9/11: A Day America Will Never Forget

Written by: Frank Iacono

I can’t believe that September 11, 2011, marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic attacks perpetuated against the United States on September 11, 2001 (a.k.a. 9/11, September 11 attacks, September 11, September 11th). This horrific tragedy, coordinated by the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, killed nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans and left an indelible mark on our country and the world. This cowardly jihadist organization changed what was once a beautiful September morning surrounded by blue skies and sunshine into America’s darkest day.

Today, as we reflect on the despicable actions of al-Qaeda and bin Laden, we recall with deep sadness those people who lost their lives. The attacks took place from approximately 8:46 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ET and featured 19 al-Qaeda terrorists, who hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners. Like millions of fellow Americans, I too remember exactly where I was and what I was doing during this appalling period of destruction. The aforementioned hijackers intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a complex of seven buildings that opened on April 4, 1973, in Lower Manhattan, killing everyone on board as well as others who were working in the towers. American Airlines Flight 11 was crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower while United Airlines Flight 175 was crashed into the South Tower. Within two hours, both buildings collapsed destroying nearby buildings and damaging others.

Another group of hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania. This plane was redirected toward Washington, D.C. but crashed as a result of the heroic passengers and flight crew who attempted to retake control of the plane. There were no survivors from any of these flights. Out of the disasters in New York, Washington, DC, and western Pennsylvania, on that day we emerged a mournful, but united nation.

As former President Ronald Reagan once said, ‎”Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have.”

After being placed on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) lists of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists, specifically for his involvement in the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings, Osama bin Laden remained in hiding during three U.S. presidential administrations. From 2001 to 2011, bin Laden was the major target of the War on Terror, with a US $25 million bounty by the FBI. Then, on May 2, 2011, after years at large, bin Laden was shot and killed inside a private residential compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, by U.S. Navy SEALs and CIA operatives in a covert operation ordered by United States President Barack Obama. Shortly after his death, bin Laden’s body was buried at sea.

Now, let’s pause with the rest of the world to remember those who lost their lives on that horrendous day as well as pray for the victim’s families and friends. We should also take a moment to acknowledge and thank the men and women who protect and serve our communities and defend the freedoms of the United States every day.

Let us never forget.

God Bless You! And, God Bless America!

Wrestling Legend Randy “Macho Man” Savage Dies at Age 58

By: Frank Iacono

Randall Mario Poffo, better known to the wrestling world by his ring name Randy “Macho Man” Savage, died on Friday, May 20, 2011, in a single vehicle automobile accident. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred at approximately 9:25 a.m. while the wrestling legend was driving his Jeep Wrangler on a street in Seminole, Florida — a town on the Pinellas County side of the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Poffo was 58.

According to the report, the out of control Jeep veered over the raised concrete median divider, crossed over the eastbound lanes and then crashed head-on into a tree, killing “Macho Man” Randy Savage. This report was later confirmed by Poffo’s brother, Lanny Poffo who also served as a wrestler under that ring names of “The Genius” and “Leaping Lanny Poffo.” Police said that Mr. Poffo may have suffered a “medical event” before the accident occurred but they did not elaborate. In order to determine the official cause of death an autopsy will be performed but toxicology results could take up to 4-6 weeks to be completed.

The report also stated that Mr. Poffo didn’t strike any other vehicles during the accident, and the only other occupant in his Jeep was a woman. She was later identified as Randy’s wife, Barbara Lynn Poffo, age 56. Thankfully, Mrs. Poffo suffered only minor injuries in the crash.

Both Randy and his wife were wearing seat belts — which likely saved her life and may have saved his had there been no other medical issues complicating the situation.

