Sardinia

Photo courtesy of Lonely Planet

The beauty of Italy is endless.  Whether it is through the exploration of northern Italy and its Alpi or Central Italy and its capital of Rome, there are endless opportunities and experiences unlike any other while exploring Italy.  Why not take a deeper look into the treasures of Italy? The region of Sardinia (or Sardegna in Italian) is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Italy’s other famous island of Sicilia.  Sardinia is geologically one of the most ancient bodies of land in Europe. What makes Sardinia so unique and famous is the way the people live their lifestyle; through cuisine, their attitudes, and their big hearts..

Sardinian locals base living off the land to be a main priority. The key to living a Sardinian lifestyle is prospering in a state of simplicity.  Sardinia happens to be one of the top five healthiest places to live in the entire world.  The island is hardy and untamed, perfect for exploration.  Historically the island is made up of farmers or shepherds who harvest what the beautiful Sardinia offers from its land.  Sardinia was repeatedly invaded and exploited by outside raiders for their riches of the land, and therefore, the natives developed an extreme connection to their families and the communities they live in.  Maybe this is the key to Sardinians longevity.  Overall, the attitude of a Sardinian individual is positive.  They find beauty in the simplest of things, and their happiness comes from this way of living.  As a result, they live on a very low stress level and diffuse arguments with others. 

Sardinian people have been known to follow a healthy diet due to the foods and beverages they consume on a daily basis.  Instead of consuming cow’s milk as Americans do, they drink milk and eat cheese from a goat.  Sardinian goats have a unique quality that is useful to humans.  The goats feed off of dwarf curry, which is used in the U.S. to create anti-inflammatory drugs.  One of the most widely known Italian goat cheese is pecorino.   Local Sardinians feast off of sardines, dark red wine, and fava beans and barley to maintain their longevity.  In Sardinian history, it is well known that the local people walk long distances daily.  Since most men work in fields as shepherds, they walk miles upon miles through rocky terrains with their flocks. 

Sardinia is a hidden gem of Italy.  Their history can help anyone learn to follow certain lifestyles to a longer prosperous life.  If one can learn anything at all from the Sardinian people it is to eat a plant based diet, put family first, respect and celebrate your elders, drink a glass of Cannanau (dark red wine), laugh with the people you love, and take a nice long walk while enjoying what nature has to offer.  The key to this lifestyle is simplicity.  The simplest of things can bring you the greatest happiness.

Works Cited:

"Blue Zones." Blue Zones. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2013.

"Authentic Sardinia." Intelligent Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2013.

by Kiera Coskran

Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is one of the most talented, yet most controversial soccer players in Italy. He was born on August 12, 1990 in Palermo, Italy. His birth name was Mario Barwuah, until it was changed when he was sent to live with the Balotelli family by social services. Mario officially became an Italian citizen on his 18^th birthday at the Concesio City Hall.

Mario Balotelli was always a talented soccer player, but the coaches of the clubs that he was a part of have always had trouble controlling him. At the age of 17, Mario joined Internazionale, which is based in Milan, Lombardy. Internazionale is a well-known and extremely successful soccer club, not only in Italy, but also the world. Mario played well, even while fans chanted racist remarks towards him. However, the main problem with playing for Internazionale was not the fans--it was the coach. The coach and Mario clashed numerous times due Mario’s lack of effort in practice and training. This caused Mario to be suspended by the team. He left Internazionale to go play for Manchester City, a soccer club in England.

Mario Balotelli was a member of the Italian National Team during the UEFA Euro Cup in 2012. He was the first black player to appear in a match for Italy, and he was also the first black player to score a goal for Italy. Mario has been scrutinized for his lifestyle and comments he has made off the pitch. One of his recent comments was telling the members of the soccer club Real Madrid they can sleep with his girlfriend if they win the Champions League title. Mario Balotelli is a great talent, but he may be more interesting off the field.

"Mario Balotelli." Mario Balotelli. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013.

"Mario Balotelli." Bornrich. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013.

by Jamison DiGeronimo

Nightlife in Italy

Photo credit: Erin Fay

The nightlife in Italy is much different than what we are used to seeing in the states. As many other European countries as well as southern and Central American countries, the drinking age is 18 not 21.  In Rome is alive at night. If New York is the city that never sleeps, Rome is the party that never ends. Clubs don't get going until after midnight. Discos compete for extravagant themes and décor, and if they don't always keep up with the latest trends in London or L.A., they still provide a great evening for the young and footloose. Thursdays through Sundays are club nights when the whole city seems to be out on the town. Monday through Wednesday the streets are much quieter.

