So many Twitter and Facebook posts I’ve read over the past day have had so many negative feelings; such harsh contempt towards Joe Paterno. Granted, as a whole they only make up 10-15% of the posts, but still only a few short months ago the number would have been in the 1-3% range.

Though many may feel justified condemning Paterno further,
they likely are making their assumptions based on only what the media has given them over the last couple months.
Please don’t misunderstand me, what allegedly happened is beyond horrible. But not one of those acts were done by Paterno.
Should he have done more? Could he have done more?
Probably. Even he admitted that.
But he did what he thought he should do at that time.
He didn’t know it was as big as it was, at that time.
None of us could have known, at that time.
What would any of us done, truly? Doesn’t going to your superiors seem the appropriate thing to do?
Paterno did that. Whether that was enough may be a debate that never has an ending.

All I know is I never met JoPa, most of us hadn’t.
I know I didn’t like him when his Penn State football team played against Syracuse University, but that was only because of his role in the rivalry,
not the man, the husband, the father.
I do believe it is best to judge someone on their body of work, not one instance, good or bad.

Joe Paterno has done more for the hundreds of young men that were lucky enough to be under his watch,
as well as countless organizations and foundations,
than any of us will ever be able to do ourselves, or could imagine to do.

I also believe that time heals.
Perhaps as time moves on, as it will, everyone that is unsure today will get to see the good in Mr. Paterno.
JoPa has passed. May he rest in eternal peace.

There was the 15- year old daughter of former Cardinal pitcher, Joe Magrane, that stood six-foot tall and belted out an eight-foot tall bluesy number. Then there was the 24- year old girl who couldn’t afford a hotel room, and had been camping outside in a tent during the week-long auditions. And for the male-demographic, we were introduced to the NFL cheerleader, who not only had the “it” look, but sang pretty well too, not that the men listened that much.

Of course no first week of Idol would be complete without the absolute performance disasters. Yes, we had the young man from Africa who could barely speak English, but wanted to be the first African Country music star…really? Where are your friends and parents when you are thinking about this? And yes, we had our over-confident young men and women, that were apparently tone-deaf as well, that acted like they were heading to the electric chair when they weren’t given the famous ‘Golden Ticket’. Note to the American Idol viewer- if the pre-performance interview segment of the next contestant shows an over-the-top, diva-like person, you will likely see them bomb in the next few minutes.

Then came the last contestant of the Savannah auditions. The 20-year old son of a pawn shop owner, Phillip Phillips. Yes, so nice, they named him twice. Phillips casually walked onto the platform, wearing jeans, a plaid shirt, and sandals and shyly introduced himself with his charming southern accent. However from that point on there was nothing shy or ordinary about Phillip Phillips. He started by singing Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” with the flailing, electric energy of Joe Cocker, James Brown, and Dave Matthews all rolled into one. Though the song’s melody was still there, the arrangement was completely different and fresh. After his performance Jennifer Lopez stated that he appeared to perform with electricity running through his body. Steven Tyler just shook his head in awe, while Randy Jackson told Phillips to pick up his guitar and “give us more”. It was at this point that most of America knew that we were watching a star being born right before our very eyes. Phillips strapped on his guitar and jumped into his acoustic version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. It was one of those ‘goosebump moments’ when you knew you were experiencing something special. His sound was again very Dave Matthews-like, his confidence years ahead of his time. Phillip Phillips had performed his amazing rendition of “Thriller” in pure superstar fashion.

Obviously it’s far too early to tell if Phillips will win this season of American Idol, but there is no doubt that his father should be looking for more help down at the family pawn shop, because his son Phillip is going to be to busy in recording studios and concert venues to work there anymore.

At the Magic Kingdom, look for the Fall of 2012 to debut the new Fantasyland. Complete with the Beast’s castle, Ariel’s grotto, and a three-ring circus, the new attractions of Fantasyland will be found at the back of the park, near the existing carousel and teacups. New restaurants and quick service food stops will dot the landscape of Fantasyland, including one sit-down restaurant inside the Beast’s castle. Also in the new world look for a water attraction that wraps itself around The Little Mermaid theme. But perhaps the biggest attraction coming to the new Fantasyland is the 3-ring circus called Storybook Circus. However, unlike most circuses, this one will be permanent. Dumbo’s flying elephants, Goofy’s cannonballs, and character meet & greets will be just a few of the colorful, larger-than-life additions to the Magic Kingdom.

