Accent Media Matters

YAWN!! Very Tired After 3 Days In This Dying City of Youngstown

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:52:00 +0000

So my only comment to add to the myriad that has been said and written about appearing on Forbes list of dying cities is......Balderdash, Balderdash I say. So here is how my last three days played out. Friday I brought aboard 2 people to assist us in all the work that has been coming to us here at Accent Media, from this supposedly dying region. We really have been working like crazy here lately, and have a lot more projects coming down the pike. It is with a lot of happiness that I can welcome, and maybe now breathe a bit, with the addition of Bill Mease, as a part-time editor and web designer, and Jake Blasko as an Intern assistant in web building and graphic design. It's exciting to find both talent and dedication out there amongst the peoples of the Valley who are looking for jobs in the creative fields and have so much to bring to the table.

Friday also called for a meeting about a new entertainment venue that we are working in conjunction with to bring to Youngstown, that looks like it's heading in the right direction and should be announced soon. I relaxed in the evening with a casual outside dining experience in the area, a little music and for dessert, ribs at the burn-off, (hey chubby people have weird dessert cravings, lol.) Saturday morning featured a trip to the Farmers Market in the Northside, and was another round of bringing people to the Rib burn off at the Chevy Centre, but alas, they would not let me stay to hear "Dust in the Wind", by Kansas. Sunday had me stopping in for a meeting about publicity for conducting a Pride week for our area GLBT community, and a loud and crazy stop at the Vexfest in downtown, (are we really supposed to fit that many people into one block?' Let's go up to Wood street next year huh?). Maybe Forbes will fill in for me a bit here at Accent, so I can get some nap time after all the stuff going on in this dying city..............Scott

P.S. I forgot to talk about the extra long light I waited through on my way to McD's for my sweet tea to get me through the morning(thank you mr. traffic cop), for the nice people to cross 5th street over to YSU for Summer Graduation. Congrats to former Intern Daniel Mamoun in his graduation. Yup, yup, lots going on in this here dying city. Balderdash I say!!

This, That, and other Ramblings

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:24:00 +0000

So as you have probably noticed, "Accent On Youngstown" has not been updated in a couple weeks. It is actually going on Hiatus until September. The reason is because we have become consumed with new projects all of a sudden, and there is just not the extra editor I try to keep working on emergency projects, it's All Hands On Deck. We are also getting ready to transition into the Fall school semester as well. Two of our wizards of production are still in school and we have to adapt to their new school schedule over the next few weeks. It all works out in the end, but usually takes a bit of getting used to. As soon as we get into a new organized routine, "Accent on Youngstown" will return with all new guests about town.

Speaking of the Fall semester, will anyone else be glad to have a weekend off again when school starts back up? (Well I guess unless you are IN school and have to study, lol) This has been an amazing Summer full of festivals, concerts, downtown events, and some wacky weather. Kudo's to all of the artists showing their wares at Cedars yesterday. If anyone is looking for some early Christmas shopping, I really enjoyed a lot of those scrap metal sculptures, especially the rings around the bowling ball type thing. For a mere $350 dollars, you would be making me a happy blogger, hehe. There are a couple great events coming up to cap off the Summer celebrations, and I am really looking forward to the Rib burn off at the Chevy Centre, and a couple more music venues.

If football is your thing, and really in NE Ohio it seems to be EVERYONE's thing, we are currently working with the Vindicator on their High School Football Blitz that is coming up in the next couple of weeks. Look for a couple commercials we have put together for them, along with some great coverage in the Vindicator, Vindy.com, and available through just about any communication gadget you got; cell phone, Ipod, computer, newspaper, television, the Vindicator has it covered. Take care and have a great week friends, more things to share with you later this week..............Scott

"Fine-Tune" Youngstown World Movie Premiere at Ford Family Recital Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:14:00 +0000

I was invited last night to the world premiere of the made in Youngstown movie, "Fine-Tune". The premiere was held in front of an almost packed house at the Ford Recital Hall in the DeYor Performing Arts Centre. Youngstown native Chris Rutushin, returned to the area to shoot a film based on his family and it's Italian heritage, after an Emmy winning turn in broadcast news in Las Vegas, and learning behind the scenes of his craft at the Today Show in New York. The movie provides a slice of life view of a typical Italian family, circa early 1970's Youngstown Ohio. Shot entirely on locations familiar to most Mahoning Valley residents, Fine-Tune, is a light nostalgic ride through a time not too long ago.

The premiere was a who's who of young and old, in those that are vocal in championing our city and putting their words, actions and money, where their mouth's are. Fine-Tune's Executive Producer, Tony LaRiccia, and his lovely wife and thespian in the film, Mary, were welcoming invited guests, and seen mingling were Janko from "I Will Shout Youngstown" blog, Phil Kidd, Youngstown's Downtown Director, Khaled Tabbera and his band the Zou, and many, many more. I was honored to be invited by the Maluso Family, who's patriarch John Maluso, pretty much steals the show as "Grandpa". John's wife Claire, former downtown Youngstown Director was greeting the crowd and singing Youngstown's praises as always along with the talents of the director, cast and crew of the film. Mary Jo Maluso was beaming with pride about her fathers work in the film, as was her husband and musical partner Rick Blackson, who was equally proud of his father-in-law. Together, Rick and Mary Jo's company, Beyond Broadway Entertainment, are excited about the surge of artistic talent that is energizing in Youngstown, and have some exciting plans of their own for the City to be announced in the coming months.

