Joepappa's Blog

For SALE

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:05:18 +0000

FOR SALE signs sit on the front yards of houses throughout America. The economy has caused the housing market to make it extremely difficult to sell a home. Watch the video of the several homes that still have FOR SALE signs.

Tips on Selling a House

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:48:01 +0000

The housing market has becoming extremely difficult for sellers. However, there are a few tips in helping the process. Listen to AlyssiaEllig, Real Estate Agent, who will give you a few pointers on what to do to help sell your house.

Talent in Towson

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:34:13 +0000

Justin Hughes dedicates his time to his passion Photograph by: Joe Papparotto

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Many students throughout the Towson area have dreams and aspirations of becoming the best at what they are and do. The rising stars in our community are built off determination, passion and strength. Whether excelling in sports or music, these talented individuals have the drive to be something extremely special.

Chris Muccioli, a senior at Towson University, plays drums for a local band (Secret Mountains), and knows how important it is to stay focused, follow your heart, and know that nothing is out of reach.

“It’s fun doing the impossible,” Muccioli said about taking his talents to a whole new level, and possibly making it big one day. “I strive hard in making sure my music flows well as a single work.”

All-star 18-year-old athlete Justin Hughes also found his niche and knew that golfing was exactly what he wanted to do.

“I fell in love with the game,” said Hughes. ”Once I found my passion I never looked back.”

Students around the Towson area are inspired by talented individuals like Hughes and Muccioli as well as professional athletes, such as Brett Favre.

Although Brett Favre is a pro-quarterback in Minnesota, Towson-Baltimore Ravens fans have nothing but respect for the 40-year-old man who persevered throughout his career and has now played in 283 consecutive games.

“He is a true role model for any young athlete, or person for that matter.” Steven Coda, senior Offensive Tackle at Towson University said. ”His dedication to the game is so intense, and he teaches everyone to never give up and play every down like it’s your last.”

Steven Coda lives by this motto, and has looked up to Favre his whole life. Coda grew up in Northern New Jersey where he played football for Cranford High School. He has received many individual awards such as, All-Conference, 1st team All-County, Captain of the All-Star team for North Jersey, Super 100 All-State, and won the Conference Championship in 2004.

Coda is yet another gifted individual in the community who reminds us that following your heart and striving to fulfill your passion takes hardwork, dedication and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:25:35 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is this beat about?

It follows the talented and inspiring individuals in sports and music throughout the Towson area. As well as updates on upcoming music performances and sporting events.

Is there a large music scene around the Towson area?

Yes, there are concert halls in Towson such as The Recher, and there are many different venues in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area like Merriweather Post Pavilion, 1^st Mariner Arena, and Rams Head Live

Do big-time artists perform at these venues?

Yes. Bruce Springsteen recently performed at 1^st Mariner Arena to a sold out crowd. MTV just hosted a Halloween Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion which included Paramore, AFI, and Kid Cudi. Also, hip-hop artist Jay-Z performed in October with Snoop Dogg.

Are there any bright musicians we should be looking for in the future?

Chris Muccioli is the next big upcoming musician in Maryland. He is currently in a folk/rock band called Secret Mountains. He has performed at The Recher and various nightclubs throughout Baltimore. Muccioli has also made an appearance on 98 Rock.

What other types of talented individuals live around Towson?

Many athletes have risen in the past few years around Towson. Eighteen-year-old Justin Hughes was recruited by Stevenson University to play golf on a full scholarship. His accomplishments extend from Elite Players Tour to Pine Ridge Junior Team. Also, offensive tackle for the Towson Tigers, Steven Coda. His huge high school career won him a full scholarship to Towson University.

Is Towson a sports town?

Yes. Many Towson students are Baltimore Ravens fans. They follow their team very closely, and give credit to those athletes who have a strong passion for the game, such as Brett Favre.

What does it take to become such a terrific athlete/musician?

It takes determination and dedication. You must give 110% at what you do. Passion builds heart and character.

Golf is Passion

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:46:38 +0000

Local Towson resident, and Stevenson University student, Justin Hughes, has become a rising star in the community and the golf world. His talent began at age 10, and the rest is history. Hughes was part of the Elite Players Tour and the Pine Ridge Junior Team. At Calvert Hall High School he made the Varsity Team as a Freshman, and was nominated to play on the MIAA All Star Team. Justin Hughes was recruited by Stevenson University where he is majoring in business. His talent is recognized throughout the state, and it is safe to say he will be a big star in the near future.

Justin Hughes drives off the the second tee at Pine Ridge Golf Course

Profile Slideshow

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:04:17 +0000

My profile slide show will focus on my best friend Justin Hughes. He is a premier golfer throughout the state of Maryland. His talent at local tournaments has placed him into the Elite Players Tour and Titelist Junior Tour. As a freshman at Calvert Hall he made the Varsity squad in his first attempt. After Hughes’ remarkable three years, there was no doubt that he was named the captain in his senior year. Hughes was recruited by many schools, but he chose to continue his golf career at Stevenson University. What once was just a hobby for a 10-year-old boy turned into the passion for a young man.

I have taken many pictures throughout the years of Justin in tournaments and just random golf outings. Audio should not be a problem as Justin is very reluctant to speak about his niche.

