Franny Beecher, of Bill Haley and the Comets, dies

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Published February 25, 2014

Associated Press

This March 21, 2005 file photo shows members of The Comets, from left to right, Marshall Lytle, Franny Beecher, and Joey Ambrose perform at Rock is Fifty party held at the Gibson Guitar Studio in New York. Beecher, lead guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2014.AP

Franny Beecher, lead guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets, which helped kick off the rock and roll era with the hit "Rock Around the Clock" in 1955, has died. He was 92.

Beecher died in his sleep Monday night at a nursing home near Philadelphia, daughter Pauline Grinstead said Tuesday.

The Comets, whose hits also included "See You Later, Alligator," are credited by some music historians with having recorded the first rock and roll song in 1953 with "Crazy Man, Crazy," the group's biography on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website says.

Beecher, born Francis Beecher in 1921 in Norristown, started playing guitar before crowds when he was 17 and continued until he was 90. Before the Comets, he performed with Buddy Greco and Benny Goodman, Grinstead said.

"My dad didn't play music for money. He was no businessman," she said. "He played music for music."

Although Philadelphia session musician Danny Cedrone played on the original recording of "Rock Around the Clock" before his death in 1954, Beecher played the signature song for the first time on national television in 1955 and also played with the group in films.

"Rock Around the Clock" became a hit again nearly 20 years after its release when it was included on the soundtrack of "American Graffiti."

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Franny Beecher, of Bill Haley and the Comets, dies

Comets Fans Flex Their Muscles

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February 24, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets Comets hockey had an Empire State of Mind this past weekend, as the team played three games in as many nights, all of which against New York State opposition.

The stretch was a huge one, both on and off the ice for Utica. With the team on the verge of a playoff push, every point at this stage of the season is essential. And with all three contests coming close to our own backyard, the Comets had a stretch of rivalries ready to be reignited.

Although all three games were technically on the road, Friday's showdown felt like another evening at The AUD, with approximately 900 Comets fans making the trip across I-90 to the War Memorial in Syracuse. The "Thruway Throwdown", as it was dubbed, lived up to its name in a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory for the Comets, that put Utica one point away from claiming the Galaxy Cup.

Although the game on the ice was a big one for the Comets, with the team earning two points to aid in their rise in the standings, the story of the night was the thriving state of hockey in Central New York. Comets fans were loud and proud as they cheered on their team, with the section next to Utica's bench overflowing with blue and green. In a sight unlike what you might expect on the road, the team saluted its fans after the win and Brandon DeFazio capped off the festivities by tossing his stick into the supporters section, after being named the game's first star. Comets fans support did not go unnoticed by those on the ice.

"I thought there would be a lot of fans there, but we had no idea that we would have that man," remarked Comets Head Coach, Travis Green. "What a night. People cheering us on, and with that level of excitement and passion. It was amazing to see."

Frank Corrado added on Twitter, ""Great Comets fan turnout in Syracuse. You guys were as loud as ever!"

Saturday evening was another boisterous crowd, this time in Binghamton, as the Comets made history with their first third period come from behind victory of the season. Star Wars night brought out a collection of characters, literally, to the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena as R2-D2 and some of his friends from a galaxy far, far away were in attendance.

Although there were not the droves of Utica fans that came to Syracuse, the Senators had a large crowd in attendance to welcome their rivals to town for the first time. Utica delivered a show with a fantastic comeback effort, which moved the team to within just six points of a playoff berth in the Western Conference standings, while sending the Binghamton fans home disappointed.

The Comets were well on their way towards the weekend record for miles on the New York State Thruway, as they traveled to Albany to conclude their weekend. The atmosphere in Albany was quite the contrast to what the Comets received in Syracuse and Binghamton, with Sunday's game at the 14,000 plus seat Times Union Center.

In what is starting to become a theme, Utica fans invaded the T.U.C. and serenaded their team with a chorus of "Lets Go Comets" chants as the puck dropped. Utica fans even showed off an unofficial hockey symbol of the Mohawk Valley, as a rubber chicken was hurled onto the ice during the third period.

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Comets Fans Flex Their Muscles

Guitarist Franny Beecher of rock's Comets dies at 92

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NORRISTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA Franny Beecher, lead guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets, which helped kick off the rock and roll era with the hit Rock Around the Clock in 1955, has died. He was 92.

Beecher died in his sleep Monday night at a nursing home near Philadelphia, daughter Pauline Grinstead said Tuesday.

The Comets, whose hits also included See You Later, Alligator, are credited by some music historians with having recorded the first rock and roll song in 1953 with Crazy Man, Crazy, the groups biography on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website says.

Beecher, born Francis Beecher in 1921 in Norristown, started playing guitar before crowds when he was 17 and continued until he was 90; before the Comets, he performed with Buddy Greco and Benny Goodman, Grinstead said.

