RIP Moneypenny

I was sad to hear about Lois Maxwell who played Miss Moneypenny in 14 James Bond films had passed away recently.  She was close friends with Roger Moore, the 2nd Bond she worked with.  She retired from her role after A View to a Kill.  I grew up watching her.

Lois Maxwell was 80 years old.

RIP

"A View to a Kill" by Duran Duran

Outside In Song of the Week

This week, I met Augusten Burroughs' older brother, John Robison.  John has Asperger's Syndrome and runs a successful car repair business in western Massachusetts.  His memoir, Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's, just was released.  Jon did a book signing at Brookline Booksmith last Thursday night.

Long before he started a car repair business, John made special effects guitars for the rock band Kiss.

"Rock and Roll All Night" by Kiss

Rock Hall of Fame Nominees Announced!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just announced its nominees this week.  Still no sign of the Monkees on this list.  What a disappointment!  Ringo Starr doesn't even show up either.  Come on, Hall of Fame!  They did a Pizza Hut commercial together.  That has to count for something.

List of 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees
John Mellencamp
Dave Clark Five
The Ventures
Donna Summer
Leonard Cohen
Afrika Bambaataa
Madonna
Beastie Boys
Chic

Good Luck to All!

Coming Soon: George Harrison The Movie

Martin Scorsese has announced that he is making as-yet untitled documentary about the life of the late Beatle George Harrison.  The famous director said that George's music and spiritual quest was always compelling to him.

Olivia Harrison, George's widow, will serve as producer of the film.  It will consists of interviews and archive footage.  The project is expected to take several years.

George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, died of lung cancer in November of 2001.

Former Contestant Gives Heather of "America's Next Top Model" a Fair Shake

A recent article regarding Mila who was recently ousted from the new season of "America's Next Top Model" talks about Heather, who has Asperger's Syndrome.  Heather is competing in the Tyra Banks' reality show. 

Mila talks about her condition and that "once you get to know her, she's a great girl."

The Boston Globe Looks at John Robison

The Boston Globe did an article on John Elder Robison, the older brother of Augusten Burroughs, called "Look at Him Now".  Robison has Asperger's Syndrome and has just written his own memoir, Look Me In The Eye.  He talks about his childhood and his interest in mechanics which led him to making special effects guitars for the rock band, Kiss, and starting his own car repair service.

John's younger brother, Augusten Burroughs (Christopher Robison), wrote the memoir called Running with Scissors.  A movie version of his memoir came out last year.

Please, check out John's book.  It sounds like a bestseller.

Tags: Memoir, Asperger's, Book, autism, guitars

Ellen Notbohm's New Book is Out! The Autism Trail Guide

Ellen Notbohm, author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, has a new book out.  The Autism Trail Guide: Postcards from the Road Less Traveled is an anthology of Ellen's articles.   Stories about everything you need to know.

Let Ellen be your trail guide.

Read an excerpt at http://www.ellennotbohm.com/trail_book_excerpt.html

Tags: Notbohm, Autism, Book

I Met The Cos Tonight!

At Borders Bookstore in Downtown Crossing tonight, comedian Bill Cosby and his friend Alvin F. Poussaint, MD of Harvard University did a discussion and book signing for their new book, Come On People.  Mel Robbins, the hostess for "Advice for Living" the online talk show on Bordersmedia.com, interviewed both of them for almost an hour. 

Cosby and Pussaint were talking about how to strengthen America and offered solutions to many problems.  They talked about the drug problem, overcrowding prisons, and child abuse as examples.   Their basic message is in the subtitle of their book, "On the Path from Victims to Victors." 

It's time to take action and responsibility, and their book, Come On People, is the guidebook.

It was great for me to meet Bill Cosby because I grew up watching him on TV.  I told him that he asked me if I was trying to make him feel old.  Hey, I loved his work.   I gave him my business card with the address for Outside In on it  and  told him that I have two blogs.  He said that I had one blog too many.

What a great encounter with a legend!

Tags: Cosby, Book, Come On People

Go Heather!

According to TV Squad, a woman with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD is competing with 33 other women for America's Next Top Model.  Her name is Heather.

Good Luck, Heather!  Modeling is highly competitive.  Just ask the hostess Tyra Banks about how tough it is to be in that business.

Outside In Song of the Week

Fall starts on Sunday. :(

So, we have to say "Good-bye" to Summer.

