New skipper Gabe Kapler was introduced to the city, media and fans this afternoon.He has zero big-league manager experience. He is a big analytic guy, a Matt Klentak hand-picked clone. Most of all, he sounds like a nut.
Kapler apparently was writing a blog about "lifestyles" and health issues. He's into body fitness as well. Even though he says he no longer adheres to some things in his blog, reading a few items from the blog is very strange.
- He doesn't believe in showering with soap
- He preaches not to feel guilty if you accidentally run over a squirrel with your car
- He has eating chicken bones in the past and claims eating all of the chicken- bones and marrow included- is good for you.
- He believes in sun-bathing one's testicles.
Is that weird enough for ya?
My question is, why hire a guy like this, after reading this "forward" thinking crap?If he was a real baseball guy one could overlook the kookiness. But he's not a real baseball guy. Yes, he was a player. Yes he worked in player development. Yes he managed one season in Class-A ball.
I don't get it. Why? The Organization fired a stable guy like Pete Mackanin for a nut job?
I didn't hear any new, dynamic philosophy out of Kapler in the press conference.
Matt Klentak's neck is in the noose for this one. He wanted a guy like himself, a geeky, weird analytics nerd .
I'm willing to give Kapler a chance. maybe he will turn out to be a breath of fresh air, with new ideas, someone who can relate to the younger players.
Team president Andy MacFailure said that "general managers only have so many managers in them." I also blame owner John Middleton. He is trusting those working under him, but Middleton can't be happy. Plus whee is Middleton? He was supposed to be more accessible and visible to the fans. Now he's gone into hiding again.
Either the hiring of Kapler turns out to be a brilliant move or Klentak gets fired. So, it's a win-win situation.
The Phillies organization continues to be a disgrace and a laughingstock. The new manager only adds to the joke.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- WORLD SERIES, SIXERS, FLYERS,EAGLES
* Baseball season is over. The Houston Astros won their first-ever championship last night, beating the Dodgers 5-1.
Houston fought thru the playoffs, beating Boston, holding of the Yankees, and overcoming the Dodgers. Give Houston credit. They cruised thru American League West. They picked up pitcher Justin Verlander at the July deadline. They overcame the emotional challenges of the floods in the Houston area.
The Astros have a young club and should be in the playoff picture for years to come.
The Dodgers won 104 games, entering the playoffs hot after a brief lapse after the all-star break. LA had the best home record. This seemed to be their year.
But their young studs let them down in the World Series. Cody Bellinger, who will win Rookie of the Year, struck out a record 17 times in the series, a total of 29 times in the playoffs. The Dodgers didn't put the ball in play enough, whereas the Astros were the hardest team to strike out in all the majors this summer.
It was a great baseball season. We had two players-Aaron Judge and Giancarlos Stanton- hit over 50 home runs. There were more home runs hit in 2017 then in any other season.
We had a team win 22 games in a row ( the Indians)The division races were more or less decided early, except for NL Central, where the cubs had to battle Milwaukee and St. Louis all summer, and A:L East, with the Red Sox and Yankees fighting it out.
And , for Phillies fans, it was the season where Rhys Hoskins, Nick Williams and co. emerged as an exciting hope for the future.
Now the real Hot Stove talk begins. Teams can sign free agents and make trades, especially soon when the General manager and Winter Meetings convene.
************************************************************************
The Sixers beat the Atlanta Hawks last night, evening their record at 4-4. They play in South Philly Friday night vs the Pacers before embarking on a 5-game west coast trip, with tough games against the clippers, Jazz and Warriors on tap.
Embiid played 30 minutes against the Hawks, a good sign. Ben Simmons was one assist short of another triple-double.
*********************************************************************
The Flyers continue to struggle, losing 3-0 in Chicago to the Blackhawks. Another tough test awaits Philadelphia tonight when they take on the Blues in St. Louis tonight.
************************************************************************
The Eagles prepare for the Denver Broncos this Sunday afternoon. Drizzle is expected during the game, certainly not the total rain-out like last week.
