MLS: Giuseppe Rossi becomes a free agent after Celta Vigo declines player option
American soccer’s prodigal son is on the move again. The Italian-American striker had his option declined by La Liga side, Celta Vigo, after spending the 2017 season on loan from Fiorentina. The once highly touted goal scorer is currently recovering from his fourth major knee injury, which likely played a large part in Celta Vigo’s decision. Rossi...
Frank Giardina: Some Mike D’Antoni memories after his big week
It was quite a week for state native Mike D’Antoni. First, the Mullens native and former Marshall star was named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2016-17 season. Then his Houston Rockets improved their chances of competing for a NBA title by trading for former Wake Forest star Chris Paul. Having spent my early childhood years in McDowell County, I...
Culinary Legend Lidia Bastianich: Here's How to Run a Great Business
"It starts with an idea, a concept" is how celebrated chef and Emmy winner Lidia Bastianich describes what launched her into the food business some four decades ago. That idea began with a single restaurant in Queens, N.Y., in 1971. Today, Bastianich oversees her own Italian food line, Lidia's, in partnership with daughter Tanya Bastianich Manuali,...
Food Network’s Iron Chef America Judge brings “4 the Love of Italian Food Tour” to Tesora
Food Network Iron Chef America Judge and Italian Culinary Expert Mario Rizzotti is bringing his “4 the Love of Italian Food” tour to Tesora Restaurant in Siren on Sunday and Monday, July 9 and 10. Rizzotti’s national tour is part of his crusade to teach Americans how to eat healthy through authentic, Italian cuisine. The “4 the Love of Italian Foo...
'Toscanini: Musician of Conscience' is a feast of music, culture, politics
“When you see that man conduct, you feel that there is only one thing for you to do: take your baton, break it in pieces, and never conduct again.” This assessment of Arturo Toscanini, offered by the esteemed composer and distinguished conductor Richard Strauss, was hardly unusual, for Toscanini routinely mesmerized his fellow musicians. Critics al...
Providence, Vegas and Mayweather: The Rise of Anthony Marsella Jr
Anthony ‘A1’ Marsella fell into the sport by chance, “boxing was never part of the plan” says the 22 year old Rhode Islander. It began as a desire to be able to defend himself. He went to the gym a couple of times but wasn’t really interested. After going to a local show he was inspired to try again and agreed to enter a local tournament, “I said y...
The (Italian) Declaration of Independence
On the 4th of July, it’s important to remember that a key stone in the foundation of our country’s understanding of democracy was put in place by none other than an Italian by the name of Filippo Mazzei. Born just outside of Florence in 1730, Mazzei practiced medicine in Italy and the Middle East for several years, before moving to London to take u...
A Love Letter to Italy: Master of None, a “Gorgissima” Season 2
We’ve talked about “italsimpatia” often in this column, yet this is the first time we’ve stopped to appreciate it in the media, in this instance on the online streaming service by production company Netflix. Master of None is unique in the italianità of the second season’s trailer: set to Peppino di Capri’s “Il nostro concerto,” it opens in black a...
Scalia’s Unique Relationship with ‘Doppelganger’ Who Plays Him
The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s legacy, in part, lies with one man who had a very unique friendship with him: Edward Gero who plays Scalia in “The Originalist,” which returns July 7 to Arena Stage.“I feel myself, in a way, representing the legacy of Scalia and all those great characteristics that he had as an intellectual, as a love...
Prosecco takes to the skies
While most major airlines have long poured Champagne in business class and Air France dabbles with it in economy departing from the United States, sparkling wine has rarely been seen on major US airlines. So it was surprising to see a 187-ml. bottle of Avissi Prosecco, it on its inaugural voyage on 1 June, on a trip to New York. The fact that steer...
Little Known Characters in America: Henry Mancini
Enrico Nicola “Henry” Mancini was born on April 16, 1924, in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland. He grew up near Pittsburgh, in the steel town of West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. At the young age of 12 years old, his parents were able to afford giving young Henry private piano lessons. After graduating from high school in 1942, Mancini attende...
Italian Olympian Mitch D'Arrigo Changing Sports Citizenship To USA; Eligible For WUGs
One of the more intriguing questions about the U.S. Nationals psych sheets has been answered: Italian national Mitch D’Arrigo will be transitioning his sports citizenship to the United States for this summer. He won’t be able to make the switch in time for the World Championships, but could earn a spot on the United States World University Games ro...