Call for Guest Writers Considerations Now Being Accepted

Want to be part of the Italian American Girl social media journey?  We are seeking guest writers/ guests for upcoming features on the site, and other social media platforms.  If you have a great story, brand, book, event pertaining to the Italian American journey, please send your submission for consideration to margaret at italian american girl dot com

Ciao~
Margaret Tweet

Be Featured on the Italian American Girl Site

If you have an event, press release, book, music, art announcement or product, please message me here to have your...

Posted by Italian American Girl on Saturday, July 11, 2015

Tweet

George Clooney Filming Movie In Earthquake Hit Area, L'Aquila, Italy.

Hollywood actor and humanitarian, George Clooney visited the earthquake hit area of L'aquila, Italy yesterday during the G8 summit. He vowed to help the region by announcing a part of his upcoming movie set to film in September, will be shot in parts of L'aquila, Italy. Clooney's hope is to bring a boost to the Italian town and get it back on its feet. Clooney's been known to bring attention to world issues and says, "The only way that people who are famous can help is by bringing attention." God, I love that guy.

For more on the story:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b133407_george_clooney_pull_italian_job.html

(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Tweet

Super Model Turned Celebrity Chef, Maria Liberati, Appearing At Bally's In Atlantic City, NJ To Talk About Healthy Italian Cooking.

Former international supermodel Maria Liberati knows a thing or two about staying fit. In her best selling book, The Basic Art of Italian Cooking, she stresses the importance of fresh, healthy ingredients and eating in moderation. Liberati will share her recipes and love for healthy, Italian foods at the Atlantic City Wine & Food Festival at Atlantic City's Bally's Hotel and Casino, June 26-28.

According to this Italian model-turned-chef, a traditional, Italian diet is a great way to stay in shape. The recipes in her book are testaments to her belief that healthy foods can be delicious and still beneficial when portion sizes are noted and moderation is considered.

At the Atlantic City Wine & Food Festival , Liberati will be presenting summer recipes relating to a Tuscan-style picnic. On June 27th she will have a book-signing booth open all three days of the festival.

The Atlantic City Wine & Food Festival will feature food and wine tasting and chef demonstrations over the course of the three days. Other chefs that will also be making appearances include Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis and Guy Fieri.

For More on Maria Liberati:
http://www.marialiberati.com/

Tweet

New Jersey Bocce Invitational- Supporting Our Troops & Teaming With Up With The Boys & Girls Club.

The New Jersey Bocce Invitational is on again for this year slated for June 20, 2009 in our very own New Jersey. The Bocce Invitational was created by our Italian American community and the purpose of the event is to support Operation Shoebox New Jersey which, provides much needed care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Along with this amazing organization the Bocce organizers have also teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey, where they offer programs in the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug and pregnancy prevention, gang prevention, leadership development and athletics.

The Bocce Invitational encourages your attendance in this amazing event that will also feature celebrity guests and singers such as Joe Piscopo, Giada Valenti, & Marisa Petroro. Its for a great cause.

Visit their official site for event details.

http://www.newjerseybocceinvitational.com/index.html Tweet

Italian American Girl Exclusive Interview With Italian-Australian Celebrity Comedian, JOE AVATI.

I had the honor this week to interview Italian-Australian comedic genius, Mr. Joe Avati. If you haven't seen or heard Joe Avati comedy yet, now is the perfect time to get familiar. His comedy is based on Italian-isms and growing up Italo-Ingles. He's often compared to being an Italian Jerry Seinfeld and for good reason, his comedy is truly based on his observations of his Italian up ringing.

Joe has become one of the top ranking celebrity comedians in his native Australia, where he sells out shows in minutes. Avati delivers incredibly funny stories about his Italian family, which leave you laughing because you know deep down inside your family is the same!

Its amazing how even though we grew up Italian American and he grew up Italian-Australian, our stories really are the same, the Italian connection is strong and definitely funny.

Check out my exclusive interview with Joe Avati.

1. How did you start doing comedy and what prompted you to share your life stories about growing up “Italian?”


I STARTED PERFORMING COMEDY IN MY HONORS YEAR AT UNIVERSITY. I WAS ASKED TO PERFORM TO AN ALL ITALIAN REVIEW IN SYDNEY AND I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD THING TO THROW IN SOME JOKES ABOUT BEING ITALIAN SINCE EVERYONE THERE WAS ITALIAN AND THE PHONE NEVER STOPPED RINGING SINCE THAT DAY - SO TO SPEAK.



2. You’ve achieved so much success in Australia and Canada, do you find that in North America you have to shift your comedy to match the cultural differences of growing up Italian or is it true...“Your stories are their stories?”


THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO CHANGE ARE VERY MINUTE REFERENCES. FOR EXAMPLE IN NORTH AMERICA YOU SAY SHOPPING CART - IN AUSTRALIA WE SAY SHOPPING TROLLEY. OTHER THAN THAT ALL THE ROUTINES ARE THE SAME.


