Ralph Fritschen, Part 1 - Images from MEMORIES MY GREAT UNCLE LEFT BEHIND - Part 3

Select images of my great uncle, Ralph Fritschen from the book

Memories My Great Uncle Left Behind

The book is available on Amazon in both Paperback and Kindle Editions.

WINNERS - 2011 Cassone Channel Honors - Season 14

I am proud to present the winners for the 2011 Cassone Channel Honors for Season 14 of the videos that premiered on my YouTube Channels during the eligible time. Thank you to all who voted.

Pictured is "Mother Caldwell" from the Best Special Class Video Winner In Memoriam: A Lifetime of Love, Loss and Tributes. The only video to capture multiple wins was the somewhat controversial, yet very funny season finale Getting Ready webisode 334: The 'Gays,' which took home Best Webisode and Best Guest Star - Jennifer Diane. The formula of Cassone meeting up with a female friend and hashing out the events of the day seems to be working in the eyes of subscribers and voters, as this combination has happened in season's past with AnnMarie Battaglia (two times). This will be kept in mind for future plans for the series, so stay tuned.

Both videos in the top two categories were also the most viewed for Season 14.

Nancy Ross joins Diva Kingsley (with 13 career wins) in the 10+ club. These two artists are in a league of their own in the eyes of my channel subscribers. They are the darlings of the awards. Nancy Ross adds two more wins under their belt (for a total of 12 career wins) winning Season 14's Best Supporting Player prize for their appearances on Getting Ready and also shares the Best Special Class Video award, as one of the prop masters/location producers. A total of 44 individuals share that prize, which is a new record for the awards.

Congratulations to all of the Season 14 winners.

And the winners are:

THE 2011 CASSONE CHANNEL HONORS

SEASON 14

BEST WEBISODE – SEASON 14

334: THE “GAYS”

Jennifer Diane, performer. Antonio Cassone, performer, director, producer, concept, sound mixing & editor.

Watch this award winning webisode at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vtkFZNfjFE

BEST SPECIAL CLASS VIDEO – SEASON 14

IN MEMORIAM: A LIFETIME OF LOVE, LOSS AND TRIBUTES

A.D., Paul Miller, Bob Drews, Pat & Carol & Brian Bragg, location producers/props. Doris Petroski, Alvin Davis, Marie Villapondo, Arva Thomas, Andre Streeter, Petronella “Grandma Anna” Cassone, Larry Vara, Donald & Sandra Cassone, Raymundo Guzman, Ophelia Prado, “Rose” Marie Gibbs, Danny Turner, Rita Southers, Kenneth Dix, Rosemary Conroy, Cecil Gibbs, Christy Philyaw Harrison, “Mother” Peggy Caldwell, Darlene Jones, Moldavia Ishtar, Melba Moore (a.k.a. Robert Brunner), Louise Fritschen, Doris Blackwell, Genevieve Jedro, Ralph Fritschen, Shawn Abraham, Reggie Thompson, Irene Fecko, Dennis Ashby a.k.a. Rita Porter, Sharon L. Cassone, Robert “Rocky” Cassone, William “Billy” Earl Gibbs II, Walter McCoy, Elizabeth “Liz” Patrick & Margaret “Googles” Dickensheet, honorees. Sia, song recording artist. Antonio Cassone, photographer, photo editor, video slideshow director, producer & editor.

Watch this award winning video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxrI6gwx1sM

BEST LEAD PLAYER - SEASON 14

JAMIE PAGE, “326 & 327: Daybreak,” “Edge of the World” & “Prince of the City”

Watch Jamie's award winning performances at (webisode 326) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eq1FmKVhXY, (webisode 327) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6cxtvQ8KNU, (Edge of the World) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va4PXz744QM and (Prince of the City) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQjM-oMo46E

BEST SUPPORTING PLAYER – SEASON 14

NANCY ROSS, “315: Don’t Leave Me Greyhound Bound” & 320: Power Ballad le Deuces”

Watch Nancy's award-winning performance in webisode 320: Power Ballad le Deuces at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQGNTQHKTmU - NOTE: I did have to swap the audio on this video, so as not to bare copyright infringement and to keep with the terms of use on the host site.