Meanwhile, over at Disney’s EPCOT look for the newly refurbished Universe of Energy building to feature an updated attraction with Ellen DeGeneres. This, along with the recently re-introduced ‘Captain EO’ 4D show, featuring Michael Jackson, will give EPCOT a positive shot in the arm.

Perhaps 2012′s largest changes will be seen at Downtown Disney. All three sections of DD are currently going through changes. At the Marketplace LittleMissMatched for girls has already opened, as has the new Pollo Campero quick service restaurant. Surprisingly, Pollo Campero sits in the same square footage where the longtime American icon McDonalds once did business.

In the Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney changes can already be seen. Gone are the dance clubs of the 90′s, and instead you’ll now find family-friendly restaurants with an around-the-world flair. Street performers play for visitors of the area, and new shops like Apricot Lane and Sammy Duval’s Curl draw shoppers in. Mixed into the new Pleasure Island is the new Irish restaurant Ragland Road and Paradiso 37, which serves up a cuisine from Central and South America.

In the West End section of Downtown Disney the storefronts are changing faster than you can say “Bippity-Boppity-Boo”. No longer exists the classic Magnetron store. Where am I supposed to buy my gift magnets now? Also gone is the Masters of Magic store. I always felt like most of us stopped in the store just to see a free magic show, and never had any intentions of buying a $29.95 magic kit. In their places look to see a Sunglass Icon store and clothing chain Wet Seal’s – Blink store to open up in early 2012.

The most exciting news to me is the creation of the Downtown Disney attraction called Splitsville; a 31-lane bowling alley that will double as a restaurant, bar, and dance club. As a sign says outside the current construction zone- “This isn’t your grandfather’s bowling alley”. Located in the old Virgin record store building, things are already underway for a Fall 2012 opening.

In a recent visit to Disneyworld, I asked a business owner about things happening at Downtown Disney. In our conversation she told me that the DD that we know today will look like something totally different by the year 2014. And if the fast-moving changes of 2011 and aggressive plans for 2012 are any indication, the entire Disneyworld experience that we grew up with will be something completely new in the very near future.

Recently I took my daughter, Morgan, on a father-daughter vacation to celebrate her journey off to college. She wanted to go where there were beaches and shopping. (Did I mention she was eighteen?) I immediately thought of the Gulf Coast and began to search for places. Through my Travelocity search I came across a pretty good deal for a fly & stay at the Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point. For a little under $400 each we got a roundtrip flight out of Rochester and 4-night stay at one of Hyatt’s premiere resorts. And as if that package wasn’t good enough, our arrival flight got us into the Ft. Myers airport by 11:30am, with our departure flight not leaving Florida until 5pm. To me those are great bonus hours for some sun & fun!

Upon arriving at the Hyatt Regency – Coconut Point Resort & Spa I couldn’t help but be in awe at the true luxury that welcomed us. From the valet parking to the doormen, this place screamed “vacation”! As you enter the resort the Stillwater Spa is located to your left. This full-service spa offers an enormous menu including their ‘Aqua Massage’. As guests enter the main lobby comfortable sitting areas and the Concierge are located to the left, with the minimalistic check-in area to the right. I found my check-in to be quick and easy, with the friendly desk manager giving me all kinds of information and answering all of my questions. Included with our check-in was a glass of champagne for me and a glass of OJ for Morgan.

Located on Estero Bay, which leads out to the Gulf of Mexico, the Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point offers views that are simply breath-taking. We actually made it a point one evening to stay in our room and take pictures of the sunset over the Gulf from our balcony. Incredible!

Our guestroom was magnificent. The suite contained two queen-size beds, a table with chairs, a kitchenette, and luxurious bathroom. The decor was modern, but not over-the-top. The staff cleaned our room each day and even turned our beds down at night when we weren’t there. Classy!

The Hyatt Regency – Coconut Point was recently awarded Travel & Leisure magazine’s Top 100 Hotels in the World and Top 50 Family-resorts in North America. Guests surveys have also resulted in the resort & spa receiving the AAA Four-Diamond ranking. With its 70,000 square feet of conference rooms, six restaurants and lounges, and three pools this Hyatt Regency has it all. My favorite place to eat at Coconut Point is the poolside restaurant known as the Corkscrew. Serving up great lunches and dinners, the Corkscrew is great as you relax by the pool. For more formal dining, Tarpon Bay and Tanglewood are superb. Tarpon Bay serves the best of area seafood, while Tanglewood offers up some wonderful American grille cuisine.

