Joe Acocella, the late town clerk of Harrison, N.Y., who passed away in 2011 at the age of 30 while awaiting a kidney transplant, was an inspiration to everyone he encountered. A double amputee, he never let the obstacles he faced affect his accomplishments, which included becoming the youngest member elected to the Harrison Board [...]

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It’s Opening Night! The musical IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, which started out in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop eight years ago, is now opening its second full production, at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington. The show is directed by Jon Kretzu. The show is written by composer/creator Barbara Anselmi and lyricist/librettist Brian Hargrove, with a handful [...]

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Taking Time to Be Idle: Make Like a Child and Dream …

January 20, 2012

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to read for leisure. Seems that for the past couple years, I’d pick up a book to do research or improve my profession or learn to be more productive or to simplify my workflow. There’s a lot to be said for that, but I realized I never read [...]

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An Indigo Christmas

December 25, 2011

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is listening to Christmas music. As a songwriter, listening to these tunes, many of them written by the greatest songwriters of all time, fills me with joy, not just for the season, but for memories of Christmases past. My sister-in-law surprised us (thanks, Sara!) with the delivery of “Holly [...]

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An Upcycled, Unforgettable Thanksmas

December 5, 2011

There is nothing quite like creating one-of-a-kind gifts that will remain in the hearts of your loved ones for life. Thanks to Catherine Charlot, the Brooklyn fashion designer behind Upcycle with Himane, I was able to make this holiday season unforgettable. Catherine’s work is featured in this month’s O, The Oprah Magazine, so I feel as [...]

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Establishing Business Policy: What’s Your Honor Code?

November 1, 2011

If you wear glasses as I often do while working, then you know how great it is to walk into any eyewear shop and get a free adjustment when you need it. Until about a year ago, I’d offer money for the service, and the answer was always, “No charge.” One day, after passing by [...]

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Talking Social Media Strategy & Crowdfunding with America’s LinkedIn Lady

October 25, 2011

It was my extreme pleasure to join Carol McManus — America’s LinkedIn Lady — on “The LinkedIn Lady Show” on Toginet Radio. Talking shop with Carol is one of my favorite things to do, and we covered a lot of ground, including crowdfunding and my latest musical pursuits. Listen to the podcast on iTunes (choose [...]

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Mover, Shaker, Art-Maker? Consider Crowdfunding, with Tips on Day 26

October 6, 2011

I’m 26 days into my music fundraiser on RocketHub.com, and I’m 93% there, thanks to the kindness of friends, family, colleagues and supporters! Just 4 days to go, and I’m so excited to get these demos printed and pressed so I can start using them as my calling card. I thought I’d mark this almost-there [...]

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New Site, New Music: It Takes a Village (and Sometimes Red Bull)

October 2, 2011

Wow, the past three weeks have been a whirlwind! After some all-nighters, daily Red Bull (Am I in college again?) and a little help from my friends, I’m happy to announce some exciting developments: First off, not only are you viewing Saidandsung.com’s new look, but I also launched a fundraiser on RocketHub.com to get my latest [...]

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Art Is Relevant: Never Forgetting 9/11 and All We Need to Say

September 11, 2011

There’s a ring I wear on my pointer finger with the phrase “Art is relevant” engraved on the outside. I got it years ago at Campbell Pottery in Cambridge Springs, Pa., near my hometown. This was before I moved to New York, when I was interviewing the shop’s owner for a business magazine’s cover story. [...]

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