IMC Inside Mark's Cranium

Steel City Mafia-Join the Family!

jmyencha — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:43:19 +0000

Submitted to:

WordPress http://yencha.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/scm-video-test/?preview=true&preview_id=362&preview_nonce=c589226fff-

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTwFip-uR4

Facebook & MySpace links to YouTube

Steel City Mafia-Join the Family IMC693G

jmyencha — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 02:11:31 +0000

SCM Video Production links and resources

jmyencha — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:40:51 +0000

Professor Jason Flynn
October 18, 2010
J. Mark Yencha
Assignment 8, Week 8
Links used in production of Steel City Mafia Video

www.SteelCityMafia.com – Primary source of information, photos and video images. Site will be used for distribution channel.
http://www.steelcitymafia.com/ssp/bossvault – Additional source of information and private distribution channel to fellow “bosses” of the Steel City Mafia for the purposes of feedback.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=25217834471 – Steel City Mafia Facebook page, distribution channel and feedback.
http://www.myspace.com/steelerfans – Information and photos, distribution channel. Source for music for SCM video
http://www.myspace.com/imnxtcaboutu – Personal MySpace page for distribution and feedback
http://www.facebook.com/#!/yencha – Personal Facebook page for distribution and feedback
http://yencha.wordpress.com/ – Personal WordPress site for distribution and feedback
www.YouTube.com – Distribution channel
www.FaceBook.com – Distribution channel
http://www.reelclever.com/register/regfilmmaker – Production software and creative advice
https://studio.celtx.com/ – Production software and creative advice
http://www.deskshare.com/Resources/articles/vem_UsefulEditingTechniques.aspx – Editing techniques
http://www.school-video-news.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=350:framing-shots-for-better-storytelling&catid=26:pre-production&Itemid=44 – Framing techniques
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker?os=other – Primary video production software
https://ecampus.wvu.edu/webct/urw/lc5116001.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct – WVU ECampus for distribution, feedback and primary source of information for Digital Storytelling.

Steel City Mafia Recruit-Production Schedule

jmyencha — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:12:53 +0000

Steel City Mafia-Recruit: Production Report- Production # 1 Oct. 11, 2010

Producer: J. Mark Yencha

Director: J. Mark Yencha

Date Started: September 2010

Scheduled Finish Date: October 25, 2010

Estimated Finish Date: October 21, 2010

Current Status: Process is currently on approved pace and expected to be finalized by Oct. 21 2010

Script: Written and approved, subject to changes or edit

Still images: Taken and approved, subject to changes

Music & Effects: Recorded and approved, may require some editing

Production Software: Windows Movie Maker

Production process: October 11, 2010 – October 15, 2010

Production schedule: First edited version due by October 15, 2010

Public distribution: first edited version via Facebook by October 15, 2010 and email to Steel City Mafia members and officers

Comment and critique period of first draft: October 15- 18, 2010

Production schedule: Second edited version: October 19, 2010

Comment and critique period: second draft via email to SCM Officers: Oct. 20

Production schedule: Final edited version due by October 21, 2010

Submission date: October 25, 2010

Steel City Mafia Storyboards & Script-1st Draft

jmyencha — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:48:42 +0000

IMC 693G – Digital Storytelling
Professor Jason Flynn
October 4, 2010
J. Mark Yencha
Assignment 5, Week 6
Storyboards & Script

Storyboard Assignment
Scene: STEEL CITY MAFIA
1.1

• 1.1 STEELER FANS

Shot Mid Shot
High Angle
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
2010-10-03- 13:00
Hey Steeler Fans!

1.2 • 1.2 HEINZ FIELD-DAY

Wide Shot
Low Angle
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
2010-10-03- 13:00
Heinz Field shot from Pittsburgh Steelers game. Day

1.3 • 1.3 HEINZ FIELD

Wide Shot
Low Angle
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
2009-09-10- 20:15
Stadium wide shot, night

1.4

1.4 SCM Motto

Cut-In
Other
Studio, Ravenswood, WV
2010-10-04 -01:54
Steel City Mafia-One World, One Team, One Family!

1.5

• 1.5 Godfather offer

Cut-In
Other
Studio, Ravenswood, WV
2010-10-04 – 01:50

Join the family. Shot of (Godfather) making an offer that cannot be refused.

1.6

• 1.6 SCM Events

Medium Close Up
Eye Level
Strip District – Pittsburgh, Pa.
2010-09-11 – 02:30
Bosses welcome you to the Steelers family.

