Italian American Blues Singer, Gina Sicilia:
"May be the best blues singer on the music scene today"

10|07|21. Gina Sicilia, 25, is getting rave reviews for her bluesy singing style. Born in Newtown, Pa., she is the youngest daughter of Giovanni Sicilia, an Italian immigrant, and Patricia Sicilia, born near Philadelphia. Exposed to music by her parents, Sicilia showed her musicality at a young age. She began writing her own songs at 12, and by 16 had written numerous songs that would later be recorded on her 2007 debut album. Sicilia holds a degree in journalism from Temple University. Regardless of your musical tastes, we have no doubt that once you hear her sing, you will rush out and buy her CDs!

National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
Threatened With Foreclosure

10|07|20 - According to news reports the company that owns the building for the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and managed by long-time sports executive Jerry Colangelo has been told by a bank that it plans to foreclose on an $8.5 million loan and sell the hall's memorabilia. Colangelo is also the Chairman of the National Italian American Foundation.

According to the article, if full payment wasn't made by Friday, it would foreclose on the mortgage and sell off the hall's memorabilia. George Randazzo, the hall's founder and chairman, was in Washington D.C. yesterday, with Mike Piazza, NIASHF's national spokesperson, and was unable to comment n the news reports.

NIASHF was founded by Randazzo in 1977. In 1998, Mr. Randazzo asked Colangelo to serve as the chairman to build a new building for the hall. In 2000, the new facility was dedicated "the Jerry Colangelo Center."

Italian America All-Star Mike Piazza
At National Italian American Foundation

10|07|19 - Mike Piazza, 12-time All-Star and best hitting catcher of all time stopped by the National Italian American Foundation headquarters in Washington, D.C., for a meet-and-greet with local NIAF supporters. Joining him was George Randazzo, Chairman and Founder of the National Italian American Sports Hall of FamePiazza who retired in 2008, is the national spokesperson for NIASHF. Piazza was in town for meetings on Capitol Hill to get support for a NIASHF program, A Level Playing Field. NIAF Board Member John Rosa introduced Piazza who made some brief remarks as shown in the 85-second video below.

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John J. Castellani New PhRMA President

10|07|18 - Along the corridors of power in the Nation's Capital few people can match the power of John J. Castellani. Those in the loop, most of whom happen to live inside the Washington Beltway, were not surprised then that the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (the third-largest lobbying entity behind the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Exxon) recently picked Castellani as its new president. Castellani, who has been president and chief executive of the Business Roundtable for the past nine years, is an unassuming insider who gets things done - regardless of who is in power.. As he said at a news conference last week, "my style and PhRMA's style will be to be politically relevant and not partisan. We're not a rubber stamp for any of the parties."

CapCrit Pushes Hard For Bid to Bring Giro d'Italia to Washington DC in 2012
Master Sergeant Antonio Giuliano sings Fratelli d'Italia

Read story ...>>

"No Alla Legge-Bavaglio"
CiaoAmerica Supports Freedom of the Press

10|07|09 - Today, Friday, July 9th, Italian journalists in Italy and abroad are on strike to protest the Italian government's legislative proposal to restrict reporting based on material gained from police wiretaps. The Berlusconi government says that the law is needed to protect the privacy of individuals. The critics, however, say that the proposed law will hamper both the fight against organized crime and press reporting on corruption. However, a revised bill excludes mafia and terrorism investigations, but critics say, nonetheless, that it would cripple probes into offences such as money-laundering and drug-trafficking which frequently lead investigators to organised criminals and terrorists. The Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana (FNSI), the main Italian journalists' union, said the legislation would "severely limit the right of citizens to know how judicial investigations are proceeding, imposing serious limitations on the free circulation of information." The wiretap proposal has created a rift between the PDL ruling colaition of Silvio Berlusconi and his ally Gianfranco Fini. Fini has made his views clear clear that "a great democratic country needs strong, free and authoritative news services." The legislative proposal, which is due to be voted on in parliament on July 29, is creating a political rift and disrupting the Italian's government's plans to enact a package of austerity measures.

NIAF Announces 35th Annual Gala Honorees

NIAF has announced two additional honorees for its 35th Anniversary Gala: film producer and president of Naples Soccer Club Aurelio De Laurentiis, who will receive the NIAF U.S.-Italy Friendship Award, and Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician-in-chief of the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, who will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Science and Medicine. Additionally, Giuliana DePandi Rancic, anchor and managing editor of E! News and star of the Style Network show Giuliana & Bill, will serve as the evening’s emcee.

Other honorees previously announced include Tom Izzo, head basketball coach for Michigan State; Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide; and Joseph Uva, CEO of Univision Communications, Inc. Uva will receive his award from Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. The NIAF’s 35th Anniversary Convention and Gala Weekend in Washington, D.C. will be held on October 22-23, 2010 at the Hilton Washington.

