Outside In Song of the Week

February is drawing to a close.  It was longer this year because of the leap day.  At least, that happens once every four years (Thank you, Julius Cesar).

I'm a big fan of The Supremes.  I remember back on a cold night in February back in 1976 while I was watching "Sonny & Cher" in my parents' bedroom.  I was sitting on the floor in front of the bed when one of my parents saw in the newspaper that Florence Ballard of the Supremes had died all of the sudden.  It was sad news.

Many years later in 2001, I got the chance to meet Mary Wilson, one of the Supremes, and get her autograph at a collectibles show in Wilmington, Massachusetts.  What a great day for me.

Florence was fired from the Supremes in late 1967 and later went on a solo career.  She was very close to making a comeback when she died in 1976. 

It was on this day in 1968 when Florence married Thomas Chapman.

"Yesterday" by Florence Ballard (June 30, 1943 - February 22, 1976)

Happy Leap Day

Happy Leap Day!

Here are some Happy Leapers! (People born on February 29)

Anthony Sabato Jr.
Dennis Farina
Alex Rocco
Dinah Shore
Jimmy Dorsey

Superman and Captain Marvel also share a birthday on this day!

Another Music Legend Has Passed Away: Buddy Miles

Another loss to the Music World: former Jimi Hendrix drummer, Buddy Miles, died this week of congested heart disease.  He was 60 years old.  He performed with Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys back in the 1960s.  In the 1980s, Buddy was one of the California Raisins.

RIP Buddy

"Down by the River" by Buddy Miles

Rest in Peace, Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five

Sad news today: Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five has died of pneumonia.  Smith had been paralyzed in a fall in his home in Spain a few years back.  He was hoping he would travel to the United States in the next two weeks to see his band get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  He was lead singer and keyboardist.

He was 64 years old.

I used to play The Dave Clark Five's Greatest Hits album (vinyl record) to death when I was a kid growing up in Washington, DC.  This really breaks my heart.

RIP Mike Smith

"Because" by The Dave Clark Five



"Catch Us If You Can" by The Dave Clark Five

Paint It Birthday

Happy Birthday,
Brian Jones
(February 28, 1942 - July 3, 1969)
Founder of the Rolling Stones

He would have been 66 if he hadn't drowned.  :(

"Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones

NJ Doctor has an Eureka! Moment

Back in 1999, Dr. Henry Kong read an article in The New York Times about Asperger's Syndrome and had an "Eureka!" moment when he finished.  For most of his life, he wondered why he had difficulty socializing with others and problems with his coordination.  The discovery led him to write a book called More Self than Self: At Autism's Edge, which came out in 2006.

Dr. Kong was born in South Korea and moved with his family to the United States when he was five years old.

Neurofeedback Helps!

Science Daily has an article about Neurofeedback and how it helps in treating people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The brains of individuals with ASDs have excessive high connectivity (parts of the brain talking with itself) and deficient connectivity (parts of the brain not communicating with other areas).  Neurofeedback shows a reduction in autistic symptoms and helps with the connectivity problems.

Read the article here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226185848.htm

Neurofeedback has been helpful to me.  It has reduced my anxiety and depression.  I went to Advanced Neurotherapy in Wellesley, Massachusetts.  Dr. Jolene Ross is my neurotherapist.

http://www.advancedneurotherapy.com/

Famous Covers

"L.A. Woman" by Billy Idol



"Cool Jerk" by The Go-Go's (from their 1984 Wild at the Greek Concert)

Is George's B-Day Today or Tomorrow?

Back in the 1990s, George Harrison found his birth certificate which said that he was born at 11:50 pm on February 24, not 25.  His older sister disagrees and says that he was born ten minutes after midnight on February 25.  Since I don't have time to do any entries tomorrow, I'll do it tonight.

Happy 65th Birthday,
George Harrison!
(February 24 or 25, 1943 - November 29, 2001)

"Blow Away" by George Harrison



"I'm So Happy To Dance With You" by The Beatles (from "A Hard Day's Night")



"End of the Line" by The Traveling Wilburys

Presidential Race Now in Jeopardy!

That idiot wants to run for President of the US once again.  Do me a favor, people who are fans of this idiot, don't vote for him.  He'll accomplish nothing but getting the wrong person elected as president. 

Haven't we learned our lesson back in 2000?

Outside In Song of the Week

Happy Birthday,
James Blunt

I saw him in concert back during the Memorial Day weekend in 2006 at the WBOS Earthfest.  Everyone was blown away by this guy!  He was the highlight of that show.  When he started singing his big hit song, everyone was singing along in unison.

"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt

Will CBS Do Autism Awarness Progams on World Autism Day?

