blog

Messages to Dad: Kayla's First Communion

2012-05-05T12:53:09Z

Hey dad, tomorrow if going to be a bitter sweet day. Kayla makes her First Communion and everyone in the family will be there. It'll be nice to see everyone again and get us all together, but yet again, we'll be reminded of the big loss that's been left with your passing away.

It's been over two months and it still feels like it was yesterday that we were at the hospital, game planning with the doctors about how to get your back on your feet and better. We had no idea that those were the last moments we'd spend with you.

It's been so hard. There are a slew of moments throughout the day that you creep into my mind. It's nice to be able to call Uncle Louie, play my guitar, listen to Beatles songs, watch you playing guitar on video or look at pictures to keep those memories fresh in my mind.

Tomorrow, while Kayla receives her First Communion, you'll be with her…closer to her than any one of us.

Learning to Play Guitar

2012-04-29T14:21:01Z

Since dad passed away, I've picked up the guitar. It's much harder than most think, but once you get down some basic chords, you can progress pretty easily. I have all the basic chords down and can rough out a few Beatles songs and Browned Eyed Girl. By no means am I ready for the stage, but I'm getting there.

The lesson here is that it's never too late to learn something. Don't say you can't do it. Just put some effort into it. Have patience. Ask questions. Seek the help of others.

You'll get there. Just keep strumming away.

Cartoon: Cyber-bullying

2012-04-20T13:57:40Z

Nothing better than a little geek humor…

This is "cyber-bullying" at it's best.

Hat tip.

Brands Missing the Visual Point on Facebook

2012-04-16T13:05:14Z

Interesting story over at AllFacebook.com about brands not getting what consumers want in terms of content on Facebook.

It's no shocker to me, but we (consumers) want visual content. Links and funny status updates are cool and all, but we're a visual society. Our attention spans are very short and if our attention isn't snatched in a three seconds or so, we're moving on.

Thus, the importance of visuals.

Messages to Dad: Bruins Playoffs…Here We Go!

2012-04-13T02:36:49Z

Hey Pops…Bruins started their playoff run today. We are facing the Capitals in the first round. Kelly just scored a game winner in OT. Bruins win game 1. Susie and I are headed to the game on Saturday. I can't wait to go.

I'll admit, when the game was starting tonight, I got pretty choked up. Just not the same watching playoff hockey and knowing that I won't talk to you tomorrow about the game. We did that all the time and I'm going to miss it terribly.

I thank you for hooking me on to the Bruins at an early age. I'm a fan forever because of you and nights like this, as my heart is pumping after an exciting win, all I can do is think of you.

Miss ya.

Facegram: Facebook Buys Instagram

2012-04-09T18:40:35Z

Facebook announced today via a blog post that they bought the very popular Instagram, the photo sharing service that connects to a variety of social end-points (not to mention has a slew of cool filters).

This is big news, not only because the purchase price was $1billion and stock options, but because Instgram was setting out to be THE leading social app for mobile devices.

It was wildly popular on iOS and just recently, took a stronghold on Android.

The Social Hive: Putting Social Media Lists, Circles and Categories to Work

2012-04-07T14:27:08Z

Life naturally categorizes the relationship you create and maintain over the years: family, friends, co-workers, college buds, ex's, etc. Social media is no different. And, because folks like myself tend to collect people over the years, our social networks get very busy, loud, crowded and overwhelming at times.

It's nearly becoming unmanageable. I can't possibly following 1000+ people on Twitter and really know every single one of them. Add on Google+, Facebook, flickr, et al and all of a sudden, you have an ecosystem of people that fit into one category or another.

This is why lists, circles, groups, etc. are so important in keeping tabs on your social hive, as I call it.

Local Government Can Work for You; Just Get Involved

2012-04-06T00:04:37Z

My various complaints about the City of Revere are well documented. My recent issues have been aired publicly and have been noticed by the Mayor and others.

Tonight, I stepped into the local government arena when I was able to speak to the Traffic Commission about the traffic issue on my street.

Long story short, the city is instituting a monitoring program to look at the traffic patterns of drivers who travel on my street -- speed, time of day, etc.

Messages to Dad: Kayla's First Communion

2012-04-03T00:52:11Z

Hey Dad,

Kayla is making her First Communion next month, which you knew. This weekend, she made a banner that will adorn the pew during the ceremony. She wanted to put a picture of you on it as well as a guitar. I was proud of her and it brought me to tears.

Susie said that they talked about you alot during the retreat. I'm guessing it was sad and fun at the same time.

You will be sorely missed that day, but I'm sure you'll be with us in spirit and in our heavy hearts.

Miss you.

Kayla and her First Communion Banner

Messages to Dad: I'm Learning Guitar

2012-04-03T00:51:42Z

Hey pops,

After you passed away, I felt compelled to carry on your memory by playing guitar. I always meant to learn, but never took the iniative to do so. Well, it's been three weeks and I'm strumming along. I'm determined to play Beatles classics and some of the others that you played throughout the years.

While I never been good as you, I hope that I can at least carry a few tunes and make you proud.

FYI...this video is from the Donald A. Martelli Memorial Facebook Page.

Introducing Gmail Tap

2012-04-01T15:05:16Z

Google Introduces Gmail Tap:

Messages to Dad: Our First Visit

2012-04-01T12:12:37Z

For my own personal reasons, I'm going to start writing to my father. It's personal, but stuff that I think I can share publicly to help with others. I'm calling it "Messages to Dad." Here's my first message.

Dad,

Went to visit you yesterday and it was harder than I thought. Seeing your name on that plaque brought back so many memories, sadness, anger, questions and uncontrollable tears.

Susie and the kids were with me. Kayla left you an Easter message. Jordan helped put flowers in the vase. We said a prayer together as a family. I told you about learning to play guitar and some other stuff that's between you and I.

As were standing there with our thoughts, it was pretty cloudy. As I started talking to you, the sun broke through the clouds and I felt that you were there with us. I couldn't hear you, but you were there.

It's not getting easier or harder, it's just evidently different and always will be.

I miss you dad. See you later this month on your birthday.

Using Social to Drive Community Activism

2012-03-31T14:07:39Z

It's very hard to make change nationally when it comes to public policy. Typically, if it happens, it happens because of a grass roots effort that picks up steam and the attenion of the media, politicians and big-name activitists.

However, in your local community, making change happen might appear to be easier because of the easier access you might have to councilors, the mayor, etc. Then again, politics is politics (regardless of all politics being local, as Tip used to say).

A Letter to Dan Rizzo, Mayor of Revere

2012-03-18T13:17:30Z

Hit and Run: The victim? My car.Note: My car was damaged in a hit and run over the weekend. This is one incident of many that has happened on my street and I'm sick and tired of it. So, I fired off a letter to the Mayor this morning and cc'd the Revere Journal. i want action and come hell or high water, I'm going to get it.

A Tribute to My Dad: Donald A Martelli

2012-03-03T13:36:53Z

On February 26, 2012, I lost my father, Donald A. Martelli due to surgery complications and some additional health issues he was dealing with off and on for 10+ years. It's taken me some time to muster up the courage to write this post, but I wanted to get what was in my head down on paper, so to speak, before I lose these fresh memories. Since that fateful day, I've shed many, many tears. Just when I thought I was dried out, the watershed continues. I loved him so much and he was such a rock for our family that the hole he has left will never be filled. Ever.