Malocchio Video!

Malocchio Video!!!

Malocchio/Evil Eye--Serious or Superstitious?!?

Malocchio or evil eye exists in many cultures--therefore is very present within the Italian culture. It is caused when someone is envious or jealous of you or what you have and or do; and causes you to be sick in some way for example like getting a headache.... Anyways, it is "cured" by a person usually and elderly italian woman down the street that only wears black, by pouring water into a shallow dish and dropping oil in the water while whispering a prayer about some sort of magical snake--I'm not quite sure, but I think there is a snake involved--If the oil breaks up into tiny droplets then the evil eye or malocchio is lifted and you are cured...

__Fact or Fiction-You be the judge___

5 Crazy Facts about Italy

Did you know?!?
1.Italy is just a little larger than the state of Arizona.

2. The thermometor, eyeglasses and the ice cream cone were invented in Italy.

3. The average Italian eats about half a pound of bread a day.

4. Pinocchio was written by an Italian.

5. Lastly, Italian families save more money than the Japanese, Germans and 3x more than Americans--But still complain to their children that their poor!, huh go figure!!


(info courtesy of lifeinitaly.com)(photo:google)

Let's go on VACATION & leave the dog at a TRAIN STATION

Italians go on vacation every year. It is a must, when you live the wonderful country of Italy--but one thing that is not a good idea is how Italians abandon some 14,000 dogs. AIDAA-an Animal Rights group stated that there are around 600,000 stray dogs in Italy today. So a word to advice for Italians planning on going on vacation this summer: It is the 21st century there are hotels,villas and beaches that are animal friendly..........

Pastiera Napoletana

Even the easter bunny is jealous of this pie! It's a speciality for people from Naples to make this dessert "pie" with ricotta cheese, grains, and sugar... It is usually made the Thursday before Good Friday and enjoyed up to Easter. It's very very good :).. you most likely can google the recipe!!!!

Buona Pasqua

Earthquake hits Central Italy

In the Abruzzo region of Central Italy;L'Aquila has been struck with a 6.3 magnitude quake which has killed over 50 people and left thousands homeless and roaming the streets trying to find safety.
Over 25 towns have been damaged in the central region of Italy and the surrounding cities 70 miles south-east of Rome. Due to the historic buildings within the city many people are being told to flee the area and seek safety.

Information courtesy of BBC America & Yahoo.com.

Central Italy Damaging Earthquake New Footage

How do you make un Uova di Pasqua??

Chocolate Easter EGGS? Uova di pasqua

It's Easter time again, and the Italians really know how to treat the little ones!!! Every Easter, instead of Easter Baskets we get GIANT CHOCOLATE EGGS. They are amazing. You crack them and inside there is a treat, it either is a necklace, or a very difficult puzzle you need to put together or my favorite MORE candy inside like the Perugina Baci!!! You can buy one at your nearest Caputo's.

Pedibus....Italian Children play follow the leader...

In the southern tip of Lake Como, there is a city called Lecco and there children are walking to school to help the enviroment and thier health.
To battle obesity and vehicle emissions, over 400 students walk to school; referred to as "pedibus"- literal translation is "foot-bus."
This is another example to show how Italians are using innovative ways to fight problems the world faces in this day and age.
Informaton courtesy of New York Times
photo-yahoo.com

Follow up to Italian Nun's Beauty Contest

Who stole the cheese follow-up

Hand Gestures

What's with the hands?

Why is it that Italians can have an entire conversation without uttering a single word? It all started in the late 1800s with Dante's Divine Comedy. Here actors acted out the play and used body language as well as hand gestures to communicate. This has evolved into modern Italians developing other hand gestures and body language to get their points across.

5 Best Places In Italy

1. Amalfi Coast

-Surrounded

by the Mediterranean Sea,

beautiful villas and

rich historic landmarks.

2. Venice

-Piazza San Marco, Canal Grande and The Palazzo Ducale, simply breathtaking.

3. Piedmont

- Neighbors of France and Switzerland, it is an elegant and extraordinary region.

4. Perugia

-This city is rich in history and fun visits to the International University where you can chat with local students.

5. Cinque Terre

-Meaning five lands: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, and is located in the region of Liguria; here you can take several different paths and enjoy the best of five different lands.