A request has been sent to CBS executives Les Moonves and Sumner Redstone urging them to raise awareness of Autism and Asperger's Syndrome on World Autism Day, which is April 2.  Recently, the CBS show, "Big Brother," offended the autism community when one of their contestants referred to people with developmental disabilities as "retards." 

A group called Autism United demanded an apology from CBS and the cancellation of "Big Brother."  Lowe's, a large home improvement retail business, has pulled all advertisements from future episodes of "Big Brother" because of the controversy.

Personally, I have never seen a full episode of "Big Brother."  I have watched a few minutes of it in the past, but I always got bored very quickly.  I was never addicted to those reality shows.  It wouldn't bother me to see "Big Brother" canceled.  Now, I have a good reason not to watch because they allowed someone so insensitive and ignorant towards people with disabilities.

Biking in the Land Down Under

Justin Omrod  of Australia is doing a bike trek in South New Wales, Australia, to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the lack of services for people with ASDs in the rural and regional areas.  Justin has Asperger's Syndrome and loves to ride a bike.  Two years ago, he was telling a friend about his love for bike riding when she casually asked, "Why don't you ride for a charity?"

The idea stayed with him and he managed to get support to make it a reality.  After he is done with his ride for autism awareness, he will be giving a petition to the Federal Health Minister to improve autism support services in the country areas.

Autism Equals Creative Genius, According to Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist located at the Trinity College in Dublin, Michael Fitzgerald, declares that many historical figures achieved success through autism.  He believes that some of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders are associated with creative genius.

In the article, "Albert Einstein 'Found Genius in Autism,"  Professor Fitzgerald mentions that famous individuals showed signs of autism spectrum disorders like Asperger's Syndrome:

Albert Einstein
Issac Newton
George Orwell
H.G. Wells
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Beethoven
Mozart
Hans Christian Andersen
Immanuel Kant

Fitzgerald recently spoke at a Royal College of Psychiatrists' Academic Psychiatry conference in London and argued that "the genes for autism/Asperger's, and creativity are essentially the same."

I only wish I was a genius.  There are some people with Asperger's that are very intelligent, but that doesn't apply for everyone.  The rest of us are of average intelligence.

Cruisin'

Happy Birthday,
Smokey Robinson!

Motown Legend!!!!
I saw in concert in 1988 and got to shake his hand.  It was bliss!

Cruisin' by Smokey Robinson

Presidents Day and Birthdays

Happy
Presidents
Day

and

Happy Birthday,

John Travolta
Yoko Ono Lennon
Cybill Shephard
Molly Ringwald
Dennis DeYoung
Bobby Hart
Toni Morrison
Jack Palance




"I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight by Boyce and Hart Group

Boston Radio Stations Have Trimmed Down their DJ Staffs

CBS Radio which owns five radio stations in Boston has been cutting down their DJ staffs lately.  Some DJs are gone while Juanita at WBCN is now a part-time DJ after the overnight show had been eliminated.

Makes me wonder what's happening in the industry.  After what happened over at WBOS earlier this month with their changing their music format to alternative and firing all their DJs, the outlook of the Boston radio scene seems bleak.  No wonder satellite radio is getting popular.

April 2nd is World Autism Day

Mark your calendars!  The United Nations have designated April 2nd as "World Autism Day."

In the United Kingdom, the autism campaigners have asked Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Children's Secretary Ed Balls to create plans on helping parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome on that date.

Stephen Shore "All About Awareness"

Stephen Shore, an expert on autism and President Emeritus of the Asperger Association of New England, did an interview in Calcutta, India's newspaper called The Telegraph.  It's called "All About Awareness."  It gives great information on helping to raise a child with autism and assist him in becoming a productive adult.

Great interview, Stephen.

Charles Laquidara Pays Tribute to Jess Cain

Last week, radio legend Jess Cain died of cancer.  Charles Laquidara, a peer of Cain's as well as a friend, posted a tribute to him on his blog, The Big Mattress.

I never met Jess Cain or listened to his radio show because I was never interested in listening to the AM side of the radio dial.  In fact, I wasn't very familiar at all about him.  From the tributes on Charles blog and the Jess Cain memorial guest book, it sounds like Jess was a very special guy.  I regret I never had the chance to meet him.

RIP, Jess.

PS

My former radio mentor, Joe Martelle, wrote a nice tribute to Jess in the Guest Book.

Outside In Song of the Week

In honor of the Harvard's Hasty Pudding's Man of the Year, here's Christopher Walken dancing his heart out in this Fatboy Slim Video.  Christopher has all the moves here and can fly too.  Btw,  Charlize Theron was picked as Woman of the Year last week.

