Most Viewed Blog Posts

• Mourning Rain-Poem Mourning Rain-Poem

  • From: lysa
  • Description:

    MOURNING RAIN

    I awake this morbid morning

    To a sound familiar

    Any other time it would seem like ordinary rain

     

    But today it beats down like non-stop bullets--arriving right on time

    Oceans fall from the muddy skies

    Revealing all guilt and sorrow that the Gods can no longer hide

     

    Fragile humans no longer sleep

    So like the Gods-we warriors now weep

     

    And now finally on par

     

     

    The middlemen – Angry angels-- band together

    To bring us peace and light

     

    But until then

    We must kneel down and pray

     

    And as we lay anointed with tears as heavy as the Towers’ fall

    We must realize that the end is not here at all

     

     

    And NOW it is the gods who worship Us

    Who hold Us in esteemed awe

     

    Where they used to dance and revel and judge

    Now recline and try to close their gaping mouths from the shock

     

     

    We peer out our blackened windows

    And catch each drop with our stare

    And as we watch these shades of rain we remember who we really are and what we are made of

     

    Like the rain we are all separate but now connected to a cause

    To try to live in hope and not despair

     

     

    The gods finally feel Our strength

    And try to comfort us with theirs as never before

     

    As if they are on our side and again sublime

     

     

    They peek inside our souls

    And can’t believe that these so called ‘mortals’

    Possess a greater power then they

     

    That during our greatest hour in need

    We do not falter or relinquish our faith in each other

    And not lay down in defeat -but rather start to weave a brand new cloth, which will wrap itself around the wounded, and the scorned

     

     

    And as we continue in forgiving the gods

    For their neglect and unforseeable horror

     

    As a city, a nation and the world We never once forget the heartfelt pain

     

    And in this moment of silence let us, the Gods and All

    Pay homage together --

    In this MourningRain

     

    September 14, 2001- 2 days after Sept 11 it rained darkly all day

     

    Lisa Medici

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 548

• official names and roman names official names and roman names

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Almost everything in Rome has an official name and a roman name, especially monuments. That's because Rome's citizens swing between a conservative and a progressist mentality. So, we have the greatest number of Web agencies in Italy, and Lazio PIL (Prodotto Interno Lordo)'s one of the highest in our country, but we're not able to change a name in the City even after 500 years.
    
    Here's a list of official/roman names with indication wether the roman name was the former:
    
    OFFICIAL/ROMAN
    
    Piazza della Repubblica/Piazza Esedra (former)
    
    Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II anche Vittoriano anche Altare della Patria/Torta nuziale (wedding cake) o Macchina da scrivere (typewriter). Not so loved by Romans, isn't it?
    
    Anfiteatro Flavio/Colosseo (ebbene sì, il Colosseo non si chiama Colosseo...)
    
    Obelisco della Minerva/Pulcino della Minerva ("pulcino" instead of "porcino" - little pig - too outrageous) in piazza Santa Maria sopra Minerva

    Galleria Alberto Sordi/Galleria Colonna (former)
    
    [...to be continued...]

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 452
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• The secret of the big nose The secret of the big nose

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    What's a "big nose"? If you've ever been in Rome, probably you've assuaged your thirst at a cylinder-shaped fountain with an iron bow spitting water. Well, that's a "big nose" (nasone, in italian). But, before you'll use it it's better you'll understand it. It was created during the Reinassance, when towns began being filled with craftworkers, horses, sellers, re-sellers, princes, dukes, barons and so on. Those fountains was the water-furnishing of the block, at that time nobody had running water within their houses of course. That's why the iron bow, called "big nose": it's useful to fill bins, so useful even now when you have to fill your bottle. Sometimes there are tubs rescuing running water: they were tools for thirsty horses and for clotheswashing (they're often ancient sarcophaguses recycled... well, the concept of monument's so recent!). Anyway, even whether it's useful for a lot of things, it isn't for thirsty human being without glasses or bottles. But Romans they didn't give up so you can see the "italicus genius" at work. At the top of the iron bow, in fact, there's a little hole: you just have to put you hand under the "nose", avoiding water flowing from the bottom, and you will see the same water gushing from the top. An advice: never stand in front of a big nose if you don't want to get wet, always aside both if your a drinker or you're waiting in line.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Love at First Sight/Blood at F Love at First Sight/Blood at First Bite

  • From: lysa
  • Description:

    Love at First Sight

    Look into my eyes, see my innocence

    Gaze into my soul, feel my kindness

    Place your hand upon my heart and your heart beats with mine

    I was born of a promise, to be your best friend, to comfort you in loneliness

    To always be by your side - beaming with pride

    I am beauty eternal, a flawless creation

    I admire you to a fault and worship you by nature

    I am one of the few entities who believe in you without proof of your abilities

    You are my shelter, without You I am homeless

    I wait for you to feed me, without You, I will starve

    Without You, I am alone to fend for myself, which is something I can not do

    I was made Not to outlive you, because then who would take care of Me?

    Always, am I, greatful for your existence and revel each time I'm near You.