Italy can be a fun country to go out at night for many reasons besides nightclubs. One of them is the panoramas one may enjoy, especially in places like Rome, Florence, or Venice where walking around is already an event. Moreover, every city has often great jazz  and music clubs, which usually host prime international musicians and, in recent years Brazilian music such as Bossa Nova has became very popular. If you look for traditional Italian music you'll be disappointed as it's not very common, unless a bus-load of tourists has just arrived.

Of course, the number one reason to go out in Italy is to eat. There are plenty of restaurants and Italians enjoy international cuisines, in particular Chinese, Japanese, and Indian. A few American steakhouses and Mexican places are also popular. Culturally each major city features important theatres and opera houses, while during the summer often classical music concerts are organized in some villa or city park; Rome is very famous for its Estate Romana, (Roman Summer). Once a year, a White Night takes places and most stores and museums stay open all night long; this is becoming a traditional event.

References:

 N.a. "Night Life in Italy." Italy. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2013

by Lucas Said

Enzo Anselmo Ferrari and the Rise of the Ferrari Empire

Enzo Ferrari was born in 1898 in Modena, Italy. He did not have a strong education, but at the age of  ten he went to his first race. His father took him to the race on via Emilia in Bologna. After seeing this race, he was even more drawn to the world of racing. In 1916, Enzo’s father and brother died. When they died it left Enzo to provide for the family. Enzo went to work in the lathing school at the fire service workshop in Modena. In 1917, Enzo joined the army and fought in the first World War.

Before the war ended, Enzo became ill and had to undergo two operations before he was given an honorable discharge. In 1918 Enzo looked for work and obtained a job as a test driver at a small company in Turin. He worked there for almost a year then he moved to Milan to work for a company called Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionale (C. M.N.). He started out as test driver, but with his expertise, he made his debut as a racer and came in 4^th place in his first ever race.

By the next year, in 1920, Enzo Ferrari became the head of the Alfa Romeo racing division. In 1923 Enzo won his first race and met Countess Baracca. She gave him a signed photo of her son’s prancing horse and allowed Enzo to use it as his car’s emblem.

The Ferrari emblem

In 1929, Enzo founded the Scuderia Ferrari racing group in Modena, his hometown. His motto or purpose for his company was to allow owner-drivers to race. With his overwhelming skill in racing and education on cars, Enzo easily took over as the face of the Alfa Romeo brand. By the time 1931 rolls around Enzo put down his racing gear to maintain the work load as leader of Scuderia and a new type of life. On January 19^th, 1932 his son Alfredo Ferrari was born.

Around 1937 the Scuderia foundation buillt the “Alfa Romeo 158- Alfetta.” This car quickly began to dominate the racing scene. Seeing his potential and dreaming for a better design Enzo left Alfa Romeo in 1939.

By 1945 Ferrari began work on their first independent Ferrari car model. Enzo wanted to base his cars with the V12 engine because of its versatility. On March 12^th, 1947 he test drove his first car on the open road. His new model car was called the 125-S. After 1956 when his son died, he named all models of the 1500 cc V6 engine after Alfredo.

Through the years Ferrari made a whole line of racing and luxury cars. In 1970 Enzo Ferrari was presented with a gold medal for culture and art by the president of Italy. Enzo gave back in multitudes to the racing community. In 1971 Enzo buillt the Fiorano circuit which officially opened on April 8^th, 1972. In 1987 the “F40” was created. It was the last car created under Enzo’s management.

On August 14, 1988 Enzo Anselmo Ferrari died at the age of 90.

Sources:

"Enzo Ferrari." Ferrari.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2013.

"Enzo Ferrari." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 July 2013. Web. 08 May 2013. 

by Rasool Adkins

Italian Music: More Than Dean Martin

Italian band Ex-Otago
Photo credit: Elena Curotto

The first thing that pops into mind when hearing the term “Italian music” might be the stereotypical light guitar accompanied by accordion, like something you’d hear in Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.” But there’s more to Italian music than just singing about wine and having a fun time. After all, some of the most famous pieces of music were Italian- like the classical composers of the Baroque Era or the Italian operas. Even many musical terms are Italian, such as “crescendo,” and “piano.” Of course, music has evolved since that era; it is no longer the 17^th century, and Italian music these days is much different. Nowadays, the focus is on pop, rock, indie, and rap, and there is an infinite amount of Italian musicians these days--some more well known than others. 

For example, one internationally-known singer and song-writer is Tiziano Ferro. He first jumped into his career with the single “Xdono,” also known as “Perdono,” which became an instant hit, especially in Europe and Latin America. He has released a few albums since then, and plays worldwide. Click here for his website.

To shed a different light on modern Italian music, are the lesser-known bands--the more forgotten indie music, so to speak. Although not as famous as somebody like Tiziano Ferro, it could be argued that their music is just as good. As another example, the band known as Ex-Otago is somewhat known in Italy. They formed in Genoa, at first only with three members, just as acoustics, but then soon added another member as a drummer. They have a Tumblr and Myspace in which they keep in contact with fans and can update about concerts.

