Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Still on Exile!

Just to update the situation that I am having with Verizon about my new modem.  I went bouncing around their different departments trying to reach their billing department to find out what's happening with my order.  I was on the phone for almost an hour and still couldn't reach Billing.  I even got disconnected at one point.

Tuesday morning was better and a rep was helpful trying to fix the problem.  She told me that their phone lines were messed up on Monday afternoon.  She found the problem that there are two identical orders in my account that were made on two separate days (3/15 and 3/20).  The orders were pending.  She tried to delete them and make a new order for my modem, but their computer wouldn't let her and her supervisor do it. 

She called my answering machine Tuesday afternoon and explained that the problem was taken to higher management at Verizon.  She didn't know when the problem will be fixed, but she said that she would watch my account to see when they fix my order and send out my modem.

So, in the meantime, Hang in there!  I might have to go to Best Buy and get a modem this weekend if I still don't get anything from Verizon.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Exiled From The Internet!

I still have not received my new high-speed DSL.  When I talked to a Verizon rep yesterday afternoon, he said that my new DSL service was not ready and that was why the new modem has not been shipped to me.  So, I have not been able to visit my favorite forums for the last two weeks or make my regular entries into this blog.

I should know by Monday when the new DSL service will be ready and when I will be getting my new DSL modem.

Hang in there, folks!  We'll be back to regular programming soon.

Incidentally, I happen to be at the Allston Public Library doing this entry.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

My Verizon DSL Modem RIP

Another death notice.  My Verizon DSL modem died on me last Monday night.  I have been unable to check my e-mails or surf the Internet.  In case anyone's wondering where I've been for the past week, the modem died on me and Verizon hasn't sent me new one yet.

Hurry up, Verizon!

I am now at the AANE office in Watertown, MA, where the Women's group is about to start.  That's how I'm making this entry.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

B. G. Reviews Born on a Blue Day Memoir

The Boston Globe has a review of Born of a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant by Daniel Tammet.   It's called "From the Other Side of Autism."

Tammet has many talents: learning languages in a week's time, solve difficult math equations and memorized the first 22,514 digits of pi.  His memoir is his explanation about how his mind works.

The Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis came when Tammet was 25 years old.  Social interaction during his childhood was tough, like mine.  He spent his free time isolated.  He also mentions in his memoir about the time he met Kim Peek, the autistic savant who was the inspiration for the movie "Rain Man."

An interesting book to check out.

Tributes to Brad Delp

The Boston newspapers have written articles in memory of the late Boston/Beatlejuice singer Brad Delp, who suddenly passed away last Friday (March 9).  Many are in tears like me.  Last night at Johnny D's, where Beatljuice were supposed to perform this weekend, Velvet Elvis did a tribute concert for Brad Delp.  A couple of Beatlejuice members (Joe Holaday and Steve Baker) are part of Velvet Elvis.  Patrons brought in flowers.

"We Have Just Lost The Nicest Guy In Rock 'N' Roll"

"Sadness: More Than A Feeling: Boston Fans Remember Brad Delp"


"Family Statement on Behalf of Brad Delp"

"Remembering Brad Delp"

Friday, March 9, 2007

Belated Monkee Birthday!

I forgot to mention this last night...

Happy Birthday, Mickey Dolenz!

I'm A Believer - Live at the Rockers on Broadway (January 29, 2007)





Randy Scouse Git by The Monkees

Brad Delp RIP

I was shocked to learn that Boston lead singer, Brad Delp, was found dead in his home in New Hampshire today.  He was 55 years old.  His other band, Beatlejuice, was scheduled to perform at Johnny D's in Somerville, Massachusetts, tonight and tomorrow night. 

It was ten years back when I happened to meet Brad Delp at a WZLX's Breakfast With The Beatles event at the Hard Rock Cafe.  He was nice and friendly.  I saw him perform a few times with Beatlejuice, his Beatles cover band.  He was a big Beatles fan.

Very Tragic.

RIP, Brad!