During the 1980s, Mr. Poffo defined the larger-than-life personalities of the then World Wrestling Federation (WWF) now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and helped build the WWF into a mainstream phenomenon. Randy, known for his raspy voice and “Oooh Yeah!” catch phrase, wore rainbow colored cowboy hats, bandanas or head bands, sequined robes bejeweled with his name “Macho Man” on the back, oversized sunglasses, and walked to the ring with his valet Miss Elizabeth. “Macho Man” was under contract with the WWE from 1985 to 1993 and held both the WWF and Intercontinental Championships. He later wrestled in Ted Turner’s now defunct World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as well as Jeff Jarrett’s Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling.

In December of 1984, Randy married Elizabeth Hulette (a.k.a. Miss Elizabeth). The couple divorced on September 18, 1992. Hulette later began a relationship with another professional wrestler and football player named Lawrence Wendell Pfohl who was better known as Lex Luger. Miss Elizabeth died at the young age of 42 from a drug and alcohol overdose in 2003 at the home she shared with Luger. Poffo had no animosity towards Luger, and felt that Elizabeth brought about her own death due to her drug use.

In the mid-to-late 1990s, Randy served as the celebrity spokesman for Slim Jim snack foods. His famous catch phrase in the ads was “Snap into a Slim Jim, Oooh Yeah!”

I loved watching Randy “Macho Man” Savage wrestle. “Macho Man” was a true legend and icon in the ring with his charismatic personality and signature Flying Elbow Drop (a.k.a. Savage Elbow Drop). I predict that he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2012.

Following the tragic death of Randy “Macho Man” Savage many of his close friends and colleagues paid tribute to this wrestling superstar:

• World Wrestling Entertainment: “Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. We wish a speedy recovery to his wife.”
• Hulk Hogan: “I’m completely devastated, after over 10 years of not talking with Randy, we’ve finally started to talk and communicate. We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the ten years of having no communication. This was a tough one. I just pray that Randy’s happy and in a better place and we miss him.”
• Kevin Nash: “Lost a close friend today. If anybody in heaven is wondering who the cat in the ugly cowboy hat is its Randy. Love you Bro. There will never be another!”
• Mick Foley: “I just heard the sad news about the “Macho Man”. Randy Savage was one of my favorite performers, and my heart goes out to his loved ones.”
• Jeff Jarrett: “His madness. Randy is gone, but will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are w the entire Poffo family.”
• Christian: “Sad to hear about “Macho Man” Randy Savage. I only met him once briefly. No doubt one of the best and influenced so many performers you see today RIP!”
• Honky Tonk Man: “Such sad news fans. We are lost for words. He was one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time!”
• Tommy Dreamer: “Randy Savage was the 1st person I saw pile drive someone thru a table. Thanks 4 all the memories.”
• Trish Stratus: “Rest in peace Randy-my first inspiration in the ring. My prayers and condolences go out to the Savage family.”
• Eric Bischoff: “Very sad to hear the news about Randy Savage. Randy was as passionate about the wrestling business, as intense of a performer and as honest of a person as anyone I have had the privilege of working with. He will be missed. Randy loved his family deeply and my thoughts and prayers are with them.”
• Jim Ross: “Just heard “Macho Man” died this morning of a heart attack while driving his vehicle in Tampa. My condolences go out to all Randy Savage fans and family!”

During the week of May 23rd, both the WWE and TNA will hold televised tributes for Randy “Macho Man” Savage during Monday Night Raw and Impact Wrestling respectfully. “Oooh Yeah!”

What Can You Do to Support Earth Day 2011?

Written by: Frank Iacono

Today, Friday, April 22, 2011, marks the 41st Anniversary of Earth Day. So, when was the first Earth Day? Well, it’s hard to believe that it was on April 22, 1970, that we first celebrated Earth Day. So, who started it? It all began behind the support of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin who wanted to use this as a nationwide environmental tech-in day.

Earth Day 1970 featured a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, tycoons and labor leaders, and city slickers and farmer. Additionally, the first Earth Day also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Earth Day has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. For example, Payless ShoeSource held a recycling drive at their office this past week. They collected old electronics and more than 1,000 pairs of shoes and donated them to Souls4Soles. To celebrate Earth Day 2011, Starbucks is offering free cups of iced or hot coffee to customers who bring their own reusable mugs at locations across the U.S. and Canada.

