Tuesday, July 31, 2007, 10:41 PM // 1 comments

Happy 4th Birthday Michael Altobelli

Cousin Harry Altobello's Video Birthday Card



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Wednesday, July 18, 2007, 8:12 PM // 7 comments

My Uncle Jimmy Ferrante

My Uncle Jimmy died this week. After a battle with cancer he passed at the age of 83 surrounded by his family. Uncle Jimmy (aka James W. Ferrante) was my great-grandmother's oldest son and my grandmother's brother.

Uncle Jimmy was something of a celebrity in our family. He lived in Guam and would visit the East Coast once or twice every ten years or so. Every time he showed up it was an event. The whole family would converge to my great-grandmother's house to see Uncle Jimmy and hear about what exciting things was going on in his life. From what I can gather, Jimmy was a jack of all trades and master of none. Ask a any member of the family about what Uncle Jimmy did for a living and you'd hear a different answer. He was baker, an entrepreneur, a small-business owner, an importer-exporter, a boxing commissioner, and a butter sculptor.

As a kid I didn't care what he did. All I knew was he wore fancy clothes, drove expensive cars, and gave us presents. As an adult I learned that when he did come to visit he'd leave my grandmother with $300 phone bills and the presents he gave us were nothing more that gifts he received from liquor distributors. I also learned that some even questioned the validity of his stories. Frankly, I don't care. Whatever the truth may be, no one will ever deny the fact that when Uncle Jimmy showed up it brightened up our every day lives. He brought excitement and a sense of real accomplishment and pride to our Italian family. But even more so, when Jimmy came to town he brought the family together and we ate and laughed and ate some more.

Rest in peace Uncle Jimmy and thank you for the Member's Only jacket.

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Remembering Jimmy Ferrante
KUAM takes a look back at the accomplishments and life of the former Guam boxing commissioner.

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Guam boxing's Ferrante dies
By Nicholas Quinata
For Pacific Daily News , visit link


Guam has lost one of its most influential and well-respected members of the athletic community with Monday's passing of the 84-year-old chairman of the Guam Boxing Commission, Jimmy Ferrante. Be it resurrecting pugilism or fostering a culture of excellence for all athletic events, his mark will be felt for years after his death.

A product of the ethnically diverse steel mill community in Youngstown, Ohio, Ferrante was headed for a childhood full of trouble. Fortunately, at the age of 9, a police officer known to the boy as Officer Traffican introduced him to the world of boxing. The young Ferrante formed a passion for the noble art, which he spread for 60-plus years on the island.

"He liked boxing because it is a man's sport, because it's a way of survival. You know, guys like Rocky Marciano and Joe Lewis. The sport taught individuals to survive and overcome challenges," said friend and owner of Saralu's Boxing Team of Champions, Jose Saralu.

Arriving on Guam in 1944 as part of a U.S. military construction battalion, he proudly served during World War II. Before fighting in Iwo Jima, the then-21-year-old Ferrante fell in love with future wife Kitty Tenorio (who he would go on to marry in 1946). Ferrante was a heavyweight champion while in the military. Going under the nickname "Blackie," his wife still referred to him by the name even in his twilight years.

Guam became his new adopted home and he wasted no time bringing professional athletes to the island. Friends of Ferrante heard his countless stories of how he produced athletes such as Joe Lewis and Joe DiMaggio on Guam. "He was always bringing up those stories," said Saralu.

He quickly fell in love with the island and successfully fought to bring boxing up to par with the rest of the United States. As boxing commissioner in his later years, Ferrante fought a final uphill battle to bring boxing back to the prominence it formerly possessed on the Guam. "He was hell bent on getting boxing back on Guam," said Kontenda's Gym owner Brant McCreadie.

Events such as the First Amateur Boxing Classic 2004 were created by Ferrante to develop a ranking system for local fighters and eventually have them participate in the Olympics. He had a hand in jumpstarting boxing gyms in and around the island and was a leader in showing the MMA promoters how to put on an event and prepare the sport for future growth.

"He had a lot of Guam pride and he didn't want to set our standards lower than anywhere else," said Roman Dela Cruz, a representative for Fury MMA. One such example was his adoption of the strict event standards of the Nevada Boxing Commission. "He really saw our potential to grow as a big-timer and made it so we're ready if we get into that field," added Dela Cruz.

The final boxing event Ferrante had his hand in planning will take place August 18. "I'm sorry that Ferrante won't get to be at the event," said Saralu.

Be it in the future, the renewed interest of boxing on Guam or the hand he had in shaping the MMA events that are so prevalent today, Ferrante's actions will continue to be felt and appreciated by the athletes and spectators of the island.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 9:25 PM // 0 comments

South Jersey Violin Shop

Introducing riccardisviolinshop.com

I just built a new site for my friend Rob. It's a website for a his violin repair shop. If you or anyone you know needs violin, viola, bass repair or restoration make sure you call Riccardi's Violin Shop - riccardisviolinshop.com



Listen / Download:
Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Summer

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Sunday, July 15, 2007, 2:25 PM // 1 comments

Tear Down The Vet

The Implosion of Veterans Stadium

I created this from some footage I shot the day Veterans Stadium imploded.