1.7

• 1.7 SCM Events II, Bosses invitation to join at www.SteelCityMafia.com

Shot Mid Shot
Eye Level
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
2010-10-03 – 02:37
Bosses invitation to join the Steel City Mafia

1.8

• 1.8 SCM Events III, Hanging with Steeler-great Dermonti Dawson

Shot Mid Shot
Eye Level
Chantilly, Va.
2010-10-03 – 02:39
SCM family events -Steeler-great Dermonti Dawson at Steel City Mafia event

1.9

• 1.9 SCM Events IV, Hall of Fame Steeler Franco Harris is a made member of Steel City Mafia

Medium Close Up
Eye Level
July 28 – 12:00
Chantilly, Va.
NFL Hall of Famer & 4-time Super Bowl Champion Franco Harris is a made member of the Steel City Mafia.

1.10

• 1.10 SCM Events V, Tailgate with Louis Lipps

Medium Close Up
Eye Level
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
2009-08-07 – 02:59
Steeler-great Louis Lipps at SCM tail-gate with members

1.11

• 1.11 SCM Membership package

Medium Close Up
Eye Level
Studio, Ravenswood, WV
2010-10-04 – 03:47
Shot of Steel City Mafia tee-shirt and membership card.

1.12

• 1.12 SCM Pride with website

Cut-In
Other
Studio, Ravenswood, WV
2010-10-04 – 03:03
Join the Steel City Mafia

1.13

• 1.13 Conclusion and disclaimer

Cut-In
Other
2010-10-04 – 03:13
Conclusion- Join SCM – www.SteelCityMafia.com Disclaimer page

Script-First draft
(Scene 1.1) Hey Steeler fans!
(Scenes 1.2 and 1.3) As a proud member of Steeler Nation, have you ever wanted more?
(Scene 1.4) The Steel City Mafia has graciously opened up the family for you; we are making you an offer you cannot refuse.
(Scenes 1.5 through 1.11) For a limited time, you can become part of our family, the Steel City Mafia. For $25 you become an official card-carrying member of our Steeler family. Membership in our family is for life! You will also receive a special Steel City Mafia tee-shirt.
(Scene 1.12) Go to www.SteelCityMafia.com to join today. Becoming a part of our family offers you a chance for meet & greets with current and former Steeler players as well as travel packages for home or away games. Join us today!
(Scene 1.13) Steel City Mafia is devoted to strengthen, enhance and unite all Steeler fans worldwide. We strive to develop fan recognition and fan experience while encouraging a positive fan presence in every community. We recognize the negative connotations associated with the word “mafia”. However, we see it as a metaphor that represents the strong following of the Steeler Nation and the close camaraderie that exists within our Family of fans.

Short Scene Descriptions Steel City Mafia

jmyencha — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:36:09 +0000

IMC 693G Digital Storytelling
Professor Jason Flynn
September 27, 2010
J. Mark Yencha
Assignment 4, Week 5
Scene Descriptions

Shooting Locale: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. and various Steel City Mafia events across the world

Scene 1: Introduction or call to action.
Without the expressed written permission of the NFL (National Football League) and the Pittsburgh Steelers, we cannot use the likenesses of the Steelers.
The ad will begin with a call to attention:
To accommodate our commercial, we will do an overview (WS) Heinz Field on a typical game-day from high above as not to infringe on league rules.
VO: (Voice-over) “Pittsburgh Steeler fans” the Steel City Mafia has graciously opened up the family to you.
Camera fades from in and out from a stadium level (MCU) shot to an aerial shot high above stadium.
Scene 2:
VO: The premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family is presenting Steeler fans an offer that they cannot refuse. For a limited time, you may become a part of our family: the Steel City Mafia for $25. Being a part of the Steel City Mafia family means for life.
Camera shows the Godfather (CU) extending his hands to make an offer.
Scene 3:
Camera cuts to a picture (MCU) of Steel City Mafia member tee-shirt and membership card.
VO: Benefits include an official membership card and tee-shirt. Steel City Mafia graphic logo to be super-imposed in background