The film itself was overall, very enthusiastically recieved by those in attendance at the premiere. The premiere's opening remarks compared the independent nature of the film, to "Napoleon Dynamite", that captured the slice of life exploits of the underdogs in society, and went on to gross over a million dollars in box office and rentals. Running a production company, it is not fair for me to review the artistic merits of the film, because we all have our own production biases. I will say that the set decoration and mood of the film, certainly captured the look and feel of the period. There was a good mixture of comedy and plot development. The acting was enjoyable and fun, and let you see the characters as well rounded. The themes of family interaction, responsibility, race, and friendship, ring true to the period and contrast how far we have come, and how much we have remained the same. Some inside and mainstream jokes had the audience laughing in all the right places, and of course, being a hometown film for a hometown audience, some of the biggest applause came at the opening and ending credits, in recognition of the work of both friends and neighbors that collaborated in the making of this film.

Congratulations to Chris Rutushin and his crew for turning his dream into a reality and creating his own, "Accent On Youngstown," with his film inspired by his family and the City where he was raised. Check out the trailer below, and look for this film to come to a theater near you. I am sure that no matter what happens in the extremely competitive film distribution business, you will hear a lot more about "Fine-Tune", and where you can watch it for yourself.

I Choose Youngstown

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:43:00 +0000

"I Choose Youngstown!" I recently read that in some comments on a post by Vindicator Editor, Todd Franko. After some dispariging comments about the City, a few or our more vocal citizens re-iterated their reason for being here. They CHOSE it. I reference that because of other comments I was hearing last night at an event for the Positive People Group, at the B&O Station. The mandate for that group is to promote growth and purpose and happiness in our region, with a group of like minded, "Positive" people.

While Positive People Group, (PPG), is a new organization, the goals they are trying to achieve, and the obstacles they have to overcome, are as old and tired as the day is long. Can a group of positively thinking people win out over the same old, "Youngstown is Over", mentality. You hear the same old arguments creep up again and again. Downtown Youngstown is not safe. If you provide bussing to the outlying community, it will only attract people with no money in their pocket to the subarbs, and back into downtown. There is no housing downtown to keep the area alive. There is no inftrastructure or services to support housing downtown. Blah, blah, blah. The truthfulness, or lack-there-of, of those statements aside, it is what is constantly being heard on the street and in some of the media. The admirable and attainable goal by the PPG, is to turn those negative comments around to positive affirmations about the City. There are always going to be sour apples in the bushel, but a lot of positve can outweigh the negative if working together as one. I personally believe that, and am trying to do something about that. Many others in the community, and even outside the community with strong ties to the area are trying as well.

Back to my first statement. "I Choose Youngstown"!! That to me is very positive. It's an affirmation that there is something going on here that I agree with, believe in, get behind, support, or am involved in. I consider Youngstown Downtown Director Phil Kidd, to be a friend. Someone I believe in and appreciate his hard work. To be honest, reading his blog, Defend Youngstown, is one of the reasons I steered my company to come to downtown Youngstown last year. However, after listening to the negative comments, constantly being put out there, I believe we have focused on the negative for too long. "Defend Youngstown" is actually sounding negative lately. I know that is not the case, nor the intent, but to "Defend", means you are concentrating on the negative that is coming at you. Now "Choose Youngstown" is positive in it's meaning and intent. Are there problems in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley? Absolutely! Are there a lot more things going right in Youngstown now and the Valley? Yes! So I too join the commenters above and Choose Youngstown. I hope all of our friends out there decide to Choose Youngstown as well. And Phil, maybe it's time to have a second line of t-shirts. "Choose Youngstown", it's a good choice.........Scott

"Accent On Youngstown" Episode 7, 7/11/08

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Hey Friends. "Accent On Youngstown" is up and running with our new episode #7. I want to thank Julie from the Youngstown Business Incubator, and Liz for the Children's Museum of the Valley, for stopping by to chat with us for a bit. If you are looking for great business advice, YBI is the place to start asking questions. A true key to revitalization of downtown Youngstown, the Incubator has a waiting list to get in, and some stellar company's putting it's resources to good use. If you are looking for something to do with the kids this Summer, the Children's Museum of the Valley is a must-stop event. Support the museum with your visits, and also help this no profit continue to serve, by helping out any way you can.

Finally, I know I am beating you over the head with Oreo's lately, but we are so supportive of this worthwhile event, we really want to make it a success. We NEED Oreo Stackers, Volunteers, Corporate Sponsors, and Chinese Auction Donations. Cash or merchandise for the auction with a value of $100 dollars or more, gets your name listed on the famous, "I'm Stacked" T-shirt. Please contact me on how you can help with this event...................Scott

"Accent on Youngstown" airs 1 week later, Happy Fourth of July

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Hey Friends. With the short week for the holiday weekend, we will not be posting out next webcast of "Accent On Youngstown," until next Friday, July 11th. We hope you will all have a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend. Tonight is the exciting Pub Crawl, taking place over 15 establishments throughout the area, with t-shirts and trolly's provided. The event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display over the City at midnight. Tickets have been pre-sold, and will also be available at the event. The crawl begins at 5pm at the soldiers monument for sign-ups and getting your maps and information.