"Weapon of Choice" by Fatboy Slim

Autism Dating Book

The true book of love has been written.  Its authors are Emilia Murry Ramey and Jody John Ramey.  They met through a mutual friend.  Soon, they both discovered that they both have Asperger's Syndrome.  The Vancouver couple, who got married in 2006, started doing presentations at autism conferences about dating.

Their book was the next step.  It's called Autistics' Guide to Dating: A Book by Autistics and Those who Love Them or Who are in Love with Them.  The publisher is the London-based Jessica Kingsley Publishers.  It's being released today.

Great news for us single Asperger people!  The message that Emilia and Jody stress is communication in their book.  I agree with them.  That's very important in any relationship.

Thank you, Emilia and Jody!

Heart Day

Happy
Valentine's
Day!

I love Harrison Ford.  Here's the trailer to his next movie: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!

Another GH Star has Died: David Groh

I just learned the sad news tonight from my weekly e-mail from Soap Opera Digest magazine.  Actor David Groh, who played D.L. Brock on "General Hospital" in the mid-1980s, died of kidney cancer on Tuesday this week. He was 69 years old.

Groh is also famous for playing Joe Gerard, who was Rhode's husband on "Rhoda."

Rest in Peace, David!

For Birthday's Sake!

Happy Birthday,
Peter Tork!
of the Monkees

My favorite Monkee is having a birthday today.  I grew up watching him on TV and then I first met him in 1995 performing at the Newbury Comics store at Harvard Square.  Since then, I've seen perform solo, with his fellow Monkees Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz, and with his other band, Shoe Suede Blues.  If Peter is performing in your town, check him out.

"Can You Dig It?" by the Monkees (written by Peter Tork)




Peter Tork Job Interview with a Computer

It's a Birthday for Ray

Happy Birthday,
Ray Manzarek
keyboardist and co-founder of The Doors

I met this rock legend a few times and he was great.  His playing the keyboard on songs like "Light My Fire" is spectacular.  If he's in town playing solo or with the Doors of the 21st  Century, check him out.  You'll love it.

Ray Manzarek at the Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA, on January 19, 2008

"George Bush, One More Year"

Virginia Wonders about Increase in Autistic Children

The Daily Press newspaper in Virginia has an article called "What's Behind the Increase of Autistic Children?"  It mentions that the changes in diagnosing autism caused a decrease in mental retardation diagnoses and a rise in autism spectrum diagnoses in the United States.  Virginia also reflects the shift towards more autism diagnoses in children in the last six years.

Interesting article.  Check it out.

Why wasn't Paul McCartney at the Grammys?

Paul McCartney had to go to his divorce court appearance which is scheduled for today, February 11.  He couldn't go to the Grammys with Ringo Starr, George Martin, Olivia Harrison, and Yoko Ono because of that.  The hearing is expected to last five days.

Heather Mills plans to represent herself in court.  She fired her lawyers back in November.  She never heard of the saying,  "Whoever represents oneself in court has a fool for a client."

Good luck, Paul!

Meanwhile, Amy Winehouse was the big winner at the Grammys.  She performed via satellite from England because she wasn't able to get a visa in time and she was in rehab.  She won 5 out of the 6 Grammies she was nominated for.

Congratulations, Amy!

Amy's Grammy Performance via Satellite.  "You Know I'm No Good" and "Rehab"

Roy Scheider RIP

Sad to hear about actor Roy Scheider.  He passed away yesterday after battling cancer.  He starred in one of my favorite movies, "Jaws."  I loved his work in other movies as well.  He'll be missed.

RIP Roy

Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) faces the Shark (Bruce) in "Jaws"

Outside In Song of the Week

It was 44 years ago tonight when the Beatles appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" for the very first time.  TV history was made.  Huge ratings because everyone was home that night.  In fact, there was no reports of any criminal activity that night as well.

Spectacular!  Happy Anniversary, Beatles!

"Hello Goodbye" by The Beatles

Yesterday was a Good Day! Also, Happy Chinese New Year!

I was happy to hear to great news yesterday.  Mitt Romney quit his presidential campaign.  He was the one that I didn't want in the White House.  He was too boring and his campaign had no substance.  He said the word "Change" very often and didn't go into detail about what that change is.  He looked too much like a used car salesman.  A very bad image.   In fact, his father, George, was an automobile executive, which sounds like a fancy alternative title to "used car salesman."

Anyway,

Happy Chinese New Year!

Year of the Rat!

B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y

Happy Birthday
Mike Farrell
(BJ Hunnicut of M*A*S*H)

I love that sitcom!  It's my all-time favorite!  I met Mike and his wife, Shelly Fabares, last year at a book signing.  He wrote his autobiography, Just Call Me Mike.  Great Book!