     

    Blood at First Bite

    Today is different..

    Look into my eyes and see my sadness

    Gaze into my soul and feel my sorrow

    Place your hand upon my heart and feel that it has stopped

    I was born of a curse

    To be enslaved, abused and tortured

    Once your Friend, now your Victim

    I am hung by a tree, or drowned by your hands

    I fear You each moment and shake at Your presence,

    Once worshiped you were by the likes of me, Now I am ashamed of your very being

    Once you fed me, now you poison my bowl,

    Once hungered for your company, now starved to skin and bones

    Most masters name me Buddy or Spike or sweetly after their favorite tune, a namesake from you - can only reverberate Beast, It or Doom

    My eyes were made for expression of wonder and delight, Not for the lurking look of an imposing dog fight

    There are beasts in the wild who show more merciful deeds- than the tragic fate that awaits us undesired breeds

    We are not the adornly primped “Best in Show” dogs, whose accolades come from the roar of adoring fans

    Our décor a makeshift macabre hooked up by chains and unsteady rape stands –shoved and forced by familiar hands

    Ours is a freak show where our ring is battle ground, not a venue for prancing around

    The roar we hear comes from shouts of men surrounding our pen, a brawl met by two agitators- a fate much worse than that of a Roman gladiator

    A game of roulette, a faulty bet, alive for another round, the only regret- If I could run away, I’d try everyday, to escape, to be free, where’s our Abe Lincoln please find me

    Give us back our brighter days, where a cage is a dog house not a cell from hell,

    where a chain is a harness, not a spiked choker

    where a handler is gentle,  not a moneyloving broker

    Give us back our dignity Badd Newz, cause the truth be told,

    Even when we win we Lose......

    Written by: Lisa Medici 2008-for the beloved Michael Vick dogs

     Stop all Cruelty to Animals

     check out the Vicktory Dogs, their image on Wine Bottles, dogs and wine my two favorite past times

    http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/2008/11/13/Vick-Dogs-Wine-0/

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 374

• Grandfather's poem to his girl Grandfather's poem to his girl Lisa

  • From: lysa
  • Description:

    As I wandered into the lonely night, and saw the stars all shining bright,

    I thought "why was I born upon this earth?" Was it for something small or something great, for I would like to know my fate, but the stars were silent on their part, and gave no hint they knew,

    The longing of my heart

    Must I wait til life's all ending, Not knowing what fate for me is pending

    And as I walked the path of life, unitl one day I saw some flowers, with their stems all crushed and bent, and as I stooped to help them stand, I thought was this my cue?

    And as their petals brushed my hand they seemed to say we needed you.

    given to lisa from poppie James

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 367

• Termini subway station Termini subway station

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Some tips for when you're in Rome... do as Romans do only when they find smart solutions! Well, Termini metro station is one of the most dangerous probably in the world. And, because of tourism, the crowded train is obviously that one that leads you to Teatro dell'Opera, Piazza di Spagna or Musei Vaticani. Anyway, there's a way to "sneak out the backdoor", simply taking the opposite train for just one stop (gettin off at Vittorio Emanuele). Then you'll cross the hall and you'll be on the right side. Ok, it's forbidden. But I do it every time I find Termini too crowded and I think that should be more forbidden a hub station like that, no good even for an Eighteenth Century community...

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 314

• 50,000 Dollars In US Aid For I 50,000 Dollars In US Aid For Italy, Compliment or Insult?

  • From: vincenttraina
  • Description:

    That's right. $50,000 dollars. One wonders what the amount would be had it been a Muslim country (Here) or even the State of Israel struck by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake.
    
    On Monday, the Obama administration offered fifty thousand dollars in emergency aid to Berlusconi's Italy, which was recently hit by a colossal 6.4 earthquake just fifty-three miles northeast of Rome.  The earthquake has so far claimed the lives of over two hundred people and injured fifteen hundred more.  It has reduced priceless medieval buildings to rubble in the central town of L'Aquila while leaving twenty-eight thousand people homeless.
    
    "We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the earthquake. Our embassy in Rome will provide 50,000 (dollars) in emergency relief funding," said Robert Wood, a U.S. State Department spokesman.  While in Turkey, President Barack Hussein Obama expressed his condolences and suggested America could send rescuers.  "Italian authorities told the United States they did not need rescue teams," Wood explained.  Wood said there were no reports of US citizens among the dead or injured but that the US embassy in Rome was reaching out to Americans living in the region.  The open-minded can't help but compare this polite refusal of assistance with the desperate pleas for government assistance spewing forth from the bowls of Katrina in the summer of 2005.  Quite contrary to what the world witnessed at Katrina is perhaps best epitomized by the patient, calm, and dignified behavior of Maria D'Antuono, a ninety-eight year-old woman in Tempera who knitted for thirty hours before being rescued.