A stay at the Hyatt Regency – Coconut Point wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Hyatt’s private island across Estero Bay. A free water taxi takes guests from the resort’s dock to the island every 30-minutes. While on your way you are likely to see dolphins and rays swimming alongside the boat. Once at the island, a two-minute walk to the other side brings you to the Gulf of Mexico in all its glory. (Wait, see the sunbeams shine down and hear the angels sing from above.) This mile long strip of private beach is for Hyatt guests only and has complimentary chairs and umbrellas, and is perfect for saltwater swimming, sunbathing, and seashell collecting. 

Though the resort has everything you could want during your stay- tennis, golf, pools, wall-climbing, internet, flat-screen TVs, restaurants, and more- if you wanted to venture out Southwest Florida is packed with things to do. Morgan and I had lunch at the Bayside Restaurant in Naples one day, took in the sunset and had dinner at the Ft. Myers pier another night, and shopped at the amazing Coconut Point. It is an outdoor shopping and eating experience rivaled by few,with condos above the stores known as The Residences. From designer shops such as Coach and Aldo, to chain stores like Target and Champs, Coconut Point has shopping covered. The area also has great restaurants such as The Grape, Stir Crazy, and California Pizza Kitchen.

Without a doubt if you are looking for rest and relaxation in a peaceful, luxurious setting, the Hyatt Regency – Coconut Point is beckoning you. With incredible weather year-round, true southern hospitality, and slow-paced way of life, the Gulf Coast is one of my favorite places to be. Located between Ft.Myers Beach and Naples, and just 15 minutes from the Southwest Florida international Airport, the Hyatt Regency – Coconut Point is the perfect vacation destination for your next getaway. For more information contact Erin Flanagan at 239-390-4205 or visit their website at coconutpoint.hyatt.com.

5-  Providence- Rhode Island’s state capital has a population of about 175,000, and its twenty-five neighborhoods are packed with delightful shops and restaurants. Located along the Providence River and Narragansett Bay, Providence offers up a touch of big-city flare with a touch of quaintness. When visiting, most tourists end up at the city’s signature location, Waterplace Park. Located in the heart of the city, this park was created in the 1980′s during a major urban renovation, and serves as Providence’s gathering place today.

4- Narragansett- This quiet little town sits alongside the beauty of Narragansett Bay with wonderful hotels, B&Bs, and charming restaurants. There are also four beaches in Narragansett that allow visitors to rest and cool down in the warm New England summers. One of my favorite places to eat is O’Brien’s Pub. Located on Thames Street, O’Brien’s has a fantastic menu of food (and beer) with a comfortable outdoor setting.

3- Point Judith & Galilee- The area of Point Judith and Galilee is always hopping with activity. The marina  is bustling with fishing boats coming and going on a regular basis. Quite often the fishermen are selling their day’s catch right off their boat! The area is also where the ferry leaves for Block Island. The area has a couple nice beaches, a handful of stores, several delightful restaurants, and dozens of fishermen anxious to share their salty tales of the sea.

2- Block Island- For those looking to get away from it all for a day trip, weekend, or even a week-long stay, Block Island is fantastic. A great place to enjoy lunch or dinner is the National Hotel’s Tap & Grille. Located on Block Island Sound, the Tap & Grille has a huge porch that allow guests to dine while viewing the boats. With dozens of clothing, jewelry, and specialty shops, shopping is always high on most visitors’ lists. There are also several galleries with work from local painters and artisans.

1- Newport- Ahhh, Newport! Home of some of the finest sailing anywhere in the world, incredible dining & shopping, and my favorite of all, The Annual Newport Jazz Festival. Often proclaimed one of this country’s most beautiful places, Newport is a 3D postcard of true Americana. Whether you want to stroll down historic Bellevue Avenue to take in the famous Newport Mansions, like Vanderbilt’s The Beaches mansion, or walk along Newport’s Cliff Walk, a three-mile stretch that offer up incredible views of the beaches and ocean, this seaside town has something for everyone. One can’t leave Newport without first dining at the area’s famous White Horse Tavern on Farewell Street. This building sits on the U.S. Register of Historic Places and serves lunches and dinners seven days a week.

These are my five favorite places to visit in Rhode Island, but with its miles of seashore and seemingly countless restaurants, shops, and beaches, every visitor to this seaside treasure is bound to easily create their own unique list.

