Sunday, October 12, 2008

Outside In Has Moved Again

I really wanted to move to WordPress, but AOL Journals couldn't export to Wordpress so I had to go through Blogger to get to WordPress. So, follow me over there where I can get back into business. This new one will just be an archive blog for the time being until I make a final decision on what to do with it.

http://yechristian.wordpress.com/ The new Outside In Blog

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Outside In has Moved To Blogger!

I'm glad that I could get this blog away from AOL Journals before the shutdown. Now, I have to plan what to do next. Then, we'll get back to the regular programming.

Stay Tuned

Friday, October 10, 2008

One More Birthday Tribute Before Moving from AOL

Happy Birthday
David Lee Roth


Diamond Dave's 54 today!  Saw him and Eddie in concert last year.  Great show!  Great VAN HALEN Reunion!

"Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" by David Lee Roth

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Lennon 68

Happy Birthday
John Lennon


He would have been 68 today.  Imagine if John were still here for a moment.  I think he'll be commenting on the presidential race between Obama and McCain and saying what a couple of @#$&%!s George W. Bush and Dick Cheney are.

One side note:  Moving day for this blog and its sister blog is coming soon.  Stay Tuned!

"Imagine" by John Lennon



I believe this song is appropriate since this blog is moving away soon.

"Hello Goodbye" by The Beatles

Sunday, October 5, 2008

RIP Kingston Trio Founder

Sad news.  Kingston Trio founder, Nick Reynolds, died last Wednesday in San Diego, California, due to acute respiratory disease and other illnesses.  His family decided to take him off of life support.

Reynolds along with Bob Shane and Dave Guard formed the Kingston Trio in the mid-1950s.  Their first hit song was "Tom Dooley" in 1958.  The group was an influence on Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

In 1961, Dave Guard left and John Stewart joined the Trio as his replacement.  Stewart passed away back in January of this year.

"M.T.A." (the story of Charlie, the man who never returned) by The Kingston Trio

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Woe is I: I Have A Virus

I hate having a virus.  My throat is a little sore and my sinuses are clogged.  At least, I'm not feverish.  I seem to get sick every October for the last few years.

I spent the last two days (October 3 & 4) at the Asperger Association of New England's annual conference in Marlborough.  Friday's keynote speaker was Dr. Daniel Rosenn who is one of the founding members of AANE.  Saturday's keynote speakers were authors/brothers Augusten Burroughs and John Elder Robison.  John is the sibling with Asperger's.  His book, Look Me in The Eye, is his account of his life with Asperger's.  His brother Augusten wrote Dry, Running with Scissors, Possible Side Effects, Wolf at the Table, and other books.  I enjoyed both days immensely.

Right now, I am trying to figure out where to re-start Outside In.  Should I go to WordPress or Blogspot or some other blog hosting site?  I am busy with other things like improving my work situation.  It's just one more thing to deal with right now.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Bad News: AOL Journals Shutting Down on Oct. 31

I hate it when I get e-mails like this.  I just found out that AOL Journals which hosts this blog, Outside In, and my other blog, Uncommon Bostonian, is shutting down forever on October 31.  The AOL Tech people will be notifying us AOL bloggers next week about how to transfer our blogs.

This makes me dismayed and annoyed.  I worked so hard at this one blog.  I have tons of entries in this blog alone.  I've been doing this for more than three years. 

I'm still upset about the local newspaper Boston Now folding back in April where I was one of their volunteer bloggers.  I hate it when fun things come to an end.

So, what's the future for this blog?  I hope the AOL Tech people will help me and the others with transitioning this blog to another host website.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Outside In Song of The Week

I loved this song a lot back in the 1970s.  It was played at the school dances when I was a student at Leland Junior High School in Bethesda, Maryland.  Everyone was on the dance floor doing this dance.

"Le Freak" by Chic

Guess Who's 65 on 9/27?

Happy 65th Birthday
Randy Bachman


Member of the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive.

"American Woman" performed live by Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings.

Righteous Brother Still Rockin'

Another Belated

Happy Birthday
Bill Medley

(September 19, 1940)

Bill Medley is one half of the Righteous Brothers.  His partner, Bobby Hatfield, died in 2003.  Bill carries one the legacy of their timeless songs.  Bill shares a birthday with the late Mama Cass.

"You're My Soul and Inspiration" (Righteous Brothers hit) done solo by Bill Medley

Belated Birthday to Mama Cass

Happy Birthday
Mama Cass Elliot

(September 19, 1941 - July 29, 1974)

Cass was a legend greatly missed when she passed away in 1974.  She was one of the Mamas and the Papas.

"It's Getting Better" by Mama Cass Elliot

Young Woman with AS Writes First Book

A 19 year-old New Bedford, Massachusetts, resident with Asperger's Syndrome has written her first novel called Buster HardingsElizabeth Larsen is planning to write at least five more books in a series.  Larsen, raised by her grandmother, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at an early age.

Her grandmother, Diane Lowe, believes that her book will open many doors for her and raise understanding about Asperger's Syndrome.  Her Greater New Bedford Vocational-Technical High School English teacher, Amy Garcia, encouraged Elizabeth to write the book.

Elizabeth is hoping her work will become a TV show.  Buster Hardings is the son of a diplomat who is tired of moving around and is delighted to hear that his father may quit his job and settle down.

Good Luck, Elizabeth!

Mann Writes about AS

New author Lisa Barrett Mann has written a book called More Than Little Professors.  The book is the result of her many years of learning about Asperger's Syndrome.  Her son, David, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was 7 years old.

Once he was diagnosed, Mann moved from Maryland to Kansas to learn more about developmental delaying disorders.  While there she befriended Brenda Smith Myles, an award-winning professor at the University of Kansas whose research on Asperger's Syndrome gained worldwide attention.  Myles suggested to Mann to write a book.  It is a collection of poems, stories, quotes, and drawings by children with Asperger's Syndrome.

Thanks for raising awareness and understanding, Lisa!

Paul is Dead

No, not that Paul.  This one.

RIP
Paul Newman


Butch Cassidy is dead.  Veteran actor Paul Newman passed away Friday due to cancer in his home in Connecticut.  He was in many classic films where he worked with many famous actors and actresses as well as film directors.  Two of my personal favorite Paul Newman films were the ones he did with Robert Redford: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting.

He'll be missed.

"Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (song by B.J. Thomas)

Car Tricks scene from The Sting with Robert Redford



The Sting Theme Music (Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" performed by Marvin Hamlish

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Paul Rocks Israel

Paul McCartney put on a concert in Israel celebrating that country's 60th anniversary, despite the death threats Thursday.  Billing his concert "Friendship First," Paul gave the Israelites and Palestinians  a message about peace and even sang "Give Peace a Chance" in memory of his fellow Beatle, John Lennon.  He also played other Beatles songs as well as songs from his 70s band, Wings.

