-on-one counseling for social skills and a training course for pragmatic speech.  Ways to learn how to interact with people while at school and prepare them with life skills and how to cope with meltdowns.

I wish I had training and counseling like this when I was a teenager.  While I was a teenager, I spent time in the basement of my parents' house listening to music and reading comic books just to cope with all the stress and frustration in my life at that time.

Ballot Boy Birthday

Happy Birthday,
John Mellencamp!

He's currently on the Ballot for the 2008 Rock Hall of Fame Honors.  Good Luck!

Jack & Diane by John Mellencamp (Back when he was a "Cougar")

Llanview News!

Major news about One Life to Live (my favorite soap):

Christina Chambers is out as Marty Saybrooke after playing her for less than a year.  She was unable to convince the fans that she was good replacement for the original actress who created the role of Marty (Susan Haskell).  No plans to recast the role, but does that mean Susan Haskell is coming back?

In November for three episodes, Phil Carey returns as Asa Buchanan.  This time, he's not a ghost or in a flashback.  Seems like Asa faked his death again.

Eddie Alderson who plays Matthew, Bo and Nora's son and is the real life brother of co-star Kristen Alderson (Star Manning) is starring in the soon-to-be released movie called Reservation Road.

Trevor St. John (Todd Manning) appears in the new Jamie Fox and Jennifer Gardner movie, The Kingdom, that is now playing in the theatres.  An exciting movie!  I just saw it today.  Trevor also is seen in The Borne Ultimatum and is in the pilot episode of the new ABC series, "Dirty Sexy Money."

65 for the former Mrs. Peter Sellers

Happy Birthday
Britt Ekland!
(The second Mrs. Peter Sellers, Ex-girlfriend of Rod Stewart, and Mary Goodnight of the James Bond film, The Man with The Golden Gun)

I grew up seeing her in the magazines and on TV as a Bond girl.

Britt's wedding to Peter Sellers

Outside In Song of the Week

General Hospital: Night Shift has its season finale this weekend.  The 13-week prime time series has had a good run.  I found each episode enjoyable.  It was more fun than General Hospital.  I loved seeing Billy Dee Williams as Toussaint DuBois, former lead singer of The Saints and GH janitor.

This scene is from last week's episode.  The Saints perform Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of The Brokenhearted"

Billy The Kid Wins The Jury!

Jennifer Venditti's documentary, "Billy The Kid," was shown at the IFC Center as part of its "Stranger Than Fiction" series in New York City.  The film won the Jury prize for Best Documentary.

Vemdetti met Billy, a teenager, in a lunch room.  He was nice but blunt and had a temper.  Other people bullied him.  She found him interesting and filmed him for several days.  After the film was completed, Billy was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

"Billy The Kid" is scheduled to be released in late December 2007/early January 2008.

Remembering Janis

Janis Joplin passed away on October 4, 1970.  Major Rock Tragedy.

"Maybe" by Janis Joplin

Countdown King

In England a man with Asperger's Syndrome has made it into the quarter-finals of TV quiz show, Countdown.  His name is Jeffrey Hansford.  He is good at completing complex math puzzles and word problems.

Good luck, Jeffrey!

Chronic Nasal Obstruction Linked to Sleep Apnea

An article claims that a person with chronic nasal obstruction is 5 times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.  Nasal obstructions can be caused by 3 things: allergies, rhinosinusitis, or a deviated septum.

I went to an Otolaryngist last year at Mass Eye and Eye Infirmary and she found a deviated septum when she examined me.  She gave something to irrigate my nasal passages with salt water to keep them clear.  It's been very helpful.

Tags: Sleep Apnea, Nasal, Obstruction, Sleep

New DVD: "Autism Action"

It's Autism Awareness Week in the United Kingdom right now, and the Autism Awareness Campaign UK has released a DVD called "Autism Action."  On the disc is Ivan Corea of AACUK calls on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to initiate a national strategy on autism.  It includes ideas of a 10-year program of action hoping to create specialized schools for autism and a national compact with employers.

A copy of the DVD has been sent to Gordon Brown and other political leaders.

Buzzing Birthday!

Happy Birthday,
Sting!
(Gordon Sumner)

I always loved Sting!  He's very talented whether he's with The Police or solo.  A true artist!

"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" by Sting

Tags: Birthday, Celebrity, Police, Sting