I fear Von Miller, especially lining up over our new left tackle and causing havoc in the Eagles' backfield. On the other hand, the Denver defense has not been able to handle tight ends this season, and the Birds have a tight end in Zach Ertz who is playing like a Pro Bowler.
Confusion reigns in Denver, as they change quarterbacks this week. Denver doesn't want to drop to 3-5 and fall farther behind Kansas City in AFC West. The Eagles want to keep the train rolling, not wanting to go into their bye week with a bad taste in their mouth.
I still like the Eagles, 23-17, in a tight contest.
* The holidays are a special time of the year. But this year, thanks to the Eagles, the holidays could be even more special.
Thanksgiving- after their bye, then beating Dallas on Sunday Night Football, the Birds will sit at 9-1 over Turkey Day, the NFC East just about wrapped up, their sights set on seeding in the NFC playoffs. The Bears come into Lincoln Financial Field the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Fans can sit back and watch the other games after their turkey dinner, knowing the Eagles ar ethe best team in football.
Christmas- After attending church and opening your gifts on Christmas morning, instead of going to the movies on Christmas night, fans can wearing their new Eagle jerseys, jackets and scarves and head to South Philly to watch their Birds feast on the Oakland Raiders.
Or fans can sit back again, after the hectic Christmas Day full of activities, and open one more present- an Eagles win over the Radiers.
Oakland may or may not need this game. It's an AFC game, so losing it wouldn't devastate Philadelphia. But by Christmas the Eagles will be counting the wins to get a playoff bye and home field advantage.
Of course, the guys on Monday Night Football will bring up the tired of "Philly fans throwing snowballs at Santa Claus" routine.
New Year's Eve- The final game of the regular season, a divisional match-up with the hated Cowboys. Could this game mean the NFC East title? Will it be flexed to Sunday night? Eagles-Cowboys, on New Year's Eve, when the booze will be flowing anyway.
There will be reason to celebrate the new year, looking forward to the first playoff game and sleeping off the celebrations on New Year's Day.
Countless CarsomWentz jerseys will be given as Christmas presents. A joyful time of the year, full of parties and good times , mad eeven more special by our Eagles.
Houston fought thru the playoffs, beating Boston, holding of the Yankees, and overcoming the Dodgers. Give Houston credit. They cruised thru American League West. They picked up pitcher Justin Verlander at the July deadline. They overcame the emotional challenges of the floods in the Houston area.
The Astros have a young club and should be in the playoff picture for years to come.
The Dodgers won 104 games, entering the playoffs hot after a brief lapse after the all-star break. LA had the best home record. This seemed to be their year.
But their young studs let them down in the World Series. Cody Bellinger, who will win Rookie of the Year, struck out a record 17 times in the series, a total of 29 times in the playoffs. The Dodgers didn't put the ball in play enough, whereas the Astros were the hardest team to strike out in all the majors this summer.
It was a great baseball season. We had two players-Aaron Judge and Giancarlos Stanton- hit over 50 home runs. There were more home runs hit in 2017 then in any other season.
We had a team win 22 games in a row ( the Indians)The division races were more or less decided early, except for NL Central, where the cubs had to battle Milwaukee and St. Louis all summer, and A:L East, with the Red Sox and Yankees fighting it out.
And , for Phillies fans, it was the season where Rhys Hoskins, Nick Williams and co. emerged as an exciting hope for the future.
Now the real Hot Stove talk begins. Teams can sign free agents and make trades, especially soon when the General manager and Winter Meetings convene.
************************************************************************
The Sixers beat the Atlanta Hawks last night, evening their record at 4-4. They play in South Philly Friday night vs the Pacers before embarking on a 5-game west coast trip, with tough games against the clippers, Jazz and Warriors on tap.
Embiid played 30 minutes against the Hawks, a good sign. Ben Simmons was one assist short of another triple-double.
*********************************************************************
The Flyers continue to struggle, losing 3-0 in Chicago to the Blackhawks. Another tough test awaits Philadelphia tonight when they take on the Blues in St. Louis tonight.