Happy Fourth of July!

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

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Kimberly Castillo Mota
Miss Italia nel Mondo 2010

10|07|02 - The Miss Italia nel Mondo 2010 winner is Kimberly Castillo Mota. a 21-year-old college student from the Dominican Republic. She was crowned at the Palazzo del Turismo di Jesolo, Italy, an event televised by Raiuno and watched worldwide by more than 3,500,000 spectators.

Miss Mota was born in August 26, 1988 in Higuey, and raised by her grandmother and her father, Antonio, whose roots hail from Cosenza, Italy. She has two brothers and three sisters. Miss Mota is studying architecture at the Università Pontificia Madre Y Maestra (PUCMM) and is also a model. She is 5’11” tall and will celebrate her 22nd birthday on August 26. It was her first trip to Italy and said that she fell in love with the Coliseum and the Vatican.

Miss Italia Germania, Giuseppina Cannella, placed second and, Miss Italia Amazzonia, Esmeralda Yaniche, was the third place winner.
See more pictures and read story in Italian >>
(Photo courtesy of Miss Italia Channel)

Postscript from the Wall Street Journal

"Soccer is not religion in Italy. It is opera. And at Ellis Park Thursday the fate of the defending World Cup champions took a tragic turn that could have been borrowed from "Il Trovatore . . . It was an unlovable group of Italians that displayed such malaise Thursday. They played without the joy and swagger of the Paolo Rossi/Roberto Baggio squads that made so many fans across the globe fall for the Azzurri, whose blue jerseys became a world-wide icon. They looked like the 2007 New York Yankees, a team of aging veterans to whom Mr. Lippi (think Joe Torre with a soccer ball) stayed faithful even as fans pushed for new blood." Read the story

Can Italy defeat Slovakia?

FORZA AZZURRI!

10|06|24 - Todays' Washington Post's headline: "Defeding Champion Italy is in danger of not advancing to the round of 16. Italy's coach Marcello LIppi says that "As long as we stay positive we have a chance." Let's get more enthusiastic!

Festa Italiana Celebrated in Nation's Capital

10|06|20 - Festa Italiana was celebrated in Washington, D.C. today. Before the Festa got underway, members of the local Italian American community formed a procession to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to place a wreath in honor of Lt. Giuseppe (Joseph) Petrosino, a N.Y.C. police officer and organized-crime fighter, who was assassinated in Palermo Sicily in 1909. This year is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Petrosino. Judge Giannicola Sinisi, the Italian Embassy Justice Attache, placed the wreath on the Petrosino memorial and recalled the contribution that Italian Americans have made to combat organized crime.

Check back later for more pictures from Washington DC Festa Italiana.

Forza Azzurri!
Forza Federico Marchetti!

Meno male! 1-1
So far, we are not impressed

Italian Pharmaceutical Industry
AIFA, Farmindustria, in Washington This Week

10|06|16 - The Italian pharmaceutical industry and Italian government drug regulators, have landed in Washington this week to participate in the 46th Annual Meeting of the Drug Information Association. The meeting brings together the leading international players in drug regulation, including government representatives of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). On Tuesday, June 15, at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi welcomed the participants to a seminar entitled, “The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) and pharmaceutical enterprises working together for the future of health.” Representing AIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco) were its Chairman, Sergio Pecorelli, and its Director General Guido Rasi. AIFA is a regulatory agency created in 2004 within the Ministry of Health and Welfare. AIFA publishes pricing and reimbursement guidelines for drugs. AIFA is also responsible for controlling healthcare expenses, not a small expenditure for the Italian government. Also speaking at the seminar were Thomas Lonngren, Executive Director, European Medicines Agency (EMA), Murray M. Lumpkin, Deputy Commissioner for International at the FDA, and Sergio Dompe, Chairman of the Italian Pharmaceutical Industry Association (Farmindustria).

(Pictured above Sergio Dompe, stating that first thing pharmaceutical industry needs to to do is to "reduce our costs")

Freedom of Press in Danger in Italy

10|06|15 - The Italian news agency, ANSA, reports that the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) urged Italy today to drop or amend a contested bill aimed at restricting the use of wiretaps and their publication before trials. Read ANSA story. The OSCE called on the Italian government to withdraw the current measure and modify it to bring it into line with international standards guaranteeing freedom of the press. The legislation in its current form apparently provides among other objectionable provisions, the possibility of a prison sentence for anyone who is not a "professional journalist" who records or films a person without their prior approval. From across the Atlantic, the Berlusconi government's recent actions are being watched anxiously. Italians abroad who value freedom of the press as an indispensable ingredient of a healthy democracy are wondering quo vadis Italia? Berlusconi has been undeterred in defense of the proposed wiretap law: "Ours is not real a real democracy ... We are all being spied on and this is intolerable," he said.