Acqua di Parma

In Parma, Italy a small factory opened in 1916. This is where an infamous scent was developed. Acqua di Parma Colonia. It consists of light, lemony tones with hints of rosemary and wood. It was and still is a classic scent of Italian sophistication and is still very popular today.

This is how we do......

Le Zeppole di S. Giuseppe

Zeppole or Zeppoli are made only on St. Joseph's Day. They are an Italian pastry that are sweet, deep fried and topped with powdered sugar, custard filling and a marichino cherry on top. Il giorno di S. Giuseppe is March 19th. You can purchase this delicious treat at your nearby Caputo's, Turano Bakery aka Casa di Dolci and Ferrara Bakery.

"Ol Blue Eyes"

Francis Albert Sinatra, was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was the only child of Italian immigrants. In 1935, Frank Sinatra joined his first singing group, "The Three Flashes," later to be known as the "Hoboken Four."
From then on has been a sensation, starting with his first hit song, "Our Love," and other accomplishments. He's known for hit songs, "Come fly with me," "My Way," and "The Way You Look Tonight." He is a timeless human being and his legacy will live on.

"Gomorrah"

"Gomorrah," Roberto Saviano's bestselling novel gives an insider look to the Neapolitan crime network or known as "la comorra." This book shows how corruption and deceit give a beautiful city a bad name.

This is a captivating and interesting read, you should check it out, or else.

i Napoletani e Numbers

The Napoletani or (people from Naples)use numbers as references to other terms. It is called "La smorfia Napoletana" They are superstitious about what numbers they use, esspecially when it comes to playing the lottery. I have compiled a list of the numbers 1-90 and their meanings in Napoletan dialect and correct italian... You could pick and choose certain numbers related to their meaning and play the lottery, who knows you maybe LUCKY...


1: l'Italia
2: la bambina
3: la gatta
4: il maiale(il porco)
5: la mano del ladro
6: quella che guarda per terra (=vulva, mori e n'a provi)
7: il vaso di creta (è ricolmo d'amore)
8: la Madonna (mi protegge dal male che mi viene fatto)
9: la figliolanza (dovrebbe durare per tutta la vita)
10: i fagioli bisogna darli ai cavernicoli, altrimenti si rischia di essere aggrediti
11: i topolini
12: il soldato stupido
13: Sant'Antonio
14: l'ubriaco
15: il ragazzo
16: il culo a forma di cuore
17: la disgrazia
18: il sangue
19: la risata
20: la festa
21: la donna nuda
22: le corna
23: lo scemo
24: le guardie
25: Natale il ricchione
26: la Piccola Anna
27: il pitale
28: i seni
29: il padre dei bambini (=pene)
30: le palle del tenente
31: il padrone di casa(è un uomo affascinante e amorevole)
32: il capitone
33: gli anni di Cristo
34: la testa
35: l'uccellino del santo
36: le nacchere
37: il monaco
38: le botte
39: la corda al collo
40: la noia
41: il coltello
42: il caffè
43: la donna al balcone
44: la prigione
45: il vino buono
46: il denaro
47: il morto che parla
48: il morto
49: la carne
50: il pane
51: il giardino
52: la mamma
53: il vecchio
54: il cappello
55: la musica
56: la caduta
57: il gobbo
58: il regalo
59: i peli del porco
60: il male che si può fare
61: il cacciatore
62: il morto ammazzato
63: la sposa
64: la marsina
65: il pianto
66: le due zitelle
67: il totano nella chitarra
68: la zuppa cotta
69: sottosopra (il cuore)
70: il palazzo
71: l'uomo di merda
72: lo stupore
73: l'ospedale
74: la grotta
75: Pulcinella
76: la fontana
77: i diavoli (o le gambe delle donne)
78: la bella figliuola
79: il ladro
80: la bocca
81: i fiori
82: la tavola imbandita
83: il maltempo
84: la chiesa
85: l'anima del Purgatorio
86: la bottega
87: i pidocchi
88: il caciocavallo
89: la vecchiaia
90: la paura
(courtesy of Wikipedia.com)

Spittin' Sicilian's

Italy's Supreme Court, has recently ruled that it is not ethical and just to spit at head teachers or principals.
A teacher in Sicily was held in contempt for spitting at a female principal 3x, during a teachers meeting in Palermo.
In his defense he stated that because, ''direction and efficacy of the spit'', arguing that he was incapable of producing large quantities of saliva because heated argument had made his mouth dry."

