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.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
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.
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?
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
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.
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!
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
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)
"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
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.)
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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
Bill Withers
A 4th of July baby himself like Captain America. Bill is celebrating is 70th today.
"Lean on Me" by Bill Withers
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
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
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)
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
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
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