************************************************************************
The Eagles prepare for the Denver Broncos this Sunday afternoon. Drizzle is expected during the game, certainly not the total rain-out like last week.
I fear Von Miller, especially lining up over our new left tackle and causing havoc in the Eagles' backfield. On the other hand, the Denver defense has not been able to handle tight ends this season, and the Birds have a tight end in Zach Ertz who is playing like a Pro Bowler.
Confusion reigns in Denver, as they change quarterbacks this week. Denver doesn't want to drop to 3-5 and fall farther behind Kansas City in AFC West. The Eagles want to keep the train rolling, not wanting to go into their bye week with a bad taste in their mouth.
I still like the Eagles, 23-17, in a tight contest.
* The holidays are a special time of the year. But this year, thanks to the Eagles, the holidays could be even more special.
Thanksgiving- after their bye, then beating Dallas on Sunday Night Football, the Birds will sit at 9-1 over Turkey Day, the NFC East just about wrapped up, their sights set on seeding in the NFC playoffs. The Bears come into Lincoln Financial Field the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Fans can sit back and watch the other games after their turkey dinner, knowing the Eagles ar ethe best team in football.
Christmas- After attending church and opening your gifts on Christmas morning, instead of going to the movies on Christmas night, fans can wearing their new Eagle jerseys, jackets and scarves and head to South Philly to watch their Birds feast on the Oakland Raiders.
Or fans can sit back again, after the hectic Christmas Day full of activities, and open one more present- an Eagles win over the Radiers.
Oakland may or may not need this game. It's an AFC game, so losing it wouldn't devastate Philadelphia. But by Christmas the Eagles will be counting the wins to get a playoff bye and home field advantage.
Of course, the guys on Monday Night Football will bring up the tired of "Philly fans throwing snowballs at Santa Claus" routine.
New Year's Eve- The final game of the regular season, a divisional match-up with the hated Cowboys. Could this game mean the NFC East title? Will it be flexed to Sunday night? Eagles-Cowboys, on New Year's Eve, when the booze will be flowing anyway.
There will be reason to celebrate the new year, looking forward to the first playoff game and sleeping off the celebrations on New Year's Day.
Countless CarsomWentz jerseys will be given as Christmas presents. A joyful time of the year, full of parties and good times , mad eeven more special by our Eagles.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
IN MY LIFE- ANGELO, TAKING A CHANCE
* Get well wishes go out to my friend Angelo Cataldi, host of WIP Sportsradio Morning Team. He recently had gall bladder surgery and came home from the hospital today.
Angelo speaks for the Philly fan. He is honest, emotional and fun. His act may be a bit shtick, but his morning show is always informative and fun. He has the best interviews, and along with sidekicks Rhea Hughes,Al Morganti an Keith Jones, the four hours Monday thru Friday fly by.
The show isn't the same without him. I'm not looking forward to the day he retires and moves to LA, as is his plan. WIP will be hard-pressed to fill his shoes. Others on competitive stations have tried to wrestle the ratings war away form him but have failed. He, along with Howard Eskin, are WIP sports radio.
He should be back soon.I know he is enjoying this great Eagles season. He is in my thoughts and prayers to feel better soon, and I thank him for bringing so much joy to Philly fans everywhere for so many years.
****************************************************************************
Sometimes you gotta take a chance in life. I've learned- often the hard way- the best moments in life are those when you do take a chance and "go for it". Here is a perfect example:
I have a friend who attended the recent Yardbirds concert with me in Phoenixville. He is a major Yardbirds fan, even bringing along an old book on the music group, detailing their history. Only one original member of the band remains, Jim McCarty, the drummer. We didn't know if Jim would be signing stuff after the show but we hoped he would.
No JIm in the lobby after the concert, so we started to leave the Colonial Theater. Suddenly, someone alerted my friend that Jim had appeared in the lobby. My friend's long-awaited chance had come!
Instead, he said no. When I asked why not, he explained, "What if he turns out to be a jerk? It would destroy all the good feelings and admiration I've had for him since the 60s."