My dad didnt play music for money. He was no businessman, she said. He played music for music.

Although Philadelphia session musician Danny Cedrone played on the original recording of Rock Around the Clock before his death in 1954, Beecher played the signature song for the first time on national television in 1955 and also played with the group in films.

Rock Around the Clock became a hit again nearly 20 years after its release when it was included on the soundtrack of American Graffiti.

The Comets broke up in 1962, but in the 1980s, Beecher and some of the original members reunited and played tour dates around the United States and internationally for years.

Grinstead said her father also is survived by two sons and six grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

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Guitarist Franny Beecher of rock's Comets dies at 92

Comets End Wave's Home Streak

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February 24, 2014 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) MILWAUKEE - The Missouri Comets ended the Milwaukee Wave's 19-game regular season home winning streak as Lucas Rodriguez led his side to a 15-9 victory on Sunday afternoon in front of 4,267 fans at U.S. Cellular Arena. The defeat dropped the Wave a half-game behind the Baltimore Blast for first in the MISL standings as the league approaches the final weekend of the regular season.

Missouri was the last side to beat the Wave on home turf in the regular season and opened the scoring late in the first quarter as John Sosa's free kick gave the Comets a 2-0 lead. Milwaukee grabbed the lead on a long-range chip by Victor Quiroz, who caught goalkeeper Danny Waltman off his line from inside his own half, but Missouri got back-to-back goals from Milan Ivanovic to take a 6-3 lead midway through the second.

Giuliano Oliviero made it a one-point game at the halftime break from the penalty spot for the Wave, but the Comets continued to hold the advantage as Rodriguez scored his first of the game more than five minutes into the third quarter to make it 8-5. Marcio Leite continued his strong run of recent form for the Wave as his goals on either side of the third quarter intermission gave the Wave a 9-8 lead 1:05 into the fourth.

Missouri wouldn't be denied its third win against the Wave this season, however, as Rodriguez scored shortly after the conclusion of a power play with 3:01 to play to edge his side back in front. Stefan Stokic and Brian Harris, from 3-point range, then added empty-net insurance goals as the Comets solidified third place in the MISL standings.

THURSDAY

ROCHESTER 18, PENNSYLVANIA 2: Doug Miller had a hat trick as the Rochester Lancers took victory against the Pennsylvania Roar at Santander Arena. Joey Tavernese also had a goal and four assists as the Lancers cruised to victory.

Tavernese opened the scoring just less than four minutes into the contest and goals by Miller and Sean Summerville stretched the Lancers' advantage by the end of the first quarter. Summerville added a second to start the second, while Stephen Basso also had a pair of goals for Rochester as it held the Roar to only 20 shots, 15 of which were saved by Marc Sotile.

FRIDAY

MILWAUKEE 20, ST. LOUIS 9: The Milwaukee Wave got a pair of goals apiece from Marcio Leite, Luan Oliviera and Nick Perera as a fast start to the third quarter played a key role in their victory in front of 6,235 at the Family Arena.

The Wave grabbed an early lead through Philip Surprise before Leite grabbed his first, but the Ambush responded quickly with a goal from Matt Kimball. Milwaukee extended its lead to four points at the halftime break, however, and then broke the game open in the opening three minutes of the third quarter as Leite, Perera and Hewerton all scored in a span of 50 seconds to make it 14-4.

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Comets End Wave's Home Streak

Comets' Lucas Rodriguez Named Player of the Week

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February 25, 2014 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Missouri Comets INDEPENDENCE, Missouri (February 25, 2014) - The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced on Tuesday that Missouri Comets midfielder Lucas Rodriguez has been named the MISL Player of the Week for the 15th week of the 2013-14 regular season. Rodriguez had the game-winning goal for the Comets as they took victory on the road against the Milwaukee Wave on Sunday, and finished the week with 10 points in two games.

Rodriguez, a former MISL Rookie of the Year, had an outstanding weekend starting on Saturday night when his creativity led to three assists in the Comets' 26-21 victory against the St. Louis Ambush. Rodriguez provided the assist on Leo Gibson's game-winning goal against St. Louis and then scored the game-winner himself on Sunday afternoon against the Wave in a 15-9 win that ended Milwaukee's 19-game regular-season home winning streak.

Gibson was also named to the MISL Team of the Week after his eight-point performance led the Comets to victory against St. Louis. Entering the final weekend of the season Gibson leads the MISL with 67 points - five ahead of Milwaukee's Ian Bennett - as he looks to claim his first scoring title in his first full season as a forward.

Two other Comets players, John Sosa and Brian Harris, were named Honorable Mention as well. Sosa had three goals over the weekend and the assist on Rodriguez's game-winning goal. Harris had two three-point goals and an assist in two games.