PS: To be fair, in one of the most liberal states in America,the State of Maryland to be prescise, a young man who took a video of a traffic stop, is facing p to 16 years in prison because he recorded the police officer without his consent! These are the perils of wiretapping laws!

Ciao Ciao America!
Remembering World Cup 1994

Brava America!
United States v. England 1-1

Italians Abroad Cheer On Reigning
World Cup Champion Italy
Soccer Tournament Begins Today in South Africa

10|06|11 - Italy, which won the last world cup when it defeated Germany in 2006, is not this year’s favorite – at least not in Italy. Italy’s coach Marcello Lippi is being criticized by the Italian media for retaining players who are getting too old. Lippi acknowledges that that is true but says he has no regrets. "Yes, we have old players, but with age comes charisma and the experience of playing in big games. I think we have the right mix of young and old players," Lippi said upon his arrival in South Africa. As one blogger commented, “Lippi as the current world champion's coach deserves the right to do what he pleases. I have faith that Italy will do a lot better than people are predicting.” Italians abroad have always had faith in Italy.

The World Cup provides another opportunity to take pride in our roots, our culture, and to unite for a common cause. Italy will be playing Paraguay on June 14 at 2:30 pm ET and New Zealand on June 20 at 10:00 am. At CiaoAmerica! we say Forza Azzurri and Viva l’Italia!

More to come . . .>>

50th Annual Ceremony Commemorating
Charles J. Bonaparte held at the U.S Department of Justice

10|06|09 - Italian Americans gathered in the Great Hall at the Department of Justice today, June 9, 2010, to join the Italian Historical Society of America in commemorating for the fiftieth year, Charles J. Bonaparte, the 46th Attorney General of the United States and the founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Featured as the keynote speaker, was Thomas Perrelli, Associate Attorney General of the United States. Perrelli was introduced by federal Judge Francis Allegra, who as former Deputy Associate Attorney General had planned many of the annual Bonaparte ceremonies. Perrelli, whose father's roots are in Sicily and Calabria, noted in his speech that much of what Bonaparte did during his tenure as Attorney General continues to be the agenda for today’s Department of Justice, from bringing to justice those who profit by defrauding the government, to Bonaparte’s commitment to eliminating politics from any aspect of the civil service hiring system. 

Also speaking at the event were John Di Cicco, the Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division who gave welcoming remarks, John LaCorte Jr., President of the Italian Historical Society of America, and Cristiano Maggipinto, First Counselor for Social and Consular Affairs at the Embassy of Italy in Washington. Francesco Isgro, of the Department of Justice, was the master of ceremonies,

Read the prepared remarks of Thomas Perrelli.
(Pictured above, Thomas Perrelli)

Festa della Repubblica Celebrated at
Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Italian Americans Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, Ennio Caretto, Cesare De Carlo,
honored by Italian government.

10|06|02 -" Next year we will celebrate throughout the United States the 150th anniversary of Italy’s Unity. Italy and the United States share a partnership made of common interest, political thinking and fundamental values: it is, indeed, a “unique identity”. Read message by Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi.

Secretary Hillary Clinton's Message
Italy's National Day

"The histories of our nations and our people have been intertwined since our earliest days -- from Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci, to the millions of Italian immigrants who helped build the United States, to the American soldiers who helped liberate Italy at the end of World War II. We are linked by strong ties of culture and commerce, and by the bonds of family and friendship." Read More ... >>

Memorial Day 2010
Remembering All Who Died in The Cause Of Freedom
We Praise and Honor Especially Those Italian Americans
Who Gave Their All In Service To America

Today we remember and commemorate all those American heroes who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. It is easy to forget, as we immerse ourselves in our daily lives, that millions of lives have been forever changed because loved ones, friends, have died to defend America's freedom.

For us Italian Americans it is especially important to remember that more that 1.5 million Italian Americans served in World War II - thousands of them died to liberate Italy. All Italians and Italian Americans have much to be grateful for today on this Memorial Day. We at Ciao!America offer our deepest gratitude to America's fallen heroes.

(Pictured above is John Basilone, a Marine sergeant from New Jersey who fought at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. He is the only enlisted Marine in U.S. history to receive the nation's two highest military honors: the Navy Cross for valor and the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in World War II. Basilone was killed in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.)

Listen to "The Star Spangled Banner" played by U.S. military bands

Former President William Jefferson Clinton
Honored at NELA Gala

10|05|26 - This evening former President Wililam Jefferson Clinton, received the Sons ofItaly's Foundation 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service. President Clinton was preceded at the podium by Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano who was in the Nation's capital for an official meeting with President Obama. Clinton noted in his remarks that when he was President he had more Italian American appointees than there were in Italy. Also honored at the gala were Capt . Anthony K. Odierno, the son of Gen. Raymond Odierno, the Commanding General of the U.S. Forces in Iraq. Gen.. Odierno presented his son, who is on the Board of Directors of the Wounded Warrior Project, with the 2010 Special Award for Courage and Patriotism. Also honored was Lewis C. Merletti, the former Director of the U.S. Secret Service who received the 2010 National Education and Leadership Award.