Of course there is also the 4th of July Riverbend concert over at Anthony's on the River, featuring Frankie and the Sensations from 7-10:30pm on Friday the fourth. If you are ever looking for something to do around Youngstown, I hope you are checking out the recently completed Youngstown Events website, at www.ytownevents.info. Downtown event director Phil Kidd has made sure to keep this website updated often and chock full of good information. Well, we are off for the 3 day weekend blogger friends, enjoy your holiday, and talk to you all soon.........Scott

Stacking The Odds........Breast Cancer Fund Raiser

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:40:00 +0000

We are getting ready for our next meeting as we organize the major fundraiser we are sponsoring this October, "Stacking The Odds", benefitting the Susan G Komen For The Cure Foundation. I am very proud and pleased to announce that our very own Youngstown Vindicator, has signed on to be one of our major "Big Stuff" sponsors for the event. They will be helping organize online registrations for Stackers, and also be promoting the event in their newspaper, Vindy.com, and Valley24.com. Accent Media has been very proud of our working relationship with the Vindicator. Having worked with Jason Holmes on their Vindy Jobs, Valley24.com, and Valley Wheels commercials, and Todd Franko, Editor, and Nena Perkins, Sales, we know their integrity and commitment to the Valley and worthwhile causes such as this.

This now brings our list of "Big Stuf" sponsors, sponsors who have donated over $1,000 dollars in Cash and/or Trade, to 5: First National Bank, Accent Media, The Youngstown Vindicator, Oreo and Dean Dairy. We are still looking for more, and there are plenty of sponsorships available in the "Double Stuf", "Regular Oreo",and "Oreo Mini" sponsor categories. Look for the Accent Media Intern to be calling your business in the next couple of weeks for stackers and/or donations. We hope you will support this great cause. The first event last year raised over $18,000, and we hope to at least double that this year. Give me a call if you have any questions about donating your time at the event, entering to stack, or sponsorship opportunities.........Scott

Time to get Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:49:00 +0000

Hey Friends. Found out about this kewl site today called "Wordle". You type in text, enter an Atom or RSS feed, or a del.isio.us name, and it will create a word art from the key words. Click HERE to check it out. Part of the way the art works is it takes the key words that are repeated the most and makes them larger. I guess we talk about Youngstown a lot, LOL. I can't even imagine how big the word would be in feeds like Shout Youngstown or Defend Youngstown. Anyway, it's a kewl site and you might want to go check it out. Enjoy........Scott PS. Looks like you have to click on images to see them full resolution.

"Accent On Youngstown" Episode 6 (6/20/08)

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:36:00 +0000

Hey Friends, welcome to another webcast of "Accent On Youngstown". Please take time to vote in the poll on the upper right of our main blog site to let us know how we are doing. This episode we feature Jennifer and Kelly and their company ERIS Medical Technologies, another success story of the Youngstown Business Incubator. Having just landed a new account, putting their proprietary software in the Humility of Mary health care system, including St. Elizabeth's here in Youngstown, we are sure you will hear much more about their success in the months to come. Next we have the Mahoning Valley's only professional sports team at the moment, The Mahoning Valley Thunder. Anthony talks about the success of the franchise, and what their priorities are and where they are headed in future. To finish up, we feature Derek Caffe, a Youngstown native and Iraq war veteran, who decided to come back and get his degree at Youngstown State University, and stay in the area and open up his own business. U Gotta Eat, is a new delivery service bringing you meals from some of your favorite restaurants in the area. Saving you time and gas, Derek's team charges nothing more than the restaurants regular menu prices and a small $3.99 - $7.99 delivery fee. Thanx to all of these businesses and professionals for sharing some time with us, and be sure to check them out. Enjoy........Scott

New Marketing Professional, Take a Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Hey Friends, Accent Media is bringing aboard a new Sales and Marketing expert to assist in our company growth. Jeremy Gatto, is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, and a graduate of Youngstown State University, with a Master's degree in Business Administration. I am looking forward to bringing Jeremy into my team to aggressively pursue new clients for production projects, as well as be a vital part of our team to create entire business strategies. Jeremy and I are long time friends and allies, and I look forward to what we can accomplish at Accent Media with him at my side. If you are planning a new direction for your company, or need marketing and/or production needs for your current strategy, please give Accent Media a call and meet Jeremy our new associate, and learn how he can help you improve your customer base and name recognition.

Tomorrow we will be launching our next webcast chapter of "Accent On Youngstown." This webisode's guests include; another Youngstown Incubator success story, ERIS Medical Technologies, who has just secured a contract with the Humility of Mary Health partners, including St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown, to provide medical billing software that saves time and cost savings for both the facilities and their patients. Also we will be featuring the Mahoning Valley Thunder, indoor Arena Football team. We talked to Anthony about the teams goals, events, and why they are excited to be playing in downtown Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. The last segment will feature a new restaurant delivery business that has started in town, that is owned and operated by a Youngstown native, Iraq war veteran, and graduate of Youngstown State University. Derek had the opportunity to open a business anywhere in the country and ended up staying in Youngstown to seize on the promise he see's here, and the faith he has in his business plan. I also ask that you take a second and vote on our main blog page, in the upper right, to tell us what you think about these webcasts, and if you would like to see them continue on, or change into something else.