"Sealed With A Kiss" By Brian Hyland

Will He Drive a Golf Cart To Celebrate?

Happy Birthday,
Bill Murray

Funny guy.  I grew up watching him on "Saturday Night Live" and watched his movies.  Loved them all.

Trailer for "Rushmore"

Glenn Gould Remembered

A new stage show called "An Evening with Glenn Gould" celebrates the life of the famous classical pianist.  John McGreevy, filmmaker and a personal friend of Gould's, created a show that involves live performance and film in Ottawa's The National Arts Centre Studio Theater.  It starts next Wednesday.

The stage show is a tribute to Gould, the famous Canadian musician who is believed to have had Asperger's Syndrome.  This fall marks the 25th anniversary of his passing and his 75th birthday.

Have Seen "The Oaks" before the Trees?

The new TV drama on the Fox network called "The Oaks" will feature a character who is a woman with Asperger's Syndrome.  The actress playing the role is Sienna Guillory who is from England.  She will be the neighbor of a couple who are expecting their first child and living in a house that inhabited by a spirit in 2008.

"The Oaks" is a supernatural drama that focuses on three different families that lived in a house possessed by a spirit in the last 40 years.

Can California Cope?

An article in the LA Daily News called "State Must Cope with Autistic Adults" points out that the population of children diagnosed with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in California are facing adulthood in the next few years.  There is concern about having enough services for housing and employment to accommodate them.  Right now, elderly parents are having problems getting their adult children with autism jobs to financially support themselves after they die.

Rock Legend Birthdays! A Righteous Brother and a Mama!

Happy Birthday,
Bill Medley!

One half of the Righteous Brothers.  He's the one with the deep voice.  Sadly, his singing partner, Bobby Hatfield, passed away a few years ago, but that was after they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"You've Lost that Loving Feeling" done live in 1987 by Bill Medley





Happy Birthday,
Cass Elliot
She was part of the group, The Mamas and The Papas.  She had a great voice.  It's tragic that she died of heart failure (not a ham sandwich).  She leaves behind a treasure of great music from her group and her solo work.

"Dream A Little Dream Of Me" by Cass Elliot (with Tommy Smothers)

Happy Birthday to a Batman and an U.N.C.L.E. Agent

Happy Birthday,
Adam West!

I grew up watching him as Batman during the 1970s and 1980s.  Loved that show very much.  I met him once back in 2002 at a science fiction convention, and he looked great!!!!

Watching "Batman" made me happy, and it was pure escapism.  When I was a child, I was not popular with the other kids.   I was teased.  I was picked on.  At home, I had a friend at home on the TV set.  I wanted to marry him.

The 1965 ABC Batman Network Presentation (this is how William Dozier, the producer of "Batman," sold the show to the network)





Happy Birthday,
David McCallum
(Illya Kuriakin of Man from U.N.C.L.E. & Ducky of NCIS)

I loved watching "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." while I was growing up too.  I couldn't get enough of this show.  I even have some the paperback novels, which have been out of print for decades.

The Black and White Opening of "The Man from U.N.C. L.E." featuring David McCallum, Robert Vaughn, and Leo G. Carroll

I Miss John Ritter A Lot

I met John Ritter once back in 2001.  He was very nice and kind.  He visited Emerson College in March of that year while he was on a break from a play he was doing with Henry Winkler in New York at the time.  After he did his speech in front of Emerson alumni and students, I met him at the reception the college held for him.  I managed to talk to him, despite how nervous I was about meeting him.  After all, I grew up watching him on TV when he was starring in "Three's Company."

When I told him about the TV movie he did with Carrier Fisher, he kissed me on the cheek!  He told me that was his very first TV movie, "Leave Yesterday Behind."  I told him I saw his other movies and enjoyed them too.

It was heartbreaking in 2003 when he passed away just a few days before his birthday.  I cried a lot that day.

Happy Birthday,
John Ritter!
(1948-2003)

Three's Company Bloopers introduced by John Ritter

Match Game's Brett Somers ________ at 83

Sad to learn about this when I just signed online to check my e-mails tonight.  Another TV legend has passed away.  Brett Somers of "Match Game" died last Saturday at the age of 83.  She had been suffering from stomach and colon cancer.  She'll be missed.  It was only a few months ago when her co-star, Charles Nelson Reilly, passed away.  She was also the long-separated wife of Jack Klugman (who's still alive the last time I checked).