(Pictured above, Gen. Odierno presenting the NELA award to his son, Capt. Odierno)

Address by Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano to the Joint Leadership Meeting chaired by Speaker Nancy Pelosi

10|05|26 - "My visit to Washington, upon President Obama’s invitation […], comes at a time when Europe is in the throes of monetary and financial turmoil, which appear to be an extension of the 2008 global crisis." READ MORE...>>

Meeting Between President Obama
and President Napolitano of Italy

10|05|25 - Today at the White House, President Obama expressed his deep appreciation to Italy's President Napolitano for Italy’s contributions around the world to promote peace and stability – including significant Italian deployments to Afghanistan, Lebanon, and the Balkans – as well as Italy’s hosting of the 13,000 American service men and women and their families who call Italy home. READ MORE...>>

Following his meeting with President Obama, President Napolitano spoke to the press in Italian. READ MORE...>>

Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano Greets
Italian American Community in Washington, DC

(10|05|24 - Photos at Italian Embassy in Washington DC)

Late Italian Magistrate Giovanni Falcone
Remembered in Washington, DC

10|05|23 - Italian magistrate Giovanni Falcone, who was assassinated in Sicily in 1992, was remembered by the Italian American community in Washington, DC at a solemn mass held at Holy Rosary Church in Washington, DC. The event was organized by Giannicola Sinisi, Justice Attache at the Italian Embassy in Washington, who was a colleague of Falcone. Monsignor Marco Sprizzi of the Papal Nunciature and Father Lydio Tomasi, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, celebrated the mass. Minister Sebastiano Cardi, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Italian Embassy spoke about Falcone’s contributions to law enforcement, not just in Italy but also in the United States through his collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also speaking at the event was Carmine Russo, a retired Special Agent of the FBI, who recounted his meeting and subsequent collaboration with Giovanni Falcone.

Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano
Official Visit to Washington on May 24

A Washington il 25 incontro tra Napolitano e Obama Il Presidente della Repubblica, Giorgio Napolitano, su invito del Presidente degli Stati Uniti d'America, Barack Obama, sarà nel pomeriggio del 25 maggio alla Casa Bianca, accompagnato dal Ministro degli Esteri Franco Frattini. Nel darne l'annuncio ufficiale, la Casa Bianca ha sottolineato il "forte contributo dell'Italia" alle operazioni di pace nel mondo e ha rilevato che "il Presidente Obama sarà ben lieto di portare avanti le consultazioni con il Presidente Napolitano dopo il loro incontro avvenuto nel luglio scorso a Roma".

Fitta di impegni la visita del Presidente a Washington. Nella giornata del 26 maggio il Capo dello Stato a Capitol Hill incontrerà la Speaker della Camera dei Rappresentanti, Nancy Pelosi, e parteciperà a un meeting con i leaders del Congresso. Nella stessa giornata sarà alla Corte Suprema dove il Giudice Capo, John G. Roberts, offrirà una colazione in suo onore. In serata, il Presidente parteciperà al gala organizzato dall'OSIA, Ordine Figli d'Italia in America, con ospiti italo-americani provenienti dagli Stati Uniti e dall'estero.

Il Capo dello Stato sarà a Washington già da lunedì 24 maggio dove, nella mattinata, visiterà la National Gallery of Art e nel pomeriggio, presso la sede della Cancelleria dell'Ambasciata italiana, incontrerà il personale italiano delle Istituzioni Internazionali, rappresentanti della collettività italiana, e il personale dell'Ambasciata. Martedì 25 maggio, prima dell'incontro alla Casa Bianca con il Presidente Obama, il Capo dello Stato a Villa Firenze incontrerà gli esponenti del mondo accademico sul tema della diffusione dell'insegnamento della lingua italiana negli Stati Uniti.

John S. Pistole Nominated to Head TSA

President Barack Obama has nominated FBI's Deputy Director John S. Pistole, to head the Transportation Security Admnistration. Pistole is currently the highest-ranking FBI official not appointed by the President/. During his career at the FBI he has been the lead official in coordinating efforts with the Italian National Police to fight organized crime. In particular, Pistole distinguished himself by coordinating FBI efforts to assist the Italian National Police in finding those responsible for the assassinations Italian Magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. READ MORE . . .>>

Dan Onorato Wins Dem Primary
Dan Mongiardo Loses Run for Senate Seat

10|05|19 - Daniel "Dan" Onorato won the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania governor. Kentucky's Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo lost his race against Attorney General Jack Conway by just over 3,500 votes in Tuesday’s primary. Onorato, the current Chief Executive of Allegheny County, Pa., is the grandson of Italian immigrants. Reports are that Mongiardo is asking for a recount.