I look forward to seeing all those that signed up for the Cleveland+Youngstown+Pittsburgh Education Network event on Friday at the Youngstown Club. There is another Wick Park organization meeting on Saturday, and if you haven't found it yet, Phil Kidd's website of upcoming city events is almost complete, and you can check it out HERE

Tim Russert and Youngstown's Favorite Son Kelly Pavlik

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:54:00 +0000

So I try to keep my national politics out of this blog, but as my close friends know, I am a political junkie. That's why I was very hard hit this weekend, by the passing of journalist Tim Russert, NBC News', Washington Bureau Chief. I have a pretty strict routine on Sundays; up by 8:30, coffee and a bagel, 9-10am Meet The Press, 10-10:30am The Chris Mathews Show, 10:30-11am Face The Nation with Bob Scheifer, 11am Shower, and 11:30am hit up one of my favorite breakfast haunts and read the Sunday Paper. From those Sundays, and from this long Presidential Primary race, Tim Russert was a presence in my life and will be missed. Watching his son Luke today on the Today Show, I think his legacy will move forward just fine.

Part of the weekend coverage about Russert, was his favorite son status to the city of Buffalo, New York. Indeed, over those many Sundays of watching him, If I never heard another Sabre or Bills comment, it would have been fine with me. But that's what a true hometown hero and favorite son does, he talks about their hometown constantly and leave no doubt where they are from. As Chris Mathews said this past Sunday in a tribute, "Russert actually made Buffalo Cool."

Youngstown has a new favorite son in Kelly Pavlik. Like Russert, Kelly talks softly but carries a big stick, or punch rather. For a soft spoken guy, Pavlik takes every opportunity to talk up his native Youngstown. Hopefully Kelly can make Youngstown, "cool" again. The community is trying. Just witness all the hub-bub over the windows in the Stambaugh Building. That's concerned citizens trying to take back their city and proactively preventing a nuisance and eyesore before it evolves.

The only downside I see with Kelly Pavlik as our favorite son, is the sport that is propelling him to that stature. Most boxing names that roll off my tongue are in the heavyweight division. Not being a huge boxing fan, that could just be my ignorance of boxing legends, but I am hoping that Pavliks name will endure after the fight is out of him. Pavlik himself has said he only has a few more years in the sport. Youngstown needs more Kelly Pavliks and pseudo Tim Russerts. Favorite sons AND daughters who are out in the world, singing the praises of Youngstown. Sure, we want some of our bravest and brightest to stay right here in town, but that's not a reality to all of the shooting stars that Youngstown can and does produce. When they go about their careers to points unknown, I hope they are calling out, "go thunder, go YSU." Anyway, just some random thoughts going through my head to day. Carry on Luke, make your father proud, it's your turn to sing Washington's praises now, and where you came from.................Scott

"Accent On Youngstown" Episode 5

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:25:00 +0000

Hey Friends, Here is our next webcast of "Accent On Youngstown". This episode we talk to Mayor Jay Williams, Chief of Staff and Interim Parks and Recreation Director, Jason T. Whitehead, about activities this summer, the new Arlington Park project, and a full season at the new Northside Pool. We also have the new working owners of The Music Center in Niles Ohio, Cindy and Kathy, and they talk about the shop and a little about the transition for them as owners after their father sadly passed away from cancer earlier this year. Our food and drink section this webcast has Gordy from Super Suppers, and if you havent heard about all the exciting events she has planned this summer, you gotta stop in and see for yourself. Enjoy friends.........Scott

A Little Trash Talking............

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:50:00 +0000

No, I am not talking about trashing a competitor, or a politician or an idea, this is REAL trash talk. Two things: Jonesfest and Streetscape. I am sure you heard about the success of Jonesfest thru the many other talented blogs out there. We have a little b-roll footage of it, that we are adding to the next "Accent On Youngstown", that is coming out this Friday. I am really happy for the success for the event, but what i want to talk about is it's trash. Yup, kinda silly huh, but worth mentioning. I only came out to the opening hours of Jonesfest, as I had other commitments that night. I did however, get to walk around outside our building around 4:30 and see people finishing setting up their booths, the first band playing outside, and the wind, whipping them all around and around. I saw trash and shirts, and papers and products, flying around at the beginning, I cant imagine what was happening the rest of the night, as the festival was kicking into high-gear.

Anyway, as I have mentioned before, I am a travelling man, having grown up in California, then lived in Oregon, Ohio, New York, and Massachussetts. I have been to, or lived near many festivals in all of these cities. I have to say that in comparison, the City of Youngstown, and the event organizers get some big, "Way To Go Guys", for cleaning up after themselves. I came in to work on Sunday morning to get some things done, fully expecting to see Federal Street literally still trashed. There was barely a scrap in sight. I have seen other cities, let it go to late in the next day or two before they cleaned up properly after an event. Whether it was City mandated, or Jonesfest planned, they did a terrific job putting the block back the way they found it. Hat's off to a great event, and keep the hats flying for the people that took pride in our city to make it look good again, immediately following the event. My thanx, and the business residents at 20 Federal Place thank you as well.