It took 43 years for Paul to get his chance to do a concert in Tel Aviv.  Back in the 1960s, the Beatles were scheduled to do a concert, but they were told that they were banned from performing.  It has been revealed that the two feuding concert promoters concocted that story.  The son of the Israeli official who allegedly banned the band, newspaper columnist Yossi Sarid, went on a campaign to clear his father's name this year and exposed the truth.

For details:
http://www.popeater.com/music/article/paul-mccartney-performs-in-tel-aviv/188907

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

50 Year Old in Cleveland is Diagnosed with AS

Thomas Maznec  of Cleveland, Ohio, had tough challenges his whole life, but he hoped that science would eventually discover why he was different.  Recently, he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  Thomas  is 50 years old.

During his childhood, kids at school called him retarded.  When he reached adulthood, he had trouble keeping jobs.  He has two college degrees.  Getting the diagnosis made him a changed man, according to his current employer who encouraged him to try a new doctor.

His story is almost identical to mine.  I have two college degrees and have a tough time finding the right job. 

Good to see that more awareness is done to show that adults are being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

RIP
Richard Wright
of Pink Floyd


Richard was a co-founder of Pink Floyd as well as a singer/songwriter of the band.  He died of cancer this past week at his home.  He was 65 years old.  He was a great contributor to the band especially on the "Dark Side of the Moon" album.

"Us and Them" by Pink Floyd (written by Richard Wright) Live 1988 "Delicate Sound of Thunder"

Mass Broadcasters Hall of Fame

Next Wednesday, WBZ Radio's Jordan Rich will be master of ceremonies for the luncheon for eight of the 16 inductees of this year's Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame.  The guests include African American TV pioneer Sarah-Ann Shaw, first female anchor Shelby Scott, sports anchor Bob Lobel, disc jockey Arnie Ginsberg, radio talk show host Larry Glick, news anchor Jack Hynes, and others.

Posthumous inductees are David Brudnoy, Jerry Williams, Sunny Joe White, and other famous broadcasters.

In other radio news, Dale Dorman is no longer doing the Breakfast Club at WODS-FM (103.3).  He will be returning to the station as a weekend disc jockey.  Dale has been working in Boston radio for more than 40 years.

Remploy Helps Adam Get a Job!

Remploy is a specialist employment organization in England that helps people like Adam Robinson get jobs.  Adams has Asperger's Syndrome and dyspraxia.  During the summer, Adam worked at the Wall Park Holiday Centre in Brixham.  The staff there were impressed by Adam's experience and interpersonal skills that they hired him.  Now, Adam makes beds and cleans and prepares apartments for guests.

Adam's program with Remploy involved being coached in job interview techniques and filling out job applications.  They were also supported him in building his self-confidence.

I wish Remploy would open offices here in the United States.

Westbury Gives The Backyard Welcome!

The community of Westbury, Long Island, New York, are welcoming teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome and a proposed school serving their needs to their backyard.  At a July meeting of their zoning board, residents one by one said yes to a school that would teenagers with Asperger's.

Thanks, Westbury!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Illya Hits 75 Today!

Happy 75th Birthday
David McCullum

Illya Kuryakin for "Man from U.N.C.L.E." and Ducky from  "NCIS"

David is also a 60's TV icon like Adam West.  I grew up watching his spy show, "Man from U.N.C.L.E." a lot also.  Loved that show so much.

David McCullum interview (June 2008)



The ending of the "Project Strigas Affair" episode of "Man from U.N.C.L.E." with co-star Robert Vaughn (Napoleon Solo) and guest stars: Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Col. Klink.

Holy 80th B-Day!

Happy 80th Birthday
Adam West

TV's Batman & Mayor West of "Family Guy"

Adam's hit a milestone this year!  Loved this guy a lot while I was watching him on the Batman reruns on TV during the 1970s.  I've met him a couple of times at sci-fi conventions.  He is very sexy in person.

The Bomb scene from the Batman 1966 movie



Adam West (Batman) & Julie Newmar (Catwoman) arrive at the London Ontario Car Show in the Batcopter in June 2008 (Special Guest: The Batmobile)

Boy With AS Honored With a Commendation

Last summer, Alex Taschini saved his father's life when he quickly doused the flames that were burning his father's face and head.  The fire occurred when his father poured an accelerant on a bonfire.  Quickly, Alex managed to get his father away from it and extinguished the flames without panicking.

Alex is a 13-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome.

The Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue awarded Alex with a certificate of commendation for bravery.  It is a top fire service honor.

Congrats to Alex!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Paul McCartney Targeted as Muslim Enemy

An Islamic extremist has labeled Paul McCartney as the "enemy of every Muslim" because of his plans to do a concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of Israel.  A threat of an attack has been issued because he will not cancel his concert.  Syrian preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed said that "sacrificial operatives" will be waiting for Paul when he arrives in Israel. 

He has even said directly that Paul "will not be safe here."

Paul is tough enough to say that he will not back off despite the many threats he has reaceived.  He will perform in Tel Aviv on September 25.

The Beatles, Paul's former band, were not allowed to perform in Israel during their world tour in 1965.  Israel's reason was that they believed that the Beatles would corrupt their youth.  Paul found that reason to be ridiculous.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Who was That Masked Birthday Man?

Happy Birthday
Clayton Moore
The Lone Ranger

(September 14, 1914 - December 28, 1999)

One of my childhood heroes was born on this day.  I cried when he passed away back in 1999.  He was one of the good guys out there.  We need more guys like him.

Lone Ranger Theme Song



The Lone Ranger Cartoon Show from the 1960s "Cult of The Black Widow" (Agnes Moorehead of "Bewitched" fame as The Black Widow)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

It was 42 years ago this week when "The Monkees" TV show debuted on NBC.  We all got to see for the first time: Peter, Davey, Mickey, and Mike.  They made both music and television history.

The Monkees are a very well respected band, despite their origin.  Millions flock to their concerts.  Even when one of them is performing solo, there is always a big crowd of admiring fans there to applaud.

"Words" by The Monkees

The Washington Post Endorses "Look Me in The Eye"

My hometown newspaper, The Washington Post, did a review of John Elder Robison's book, Look Me in The Eye.  It's now out in paperback.  The Post's review is titled "Think Your Family is Unusual?".

I met John last year in Brookline, Massachusetts, at a book signing.  I loved reading his book.  It gives hope to us who are still struggling with career and personal matters.

John is the older brother of writer Augusten Burroughs who recently wrote A Wolf at The Table.  I also met Augusten at a book signing at the Brattle Theatre back in the spring of this year.

Both John and Augusten are appearing as keynote speakers at the annual AANE conference next month.

For details about the conference: http://www.aane.org/upcoming_events/aane_event_list.html#ASconnections

Been Busy Lately!