L'Aquila Comes To Washington, DC

10|05|18 - On May 20, 2010, the Italian Embassy of Washington DC will host a vibrant photo exhibit about the earthquake that struck L’Aquila region (Abruzzo) on April 6, 2009, with the aim of raising funds and creating awareness for the victims of this old cultural and university center. This event, which has been planned by California For L’Aquila Earthquake Fund in cooperation with the National Italian American Foundation, will feature the presentation of over 200 purchasable images, food, drinks and guest-speakers, such as the Italian Ambassador, students from L’Aquila region and representatives of the above non-profit organizations. This is a great opportunity for the Italian-American Community of Washington DC to blend together in an evening of support, fun and generosity.  |By Valeria Di Marco |

President Of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, to Address
Sons of Italy Foundation Gala on May 26

10|05|17 - The Sons of Italy Foundation announced today that the President of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, will attend and address the 22nd annual National Education & Leadership Awards on May 26th in Washington, D.C. President Napolitano will be on hand as the Sons of Italy Foundation honors President Bill Clinton with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service, presented to him by the legendary Quincy Jones. Also being honored that evening are Capt. Anthony Odierno of The Wounded Warrior Project, with a special presentation by his father, General Raymond T. Odierno, Commander of U.S. Forces - Iraq. The Rienzi Foundation, Fondazione Alberto Sordi, and Lewis C. Merletti, former Director of the U.S. Secret Service and Senior Vice President for the Cleveland Browns, will all receive honors as well. Award-winning actor Joe Mantegna will emcee, and tenor Michael Amante will offer a special patriotic tribute.

Ferruccio Vitale: America's Landscape Architect

The son of an architect, Vitale was born in Florence in 1875 and was educated in Italy. He first came to the United States at age 23, when he was appointed military attaché at the Italian Embassy. However, his intense passion for landscape architecture soon took over, and within a few years Vitale resigned his military position to pursue his true desire. Upon returning to Italy, Vitale studied landscape at Florence, Turin, and Paris, and after graduation, worked in his father’s architecture office. READ MORE . . . >>

Here We Go Again
Another Major Corruption Scandal in Italy
Can Italy Save Itself? Italians Abroad Wonder

#Italian #Italy Tweets

• 10|05|12
• italylogue I am *SO* ready. From @WorldCupBlog 10 Things To Do in The Month Before World Cup 2010 Kick Off http://bit.ly/8XvOUv #wc2010
• ladygaga Taking a break today, in bed with mommy having glass of wine waiting for sis to get home. Just us italian girls running the house tonight
• ItaliaNEWS #italy Italian Official Skips Cannes Over Critical Film http://twurl.nl/ru8vbh
• MyPaesano "Travel Italy" with Rick Steves 40 different FREE Videos to watch. http://bit.ly/83FXf1
• FlipFlorence Watching Gomorra & I have no idea what these Neopolitans are on about. About 1 word in 20 if I'm lucky. Thanks goodness for subtitles!

National Police Week—May 9-15, 2010
Remembering Italian American Contributions To Law Enforcement

10|05|11 Each May during National Police Week, America pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Ceremonies are held in Washington, DC, and in communities across the country.

This week we remember especially those Italian Americans who gave their lives to protect ours.  Weremember especially an Italian American hero, Lt. Giuseppe “Joe” Petrosino, a N.Y.C. police officer and organized crime fighter who was assassinated in Palermo, Sicily on March 12, 1909, while investigating the connections between the Sicilian Mafia and the Black Hand in New York City.

We also remember New Jersey police detective MarcAnthony Di Nardo who was slain on July 21, 2009, as he tried to arrest two robbery suspects.

Click here to see more pictures taken at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on May 14, 2010.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."

La Mia Vacanza Romana

The following is a poem submitted to CiaoAmerica! by Julia Roop, an American high School student who recently visited Roma, Italy.

Con folle diverse all’inizio di via condotti
Tutti di shopping ghiotti

Mi sento sopraffatta in un primo momento
A ricordare le parole che sento

Traduco I segnali stradali in silenzio riconoscente
Per le lezioni di italiano della mia insegnante

Armata con l’italiano non ho molta paura adesso E guardo I monumenti che mi trovo appresso

READ REST OF JULIA'S POEM . . .>>

Ashley Scott, Crowned Miss Italia USA 2010
Alyssa Romano, Crowned Miss Italia North America 2010

10|04|26 - Italian American Ashley Scott, whose  maternal grandparents hail from Sicily and Naples, was crowned Miss Italia USA 2010 before an enthusiastic crowd at the Stamford Palace Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut on Sunday, April 25, 2010.  New Jersey’s Alyssa Romano was crowned Miss Italia North America 2010.  Ashley and Alyssa will travel to Jesolo, near Venice , Italy, where they will compete against contestants from 49 countries.  READ MORE ... PICS & SLIDESHOW >>