60 Minutes- Andre Agassi

Joe Papparotto — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:25:35 +0000

A 60 minutes story with Katie Couric talked about Andre Agassi and his crystal meth abuse during his tennis career. The story started with Andre and his wife playing tennis against each other with an intro voice over. There was then a visual of his new book. This followed by the sit down interview of him answering questions about how he never really loved the game of tennis growing up. The story goes back to old video of agassi as a young child playing tennis, and how his father had pushed him too hard to stick with the sport. Video was then shown with shots of his father instructing a young Agassi. More video was shown of Agassi into his teenage years and into his 20′s, again with voice over. The story went back to the sit down interview. Agassi tells about how he was never happy, and he was living a lie. More video was then shown of his early Professional career, and his ex-wife Brooke Shields. Crystal Meth was a big problem is agassi’s career, and was most prevalent in 1997. Pictures were shown in a montage of Agassi and his struggles on the court in 1997. Agassi battled the drug addiction, which was shown through the VO shots of him turning his career around and becoming victorious in major championships year after year. The story ended with a video from 2006, which was his last year in professional tennis. He gave a speech to the fans, and said how grateful he has been to them throughout his career. Editing was very well done. It provided the audeince with multiple shots of Agassi. Katie Couric was able to set a mood to the story. She began with the fun side of Agassi when he was shown playing around with his wife on the tennis court. The story dove into a more intense mood when there were questions being asked about his father and his drug addiction. Couric ended with a very uplifting tone when Agassi turned his career around.

Favre Surprises NFL

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:46:14 +0000

Listen to the story about how Brett Favre is off to the best start of his career.

Favre huddles up with his offense before a game against the Baltimore Ravens

40 Is The New 30

Joe Papparotto — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:12:01 +0000

Brett Favre played 16 years as a professional quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. His rival for 16 years…The Minnesota Vikings. Favre came out of retirement for a second time, and the only team willing to give him a chance was none other than Minnesota. Listen in on how the “washed up” quarterback can extend the best starting record of his career, and how he proves that 40 is the new 30.

Brett Favre huddles up with his offense before a Week Six battle against the Baltimore Ravens

It’s Fun Doing The Impossible

Joe Papparotto — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:37:52 +0000

Chris Muccioli sits behind his drum set with the whole world in front of him. Photograph by: Joe Papparotto, Towson University Student

Whether a roll on the snare, or an extra crash of the cymbal, Chris Muccioli’s musical knowledge at the helm of his drum set seems to be unmatched.

The determined look in his eyes is clear as the kick of the bass drum and the splash of his Zildjians enter him into a world of artistic mastery, while mesmerizing those around him.

Every single day Muccioli sits behind the sparkling, white Gretsch drum set and puts his distinct drive to practice; either in the comfort of his own home, or in a jam packed auditorium, or bar across the east coast.

Chris Muccioli is one of thousands of ordinary musicians that look to make it big, look to land that record deal. Only, there is nothing ordinary about the 21-year-old former Towson University Student. His interests may be common like his value of family, riding bikes, and taking pictures, but it is his unique, powerful pursuit in music, art and school that sets him apart from any drummer in any band.

“Chris is the most talented individual I have ever had the pleasure of playing with, let alone befriending,” said former bandmate, Kyle Huff. “He has a knack for what sounds good, what flows well, and he conveys a meaningful message when it comes to music, either at drums, vocals, or anything else he can apply his skills to.”

The small town boy didn’t just pick up this special talent, it’s in his blood. His father, Chris Muccioli Sr., got his son into the drums when he was in fifth grade. He started playing in a school band, and then played through high school in the jazz and marching bands.

Muccioli has since then played with multiple bands, spreading his diverse talent into the hardcore rock scene. The most well-known band he has played in, Sorry For The Silence, was formed in Bel-Air, and received great success around the county and the state of Maryland.

He and Sorry For The Silence band members won multiple “Battle of the Bands” competitions in Harford County, made an appearance on 98 Rock, and wound up releasing their very own EP, in which Muccioli designed the cover, and recorded himself. Their local success spreading throughout MySpace; drawing thousands of fans throughout the country. Muccioli also organized a Summer ’08 tour along the east coast for him and his band to branch out to new, and more exciting opportunities.

“Chris plays the leadership role very well,” Chris Chmielewski, former Sorry For The Silence guitarist said. “He immaculately budgets his time, and helped us perform at different venues. Without his creativity through artwork and photography, then Sorry For The Silence would not be what it was. He opened many doors for us, and for that, I thank him.”

Muccioli’s leadership and creativity come as no surprise as his job at StemGraphics Printshop shows, where he works as a Graphic Web Designer. Here, Muccioli specializes in custom artwork and designs and manufactures countless shirts for bands and companies; not to mention he designs the StemGraphics website himself.

This true unsung hero in Maryland is not always strictly business. His craving for fun shines through with his current band, Secret Mountains. Muccioli has found that he can be more himself and just have a good time with his local Baltimore Folk/Indie band, who is also experiencing terrific success, wrapping up a Summer ’09 tour that spread as far as Chicago.

“We drove, we played, we bathed in the reservoir, swam in Lake Michigan, and saw some amazing cities,” Muccioli said about his recent tour.

Secret Mountains is currently working hard on recording their recent singles, while creating new material to keep people interested.

“We strive hard in making sure the album flows as well as single work,” says Muccioli. “As far as new direction goes I think we want to get a little heavier, at least more upbeat.”

The multi-talented local Harford County boy with dreams of being big is taking his unbelievable talents to the limit. As he sits behind his sparkling white drum set, he has a slew of options in front of him, all of which lead to a successful life. His idol, Walt Disney, once said, “It’s fun doing the impossible.”