BEST GUEST STAR - SEASON 14

JENNIFER DIANE, “334: The ‘Gays’”

Watch Jennifer's award winning performance in this webisode at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vtkFZNfjFE

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS - SEASON 14

TONI HEDGES, mini stage & cake design, “319: The Gift a.k.a. Judy’s Birthday Surprise”

Watch this webisode at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkvXfk-p_Cc

WALTER MC COY LIFE LEGEND AWARD – SEASON 14

DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY

Watch the video presentation for this category at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6vq8HQrKck

WINNERS - 2011 Cassone Channel Honors - Season 13

I am pleased to make public the official winners list for The 2011 Cassone Channel Honors for Season 13 of the videos that aired across my YouTube channels. For the first time, we not only have one, but two categories where the result was a tie. In both instances, the top vote getters were one (1) vote apart from one another. As this had never been the case, I decided to declare both contests a tie. This will be in effect moving forward in future seasons.

I am also happy that Ron Bivens is no longer the "Susan Lucci" of my little awards system. After 10 previous nods, with no wins - Ron won in the Best Technical Achievement category and also shared with his team for the Best Webisode winner. Bette Midler is the recipient of the Season 13 - 2011 Walter McCoy Life Legend Award for career achievement and her humanitarian efforts (previously announced).

Congratulations to all of the Season 13 winners. Trophies will be awarded at a get together later this year for this and previous seasons. Details to follow.

And the winners are:

BEST WEBISODE - SEASON 13

Getting Ready - Webisode #312: Sara for Sara

Cat DeSantis, webisode director.

Ken & Lloyd/The Stable, location producers.

The Lady Fancy & Ron Bivens, stage show producers.

Ron Bivens, stage lighting & sound.

Diva Kingsley, Cassone's wardrobe.

The Lady Fancy, Cassone's hairstyling.

Fleetwood Mac, song recording artists.

Antonio Cassone, performer, series director, producer, concept, sound mixing & editor.

BEST SPECIAL CLASS VIDEO - SEASON 13

David Ace Mitchum: The Boudoir Set - Photography By Cassone

David Ace Mitchum, model & wardrobe stylist.

A.D., location producer.

Scott Sumner, song recording artist.

Antonio Cassone, photographer, video slideshow director, producer & editor.

BEST LEAD PLAYER - SEASON 13 (TIE)

Judy Charrington, "296-298: Christmas Retreat" & "300: Intervention"

The Lady Fancy, "302: A Fancy New Year" & "308: Encores"

BEST SUPPORTING PLAYER - SEASON 13

Nancy Ross, "303: The Night the Lights Went Out on Nancy" & "308: Encores"

BEST GUEST STAR - SEASON 13 (TIE)

Charlie V. Carter III, "308: Encores"

Missy Meyakie LePaige, "289: A Sisters' Christmas" & "292: Holiday Hearts, Bells & Love"

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT - SEASON 13

Ron Bivens, stage lighting & sound, "308: Encores" & "309: For the Affection of Lisa Stansfield"

2011 WALTER MCCOY LIFE LEGEND AWARD - SEASON 13

Bette Midler

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Catch these video webisodes and so much more at http://www.youtube.com/cassone2007 - Please Subscribe - it's Free! :)

Thank you to all those who voted in our online polls. Participation is key!

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Pictured - David Ace Mitchum, in one of the photos from the video slideshow of the Best Special Class Video winner; photo by Antonio Cassone

Season 12 WINNERS (2011 Cassone Channel Honors)

Here is the winners list for Season 12 for the 2011 Cassone Channel Honors.

2011 Cassone Channel Honors – Season 12

BEST WEBISODE – SEASON 12

265-269: WE DO IN GRATITUDE

Julia Townsend, performer. A.D., location producer. Antonio Cassone, producer, director, performer, concept, sound mixer & editor.

BEST SPECIAL CLASS VIDEO – SEASON 12

COMFORT & JOY (2010 HOLIDAY COLLECTION), PARTS 1 & 2

Paul Miller & Bob Drews, interior designs & decorations. David Paul Miller, hand crafting & painting. Music Shake & Aalborg Fantasy Soundtracks, music. Antonio Cassone, photographer, slideshow director, producer & editor.

BEST LEAD PLAYER – SEASON 12

DIVA KINGSLEY

BEST SUPPORTING PLAYER – SEASON 12

JULIA TOWNSEND

BEST GUEST STAR – SEASON 12

MISS TWIGGY, “279: Independence and Love” & “287: Showtime at the Cabaret Lounge”

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT – SEASON 12

PAUL MILLER, BOB DREWS (interior decorations & designs) & DAVID PAUL MILLER, hand crafting & painting, “Comfort & Joy (2010 Holiday Collection), Parts 1 & 2”

2011 SISTER CHANNEL – NATIONAL: MistyinFL – Misty Eyez

2011 SISTER CHANNEL – LOCAL: Jopp86 – Jamie Page

2011 PIONEER AWARD: David Bork

WALTER MC COY LIFE LEGEND AWARD – SEASON 12: Tina Turner

TALLY OF INDIVIDUAL WINS

2 – (Antonio Cassone); Julia Townsend; Paul Miller; Bob Drews; David Paul Miller

1 – A.D.; Diva Kingsley; Miss Twiggy; Misty Eyez; Jamie Page; David Bork; Tina Turner

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners!