I have been very busy with career and personal matters.  Lately, I haven't had the time to make entries on this blog and the other one called Uncommon Bostonian.  Sorry about that, but LIFE HAPPENS.

I'm determined with finding new work and adopting a new cat.  These pursuits can consume my energy sometimes.  I've spent most of my Saturday afternoon and early evening today just resting.  I really need to recharge my batteries.

So, expect entries from me less frequently as usual for the moment.  Hopefully, this will end soon.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

7 Years Later

Such a terrible day and so much death.  We're still healing after those vicious attacks to our country.

Never Forget Today!

Monday, September 8, 2008

DJ Birthday

Happy Birthday
Joe Cipriano


A disc jockey I listened to when I was a teenager back in the late 1970s and early 80s.  Joe left Q107 FM in DC in November 1980 for Los Angeles.  He does voice work on television (Fox, CBS, and Syndicated TV).   He'll be doing the announcing for the Emmys on September 21!

Remembering Peter Sellers

Happy Birthday
Peter Sellers

(September 8, 1925 - July 24, 1980)

One of my favorite actors!  He was buddies with Ringo Starr of the Beatles.  They even made a movie together called The Magic Christian.  Funny movie!

I cried my eyes out when I heard the bad news that he died of a heart attack while making a Pink Panther movie (it eventually became a tribute movie to Sellers showing clips and outtakes named Trail of the Pink Panther).  Peter was up for an Oscar for playing Chance in Being There, but he lost to Dustin Hoffman in Kramer Vs. Kramer.

Trailer for The Magic Christian



The Trailer to Being There

Remembering Buddy Holly

Happy Birthday
Buddy Holly

September 7, 1936 - February 3, 1959

A true legend of Rock and Roll.  He's inspired Paul McCartney and many other rock stars.  He would have been 72 years old.  Sadly, he was killed in a plane crash with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson).  Buddy's real name was Charles Hardin Holley.

"True Love Ways" by Buddy Holly



"Peggy Sue" by Buddy Holly (Live in New York)

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

I was a disc jockey once back in the 1980s at Emerson College in Boston.  After graduation in May 1986, I worked at a very tiny radio station in Woburn, Massachusetts.  It was an independent radio station that broadcasted itself on local cable TV.  It was experimental.  Unfortunately, that experiment failed in September 1986.  So much for my career as a disc jockey.

Here's one of the songs from the 1960s I loved playing at that station.

"Talk Talk" by The Music Machine

Mother and Son Team Up For Book

Bradley Hule and his mother, Cherylyn Grant,  have co-authored a book about his life with Autism.  Bradley has called it his so-called "Survivor's Guide."  The title of the book is What Is About Me That You Do Not Understand?  Living The Life with Autism and Asperger's.  Both mother and son each tell their point of view regarding Bradley's journey with autism/asperger's.

Bradley's message: "Don't give up on your hopes and dreams and what God has given you because we each have a different piece of the puzzle."

He has lived independently for the last seven years in Louisiana.

Thanks, Bradley and Cherylyn.

Here We Go Again: News Story Says No Link to Vaccine

A new study in the United States declares there is no link between autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.  The research appeared online this past Wednesday on the Journal Public Library of Science. 

As you all know, there has been a controversy regarding the link between vaccines and autism going on for the past several years.

If they only could be 100% certain about what really causes autism...

Autism Awareness in Coshocton!

The second annual walk for Autism Awareness in Coshocton, Ohio, took place this Saturday at Lake Park.  The sponsor is an organization called the Coshocton County Autism Support Group Parent Mentor Program.  Last year's walk even touched people who live outside the Coshocton community.

The chairperson of the walk, Katie Hultz, says that the goal is all about awareness.

Thank you, Katie.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Happy Birthday, Freddie!

Happy Birthday
Freddie Mercury

(September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991)

Very much missed lead singer of Queen!  He's rockin' in Heaven with other rock legends.

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" + "Big Spender" by Queen (Live at Wembley Stadium 1986)



"Radio GaGa" by Queen (Live at Wembley Stadium 1986)

R.I.P. Killer!

I remember watching Killer Kowalski when I was kid back in the 1970s.  He was one big menacing wrestler.  Those were the days!  I once saw him live at a wrestling exhibition at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland, in 1975.

Last weekend, Killer Kowalski died from complications of a heart attack he had over the summer.  He was 81.  He had been spending many years in Malden teaching wrestling.  He once was interviewed by Andy Moes, Joe Martelle's late partner, in the mid-1990s on WRKO-AM.

RIP Killer!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

At Last! Carlo Hesser Exposed!

... and with another naked man in bed with him.  Thank you, One Life to Live!


Monday, September 1, 2008

His 100th was on Saturday

Happy 100th Birthday
Fred MacMurray!

August 30, 1908 - November 5, 1991

Classic actor of both the movies and television!

A few scenes from Double Indemnity with Barbara Stanwyck

The Farewell Strip for For Better or For Worse

It came out yesterday.  The end of a 29 year run for this strip.


Happy Labor Day!

Happy
Labor
Day!


Watch out for Gustav!

Jerry Lewis is helping out the victims of the hurricane.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Outside In Song of The Week

Here's the song that was recently featured on my favorite soap opera, One Life to Live!  The characters Rex, Bo, and Gigi found themselves back in 1968.  A fun storyline!

Here's the link to the One Life to Live scene where several couples are making love to this song in both 1968 and 2008.  Btw, the dj who announces the song is Cousin Brucie Morrow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44bgzt9MDKo&feature=related

"You're All I Need To Get By" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

He's 50 Today!

Happy 50th
Birthday
Michael Jackson


He's hit a milestone this year.  Hard to believe that back in the 1970s we were watching this little kid with the big afro and his brothers perform.

"Ben" by Michael Jackson (from The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour) (He's singing about a rat)

WZLX's Sunday Morning Blues Goes Global

Congrats to WZLX's Carter Alan!

His "Sunday Morning Blues" Show which is heard every Sunday morning on WZLX is going global with the help of WZLX HD2.  The full time blues stream channel on the internet is called "Mojo Radio."  Carter will be handling the programming of the 24 hour station.  It is expected to launch on the internet by the end of September.

Live at the Apollo! Rain Main!

Over in England at the Apollo Theater, the 1988 hit movie Rain Main has been adapted into a stage play.  It stars American actor Josh Harnett (Pearl Harbor and Blackhawk Down) as Charlie Babbit (the Tom Cruise role) and British actor Adam Godley as autistic savant Raymond Babbit (the Dustin Hoffman role).

In this stage adaptation, the car trip scenes have been removed and the character of Charlie has been aged to his early 30s.  The setting takes place in the present.