To make your visit a little more organized, here are five things that you must do when visiting Downtown Disney.

1- Earl of Sandwich. Start your day with lunch at this gourmet sandwich and salad shop. From the Earl Club to the Hawaiian BBQ, their sandwiches are made to order on fantastic artisan breads. Eat in or enjoy the Florida warmth outside, Earl of Sandwich is perhaps the best meal you can get for the money. At $5.99 for a good-sized sandwich, lunch at Disney doesn’t get much better.

2- Characters in Flight. New to Downtown Disney in 2009-’10, this giant tethered balloon rises nearly 400-feet above  the DD area, giving visitors a panoramic view of the surroundings. Priced at $18 for adults and $12 for kids, this 10-minute balloon ride is sure to create Disney memories.

3- Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. Located in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace, Ghirardelli offers up tasty chocolate samples, gift bags of their confections, and out-of-this-world ice cream sundaes. C’mon, live a little! Let yourself splurge on a Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae that will make all other sundaes seem like just another bowl of ice cream.

4- LaNouba by Cirque de Soleil. This acrobatic, theatrical experience has been wowing crowds for over a decade at Downtown Disney’s West End. A mixture of strength and grace, LaNouba has performers from all over the world creating mesmerizing stunts and dance from hanging wires and trampolines. Nearly sold to capacity every night of the year, reservations are advised before you make your trip to Walt Disney World.

5- Paradiso 37. Having just opened in 2010 in the newly renovated Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney, Paradiso 37 is a trendy restaurant/bar serving up some fantastic North and South American fare. Whether you decide to dine in or along DD’s waterfront, you will undoubtedly experience Paradiso 37′s cool vibe. A favorite beverage of many patrons (and me) to P37 is something the bartenders like to call a “Mangled Margarita”. Now I don’t know exactly what is contained in this magical drink, but after a couple you will be ready to take on Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tinkerbell all in one swoop.

Don’t think that the previously mentioned are the only places worth visiting at Downtown Disney. From its 24-theater AMC movieplex and Gloria Estefan’s Cuban-flare restaurant, Bongo’s, to Planet Hollywood and The World of Disney megastore, DD could easily be a daily stop during your Disney World vacation.

For those who have never visited the ‘Big Apple’ before let me offer up some ideas that will make your first-time enjoyable. First, I recently vacationed there for 4 days, and though you can drive there and fight the traffic and pay outrageous parking fees, or fly if you’re coming from a longer distance, I chose to ride MegaBus. MegaBus provides service from Central NY (where I live) to NYC for about $80 roundtrip. They offer free WiFi and have power units at every seat. The four-hour and thirty minute ride was enjoyable and effortless. The cab ride to and from my hotel was about $12 each way. So for about $104 my travel to and from the City was paid for. Try driving for that!

When I got to my hotel, The Millennium Broadway, I found my view breath-taking. From my corner room on the 38th floor I overlooked both ends of Times Square. The lights and energy were already becoming infectious, and I couldn’t wait to get out there with the masses. My wife and I headed to Times Square and spent our first hour just taking in all that the world-famous area had to offer. After visiting some of the stores we headed to grab a bite to eat at a place we were told about more than once. John’s Pizzeria, located just off Broadway on  44th Street, is a refurbished church that has some fantastic Italian food and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The two levels and four brick ovens at John’s makes for a great dining experience.

A neat way to take in the City for the first time is to purchase a tour package. One of the best is the “Hop-on, Hop-off” bus tour. The double-decker bus company has three different tours around Gotham, and even offers a Hudson River boat ride. The neat thing about it is that your ticket is good for 48-hours. So for example on Day 2 of our trip we purchased our tickets right there in Times Square and enjoyed a 2-hour tour of Manhattan. As it makes its 20+ stops throughout the tour, riders can hop off at any location, and then hop back on the next bus coming through about every 30 minutes. Rachel and I hopped off at the famous Stage Deli for lunch. The experience was neat, our sandwiches were tasty, but our waiter was down right rude and nasty. Welcome to New York?

On Night 2 we took in a taping of the David Letterman Show. I was able to secure tickets by applying in advance online at the Letterman website. After the show we headed around the corner from the Sullivan Theater to a neat pub called the Irish Pub NYC. With a full menu and authentic Irish pub feel, this stop was a ’winner’.