Pictured: from the Best Special Class Video & Best Technical Achievement winners "Comfort & Joy" Photo by Antonio Cassone

WINNERS - 2011 CASSONE CHANNEL HONORS - SEASON 11

Let's see who shined the brightest among voters for the 11th season across the Cassone youtube channels. Be sure to check out the Cassone2007 channel for the latest Getting Ready webisodes and photography features, poetry and so much more. There was a low voter turnout this time, but pretty much across the board - category by category - those who did decide to pick their favorites were pretty much in agreement. Congratulations to the winners.

2011 CASSONE CHANNEL HONORS

SEASON 11 WINNERS

BEST WEBISODE - SEASON 11

249-250: THE ANNMARIE BATTAGLIA WEBISODE

AnnMarie Battaglia, performer. A.D., location producer.

Antonio Cassone, performer, director, producer, concept, sound mixing & editor.

BEST SPECIAL CLASS VIDEO - SEASON 11

WHILE IN ATLANTA – PART TWO: AQUATICA-AQUARIUM

John W. Cheeves, III, location producer. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA.

Antonio Cassone, photographer, director, concept & editor.

BEST SUPPORTING PLAYER - SEASON 11

DIVA KINGSLEY, “251-254: Le Femme Mystique Le Jazz Le Blues”

It was the performance of the year! I swear to God. Plus, with this being their 12th career win at the Cassone Channel Honors, Diva Kingsley maintains the one with the most individual wins. Diva is beloved by peers and viewers alike and that performance in the four-part "Le Femme Mystique Le Jazz Le Blues" was nothing short of amazing. Diva Kingsley is truly a performance ARTIST! Brava, Diva!

BEST GUEST STAR - SEASON 11

ANNMARIE BATTAGLIA, “249-250: The AnnMarie Battaglia Webisode”

AnnMarie is our very own, in house Tyne Daly - so it is about time she reeled in an award all her own. Battaglia made her first appearance on "Getting Ready" back in Season 9, for which we shared the Best Webisode award that season for "Workin' for the Weekend." When she appeared then, it was the fastest moving webisode (not so much in the amount of views, but the length of time viewers watched) that the series had enjoyed in awhile. The same thing happened when she appeared again in season 11. For some reason, when she is on our little show, people stick and stay. She resonates very highly with subscribers and they, in turn, have rewarded her this time around. Congratulations, AnnMarie!

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT - SEASON 11

JOHN W. CHEEVES III, driver,“241-248: Riding through Atlanta”

When I visited Atlanta last June, I had no idea my good friend and I would create such an epic. We basically rode from one end of Atlanta to the other, caught a few suburbs too. I was able to get a few hours worth of footage, that I weeded through to create the 8-part season opener. To the casual viewer, it is simply a tour backed with some fabulous jazz music. None of which would have been possible, without the behind-the-scenes prowess of the guy behind the wheel. Congratulations, John!

BEST SISTER CHANNEL - GLOBAL 2011

(This is an annual award.)

VP RECORDS

Last year, I discovered an amazing singer-songwriter, Gyptian. Ever since then, I got just about every CD he has recorded and started spreading the word to my channel's fans and they all did the same, and so on and so on. I can't tell you how many people have thanked me for pointing them in his AND his label's direction. The choice for this category was very easy this year. It is truly what social networking is all about. Congratulations, VP RECORDS!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THEIR CHANNEL

WINNERS - Photography by Cassone Categories - 2011 Cassone Channel Honors

My judges panel unwittingly spread the wealth across my four photography categories, which kick off the 2011 Cassone Channel Honors. A little history was made with Feature of the Year... youngest winner ever (25) and 4 of my past 5 winners features were from the month of December, Diva Kingsley's was in July the year they took the top honor (the first, from the 2005 eligibility year). I am so glad that I stuck to my judges panel this year. The behind the scenes process isn't as easy as one would think. There is a lot of trust for one, then I have to fore go those around me who for whatever reason they feel they are not my peer.

That is where my theatre background comes into play - you know - leave your ego at the door. No, I am not the best photographer, far from it - and that isn't the purpose behind my Cassone Channel Honors in the the first place. It is to reward those artists, models, tech geeks and location producers who help me do what I do. And, by looking at the results, I couldn't be happier. Thank you to my judges who did follow through what they said they were going to do - and that was simply, very simply to choose a winner in each category that they thought was the best.