Playwright Don Gordon previously adapted the movie Terms of Endearment to the stage and Director Terry Johnson was the one who adapted another Dustin Hoffman movie called The Graduate for the stage in 2000.  These two have combined their talents to create Rain Man, the play.

Marzo The Surfer!

In Maui, Hawaii, surfer Clay Marzo is the subject of a new documentary called Clay Marzo: Just Add Water.  It debuted at the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center tonight.

He learned to surf at age 3.  He won his first National Scholastic Surfing Association national title when he was 10.  He has traveled the world and surfed at age 16.

Last December, Clay was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  He felt relieved when he got that because it explained why he was uncomfortable around people.  Surfing is his deep interest.  He is at home in the water.

Money earned from the documentary will benefit Surfer's Healing, a program where autistic children and their families can experience surfing.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Inside Look at NLD

I also happen to have NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder) as well as Asperger's Sydrome.  It's great to come across information that there is a book about NLD that is written by someone who has NLD himself.  Michael Murphy has written NLD From The Inside Out: Talking to Parents Teachers, and Teens about Growing Up with Nonverbal Disabilities.

Murphy is a lifelong Wayland, Massachusetts, resident.  Now 27 years old, he has just published this book to educate and raise awareness.

Thanks for the help!

All You Need is Creative Writing

Paul  Grayburn from Derby, England, has written his own memoir about his experiences with living with Asperger's Syndrome.  His book is titled, Walking on Broken Glass.  Now 28 years old, he lives in a home for people with learning disabilities.  His story focuses on his earlier years when he had behavior problems.

He was 19 years old when he was diagnosed.  Before that he had spent several years in psychiatric hospitals.  He had trouble controlling his temper.  It took creative writing to help him.  He hopes his book helps others.

Thanks, Paul!

Inside Out Girl

Inside Out Girl sounds like a junior partner for me, the Outside In Woman aka Uncommon Bostonian (I read too many comic books when I was kid).  Actually, Inside Out Girl is the title of a new novel by Canadian author Trish Cohen.  It's her fifth book.

In her new novel, one of her main characters is a 10-year-old child with an Asperger's-like disability.   She based the character on a 13-year-old girl who has Nonverbal Learning Disorder.  The book is dedicated to her.

Something to read for Fall.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Outside In Song of The Week

Happy Birthday
Rick Springfield!


Rick's back on GH as both Dr. Noah Drake and Eli Love.  Also, he has a new song that he recently performed on the soap.

I had a big crush on him back when I was a freshman at Emerson College in 1982.  I had pictures of him on my dorm room's wall next to my bed.

"What's Victoria's Secret?" by Rick Springfield (as Eli Love on "General Hospital")

Friday, August 22, 2008

Autism Focus Forum in Troy, NY

An autism awareness forum at a middle school in Troy, New York, had a modest turnout on Thursday night (August 21).  The State Assemblyman along with the Mayor of Troy co-hosted the event with three others who each have a personal connection with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  Their forum is their first step to make the general public understand the two neurological conditions.

State Assemblyman Roy McDonald grew up with an autistic sister and also has a nephew diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.  He realized that giving them loving support made them both successful.

Thanks for your help, Roy.

Surf's Up In New Jersey!

The Second Sea of Change Surf Day was on Tuesday of this week at Brighton Avenue Beach in Seaside Park in New Jersey.  The event has autistic children learning how to surf from instructors in a judgment-free environment.  Sea of Change, started last year, consists of 50 members who are lifeguards, surf shop employees, surfers, and instructors.  Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) helped out too.

Catch a Wave, Guys!

An Assistant Professor Writes about His Asperger Student

An interesting article about an assistant professor's experience with a student who appeared to have Asperger's Syndrome but not officially diagnosed in his college classroom called "My Semester with an Asperger's Syndrome Student."  Using pseudonyms for himself and his student, the assistant professor chronicles week by week his interactions with his student and the e-mails he exchanged with him.

The assistant professor comes to conclusions about Asperger's Syndrome and helping the student with his learning challenges.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Jagger's Son has Autism Spectrum Disorder on GH:NS

Last week on "General Hospital: Night Shift," Jagger Cates (Antonio Sabato, Jr.) learned that his son Stone (named after his brother who died of AIDS back in 1995 and was Robin Scorpio's lover) has Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I find it nice to see that the GH spinoff show present this subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGHleisKkkg&feature=related

Bill Has a Birthday Today

Happy Birthday
Former President
Bill Clinton


Bill's 62 today and still looks sexy.  That's my Bill.  Have fun next week at the convention in Denver, Colorado!

Bill jams with Arsenio Posse



Bill sings John Lennon's "Imagine" with Israeli singer Liel

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

It was on this day, August 16, 1977, that the world was shocked to learn that the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, had died in Memphis, Tennessee.  He was only 42 years old.

People have been flocking to his home, Graceland, in Memphis every since he died to pay their respects to him.

"Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley

She's 50!

Happy 50th Birthday
Madonna!


We remember you when!

"Into the Groove" by Madonna (from Desperately Seeking Susan)

Steve's B-Day

Well, Excussssssssse Me!  Another Belated Birthday!

Happy Birthday
Steve Martin


My favorite funny man had another birthday on August 14.  Best Wishes, Steve!

Dentist Song from Little Shop of Horrors (the Musical)

Hitch's B-day!

A Belated Birthday Wish...

Happy Birthday
Alfred Hitchcock!


The legendary director's birthday was on Wednesday.  He would have been 109 years old.  He passed away on April 29, 1980.

I grew up watching his movies.  Very artistic movies and many of them are classics.

Trailer to Psycho

N.H. Woman with AS Has Successful Independent Life

CarolAnn Edscorn of New Hampshire has Asperger's Syndrome and has been able to become a success in her personal and professional life.  She spoke this week about her life to an audience at the 10th annual University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disabilities Autism Forum.

She is a mother to five children and has been married for 25 years.  She has a servant dog called Shakespeare to help her out.  Also, she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's Degree in Urban Affairs Management and Public Policy from Southern Illinois University.

She is an ordained minister and composes and plays the piano.

She said that society must make an effort to understand people with autism.

Thanks for the positive message, CarolAnn.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Pierce Brosnan's Singing Makes it to Number 1!

The "Mamma Mia" movie soundtrack has made to the number 1 spot on Billboard!  Despite the bad singing from both Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep, the soundtrack is a hit!  The musical based on Abba songs is now a hit on Broadway and at the movies. 

Here's an interesting fact:  None of Abba's albums made it into the Top 10.

Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep singing "SOS" (Still Picture from movie with the song playing in the background/not really a video) 






Download the song:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/mp8k3v

Temple Grandin and Other Adults with Autism/AS

In the article, Picture Thinking in Pictures, author Elaine O'Connor writes about Dr. Temple Grandin who was diagnosed with autism at age three and now is an expert about autism and inventor of animal slaughter devices.  O'Connor also mentions that some adults with autism spectrum disorders do not get enough support from the government because their IQs are higher than 70.  She also states that Grandin, despite her autism, has been able to lead a successful adult life with the right supports and mentors.