One last musician, Marco Mengoni, is another pop musician, similar to Tiziano Ferro. He became very popular in 2009, after winning a season of the Italian X Factor, a singing competition. He has then released a few albums, won several awards, and has done a few tours. His official website can be found here.

Although only three artists can’t cover it all, it’s obvious to see just from their music that even though they are all from Italy, their style in music is much different from each other. Sure, they have influences from their culture, but each artist branches out in their own way and makes their own unique sound, which people love and will continue to love.

For more links on modern musicians in Italy, here are few sites to take a look at:

Indie Italy blog

Italian Pop Music blog

by Stephanie Brundige, Katrina Compagna, and Casey Mello

Le belle montagne d'italia

Sentiero degli Dei, or “God’s Trail,” on the Amalfi coast

Imagine yourself on a mountain top with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. With the sounds of a running river and the smell of the crisp mountain air, one might gain a sense of freedom and a connection with Mother Earth when totally immersed in true wilderness. All over the Italian peninsula some of the most beautiful and majestic mountains in the world can be found. Whether in the Alps, the Apennines, or the Dolomites, a hiking excursion in Italy is sure to be one of the most spiritual and transcendental experiences a nature enthusiast can have.

Walking in Italy is perhaps the best way to see the country, by getting off the beaten path and away from the chaos of the cities. One of the best aspects about trekking across Italy is the fact that the majority of the country’s parks, mountain ranges, and nature reserves contain seemingly endless trails and hiking paths that can be found almost anywhere. Depending on the type of adventure you are looking for, these trails include anything from strenuous hikes in the mountain regions to leisurely strolls throughout the countryside. No matter what type of physical shape you may be in, there is guaranteed to be a journey that is just right for experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes the European continent has to offer.

Pictured above are the Brenta Mountains in the Dolomite mountain range, located in North Eastern Italy. These mountains have some of the best hiking in the country and are easily reachable from Venice, Verona, and Milan. They also contain wheel-chair accessible paths and routes with iron cables so people of all abilities may enjoy the gorgeous scenery. There are many day hike options as well as long backpacking excursions in which people can call the wilderness home for an extended period of time. The Bocca di Brenta pass is one of the most popular hikes that can be done in a single day, or multiple nights out on the trail. For overnight hikes, you must book a rifugio (refuge), which is best to do in advance. Popular trails such as these often get crowded so to experience more solidarity it is best to go between mid-June and early October.

Italy is also famous for its beautiful lakes, such as Lago di Garda, pictured above. Located in Northern Italy, about half way in between Venice and Milan, this pristine body of water attracts thousands of visitors each year. Surrounded by mountains and formed by glaciers at the end of the last ice age, it is a popular vacation destination for people all over Europe. Hikers are also attracted to this region because of the stunning views from mountains such as Monte Baldo, which is the highest around the lake, and makes up most of its Eastern side. It has a peak of just over 2,000 meters which can be reached by funivia from Malcesine (although the true nature lovers will surely benefit from hiking to the top themselves!) Whichever road you decide to take, it is a guarantee that you will have a truly unforgettable and spiritual experience in le belle montagne d'italia.

Photos and information are credited to the following sites:

The Walks of Italy Blog: "Hiking in Italy-Beyond the Cinque Terre"

The Walks of Italy Blog: "Lake Como or Lake Garda: Choosing an Italian Lake"

Zainoo: "Lake Garda and Monte Baldo"

by  Courtney Brooks, Andrew Oughton, and Victoria George

Jewelry the Italian Way

Italy has become a center of jewelry making, harboring some well-known designers, and melding the past to the present to create modern designs. For women all around the globe, jewelry provides an outlet for expression, regardless of the clothing they are wearing.  In European countries such as Italy, where high fashion and professional styles may not always allow for that small quirk in character, jewelry adds shine and glamour to the blandest work suit. 

Mario Garavelli was the founder of the jeweler store known as Garavelli. Located in Valenza, Italy, the factory is well known for its high quality designs and its fresh perspective within the industry. Now led by the fourth generation since its founding, Garavelli gears its designs towards the women of today. To ensure that the design is authentic, there is a distinctive mark set into the piece. With its new Globo collection, Garavelli supports ethically mined gold as part of an environmental and social project geared towards protecting the world. The Coil collection is a new and innovative style which allows for rings to be made flexible, their pieces fitting together like a puzzle on some sort of material that allows them to stretch around the finger. 