So, What Can You Do?

In support of Earth Day 2011, I encourage you to participate by:

• Using social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube as well as emailing your family, friends, and business colleagues to spread the word about Earth Day
• Finding an alternative means of transportation such as biking, walking, mass transit or carpooling
• Taking the stairs instead of elevators
• Turning off all electrical devices such as televisions and radios when not in use
• Turning off all lights when not in use
• Purchasing Energy Star rated appliances
• Finding ways to use water more efficiently
• Taking shorter showers
• Lowering hot water heaters
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• Plant a tree

Remember that together we can make a difference!

Crankin Frank Meets A Snowy Egret

By: Frank Iacono

The Snowy Egret (a.k.a. Egretta thula) is a small white heron. The Snowy Egret is the American counterpart to the very similar Old World Little Egret, which has established a foothold in the Bahamas.

The Snowy Egret is an all-white species. It has a medium long S-shaped neck, beautiful plume, black bill with yellow around the eyes, and dark legs with bright yellow feet.

At one time, the population of the Snowy Egret was reduced to dangerously low levels as the beautiful plumes were in great demand by market hunters who used them as decorations for women’s hats. Now the Snowy Egret is protected in the USA by law, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and thus this bird’s population has rebounded.

The Snowy Egret will roost and nest in colonies in trees near freshwater, saltwater bays, and brackish habitats. It sustains itself by feeding on small fish and other small vertebrates as well as invertebrates caught by stalking its prey. They have also been known to they hunt along the muddy edges of waterways by stirring the mud with their bright yellow feet to flush out any victims. They will take half a step then shake those yellow toes and wait to see if any fish comes over to investigate the ‘yellow worms’ — this step-shake-pause and step-shake-pause style of hunting is unique to the Snowy Egret.

Below, please find five photos of a Snowy Egret I met in North Wildwood, NJ.

Opening Day 2011 for Major League Baseball

By: Frank Iacono

What is Opening Day?

Opening Day marks the beginning of a new Major League Baseball season. To baseball enthusiasts, Opening Day not only represents a fresh start for all 30 major league baseball teams but unites millions of fans from around the country. As a child, I waited all winter-long for pitchers and catchers to report to spring training because it meant that the start of the grapefruit league games were not too far away. As an adult, I still get excited about opening day as it carries with it a sense of rejuvenation and rebirth. Joseph Paul “Joe” DiMaggio (a.k.a. Joltin’ Joe and The Yankee Clipper) once said, “You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

Twelve Major League Baseball teams are scheduled to usher in Opening Day 2011 on Thursday, March 30th including the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants who battle the Los Angeles Dodgers. Other National League games feature the Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals. American League games include the Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees and California Angels at Kansas City Royals.

2011 Major League Baseball Season Preview

As the 2011 Major League Baseball season starts there are several very interesting stories and questions that are sure to make this season a “must watch” for all baseball fans. For instance, will the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series; will the Cincinnati Reds win the NL Central; will the Boston Red Sox win the AL East over the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees; will Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins be concussion-free; will the Texas Rangers return to the playoffs; and will the San Francisco Giants repeat as champions?

Here are my predictions for the upcoming season:

National League

EAST
1. Philadelphia Phillies
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Florida Marlins
4. New York Mets
5. Washington Nationals
 
CENTRAL
1. Cincinnati Reds
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates

WEST
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Colorado Rockies
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. San Diego Padres
5. Arizona Diamondbacks

National League Wildcard: Colorado Rockies
National League Champion: Philadelphia Phillies

American League

EAST
1. Boston Red Sox
2. New York Yankees
3. Tampa Bay Rays
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Baltimore Orioles

CENTRAL
1. Minnesota Twins
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Detroit Tigers
4. Cleveland Indians
5. Kansas City Royals

WEST
1. Texas Rangers
2. Los Angeles Angels
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners

American League Wildcard: New York Yankees
American League Champion: Boston Red Sox

2011 World Series Champion: Philadelphia Phillies

Have Customers Evolve With Your Products Through Web-based Surveys

By: Frank Iacono

As people grow and change occupations, industries, and preferences they look for products that meet their shifting needs. Understanding this evolution and implementing ways to capture and correlate this quantifiable information will prove invaluable to your strategic product planning and marketing.