It's tough to live independently in America too as an adult with Asperger's Syndrome.  I have a lot to offer in the workplace I'm in, but they seem to focus on my inability to form interpersonal relationships.

Tony Attwood: Patron Saint?

Denis Seguin has a son with Asperger's Syndrome.  In his article, The Anti-Socialite: Living With An Asperger's Child, he identifies Tony Attwood as a Patron Saint for Asperger's Syndrome.  His story is in the E-newsletter called The Walrus.

Seguin tells his story of how he and his wife discovered that their eldest son has Asperger's and what steps they have taken to help him with his situation.  It is interesting to see the father's side of the story.  A lot of articles I come across are from the mother's point of view.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

RIP Isaac Hayes

Sad news to report: Soul Legend Isaac Hayes has died today.  A relative found Hayes lying beside his treadmill at home unresponsive.  He was declared dead an hour later at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis.

Isaac Hayes was a songwriter, musician, and actor.  He did the voice of Chef on the TV cartoon show called "South Park." He was 65 years old.

He was just ten days shy of his 66th birthday (August 20).

RIP

I cried when I heard the news on the radio today.

"Theme from 'Shaft'" by Isaac Hayes (Live in concert 1973)

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

Happy Birthday,
Whitney Houston!


Whitney's hit the big 45 today (August 9, not 10.  I know it's after midnight but some  think it's still August 9).  She dumped her husband, Bobby Brown, last year and has been very happy ever since.  Good for her!

"How Will I Know?" by Whitney Houston

George Taylor Morris Gets Promoted

Another former WZLX DJ George Taylor Morris is the host of XM's "Artist Confidential" and does the morning show on XM's "Deep Tracks."  He just got promoted to Director of Original Programming. 

XM recently merged with Sirius radio.

Congrats, George!

Annalisa Making Waves in San Francisco!

Former Boston DJ Annalisa has been living and working out in San Francisco for more than a decade.  She used to host a morning show at WZLX before the new owners took over the station in the mid-19902 and let her go.  She grew up in Massachusetts and listened to Charles Laquidara on WBCN-FM.

I once met her after she left WZLX when she was doing weekends at WBOS-FM in 1994.

I always believed they made a major mistake when they let her go.  In San Francisco, she is a popular midday disc jockey at KFOG.

Boston's loss is San Francisco's gain.

Bullying: A New Health Issue

Dr. Jorge Srabstein wrote an interesting essay called "Bullying Now Seen as Health Issue."  He is the medical director of the Clinic for Health Problems Related to Bullying at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Bullying was bad to me while growing up in Washington, DC.  I'm still suffering from its aftereffects.  It seems a lot of children who were shy or have Asperger's Syndrome are easy targets for the bullies who also have severe psychological problems themselves.

I hope they come up for a cure for Bullying real soon.

The U.N. To Be "Rudely Interrupted" this December

The six-piece band from Australia, Rudely Interrupted, will be embarking on a world tour in December at the United Nations.  The group started only two years ago.  It is a crowning achievement for the young band.  They will be performing on International Day of People with Disabilities because five of the band's members have intellectual and physical disabilities.

Rory Burnside, the lead singer, was born with no eyes and has Asperger's Syndrome.

Check out their website: http://www.rudelyinterrupted.com/index.php

Friday, August 8, 2008

Birthday Man

Happy Birthday,
Dustin Hoffman


Dustin was Rain Man, Marathon Man, Graduate Man, Drag Queen Man (Tootsie), Kramer Man, Ishtar Man, Mumbles Man, Fockers Man, Huckabees Man, Wag the Dog Man, Sleepers Man, Family Business Man, Salesman, President's Man, etc.

A Very Talented Actor!


Rain Man Trailer




A Scene from I Heart Huckabees

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Just a Reminder: I Have a 2nd Blog

Just a reminder to everyone:

I have a second blog where I write about what's in the news (local, national, and international) and politics.  It's called Uncommon Bostonian.

http://journals.aol.com/yechristian/uncommon-bostonian/

Check it out!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Future Prez Birthday

Happy Birthday
Barack Obama


Barack's in Boston tonight celebrating his 47th birthday. 

Have Fun, Barack!


Get Well Soon, Morgan Freeman!

Last night, Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman was seriously injured in a car accident in the Mississippi Delta.  The car he was driving had flipped several times and landed in an upright position in a ditch.  He was taken to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, along with a woman who was in the car with him.   He was conscious and  joking when he was taken out of the car after the rescuers used the jaws of life to free him.  Bystanders were taking pictures of the whole crash scene.

Freeman suffered a broken arm, broken elbow, and minor shoulder damage.  He is in good spirits.  The condition of his companion is unknown.

The 71-year old actor won an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby and is currently starring in The Dark Knight which is in the theatres.

I just saw The Dark Knight last night and enjoyed Morgan's performance as Lucius Fox, Bruce Wayne's right hand man at the Wayne Foundation.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

Another belated birthday...

Happy Birthday
Jerry Garcia


Jerry would have been 66 years old on August 1, but he passed away back in 1995 a few days after his 53rd birthday.  His ill health (diabetes and other ailments) caught up with him.

Back in 1987, Jerry and his band, the Grateful Dead, had a Top 10 hit.  It was their biggest hit ever.

Don't forget that the Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, Cherry Garcia, is named after him.  They created this treat just before Jerry died.

"Touch of Grey" by The Grateful Dead

Friday, August 1, 2008

Update: Serdula's Swim Across Lake Ontario

Jay Serdula who has Asperger's Syndrome successfully crossed Lake Ontario after doing a 41-hour swim to raise awareness.  He reached the shore in Toronto at 3:10 a.m.  on Wednesday.  Right now, he is recovering from exhaustion, moderate hyperthermia, and aspirated pneumonia at St. Michael's Hospital.

Jay's body temperature has returned to normal and should be released from the hospital soon.

Great Job, Jay!  Get Well Soon!

Hans Asperger, Jr.

Age of Autism writer Dan Olmsted  and fellow writer Mark Blaxill met up with the son of Hans Asperger in Vienna, Austria.  Hans Asperger, Jr. spoke about what his father was like around children.  Hans Jr. is one of four children of the famed Vienna doctor who wrote a paper of his discoveries in 1944, a year after Leo Kanner's paper.

Olmsted and Blaxill are doing research on a book about the natural history of autism and spent several days in Vienna.

Fat Cat!