Marco Bicego is among the modern age designers, utilizing a blend of old world Italian craftsmanship with modern touches. After launching a jewelry line in 2000, Bicego has gained fame with his new designs, recognized as the “King of Emerging Jewelry Companies” by Italy’s “Sole 24 Ore” newspaper in 2004. In 2005, he won “The Town and Country Design Awards” for Excellence in Gold Jewelry at The Couture show. The inspiration for many of his designs seem to come from the ocean atmosphere, among some of these is the Goa collection and the Siviglia Collection.

If you are looking to order jewelry within your price range, Simona’s Fine Italian Jewelry has a team of twelve jewelry designers. Simona sells jewelry comprised of high-quality metals and jewels, coupled with ancient techniques and skilled craftsmanship. She promotes the designs, encouraging their artistic value and unique designs. If you would rather design your own pieces of jewelry, visit Flo’ New Age. They employ the lost-wax casting technique to create and reproduce original designs as well as custom designs.  Flo’ New Age has been in business since 1969 and uses precious and non-precious metals with metal, glass, and other materials such as leather. Their design team is dedicated to drawing out custom designs to customer approval for free before putting the piece into production.  

Italy’s artistic culture has influenced the design of their jewelry. The pieces are a testament to the thriving culture of fashion and design which has always been a large part of Italy’s tapestry. It is the hope of the industry that the jewelry lends confidence to the modern day woman while maintaining beauty and elegance. 

Visit the links below to find out more:

Garavelli

Marco Bicego

Simona's Fine Italian Jewelry

Flo' New Age

By Jillian Cormier, Kyle Daudelin, Kiera Coskran

Angels and Demons

Have you ever read a really good book that captivates your attention with its plot characters?  It’s not that hard to imagine that it’s happened to most of you, if not all.  The key to good writing is in the details, the little things.  A writer should keep a good balance between excellent and factual details without going over and making the story or book seem dull.  A good balance is even better when it takes place in a beautiful city such as Rome.

Rome is a great setting for a book.  It’s a city rich with history and culture.  Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, the prequel to Brown‘s other well known book The DaVinci Code, takes place in Rome. The book, which was recently turned into a feature film, received a 3.74 out of five on Goodreads. The main character in the book, Robert Langdon is a historian asked to prevent a major disaster hatched by the infamous Illuminati from taking place in Vatican City.

Although earlier editions were criticized for inaccuracies in the language or layout of the city, many people loved the book.  A particularly interesting version of the book is the specially illustrated edition which contains all sorts of pictures and maps from Rome.  If there are inaccuracies, they certainly don’t take away from the beauty of the illustrated edition of the book.  There are pictures of various statues and piazzas as well as other famous locations.  It even contains various excerpts about the history of Rome and some of the architecture and art there.  

This illustrated version has some truly lovely imagery.  It definitely adds an element to the book that helps enhance the imagination’s view of the events within the plot.  Some images include beautiful shots of Vatican City as well as the Coliseum.

Why not sit back and enjoy a great book about a truly influential city?  It may give you ideas about tourist spots or some little known facts about the city.  If nothing else, it’s certainly worth the time to read.

by Casey Mello, Stephanie Brundige, and Katrina Compagna

Funiculì, Funiculà: The Mountain Cable Railway of Naples, Italy

Montesanto Funicular in Naples. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia. 

Probably the most memorable Italian folk tune you have ever heard is a Neapolitan classic called Funiculì Funiculà. Does the title  sound familiar?  If not, click this link. I guarantee you have heard it before. This famous folk song was written by journalist, Peppino Turco and set to music by Italian composer Luigi Denza in 1880. It commemorated the inception of the first funicular railway that lead up Mount Vesuvius. 

Funicular cable cars are a type of rail train that is designed to ferry passengers up steep inclines and hills.  A cable is attached to each vehicle and the car is pulled up the hill on a set of tracks. There are cars that counter each other as they ascend and descend the hill. Though this is an old fashioned form of locomotion, it is still found in many mountainous tourist destinations in the world and in Italy. 

The funicular railway in Naples is one of the most used  in the world. It carries roughly ten million passengers each and every year. It is also one of the older parts of the Metropolitana di Napoli, or the Naples Metro. There are four cable railways in the city; the Chaia Funicular, the Montasano Funicular, the Central Funicular, and the Mergellina.  

Central Funicular connects four stations: Piazza Fuga, Petraio-Via Palizzi, Corso Vittorio Emanuele (Napoli), and Augusteo at Piazzetta Duca d'Aosta. The central system is most commonly used to get around the city’s center out to the steep inclines  and descents of Vanvitelli , Toledo, and Piazza Fuga. The mountainous region proved difficult to navigate until the train’s inception in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. 