The fact of the matter is that he was still spitting at the head principal..

No further charges were brought open the teacher against the head principal.

C'mon now WHO STOLE THE CHEESE???

Just in, Parmigiano Reggiano is Italy's TOP shoplifted food. The CIA (I didn't know there even was a Food CIA) states that "Italian cheeses is one of the biggest targets for food piracy." (2007 CIA farmers association)

Just stop stealing cheese. WATCH THIS VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7HNEfOf-Rw&feature=related (COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK SOO FUNNY)

Are you part of the Facebook "Outfit"?

The 'Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Transnational Security,' feels that if you are part of any mafia related social club on facebook, you should be investigated because you, yourself can turn into a potential mobster. There are hundreds of people in the "Cosa Nostra Page," "Chicago Outfit," "Al Capone" and a list of several others.

You may be wondering what is the big deal what groups I join??
Well, the problem authorities have is that if you join these social groups on facebook or any other social networking website then you are condoning their unlawful actions......

"Me capeesh?

Who?? Who has a pet OWL?

14 years ago an elderly Italian couple found an owl in the Northern Italian mountains. The now 70-year old couple let it roam free around their house, they even fed it Italian Biscotti's. It was recently confiscated because this European Owl was on the International Conservationist list.

That's Amore....That's Silly.

Domenico Necsi, from Milan, Italy came all the way from there to the states to compete on "A Shot of love with Tila Tequila." He unfortunately got booted off, but then MTV decided to give him his own show entitled, "That's Amore."

This show is ridiculous , it depicts Italians as being stupid.They have the girls compete doing different things like eating italian sausage in a time limit, or by them spaghetti and meatball wrestling in a big kiddy pool with sauce.

just silly. check it out at MTV.com because I think it's not on the air anymore.

Are there sheep on this bus?

So, a few months ago, my parents had to go on this Barese in Chicago bus tour to this casino that is in like Michigan. This would entail in a group of Barese- Italian Americans getting in a 50 person bus to go this place. You wonder okay so why are you writing this. WELL, my father didn't want to go so guess who was next in line.. Yours Truly. So i got pimped out to go with my Ma, she's like, "Danie, no worry we go, we have good time, I buy you lunch." I'm like Ma, "no." Well the next morning 6:00AM, sharp I'm in my car with my Mom driving to the bus area to meet this group of Barese in Chicago organization that my parents belong to.
My mom says, "No, worry Danie, there will be young people there too." We arrive guess what, if by young my mom meant the early age of 50 then she was right.
I look around everyone is about 30 years older than me. Beautiful.
Now for anyone that doesn't know Barese are from Bari, a very particular city where my father is from. It is a wonderful town, with a strange dialect that sounds like chinese if you don't know what it sounds like.

We get on the bus, i'm like okay I have my Ipod, i'll be fine.. I hear a loud distinct voice from behind the bus.. "Ma ke e coosS????" I'm like what? What are they saying, who wants cous cous?? what? That is dialect for who is that.. i'm like OMG.. i want off the bus.. Then we're going smooth for a good hour all the sudden there was a big pot hole in the expressway, we go right over it and the bus trembles in fright. I didn't think anything of it, but all you could hear was everyone shouting,"MMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHH, meh ce' e??? (dialect barese) Meaning, What, What happened?? I'm in awe I swear if I didnt' hear it with my own ears. I was on the bus with a flock of sheep. I needed off that bus pronto.
..

We get there stay for a few hours, then back on the bus... Mind you we ate the buffet there, everyone and their mother on the bus took something from the buffet. They were bartering food on the bus. All I see is,"Meh, Vicenz, Tu voi na Bagel." No Frances, Io ho na Muffin, you want na Burrberry muffin???

.Barese. that's all I can say.

Tu Che Ne Sai, di Gigi D'Alessio?!?