    It is likely that, given Obama's well-documented sympathies for Islam coupled with Italy's recent restrictionist policies on Muslim immigrants, this paltry $50,000 (especially when compared with the billions of dollars given to Africa, Asia, South America, and Israel in similar circumstances) is a deliberate insult to a Catholic Italy which currently has a right-wing government incongruous with the Obamamaniacs.  Perhaps this will help educate many Italians (and many Europeans) how grave an error it is to get caught up in the Obama hype.  Not that Italy even has its hand out, but Italians are showing gratitude for any help offered to them from all over the world.  Besides, Italians are quite capable of handling this natural disaster on their own. 

    As Frank Pentangeli [already disgusted with what can be synonomized to Vincent Voice readers as a "multicultural" faction in his own ranks with loyalty to a "Neocon" named Hyman Roth] said in The Godfather: Part II, "I don't like this C-note, Rosato. I take that as an insult."  A second later, Frankie was nearly strangled to death.  Rosato didn't appreciate Frankie, and Obama doesn't really appreciate Europe.  Viaggi di Vincenzo salutes those brave Italians in the heart of Europe who, even now, are exhibiting the best qualities of Western Civilization by acting heroically and courageously in the face of adversity.

    News Source: Vincent Voice

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 306

• DOLCE congratulates DOR & MSCH DOLCE congratulates DOR & MSCHULTZ33

  • From: Dolce
  • Description:

     

    DOLCE congratulates DOR & MSCHULTZ33, winners of this month’s MY DOLCE sweepstakes.  Both receive a DVD of “SORRY, YOU CAN’T GET THROUGH!” starring Anna Falchi, Pierfrancesco Favino and Lorenza Indovina. 

    We appreciate everyone’s participation and encourage you to invite your friends and family to join MY DOLCE.  Our next drawing will take place in June.

    Dolce is now broadcasting LIVE two nights a week! Tune-in Monday and Wednesday night and watch our new radio series!
    
    MONDAY NIGHTS
    Broadcast live from Focolare Restaurant in New York City.
    To watch the live shows simply click on the link – or copy and paste into your web browser: http://www.dolcechannel.com/pages/liveradio.php
    
    THE MOOD RING
    Lisa M will get you in the mood each week when she brings you a compilation of music, fashion, beauty trends and pop culture. The roster of guests includes artists, writers, poets, fans, beauty and fashion industry notables, spiritual coaches astrologists and many more. Let Lisa know what kind of mood your in. 8:00pm EST.
    
    ON THE CORNER
    Join singing sensation Robert Mirra each week for his Italian-American Doo-Wop & Oldies Show. Robert brings his insight and playlist to the beloved genres of Doo-Wop and Oldies and connects these wonderful artists that have influenced everything from Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B and POP– Some of these guests will perform live! 9:00pm EST.
    
    LOMBARDI'S LYRICS
    DJ John Lombardi shares his extensive music knowledge presentingemerging artists in the world of Italian, Italian-American and Italophilemusic. 10:00pm EST.
    
    WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
    Broadcast live from Grotta Azzurra Restaurant in New York City.
    To watch the live shows simply click on the link – or copy and paste into your web browser: http://www.dolcechannel.com/pages/liveradio.php
    
    GIAMBOTTA DOLCE
    Giambotta Dolce “a sweet mixed bag” is hosted by the multi-talented comedian, singer/songwriter MaryAnn Maisano. Tune-in every Wednesday as she gives her “Gravy 411” and interviews the personalities and characters that you will only find on Giambotta Dolce. 8:00pm EST.
    
    ITALIAN SIGNS, AMERICAN STREETS
    Fred Gardaphe` brings the work of artist and academic intellectuals to Dolce, by connecting the intelligentsia to the very streets they often rise above. Italian Signs, American streets is a piazza (a town square) of cutting-edge intelligence that matters. 9:00pm EST.

    
    HEART OF LITTLE ITALY
    John Anello, AKA Johnny Mandolin takes you on a journey into the Heart of Little Italy. Tune in each Wednesday when Johnny interviewsinteresting and talented personalities from the world of music, film and television. 10:00pm EST.
    
    
    You can find all of our programming within our Film, Radio and TV sections. Go to www.DolceChannel.com and click on the arrow to open the section Or - to view previously aired episodes go to: http://www.dolcechannel.com/pages/liveradio.php click on “Menu” and then select “View Movies.”

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 304
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• How to cross the street in Ita How to cross the street in Italy

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Well, this is a very important post. It's become a great problem even for italians. Actually there's a difference betweeen big and small cities. The latters are more quiet and peaceful; therefore drivers show more politeness. The formers are jungles and their streets are hells. Rome is probably the worst here. I really don't know why otherwise sociable people can show so much aggressiveness putting their bottoms on the front seat of a car. I've got problems driving within speed limits, I always find someone that MUST go fast and put me and he/her in real jeopardy. I guess after been in Rome Vin Diesel made up his mind to have Dinsey as producer of his next "fast and furious" serial movie! So, when you're in Rome preserve yourself from roman drivers and cross the street really carefully. First: don't wait on the boardwalk in font of zebras or you'll never reach the other side. Make drivers see that your intention is to pass in front of their cars - but do it CAREFULLY. Stay at the edge of the street and make a signal with hand to stop, because you have to cross - they're not so crazy to collide with you, they're not bad they're just bullies. Don't let them win. If you're allowed, look in the eyes of your challenger to understant his/her intentions. Second: beware even if you're achieving your goal because scooters are more dangerous than cars and they come out unexpected. So, hold tight kids and pets when you're walking, and set your eyes on the street 'till you're on the other side. I know, it's unpleasant saying these things, but they're true and they could really save your life.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 298
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• Movie Analysis: Patton Movie Analysis: Patton

