April: Opening the Season

The Romans named it Aprilis, the month when the Earth opens to produce beauty and sustenance.  Like Italians, the Romans were very expressive…and practical.  They called it as they saw it: Aperire means ‘to open’ in Latin (Aprire in Italian).  For the...

That Fork in the Road

We all have moments in life that affect our future.  It certainly happens when you find your ‘life’ partner or lose one.  Having children surely puts you on a different trajectory.  But sometimes a serendipitous event or an individual will present you...

I’M TALKIN’ TO YOU 

Are the film critics currently praising Robert De Niro for his performance in the new mob film Alto Knights aware that he hates children? Read on. In 2003, the self-proclaimed proud Italian American (though he is only 1/4 quarter Italian) announced his next project:...

Speaking of Broccoli

Last month, Barbara Broccoli ditched the family business.  Not in agriculture but in Hollywood.  The Broccoli Family was the original owner of the James Bond franchise, that action-packed series of movies regaling audiences with the exploits of fictional British spy...

The Meanin’ of the Green

Another St. Patrick’s Day is upon us.  And despite the stereotypes of leprechauns and pots’o’gold, Irish Americans will proudly show off their green and hoist a pint. Each surely aware of how their ancestors overcame oppression and famine to become a glowing...

A Course Correction

Every now and then our analysts look at the ‘big picture’ to determine if the Italian American community is living up to its potential. The first thing we realize is that there is no “community.”  Sure we have local and national organizations, but by and large...