This popular Neapolitan singer, (and my favorite) was born in Naples on Feb.24, 1967. He is known worldwide, and has also come to Chicago on several occassions to perform. I have seen him twice at the Millennium Park Auditorium. He is a song writer and composer. Gigi frequents a very popular music television show in Italy entitled, "Sanremo." He has also been interviewed by Vanity Fair in 2008, for his singles entitled, "Non dirgli mai," e "Dove sei." Among my favorites are: "Tu che ne sai," "Sei importante," and "Un nuovo bacio."

tvtb, gigi!!!!!!!!!!

You want my Meatballs?

Meatballs are made with ground meat, and are known as: "polpette," The main ingredients of a geniune Italian Meatball are basically beef, salt, garlic, parmigiano cheese, eggs and breadcrumbs. They are cooked by either frying or baking then traditionally placed in sauce and on top of spaghetti.
They are usually the size of golfballs, but in the Abruzzo Region, they are called polpettine, because they are the size of marbles.

This is one of the most popular Italian dishes in the states.

Are you feeling Horny???

Many American's wonder why any person would hang something that resembles a red pepper from their car mirror or on their neck, well folks we italians have a very valid reason for doing so.
Il cornuto or corno meaning "horn: is an Italian charm that is suppose to protect against the "evil eye", have I mentioned how supersitous we Italians are?
This twisted horn shape or the "mano cornuta," the hand that does the horn shape is also another form that this symbol may look like to ward off the "evil eye." The "evil eye" is like when someone envies you or wishes bad upon you, therefore "il corno" or the horn will ward off these bad thoughts. Mostly men have these "horns"worn on gold chains around their neck because it is thought to protect their genitalia.

You can find these at any Italian store in Chicago...

Guide to becoming a Guido!!!

Hello fellows.. Hope ya didn't think I forgot about yous guys..

Here goes:

1 Puma jumpsuit.
As many WHITE DIEGO T'S as possible
Matching headbands with every outfit.
1 Gold Chain with the "horn"
1 pinky ring
Button down shirt/remember to leave open half way, and POP that collar
D&G sunglasses (only use at night, because why would you use them during the day?)

So go work out then go tanning, don't forget the protein powder... Get that chest waxed and the eyebrows, don' forget the eyebrows. . and don't forget to remember HAIR GEL....YOU need LOTS AND LOTS OF gel, gel that hair up, the girls like it when guys take twice as long as them to get ready and use twice as much hair products, now you know that's the HOTNESS.

Guide to Becoming a Guidette...........

Hello everyone.. SO here's the Recipe for yous to become a real:
"Guidette..."

2 Bras
1 Diamond Studded Belt, or anything that is big, gaudy and flashy.
1 All BLACK outfit. no colors.
1 Pair of 6 Inch Marciano Guess heels.
1 tube of very very pink lipstick, w. the glossiest lip gloss from MAC
LOTS OF BLACK EYELINER AND MASCARA.
Bronzer, lots of Bronzer

Let your skin marinate two weeks at a tanning salon before your big event, and don't forget the POOF for your hair and a dash of Dolce Gabbana Light Blue..

VERY CLASSY.

Miss Sister 2008

Starting in the Fall of this year an Italian priest from Rome, Rev. Antonio Rungi, will start an online beauty contest for nuns.

In order to gain more recognition within the Catholic Church and the Public, Rungi will decide to use his Web 2.0 skills to start a blog and website. He will prove that the nuns and the church are not, "old and dour." Rungi feels that he needs to find a way to promote the church and the nuns in to, so what a better way than to have a Beauty Pageant just for nuns, who knows maybe there will be a swimsuit contest too.............

*Pazza Piazza*

Millions of tourists travel to Italy each year, but just a friendly reminder: NO SHIRTS, NO SHOES NOT ALLOWED....

Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark's Square is located in Venice and is the central gathering area of the city. It is very popular with tourist, this is why "il gazzettino" or Piazza San Marco's local police are getting strict with people's dress codes. If you walk around Saint Mark's Square shirtless you will get fined 25 Euros, over 100 people have been fined since 2007.

People show a little Respect, just because it's 100 degrees and Italians don't believe in air-conditioning, there is no room for stripping.