How to Capture Information?

The easiest way to capture important marketing data from your customers is via web surveys. Web-based surveys are having a profound influence on survey methodology. In fact, many believe that the Internet has truly democratized the survey-taking process. Why? Because web surveys are inexpensive, quick to administer, allow companies to ask specific questions all while gathering important data faster than was ever possible in the past. Your customer’s opinions will yield results and powerful ammunition crucial for your company’s products and services.

Making the Connection

Web-based connections between customers and your company’s products and services place the customer at the core of the product life cycle quickly, easily, and impulsively. Equally as important as automating your marketing process – as opposed to organized focus groups and face-to-face interviews – is reaching your customers and intimately uniting them with your products and future plans. Compared to the more traditional print survey, web-based surveys let individuals respond instinctively and at their leisure.

Advantages of Web-based Surveys

There are many advantages to using web-based surveys over print. In Elaine Zanutto’s book entitled Web & E-mail Surveys she described many of these advantages. Among the advantages cited were:

• Faster response rates
• Easier to send reminders to participants
• Easier to process data, since responses could be downloaded to a spreadsheet, data analysis package, or a database
• Dynamic error checking capability
• Option of putting questions in random order
• The ability to make complex skip pattern questions easier to follow
• The inclusion of pop-up instructions for selected questions
• The use of drop-down boxes

Designing Online Surveys

As previously mentioned, many companies or marketers fail to take advantage of web surveys. In other cases, some have used this method to capture data but have used poorly designed surveys. Here are some quick tips to ensure that your web survey is getting the right results:

• Focus on only the most important questions
• Keep the total number of questions to 15 or fewer
• Limit the number of screens respondents have to navigate through
• Use no more than 10 minutes of each respondent’s time and state the amount of time needed to complete the survey upfront
• Offer an incentive to entice the respondent to take the survey that directly relates to the product you are asking them to evaluate

Survey Companies

• ClassApps
• CreateSurvey
• Formstack
• SurveyGizmo
• SurveyMonkey
• ZapSurvey
• Zommerang

Everybody Wins

Customers who contribute to the development of a company’s product line will more likely remain loyal. Obviously, shortened time-to-market remains the value proposition here, but companies will sharpen their competitive edge if they bring better products to market faster. In fact, inviting customers into your product planning and asking them to share their thoughts and opinions will most likely entice them to buy more of your products that they help build. And why not involve the people who benefit the most from new and improved products? A web-based survey is a great way to do it. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Former Buffalo Sabres Great Rick Martin Dies in Single-Car Accident

By: Frank Iacono

Rick Martin, a former National Hockey League (NHL) star with the Buffalo Sabres, died this past weekend in a single-car accident. The accident occurred on Main Street in a Buffalo suburb of Clarence, New York. Mr. Martin was 59.

During the 1970s, Mr. Martin was one-third of the most fabled line in Sabres team history known as the “French Connection.” The “French Connection” line featured fellow French-Canadians and NHL stars Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert. Mr. Martin’s 382 career goals with the Sabres ranks second on the all-time team list.

Following the accident, Mr. Martin was extracted from his vehicle by a bystander who saw the incident. That bystander along with another unnamed person and a state trooper performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until rescue workers arrived on the scene. Mr. Martin was then transported to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo, NY where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:48 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2011, by New York State Police Captain Steven A. Nigrelli. Captain Nigrelli mentioned that an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of the accident, but early speculation is that he may have suffered a heart attack just prior to the crash.

