The Christopher Columbus Navigation Lesson Nobody Taught Us
Abundant debate surrounds the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Much of it is misdirected to the question of who was first to the new world. Therefore, most people misunderstand the primary accomplishments of the Admiral’s voyages. Without comprehension of what he did, the question of, “Who did it first?” is meaningless. I offer the following bit of...
An Italian Heritage Month salute to the Top 12 Italian-American sports figures in US history
It has come to my attention that this is Italian Heritage Month. OK, it came to my attention via an email from my boss. So, you know what that means? Yep, time for another list. I pondered what list − great Italian-American inventors (DaVinci, Marconi, Mr. Noodle), great Italian-American singers (Bennett, Sinatra, Johnny Fontane), great Italian-Ame...
Sir Antonio Pappano Named Musical America Conductor of the Year
Sir Antonio Pappano has been named Conductor of the Year at the 63rd Musical America Worldwide Awards. The Awards recognize classical music artists and leaders who made outstanding contributions to the performing arts. Musical America Worldwide publisher Stephanie Challener said, “Each of these remarkable talents have, in his or her unique way brou...
NIAF Gala Celebrates Italic Excellence and a Surprise Presidential Appearance
The National Italian American Foundation 48th Anniversary Gala, held on October 14, 2023, in Washington, D.C., at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, brought together a remarkable assembly of esteemed honorees, influential guests, and supporters to celebrate the rich heritage and achievements of Italians and Italian Americans. The evening was a resounding suc...
Adelina Patti: The Italian Bel Canto Soprano who was in a league of her own
The life of Adelina Patti could almost be the plot of an opera in itself. A child star from a musical family almost literally born on an opera stage, she rocketed to celebrity with her earliest performances to earn a fame that spanned continents and made her an extraordinary fortune. Thrice married, her personal life was tinged with scandal before...
Sanelli: A Revelation on Manitou Beach
Around this time of year, when gardens look a little abandoned, stakes and strings holding up what’s overgrown, no matter how choked—and much of is—it’s the last of the cherry tomatoes, made brighter by sunlight and still sweet like they mean it, that remind me how I could live without squash or pumpkins, but I could never live without tomatoes. To...
NIAF and Iconic Producer De Laurentiis Shine Spotlight on Emerging Filmmakers
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and Aurelio De Laurentiis are pleased to announce the establishment of an annual film production grant program to support aspiring filmmakers who wish to tell compelling stories about Italians and Italian Americans.Officially known as "The NIAF/Aurelio De Laurentiis Film Prizes," this new collaboratio...
Biden Pays Surprise Visit to NIAF Gala, Celebrates Italian Americans
U.S. President Joe Biden made a surprise speech yesterday at the 48th anniversary gala of NIAF, the National Italian-American Foundation, introduced by first lady Jill. “Italian-Americans have done a lot for the United States,” the commander-in-chief said after arriving at Woodley Park. Biden then exchanged a few words with Italian Ambassador to Wa...
First Lady Jill Biden to Join NIAF’s Anniversary Gala
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is honored to announce First Lady Jill Biden will attend its 48th Anniversary Gala on October 14th in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Dr. Biden is the first Italian American First Lady, with Sicilian roots tracing back to her great-grandfather Gaetano Giacoppa."We are honored to host Firs...
IAP 297: how we’re celebrating Italian American heritage month
Happy Italian American Heritage Month Paesani!!! We’re kicking off our favorite month of the year with a good old-fashioned “Power Hour” roundtable, with Rossella, Pat, and John catching up on how they’ve spent the first few weeks in a month filled with Italian American Pride! We’re discussing the galas, gatherings, and get-togethers that we’ve all...
Italy’s Integrated Promotion Strategy and Public Diplomacy at the Center of the “Sistema Italia” Meeting in the United States
“With the joint statement adopted in July in Washington, which gave an all-round boost to Italy-U.S. relations, Prime Minister Meloni and President Biden also committed to strengthening our economic partnership. They identified strategic lines and priority areas along which, within the framework of the Farnesina’s [Italian Foreign Ministry] diploma...
In Watershed Moment, First Lady Jill Biden Welcomes Italian American Leaders to the White House
First Lady Jill Biden hosted a delegation of Italian American leaders Thursday evening at the White House to highlight a bellwether of cultural progress that has taken shape within the community. Dr. Biden, the nation’s first-ever Italian American First Lady, met with Basil M. Russo — president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian Ameri...