  • From: vincenttraina
  • Description:

    'Real History' Rarely Synonymous with 'Hollywood'

    by Vincent Traina
    
    Very few Hollywood movies, if any, portray the Second World War in an honest light. But for you "real history" students, there is at least one WW II film that has overwhelming qualities of historical correctness. "Patton," the 1970 Academy Awards Winning film starring George C. Scott, depicts the wartime feats of the great World War II General George Smith Patton, Jr. and cinematically captures the character and spirit of this great American patriot. Legendary film artist Francis Ford Coppola, famous for directing "The Godfather," utilizes a combination of innovative editing techniques and an artistic use of light and shadow, rendering "Patton" a powerful medium in its portrayal of the General as a charismatic genius who was abundantly cultured, patriotic, and fearless. His life is a great example of what American historian Brooks Adams (also great grandson of founding father John Adams) talked about as "spiritual man." Other instances include Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison.
    
    "Old Blood and Guts" embodied many of the traditional qualities and virtues that have been customarily cherished by Western mankind. Due to his passionate love of history, he possessed a profound knowledge of its lessons. An illustration of this can be found in the movie during the drive to Germany. General Bradley telephones Patton with an urgent voice and declares that he hasn't any time to explain why an emergency meeting is being called. Before the four-star general departs for the conference, he reasons with his staff. "There's absolutely no reason for us to assume that the Germans are mounting a major offensive. The weather is awful. Their supplies are low. The German army hasn't mounted a winter attack since Frederick the Great. Therefore I believe that's exactly what they're going to do."
    
    Patton also wrote poetry and was inspired by the personalities, challenges, and triumphs of the European peoples. This is effectively articulated in the film. A few examples include Patton talking reverently of the ancient Athenian General Alcibiades & his invasion of Sicily, of William the Conqueror, and of the heroic defense by hundreds of knights of Malta against forty thousand Turks in the sixteenth century. In addition to his affection for the past, he also believed in reincarnation. This may have very well suggested that he possessed a healthy spiritual outlook on his role and that of his ancestors in the epic and ongoing story of Western Civilization. It is not at all hard to understand the reasons behind Patton's philosophy considering the fact that his family fought during the American Revolution, for the Confederacy, and during the Mexican-American War.

    Always aiming to achieve what the Greeks called arete (excellence) and expecting nothing less from his men, Patton could not help but garner overwhelming admiration and support from his men and their families. An eloquent manifestation of this occurs in the film during his reprieve in Malta. Frustrated by his forced absence from the war, Patton honorably says to his subordinates, "Well, looks as if you boys have hitched your wagon to a falling star. Pass the word. If anybody wants out, I'll understand." His personal aide, Lieutenant Colonel Codman, proudly responds, "Sir, I can speak for the entire staff. We want to stay with you, no matter what duty you're assigned to." Consistent with this chivalrous character, General Patton never failed to give credit when credit was due. Nowhere is this better expressed than through his lauded respect and admiration for the esprit de corps of the German soldier. Conversely, Patton's contempt and scorn for the Soviet military prompted some of his more "politically correct" associates such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General Omar Bradley to habitually reprimand the American patriot.

    This conflict of interest became accentuated at the end of the war when Patton realized that the Soviets were a threat to the free world, and that therefore it was in the best interests of the Western powers to reinstate the German officers and have them partnered with the Americans to make the push to Moscow while the Soviets were still weak and the U.S. had the strategic advantage. We witness this attitude of Patton while he is attending a goodwill party thrown by the "gallant Soviet ally." A translator tells Patton, "Excuse me, sir. General Katkov would like to know whether you'll join him to drink to the surrender of Germany." George proudly denies Katkov the pleasure when he chides, "My compliments to the general. Please inform him that I don't care to drink with him or any other Russian son of a bitch." Aghast at this less than satisfactory response, the translator pleads, "Sir, I...I cannot tell the general that." Patton persists, "You tell him that. Tell him word for word." After receiving this insult, Katkov babyishly tells his translator to tell George, "The general says he thinks that you are a son of a bitch, too." After a hardy laugh, Patton stylishly answers, "O.K. I'll drink to that. One son of a bitch to another."