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Wednesday, July 11, 2007, 10:24 PM // 0 comments

Songs in The Key of Harry

Go On Laugh, Stevie Will Never See It

Harry Mose Altobello
Listen / Download:
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

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Monday, July 09, 2007, 8:02 PM // 0 comments

My Brush With Greatness Pt II

Famous People Who Asked Me For My Autograph

Last month I was asked, "Have you ever met anyone famous?" When I was in radio I was asked that question all the time and I was always able to come up with a bunch of names in a short period of time. Last month, it was really hard to come up with a name.

One reason I keep this blog is to keep a digital record of my life. The following list represents about 60 moments in my life when I encountered someone of prominence. So, now the next time someone asks me that question I've got cheat sheet.
    alice-cooper-paul-altobelli
  • Alice Cooper - Musician, snakes, golf
  • arnold-schwarzenegger-paul-altobelli
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger - Body builder, actor, Governor of California (R)
  • Barney Frank - Out of the closet US Congressman (D-MA)
  • bill-bradley-paul-altobelli
  • Bill Bradley - Former basketball player and US Senator
  • Bill Graham - Rock promoter, actor, deceased
  • Billy Dee Williams - Actor, Colt 45 Malt Liquor pitch man, Lando Calrissian
  • Bobcat Goldwait - Comedian, actor, game-show host
  • Brian Wilson - Beach Boys, solo performer, took too much acid
  • Bruce Willis - Actor
  • Bryan Ferry - Roxy Music, solo performer
  • Buster Poindexter/David Johansen - New York Dolls, solo performer, actor
  • Carl Lewis - Olympic gold medallist
  • Chase Utley - Phillies All-Star second baseman
  • Dave Edmunds - Solo performer, Rockpile
  • David Crosby - Byrds, CSN, solo performer, big-time ex-drug addict
  • Dee Snyder - Twisted Sister
  • dick-sargent-paul-altobelli
  • Dick Sargent - Darren Stephens (1969-1972) on "Bewitched", deceased
  • Emo Phillips - Comedian, actor
  • Eric Clapton - aka God
  • Eunice Kennedy - JFK's sister, started the Special Olympics
  • frank-zappa-paul-altobelli
  • Frank Zappa - Mothers of Invention, solo performer, deceased
  • Garth Hudson - Keyboard player for The Band
  • Difford & Tilbrook - Popular writing duo from Squeeze
  • graham-nash-pierre-robert-paul-altobelli
  • Graham Nash - Hollies, Crosby, Stills, Nash, solo performer
  • Gregg Allman - Allman Brothers, solo performer
  • Jersey Joe Walcott - Former heavyweight champ, deceased
  • Jimmy Page - Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, solo performer, session musician
  • Jimmy Rollins - Phillies shortstop
  • Joan Jett - Runaways, solo performer
  • Joey Krammer - Aerosmith drummer
  • John Entwistle - Who bassist, solo performer, deceased
  • John Mellencamp - Solo performer
  • John Sebastion - Lovin Spoonful, sang theme to "Welcome Back Kotter"
  • Julie Nixon Eisenhower - Nixon's daughter married to Ike's grandson, David
  • Maria Shriver - NBC reporter, daughter of a Kennedy, wife of Arnold
  • McLean Stevenson - MASH's Col. Blake, deceased
  • Michael Bolton - Solo performer
  • Mickey Mouse - Do I really have to say
  • Mick Fleetwood - Fleetwood Mac drummer
  • Mike Schmidt - Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame third basemen
  • Mr. T. - The A Team, a lot of gold chains, Mohawk
  • Nancy Walker - Actress, the quicker-picker-up lady, deceased
  • Nick Reynolds - Washington, DC Disc Jockey; Music Director, deceased
  • Paul Carrack - Ace, Squeeze, wrote and sang "How Long," & "Tempted"
  • Paul McCartney - Beatles, Wings, solo performer, deceased?
  • Penn & Teller - Magicians, rip-off artists
  • Peter Frampton - Humble Pie, solo performer
  • Randy Newman - Musician, Academy Award winner
  • Richard Gere - Actor
  • Richie Ashburn - Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame centerfield, deceased
  • Richie Havens - Folk singer
  • Robbie Robertson - The Band's principal songwriter, guitarist
  • Robin Roberts - Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher
  • Ronnie Wood - Jeff Beck Group, Faces, Rolling Stones, solo performer, artist
  • Sgt. Shriver - JFK's brother-in-law, started the Peace Corps
  • Soupy Sales - TV & Radio comedian, actor
  • Southside Johnny - Musician
  • Steve Buscemi - Actor
  • Steve Carlton - Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame pitcher
  • Steve Howe - Yes, Asia, solo performer
  • Wilt Chamberlain - Basketball player, seducer of women, deceased

Wednesday, July 04, 2007, 3:57 PM // 0 comments

Happy 4th of July America!