But what if he was a nice guy? Why not give the guy a chance? And why turn down a moment in your life you will never forget ?
A week before we saw Al Stewart at the Colonial. I sent a note backstage before the show, reminding Al of our meeting a year before when I told him my favorite Al Stewart songs. He was delighted and remarked "Well, next time i'll have to do them for you."
Guess what? After kindly reading my note before the recent show, he did sing one of my favorite songs- a tune he never does anymore- as an encore.
So, sometimes it does pay to take a chance. It was a moment I'll never forget. So, when you get the chance to make a special memory, go for it. No regrets for trying. And lots of joy and happiness if your dreams come true.
Angelo speaks for the Philly fan. He is honest, emotional and fun. His act may be a bit shtick, but his morning show is always informative and fun. He has the best interviews, and along with sidekicks Rhea Hughes,Al Morganti an Keith Jones, the four hours Monday thru Friday fly by.
The show isn't the same without him. I'm not looking forward to the day he retires and moves to LA, as is his plan. WIP will be hard-pressed to fill his shoes. Others on competitive stations have tried to wrestle the ratings war away form him but have failed. He, along with Howard Eskin, are WIP sports radio.
He should be back soon.I know he is enjoying this great Eagles season. He is in my thoughts and prayers to feel better soon, and I thank him for bringing so much joy to Philly fans everywhere for so many years.
****************************************************************************
Sometimes you gotta take a chance in life. I've learned- often the hard way- the best moments in life are those when you do take a chance and "go for it". Here is a perfect example:
I have a friend who attended the recent Yardbirds concert with me in Phoenixville. He is a major Yardbirds fan, even bringing along an old book on the music group, detailing their history. Only one original member of the band remains, Jim McCarty, the drummer. We didn't know if Jim would be signing stuff after the show but we hoped he would.
No JIm in the lobby after the concert, so we started to leave the Colonial Theater. Suddenly, someone alerted my friend that Jim had appeared in the lobby. My friend's long-awaited chance had come!
Instead, he said no. When I asked why not, he explained, "What if he turns out to be a jerk? It would destroy all the good feelings and admiration I've had for him since the 60s."
But what if he was a nice guy? Why not give the guy a chance? And why turn down a moment in your life you will never forget ?
A week before we saw Al Stewart at the Colonial. I sent a note backstage before the show, reminding Al of our meeting a year before when I told him my favorite Al Stewart songs. He was delighted and remarked "Well, next time i'll have to do them for you."
Guess what? After kindly reading my note before the recent show, he did sing one of my favorite songs- a tune he never does anymore- as an encore.
So, sometimes it does pay to take a chance. It was a moment I'll never forget. So, when you get the chance to make a special memory, go for it. No regrets for trying. And lots of joy and happiness if your dreams come true.
CHIRPING BIRDS- EAGLES VS DENVER-THE PICK
I'm perfect picking Eagles games this season, so here goes my breakdown of Philly and Denver this Sunday at the Linc.
I'll be there on Sunday afternoon at 1:00. The game was in danger of being flexed until the Broncos hit a recent slide, losing three games in a row. Denver comes off a 20-10 loss Monday night at Kansas City. The Broncos announced today they are changing quarterbacks. starting Brock Osweiler.
When I got the tickets to this upcoming game, I was worried it may be an eagle loss. After all, Denver is Denver, only two years removed from a Super Bowl championship, still with great defense and Von Miller.
But the Orange Crush is no more, and after a good start to the 2017 season, including a thrashing of Dallas earlier in the season, Denver has collapsed, with a dreadful , shocking loss to the woeful New York Giants at home, a loss to the Chargers and then to the mighty Chiefs.
he Broncos aren't to be taken lightly. At 3-4 they are still in the hunt in AFC West and for a wild card berth. But confusion reigns there, and it all starts at quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are playing great football. This is the third game of a three-game home stand before the Birds go on their bye week. They would love nothing better than to go 8-1 to end their first half and get prepared for the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday Night Football.