    Though predictably giving a little bit too much attention to the scene when Patton slaps a corporal for cowardice, this does indeed reflect the hysterical reaction and ostracism of General Patton by the Western press in 1943 during the campaign in Sicily when one of the soldiers was appropriately disgraced in front of the wounded American soldiers. To the reasonable observer, the scene correctly reveals General Patton to be completely justified in shouting, "I won't have a yellow bastard sitting here crying in front of these brave men who've been wounded in battle. I won't have sons of bitches who are afraid to fight stinking up this place of honor. You're going back to the front, my friend. You may get shot. You may get killed, but you're going up to the fighting. Either that or I'm going to stand you up in front of a firing squad."

    Fortunately there are only a few instances in the film that can be classified as false wartime propaganda and not as real history, however subtle they may be. One notable illustration occurs when Colonel General Alfred Jodl, Chief of Staff to Adolf Hitler, implies that it would mean certain death if he disagrees with the Fuhrer over military strategy. Easily refuted by primary documents (such as "Hitler's Table Talk") and scholarly research by historians such as legendary British author David Irving ("Hitler's War," "Churchill's War," "Nuremberg, the Last Battle") and American writer John Toland ("Adolf Hitler : The Definitive Biography"), the unavoidable truth is that Hitler's generals, inner circle, and associates quite often openly voiced their opposing opinions with their leader and were not afraid to do so. Hitler's communication skills and charismatic manner were frequently enough to persuade his followers that his way was better. Ironically, if Hitler's generals had heeded his advice during certain battles, such as Stalingrad and Normandy, the Germans might have won the Second World War.

    Perhaps the best way to end this article on "Patton," both the movie and the man, is to provide one more sampling of dialogue. Towards the end of the film, Patton is riding a horse in a military hanger when confronted by American journalists. One reporter inquires, "We've been told about these wonder weapons the Germans were working on... long-range rockets, push-button bombing, weapons that don't need soldiers." Patton muses, "Wonder weapons... my God, I don't see the wonder in them. Killing without heroics, nothing is glorified... nothing is reaffirmed? No heroes, no cowards, no troops, no generals? Only those who are left alive... and those who are left dead. I'm glad I won't live to see it." Alas, the General's words were too prophetic, as he would soon succumb to a fatal neck injury caused by an untimely automobile accident merely months after the war ended.

    News Source: Helium.com

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 297
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• 3rd Annual NJ Bocce Invitation 3rd Annual NJ Bocce Invitational

  • From: fvalanzola
  • Description:

    Dear Bocce Supporter:

    We would kindly request your appearance and participation of this Red, White & Blue event. We are working diligently to organize a worthy list of organizations to support our 3rd Annual Bocce Invitational benefiting Operation Shoebox New Jersey and Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey.

    The aforementioned 501© 3's are of particular importance due to their continuing efforts to make a difference in the lives of many New Jersey residents and their families. Operation Shoebox New Jersey provides much needed care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, are committed to enhancing the quality of life of children. Boys & Girls Clubs have created a line-up of tested and proven nationally recognized programs that address today’s most pressing youth issues, teaching young people the skills they need to succeed in life. They offer programs in the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug and pregnancy prevention, gang prevention, leadership development and athletics.

    The day's activities will include a Bocce Tournament officiated by America's Mr. Bocce, Phil Ferrari and his assistant, Ciro Poppiti. Giada Valenti, singer and songwriter, will perform for the guests with songs from her recent CD "And I Love You So”. Giada is from Venice, Italy, and has performed throughout the United States and most recently at Feinstein's in The Loews Regency in New York City. In addition, we hope to have Bobby Valli, New York Giants alumni, New Jersey Devils alumni and Rutgers University football players as repeat guests.

    Lastly, we are in conversation with several children's character groups to entertain the children during the day, as well has the participation of several notable Chef’s with the support of the Young Chef’s Academy staff.

    Please take a moment to view our website for details and we look forward to hearing from your charitable representative. We also would like to thank our friend Joe Piscopo for his support and participation.

    Respectfully,
    Frank Valanzola
    Invitational Organizer
    908.400.0851

    Will Jimeno
    Port Authority Detective(Ret)
    9/11 Survivor, U.S. Navy Veteran

    Marisa Petroro
    Actress/Model on NBC's Deal or No Deal
    Spokesperson for Sarcoma Foundation of America

    Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you on June 20th! -Joe Piscopo

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 275

• My Dolce My Dolce

  • From: Dolce
  • Description:

    Here are some of the benefits for joining the Dolce community:

    1. Promote yourself, your work and your products to millions of people (69 million in North America alone!)who love all things Italian.

    2. When you joing (It’s Free) you are automatically entered into our drawing to win our latest film “Sorry You Can’t Get Through!” - Watch the trailer - 
    
    3. Submit your videos for a chance to become a finalist at the Dolce Awards Show in New York.

    4. Tell a friend and you are automatically entered into our drawing to win one of our films.

    5. Each week we will feature the best video for each category (Food & Wine - Travel & Vacation - Style & Fashion - Art & Culture - Education & Language - ports). If selected, you will be automatically entered into consideration for a chance to win a Dolce Award.

    Of course there are many other benefits to be apart of the Dolce community, including your feedback to how we can make this a better place to be.