100 Great Southern Rock Songs

Nuthin' defines America more than southern rock. This music, America's rock and roll, is what I like to listen to on July 4th. I don't know why other than it just fits perfectly with an afternoon barbaque complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, cold beer, apple pie, and waiting for the evening time fireworks. The following list is by no means the definitive 100 Best Southern Rock Songs. The list, however, at least for me, defines what southern rock is all about: honest, dirty, hard working, and all American.
  • Rockin' Into the Night - .38 Special
  • Caught Up In You - .38 Special
  • Hold on Loosely - .38 Special
  • Whipping Post - Allman Brothers Band
  • Statesboro Blues - Allman Brothers Band
  • Come and Go Blues - Allman Brothers Band
  • Jessica - Allman Brothers Band
  • Ramblin' Man - Allman Brothers Band
  • Southbound - Allman Brothers Band
  • Ain't Wasting Time No More - Allman Brothers Band
  • Stand Back - Allman Brothers Band
  • Blue Sky - Allman Brothers Band
  • One Way Out - Allman Brothers Band
  • So Into You - Atlanta Rhythm Section
  • Rag Mama Rag - Band
  • The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - Band
  • Drivin' Nails In My Coffin - Beck
  • Thorn In My Pride - Black Crowes
  • You Don't Miss Your Water - Byrds
  • The Devil Went Down To Gerorgia - Charlie Daniels Band
  • The South's Gonna Do It Again - Charlie Daniels Band
  • Refried Funky Chicken - Dixie Dregs
  • Black Water - Doobie Brothers
  • Goin' Up The Country - Duck And The Bear
  • Fast As You - Dwight Yoakam
  • Comin' Home - Delaney & Bonnie
  • Tuff Enuff - Fabulous Thunderbirds
  • Christine's Tune - Flying Burrito Brothers
  • Sin City - Flying Burrito Brothers
  • Hot Burrito No. 2 - Flying Burrito Brothers
  • Don't Bogart That Joint - Fraternity Of Man
  • Keep Your Hands To Yourself - Georgia Satellites
  • Cumberland Blues - Grateful Dead
  • Alabama Getaway - Grateful Dead
  • I'm No Angel - Gregg Allman
  • I'm a Long Gone Daddy - Hank III
  • Move It On Over - Hank Williams
  • Hey, Good Lookin' - Hank Williams
  • All My Rowdy Friends… - Hank Williams Jr.
  • Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
  • I've Been to Georgia - Johnny Cash
  • Rusty Cage - Johnny Cash
  • The Bucket - Kings of Leon
  • Happy Alone - Kings of Leon
  • Molly's Chambers - Kings of Leon
  • Genius - Kings of Leon
  • Easy to Slip - Little Feat
  • Willin' - Little Feat
  • I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You - Lyle Lovett
  • Gimme Back My Bullets - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Saturday Night Special - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Gimme Three Steps - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • I Ain't the One - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Don't Ask Me No Questions - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Call Me the Breeze - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • What's Your Name - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • I Know a Little - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Heard It In A Love Song - Marshall Tucker Band
  • Fire On The Mountain - Marshall Tucker Band
  • Can't You See - Marshall Tucker Band
  • Bareback - Merle Haggard
  • Whiskey Man - Molly Hatchet
  • It's All Over Now - Molly Hatchet
  • Flirtin' With Disaster - Molly Hatchet
  • Dreams I'll Never See - Molly Hatchet
  • Gator Country - Molly Hatchet
  • Eyes - North Mississippi All Stars
  • Shake 'Em on Down - North Mississippi All Stars
  • (Ghost) Riders In The Sky - Outlaws
  • There Goes Another Love Song - Outlaws
  • Green Grass & High Tides - Outlaws
  • Country Honk - Rolling Stones
  • Far Away Eyes - Rolling Stones
  • Don't Misunderstand Me - Rossington Collins Band
  • Honey, I'm Home - Shania Twain
  • Long Gone Lonesome Blues - Sheryl Crow
  • CCKMP - Steve Earle
  • South Nashville Blues - Steve Earle
  • Everyone's In Love With You - Steve Earle
  • Couldn't Stand the Weather - Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Cold Shot - Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Rude Mood - Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Mary Had a Little Lamb - Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Wildflowers - Tom Petty
  • I Got Drunk - Uncle Tupelo
  • No Depression - Uncle Tupelo
  • Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way - Waylon Jennings
  • Dixie Rock - Wet Willie
  • Your Southern Can is Mine - White Stripes
  • Shotgun Willie - Willie Nelson
  • Joyful Sounds - Word
  • Heard It on the X - ZZ Top
  • Tush - ZZ Top
  • Just Got Paid - ZZ Top
  • Waitin' For The Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago - ZZ Top
  • Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers - ZZ Top
  • La Grange - ZZ Top
Listen / Download:
Whiskey Man - Molly Hatchet
Can't You See - Marshall Tucker Band
Call Me the Breeze - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Genius - Kings of Leon
One Way Out - Allman Brothers Band

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About Paul Altobelli

Paul Altobelli is a veteran Internet, marketing and technology professional with considerable expertise in search engine marketing, web site development, design, implementation and project management. [more]

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