The Broncos are no 49'ers, so expect a closer game. Denver's defense will keep it tight. but if the Eagles get consistent pressure on Oswriler, they could force turnovers.
New running back jay Ajayi is expected to play somewhat. The rest of the offense is clicking. The offensive line, especially left tackle, must control Miller .
Can the Birds run the table at home? After Sunday they have the Bears at home ( a win), then Christmas night with the struggling Raiders and New Year's Eve vs the Cowboys. If Philadelphia loses on Sunday it wouldn't be the end of the world. Losing a non-conference game doesn't hurt as much. A loss would stop the Super Bowl talk, at least for a week or two, and put the Eagles at a solid 7-2.A win leaves the Birds at 8-1, with a three-game road trip on the horizon, two of the games on the west coast.
Denver isn't playing well and the Eagles are. An upset is possible, but if the Eagles didn't letdown against San Francisco I don't think Coach Pederson will let them become lax against Denver.The Eagles are a hungry, motivated team, and home victories are precious in the NFL.
My pick is Eagles 23 Broncos 17
IN THE NEWS- REVAMPING SCIENTIFIC PLAN FORTHCOMING AT AYTISM SPEAKS
From Disability Scoop...
as the nation's largest autism advocacy group works to reshape its scientific agenda, members of the community are urging the nonprofit to prioritize work that affects quality of life for those on the spectrum.
Autism speaks solicited input from members of the community- everyone from people with ASD to family members, researchers and other stakeholders-over the summer on the direction the group should take with a new three-year strategic plan for science.
The results, released this month, reflect a desire to know more about co-occurring conditions like sensory, sleep and gastrointestinal troubles as well as the overall health and well-being of those with the developmental disorder and an emphasis on transition and lifespan issues.\
More than 6,000 people participated in the survey, the majority of whom are family members of those with autism, the group said.
Compared to a similar survey in 2012, Autism Speaks found that respondents this year are more interested in the experiences of those entering adulthood and less concerned about immune dysfunction and environmental factors.
Many survey respondents specifically indicated that they oppose research on curing or preventing autism.
The findings will help shape how Autism Speaks determines what types of studies to fund and the impact could be significant. As of 2013, the nonprofit handed out $18.6 million in grants making it one of the largest funders of autism research, according to a federal report.
"Already, your input is guiding the formation of our strategic planning for the next three years, and it will continue to do so in the weeks ahead as we finalize the plan and share it with you," Thomas Frazier, Autism Speaks' chief science officer, said in releasing the findings.
An Autism Speaks spokeswoman told Disability Scoop in August that the organization does not currently have a " public-facing version" of its strategic plan for science.
Last year, the group moved to overhaul its mission statement opting to remove words like "struggle," "hardship" and "crisis" as well as any reference to curing autism. A strategic plan for science that was intended to run through 2017 was designed to align with the old mission statement.
as the nation's largest autism advocacy group works to reshape its scientific agenda, members of the community are urging the nonprofit to prioritize work that affects quality of life for those on the spectrum.
Autism speaks solicited input from members of the community- everyone from people with ASD to family members, researchers and other stakeholders-over the summer on the direction the group should take with a new three-year strategic plan for science.
The results, released this month, reflect a desire to know more about co-occurring conditions like sensory, sleep and gastrointestinal troubles as well as the overall health and well-being of those with the developmental disorder and an emphasis on transition and lifespan issues.\
More than 6,000 people participated in the survey, the majority of whom are family members of those with autism, the group said.
Compared to a similar survey in 2012, Autism Speaks found that respondents this year are more interested in the experiences of those entering adulthood and less concerned about immune dysfunction and environmental factors.
Many survey respondents specifically indicated that they oppose research on curing or preventing autism.
The findings will help shape how Autism Speaks determines what types of studies to fund and the impact could be significant. As of 2013, the nonprofit handed out $18.6 million in grants making it one of the largest funders of autism research, according to a federal report.