More in garbage news, Streetscape is being held this weekend, kicking off over on East Federal Street. A link about the event IS HERE. From what I hear, over 400 people have already signed up to participate. They will be cleaning the city and planting tree's from Wick Park thru downtown. There will be complimentary donuts and danishes at 7:30, and at 8:15, there will be the opening talks and assignments. Come join this great organization to clean up Youngstown, and take pride in your city. You could be Trash Talking too.........=).....Scott

Jonesfest Weekend, Turning Technologies Opens House, and Main Street Theater Opens

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:21:00 +0000

The first weekend after Memorial Day is here and the unofficial start of the summer is still going strong. If you have been hiding under that rock, this Saturday is the much anticipated "JONESFEST", right out in front of our doors here at 20 Federal Place. Work collaborators like Khaled from Prodigal Media, will be on stage with his band The Zou, as well as our fearless leaders bandmate from Jang-A-Lang and Copyright Infringement, Dennis Drummond will be on stage with a solo set, or maybe even some surprise Accent Media accompanyment by Chip.

A big Congratulations to Accent Media client, Turning Point Technologies, for their huge downtown open house event held yesterday inside and in front of the Taft Technology Building. The event was very well attended, and everyone was very impressed with the layout of the building and of course Turning Technologies themselves. We look forward to working with Turning Point Technologies in the future and wish them well as they keep expanding and putting Youngstown, Ohio back on the map. In case you didn't make it to the Grand Opening of The Main Street Theater in downtown Columbiana, which is owned by one of the founding members of Turning Point, Don Arthurs, here is our video we made for him to celebrate the re-opening of this fantastic showplace for movies, live performances, and a whole lot more.

Accent On Youngstown, 5/23/08, New Doc's Season in July

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Today we will have the new webcast posted! This video includes Brian Palumbo from Selah in Struthers, and John Holt of the Youngstown Playhouse.

Selah restaurant resides in an old bank in Struthers and combines a quirky menu with traditional dishes.

The Youngstown Playhouse has been in existence for over 80 years. The first stage was a barn off Arlington Avenue but, the new home is on Market Street.

Check out the webcast to learn more!

Accent Media is especially excited to be editing Doc's Team Extreme epsiodes. The show will be airing in July this summer on Fox Sports Network. Big game hunts will be featured in each epsiode.

Speaking of summertime, there will be a new demonstration video created for GLI Pool Products. Be sure to remember Accent Media for all your product demonstration needs! We also do a great job at videos for websites, training purposes, and everything in between.

New Intern for Accent Media

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:50:00 +0000

Hello everyone! My name is Jessica Palmer and I am the new summer intern for Accent Media. I am a senior at Youngstown State University majoring in Marketing Management and, Advertising and Public Relations. Upon graduation, I would love to start my career in the Youngstown area to be near my family.

We will have a new webcast posted on Friday. The most recent webcast features Junior Achievement, Jump Stretch, and the Rosetta Stone Cafe. Also, starting this Friday there will be a new webcast every 2 weeks.

Accent Media has started the planning of "Stacking the Odds." The event is being presented by Oreo and Susan G. Komen for the Cure on Saturday, October 18, 2008. The Oreo stacking contest will be held in the lobby of 20 W. Federal Plaza (the old Phar-Mor building). Participants will stack Oreos in timed rounds. Single elimination competition will determine the Stacking the Odds Champion. Individual and team prizes will be awarded. There will also be a Chinese auction during the event. Last year $18,000 was raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

"Accent On Youngstown" Episode 3 5-5-8

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:12:00 +0000

Interns Will Save The Day Again, Busy Busy, The Map

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:30:00 +0000

So I have some very good prospects for our next Intern. What does that mean for you?? Well, you might actually get updates on our blog more than once in a blue moon. Also, our new Intern will be in charge of the bi-weekly webcast, "Accent On Youngstown", as we get ready to branch out into the Mahoning Valley further besides the City of Youngstown. We had to delay broadcast a week of our 3rd webcast due to huge shooting and editing demands the last two weeks. Our next webcast will be up and running on Friday April 11th, by 5pm. Of course, we have also had trouble getting our web-link for the last episode working on the website. Luckily, it has been up and running on the blog, Youtube, and the Myspace page.

As I said, we have been really busy lately, (thank you Gods of business,) and it has been a lot of fun. We shot some excellent footage for Sheely's, worked on Doc's Team Extreme Big Game Show for the new season, put together the beginnings of a very touching video for an upcoming fundraiser, put together a new commercial for Advanced Chiropractic, and a whole lot more. The reason I am writing on a Sunday, is that we are on a 12 hour shoot next door at the Rosetta Stone Cafe for a set of four upcoming commercials. While the guys are doing all the heavy and hard work next door, I am upstairs watching the fort and working on stuff for the office, while they are coming and going for the shoot. This week we have shoots set up for Shine! in Columbiana, a couple shoots for the webisodes, and a bunch or our edits from the previous shoots.