The Chiaia funicular is one of the oldest systems in the world. It connects to the central line and runs up the incline of the Vermero hill. As the Northwestern section of Naples grew, the need for a sturdy transport became apparent. The Chiaia line connects to the underground line and carries about half a million passengers per year. 

The third line is known as the Montesanto Funicular which was built after the Chiaia Funicular. It ferries over four million passengers per year.  It opened in 1891 and connected to the Cumana Railway in Naples.  It descends at 168 meters at a gradient of twenty-three degrees. 

Lastly, the Mergellina Funicular is the most recent line. It connects five stations, but it does not connect with any other systems. It is located on its own. All other systems are connected to the Vanvitelli. It first opened in  the spring of 1931 and today is the least used line. It only carries over a quarter of a million passengers annually. 

The “Metropolitana di Napoli” remains a unique form of public transport. Naples was also once home to the famous funicular on Mount Vesuvius. It was the only train to scale a volcano and subsequently it was the only cable car to be destroyed by an active volcano. Nevertheless, Italy’s most famous operatic tune remains a tribute to a beautiful and historical innovation in the city of Naples.

"Funicular - History." Funicular - History. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.

by Victoria George, Courtney Brooks, and Andrew Oughton

Tips for Students Traveling in Rome

Photo credit: Erin Fay

Traveling to Italy soon? “Where to go?” “What to see?” “Where to stay?” Are these some of the questions that have been bouncing around in your head? Well here are some answers from a trip I have been planning and researching for some time. Trust me when I say Rome is a must for any trip to Italy. Seeing the ancient ruins is a great experience.

You might wonder, “Won’t there be long lines?” Well, you have an option to buy tickets before you get to the site itself. In fact, you can buy most tickets online these days. What I really suggest, however, is the Romapass. The Romapass is good for three days and  offers free admission to the first two historical sites you choose to visit and then a discounted admission for three days from the first use to all other sites you visit. The Romapass costs thirty-four euros which is about $44.46 in American dollars. It can be purchased online at www.romapass.it. The Romapass also offers FREE public transportation until midnight on the third day of your Romapass.

Are you student? Good news for you if you’re traveling to these sites as well. You are eligible for a student I.D. card, the only internationally accepted form of I.D. for students. This I.D. card which costs only twenty-five dollars can be used to get discounted admission into attractions, museums, historical sites, buses, trains, hostels, discount hotels, restaurants, and more. This card is used to prove that you are a FULL-TIME student at a university or college. This card can be obtained by visiting www.myisic.com and giving them the information they need. Allow a couple of weeks for processing before receiving your card, so be sure to get it early before you go!

Not sure where to stay? There are great hostels and discount hotels in and around Rome. But how do you know which one to pick? PLUS Hostels is a great website full of information about hostels in any area you would like. The website gives you pictures, descriptions, and guest experiences. This website helps you to find what you are looking for. Worried about going alone? Travelocity, Orbitz, and other travel sites are great for guaranteeing your hotel or hostel. They offer discounts and help even while  you’re overseas.

Bringing your phone? Your carrier might be able to enable international service and calling, but not all can. What do you do then? The best way to go about it is to buy a cheap disposable phone  and a minutes card when you get there. You can use that to call home. Also most, if not all , hostels and hotels offer free-wifi. That way you can use  your own computer to  email back and forth with friends and family.

These are some tips for what to see and how to do! Good luck with your own trip!

by Rebecca True

"Us eye-talians eat it": A Look at Italian-American Food Traditions

Photo credit: Todd Coleman

Every time my family and I get together, there is a spread of food. I always seem to ask why some certain dish or food is eaten. The answer is always the same, “Us eye-talians eat it.” The one gathering and spread of food I have always wondered about is the Christmas Eve meal.

My family, like other Italian families, only eats fish on Christmas Eve, and if you count the number of different fish, it always comes out to seven. As I went through high school and became more and more interested in Italian culture, I looked into the reason as to why only seven fish are eaten. What I have come across is that Italian-American families only eat fish on Christmas Eve because of the belief of abstaining from eating milk or meat products, which comes from the Catholic Church. This is the same as during Lent when meat is not eaten on Fridays or Wednesdays, though that is practiced by all Catholics, not just Italians. The number seven is believed to represent the “seven sacraments” in the Bible.

The tradition is very popular in Italy as well as in America. My family traditionally eats calamari, clams, crab, shrimp, baccalá (cod fish), sometimes some type of lobster, and salmon.

Of course there are other dishes that my family eats. For an appetizer, we sometimes have anise and oil. Anise is a type of plant that has a licorice- like flavor. To eat it, you dip the anise in the oil. There is also risotto, a type of rice that is cooked a creamy consistency in broth. There is of course the ever so popular “macaroni and gravy.” My family, along with several Italian-Americans in the Boston area, call it gravy, but it’s actually a red tomato sauce that is slow cooked with meatballs and pork inside. These dishes are traditions brought over from Italy by my Mastrocola ancestors about 75 years ago.