More Than A Feeling

Thursday, March 8, 2007

COLD AS ICE

Another cold night is coming.  The temperature will go down into the single digits overnight in Boston.  I wish I was working at a TV studio right now reporting the weather, instead of writing about in this blog.  I was interested in being a weather person when I was in junior high school.  Unfortunately, my career in broadcasting didn't work out the way I wanted to.  I didn't want to be just a disc jockey.  I wanted to work in other areas.

This condo has its shortcomings (big drafty windows).  When it gets cold like this, it's hard to warm up this place at night.  It takes several hours.  I don't leave the heat on when I'm at work (I'll just get a huge electric bill).  Storm and Cap know how to keep warm by themselves while I'm away.

If only this condo had a fireplace...

Cold As Ice by Foreigner (Live at the NY State Fair in 2006)

John Inman RIP

This is a sad week over here at Outside In.  First, Captain America is assassinated.  Now, Mr. Humphries has died.  Actor John Inman passed away today.  He was 71 years old.  He was a cast member of "Are You Being Served?"

He'll be missed.  I loved that show.

New Jersey Working on Asperger Aid Bill

The state of New Jersey is working on an Asperger Aid Bill in order to help people with Asperger's Syndrome with employment issues and learn how to be self-sufficient.  One state legistlator named Joan Voss has been pushing on this bill for three years because she has a son with Asperger's Syndrome.  This bill also has a program to help employers become more aware of the neurological disorder and understand it better.  It's a push towards getting more people with Asperger's Syndrome hired.

New Jersey has a large population of children and adults diagnosed with both Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  It's nice to know that their lawmakers are making efforts to help them be a part of their community.

Captain America RIP

I was stunned last night to learn about Captain America's assassination in the latest issue of his comic book.  It's the epilogue of the Civil War way too long limited series, which pitted superhero against superhero.  It started with a Superhero Registration Act that the US government wants the superheroes to register themselves and reveal their identities.

Personally, I am saddened that the Marvel Comics Group believes that killing off Captain America will increase sales for their comic books.  DC comics did this to Superman 15 years ago as a marketing ploy too.  Nothing original here at Marvel.  Why bother to do it?

Captain America is my favorite superhero.  I even named one of my cats after him.  Reading his adventures always gave me hope during the times of my life when life was hard for me.  Living independently has been a hard uphill battle for me, even before I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

I hate Marvel.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Remembering John Belushi 25 Years Later

Sad anniversary.  I was shocked when I heard the news on the radio that afternoon in 1982 that John Belushi had died.  I cried my eyes out.  I was a senior in high school at the time.

We miss you, John!

CNN has a great article called "John Belushi, 25 Years Gone."  Check it out!

Famous Zit Scene from "Animal House"



Chocolate Donut Commercial from "Saturday Night Live"

Sunday, March 4, 2007

SCTV Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Catherine O'Hara!

Co-star of John Candy's on Second City Television (SCTV)

The Days of The Week (First Episode)

Remembering John Candy!

Still can't believe he passed away so young from a heart attack on this day back in 1994.  We miss you, John!

The Days of The Week (Final Episode)

Saturday, March 3, 2007

A Reason to Love Minnesota

According to a survey done by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, many residents of that state are very supportive of the developmentally disabled.  In fact, they favor their state government support services in that area.  This is a big increase of public acceptance since 1962, the last time they did a survey.

Thank you, Minnesota!

D.A.S.H. to Rescue 700 Club

A charity organization in Swiden, England, called Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness (D.A.S.H.) is reaching out to help the 700 people with Asperger's Syndrome in that town.  They want to help them with employment issues and other areas that they need help in.

Thanks, D.A.S.H.!

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Happy (Days) Birthday, Opie!

Happy Birthday, Ron Howard!

Classic Happy Days Scene from Season 1

Who Birthday

Happy Birthday, Roger Daltrey!

Without Your Love (from the 1980 movie "McVicar")



Behind Blue Eyes (with his band The WHO)