"Already, your input is guiding the formation of our strategic planning for the next three years, and it will continue to do so in the weeks ahead as we finalize the plan and share it with you," Thomas Frazier, Autism Speaks' chief science officer, said in releasing the findings.
An Autism Speaks spokeswoman told Disability Scoop in August that the organization does not currently have a " public-facing version" of its strategic plan for science.
Last year, the group moved to overhaul its mission statement opting to remove words like "struggle," "hardship" and "crisis" as well as any reference to curing autism. A strategic plan for science that was intended to run through 2017 was designed to align with the old mission statement.
IN THE NEWS- THE 'GOOD DOCTOR' AND AUTISM: DOES ABC GET IT RIGHT?
This from The Morning Call...
Hollywood has apparently discovered that a growing segment of the population is on the autism spectrum. The 2017 "Power Rangers" movie and new Netflix series "Atypical," for instance, have main characters with autism.
Perhaps the most high-profile offering is ABC'\s new show "The Good Doctor." The drama stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a talented young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. It shows how he navigates daily life and his work at a prestigious hospital's pediatric surgical unit.
The series, championed by Daniel Dae Kim, has been a mega-hit. It leapfrogged "The Big Bang Theory" to become the most-watched American show after just three episodes.
What do people who know about autism think of "The Good Doctor"? Experts as well as some parents praise it as a perfect prescription to spur conversation and awareness about autism.
"Before you'd never hear about autism," says Lisa Barasa of Lower Saucon Township, Pa., whose son Dominic was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
"For us it's really cool to see a main character who is autistic. I have nothing but positive things to say about it."
Lisa Goring, chief program and marketing officer for the New York City-based advocacy group Autism Speaks, says, "We hope there are more opportunities on these shows for characters with autism.
"We see this show as a great step toward increasing understanding and acceptance."
The show shares similarities with "House," a hit medical show that aired for eight seasons on Fox. Both have the same creator, David Shore, and both featured a brilliant and misunderstood main character.
Some critics say the storylines of "The Good Doctor" are over-the-top and that the show paints an overly broad picture of autism. But critics and viewers generally praise Highmore's depictions of an adult with autism.
"They are unbelievably on point," Basara says.
She noticed when Murphy walks down a hallway he uses "ready hands
- a way of walking with hands clasped together. It's a technique used by those on the spectrum to help them stay focused and aware of their behavior.
Murphy speaks in a monotone voice and says exactly what he's thinking with zero filter. (In one episode, he tells a surgeon that he both admires him and finds him arrogant.)
He aviods direct eye contact, shows little emotion and struggles to deal with people on a personal level. (His neighbor borrowed batteries, and Murphy went the next day to get them back.)
Murphy has savant syndrome, a rare condition in which a person with developmental disabilities ( including, but not limited to autism) has spectacular areas of genius.
We see Murphy solve impossibly difficult cases because he sees things differently (dramatized to great effect in the show) and we see Murphy solve medical mysteries that baffle other doctors.
His being "different" is why the board at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital argues in the pilot against hiring Murphy. The board questioned what patients would think of a doctor who would struggle to express empathy.
Much of the national emphasis about autism awareness has been on children. "The Good Doctor" is rare in its portrayal of an adult with autism in the workplace.
Noreen Flynn of Coopersburg, Pa., whose son has Asperger's syndrome, says, "If you're hiring someone or working with someone with autism, take a minute to talk to them. They are very intelligent and can you learn a lot from them, and they can learn from you.'
Some have expressed concern that the character paints only one picture of autism. Autism spectrum disorder is a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.
"This is one person's view of autism, "Goring says. "It may not have anything to do with the way autism manifests itself for someone else."
Executive producer Kim bought the rights to the Korean series "Good Doctor" and pitched it for an American series.
Kim, who starred in the TV series "Lost" and "Hawaii Five-o," is a leading advocate for more diverse characters on TV shows and movies.
He doesn't apologize that "The Good Doctor" has been criticized for being overly sentimental. "It actually makes me feel prouder of the show to know that we can still aspire, we can still hope, we can still find heroes that are pure...," Kim told The Hollywood Reporter. "I've read some criticism of 'The Good Doctor' that says it's overly sweet and syrupy. I'll take that criticism, given the world that we live in."
