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.