Scene 4:
Camera shows slideshow of various SCM family events such as tailgates, book signings, Sit-Down dinners and parties including members of all ages, races and sexes.
VO: Join our family for exclusive access to Steel City Mafia functions which include parties, tailgating, meet & greets with current and former Steelers.
Scene 5: Call to action/Conclusion
Join today for an exclusive SCM bonus, limited SCM sleeve of golf-balls at www.SteelCityMafia.com
Tagline: One World, One Team, One Family! Steel City Mafia
Disclaimer: We recognize the negative connotations associated with the word “mafia”. However, we see it as a metaphor that represents the strong following of the Steeler Nation and the close camaraderie that exists within our Family of fans. We love the competitive nature of the sport but understand the importance of respect and sportsmanship.

jmyencha — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:35:38 +0000

IMC 693G Digital Storytelling
Professor Jason Flynn
September 20, 2010
J. Mark Yencha
Assignment 3, Week 4

The Marketplace:
The marketplace for our client is Pittsburgh Steelers fans of any age, sex, religion and background. By presenting the Steel City Mafia as the premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family, we are welcoming prospective new members into the “family.” We are focusing on the domestic market in terms of our ad market. The project will be available via the SCM website: www.SteelCityMafia.com for the foreign markets which are beginning to take hold. There are hundreds of domestic SCM Official Hangouts across the US, with new ones in Italy, Russia and on several military bases in places such as Afghanistan. We will primarily focus our attention to airing our ads during Pittsburgh Steelers games, highlight shows and coach or player interview shows.

Our audience wants to share their passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they want to belong, belong to a family, a fan club and a presence. Such a presence or demonstration of team spirit defines the strength of the Steeler Nation, a phenomenon that occurs in virtually every U.S. city on Steeler Sundays. We’ve all seen it and witnessed it firsthand. No matter who you are or where you live, you see them everywhere … Pittsburgh Steeler fans! We are the most passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, vocal, and widely represented professional fan base on the planet. We live and breathe Steeler football. We believe in fundamental football, a smash mouth style of play, pounding the rock, and making you sore in the morning. We love cheering for a team that is Family owned, that prioritizes a hard work ethic, and that doesn’t overpay the flashy players. We take pride in our players who play as a team and don’t stoop to off- field antics. We fans are not content simply to watch a football game; we want to be involved. Geographical distance does not limit our level of commitment to our team. We take over every bar; restaurant, city, or stadium on Steeler game days like no other team can even hope to do. Steeler bars can be found in every major U.S. city, a claim that no other professional football team can make. We don’t die; we multiply! Fans in rival stadiums just scratch their heads, wondering where all those towels come from. One fact will always remain: all Steeler games are home games!
The target will want to connect with our client for the following reasons:
A. A strong sense of belonging
B. They will want to be a part of a rapidly growing family.
C. The opportunity to meet current and former Pittsburgh Steeler players and coaches.
D. The opportunity to suspend reality and to become a “Made” member or a boss in the Steel City Mafia. It represents a chance to dress the part (In Steelers colors, preferably) at the group’s annual Sit-Down banquet.
E. Sharing a passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers with other like-minded devotees.
F. Making connections with fans from all over the world, connections which include ticket opportunities, travelling to Steelers away games and Steelers SCM events all over the US.

Genre:
Crime & Gangster

Setting 1: Where and when does the typical project take place?
The typical project will kick-off with the opening of the Pittsburgh Steelers annual training camp. Most NFL training camps begin in mid-July. The Steelers’ training camp is based out of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Steel City Mafia holds an annual “Sit-Down,” or meeting of the bosses which coincides with the first weekend of training camp. In true mafia-hierarchy, the Sit-Down is an elaborate dinner with former Pittsburgh Steeler greats as the keynote speaker. Newly “made” members are then pinned by the guest. The Steel City Mafia is not just a fan club, but more importantly, they also serve as a charitable partner with Jerome Bettis’ “Bus Stops Here Foundation”, the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation and the Mel Blount Youth Home. Due to nature of this client, our project will take place with the onset of training camp (July 15) through the end of the NFL season (Feb 1). This project will be presented as a recruiting genre toting the benefits of the membership and charitable functions.

Setting 2: What visual images are associated with the typical setting?
Our project will feature fancy Italian-style dining to illustrate the “Sit-Down” with members in attendance in pin-striped suits, zoot suits and fedoras with women in dresses or suits. Steel City Mafia logo is silhouette of Godfather. Other visual images to include former Steelers players who are associated with SCM, which include: Andy Russell, Mike Wagner, Frenchy Fuqua, Jerome Bettis and Mel Blount. Recent events also included Hall of Famer, Terry Bradshaw who won four Super Bowls for the Steelers.
Characters 3: Describe the typical heroes or protagonists.
Our hero is the organization as an entity, the Steel City Mafia. SCM is a very rapidly-growing fan club of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steel City Mafia: One World, One Team, One Family!!! Our hero is portrayed as a family, a family of devoted Steelers fans. The Steel City Mafia’s logo calls itself the premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family.

