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Susan Boyle has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, the Scottish singer said in an interview with the U.K. newspaper The Observer.
A developmental disorder on the milder end of the autism spectrum, Asperger’s syndrome affects social interaction and communication skills.
As a child, Boyle, now 52, suffered from learning disabilities she was told resulted from oxygen deprivation at birth. A year ago, she sought the advice of a specialist who determined she had an-above average IQ.
“I was told I had brain damage. It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid,” she told the Observer.
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Leonardo DiCaprio is getting into the race-car business — electric race cars, that is. The Oscar-nominated actor announced Monday he's partnering with Venturi Automobiles and will enter a team in the FIA Formula E Championship, which is the first series exclusively for electric cars.
In a statement, DiCaprio said the future depends on “fuel-efficient, clean-energy vehicles” and he was proud to be a part of the series. The Venturi Grand Prix Formula E Team will also have as its co-founders Bert Hedaya, Francesco Costa and Gildo Pallanca Pastor, founder of Venturi Automobiles.
FIA still has to approve Venturi’s entry. The races begin in September 2014, with Beijing, London and Los Angeles expected to be on the schedule.
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The daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy will be making her New York stage debut next month in the Greek tragedy "Antigone." Kick Kennedy will play the title role in Sophocles' timeless play about a woman willing to die to defend her family's honor. Performances at The Storm Theatre Company's stage at The Church of Notre Dame on 114th Street begin Jan. 10.
Kennedy, who has been on TV in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Gossip Girl” and “The Newsroom,” also shares her family’s passion for environmentalism and advocates for clean water worldwide.
The 24-year-old will be directed by Peter Dobbins, artistic director of The Storm Theatre. The play explores the roles of fate, virtue and loyalty to the state.
Associated Press
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Chad Stuart of Chad and Jeremy is 72. Actress-singer Gloria Loring is 67. Drummer Walter "Clyde" Orange of The Commodores is 67. Singer Ralph Tavares of Tavares is 65. Singer Jessica Cleaves of Friends of Distinction is 65. Country singer Johnny Rodriguez is 62. Actress Susan Dey is 61. Musician Paul Hardcastle is 56. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 53. Actress Nia Peeples is 52. TV chef Bobby Flay is 49. Singer-guitarist J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. is 48. Country singer Kevin Sharp is 43. Bassist Scot Alexander of Dishwalla is 42. Drummer Meg White of The White Stripes is 39. Bassist Noah Harmon of Airborne Toxic Event is 32. Actress Raven-Symone is 28.
associated press