    Dolce Thanks everyone for their participation - we look forward to hearing from you.

    Warmest,

    DOLCE

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 260
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• Brutta figura Brutta figura

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Yesterday I informed people of the Ducati that Americans don't have the notion of "brutta figura". It's been amazing for them! In Italy, not to have the notion of "brutta figura" means not to have sense of dignity. It's hard to make them understand that this is a behavior typical of a stiff-upper-lipped folks. Well, actually I'm fond of this notion, but it doesn't mean for me what does mean for other Italians. Gaby commentend very simply: "Americans, they don't judge". Here this notion of "brutta figura" is absolutely sticked to a stfling judging operation. At least, It means don't ever do somenthing if you're not able to do it! I can imagine Americans wondering: "How can they learn something,  if they'r never doing what they've never done before?" Well, beware! It's a marvelous thought, but there's the awful risk to do a "brutta figura"! In other words, "brutta figura" it's the imagine that Americans long to avoid when they come here in Italy, because f.i. they can't seize a spaghetto wrapping it up with a fork. Well, this is not a brutta figura for me. For the record it's hard to behave this way, denying this notion, because even thoug I don't share this value, it's innering placed inside of me, as well as of all other Italian people. And at least would be fine if every person in the world had the ability to match socks and tie... but I believe that "brutta figura" is rather when you judge instead of when you're judged, when you lack with respect for the others and yourself, too. I'm afraid that it's not so clear here in Italy, and I'm concerned of it. That's why (not the only reason, of course...) nothing moves here in Italy as well as - I guess this is stuff that pioneers like Americans could never understand! - one of the first rule in Italian marketing claims: "Nobody want to do things as first". Should 'them' be awared that I exist, sai che brutta figura...

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 252
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• Rome, Britain Rome, Britain

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    It's worldwide known how soccer is the pricipal and obsessive thought of italian male people. Saturday, Sunday and Monday there's almost nothing else on italian TV. However, there's a new game raising in Italy, very different from other sports and tipically british: this game is rugby. And I'm really up to it. For few months in a year the Stadio Flaminio in Rome became a sort of Great Britain's ambassade courtyard. Not included our "french cousins", with whom we Italians have a very special "love and hate" relationship, during the "Six Nation" the Eternal City get filled with -it depends on matches schedule - sociable people all dressed up in green (Irish) or with a yellow flower as a cap (Welsh), picturesque guys with "skirts" (Scots) - oh well, I know kilt is not a skirt, but I had one exactly alike in the late seventies... - and other kind of people who wouldn't need any identity mark because you could recognise them by their serious, serious, serious faces... I'm talking about English, of course.
    
    My favourites, obviously, are Scots. Not only because of their tartan kilts - even if every Six Nations I learn something new about it - but also for their pipebags orchestra following the team everywhere, improvising concerts in the midlle of the city square. But I like very much Welsh too, the "Cymru" people, where even grandmothers wear this strange cap daffodil-shaped (daffodil is the common English name for narcissus).
    
    But in return the only UK anthems I know are the English and Irish ones!
    
    This is important, for at the end of the match there's the famous "third time", where supporters of both the teams they gather and talk and sing together. And, last but not least, they drink a lot of beer. (Sometimes I think they have beer as fuel because often they tell you how they had a sightseen of Rome in few hours!)
    
    Well, I love my country and I feel one hundred per cent Italian, but I love sometimes breath the air of a totally different country and share a little bit of Britain amongst its citizens.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 247
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• Pizza & kebab Pizza & kebab

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Things change. Even in Italy. So you can see goin' around lot of little food bussines with a "Pizza & kebab" sign on the top of the enter. Well, personally I like it. Undoubtely North Arabs have a real talent to cook pizza. And - undoubtely the same - italian trade mark has ever been creativity. As anyone can see, the new food is not cancelling the old, on the contrary: rather it allows a new discovery of the old and now mildly appreciated "pasta all'amatriciana" & Co (mildly especially by young people, unfortunately). Sincerely, I hope most of all in a rediscovery of the "pecorino romano" instead of the classical - but not local, here in Rome - "parmigiano reggiano". Parmigiano is absolutely good but is not better than pecorino, it only has been doing a better marketing campaign! I'm a fan of pecorino, you see. Ok, let's talk about kebab. Aside kebab  - that are for Italians like hot-dog are for Americans - another trendy fashion rising is japanese sushi bar; but several immigrants sometimes open restaurants cooking their local food. Here in Rome I've been in an Egiptyan, Peruvian, Indian, Argentinian, Tex-Mex, Etiopian (they eat grabbing food with hands, real exciting...), Moroccan, Japanese, Chinese (obviously), Kosher (Jewish) and Vietnamese ones. A culinary world tour. But I think curiosity it's very very Italian. Italian life has ever been benefit from encountering other cultures. For instance, the tipical dish in Le Marche is... the Paella! A paella quite different from the spanish one, of course; as well as different from the original is the ethinc food in Rome: either for the taste of western people, so different from the eastern one; or because there's no original ingredients, that's why at the japanese restaurant we ordered a tipical far-east's fried vegetable and they served us a tipical roman "cicoria ripassata". I'd never eaten cicoria with chopsticks, at least.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 239
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• Mafia: There Is No Such Thing Mafia: There Is No Such Thing