Washington Post's David Ignatius
Winner Urbino Press Award 2010

10|04|20 Washington Post columnist David Ignatius is the 2010 winner of the prestigious Urbino Press Award. The announcement was made by Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi at a reception held at the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2010. Maurizio Sacconi, the Italian Minister of Labor, Health and Social Policies, who is currently in Washington for a G-20 meeting, said that in addition to recognizing the excellent work of David Ignatius, the award also represents a tribute by Italy to American journalism. In his remarks, Amb. Terzi noted that the annual Urbino Press event had become one of the most important events in the nation's capital. Soprano Giorgia Ragni, accompanied by pianist Stefano Vagnini, entertained the guests. The official ceremony will take place in Urbino on June 11, 2010, when Giovanni Lani, President of the Urbino Press Award will present the prize to Ignatius. Previous winners of the Urbino Press Awards include Michael Weisskopf, who was present at this year's event, Thomas Friedman and Martha Raddatz. READ MORE . . . >>

(Pictured above: David Ignatius, center, Minister Maurizio Sacconi, right.)

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Italian Americans To Protest In NYC

10|04|20 America Oggi, the largest Italian American newspaper published in the United States is not very happy. Neither are most Italian Americans. The Italian Government has decided to reduce – retroactively – 50% of the subsidies that it provides to five Italian daily newspapers published abroad. The Italian government has contributed more than 2,500.000 euros annually for the publication of America Oggi. Supporters of America Oggi have organized a demonstration for tomorrow morning, April 21, in front of the Italian Consulate in New York City at 69 St. and Park Avenue in Manhattan.

Italian American Organizations
Quo Vadis $!

10|04|19 - In the next several months, CiaoAmerica! Magazine will be reviewing how the National Italian American organizations spend our money! We were prompted to do this story by the Italic American Institute, which through its President, John Mancini, recently filed a complaint against the Columbus Citizen Fundation contending that the Foundation had not complied with its mission statement. There is no question that we need greater transparency in how our national Italian American organizations use our funds. Accordingly, we will be reviewing their filings with the Internal Revenue Service and reporting to our readers our findings! If you have any items of interest to this story, please contact us at francesco@ciaoamerica.net

Former President William J. Clinton
To Be Honored at Sons of Italy Foundation Gala

10|04|14 The Order Sons of Italy has announced that former President William J. Clinton, (yes, Pres. Clinton), will receive the Sons of Italy Foundation 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service. Also receiving awards are: Hon. Amato Berardi Deputato (Representative) to North & Central America, Camera dei Deputati, Republic of Italy; Lewis Merletti Vice President, Cleveland Browns & Former Director, U.S. Secret Service; Capt. Anthony Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.) Board Director, Wounded Warrior Project. The Gala event will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. See list of past honorees.

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to Attend Nuclear Summit in Washington - List Released by White House

10|04|09 The White House has listed the 47 nations expected to attend President Obama's big summit next week on nuclear security, including Italy, which will be represented by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. While the focus of the summit will be on security (the concern that terrorists will acquire weapons of mass destruction), it is worth noting that the Italian government is currently paving its way for the return of nuclear power. Indeed, Western countries are expanding their nuclear energy programs while at the same time trying to reign in other countries' ambitions. ''[Nuclear power] will ensure greater security in our energy supplies, reduce dependency on imports and bring prices in line with those in Europe,'' Industry Minister Claudio Scajola commented recently. According to Scajola, construction of new power plants should get under way in 2013, with energy production beginning in 2020.

Johnny Maestro (John Peter Mastrangelo) 1939-2010
Rock 'n' Roll Will Never Die . . .

10|04|09 Church services were held today at St. Mary's Church on Main Street in East Islip, Long Island, for John Peter Mastrangelo, son of Salvatore and Grace Mastrangelo. Johnny Maestro, as he was known professionally, was born on the lower East side of Manhattan on May 7, 1939. As the lead singer for the Crests, the Del-Satins, and the Brooklyn Bridge, he recorded some of America's most beloved rock 'n' roll hits, including "Sixteen Candles" and "The Worst That Could Happen." Maestro was 70 when he died on March 24. A memorial/celebration for Maestro will be held on Sunday, April 11, at the Kupferberg Performing Arts Center's Colden Auditorium at Queens College. Our sympathies to Johnny's family, including his wife Grace, daughters, Tracy and Lisa, and son Brad. Long live rock 'n' roll. . . .
READ MORE . . . >>

(Pictured above Johnny Maestro)

 
"Step by Step", "Sixteen Candles" and "The Worst That Could Happen" by the great Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Palladio and His Legacy: A Transatlantic Journey
At The Morgan Library & Museum in NYC - April 2 - August 1, 2010

10|04|08 Andrea Palladio (1508–1580) is considered among the most significant and influential architects in the Western world. His clean, elegant interpretation of the architecture of classical antiquity was to spread throughout Europe and North America, and his finished buildings, drawings, and writings have become cultural touchstones.

