…a portrait of Holocaust survivor Bluma Shapiro (photo courtesy of photographer Lisa Shifren)

***THE SIGNAL AIRS FRIDAYS AT NOON & 7 P.M. ON 88.1 WYPR***

(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.)

• We hear a lot from doctors about the autism spectrum disorder known as Asperger Syndrome, but rarely do we hear from the people who actually struggle with it in their own lives. This week, we meet Matthew, a teenager who’s written an award-winning essay about growing up with Asperger Syndrome.
• Over the weekend, scooterists from across the country will buzz into Baltimore for an annual rally (www.charmcityscoterraly.com), and we drop in for a visit with the hosts of the event, a gang of sharp-dressed gear-heads known as the Charm City Scooter Club
• Essayist Mike Meno ponders the perils of social networking on the internet
• Lindsay Mercer previews this weekend’s other film festival, Videopolis
• And we sit down with Bluma Shapiro for a mesmerizing tale of endurance and personal determination. The grandmother of four was an inmate at the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz during World War II, and she survived to tell the story

Staurday (05.03.08), the 10th annual Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race begins with opening ceremonies at 9:30 am at the American Visionary Art Museum, followed by stops at the Canton waterfront and an obstacle course in Patterson Park. After an afternoon of thrills and spills, the race winds its way back to the museum for an awards ceremony around 5pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.kineticbaltimore.com

If you are still looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, nothing beats the charm of handmade goods. On Saturday (05.02.08), Corradetti Glass Studio is offering mini–workshops in which participants can create hand-blown glass flowers for Mom. The delicate, one-of-a-kind works of art will be cooled and ready for pick up the next day. Classes are at 2,3,4 and 5pm, and space is limited. Information is online at www.corradetti.com

Also on Saturday (05.03.08), Team Atomic presents Rock for the Feast, a benefit for Moveable Feast featuring Secret Crush Society, Dreaded Sunny Day, (a Smith’s cover band) South Carey and Miss Kitty Victorian. Moveable Feast provides meals, counseling and groceries to people living with HIV/AIDS. The show begins at 9:30 pm at Frazier’s on The Avenue in Hampden, and you can find out more on-line at www.mfeast.org