Mr. Martin didn’t strike any other vehicles during the accident, and the only other occupant in his sedan was his dog, a German shepherd, which survived. Nigrelli mentioned that witnesses spotted Mr. Martin’s car crossing the center line on the road, rolling along the shoulder and striking a utility pole. Witnesses also noted that they noticed that Mr. Martin’s head was slumped and his eyes were closed right before the crash.

Lindy Ruff, a former teammate and current coach of the Buffalo Sabres, said, “It’s tough when you lose anybody, and we lost a real good person today. It’s a tough one to take.”

The high-flying “French Connection” line was most recently reunited last month prior to a Sabres home game versus the Atlanta Thrashers. The trio took to the ice during a welcome ceremony introducing Terry Pegula, the franchises new owner. Unfortunately, that reunion turned out to be Martin’s final appearance.

Pegula said, “We had a lot of plans in the future for these guys. Now we’ve got an empty chair, but it will be there.”

Prior to yesterday’s home game versus the Ottawa Senators, the Sabres honored Mr. Martin with a video tribute on the center ice scoreboard.

On Monday, March 15, 2011, an autopsy was performed on Mr. Martin and they determined that the former Sabres star forward died of hypertensive heart disease.

Hurricanes Honor Former Captain Rod Brind’Amour

By: Frank Iacono

Prior to Friday night’s matchup on February 18, 2011, between the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC, the Canes officially retired Roderic Jean “Rod” Brind’Amour’s No. 17 in front of a thunderous crowd. Brind’Amour, who played 21 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes, captained the Canes to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship on June 19, 2006.

Before the game during warm-ups players from both teams honored Brind’Amour by wearing jerseys with his No. 17 and his name on the back. And, before the game, Flyers captain Mike Richards presented Brind’Amour with a crystal Tiffany piece.

During the ceremony Brind’Amour brought the crowd to their feet to honor his brilliant, gutsy career. He was articulate, funny, and touching. On numerous occasions, Brind’Amour wiped away tears from his eyes. After praising many people associated with the Hurricanes organization, he thanked the Flyers for bringing him to Philadelphia at a young age in a trade from the Blues following the 1990–91 season. He also saluted the Flyers fans for “instilling passion” in him. He also said, “I bled orange and black and that day I was traded was the worst day of my life. So it’s special to have the Flyers here for this moment because I had so many great memories in Philadelphia. I’m grateful to the Hurricanes for picking this night.”

However, it wasn’t until Brind’Amour thanked current Flyers coach Peter Laviolette for directing his 2006 team to the Stanley Cup that he received the loudest ovation from the crowd. Brind’Amour reminded Laviolette that “it took you a while to warm up to me – about a year.” But, when he did he watched Brind’Amour score a league-leading 12 playoff goals which culminated with a Game 7 victory over Edmonton in the Stanley Cup final.

During his playing career Brind’Amour, who was originally drafted 9th overall in 1988 by the St. Louis Blues, played in the 43rd NHL All-Star Game held at the Spectrum in Philadelphia on January 18, 1992. Brind’Amour’s best season came during the 1993-1994 season as a member of the Flyers organization when he scored 35 goals and had 62 assists for 97 points. He was honored twice with the Frank J. Selke Trophy award in 2005-06 and 2006-07. This trophy is awarded annually to the NHL forward who best demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.

After 21 years in the NHL, Brind’Amour retired as a player at the end of the 2009-2010 season having played 1,484 career NHL games. He finished with 452 goals and 732 assists for 1,184 total points. In Hurricanes franchise history, Brind’Amour is second with 299 assists, fourth in points with 473 and fourth in games played with 694.

Brind’Amour has three children from his first marriage: a daughter named Briley and two sons named Skyler and Reece. Brind’Amour was married for the second time on July 10, 2010, to Amy, a native of Raleigh, NC.

During the summer of 2010, when Brind’Amour officially retired from the NHL he said, “I feel very, very, very fortunate to have played as long as I have” but the truth is that the league and the teams in which he played for were very fortunate to have seen him play. Today, Brind’Amour works for Hurricanes team management as a director of forwards development.