Characters 4: What types of supporting characters would you expect to find?
Current and former Pittsburgh Steelers players who are “Made” members will be our supporting cast.

Characters 5: Are the roles in these generally more masculine or feminine?
Generally, the roles would be seen as masculine. Traditions associated with the mafia feature a strong Godfather and his bosses are also seen as very strong and powerful males. The mafia tradition features women as matriarchal and behind the scenes.

Plot 6: What are the conflicts you would expect to find in this genre?
The negative connotations associated with the word “Mafia, “ which will be addressed with a disclaimer stating: we see it as a metaphor that represents the strong following of the Steeler Nation and the close camaraderie that exists within our Family of fans.

Plot 7: Describe typical plot structures in this genre
Crime and gangster films are developed around the sinister actions of criminals or mobsters, particularly bank robbers, underworld figures, or ruthless hoodlums who operate outside the law, stealing and murdering their way through life. Criminal and gangster films are often categorized as film noir or detective-mystery films – because of underlying similarities between these cinematic forms. (P I Reed, 2010) The nature of our subject, Steel City Mafia will naturally have the undertones of a crime & gangster film; however we are presenting it in a recruiting manner. We want to present it to potential members as an opportunity to join our family, the Steelers family of devoted loyal fans who share similar interests, likes and desires.

Iconography 8: What objects and images do you expect to see in a film of this genre?

Godfather, fedoras, pin-stripe suits amid a large family gathering will be featured. The family gathering in question is a large dining table with an open seat for our potential new member.

Mood/Tone 9: Is the typical project optimistic or pessimistic?

While the mafia undertone will be naturally a bit dark, our project will be presented in a very optimistic manner.

Mood/Tone 10: Light or dark?
This project will be presented in an upbeat and light manner.

Mood/Tone 11: Comedic or serious?
This project will be presented in a serious yet friendly manner.

Mood/Tone 12: Eerie or wholesome?
This project will be presented in a very wholesome manner; we are presenting a warm and friendly atmosphere. We are projecting a familial setting and an offer to become a member of our family.

Cinematic Style 13: What are typical shots (framing) and camera movements?
The opening of this project will be a (WS) wide-shot and will gradually go to a (MCU) medium close-up shot. Once we have established that we are recruiting new members to join our family (The Steel City Mafia family) we will go to a (POV) point-of-view shot of the open seat at the table (our prospective member). For our project we will use a mounted camera pan to allow us move the camera horizontally from left to right so that we may allow the viewer to see more of the scenery and imagery.

Cinematic Style 14: What is the typical lighting like?
Typical room lighting such as windows, lamps and doors will be our choice. We are presenting this as a homey and warm setting.

Cinematic Style 15: What editing techniques are typically used?
A. Removing noise and adding narration and music.
B. Adding Title slides.
C. Adding effects: brightness and contrast.
D. Cropping techniques.

Cinematic Style 16: How is sound typically utilized?

Dialogue or Voice Over, Ambiance, Sound Effects and Music.

References:
P.I. Reed School of Journalism, WVU (2008, August, 23). IMC 693G Lesson 4: Market as a genre. Retrieved on September 20, 2010 from the website: https://ecampus.wvu.edu.

jmyencha — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:42:50 +0000

IMC 693G Digital Storytelling
Professor Jason Flynn
September 13, 2010
J. Mark Yencha
Assignment 2, Week

The Premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family
Background info
Since its inception in 2005, the Steel City Mafia has blossomed into a thriving fan club that has already surpassed 8,000 worldwide members. The Steel City Mafia takes enormous pride in being the premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family. Being a member means you are a part of a family, a family that extends nationwide as well as globally. You can go into any city across the United States and you will find a Steelers bar. The Steel City Mafia helps establish Steelers bars and makes them Official Hang-Outs. Many Pittsburgh natives were displaced after most of the steel mills closed in the 70’s and 80’s, this is why you will find so many Steelers bars all over the country. Being a member of Steel City Mafia gives one access to current and former players.
Geographical distance does not limit our level of commitment to our team. We take over every bar; restaurant, city, or stadium on Steelers game days like no other team. Steelers bars can be found in every major U.S. city, a claim that no other professional football team can make. We don’t die; we multiply! Fans in rival stadiums just scratch their heads, wondering where all those towels come from. One fact will always remain: all Steelers games are home games!