A 44-pound cat was found as a stray in New Jersey this week.  The huge feline has already appeared on "Regis and Kelly" because of his enormous weight.  The cat was named "Princess Chunk" when found, but it's been learned that the cat is male and is named "Powder."  His former owner had to give him up because her house went into foreclosure.  She moved into a friend's house with her dog, but she couldn't keep her cat and other pets when she made the move.  She gave him to a friend, but the friend's asthma made that arrangement impossible.



Powder is up for adoption now.  That's one big pussy.  The cat is 10 years old, but he didn't break any world records with his weight.  The heaviest cat weights 47 pounds.

I'm looking for cat that's lighter than that.


Thursday, July 31, 2008

What A Long Sad Month It's Been

July 2008 will be over in about 30 minutes.  It was sad that I had to see one of my cats put to sleep earlier this month.  I know Cap wouldn't want me crying my eyes out constantly because he hated seeing me cry and would do his best to cheer me up.  He would meow at me and play with me.

Will I adopt another cat?  Sure, but right now Storm and I are still grieving over our  loss.  We'll eventually welcome another cat to homestead.  I just don't know how soon though.  I'm pretty much distracted with personal things like finding a better job like everyone else  in Massachusetts.  A lot of people are not happy at their workplaces for various reasons.

I got my own reasons for disliking my job, but they were very supportive of me when Cap was put to sleep back on July 7. 

I hope August will be a better month.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

John Laurenti, New WUMB Music Director

Congratulations to John Laurenti, formerly of WBOS and WZLX!

John is now the new music director and fill in DJ at U-Mass Boston's WUMB.  The former folk station is aiming to bring in younger listeners in their 30s and 40s.  It's part of the station's overhaul which began this past winter.

The changes involve hiring a new staff and bringing local and new music to the station.

Great to hear that John is back in the radio scene.

Hannah Loves Beauty Pageants

A 13-year-old girl named Hannah Bramlett enjoys being a participant in beauty pageants because they changed her life for the better.  Diagnosed with Asperger's Synrome when she was 5, Hannah became a real chatterbox when she participated in a beauty pageant a few years ago.  Now, she just can't stop talking.

She talks about music, boys, and being in beauty pageants.  Supported by her own large family, she has gained self-esteem and improved greatly because of her participation in the pageants.

A future Miss America?

Martial Arts Expert Has Asperger's

In the United Kingdom today, Joe Ellis who is the chairman of the National Association of Karate and Martial Art School (NAKMAS) has Asperger's Syndrome.  He wanted to let others with the neurological condition to know that people with Asperger's can succeed with their ambitions.

Joe is a karate 6th Dan black belt and a master of the Tsuyoi style of karate.  His organization, NAKMAS, has started an Asperger's Syndrome program because students with Asperger's Syndrome are well suited to the martial arts.

Thanks, Joe!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

Happy Birthday,
Mick Jagger

Lead Singer of the Rolling Stones

Mick hits a milestone with this birthday.  He was born on this day in 1943.  Do the math.  That's a big number.

"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones

I Saw Peter Tork Tonight!

What a surprise I had tonight!  I went to the Oldies 103 Summer concert this evening to see the Cowsills and Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals.   Peter Tork of the Monkees came out to introduce Felix Cavaliere.  The audience went wild.

After the concert, I got to meet Felix once again (I had met him a couple of years ago at City Hall Plaza in Boston after one of his concerts).  Unfortunately, Peter had already left.  Felix was also surprised to see him.

What a thrill to see Peter again!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Getting a Kick Out of Day Camp

In Leominster, Massachusetts, the Summit Academy School hosts an age-appropriate, therapeutic version of martial arts class for boys from 7 to 10 years old.  Parents are getting up at 5 a.m. and driving almost an hour to get to this day camp because it helps children with Asperger's Syndrome, attention deficit disorders, and developmentally delayed disorders.

The school also offers tennis, arts and crafts, and an extended school year of math, science, and English.  A school district actually paid for 6 students with disorders to attend this day camp also.  The reason for the attendance is that the martial arts therapy helps the children get through the whole day.  Many students have shown improvement in doing their assigned tasks. 

Most of all, they are having a fun time.

Journalism Camp for Kids with Asperger's

I wish there was a camp like this for me when I was a kid!

In Kansas, a summer day camp has 60 children with Asperger's Syndrome ranging from preschool to high school ages working on interviews, putting together stories, and shooting videos for a DVD at the end of the week.  Camp SSTAR (Social Skills Technology Asperger Recreation) is located in Wichita where the goal is to improve their socialization and communication skills through team building, art, and recreation.

Camp founder, Connie Coulter, said that the journalism theme coincided with the campers with Asperger's interests in technology.

Journalism was helpful for me when I was a teenager.  It helped opened me up to other people.  My love for journalism led me to create this blog.

Swimming for Asperger's

Ontarian Jay Serdula has been training for a year in order to swim across Lake Ontario.  He will do the swim on Monday, July 28, to raise funds and awareness of Asperger's Syndrome.  He was diagnosed in 1998 at the age of 26.

The reason is he is doing the nearly 2 day swim is to show what people with Asperger's Syndrome can accomplish.  Jay is a 1996 graduate of the University of Waterloo with a bachelor's degree in applied math with an elective in electrical engineering.  In 2003, he earned his Masters in Physical Oceanography from the Royal Military College of Canada. 

For more information, visit http://swim4aspergers.wordpress.com

Good Luck, Jay!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

In Canada They Pay Attention to the Adults with Autism

The Vancouver Sun puts the spotlight on the adults with their article called Autism in Adults Finally Getting Attention.  It talks about the focus that is now on adults getting diagnosed with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  In the past they had been misdiagnosed with social anxiety disorder and depression. 

The usual criteria for diagnosis is usually directed towards children and adolescents, but doctors have noticed that the adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome have a disastrous time with socializing with others.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Estelle Getty RIP

Sad news today.  Former star of "The Golden Girls", Estelle Getty, has passed away.  She was just a few days away from celebrating her 85th birthday.  She had been suffering from Advanced Dementia in the last few years.

Estelle played Sophia, mother to Bea Arthur's character Dorothy, on the NBC sitcom back in the 1980s.  She even won an Emmy for her performance in 1988.

RIP Estelle

AP Report about Estelle Getty's passing

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Jordan, Joe, and Me

Back on July 13 during the 2:00 a.m. hour, I was on the air with both Jordan Rich and Joe Martelle at WBZ 1030 AM.  Jordan does an overnight show over the weekends at WBZ (Friday and Saturday nights from midnight).

Joe was a guest on Jordan's show promoting his upcoming book Radio Pro which is coming out in the fall.  I was the first caller they talked to.

The broadcast is available for download in two parts (Radio Good Guy Joe Martelle Part 1 and More Conversation with Radio Guy Joe Martelle) at http://wbz.com/pages/9256.php?

Get Joe's book, Radio Pro, at http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/id343.html

Friday, July 18, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

Mamma Mia, the movie, comes out today.  Of course, The Dark Knight will beat it in the box office totals this weekend.  I don't have the time to go out this weekend.  Way too busy with other things.