Now, for the first time in New York, a collection of thirty-one rarely seen drawings by Palladio from the outstanding collection of the Royal Institute of British Architects Trust is on view in a special exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum entitled Palladio and His Legacy: A Transatlantic Journey, from April 2 through August 1, 2010. READ MORE. . .>>

'Made in Italy' No More
Bialetti Moka Express to Move to Eastern Europe

10|04|07 Hard to believe! After 77 years, Bialetti, Italy's most recognizable brand of coffee makers has announced that it wil be closing up shop in Italy and heading to Eastern Europe. Better go out today and buy the real 'Made in Italy' Bialetti!

Alfonso Bialetti (1888–1970), an Italian engineer, became famous for his invention of the simple yet elegantly designed Moka Express coffee-maker. Designed in 1933, the coffee pot has been a style icon since the 1950s. It is a source of nostalgia and affection for many Italians and Italians abroad and is an essential and fashionable part of almost every cucina italiana. While many variations of the Moka have been made, including the Bialetti cow-printed Mukka Express (which makes cappuccino), the Moka Express is a time-honored classic. Bialetti was also the founder of Bialetti Industrie S.p.A, the now giant Italian kitchen-ware company.

For those of us who have used Bialetti Moka Express practically since birth, this loss of a 'Made In Italy' icon is not a good omen for the future of the 'Made in Italy' brand. We say, keep Bialetti in Italia!

Italian Regional Elections
Berlusconi Claims Personal Victory

10|03|30 "Premier Silvio Berlusconi claimed a personal "victory" for his strong showing in key regional elections Sunday and Monday and said gains made by his Northern League ally would strengthen the government and allow it to introduce important reforms." Read ANSA article "Questo risultato elettorale è il miglior riconoscimento per l'attività svolta dal governo, per le prospettive di stabilità del sistema politico e per la possibilità di realizzare, in questa seconda parte della legislatura, le riforme necessarie per l'ammodernamento e lo sviluppo del nostro Paese". --Berlusconi

10|03|28 Italians returned to the polls on Sunday in regional elections which many are viewing as a referendum on Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Voting will conclude on Monday, with polls open from 7am to 3pm. Italy, like many other countries in the world, is grappling with its worst recession since World War II.

NIAF announces $500,000 challenge grant for AP Italian

10|03|26 The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has announced that it will support the Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Culture Program in Italian for high school students across the nation with a $500,000 matching grant. In making this pledge, NIAF joins a coalition organized by The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations to launch a nationwide fund-raising campaign for this important language program. READ MORE . . . >>

Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi Welcomed
At Congressional Reception

A Congressional reception welcoming Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata to the United States was held at the U.S. Capitol on March 16, 2010. The event was hosted by the National Italian American Foundation under the auspices of the Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum and the Italian American Congressional Delegation.  

Present was a large contingent of the Italian American Congressional Delegation, including Representatives Pat Tiberi and Bill Pascrell, co-chairmen of the Delegation for the 111th Congress, and Representatives Robert Aderholt, John Boccieri, Marcy Kaptur, John Mica, Steve Scalise, and former Rep. Mike Ferguson. READ MORE . . . >>

Italian American Group Files Complaint Against Columbus Citizens Foundation - Seeks Accountablity

10|03|13 The Italic Institute of America, through its chairman John Mancini, has filed a formal complaint with the N.Y. State Attorney General against the Columbus Citizens Foundation.  The Institute contends that the Foundation has not complied with its own mission statement. Mancini told Ciao America that's it's "really a tragedy" how national Italian American organizations are spending their money. READ MORE . . . >>

Michael Massimino Stars in "Hubble3D"

10|03|10 NASA Astronaut Michael Massimino, a crew member of the last two shuttle mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, was at the Air and Space Museum in Washington on March 9, for the world premiere of IMAX “Hubble 3D,” a filmed-in-space movie that offers an inspiring and fascinating view of the Hubble’s unique legacy and the challenges that astronauts faced when they repaired the giant telescope. You will be profoundly affected after viewing this film!

The film is narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Massimino is a third generation Italian American and proud of his Italian heritage. Massimino told us that in addition to bringing the Galileo telescope into space with him, he also carried the Sicilian flag, as well as biscotti baked by an Italian friend in Florida. Massimino’s grandparents were all from Sicily: three from Palermo and one from Catania.

New Scandals Rock Italy

10|03|04 La Stampa newspaper opened an editorial on the scandals rocking Italy with the words: "Welcome to the Republic of the Corrupt: there's room for everyone and no need to join an orderly queue." Benvenuti nella Repubblica dei corrotti: c’è posto per tutti e non c’è neanche bisogno di mettersi ordinatamente in fila, tanto nessuno la rispetta.

