Archive for August, 2007

Friday (08.31.07) on The Signal…

Thursday, August 30th, 2007
Patrick O'Brien has been living with ALS since 2005.

Patrick O’Brien has been living with ALS since 2005. He’s making a documentary movie about the course of his own life since he discovered that he has a terminal illness. You can check out clips from the movie-in-progress at: www.patrickobrienfoundation.org.

(Click here for mp3’s of some recent stories from the show. And PODCASTERS, click here for a link to subscribe to The Signal’s weekly podcast.)

  • Patrick O’Brien has experienced what he calls ‘enlightenment by shotgun.’ In 2005, he was diagnosed with a debilitating terminal illness: ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. But instead of giving in to resentment, he’s made the decision to live every remaining moment as beautifully as possible. (You can check out movie clips, photos and other stuff at his website: www.patrickobrienfoundation.org.)
  • ALS sufferers are told by doctors that they have two to five years to live. But neuroscientist Jeffrey Rothstein has made it his life’s work to extend that span as much as possible. Dr. Rothstein hopes that in his lifetime we’ll discover a way to halt the progression of ALS, and he joins us for a talk about how it might happen. (Dr. Rothstein is the head of The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research. You can find the center on the web at: www.alscenter.org.)
  • We visit with Doug Retzler and Ryan Patterson, two artists and environmentalists whose playful but thoughtful approach to green living blends art, humor, and the great outdoors to make provocative statements about the world around us (and our place in it). (Check out: www.greencitybaltimore.org)

08.31.07 events calendar…

Thursday, August 30th, 2007

08.31.07 events calendar…

Last winter, Baltimore rockers mourned the closing of a cherished local music venue. But thanks to some ongoing negotiations with the building manager, Saturday night (09.01.07) The Talking Head Club triumphantly reopens its doors. To celebrate the grand reopening, they’ve put together a bill that includes Ponypants, Bow N Arrow, Dactyl, and Frenemies. The Music starts at 9 o’clock. The Talking Head Club is at 203 Davis Street, and they’re on the web at www.talkingheadclub.com.

Sunday (09.02.07), Baltimore spoken word artist, Signal contributor, and MC Komplex moves the crowd with a special performance at The Haven Lounge in Baltimore. Komplex is joined by Marc Evans and Voice of Reason, with performers Amir Sulaiman and Sunni Patterson. The venue is at 1552 Havenwood Road, and more information is available at 410.203.3295 or at www.mrkeeponmoving.com.

And progressive jazz fans will be convening Saturday evening (09.01.07) at Andie Musik for a special double bill: Opening up the show at 8 o’clock is The Quartet Offensive, headed by stand-up bass man Adam Hopkins. They’ll be followed by the Ted Daniels/Michael Marcus Duo. Andie Music is at 409 N. Charles Street, and they’re on the web at: www.andiemusiklive.com.