Food is one of the biggest Italian traditions that my family still keeps up with. There are of course other little things, but we mainly stick to food. My family comes from a small village in Abruzzi, so our traditions may differ from other Italian-American families.  I have already learned so much about Italy, but I continue to learn more from my family and from my grandfather.

by Katelyn Mastrocola

Fashion Schools in Italy

Italy is known for many things such as its beauty, art and fashion. I have never been to Italy personally, but I would love to have the chance to visit at some point in my life. Even though I think that I would be in love with the country as a whole, something I am looking forward to in particular is its diverse and creative fashion.

We hear all the time that Europe has some of the best fashion out there, and from the looks of it (what I see on television and in magazines), the rumors appear to be true. It is not a surprise that several great fashion schools exist in Italy due to the many famous fashion icons who have hailed from Italy.  Some examples are: Dolce and Gabbana, Georgio Armani, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli. People travel from all over the world to experience the amazing opportunity of studying fashion in Italy. There are many schools there that offer the program.

Accademia Italiana has campuses in both Florence and Rome and offers their students a 3-year bachelors degree, international university degrees accredited by U.K universities, master courses, and semester exchange programs with the U.S and several other countries around the world.  This school is actually one of the most prestigious university level institutes for fashion, design and photography.  Within the fashion degree the classes consist of: Fashion Illustration, 
History of Costume, 
Collection, 
Experimental Projects, Industrial Pattern Design
, Prototyping, 
Tailoring Techniques, 
Clothing Samples, 
Color Techniques, 
Textile Technology, 
Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Marketing and Business.

Another school in Italy that offers fashion is Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing. This school is located in Florence and offers both undergrad and graduate degrees. The undergraduate fashion courses that Polimoda offers are: Fashion Design, Footwear and Accessories Design, Fashion Technology, Business of Fashion, Fashion Product Management, Fashion Communication, and Fashion Visual and New Media.

Domus Academy, which is located in Milan, is different from the other two schools in the sense that this one strictly offers only Masters Degrees. It was the first postgraduate fashion school in Italy when it was founded in 1982. Within this postgraduate school there are several programs and classes for fashion such as: Accessories Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Management, and Fashion Styling and Visual Merchandising.

After researching and finding interesting information about each of these schools, I am actually considering attending one of them myself. I have always been interested in fashion but did not pursue a degree in the field because I mistakenly thought you had to sew the clothes rather than learn about fashion as a whole. I would also like to write about fashion, which would be a dream career of mine. Visiting Italy at this time of my life is probably a long shot because of my lack of funds, and I would like to finish school here before flying to another country. However, when the time does come I will definitely consider attending one of these great schools.

To explore these fashion schools, click the following links: 

Accademia Italiana

Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing

Domus Academy

by Nicole Branco

Sacco & Vanzetti; On and Off the Stage

Left to right: Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti

Two curriers transporting the payroll for Slater-Morill Shoe Company in Braintree, MA were robbed and killed. Their names were Alessandro Berardelli and Frederick Parmenter. The robbers made off with almost $16,000. Sacco, Vanzetti, and several other men went to pick up a car that the police suspected to be the get-away car of the robbery. The police had set up a trap at the garage, and Sacco and Vanzetti were the only two arrested. The others fled and made it out. They were found to be carrying guns, ammunition, and anarchist literature. Their weapons took the same caliber bullets as the ones that killed the two curriers.

During these times, crime scene investigation did not have the technology we have today. Since the two men were carrying weapons that took the same ammunition as in the crime, people’s minds were made up fairly quickly. They could not prove that their weapons did not fire the fatal shots, and with the amount of Italian racism present at the time, not many people would listen. Most people remained closed minded. It was also implied that Vanzetti stole one of the guards’ revolver during the shooting, as the guard’s holster was found empty.

An ex-convict also on trial for murder, Celestino Madeiros, wrote a confession that he was involved in the Braintree crime and denied Sacco and Vanzetti’s involvement. But after questioning Madeiros’ credibility, Judge Thayer denied the motion for a new trial. The Supreme Court Justice denied the Madeiros appeal.

Two weeks ago I acted in the world premiere of the production “(Sacco-Vanzetti) Vince, Al & Teddy” by Bruce J. Robinson, a play which references these events. The play is about a fictional Italian family living in the 1920’s during post-World War I Italian oppression. The father, Vince, is an immigrant who is a big follower and supporter of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti and their anarchist movements. Teddy is the oldest son who is trying to break out of the Italian stereotype so his family may not be persecuted for their anarchist beliefs.