  • From: SonnysMobCafe
  • Description:

    Mafia: There is No Such Thing

     

     

              Earlier, I logged in to my favorite organized crime news site.  Okay, I’m still interested in crime.  I don’t commit them any more, but since I do write about it and am called to shows as an expert on the subject, I like to keep up.  A lot of what I say and write is from first hand experience; the rest is common sense.  For example, Bill O’Reilly had me on the Factor as an expert in, of all things, assassinations, when they were looking for Chandra Levy, and suspected Congressman Gary Condit of having gotten rid of the girl’s body.  In a pre-interview, O’Reilly asked if I thought Condit had really made her disappear.  I said, “This guy couldn’t get rid of a watch box without getting caught.  How do you expect him to get rid of a 110 lb girl?”  That was common sense.  O’Reilly thought so too.  He introduced me on the show by saying, “I know he couldn’t get rid of a watch box without getting caught…”  Stole my line.

              Back to the site I logged on to today, the headline read, “Korean mafia member arrested in Manila.”  KOREAN MAFIA?!!  There is no such thing as a Korean Mafia, a Russian Mafia, or a Scandinavian Mafia.  Yes, there are criminal groups in all those places, but outside of Sicily there is no Mafia.  The Italians know that.  Calabrians have N’drangheta, Neapolitans named their group Camorra, the latter of which at some point founded Sacra Corona Unita in Puglia.  Let the Koreans, Russians, and Scandinavians get their own goddamn names.  Why don’t the Koreans have a Korean Yakuza?  They’re certainly closer to Tokyo than they are to Palermo.

    Sicilians have worked for centuries to develop their Mafia, which is more than just a criminal fraternity.  Mafiosi have entwined themselves in the business, politics, and general life of Sicily.  They have run major legal international businesses, helped the Allied invasion in WWII, and been elected to important government posts.  They are administrators of hospitals and have worked closely with the Vatican.  Don’t they have a right to exclusivity of their name, and not to have themselves used as an umbrella for worldwide groups made up of nothing but thugs?  Would the media call all terrorists Al Qaeda or Skinheads?  The Icelandic Al Qaeda?  The Somalian Skinheads?  Each of those groups gets to keep its own name, why not give the Mafia the same consideration?

    While we’re at it, surprise, surprise: there’s no Cosa Nostra.  I am proudly old enough (many of my friends never made it this far) to remember a time before Joe Valachi.  I also remember hearing the term cosa nostra, but it was with lower case letters, as in, “This thing of ours…this thing that has no name.”  Then came Valachi, an illiterate half-moron, who told the world that this generic phrase of confusion was a proper noun…and they believed him.  Suddenly capital letters were thrown on it, and it became “La Cosa Nostra,” and American version of the Sicilian Mafia (at least he gave it a different name…though writers call it, “La Cosa Nostra, the American Mafia.”).  The worst part is that not only did civilians get taken in by this stumbum, but so did mobsters themselves.  Thirty years later, no less than John Gotti was recorded saying, “This will be a Cosa Nostra till I die,” or something like that.  A Cosa Nostra?  A thing of ours?  That’s almost as bad as the Jersey wiseguy who had his guys commandeer the jukebox in a diner he scheduled meetings at, and play the Godfather theme all the time he was there.  Good grief!  No wonder organized crime is fast becoming history, leaving only chaotic, violent crime in its wake.

    On behalf of Sicilian Mafiosi, who I don’t even know, stop committing copyright infringement and calling those criminal groups from Brazil, Uganda, or Romania “Mafia.”  Yo, crooks, get your own damned name.

    FOR FREE PREVIEWS OF ALL THREE OF SONNY'S NOVELS, ARTICLES, AND MORE GO TO www.SonnysMobCafe.com

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 233
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• GIAMBOTTA DOLCE GIAMBOTTA DOLCE

  • From: MCMAISANO
  • Description:

     

    TALK SHOW - EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT - 

     

    PRESENTED BY THE DOLCE CHANNEL. YOU HOST MARYANN MAISANO - MULTI TALENTED COMEDIAN / SINGER-SONGWRITER....

     

    LOG ON EACH WEEK AND MEET THE MOST INTERESTING & AMAZING PEOPLE...

     

    THIS WEEKS SHOW - FEB 11TH . 09

     

    JOHN PALLOTTA

    Actor & Playwright

    Born and raised in the New York City area, John has studied theater for over 20 years. He has amassed almost 175 professional acting credits.

    As a playwright he has written 10 plays and one screenplay, which has been optioned for film. His plays have been read at such places as The Lambs Theater, Thirteenth St. Repertory Company, The Producers Club and The Pantheon Theater Chigrin Falls Theater, Cleveland Ohio and Chicago. Plays currently under development are: Beyond the Palisades, HOW I KILLED MY ROOMMATE …and got away with it, Café' Solista, Legend and A Man Called HERO. Presently he is collaborating on a film project: "Peanut Butter and The Chic Magnet"& "Miracle on Mulberry Street"!