Basara says "The Good Doctor" gives the public the chance to learn more about autism. And it shows how people with autism can be functional members of society.
"The more that people understand autism, the better off it will be for my son going forward,' Basara says.
Hollywood has apparently discovered that a growing segment of the population is on the autism spectrum. The 2017 "Power Rangers" movie and new Netflix series "Atypical," for instance, have main characters with autism.
Perhaps the most high-profile offering is ABC'\s new show "The Good Doctor." The drama stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a talented young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. It shows how he navigates daily life and his work at a prestigious hospital's pediatric surgical unit.
The series, championed by Daniel Dae Kim, has been a mega-hit. It leapfrogged "The Big Bang Theory" to become the most-watched American show after just three episodes.
What do people who know about autism think of "The Good Doctor"? Experts as well as some parents praise it as a perfect prescription to spur conversation and awareness about autism.
"Before you'd never hear about autism," says Lisa Barasa of Lower Saucon Township, Pa., whose son Dominic was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
"For us it's really cool to see a main character who is autistic. I have nothing but positive things to say about it."
Lisa Goring, chief program and marketing officer for the New York City-based advocacy group Autism Speaks, says, "We hope there are more opportunities on these shows for characters with autism.
"We see this show as a great step toward increasing understanding and acceptance."
The show shares similarities with "House," a hit medical show that aired for eight seasons on Fox. Both have the same creator, David Shore, and both featured a brilliant and misunderstood main character.
Some critics say the storylines of "The Good Doctor" are over-the-top and that the show paints an overly broad picture of autism. But critics and viewers generally praise Highmore's depictions of an adult with autism.
"They are unbelievably on point," Basara says.
She noticed when Murphy walks down a hallway he uses "ready hands
- a way of walking with hands clasped together. It's a technique used by those on the spectrum to help them stay focused and aware of their behavior.
Murphy speaks in a monotone voice and says exactly what he's thinking with zero filter. (In one episode, he tells a surgeon that he both admires him and finds him arrogant.)
He aviods direct eye contact, shows little emotion and struggles to deal with people on a personal level. (His neighbor borrowed batteries, and Murphy went the next day to get them back.)
Murphy has savant syndrome, a rare condition in which a person with developmental disabilities ( including, but not limited to autism) has spectacular areas of genius.
We see Murphy solve impossibly difficult cases because he sees things differently (dramatized to great effect in the show) and we see Murphy solve medical mysteries that baffle other doctors.
His being "different" is why the board at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital argues in the pilot against hiring Murphy. The board questioned what patients would think of a doctor who would struggle to express empathy.
Much of the national emphasis about autism awareness has been on children. "The Good Doctor" is rare in its portrayal of an adult with autism in the workplace.
Noreen Flynn of Coopersburg, Pa., whose son has Asperger's syndrome, says, "If you're hiring someone or working with someone with autism, take a minute to talk to them. They are very intelligent and can you learn a lot from them, and they can learn from you.'
Some have expressed concern that the character paints only one picture of autism. Autism spectrum disorder is a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.
"This is one person's view of autism, "Goring says. "It may not have anything to do with the way autism manifests itself for someone else."
Executive producer Kim bought the rights to the Korean series "Good Doctor" and pitched it for an American series.
Kim, who starred in the TV series "Lost" and "Hawaii Five-o," is a leading advocate for more diverse characters on TV shows and movies.
He doesn't apologize that "The Good Doctor" has been criticized for being overly sentimental. "It actually makes me feel prouder of the show to know that we can still aspire, we can still hope, we can still find heroes that are pure...," Kim told The Hollywood Reporter. "I've read some criticism of 'The Good Doctor' that says it's overly sweet and syrupy. I'll take that criticism, given the world that we live in."
Basara says "The Good Doctor" gives the public the chance to learn more about autism. And it shows how people with autism can be functional members of society.