Theme: Be a part of our Steelers family, join the Steel City Mafia!
Logline: Steel City Mafia, the premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family
Title: The Steel City Mafia wants you!

The Godfather Waltz plays softly
Opening line:
Your Godfather awaits, the day has come. He has called upon you to do a service for him.
Scene 1: The Godfather motioning to the viewer to come to him, take action.
Line 2: If you are a part of Steelers Nation, the Steel City Mafia wants you. Join the premiere fan club of the worldwide Steelers family.
Scene 2: Group of Steel City Mafia members all decked out in their pinstripe suits, and fedoras. The group is socializing while watching and cheering on their beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.
Line 3: Join today, for a one-time $25 membership fee; you are welcomed to the family. You will receive an official Steel City Mafia Membership Card, Member T-Shirt and exclusive access to Premium content on the website. Membership is LIFETIME. www.SteelCityMafia.com
Closing scene: A large family dinner with an open seat for you.

Steel City Mafia…The Premiere Fan Club of the Worldwide Steelers Family

jmyencha — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:59:54 +0000

One world, one team, one family!

After a great deal of deliberation and debate with my classmates and my professor, I have decided to choose a subject that is near and dear to my heart. My initial thoughts were that of three other subjects: The Landing (local bar), Quaker Steak & Lube (chain restaurant) and myself in a video resume. Each of these subjects offered unique opportunities and equally offered some barriers. It is therefore, my choice to help promote, The Premiere Fan Club of the Worldwide Steelers Family, The Steel City Mafia.

As a “Boss,” and a “Made” member in The Steel City Mafia, I felt the strong bond to this organization and have selected it as my IMC 693G subject. I was “made” during the 2008 Sit-Down and was pinned by former Steeler great, Andy Russell. I have the necessary access to the inner workings of this organization, in fact our 4th annual Sit-Down is this weekend. Typically, we meet on the first week that Steelers training camp opens in Latrobe, Pa in July. This year is the 1st to be held in Pittsburgh, during the weekend of the first home game. I will be in attendance.

The Steel City Mafia was formed in 2005, somewhat by accident in a bar in East Tennessee by Shawn Kennedy and Jeff Hertzog. As die-hard relocated Pittsburgh Steelers fans, they met on Sunday’s to share their passion for the Steelers with like-minded fans. As they gradually took over this bar with Terrible Towel-waving and chanting Steelers fans, the original patrons began to compare the group to the mafia, since they had taken over their place. With some help from Jeremy Kinnard and Duane Smyth the group became The Steel City Mafia. They proudly displayed a banner reading: Welcome to the home of The Steel City Mafia.

Steeler Nation is a phenomenon which occurs in almost every city on Steelers game days. No matter who you are or where you live, you see them everywhere … Pittsburgh Steeler fans! We are the most passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, vocal, and widely represented professional fan base on the planet. We live and breathe Steeler football. We believe in fundamental football, a smash mouth style of play, pounding the rock, and making you sore in the morning. We love cheering for a team that is Family owned, that prioritizes a hard work ethic, and that doesn’t overpay the flashy players. We take pride in our players who play as a team and don’t stoop to off-field antics. We fans are not content simply to watch a football game; we want to be involved. (Steel City Mafia, 2010)

Project number 1, Week 2: Character Analysis of The Steel City Mafia.

Client name: The Steel City Mafia

Established: 2005

Current Branding: The Premiere Fan Club of the Worldwide Steelers Family

Related Clients and or Associations: The Pittsburgh Steelers, Maxim Tours & Travel and a proud partner of AWS Sports. Charitable partners include: Mel Blount’s Youth Home, Jerome Bettis’ “Bus Stops Here Foundation” and the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation.