I grew up watching that show.  It helped me with my vocabulary and writing sentences.

RIP Brett Somers
(1924-2007)

Brett and Charles Fight over spilled water on "The Match Game"

RIP, Angela Channing of "Falcon Crest"

Jane Wyman
(1914-2007)

Loved watching her on "Falcon Crest."  So long, Jane!  Rest in Peace!

Great tribute to Jane Wyman from YouTube

I just saw "Across The Universe"

This new movie musical set to Beatles songs called Across The Universe is a treat for any Beatles fan.  I had a great time seeing it today.  It's worth checking out.

It's a treat that the main characters are named after characters from Beatles songs: Jude, Lucy, Sadie, Max, Jo-Jo and Prudence.  Bono of U2 and Joe Cocker make cameo appearances in the movie.

Across The Universe Trailer (I've Just Seen a Face)

Outside In Song of the Week

Happy Birthday,
Amy Winehouse!

She hits the big 24 today.  I heard John Laurenti on WBOS-FM this afternoon wonder if she is going to make it to 25.   She should go to rehab if it's not too late.

"You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse

Missouri Wants To Change The World!

The Missouri Planning Council created a program called "Partners in Policymaking" in which they teach people about topics that people with disabilities face and how to advocate for them.  One of the graduates of this program is a 31-year-old man called Eric L. Williams who plans to start a  People First Chapter in his hometown of Moberly, Missouri. 

Good luck, Eric!

Robison in The Times

John Elder Robison is the older brother of Running with Scissors author Augusten Burroughs and has Asperger's Syndrome.  Recently, Ann Treneman of Times Online met with John and interviewed him.  Also, included is an excerpt from John's book, Look Me in the Eye.

I read the interview and book excerpt.  I couldn't help but remember how many times people demanded me to make eye contact with them when I was a kid.  They didn't seem to understand that I wasn't comfortable with doing that.

Btw, John Robison will be doing a book signing at Brookline Booksmith later this month at Coolidge Corner.

I love Corzine and Munoz!

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine recently signed a bill called "The Asperger's Syndrome Pilot Initiative" into law.  Assemblyman Eric Munoz, MD, sponsored this bill to help people with Asperger's Syndrome with services such as education, housing, counseling, medical, and employment opportunities.  Social skills training will also be provided.

This new law also helps people with other neurological disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Obviously, New Jersey is leading the way in helping children and adults with neurological disorders so that they can be able to live independently.  New Jersey has a higher autism/Asperger's rate in their state.

Thanks, guys!  We need guys like you up here in Massachusetts.

A special thank you to Assemblywoman Joan Voss who also worked on this initiative.

6 Years Later...

It will be impossible for me to forget that day back in 2001.  It was a very upsetting experience for me hearing about the destruction of the Twin Towers and then later that afternoon seeing how it happened on TV.  Tears running out my eyes.  Seeing the New York City that I knew get destroyed and people running for their lives.  I also saw people falling to their deaths from the burning buildings before they collapsed. 

Horrible images.

The sad part is that the lunatic that caused this is still on the loose.

Will Ringo Be Inducted into Rock Hall of Fame in '08?

A rumor is going around saying that former Beatle drummer Ringo Starr is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.  Experts are saying that Ringo will be included in next year's ceremony that takes place in New York.  The Beatles were already inducted in the hall back in 1988.  Then, John Lennon was inducted in 1994, Paul McCartney in 1999, and George Harrison in 2004.  Ringo is the only one who hasn't been inducted yet, but that may change next year.

Good Luck, Ringo!  Mention the Monkees when you get inducted!

Help! is Coming on October 30

I heard the news on WZLX's "Breakfast with The Beatles" with Cha-Chi Loprete today.  Oh, Boy!

The Beatles' movie "Help!" is coming out in a two-disc digitally remastered DVD set on October 30.  It will include bonus features like a 30-minute documentary.

I'm thrilled because "Help!" was the first Beatles movie I saw on TV when I was 4 years old way back in 1969.  Yes, I know it was really their second movie, but it was my very first exposure to the band.  I'll put this right next to my "A Hard Day's Night" two-disc DVD set.

"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" by The Beatles (from the movie "Help!")