Dream On: The Steven Tyler American Idol Experience

By: Frank Iacono

It’s time for optimistic contestants from around the country to “Come Together” and step onto the grandest stage and “Lay It Down” while new judges “Draw The Line” in hopes of finding the next great pop superstar. So, “Get A Grip” and “Walk This Way” as we embark on one “Crazy” journey which is sure to leave some “Jaded,” some “Crying” and others going “Round and Round.” “Just Push Play” and “Let The Music Do The Talking” as we “Dream On” alongside these wacky competitors. Welcome to Season 10. I’m Ryan Seacrest. And, this is American Idol.

What Does It All Mean, Ryan?

So, what do all the songs listed above have to do with Season 10 of American Idol (AI)? Well, on September 22, 2010, Fox confirmed that Steven Tyler, the legendary front man and lead singer of the prominent Boston-based rock band named Aerosmith who performs the aforementioned songs, would join AI as a member of the judging panel for the program’s tenth season. Tyler, replacing Simon Cowell, would sit alongside returning judge Randy Jackson and newly added actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, fashion designer and television producer Jennifer Lopez who was replacing Ellen Degeneres and Kara Dioguardi.

Tyler, the “Demon of Screamin’,” equally known for his on-stage acrobatics and wearing bright, colorful outfits with trademark scarves was selected as a judge for his flamboyant personality and outrageous behavior.  To say he has been nothing short of sensational so far would be an understatement. To illustrate, Seacrest recently announced on his radio show that Tyler has been a “homeroom.” In other words, Tyler has single-handedly saved the show since the departure of Cowell, the blunt and often controversial British judge who was filled with criticisms, insults and wisecracks.

Does Tyler Get Support from Fellow Aerosmith Band Members?

Aerosmith’s guitarist Joe Perry recently told the Calgary Herald during an interview, “it’s his business, but I don’t want Aerosmith’s name involved with [American Idol]. We have nothing to do with it. [Idol] is a reality show designed to get people to watch that station and sell advertising… It’s one step above Ninja Turtles.”

Aerosmith’s other guitarist Brad Whitford recently told the Boston Herald that he felt Tyler’s new AI gig can only be a good thing for the band by saying, “it’s going to expand our audience, for sure.” And, that “people who would never think about seeing Aerosmith might change their minds after seeing him on TV.”

What Are Other Rock Artists Saying?

Kid Rock commented against Tyler joining the judging trio by saying, “[Steven] is a sacred American institution of rock ‘n’ roll, and he just threw it all out the window, [He] just stomped on it and set it on fire. We should bring back the guillotine, or whatever they call that thing. And if [Steven made the decision] himself, he needs some serious counseling. I love him to death, but I gotta speak the truth.”

Gene Simmons of KISS, who performed two songs with runner-up Adam Lambert in Season 8’s finale, chimed in supporting Tyler’s decision to join AI by tweeting on his Twitter account: “To all naysayers out there, Steven Tyler will rock @AmericanIdol… and bring some real credibility to it.”

What Impact Has American Idol Had on Aerosmith’s Record Sales?

Prior to the premiere of AI’s Season 10 on January 19th, Aerosmith’s catalog sales were on the decline, selling fewer than 1,000 copies a week. That number has swelled to well over 2,000 per release. According to Nielsen SoundScan, sales of the band’s Greatest Hits collections have shot up more than 250%. Additionally, Aerosmith’s 1994 compilation Big Ones, saw increased sales of 260% after the show’s premiere. Likewise, 2004’s Devil’s Got a New Disguise: The Very Best of Aerosmith, saw a spike of 146% after week 2 of AI. Two more Greatest Hits collections registered surges of 137% and 147%.

The Verdict!