There's too much that has gone on since my last blog entry, but I do want to point out one thing that was posted over at Shout Youngstown the other day. Janko and his friends have taken the time to create, "The Map", "Gems of Youngstown." It has started with about 50 places of interest, including food places, historic places, drink places, outdoor places, etc. You are also able to submit some of your own ideas, which will be reviewed extensively by the Peer Review Group, LOL, kidding. Go ahead and take this link over to his blog and check it out. Talk to you soon blogger friends............Scott

"Accent On Youngstown" Week 2 3-21-8

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:29:00 +0000

11:30 at night and my work is never done. Still working on some technical problems for website. Video will be up; there on Monday....here is our second installment of "Accent On Youngstown"....Will post more later.......Scott

Rosetta Stone Cafe Revisited, Dog See's God, Dinner and a Show

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:54:00 +0000

It's Friday blogger friends, and that means a new "Accent On Youngstown" will be up by 5pm this evening. This weeks guests are; Randall Craig Fleischer, conductor of the Youngstown Symphony, George Mager, of Cafe Cimmento here in Youngstown, and our very own Danny Mizicko, and some footage from his own Extreme Sports production company, "Stuck In Ohio". Tell your friends and be sure to call me if you want to be a future segment on our webcast.

Last night I was able to see our friend Brooke Slanina and her Oakland Theatre Gang perform their latest play, "Dog Sees God". More on that in a sec, but I started the evening with dinner at Rosetta Stone Cafe, and had a nice chat with the owners and found out that they are a little disappointed that my mixed review of their restaurant is still showing up close to their website when you google them. That's definitely understandable, and even though I thought my two-part review was very fair and acurate, as I said in them both, I am always rooting for Downtown Youngstown businesses, and have always been rooting for the Rosetta Stone. In fact, I am actually a regular enough that one of the waiters knows my favorites already, and the manager recognizes me and is very cordial each time I come in. Let's hope that this follow-up piece goes above my last review in google, because the owners really have made some great strides in the short time they have been open, and are learning more and more each day.

I am very pleased they have expanded the dinner menu, and although it is not updated on their website yet, I am sure it soon will be. The nightly specials are a treat as well. I also don't see the hostess that I thought was not a good hire around, and the rest of the staff is as courteous as always and have really been getting into a groove themselves. I have tried more options on the menu and I am still a great believer in their food as I always was. I still disagree with some of their presentations, but at least presentation doesn't take away from food quality.

The stage in the back of the restaurant has been put to good use the last few times I have been in as well. I have enjoyed a couple great trio's bringing jazz and blues and some soft fusion, and they have a Friday night regular that has a great rapport and sound. They are adding more musicians nightly it seems by the board out front, and I think that should be a big draw as word gets out. Their still does not seem to be enough diners coming in yet to make me feel entirely comfortable as an owner, but they have had to turn people away for some of the more popular shows at the DeYor Centre, and I find that very encouraging. As the first few weeks of my initial reviews turn in the first few months of the restaurant being open, I do think they have what it takes to make it work, and are improving daily. I still think their dinner menu without sandwiches and lighter fare make it a bit steeper climb than it needs to be, but I am much more confident that they will see it through.

It was good to talk with the owners last night. They showed they are open to criticism, but really believe in themselves and have a vision for the future. I found they are not just leasing the storefront, but have the entire building available to them and have plans for the basement up to the rooftop, four floor above. As I said, my first two reviews I don't feel were overly negative, nor do I want this one to be totally positive as if I am sucking up to the owners. They have made some great strides since opening, but they still have some challenges on the table and ahead. However, after seeing the improvement first hand over the last 5 or so weeks and getting a better feel of the direction from the owners themselves, I continue to wish them well and make the Rosetta Stone Cafe a major force in the revitalization of Downtown Youngstown.

"Dog See's God, Cofessions of a Teenage Blockhead", is the latest production of the Oakland Theatre in Downtown Youngstown. A parody based on the Peanuts comic strip, the names have been changed to protect the animated, and they are about 10 years later, all facing their teenage years with the angst, turmoil, and new use of the english language, (the F-bomb drops like the rain in April), that haunts all of our lives around that time. I have lot's of experience in restaurants, so I don't mind reviewing them, but I will leave theater reviews to the experts, lets just say I really enjoyed this production. I was expecting a lot of humor, and there was definitely a liberal amount thrown in, but it definitely had it's somber moments, and the ending, though extremely gratifying, did NOT leave you laughing.

