History Channel Presents: The History of Columbus Day.

History is part of everything we know. Learning about the events surrounding Columbus Day is a great way for Italian-Americans and all Americans to learn more about their country.



History Channel is one of my favorite networks for documentary and historical programming.

To learn more about the history behind Columbus Day visit the History Channel site at:
http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=1044

If you're an educator, this site is great with extra added learning text and activities. Check it out. Tweet

NJN Public Television, Pride & Passion: The Italians In America Watch it Tonight!!

In Celebration of Italians This Weekend For Columbus Day: Watch This Documentary: Pride & Passion: The Italians in America

There will be another program right after the above documentary.This is a beautiful show which features the best of Italy and its coast lines from an aerial view.
Visions of Italy: The Great Cities---Rome, Florence & Naples

You know, as always..don't pay too much mind to the people who talk too much about things they don't know about. Give these documentaries a chance and watch them. You'll love it and might learn something.

http://www.njn.net/television/schedules/

Tweet

Discrimation Against Italians...or Just Everyone?

Well, talking about curly hair and discrimination is one thing but when we talk about discrimination against Italians, then I say, "let's discuss." I have to share this story with you because it enrages me beyond belief. So, this time it involves my mother. Now, if you ever met my mother would you say.."oh my God, she's so sweet"...yada, yada, yada. Yes, its true..she's great and wouldn't harm a fly. Here she is having to deal with an official office this past week. ( I won't say which one.)

But anyway, she goes up to the desk where the receptionist is sitting and tells the woman her name and signs in. Of course, I am driving her because it was in a location she wasn't sure about so I volunteered to drive her. Then, the woman calls her back over to the desk and asks her to fill in paper work and such and then proceeds to ask her a bunch of questions. My mother has replied, and actually asked her a few questions too. With each question, this woman is getting more and more condescending with her, as if my mother doesn't understand her because she happens to have an accent.

I find that many people in this country are extremely discriminatory against others with accents..doesn't matter what accent you have. Anyhow, getting back to the story..I'm listening to this b**** talk down to my mother, so I calmly walked over to the desk next to my mother and say is there a problem..?? The woman says, "no, did you need help with something.? I said, no..she's with me and that's my mother and oh by the way..she understands and speaks English." I didn't say it with the nicest tone. So she got the message.

But, gee wouldn't you know it her attitude changed immediately toward my mother. That just proved to me how judgemental and jerky people are when they hear accents. I felt like saying to this woman, FYI-this whole country is about immigrants...what planet or country are you living in? Like I also said in a previous blog, I'm all about immigrants and giving everyone a chance, just as long as we all play fair. Tweet

The Economic Crisis Trickles Down to Italy.

Its no surprise with the intense economic crisis hitting home here in the United States, the European Markets are now getting a taste of the crisis. Just today, in Italy, Premier Silvio Berlusconi has called an emergency meeting to discuss pro-active measures to help protect the Italian markets. I'm not a financial guru, so its best if you refer to today's USA Today article on this topic. We are not alone.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2008-10-08-italy-seeks-emergency-measures_N.htm?csp=23&RM_Exclude=aol Tweet

Obama & McCain, Last Night's Debate.

Last night's debate was far more intense than the last debate..this I will say. It almost seemed like McCain was more determined than ever to make a point and was trying very hard. On the other hand, Obama seemed very cool and collected, responding at the right moments and keeping the focus straight on the economy.

These two men must be so tired of saying the same things over and over again..it was actually obvious with McCain, at one point said the same thing three times in one sentence. I almost get nervous and embarrassed for him, it was awkward. My critique of both candidates is that neither one of them offered better information from the last debate. I felt like it was a review from the last one. I realize its probably hard for them to say or promise anything in this stage but really these aren't normal times and require vital leadership.

By the way, I'm not sure if anyone else has thought about this issue, but whatever happened to "illegal immigration" as a large topic. Has anyone thought that maybe the loss of jobs to tons or I should millions of illegal immigrants has contributed to the economic landslide as well.

I mean really lets think about it, illegals make money, they don't pay taxes, and technically get good health care if they present themselves in a walk in clinic. I'm not against immigrants and wish all immigrants a chance to make a better life in America. But, here's the thing, my parents who are immigrants, had to do it the right way and the legal way. There is no reason why everyone is now exempt. This is where the government should have also taken responsibility and control when the influx started. Its now completely out of control.

In conclusion, I found the debate to be more interesting than the last, but we have a long way to go based on the current events. Election Day can't come soon enough. Tweet

Yes, Its True The Italian American Vote Is Important To All The Candidates.

As we prepare for tonight's debate, I find myself reading more articles and information on how the Italian American vote is an important factor to any political candidate's campaign. The Italian Americans make up a large group of influential and back bone votes. We do represent a large group of the immigrants who came to America for a better life and it doesn't just mean Italians.

The Mediterranean factor is a large part of our influence and the political machine has caught onto our stable and influencing votes. By influencing I mean, Italian Americans range from the blue collars to the super influential such as other politicians and top executives. We are diverse. By the way, I love your comments and emails. Again, I'm not a political analyst nor do I claim to be one...so I welcome your thoughts and comments. Also, to my younger Italian American readers, please get active and interactive and watch the debate tonight, your future--our future is on the line.

Check out this past New York Times Article:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE1D81430F930A15753C1A96E948260 Tweet

In Celebration of Columbus Day, My Father Commemorates His Anniversary in America.

This is my father almost 52 years ago on Columbus Day. The day he arrived in America. Its pretty cool that he arrived on the day we celebrate the existence or I should say discovery of America. I love telling people that story because it just seems so orchestrated and perfect. A couple of years ago, I went to Ellis Island to see if his name was registered, at the time they were formulating records, so it wasn't available. But now that everything is computerized, you can easily find your ancestors online. Now, my father is in his late 70s and still acts like the guy in that picture to the left. This weekend, I celebrate my father. There is no other, Papa!

To research your ancestors and immediate family members who came through Ellis Island, go to:

http://www.ellisisland.org/

The above ** Photo is Copyright ItalianAmericanGirl 2009** Tweet