So, what have we learned? AI replaced Simon Cowell, Ellen Degeneres, and Kara Dioguardi after Season 9 with icons Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez and the future once again appears bright for FOX. Joe Perry and Kid Rock disagreed with Tyler’s decision to join the cast and they were dead wrong. Brad Whitford and Gene Simmons agreed with his choice and so far he has hit a “homerun.” With this amazing success, I would love to ask Joe Perry what he is thinking. Personally, I think this qualifies as a big-time pucker up moment.  Maye we’ll call this magical experience Honkin’ On Bobo. Long Live Steven Tyler and Long Live Aerosmith!

The History and Game of Bocce Ball

By: Frank Iacono

Did you know that throwing balls toward a target is the oldest known game to mankind? In fact, it was as early as 5000 B.C. that the Egyptians played a form of today’s well known game of Bocce using polished rocks. By 800 B.C. the game made its way to Greece. The Romans picked up the game from the Greeks, and from there it spread throughout the Roman Empire. In 1576, the Republic of Venice outlawed the game, punishing players with fines and prison. The Catholic Church then condemned Bocce Ball by proclaiming it a form of gambling.

So, What is Bocce?

Bocce (a.k.a. bocci, boccia, and bocha,) is a ball sport belonging to the boules sport family, closely related to bowls and pétanque with a common ancestry from ancient games. This ancient game, whose modern adaptation most closely resembles a sport like bowling, requires skill, strategy and just a little lady luck.

Where Can Bocce Be Played?

Today, Bocce Ball is a highly popular sport among seniors but younger people also enjoy playing this accuracy game too. On a beautiful day, Bocce Ball can be played on a variety of surfaces including Bocce Ball courts, grassy like backyards and public parks, sandy like beaches and paved liked parking lots. To make the game more challenging, you should try playing in a large area such as a Bocce Ball court or a surface with hills or slopes. An actual Bocce Ball court measures 76 feet long and 12 feet wide. You may be interested in playing Bocce Ball competitively, or you might just want to play a friendly game in your backyard. No matter your level of competition, the rules of Bocce Ball are relatively basic, and allow you to start playing and enjoying this wonderful game within just a few minutes.

The Legend of Fanny

Between 1860 and 1870 in Lyon, France the sport of Bocce Ball experienced what is known as The Legend of Fanny. Fanny was not known as a player, but rather a girl who would expose her backside to the losers of the match. The losers would then be obliged to kiss it in defeat! Today, it is still very common for clubs to have a picture or sculpture of Fanny thus providing something to kiss for anyone who loses a match without scoring a single point. This is otherwise known as the Bocce Ball Hall of Shame: Pucker-Up.

The Italian Connection

The first Italian Bocce League was formed in 1947 and thanks to many Italian immigrants at the turn of the century this ball sport has come to flourish in many countries including here in the United States.

So, How Do You Play Bocce?

Bocce Ball is played using eight large color balls and one smaller ball, referred to as a Pallino, Boccino or Jack. A game can be conducted between two players, or two teams of two or four. Based on the number of players, the large color balls are divided evenly.

The object of Bocce Ball is to score the most points by ending each individual frame with your color balls closest to the Pallino. A coin toss usually determines who will play first. To start the match, a randomly selected person throws the Pallino at least halfway down the designated playing area. The same person who tossed the Pallino then throws one Bocce Ball trying to get it as close to the Pallino as possible.

The next team then throws one of their color balls trying to get closer than the first team. If Team Two gets closer, then it is Team One’s turn. If Team Two’s ball does not come closer then Team One’s they will continue to throw their balls until they get a color ball closer to the Pallino or until they run out of balls. Then Team One throws the reminder of their bocce balls. To increase your frame score, simply knock your opponent’s balls away from the Pallino.

The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that are closer to the Pallino than the closest ball of the other team. Start a new frame by electing a new person to throw out the Pallino and the first bocce ball. A game is won by a team or a player who reaches either 7 or 13 points. Play as many frames as necessary until a player reaches the agreed upon point total.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the history and game of Bocce Ball. I invite you to play this highly popular outdoor activity but advise that you stay away from The Legend of Fanny.