Over the course of rehearsing for this production, we learned a great deal of history about this time and the Sacco-Vanzetti trials. The trials were incredibly biased against the two, even though certain evidence submitted proved their innocence.

I played the role of Bartolomeo Vanzetti. When the play starts, Nicola Sacco and I have already been in prison for around five years. For most of the play we are in separate cells and only communicate by reading our letters to each other. Our only scene where we are together and have direct dialogue with each other is in the second act. It is during the Clemency Appeal and I am trying to convince Sacco to support and sign the petition, which I eventually fail to do. None of our trials are seen.

Our characters conflict with each other throughout the show. I am very optimistic and full of hope that we will eventually be free. I constantly try to fill Sacco with the same idea, but it’s not so easy. Sacco is very stubborn (and I suppose I am too) in his belief that there is no hope in being freed. He is sad because he cannot be with his family and for the heartbreak his wife is experiencing. Sacco has a more realistic idea of what is going on. He knows the justice system will not favor them, and they will ultimately be put to death.

           

It was a pleasure and an unforgettable experience working on this production. Being the first people to produce a show, especially one with such a strong message, is always very exciting. It was like history in the making. This was also my very first production. Getting such positive feedback from the director, writer, and audience has made me want to continue in acting on stage and in film. I see a new future ahead of me.

For more information on the play, visit playwright Bruce J. Robinson's website by clicking the link below:

Bruce J. Robinson

by John Ardini

Andrea Bocelli

photo courtesy of www.bocelli.de

If you happen to know any Italian singers, it’s probably—like me—only a couple people. For me, the one that stands out is Andrea Bocelli. He sings everything from opera to pop– and he does it all blind, with a voice that could very plausibly be from some other planet. His voice seems to come quite effortlessly from his mouth. He is enough to make even the hardest of people soften up – if only just a little. When he sings “The Prayer” or “Because We Believe,” it’s more than enough to bring some to their knees, and give the rest a serious case of goosebumps.

He’s an extraordinary talent that has been recognized in American culture as well as Italian. This is probably because of his pure voice, and the fact that in so many of his songs, he mixes both Italian and English lyrics. His use of both languages seems to help bridge the gap in cultural differences. But with that voice it wouldn’t matter if he was singing in his own made-up language; it would still sound beautiful.

Much of the American audience was not familiar with his career until he met up with David Foster, showed up on American Idol, or sang at the closing ceremonies when the Olympics were hosted in Italy. Despite this, his rise to fame actually started when Zucchero (an Italian Rock Star) was looking for someone to fill in for Pavarotti on a song he was doing. It seems a little strange to think that someone so huge now was simply trying out to substitute for Pavarotti when he was really discovered. After that, Bocelli’s rise to fame was pretty quick. By 1994 he was performing at Pavarotti’s benefit concert, and by Christmas of that year, he was singing for the Pope. Of course, taking the man’s voice and incredible power, the fact that he rose to fame so quickly couldn’t really be all that much of a surprise.

What might come as a surprise to some is the fact that Bocelli wasn’t originally on the track to become the great singer that he is today. He studied law for years, and even worked as a lawyer. This was surprising to me at least, as I could not really picture him as a lawyer. It’s strange, it seems that “professional singer” has about the same respectability as a career goal in Italy as it does in America. The expression “Better get a day-job, kid” doesn’t seem to fit when it comes to Bocelli though. If you have never heard him sing, and have yet to look him up on YouTube, you should probably do so now. It’s strange to see that a man so clearly born to do one thing was at some point told that he should “get a day-job”. I guess that is something that Italy and America, and most countries have in common – difficulty noticing and realizing true, raw talent when they see it—or in this case, hear it.

To check out his music, click the following links:

Andrea Bocelli's Official Website 

YouTube Video of "Because We Believe" with English lyrics

"Chronicle." www.bocelli.de. N.p., n.d. Web. Apr. 2013.

by Abbie Rosen

Photography in Italy

From left to right: a portrait by Dose Frederich and a portrait by Eolo Perfido

The best way to capture life’s sweetest moments is through photography. Photography is an art, no matter how commercial or professional, and is therefore universal, with no language barrier. There is no shortage of photographers in any country, and Italy’s beautiful landscapes and culture provide an endless amount of subject matter.

Italian photographer Eolo Perfido has a naturalness to his portrait, fashion, and street photography, and an extremely high-end appeal to his commercial work. There is nothing better than to be able to travel and photograph. Perfido’s photographs of real people on the street demonstrate the vast variety of people roaming the streets of Italy. These photographs show more of Italy than what we see in movies or on TV. Perfido’s work features advertisements for popular brands like Samsung, and his portraits dive deep into his subjects’ absolutely beautiful selves.