Position in society and location/reach: The Steel City Mafia is rapidly expanding, from less than a few hundred members in 2006, to over 6,000 strong with over 100 Official Steel City Mafia hangouts, located across the country and overseas. Geographical distance does not limit our level of commitment to our team. We take over every bar, restaurant, city, or stadium on Steeler game days like no other team can even hope to do. Steeler bars can be found in every major U.S. city, a claim that no other professional football team can make. We don’t die; we multiply! Fans in rival stadiums just scratch their heads, wondering where all those towels come from. One fact will always remain: all Steeler games are home games! (SCM, 2010)

Client’s service: Steel City Mafia is a worldwide fan “Family” committed to creating unique experiences for Steelers fans. Through the organization of fans via membership, game day venues, fan and charitable events we hope to further strengthen, network and expand the already tremendous Steeler fan base.(SCM, 2010)

Mission Statement: Uniting Steelers fans worldwide, in the common interest of developing fan recognition, fan benefits, and a positive fan presence in all communities.(SCM, 2010)

Stance on competition: There is no competition, any Steelers fan or fan club is welcome to join up with us or to cheer on the Steelers with us.

Ambitions or desires for the future: Steel City Mafia is a worldwide fan “Family” committed to creating unique experiences for Steelers fans. Through the organization of fans via membership, game-day venues, fan and charitable events we hope to further strengthen, network and expand the already tremendous Steeler fan base.(SCM, 2010)

Significant milestones: Founded in 2005 with a few hundred members, reached 7500 world-wide members in 2010. SCM members are currently establishing Steel City Mafia hangouts in Pakistan and Italy.

Public Presence: SCM organizes and presents itself as a fun, very close-knit family of like-minded Steelers fans. Many of the members don the traditional “mafia” attire including pinstripe suits and fedoras.

Do they utilize a recognizable spokesperson: yes, but only in an abstract way. The Godfather is the image used but in a hidden manner. Emails are sent from The Godfather, but it is not readily known by most members who he or she is.

Does the client have a masculine or feminine, quality of voice, mannerisms, manner of speech, personality, etc.? Absolutely, the presence of the powerful Godfather Don Corleone. The Godfather represents a very masculine presence with an aura about himself as well as a respectability.

As a character, The Steel City Mafia has two favorite colors: Black & Gold which represent the beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Their favorite food would be Italian and tail-gating favorites such as brats, burgers and plenty of ice-cold Iron City Beer. The Steel City Mafia’s favorite artist has to be the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. If SCM were to have a favorite animal, it would have to represent power such as a lion or bear, however since the Steelers play the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, I doubt they would admit to having a favorite animal. While the SCM is perfectly happy indoors (domed stadiums) they prefer a cold snowy day outside (on the turf, in the open-air stadium.) The Pittsburgh Steelers represent the hard-working blue-collar steelworkers of western Pennsylvania, therefore, the Steel City Mafia mirrors the image of the team that they so avidly represent.

The Steel City Mafia admires loyalty, passion and strong familial ties that bind its members to each other and to the team they love: The Pittsburgh Steelers.

SCM does not operate solely for profit, the goal of the organization is to expand its member base in order to further offer the “Mafia” experience to Steelers fans. SCM works very closely with many charitable enterprises of current and former Steeler players.

Strengths of SCM include devotion, loyalty, a passionate pride and a strong familial bond. The Steel City Mafia loves to travel, especially during the eight weeks in which the Steelers play away from home, it is their passion to take over the opposing city’s stadiums. They love to mingle amongst the crowds and intimidate on a friendly basis. SCM is a leader, setting the trends for other fan-clubs to follow. They recognize the negative connotations associated with the word “mafia”. However, they see it as a metaphor that represents the strong following of the Steeler Nation and the close camaraderie that exists within their Family of fans. They love the competitive nature of the sport but understand the importance of respect and sportsmanship.

The Steel City Mafia relies on emotions and passions of Pittsburgh Steelers fans and with these ties that bind, they place their trust with no hesitation.

Transactional analysis says that We all have a right to be in the world and be accepted. As it would apply to The Steel City Mafia, we all have a right to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and to be accepted as a proud card-carrying member of The Steel City Mafia. The parent/child relationship would be seen as the Pittsburgh Steelers giving birth to The Steel City Mafia which has become the adult.

References:

Steel City Mafia, About the Family. (2010) Retrieved September 6, 2010 http://www.steelcitymafia.com/ssp/about_the_family

Back in Black! 2010 Backyard Brawl WV Pro Combat Uniforms

jmyencha — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:22:09 +0000

This is the new Nike Pro Combat uniforms that WVU will be donning in 2010′s Backyard Brawl. I could see them storming the field to AC/DC’s Back in Black, except the game will be in Pittsburgh’s scenic Heinz Field. Check them out.