On Day 3 we started with a visit to the Times Square Starbucks, right next to the ABC studios. From there we hopped on the tour bus and hopped off at Canal Street (Chinatown). All that you have heard about this experience, is nothing until you are actually there. Purses, shoes, watches? You want Gucci? They’re all there- I think. At least that’s what the nice ladies and gentlemen tell me standing next to heavily padded-locker doors with their walkie-talkies .

From there we walked through the financial district and then to Ground Zero. We walked into the Winter Garden building and overlooked the new construction taking place on the hallowed ground. It was as moving as I had been told. From there we walked along the Hudson River to Battery Park, where we hopped back on one of the tour buses. As we traveled back uptown we got off near Bloomingdale’s and took in the 8 levels of shopping. Later in the day we stopped at the famous Serendipity 3 restaurant for dinner. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Quite often they are booked several days in advance.

On Day 4 we had until about 7pm before our MegaBus was leaving from Madison Square Garden, and took full advantage of a great sunny day. We walked a few blocks from our hotel to Rockefeller Plaza, where we ate a late morning lunch at the Plaza’s Cucina & Co. Eatery. Unfortunately the tour of NBC was sold out already for the day, so lesson learned, always make reservations for nearly everything in NYC.

Around the corner from NBC is a fabulous little bakery called The Magnolia. Be sure to stop there for a quick little sugar-hit. As we walked just a few blocks further we reached Grand Central Station. Standing inside the often filmed iconic landmark was pretty neat, though I was disappointed that a FlashMob didn’t break into song and dance while we were there. As we headed back to Times Square in the afternoon we walked through Bryant Park. Its Citi Pond and Celsius Bar was a neat place to sit and take in the day. As we got back into the Times Square area Rach and I decided that John’s Pizzeria deserved another visit before we headed for home.

Though this may have been my first visit to NYC, I can guarantee you that there dozens of more trips planned in my head for the future. New York City is truly the “City That Never Sleeps”, with so much to see and do. While my next visit will likely include taking in a Yankee game, Broadway show, and a trip to one of the many museums, it will also include getting there on MegaBus, staying at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, and of course another trip to John’s Pizzeria.

So with summer here, how about 10 “got-to-have” albums and/or artists that must be on your iPod playlist? Though the following order isn’t based on radio-airplay, Billboard’s national ranking, or total sales, my ranking is simply based on how these albums and artists move me as sun comes out and the temperatures rise.

10. Katy Perry- Teenage Dream. Released in 2010 this album is full of contemporary pop hits including Perry’s smash hit ‘California Gurls’ which became a staple of any summer get together or County Fair.

9. Bananarama- Greatest Hits. Released in 1988 this album featured the girl-trio group’s best including ‘Venus’, ‘Hey hey Na Na’, and my favorite, ‘Cruel Summer’.

8. James Taylor- White Album (greatest hits). You know it’s summer when James Vernon Taylor plays at Tanglewood in Massachusetts, and you know it’s summer at my home when Taylor’s White Greatest Hits album is playing. Released in 1976, this album contains, ‘Your Smiling Face’, ‘Fire and Rain’, and summertime favorite ‘Mexico’.

7. Rolling Stones- Some Girls. This classic rock n’ roll band released this album in June of 1978. With hits like ‘Some Girls’, ‘Beast of Burden’, and ‘Miss You’, this album was rocking all summer long then, and continues to this day.

6. The Go Go’s- Greatest Hits. With Belinda Carlisle at the lead vocal, this California all-girl band exploded onto the national scene in the early 80′s. Their Greatest Hits album was released in the mid-1980′s and posted such summer classics as ‘We Got the Beat’, ‘Our Lips are Sealed’, and ‘Vacation’.

5. Crosby, Stills, and Nash- Daylight Again. Released in 1982, this album featured a trio of hit singles like ‘Wasted Away’, ‘Too Much Love to Hide’, and one of my all-time favorite singles, ‘Southern Cross’.

4. Kenny Chesney- No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem. Though Chesney had experienced success before this 2002 release, this album solidified him as a true music superstar. The title track, along with ‘Young’, and ‘The Good Stuff’ all find their way to summertime fun at family gatherings or the local watering hole.

3. Bob Marley- Legend. On May 8, 1984 Island Records released a compilation of hits from Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Legend album is the largest selling reggae album of all-time, with over 25 million copies sold, with such classics as ‘Stir it Up’, ‘The Redemption Song’, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, and everyone’s favorite, ‘Jammin’.