And the winners are:

FEATURE OF THE YEAR 2010

GERMAN MARTINEZ

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

Click here to watch German's video slideshow

BEST PICTURE 2010

Take a Long Walk...

John W. Cheeves III, location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

click here to watch the video slideshow of the feature this photo

was from WHILE IN ATLANTA: EXTERIORS

BEST PICTURE 2010 - CONCEPTUAL

The Vampire Set: Death at Sunrise

Robert Haines, model, vampire makeup & wardrobe styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer & special effects

Click here to see the full video slideshow that this photo is

taken from MODEL ROB in THE VAMPIRE SET

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ROB'S WEBSITE

BEST PICTURE WITH A MODEL 2010

waiting

LaurieAnna, model, hair, makeup & wardrobe styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

Click here to watch the full video slideshow this photo

came from LAURIEANNA

CLICK HERE TO GO TO LAURIEANNA'S BLOG, "IT'S HONESTLY NOTHING"

My Judges:

(*) denotes second year in a row judging my photography categories.

Some have websites - be sure to check out their work. There is a lot of talent here.

ANYA ALLEN*, past Feature of the Year winner, Anya took the top honors for the eligibility year 2006.

DANIEL CONROY*, my brother is and will always be my family representative when it comes to anything like this; by trade he is a social worker, but his artistic eye puts him with a handful of people I personally rely on to tell me what's good and what is simply trash.

ANGELUS COPELAND*, is a marketing, media, modeling and fashion industry genius. He always brings a bit of flair to the table. Check out his latest at http://cervantiwear.com/

BOB DREWS, is a 7-time Cassone Channel Honors winner, as well as part of my photography Feature of the Year winning team the past three years (Drews, along with design Paul Miller & David Paul Miller took that honor for eligibility years 2007, 2008 & 2009) - as a past winner this makes him eligible to sit on my judges panel any time he is not in contention.

ENTITY, is an up and coming hip-hop/rap music artist direct from my hometown, Detroit. CLICK here to check out his latest mixtape available on iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers.

AHMED W. KHAN*, hails from Karachi, Pakistan, however artistically speaking I, at times, feel like we are in the same room. His work is simply sublime. He is a GENIUS. Click here to see his website. Click here to see more and become a fan of his on Facebook. Click here to see his technique in action.

DEBORAH MATTHEWS, this author, public speaker and spiritual house mother to the world will uplift you in so many ways; whether musically, with a positive thought or vibe you truly feel one within the universe when around her. Check out Deborah's website. Become a fan of hers on Facebook.

FELISZA NICHOLS, cinematographer, photographer and overall theatre brat... I love her passion for the visual arts.

REUBEN PEREIRA, a film critic that I am proud to know and have watched grow as his artistic eye develops quicker than the normal pace - and he doesn't even know it (and that is a good thing). I actually rely on his opinion more often than not when selecting a film to see. Move over Ebert and company... Check out some of his opines on movies here.

RICH M RICH*, is a photographer that can give us all a master class in male models ...and how to shoot them. Check out his website here.

ALMA VIERA*, represents my fan base very well. She started as a fan and has become a close friend that I can rely on. Besides, she truly pays attention - she could tell you things about my web reality series, Getting Ready, that I don't even know. I appreciate her ...and her eye for details.

Photography by Cassone Category Nominations for 2011 Cassone Channel Honors

In the history of my Cassone Channel Honors, I was actually surprised by the results of what is now the final nominations list for my annual photography categories. I think more so because voters went away from tradition and all nominees in all categories have a chance at their first wins in the photography wing of my awards. The awards were established as a way to give back to the many models, makeup artists, hair & wardrobe stylists, technical geeks, location producers and such who I have had the pleasure of working with - and all through a bit of friendly competition.

The photography categories, unlike the 'regular' ones for the videos which are handed out 'season by season' are given annually, nominations are picked by the public and winners by a judges panel of my peer photographers and industry types, along with any former winner in the photography categories (as long as they are not a current year nominee, of course).

Feature of the Year has been won in the past by Diva Kingsley (2006), Anya Allen (2007) and Decorations and Designs by Paul Miller with Bob Drews and David Paul Miller (2008, 2009 & 2010). Best Picture was given the first time last year and that went to ...a few raindrops, with Katherine Myler (location producer) as the winner there. This Year, along with Best Picture, I decided to broaden the scope a bit and have added a Best Picture category for Conceptual pieces we have done and Best Picture with a Model. I figured it would be a lot more fair if the models didn't have to compete against mother nature, and vice versa - for at least one category.