Also named to the Team of the Week were two players from the Baltimore Blast. Goalkeeper Troy Hernandez was selected after he recorded 18 saves and conceded only 11 points in two victories, and he was joined by forward Tony Donatelli who had 12 points in three games as the Blast won on three consecutive nights.

Completing the team were Milwaukee defender Victor Quiroz, who had a pair of impressive performances as the Wave split a pair of games with St. Louis and Missouri, and Syracuse's Antonio Manfut, who recorded his first career hat trick as the Silver Knights defeated Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon.

The Comets are on the road for their final two games of the regular season, February 27th against St. Louis and March 2nd against Milwaukee. Missouri returns home for Game #1 of the MISL Playoffs on March 9th at 3:10p.m. CT. Fans can receive FREE playoff tickets by purchasing 2014-2015 Missouri Comets Season Tickets by March 4th.

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Comets' Lucas Rodriguez Named Player of the Week

EPIDEMIC OF PANIC | Feared 'flesh-eating disease' in Pangasinan a bad case of psoriasis – DOH

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By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com February 25, 2014 4:36 PM

Health Secretary Ona: categorically shoots down fears of "flesh-eating" disease.

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines Ignorance and panic often make the worst combination in cases of a mystery disease and the latest example of how misinformation can fan paranoia and deepen the suffering of people is found in Pangasinan, where fears that flesh-eating bacteria similar to that reported in the US have spread lately.

Moving to stem the panic, the Department of Health (DOH) shot down Tuesday rumors about a "flesh-eating" skin disease, following reports of two suspected cases in Pangasinanone in Villasis town, another in Sta. Barbara.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona was categorical: "There is no reported case of 'flesh-eating' skin disease in the country yet. Absolutely no reason for the public to panic.

In the first case, Pangasinan Rep. Kimi Cojuangco took to Twitter to allay fears after consulting with local health officials familiar with the case of a young man in Villasis town whose family was given many different diagnoses. The man, called Joseph in a TV report, suffers from an acute episode of psoriasis, a chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered with white scales, as a result of an abnormally rapid way the skin cells grow. In severe cases, it could be associated with or complicate other ailments like arthritis or gout, or immune disorders.

Kimi Cojuangco tweeted at 3 in the afternoon of Tuesday: re the so called plague in Pangasinan.The male patient in Villasis has a very bad case of Erithrodermic Psoriasis and proceeded to share the image of a patient with this ailment that she said she had googled from a medical website and whose manifestations look exactly the same as the Villasis man: pic.twitter.com/0EfZsmMdO7"

Psoriasis is one of the least-understood diseases and one of the countrys foremost experts, Makati Medical Centers Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell of the VMV line of hypoallergenics, has spent the past three decades explaining it to people. In an earlier interview with an InterAksyon.com editor, Verallo said people should understand these basic things about psoriasis: one, it is NOT contagious; that episodes are often triggered by changes in weather or climate, stress and too much of the wrong foods; that psoriasis patients need to be in clean surroundings where they wont be at risk of infection; that psoriatic sufferers can lead normal lives especially if they have the support group of family, friends and a community that understands the disease.

Female case on multi-drug regime for leprosy

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EPIDEMIC OF PANIC | Feared 'flesh-eating disease' in Pangasinan a bad case of psoriasis - DOH

'Flesh-eating' cases identified as leprosy, psoriasis: DOH

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MANILA The flesh-eating diseases carried by two patients in Pangasinan have been identified as leprosy and psoriasis, both of which are not contagious, a health official said on Tuesday.

In a phone interview with ABS-CBNnews.com, Department of Health (DoH) Undersecretary Janette Garin said the two cases in Pangasinan have been placed under investigation, but they pose no threat to the public.

According to Garin, one of the patients has been diagnosed with leprosy, a disease that causes skin sores.

The medications the patient took caused side effects that made the skin react, similar to having an allergy.

Dahil malala na [ang leprosy], binigyan ng gamot [ang pasyente na nagdulot sa] pagkakaroon ng reaskyon na parang allergy, ngunit hindi ito flesh-eating," Garin told ABS-CBNnews.com.

For the second patient, Garin said authorities are still having the case verified.

However, past records show the patient is suffering from psoriasis, a skin disease that causes peeling and red marks on the skin.

Ang psoriasis ay isang skin desease na hindi nakakahawa. [Nagdudulot ito ng] pamamamalat sa balat ng pasyente.

Garin said that there is nothing to be worry about as both cases are not contagious.

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'Flesh-eating' cases identified as leprosy, psoriasis: DOH

Living in Lima Peru 7 Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Site in Miraflores – Video

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Living in Lima Peru 7 Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Site in Miraflores - Video