     

    ALSO

     

    GAETANO IACONO

    Actor

    Local NY actor was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  His is a  Staten Island resident.

    Gaetano portrayed Frank Conti in the movie DoughBoys. Doughboys is available on DVD here in the United States and can be found Online at Netflix and at Video rental stores - Hollywood video.

    Additional films: Front Man - Street Lure & Twists of Fate.

     

    HERE IS HOW TO LOG INTO THE SHOW:

     

    copy & paste the link below in your browser

    http://www.dolcechannel.com/pages/liveradio.php

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 230

• AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ITALIAN- AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ITALIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

  • From: Dolce
  • Description:

    To The Italian-American Community:
    
    With regards to the National Italian-American Foundation, UNICO and OSIA’s reaction to ABC, MTV and NBC’s recent depiction of Italian-Americans in the national media.  As a member of both NIAF and OSIA I applaud their efforts.   However, instead of committing time and resources and reacting to the programming and coverage of multiple national media that have negatively depicted Italian-Americans, I reccommend that you take a proactive approach and sponsor and support networks like DOLCE (www.DolceChannel.com) that indeed promotes the positive image of Italians and Italian-Americans in the worldwide media.
    
    Take ownership of the Italian-American voice in the national media landscape and support this network or start your own as so many ethnic groups have rallied to do.  Take a look at your cable/satellite channel line-up and you will find several networks that are free (included in your basic subscription) and broadcast in English including:  multiple African-American networks (BET, TV One, Centric), several Hispanic networks (vme, Latina, Mun2, ) Jewish Life TV, African Channel, Korean Television Channel, etc.
    
    The only channel missing is the one that focuses on Italian/Italian-American themed entertainment and broadcast in English.
    
    Here at Dolce, we have an opportunity to launch on Comcast (the nation’s largest cable provider) as a non-linear cable channel (VOD).  It is a good start, but we can’t do it without the necessary financial support.  We certainly would love to work with you on this very important endeavor.
    
    If you would like to get involved with our network, please contact me directly.
    
    About DOLCE
    
    Imagine combining YouTube, Facebook, HBO, Current TV and NBC.com into one integrated media network targeting niche markets.  We’ve done it.   
    
    The company is proud to introduce Dolce, the premier source for new and exciting quality entertainment for those who love all things Italian.  From feature films, documentaries, radio, TV series & specials to user-generated video, social networking and multi-media properties, Dolce is the most comprehensive media network for Italian, Italian-American and Italophile content.
    
    “Made in Italy,” “Made In North America” or “Made by You,” Dolce delivers it online, on television, in stores, on phones, in theaters and in person, worldwide.
    
    Dolce is the #1 network for All Things Italian.  www.DolceChannel.com
    
    Thank you.
    
    
    William Medici
    President

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 223
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• atacmobile.it atacmobile.it

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Well, personally I don't love too much our roman public mobility service agency, called ATAC (Azienda Trasporti Automobilistici della Capitale, if I don't get wrong), that one which serves Roma people with buses (Trambus) and subway (Metro). But at last it produced a mobile service that could be very useful for citizen and tourist. Only, you need an Internet connection. The address of the service is http://atacmobile.it and it's possible to see some features on the site. Especially useful and comfortable is the "Tempi di attesa bus", the timetable description. Obviously, being Italian, it works only from  6.30 AM to 10.00 PM, at least every day. And, furthermore, not all the buses are involved: find here what's in and what's out, the page is only in Italian (!) but not hard to understand (for an help: abilitate=available; non abilitate=not available).

    P. S: Well, I'm involved in publishing my books so I stopped momentarily updating my blog for I have to concentrate on it, but I thought that the information was too relevant to let it down.

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 216
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• amoRoma amoRoma

  • From: valeria
  • Description:

    Well, it's been a long time since I wrote my last post, but - as you know - I'm involved in a new show for Dolce Channel broadcasted from Rome, "amoRoma", which should have been aired the first time on 6/11. Unfortunately, an accident stopped me from doing it; nothing serious, at least, so I'll straighten myself out very soon. We're going to be aried from Ducati Caffè, a very sleek place in Roma centro, very close to Piazza Venezia. The place is full of Ducati motorcycles, an historical brand producing very cool "two wheels", as we say in Italy. They're placed "in bella vista" as sculptures or hung up on the wall as paintures and everyone coming in takes a picture with them. Probably I'm the only one longing not for one of the motorcycle but for a huge teddy-bear sitting on that one in the hall... The conversation's going to be full English - I'm so funny speaking Italian yet... better not think about it! Fortunately, my guest will be practiced English speakers (well, not everyone obviously...) so I guess we'll be able to set up a pleasant and interesting show. So stay tuned for 6/18 EST aaaaaaand... check it out!

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 213
  • Not yet rated