However, you don’t have to be well known to capture life’s beauty. The great thing about the internet is that photos from anywhere in the world can be shared with the entire world in an instant. There are a number of photography related websites that allow photographers of any level of experience to be part of the photographic community. Photographer Dose Fredrich of Veneto, Italy is a younger photographer who does it for fun and passion. His portrait work is simple, yet gives his subjects character, and we are able to learn something about that person or animal from that photograph.

           

Another great, not so known website, is FotoAmore. This website features photographs from all over Italy, and even some from France. The photographs on the site feature some of Italy’s most famous landscapes and regions, all composed beautifully as to properly convey what the photographer or photographers want to share. But by opinion, the best photographs on the site feature areas and things not so well known, that most people may miss on a trip or visit. These beautiful photos are rich in color, and make you want to try and find these secret treasures. The website also allows you to buy photographic prints of the images on the site, so you can have one of these pieces of Italy for yourself at home.

As much as most people think that photography is only an art form, photography has actually played a crucial role in history—especially Italy’s history. In the book Photography and Italy by Maria Antonella Pelizzari, she looks at the role of photography in the structuring of Italy’s national identity during its history of political struggles. She demonstrates how when most people focused on the land and buildings, there were those who documented the changing times through their lenses, and portrayed the political heroes of the times. This book features a collection of photographs that were never released to the public prior to this book’s publication. As you can see, photography has played and continues to play a large role in Italian life.

For more information, click the links below:

Eolo Perfido Photography

Dose Fredrich via ModelMayhem

FotoAmore

Photography and Italy by Maria Antonella Pelizzari

by Jillian Cormier, Kiera Coskran, and Kyle Daudelin 

Per Studenti, Di Studenti: Living in Italian America

This photo of La Gondola is courtesy of TripAdvisor 

According to the US Census Bureau, it is possible that every 1 out of 10 Americans have some sort of Italian ancestry.  About 15 million citizens identify as Italian-American, all of whom make up a part of the fifth largest ethnic group in North America.  There are countless statistics on the presence of Italian blood in the United States. To learn more, you can visit the website for The National Italian American Foundation here.

http://www.niaf.org/research/contribution.asp

According to the NIAF, the states with the highest Italian American percentage demographics are as follows: 

California -1,500,000

Connecticut -650,000

Massachusetts - 845,000

New Jersey - 1,500,000

New York - 2,900,000

Pennsylvania - 1,400,000

Rhode Island - 200,000

Florida - 800,000

Illinois - 730,000

Ohio - 640,000

Michigan - 412,000

Texas - 314,000

Maryland - 253,000

Here, two girls from New England offer their take on growing up Italian American.

Victoria:

I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island--easily one of the most authentic Italian-American communities in the Northeast.  There are countless eateries (such as the five-star restaurants on Federal Hill), but the bakeries, pizza parlors, and cafes all serve some of the best pastas, pizzas, and zeppoli a person could want. Venetian-style gondolas float up and down the river daily. The local radio stations refer to Italy as “the old country,” when discussing its national news. This shows how many residents identify with the culture and its name. 

Courtney:

I am a third generation Italian-American born and raised in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  My great-grandfather, Augustino Giacomozzi, came to America in 1918 and started a new life right here in Fitchburg.  The area of Fitchburg that he settled was made up of predominately Italian immigrants and their families and was known as “the patch.” The patch revolved around St. Anthony Church.  My great-grandfather and other Italian immigrants built the church and eventually a school as well.  The Italian culture was still very rich during this time period because everybody that lived in this patch was either Italian, or of Italian decent.  It was a very close-knit community where everybody knew each other.  In those days you could walk down the street and say “Ciao!” to everyone you saw. 

Most Italian-Americans started their own businesses when they came to America, such as, bakeries, tailor shops, and convenience stores.  My great-grandfather, however, found a job working for the city of Fitchburg instead of starting his own business. These businesses were a hot spot for the Italian-American community.  People would stop by these shops just to socialize because that was the kind of community that existed there; everyone was friendly and everyone knew each other. 

I feel as though the people of the patch were so close because they all shared a common characteristic of being from Italy. It was as if they knew each other their whole lives, and not just from the time they moved to America.  There were even sections of the patch divided up by what region of Italy the families were from.  Mi famiglia is from La Marche, and the majority of the area in which they lived was made up of other Marchigians. There’s even a social club called the Marconi Club right behind St. Anthony School that was established for local Marchigians to gather. The community that existed in Fitchburg which was created by the Italian-American culture was truly something of la dolce vita. 

A picture from the Feast of the Madonna della Cava celebrated by members

 of the St. Anthony de Padua Church in the heart of “the patch”

by Andrew Oughton, Victoria George, and Courtney Brooks