Congratulations to the nominees!

Winners will be made public at this blog on Saturday, February 26, 2011.

Below you will find a complete list of nominees, followed by the photos being considered for these honors (just keep scrolling down to see all photos). Each category is hyperlinked to a video presentation for it (just click on the category title to see it's video).

2011 CASSONE CHANNEL HONORS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSONE CATEGORIES for 2010

FEATURE OF THE YEAR

GERMAN MARTINEZ

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

(March 2010 Feature)

LAURIEANNA

LaurieAnna, model, hair, makeup & styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photography

(May 2010 Feature)

MODEL: ROB

Robert Haines, model & wardrobe styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

(June 2010 Feature)

THE VAMPIRE SET

Robert Haines, model, vampire makeup & wardrobe

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer & special effects

WHILE IN ATLANTA: EXTERIORS

John W. Cheeves III, location producer

Piedmont Park/Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

BEST PICTURE

BY THE LAKE

John W. Cheeves III, location producer

Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

LYQUID MAN

Ken Kelley & Lloyd Pagels/The Stable, location producer

Ron Bivens, stage lighting

Cat De Santis, assistant to Cassone

Antonio Cassone, photographer

ROOFTOPS

John W. Cheeves III, location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

TAKE A LONG WALK…

John W. Cheeves III, location producer

Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cassone, photographer

WEATHERED TUSKS

John W. Cheeves III, prop master/location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

BEST PICTURE – CONCEPTUAL

FEAR

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer & concept

HEAT STROKER

Robert Haines, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer/editor & concept

MAN AT WORK

Stephanie Jadotte, location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer/concept

PAPARAZZI

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer/concept

THE VAMPIRE SET: DEATH AT SUNRISE

Robert Haines; model, vampire makeup, wardrobe & concept

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer/editor & concept

BEST PICTURE WITH A MODEL

FEAR

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

JUNGLE

Ly Nguyen, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

LATE AFTERNOON VISITOR

Robert Haines; model & wardrobe

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

PAPARAZZI

German Martinez, model

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

WAITING

LaurieAnna; model, makeup, hair & wardrobe styling

A.D., location producer

Antonio Cassone, photographer

HISTORY BY NUMBERS TALLY OF NOMINATED INDIVIDUALS

A.D.

Nominations This Season: 13

Previous Nominations: 5

Previous Career Wins: 2

Total Career Nominations: 18

GERMAN MARTINEZ

Nominations This Season: 5

Previous Nominations: 1

Previous Career Wins: 0

Total Career Nominations: 6

LAURIEANNA

Nominations This Season: 2

Previous Nominations: 3

Previous Career Wins: 0

Total Career Nominations: 5

ROBERT HAINES

Nominations This Season: 5

Previous Nominations: 3

Previous Career Wins: 2

Total Career Nominations: 8

J.W. CHEEVES III

Nominations This Season: 5

Previous Nominations: 1

Previous Career Wins: 1

Total Career Nominations: 6

KEN KELLEY & LLOYD PAGELS

Nominations This Season: 1

Previous Nominations: 4

Previous Career Wins: 0

Total Career Nominations: 5

RON BIVENS

Nominations This Season: 1

Previous Nominations: 9

Previous Career Wins: 1

Total Career Nominations: 10

CAT DE SANTIS

Nominations This Season: 1

Previous Nominations: 13

Previous Career Wins: 2

Total Career Nominations: 14

STEPHANIE JADOTTE

Nominations This Season: 1

Previous Nominations: This is Stephanie Jadotte’s first nomination.

LY NGUYEN

Nominations This Season: 1

Previous Nominations: 1

Previous Career Wins: 0

Total Career Nominations: 2

...And now the photo array, as it were...

FEATURE OF THE YEAR

GERMAN MARTINEZ

LAURIEANNA

MODEL: ROB

THE VAMPIRE SET

WHILE IN ATLANTA: EXTERIORS

BEST PICTURE 2010

BY THE LAKE

LYQUID MAN

ROOFTOPS

TAKE A LONG WALK...

WEATHERED TUSKS

BEST PICTURE 2010 - CONCEPTUAL

FEAR

HEAT STROKER

MAN AT WORK

PAPARAZZI

THE VAMPIRE SET: DEATH AT SUNRISE

BEST PICTURE WITH A MODEL 2010

FEAR

JUNGLE

LATE AFTERNOON VISITOR

PAPARAZZI

WAITING