"Help!" by The Beatles (not from the movie)

A Hard Day's Sellers

Happy Birthday,
Peter Sellers!
(1925-1980)



A very talented actor!  He got his start in radio on "The Goon Show" back in 1950s.  He starred in two classic movies that came out in 1964: "The Pink Panther" and "Dr. Strangelove."  It was a tragic loss when he died of a heart attack in 1980.

"A Hard Day's Night" spoken by Peter Sellers



"A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles

Outside In Song of the Week

Happy Birthday,
Buddy Holly!

He would have been 71 years old today.  Greatly missed!  His death along with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper was the first Rock Tragedy.  The plane crash happened on February 3, 1959, in a cornfield near Clear Lake, Iowa.   His influence was powerful to many artists and still is.

"That'll Be The Day" by Buddy Holly and The Crickets

Good Luck, Ty, Nathan, Tuc, and Jeff!

Llanview News!  Four former "One Life to Live" veterans are starting new jobs this month. 

Ty Treadway, who was Dr. Colin MacIver/Dr. Troy MacIver, is the host of the new game show, "Merv Griffin's Crosswords."  His show is debuting next Monday.

Nathan Fillion, who was Joey Buchanan, and Tuc Watkins, who was David Vickers, are both joining the cast of "Desperate Housewives."  The new season starts on September 30.  Btw, Marcia Cross, who plays "Bree" on "Desperate," is also a veteran of the soap, "One Life to Live.'

Jeff Fahey, who played Marco Dane's younger brother Gary Corelli, has joined the cast of "Lost."  The drama returns in January 2008.  Jeff Fahey was recently seen in the movie called "Grindhouse," which came out earlier this year.

Mutant Mice Model ASDs

Science Daily reports that the researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Texas have created genetically engineered mice that show symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).  The mice show that their ability to socialize have been limited but not their intelligence.

The researchers believe the mice are models to show how specific defects in neural develop may lead to autism.  The mice show a mutation in a protein gene called neuroligin-3.  This type of mutant protein has been identified in some people with autism spectrum disorders.

Interesting article.  Check it out.

Knots Birthday!

Happy 70th Birthday,
William Devane
(Greg Sumner of "Knots Landing")

Greg and Page play strip croquet from the "A Fine Romance" episode of "Knots Landing"

Happy Birthday, Freddie Mercury!

Happy Birthday,
Freddie Mercury
Of Queen

He's sorely missed by everyone.  He was a spectacular singer who left us too soon.  My heart breaks over the fact that he died of Aids back in November 1991.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

Autism Center to Open in Southern Oregon

Bridgeway House has announced that an autism center will open to aide children with autism in Southern Oregon.  The state has a higher ratio of children with autism of 1 in 98 children, instead of 1 in 150 which is the national average.  The non-profit has services in other parts of Oregon, but it needed to open a new center in the southern part of the state because of the need for services.

For more details, check out: "Autism Treatment Center Will Open"

Aaron Positive!

Aaron Barden is a teenager with Asperger' Syndrome who has done many accomplishments in his young life.  He is an athlete, school newspaper editor, and youth representative on the Harrisburg (OR) Planning Commission.  He hopes what he's done with be an inspiration for others like him.

Check out his story in the Register-Guard called "Knowing How to Be a Positive Force."

Thanks, Aaron!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!


It's great to have the day off.  The holiday is to honor the workers.  There have been past Labor Days in which I have wondered why I always had a hard time pursuing the career I wanted, which was broadcasting because I did spend four years of my life at Emerson College.  Not being able to break in anywhere in the huge industry of television and radio upsetting me for many years before I got my diagnosis for Asperger's Syndrome.

After my diagnosis, I still struggle with job and career issues.  So I'm not good at interpersonal communication, but the jobs I wanted hardly involved that (at least from my point of view, but my Asperger's made it impossible for to see the interpersonal aspects of jobs that I have applied for).  The kind of jobs I like to do are solitary like writing and art.  I like working with a computer a lot, but that doesn't involve interpersonal communication, does it?  A computer is not a person.

I'm generally good at conversing with co-workers, but not good at having deep feeling relationships with any of my co-workers at any of the workplaces I've been a part of in the past.  Having good deep feeling relationships with managers and co-workers is hard to obtain, but that is the way to be successful in the workplace.  I always felt my weakness was used against me throughout my professional work life.

It doesn't feel fair that I am good at doing the job but bad at interpersonal relationships has hindered my work life.