The casting was excellent with each cast member with maybe the exception of "matt" (ie: pigpen), having some shining moments. The actor who played Matt was fine, just no great scene written for him. My two personal favorite scenes were the dramatic interpretation by "CB's Sister", and the scene with CB and "Vans Sister" (ie: lucy). The writing wove familiar memories of the peanuts gang throughout the show, exhorting chuckles and full our guffaws from my audience with each glimpse of recognition. Stand out actor has to be "CB" (ie: Charlie Brown) portrayed by Gary Shackleford, but fine performances was given by the entire cast with special recognition to Greg Mocker as "Beethoven" (ie: Shroeder) and Amato D'Apolito as "Van" (ie: Linus turned hilarious stoner). Brooke Slanina shows she is capable on either side of the fence, performer and soon to be President of the Executive Board of the Oakland. Brooks portrays "Tricia" (ie: Peppermint Patty) as definitely a Tomboy no more. As I said my two favorite scenes were by Alecia Sarkis as "CB's Sister" and Suzzane Shorrab as "Van's Sister) As I said although Ric Panning as "Matt" has a critical plot set-up, he and Denise Glinatsis as "Marcie" (ie Peppermint Patties friend Marcy) give fine performances, but really have no stand-out scenes, (well okay, Marcies soliloqui? on the spork was hilarious,) which if you think about it, fits the play well because their characters were not stand-outs in the comic strip especially either.

So I recommend seeing "Dog See's God" in this last weekend of performances very highly. Performances will be Friday and Saturday, March 21/22 at 8pm, and a Sunday matinee at 2pm. The Oakland theatre is located at 220 W. Boardman Street in Downtown Youngstown. Tickets for the show are only $15 dollars and it is worth your money so head on down there this weekend. You will enjoy it....I did.........Scott

New Webcast Up Friday Eve, Chevy Centre, "Stacking The Odds"

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:22:00 +0000

So I really have things I want to blog about almost every day, and how often do I post?? Seems like weekly if I am lucky! So episode 2 of "Accent On Youngstown" will be posted this Friday evening by 5pm, so be sure to check back or subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Three more guests this week and a lot of great guests lined up for the future. We are even in talks to make it expand and be more often and more content soon. Be sure to check this blog, our MySpace, our Website, here, and Youtube to check out Accent on Youngstown,episode 2, Friday evening.

Next, I want to take a little issue with Bertram De Souza's commentary in the Vindicator this past Sunday about the Chevrolet Centre. Most of the time, I find I actually agree with what "Bertie" (okay, I dont know him, but Bertie just seems to fit him,) has to say, at least in bits and pieces of his commentary. However, as was noted in a Vindy piece earlier, if the city did NOT ask for the money to satisfy the loan from the 3 front-runners, wouldn't it have been foolish if the companies had no problems with that in exchange for certain concessions. I do agree that the city should have had some carrots on the stick for the company who would be willing to meet the debt demand, but it's not the worst idea in the world to ask for what you want, and let the companies make counter offers of what they would need in order for them to make that commitment.

Agree or Disagree that the Chevy Centre was needed or a smart use of money, the fact is, it's done and built and we have to rally around and support it and make it succeed. To that extent, I whole-heartedly agree with the proviso the city put out to retain Eric Ryan as Executive Manager of the Centre. This is a hometown event center and needs someone from the hometown to run it. If Cleveland felt it was a deal breaker and had to back out, oh well, 2 others did not, and they says great things about them and our city for trying to keep their interests protected this time around. I hope we find a company that can be a strong marketing arm and procurement arm for future events, but I love the fact that it will be a hometown boy running the show. I wish Eric, Brandon, Bridget, and Jennifer the best, and look forward to attending many more events at my local arena.

Last, but probably most important, we had our first meeting last night for this years "Stacking The Odds", a fund raiser that was started last year that we participated in and have decided to become a major sponsor for this year. The event is to raise money for the Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Breast Cancer Foundation. There are offices in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and the organization is widely known around the country and even the world. "Stacking The Odds", is a contest to see who can stack the most Oreo Cookies in timed heats against other competitors who have friends and family pledge money for how high they can get their Oreo's stacked. Of course Nabisco, maker of Oreo's was a big corporate sponsor last year, and will be on board again this year. Last year they donated 10,000 Oreos for the event and have pledged even more this year. The event took place outside of Pittsburgh last year, and with Accent Media as a major sponsor, we have asked them to hold the event in Downtown Youngstown this year. We are in negotiations on where to hold the event, but are hoping for maybe here in the first floor of the PharMor building if it's big enough. Besides the stacking event, there is a huge silent auction, vendors selling food and products, and a place for kids to build Oreo castles and pictures. I will be asking all of our Youngstown and Mahoning Valley neighbors and friends for help as things get closer. We will need donations and volunteers and stacker participants. Below is a video we made of last years event. Enjoy and talk to you soon blogger friends........Scott

Good Response to Webcast and The Blizzard of '08

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:20:00 +0000

Thanx for all of the kind calls and emails on our webcast. It was a lot of fun to do, and we are looking forward to the next one already. Since we are slamming a bit at work, we will be doing them every OTHER week for now. So did you all survive the blizzard of '08?? I hope everyone was able to get home safely Friday and spend the weekend indoors. Sunday was a fantastic day............to shovel snow...UGH!

One of our lead camaramen and rough-cut editors, Frank, was scheduled for a shoot Saturday night at Leo's Banquet Hall in Howland and the show will/did go on. Bel Duetto, a fantastic singing team consisting of former Miss Ohio Amanda Beagle and her husband Craig Raymaley, who are a fantastic client asked Accent Media a while back to create a new demo for them. They are awesome to work with and the demo came out real well. Saturday, they were booked at Leo's to put on their show and asked us to shoot and edit the event and add clips to their demo. What started out as a simple one camera shoot, later turned into the care being stuck in the snow in the middle of the road until 5 good samaratins pushed him out, an unexpected overnight stay at the Fairfield Inn, and a good show with a good crowd of over 200 that braved the weather to hear Amanda and Craig. Frank wont be forgetting this shoot anytime soon.