Mike on "Desperate Housewives"

Steed, You're Needed

Happy Birthday,
Patrick Macnee
John Steed of "The Avengers"

One of my favorite TV stars!  I met him in 1989 at a book signing.  He wrote his autobiography, Blind in One Ear.  A great read.  He's a World War II vet.  I loved watching his show with Diana Rigg.

The Avengers Intro

All Freud in The Family

Dania Jekel, the executive director of the Asperger Association of New England, is featured in an article about her family in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  "Freud's Offspring Lead Noted Lives" reveals that Dania is the great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud and what her brother and sister as well as cousins do for a living.  Very eye-opening.

Sexy Sadie Dead at 91

The Beatles' guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, has died at his home and headquarters in the Netherlands.  He was 91 years old.  He was the one who started TM, transcendental meditation.  The song Sexy Sadie was written about him. 

RIP Maharishi

"Sexy Sadie" by The Beatles

GMA Meets Uncommon Family with 6 Autistic Kids

On February 6, Good Morning America (GMA) meets with Robin and John Kirton about their six children who each have different forms of Autism.  The three oldest of have Asperger's Syndrome, although the oldest child's is less severe than the other two.  The next two younger children have severe classic autism, and the youngest has the least severe form of autism (PDD-NOS).

A doctor has said that the case of the Kirton family having six children with autism is uncommon.  Studies have revealed that it is a 15 percent chance for a younger sibling of a child with autism to get autism also.

Paging Dr. Alan Quartermaine!

Happy Birthday,
Stuart Damon
(Dr. Alan Quartermaine of "General Hospital)

Stuart is still on the show, despite the fact that his character Alan was killed off a year ago.  Alan appears as Tracey Quartermaine Spencer's conscience.  Tracey is the sister of Alan and wife of Luke Spencer.  Currently, she is the only one who can see "ghost" Alan.

Best of Stuart Damon: Alan Rocks the Nurses' Ball (featuring the late Shell Kepler as Nurse Amy)



Best of Stuart Damon: Alan Rocks the Nurses' Ball Part 2



Best of Stuart Damon: Alan Rocks the Nurses' Ball Part 3

Fugitive and Space: 1999 Star Barry Morse RIP

Veteran actor Barry Morse has passed away last Saturday in London at the age of 89.  He was the police officer named Philip Gerard who pursued David Jansen's Dr. Richard Kimble on "The Fugitive" back in the 1960s.  He also played Victor Bergman on the science fiction classic TV series, "Space: 1999."

RIP Barry

I loved watching "Space:1999." the theme song for the 1st season was cool.

GH's Nurse Amy RIP!

Last night, I went over to the blog called "General Hospital Wub Tub" and learned that Shell Kepler who played Nurse Amy Vining,  Laura Spencer's younger sister, on the soap has died of renal failure last Friday.  I was sad to hear about this because I used to watch her on the show back in the 1980s and 1990s.  She was only 49 years old.  That's very young!

RIP Shell!

AOL News also carried the story: "'General Hospital' Actress Kepler Dies"

Scene from "General Hospital" with Shell Kepler and John Stamos (Blackie Parish)

Endorsement Time!

In case you didn't notice in the "About Me" section of Outside In, a link to Hillary Clinton's website is there.  I'm on her side because she's most appealing of the candidates out there.  Mitt Romney is the worst of them all.  So, it's going to be an easy choice for me tomorrow when I go to the polls for the Massachusetts Primary.

This is definitely going to be a very memorable Super Tuesday.  They'll be talking about it for years.

So, I'll say it loud;

Hillary Clinton
For
President!

Remembering Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper

The Day The Music Died!

It was on this day in 1959 when a small airplane carrying rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson) crashed in a cornfield in Clear Lake, Iowa.  They were on their way to Fargo, North Dakota.  They were part of the Winter Dance Party tour of the Mid-West. 

They were killed instantly when the plane struck the cornfield.  Ritchie Valens was only 17 years old at the time.  Buddy Holly was 22, and the Big Bopper was 27 years old.

A memorial was erected in 2003 at the crash site in Iowa.


"Chantilly Lace" by the Big Bopper



"Oh, Donna" by Ritchie Valens



"Peggy Sue" by Buddy Holly

Outside In Song of the Week

This coming Sunday, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are doing the Half-Time show during the Super Bowl.  That is must-see TV right there for this non-football fan.  I have a reason to watch.

"Into the Great Wide Open" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (featuring Johnny Depp as Eddie Rebel)

The Beatles in Outer Space

On Monday, February 3, NASA will be sending the Beatles' song "Across the Universe" directly into outer space towards Polaris.  It will take at least 431 years for the star to receive the music.  A very long wait.

The occasion is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first space mission: The launching of Explorer 1, a satellite.

See NY Times article, "Nasa Says, 'Hello, Universe.  Meet the Beatles.'"