Gala Italia 25th Anniversary
New York Celebrates the Made in Italy: Wine, Food, Fashion

Deputy Sheriff, Joe C. Fiorentino Among Honorees
At Italian-American National Hall of Fame Ceremony

Joe C. Fiorentino, Deputy Sheriff, Cook County Sheriff's Office, Chicago, and martial arts champion, will be among the Italian Americans who will be inducted in The Italian-American National Hall of Fame. The 35th Annual Induction and Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In addition to Fiorentino, the following individuals will be inducted into the Italian-American National Hall of Fame: READ MORE . . . >>

Getty Museum & Sicily to Collaborate on Cultural Programs

10|02|19 David Bomford, acting director of the J. Paul Getty Museum and Gaetano Armao, Assessore Regionale dei Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana, announced on February 17, a long-term collaboration between the Sicilian Ministry of Culture and Sicilian Identity and the J. Paul Getty Museum. The agreement, which was signed by both parties, will result in a number of collaborative efforts, including object conservation, earthquake protection of collections, exhibitions, scholarly research and conferences. In conjunction with the announcement, Assessore Armao said: “I'd like to stress that it's a very important and innovative agreement, marking a qualitative turning point in both the management and the advancement of Sicily’s cultural heritage. We absolutely need to restore credibility to the administration of Sicilian cultural heritage. Under these circumstances, the agreement with the J. Paul Getty Museum is an historic move. READ MORE . . . >>

Pictured above Assessore Gaetano Armao and Acting Getty Museum Director David Bomford, February 9, 2010. Photo by Maureen McGlynn Title/DateCopyright Notice: © 2010 J. Paul Getty Trust

"In Search of a New Life" at the Museo Italo Americano,
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

10|02|20The exhibit, "In Search of a New Life" at the Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco highlights 160 years of history of Italian immigration to the New World. Video produced by By Gianfranco Norelli and Suma Kurien.
 

Cat Stew is a Tuscan Delicay: 'Ti assicuro e' una delizia'
Italy's RAI TV Fires 77-year-old Chef Beppe Bigazzi

RAI TV has suspended 77-year-old Beppe Bigazzi, a cooking show host who apparently shocked Italy by saying cat stew is a Tuscan delicacy.

Gianfranco Fini, President of Italy's
Chamber of Deputies Official Visit to Washington

10|02|04 -Gianfranco Fini, President of Italy's Chamber of Deputies was in Washington, yesterday on an official visit. Fini met with Vice President Biden and after their meeting they affirmed the strong friendship and cooperation between the United States and Italy. The Vice President and President Fini also discussed the need for strong international cooperation to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in the NATO mission in Afghanistan. In the early evening, Fini attended a reception at the Library of Congress hosted by the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Both Fini and Pelosi spoke cordially about each other -- Fini had accompanied Pelosi to the Abruzzo region after last year's earthquake -- and also about the solid relations between Italy and the United States. Fini presented a rare volume of Michelangelo: La Dotta Mano, as a gift to Congress. Late in the evening, Fini attended a dinner hosted by Italian Ambassador Giulio Terzi.

More: Remarks by Pelosi and Fini on February 4, 2010. Pelosi Praises Fini's leadership, his commitment to human rights, and his strong fundamental values. Fini says that we must defend the fundamental rights that are the shared heritage of the West of the whole: the rights of the human person.

50 Influential Italian Americans

10|01|23. Thanks to all of you who submitted nominations to the CiaoAmerica! list of the 50 most influential Italian Americans. The next step in this project is to circulate this list for your comments.  Did we miss someone who should be on the list? Please let us know.   The comment period ends on Valentine’s Day , February 14. Here is the list in no particular order:

Lady Gaga | Nancy Pelosi | Danny DeVito | Madonna | Leon Panetta | John Podesta | Antonin Scalia | Jerry Colangelo | Maria Pinto | Leonardo DiCaprio | Giada deLaurentis | Kara Dioguardi | Samuel Alito | Tom Colicchio | Andrew Cuomo | Andrew Napolitano | Rudy Giuliani | Janet Napolitano |Thomas Perrelli | Gay Talese | David Baldacci | Geraldine Ferraro | Martin Scorsese | Raymond Odierno | Jay Leno | Samuel Palmisano | Bruce Springsteen | Maria Bartiromo | John DeGioa | Paul Otellini | Lidia Bastianich | Francesco Vezzoli | Peter DeFazio | Bill Pascrell | Joe Girardi | Andre DiMino | Dominic Massaro | Robert De Niro | Joseph De Raso | Joseph DiTrapani | Dana Perino | Kenneth Langone | Jim Messina | Sylvester Stallone | Anthony Fauci | Peter Pace | Peter Secchia | Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimo’ | Mayor Adrian Fenty | Connie Morella | Gene Dodar | Rachel Ray | Carla Gugino | Bon Jovi

Mail you comments to: editor@CiaoAmerica.net

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