Accent Media Presents.........."Accent On Youngstown"

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:01:00 +0000

So here it is blogger friends, the very first edition of "Accent On Youngstown." It's very fulfilling for us to get this pet project off the ground. We are still on a big learning curve as to what the final product may look like down the line, but we think we have a good start. We still have a bit of technical issues to work out on our website, so for now it is just a link on the site and it will be playing here and on the MySpace page. It will also be kept unlocked on YouTube so anyone may share it if they wish. Special thanx to Phil Kidd, Brooke Slanina, and Charlie Staples for being our first guests. To balance this project with our ongoing projects we have for our clients, we will be putting up a new video every 2 weeks. Eventually we hope to make it weekly and perhaps turn it into a weekly television series we produce for one of the local networks. Thanx for sharing in our work, and enjoy this first webcast of "Accent On Youngstown", we would appreciate you giving us feedback and sharing it with your friends......... Scott

First Webcast Launches Tomorrow Afternoon!!

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Well, tomorrow is it!! The launch of our very first self-produced webcast. This is a chance to use our new studio and shooting space, to meet people we really want to meet and respect and are curious about, and give a little sumthin, sumthin, back to the community who has welcomed us to Downtown Youngstown. The Webcast should be up tomorrow afternoon. The earlier the better, but there is still work to be done. I promise to have it up by closing time tomorrow latest.

We are definitely still in the development stage, and will be ironing out the concept over the next few weeks. We are starting with no host and just letting our guests talk, but that may change. We are not sure of timing yet, too long, too short, not sure, please give us some feedback. The eventual goal is a possible half hour weekly tv series dedicated to people and events around Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. A HUGE Thank You to our inaugural guests; Phil Kidd, Director of Downtown Events and Community Outreach and founder of Defend Youngstown, Brooke Slanina, Board Member and Performing Artist at the Oakland Theater in Downtown Youngstown, and Charlie Staples, Owner and Operator of Charlie Staples BBQ Restaurant.

The webcast is titled, "Accent On Youngstown", but will soon feature other people and places all over the Mahoning Valley. If you have a segment idea, or would like to be featured yourself, drop me a note at Sfullerton(at)Accentmediaonline(dot)com. The webcast will also be put up on YouTube, so feel free to share it with your family and friends. Thanx for the support.........Scott

Webcast Is A'Coming, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,

noreply@blogger.com (Accent Media, LLC) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:54:00 +0000

So putting together a webcast is not as easy as we thought, but it's coming together nicely. It should be posted by this Friday afternoon, not Thursday as we originally intended. I think Friday afternoon's will work better for us with our workload flows on Thursdays. Our graphics guy Justin has made an awesome opening for the show and we are lining up guests for future show segments as we speak. Do YOU have an idea of a segment you would like to see about people or events in the Youngstown and Mahoning Valley area? Drop me an email and we will sure consider all requests. Be sure to check back Friday afternoon or this weekend for the first, "Accent On Youngstown".

One of the first projects that got Accent Media noticed in the national market, was our work we did creating the companion DVD to the Mr. Fred Rogers tribute CD, "Songs From The Neighborhood". The CD went on to win a grammy and we received some national exposure for our candid shots of the different recording artists as they recorded songs from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood in New York, and Nashville. I am adding a video compilation of some of the interviews and footage we took for the DVD. The reason I am bringing this up you might ask? Well Pittsburgh, PA is having it's annual, "Won't You Be My Neighbor Days," this upcoming March 15 - March 20th.The concept was developed by Family Communications, Inc. (FCI), the non-profit company founded by Fred Rogers, to honor his deep appreciation of what it means to be a caring neighbor.More than 30 southwestern PA organizations are planning to show just how neighborly they can be. By offering free or reduced admissions, they will enable children and families to enjoy activities like puppet making, interactive events at local libraries, musical presentations, and exhibits at our museums — enjoying experiences that inform and enrich their lives in unexpected, remarkable ways.

For what would have been Mr. Rogers 80th birthday, on Friday, March 20th, the Mr. Rogers Family is asking everyone all over the country to wear a sweater that day in honor of Fred Rogers. It looks like with the extended cold we have been having here in Ohio, wearing a sweater in a couple weeks should be no problem. We at Accent Media are all wearing a sweater that day. I want to get the word out to everyone in the Mahoning Valley to wear a sweater in honor of Mr. Rogers. C'mon.......it'lll be fun......wont you be our neighbor??

I hope you all took the time to vote today. We have a split team here, with my bleeding heart of a liberal beating next to some conservative Democrats and Socially progressive Republicans, next to the Neocons. It's an interesting mix, definitely dont want to talk politics or religion in here without pulling up a chair for a while...lol. We do ALL agree however on the importance of Voting and I hope you made it out today or voted early. ..........Scott