"The more that people understand autism, the better off it will be for my son going forward,' Basara says.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- WORLD SERIES, EAGLES
* The Dodgers evened the World Series last night at 3 games apiece. They play decisive Game 7 tonight in Los Angeles.
LA has to be favored at home. It will be all hand son deck tonight. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clayton Kershaw throw a few innings. You can rest all winter. This one is for all the marbles.
Chase Utley finally made a difference in the series, snagging a line drive and getting hit by a pitch and scoring the ultimately winning run in the 6th inning.
The normally passive LA crowd were nuts and loud. My heart is with the Astros, especially after the floods this year. I hate the thought of Magic Johnson and all of those celebrities and lukewarm, bandwagon-jumping fans getting a championship
I did pick the Dodgers to win it all back in spring training. Game 7 in any sports series is nerve-wracking and fun. History happens tonight.
***************************************************************************
* Fall-out from the big trade yesterday involving former Miami running back Jay Ajati coming to the Eagles for a fourth round draft pick. I still love the deal. It helps the Birds for their stretch-run push for the playoffs, but this move is good for the future too. LaGarrett Blount is on a one-year contract. Wendell Smallwood is carrying the ball less. Corey Clement is still young. So, Ajayi could become the feature back in 2018.
He is still on his rookie contract so he under the Eagles' control, with a lot to prove. First, proving the Dolphin management they are wrong for trading him, and playing for his second big contract.
Ayjayi rushed for over 1,200 yards in 2016, including three 200-yard games. He wasn't thrown to out of the backfield much in Miami, but he was a good receiver in college.
Another reason for getting Ajayi was to block Dallas from getting him. The Cowboys are now without Zeke Elliot for the next six games Ajayi to the Cowboys would've hurt.
If he is an attitude problem, the Eagles' tight lockeroom will lay down the law. All in all, a great deal by Howie Rossman.
I'm still concerned about the offensive line, but maybe Howie will sign some depth down the road.
* There's a rumor that the Eagles will pla yin London in 2018. They are one of a handful of NFL teams that haven;t made the trek to England yet. As long as they don't take a home game away from Philadelphia, I'm OK with it.
LA has to be favored at home. It will be all hand son deck tonight. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clayton Kershaw throw a few innings. You can rest all winter. This one is for all the marbles.
Chase Utley finally made a difference in the series, snagging a line drive and getting hit by a pitch and scoring the ultimately winning run in the 6th inning.
The normally passive LA crowd were nuts and loud. My heart is with the Astros, especially after the floods this year. I hate the thought of Magic Johnson and all of those celebrities and lukewarm, bandwagon-jumping fans getting a championship
I did pick the Dodgers to win it all back in spring training. Game 7 in any sports series is nerve-wracking and fun. History happens tonight.
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* Fall-out from the big trade yesterday involving former Miami running back Jay Ajati coming to the Eagles for a fourth round draft pick. I still love the deal. It helps the Birds for their stretch-run push for the playoffs, but this move is good for the future too. LaGarrett Blount is on a one-year contract. Wendell Smallwood is carrying the ball less. Corey Clement is still young. So, Ajayi could become the feature back in 2018.
He is still on his rookie contract so he under the Eagles' control, with a lot to prove. First, proving the Dolphin management they are wrong for trading him, and playing for his second big contract.
Ayjayi rushed for over 1,200 yards in 2016, including three 200-yard games. He wasn't thrown to out of the backfield much in Miami, but he was a good receiver in college.
Another reason for getting Ajayi was to block Dallas from getting him. The Cowboys are now without Zeke Elliot for the next six games Ajayi to the Cowboys would've hurt.
If he is an attitude problem, the Eagles' tight lockeroom will lay down the law. All in all, a great deal by Howie Rossman.
I'm still concerned about the offensive line, but maybe Howie will sign some depth down the road.
* There's a rumor that the Eagles will pla yin London in 2018. They are one of a handful of NFL teams that haven;t made the trek to England yet. As long as they don't take a home game away from Philadelphia, I'm OK with it.
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