2. Jimmy Buffett- Meet Me in Margaritaville. Released in 2003, this albums full title ends with ‘…The Ultimate Collection’. And it truly is. The double-album set is non-stop Buffett at his best. ‘Come Monday’, ‘Changes in Latitudes…’, and ‘Margaritaville’ are just three of the hits on disc one. While disc two boasts such classics as ‘Sail on Sailor’, ‘Volcano’, and ‘Son of a Son of a Sailor’. But when it comes to a summertime feel, Buffett’s single, ‘Creola’ has that special island vibe.

1. The Beach Boys- Endless Summer. Released in the summer of ’74, this album has to be listed on everyone’s all-time summer album list, and is #1 on mine. Through the 60′s and 70′s The Beach Boys pumped out hit after hit. Each was Mike Love and the Wilson brothers’ ode to their lifestyle along the coast of Southern California. The Endless Summer double-album contains hit after hit. Go ahead, name a Beach Boys hit—- yep, it’s here. Hits like ‘Surfin’ USA’, ‘Surfer Girl’, and ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ are all found on album one, while ‘Don’t Worry Baby’, ‘California Girls’, and ‘All Summer Long’ are found on album two. They even find a way to pack in ’Good Vibrations’ as a bonus track on the album. While on the charts for an amazing 155 weeks, Endless Summer hit the #1 album spot in 1974.

Though the rankings of your all-time Summer albums may differ from this one, or even contain other classic releases, I hope you enjoy the music that makes up the memories your summer of 2011.

Throughout the week Unwrapped airs in half-hour segments. Hosted by Marc Summers, Unwrapped takes you for a behind-the-scenes look at the wonderful world of food. From snack foods to gourmet restaurants, each episode takes a look at one niche of the food world, in three or four video segments.

In recent shows Unwrapped explored the world of soda pop, cookies, amusement parks, and fast food. Watch to see how Mountain Dew got its start, and how it’s manufactured and distributed around the world. View another episode and learn about national conventions that are held annually for amusement park owners to test and buy new food products, such as deep-fried Oreos or the latest line of Dip-n-Dots.

Quite often the show will be theme-based, depending on the season of the year. At Halloween time you can see how those childhood-favorite wax fangs are made on Halloween Unwrapped. During Easter season you can watch Easter Unwrapped to see how those always-popular marshmallow Peeps are made. And most recently the show examined the history of the hotdog.

Unwrapped is guided by Summers from segment to segment, usually from an old-fashioned 50’s soda parlor. He is quite personable and always quick-witted; not afraid to toss out predictably corny puns at the drop of a hat.

So if you’re tired of watching Grey’s Anatomy reruns, and not interested in the latest faux jewelry on the Shopping Network, channel-surf your way to the Food Network or foodnetwork.com and take in the latest Unwrapped episode. You may end up making it a weekly or even nightly part of your viewing or DVR-ing schedule. Currently, Unwrapped airs on Monday nights at 8pm, with reruns airing all over the schedule.

Since the 1970′s Southwest has proven to be an airline with friendly, competent service, and always posts some of the most competitive fares in the industry. Their commercials are classic, and they even had a reality TV show about the behind-the-scenes of an airline called ‘Airline’. The commercials,  show, and overall quality catapulted Southwest as to a major player in the people-mover business in the new millennium. “With our acquisition of AirTran”, states a Southwest official, “we’re creating new opportunities for our collective employees, customers, shareholders and communities alike.”

Over the past ten years Atlanta-based AirTran had been building its customer share, apparently so well that the company became a hot commodity in the airline industry. I’ve been a frequent customer of AirTran and have found them extremely easy to book with, and their fares have always been competitive. Perhaps the most similar trait between the two airlines is their dedication to making their customers satisfied and faithful.

In a Press Release to its customers AirTran officials said, “AirTran and Southwest are now one family committed to providing the best customer experience to more than 100 million customers…from more than 100 airports.” Though the transaction was finalized on May 2, the FAA isn’t expected to grant a Single Operating Certificate until the first quarter of 2012. Until then AirTran and Southwest customers will be able to go on with business as usual, with the overall transition beginning over the next couple of months. By early 2012 the AirTran fleet will be sporting the Southwest colors. It will be one brand, one airline, thanks to the expertise of two solid companies joining forces.

Aside from Southwest moving into existing AirTran terminals, experts predict that this merger will result in the creation of other Southwest destinations around the country. If this prediction is true, the new Southwest could position itself as the one of the most successful airline companies in the industry.