I'm a big ABBA fan as well as a Pierce Brosnan fan.  I will definitely see this movie in the near future (and the new Batman movie too).

"Fernando" by ABBA

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Stuck in the "Off" Position

In a recent study, Harvard Medical School researchers looked at 104 Muslim families and learned that some genes were stuck in the off position instead of deleted, raising the possibility of autism in a person.  88 of those Middle East families were married cousins which raises the risk of autism.

Now, the doctors have to figure out how to turn those genes on.

Elijah Vetma to Star in Anti-Bullying Musical

Elijah Vetma is the 12-year-old student who wrote a letter to the Australian newspaper,  The Geelong Advertiser, about being bullied at school.  His action brought international attention to the problem of bullying.  Now, he will be leading a children's choir in an anti-bullying musical called Together We Can Stop It.

The boy has both Tourette's and Asperger's Syndromes.  He will be leading on the song called "This is a No Put-down Zonea," written by music teacher Deb Podbury.

Give my regards to Broadway, Elijah!  Good Luck!

John Lennon Portrait to Raise Charity for Autism Group

Artist Peter Howson has donated a painting of late Beatle John Lennon to Enable, and autism charity.  The painting will be auctioned at the Big Apple Ball is Glasgow in September.

Howson's 21-year-old daughter Lucie has Asperger's Syndrome.  Howson himself has a milder form of Asperger's himself.  He was diagnosed at 34 back in 1994.  He plans to create a special painting about autism to donate to the auction as well.

Jennifer Niven of Enable says that this year's auction totals will be higher than last year's.

Thank you, Peter.

"Stand by Me" by John Lennon

What's Swinging with The Vines?

The Vines have a lead singer named Craig Nicholls who has Asperger's Syndrome.  Recently, they did an interview about their new CD, Melodia.  They talk about where they have been and where they are going with their music.

"He's a Rocker" by The Vines (new single performed at the MTV Australia Awards)

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

My Favorite Soap Hits 40

It was 40 years ago today (July 15, 1968) when my favorite soap opera, One Life to Live, debuted.  Still going strong after 40 years.

Watching that show has entertained me and comforted me.  Thanks, OLTL!

Next week, One Life to Live will be showing a 2-part episode to celebrate 40 years.

From the 1980s, Tina Lord Roberts (Andrea Evans) faces off with her mother-in-law, Maria Roberts (Barbara Luna) to the death!



From the 35th Anniversary special, Couples that Lived in Llanview, Loved, and Lost

Belated Birthdays to Cos, Indy, and Hogan

Happy Birthday,
Bill Cosby (July 12, 1937)
Harrison Ford (July 13, 1942)
Bob Crane (July 13, 1928 - June 29, 1978)


Three celebrities I would like to honor their birthdays.  I grew up watching Bill Cosby and Bob Crane on TV.  I love watching Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones (and also Han Solo) at the movies.

"Dentists" by Bill Cosby (from the 1983 show, Himself)



Raiders of the Lost Ark Trailer



Jam Session from the final season (6) of Hogan's Heroes (this is after Ivan Dixon left the show.  Bob Crane was also a jazz drummer and a famous disc jockey.)

Belated Birthday to My Brother, Alfred

Happy Birthday,
Alfred Christian


My older brother would have been 47 years old on July 13 of this year (last Sunday).  Unfortunately, he was in a terrible car accident on June 15, 1980.  His Camero hit a tree head on, and he suffered head injuries and a broken leg.  He died a few days later on June 19. 

His sudden death was very traumatic to all of us.  It took me a long time to even start talking about it without crying so much.  I have been thinking about him this past week after my cat, Cap, had to be put to sleep last week.  None of us could imagine that Alfred was going to die young.

Belated Birthday to a Starr Beatle

Happy Birthday,
Ringo Starr!

(Born: Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940)

As you all know, I am a Beatles fan and I acknowledge all their birthdays.  I saw Ringo and the All-Starrs in concert at the Pavilion in Boston back on June 25.  It was a great show.

PEACE & LOVE

"Photograph" by Ringo Starr (performed on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on 1/25/08)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Cap Christian RIP



Very sad news to tell everyone tonight.  Yesterday evening, I came home from work and found my black cat, Cap, underneath the dining table panting uncontrollably.  I rushed him to Angell Memorial Hospial in Jamaica Plain and admitted him into emergency.

The doctor told me that he was having seizures had left him blind and that his liver was failing. It had nothing to do with his diabetes.  We went over treatment options, but she told me it was unlikely that they could save Cap.  I had to say good-bye to him.

For at least an hour the doctor let me sit in an exam room and hold Cap.  He couldn't see me because he was blind.  I held him and kissed him.  I cried a lot.

When Cap started having another seizure, the doctor injected him at 9:15 pm.  He was gone in five seconds.  The doctor let me sit with him for awhile longer before she told me it was time for me to go home.

I went home and told my other cat, Storm, the bad news.  She is very sad now.

Cap has been with me since January 1993.  He was almost a year old when I adopted him.  He was a great companion to me.  In February 1995, Cap was in a cat show in Boston and won a few ribbons.  He didn't do anymore cat shows because he hated the judges.

In September 1995, Cap and I adopted a kitten named Storm.  We both raised to be a happy cat.

In March  2005, Cap was diagnosed with Feline Diabetes.

I didn't know the exact day Cap was born, but I gave him the date, May 16, because at the time I adopted him in 1993 we were both watching reruns of "Remington Steele" and May 16 is Pierce Brosnan's birthday.  Cap was named after Captain America, my favorite superhero.

Cap was 16 years old.

Storm and I both miss him very much.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Holy Birthday Mania

Happy Birthday,
Burt Ward
(Robin the Boy Wonder)


So many celebrities share a birthday with Burt!  I put Burt on top of the list because he's gorgeous and I met him last November at a convention in Boston.

Sylvester Stallone
John Byrne
Allyse Beasley
Shelly Hack
Geoffrey Rush
Gene Chandler
Ned Beatty
Della Reese
Pat Paulsen (1927-1997)
Janet Leigh (1927-2004)
Bill Haley (1925-1981)
Merv Griffin (1925-2007)
William Schallert
Laverne Andrews (The Andrews Sisters) (1911-1967)

Also on this day:  John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the very first time in 1957.  The rest is history!

Public Service Announcement featuring Robin (Burt Ward), Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) and Batman (Dick Gauthier subbing for Adam West).