Outlawed in Italy: CROTCH GRABBING

Did you know, that the Italian courts have outlawed or illegalized men from touching their genitals or crotch in public?
A 42 year old man in Como, Italy was fined 200 Euro and ordered to pay 1000 Euro in court fees, because they believed that by grabbing his crotch in public it was an "act contrary to public decency."
Many Americans wonder, "Why would Italian men even think about touching their genitals or crotch in public?" Well, my fellow Americans, Italians are very superstitious people, so when a man grabs his genitals or crotch, known as their "attributi" they are warding off bad luck, or as many know as the "evil eye." This is comparable to when Americans cross their fingers, in order to wish for something not to happen.
**SO REMEMBER: "WHEN IN ROME, DO NOT TOUCH THE ZONE!!!"

TRULLI??!?

No, this isn't a real life replica of a "Smurf's Home," but a traditional Puglia home. Found in the Alberobello town in the Pugliese region these dwellings were used for shelters for shepards and farmers. They are still there today and some people even live in them. People always wondered why these were built in this shape, well the reason is because they were built with no cement or mortors, but made thick with stones, mud and other items;due to the fact that there was high taxes on property at that time, so when the inspectors came to collect money, the Pugliese people would dismantle them before they would arrive. OH those Smart Southern Italians!!!!

Pizza Pizza!!!

Pizza, a flat piece of dough that is either hand-tossed or rolled out. It is then baked with fresh tomato sauce and usually some sort of cheese--or whatever toppings you prefer.
There are several different types of pizza, but the most popular and my favorite is Pizza Napoletana--made with fresh tomatoes, basil and Mozzarella di Bufala, It is made thin, and cooked typically in a wood-burning oven. Another pizza favorite is the Pizza Romana--It is a pizza that is made thick and rectangular in large pans and is usually cooked in a conventional oven.
Pizza is a staple all over the country, but best leave it to the Italians to make the best!!!

Topo Gigio

Maria Perego created Topo Gigio in 1958. This popular mouse was and still is an icon for children as well as adults in Italy and throughout the world.
With his large ears, blonde hair, blue eyes and orange overalls--he has captivated the hearts of all that watched his fun-filled antics. During the 1960's Topo Gigio appeared to the American audience on the popular show, "The Ed Sullivan Show." There Topo Gigio performed with the helped of a group of Italian puppeteers, many memorable skits, such as singing, "Strangers in the Night" and playing jokes on Ed Sullivan himself.
Topo Gigio made over 50 appearances on the show until, the finale where he closed the show with a singing number in 1971. Nowadays, Topo Gigio is the "Spokes-mouse" for the United Nations and has childrens television shows in Japan, Spain and South America.

Check out Topo Gigio singing, "Strangers in the Night." On YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I58YeFApfF0&feature=related

Fake Ferrari’s

FOR SALE: 2008 fully loaded Ferrari, Price: $30,000
Unbelievably, a ring of counterfeiters in Italy have been building fake Ferraris with car parts from different vehicles such as: Mercedes, Pontiacs and Toyotas. In Milan, authorities have already 14 fake Ferrari Modena 360s. Italy has been fighting against counterfeiters whom products range from purses to pasta. Many of these counterfeiters used the internet to help sell the fake Ferrari’s. It is still unknown how many of these vehicles have been purchased.

Check out this link to see the difference:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6djsYsAzeA



*Information from:USAToday.com, ‘The Italian Magazine’:May/June 2008 issue

Vroom Vespa

“Ma quanto e bello andare in giro con le alle soto i piedi, se una Vespa speciale che toglie i problemi,” as sung in Luna Pop’s hit song, 50 Special. (Isn’t great to ride the winding road with wings under your wheels, with a Vespa you will find how freedom feels) A Vespa is not just a scooter for Italians, it is a culture.
It all started around the end of WWII, where Enrico Piaggio decided to leave the aeronautical field due to the fact that the Pontedera fighter plane plant where he worked was destroyed by bombs. He felt it was his duty to help Italy’s need for an affordable mode of transportation that was inexpensive due to the decline of the Italian economy because of the war.
He and engineer Renzo Spolti designed the first scooter called, “Paperino” or known as: “Donald Duck.” Piaggio was not quite satisfied with “il Paperino ” and hired Corradino D’Ascanio to build something more stylish. This is where the Vespa or “wasp” stung the hearts of millions worldwide. The first Vespa to be produced was in Pontedera, Italy in April of 1946. Over three million Vespa’s have been produced in Italy alone, and have become an iconic symbol in Italy as well as in the states.