The Andrews Sisters & Dean Martin on The Dean Martin Show (their last appearance together; Laverne's in the middle, Patty is standing next to Dean, and Maxene is on the right)



Laverne died of cancer on May 8, 1967.  Maxene (born January 3, 1916) died of a heart attack on October 21, 1995.  Patty, the youngest sister and lead singer, celebrated her 90th birthday on February 16 this year.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

Happy Birthday,
Huey Lewis


Huey was born Hugh Anthony Clegg III on this day back in 1950.  He still looks good.  I've seen him in concert several times.  Always a joy to see him perform with his band, the News.

Many Happy Returns, Huey!

"Heart and Soul" by Huey Lewis and The News

Bozo RIP

Larry Harmon, Bozo, passed away this week.  He was 83 years old.  He created a very memorable character.  There were Bozo TV shows everywhere in the country.

Frank Avruch, Boston's Bozo, fondly remembers Harmon today in the article, From One Bozo to Another.  Frank was Bozo from 1958 to 1970.  His shows were nationally syndicated during the 1970s.

I met Frank last November at a convention.  Very nice guy.

Friday, July 4, 2008

4th of July Baby

Happy 70th Birthday,
Bill Withers

A 4th of July baby himself like Captain America.  Bill is celebrating is 70th today.

"Lean on Me" by Bill Withers

America's Birthday

HAPPY
4TH
OF

JULY!


"The Star Spangled Banner" by Jimi Hendrix

Thursday, July 3, 2008

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

It was on this day in Paris (July 3, 1971) that lead singer of the Doors (and Lizard King), Jim Morrison, passed away.  He's been a major icon of rock and roll ever since that day.  His grave in Paris is a tourist spot these days (even though they almost evicted him from that graveyard).

I read that biography of Jim Morrison called No One Here Gets Out Alive in 1981 and was influenced to pursue my own dreams.  Thanks, Jim!

"Waiting for the Sun" by the Doors

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Key Autism History Dates

The Washington Post has an article out about key dates in autism history.  It's for the history buffs out there who love dates.  Enjoy!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062703062.html

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Blues Birthday

Happy Birthday
Dan Aykroyd
aka
Elwood Blues


Dan's celebrating a birthday today.  He's an alumni of Saturday Night Live, one of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players.  He's also one half of the Blues Brothers.  Plus, he has admitted that he has a very mild form of Asperger's Syndrome.

"Rubber Biscuit" by The Blues Brothers (Elwood sings this one)

Boy George Banned!

I am sad to learn that Boy George, the former lead singer of the 80s group Culture Club, had to call off his US tour because he couldn't get a visa.  His legal battle is the reason.  Last year, Boy George was arrested for imprisoning a male escort from Norway.  Back in February, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.  He is supposed to be back in court later this year.

The cancelled US tour was to start on July 10 in Aspen, Colorado.  He was scheduled to perform in Boston in August.  Boy George's upcoming tour of England will start at the end of August.

I was hoping to go see him.  I saw him and Culture Club ten years ago at the Pavilion in Boston.

"The Crying Game" by Boy George

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Outside In Song of the Week

Last night, I went to the Pavilion in Boston and had the happiest time of my life.  DEVO performed in concert for the first time in Boston for almost 20 years.  The crowd was thrilled to see them just like I was.  I never had the chance to see them in the 1980s so this was special night for me.  I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time.

"Beautiful World" by DEVO

John Lennon's Artwork on Display in Newton This Weekend!

Come down to the Hotel Indigo in Newton and see John Lennon's artwork.  The exhibit is called "Power to the People."

Some of the artwork will be on sale.  Too expensive for me!  But I love to look at it.  The exhibit started on Friday and will end on Sunday.  Check it out!

Hotel Indigo is just off of Route 128 at Exit 22.  T riders can use the D green line train to Riverside.

Townsend Officer on His Day Off Calms Boy with Asperger's

A police officer in Townsend, Massachusetts, named Jim Marchand soothed the fears of a 13-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome.  He did it on his day off to put the boy's worries at ease after the boy received a death threat from a classmate who said that he was going to kill him and his parents on Saturday.  The threat frightened the boy with Asperger's Syndrome so much that he called 911 about it.

His parents contacted Officer Marchand, who is a neighbor, and asked him to talk to their son.  The officer was kind enough to spend his day off reassuring the boy that he and his family will be safe because he would be patrolling the neighborhood on Saturday.  His talk put the boy at ease.

I wonder if Officer Marchand is going to arrest the punk who made that threat in the first place.  Bullying should be outlawed in school.

Montana Gets its First Autism Treatment House

Kudos to Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana for helping the funding of the building of the first autism treatment house in his state.  His office requested a waiver that allowed Medicaid to fund the project.

The Candlelight Community Living Initiative will house at least four individuals with autism ranging from the ages of 10 to 16 years old.  The building cost $300,000 and another $200,000 was spent to train 14 staffers.

The most important reason for Schweitzer to help out was a theme in his administration to help others with mental illness.  Second reason was that he has a 21-year-old son named Ben who has Asperger's Syndrome.

Thanks, Governor Schweitzer!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

A Message from My Cat, Storm, Again!

Hi, Everybody!  I'm Storm, one of Yvonne's cats! 

I'm back to tell you something important: Dr. Doom is really a cat hater! 

It's true!  I have proof this time!  I saw him pull a big huge candle at Catwoman!  He was going to hit her with it!

See?  He's dangerous!

Don't say I didn't warn you!

"Days of Our Lives" Does an Autism Story This Summer

Dina Higley, the head writer of the NBC soap Days of Our Lives, has written a storyline for the soap that is personal to her.  Abe and Lexie discover that their son Theo has autism.  Higley and her staff have teamed up with Autism Speaks to make certain that storyline has realism and sensitivity.

Higley's son, Connor, was diagnosed with autism when he was a child.  He is now heading to college in the fall.

Read all about it:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25348266/

Gotham Gazette Goes into The Autism Gap

The Gotham Gazette has a huge story about educating children with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the New York City area.  The article mentions a school called the New York Association for Autism Charter School which was founded in 2005 by mothers who have children with autism.  The school addresses the needs of the students and gives them an environment to play in.  The Nest Program is about helping children with higher functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome in public schools.

A very in depth article called "The Autism Gap."  Please, check it out.

http://gothamgazette.com/article/education/20080611/6/2553

Update on Top Model's Heather

What is America's Next Top Model's Heather Kuzmich up to these days?  The answer's obvious.  She's modeling.  Heather was the model who gave people with Asperger's Syndrome a face.

Although she didn't win the competition, she has been modeling steady ever since.

Have Fun, Heather!

Check out the latest pictures of Heather:

http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2008/06/top_models_heat.html

Monday, June 23, 2008

Good-Bye, George!

Legendary comedian George Carlin died of heart failure last night.  He was an icon amongst comedians.  He was the one who uttered the infamous seven words that you can't say on Television and Radio.  He also did the comparison and contrast between football and baseball.

He'll be missed greatly. 

RIP George!

George Carlin Talks about Football and Baseball