3. Would you say you agree with the media when they say “You’re the Italian version of Jerry Seinfeld?”


WELL THE MEDIA CALLED ME THIS FOR TWO REASONS - ONE WAS BECAUSE MY MATERIAL IS EXTREMELY OBSERVATIONAL LIKE JERRY SEINFELD AND NUMBER TWO THEY HAD TO COMPARE ME TO SOMEONE THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE KNEW. THE ONLY WAY TO DESCRIBE WHAT I DID WAS TO COMPARE ME TO ANOTHER STAND UP COMIC AND AT THE TIME SEINFELD WAS THE MOST FAMOUS. I DON'T THINK THEY CALL HIM THE AMERICAN JOE AVATI.



4. Among your many achievements, you’ve also produced another comedy show called, “Il Dago” with other comedians from diverse cultural backgrounds; do you find that diverse cultures have similar upbringings? What makes “us” first/second generation kids the same?


ABSOLUTELY AND I THINK THAT THE SUCCESS OF MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING GOES TO SHOW THAT A LOT OF DIVERSE CULTURES HAVE THE SAME UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE. WHAT MAKES US FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION KIDS THE SAME IS THAT OUR PARENTS CAME FROM THE "OLD COUNTRY" AND WENT THROUGH CERTAIN EXPERIENCES AND WE ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE WITNESSED THAT BUT BECAUSE WE LIVE AND WERE BORN IN THE ADOPTED COUNTRY WE ARE ABLE TO DECIPHER THESE DIFFERENCES AND COMMENT ON THEM. WE UNDERSTAND THE OLD COUNTRY AND THE NEW COUNTRY.

5. In your routines you tell such amazing, funny stories about your family, that I am sure are very similar to many Italian Americans, if you had the opportunity to do another big show here in the states, what material would you be most excited to do and why?

I LIKE PERFORMING THE ROUTINES ABOUT MY MUM AND DAD. I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT THEY GET THE BEST REACTIONS AND AS AN ENTERTAINER YOU ALWAYS LIKE TO PERFORM MATERIAL THAT EVOKES A GREAT REACTION FROM AN AUDIENCE, BE IT COMEDY OR MUSIC.



6. As an Italian Australian, were you just as interested in the past American Presidential elections the rest of the world?

WELL I AM NOT INTERESTED IN POLITICS PERIOD, AUSTRALIAN OR AMERICAN. I UNDERSTAND HOWEVER THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN YOUR RECENT ELECTIONS FOR MANY REASONS.

7. You talk about growing up Italian, and obviously it’s a large part of who you are, do you think it’s important to stay connected to your roots, know the language and visit Italy often?


WELL ONE CAN ACTUALLY ENJOY MY SHOW WITHOUT EVER HAVING VISITED ITALY BECAUSE MY SHOW IS NOT ACTUALLY ABOUT BEING AN ITALIAN FROM ITALY. MY SHOW IS ABOUT BEING THE SON OR DAUGHTER OR GRANDSON OR DAUGHTER OF ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS. ITS ABOUT BEING ITALO -INGLESE. WHEN I GO BACK TO ITALY I ACTUALLY SAY TO MYSELF THAT I AM NOT ACTUALLY AN ITALIAN. EACH TIME I GO BACK TO ITALY I REALISE THAT I AM MORE AN AUSTRALIAN THAN AN ITALIAN. I TALK ABOUT THIS PHENOMENON IN MY SHOW.



8. If you wanted to convey a message to non-Italians about growing up Italian, what would it be?


ITS ABOUT FAMILY. AND JUST BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE WE ARE YELLING AT EACH OTHER WE ARE ACTUALLY HAVING A NORMAL CONVERSATION.


9. Other than comedy, what other profession or interests are you currently pursuing?


I AM A FULL TIME COMEDIAN AND PRODUCER. I USED TO BE A FOOD SCIENTIST DEVELOPING ICE CREAMS FOR A MAJOR FOOD MANUFACTURER. I AM ALSO A HOST OF A TV SHOW IN AUSTRALIA WHICH AIRS ON MAY 20, 2009.

10. Lastly, getting down to the most important question, When are we going to see you on this side of the world, what are you plans for another Joe Avati Tour in the USA?

NO IMMEDIATE PLANS. I HAVE TOURED TWICE ALREADY AROUND THE UNITED STATES.I WILL TOUR NEXT IF AND WHEN A PROMOTER OFFERS ME A TOUR. I LOVE THE CROWDS IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE THIS KIND OF COMEDY IS NEW AND 30 YEARS AND WE HAVE PIONEERED THIS GENRE OF COMEDY AROUND THE WORLD. ITS AN AUSTRALIAN THING TO DO TO LAUGH AT ONESELF AND TO THINK OF ONESELF AS THE UNDERDOG. THIS IS NOT A NORTH AMERICAN MENTALITY AND HENCE WHY NOT A LOT OF THIS KIND OF COMEDY HAS ARISEN FROM NORTH AMERICA WHICH IS A SHAME BECAUSE ITS VERY CONFRONTING BUT AT THE SAME TIME EDUCATIONAL. IT HELPS ONE ACCEPT WHO THEY ARE.

I would like to thank Joe Avati for taking the time to do our interview here on IAG, to find out more information on tours, CDs, & appearances , go to www.joeavati.com Tweet

Celebrity Chef, Rocco DiSpirito Talks About Growing Up Italian American.

Italian American celebrity chef talks about growing up Italian American and the positive influence his mother had on his amazing culinary career. Rocco grew up watching his mother cook simple Italian dishes that he says were made with love. DiSpirito praises his mother for all her hard work and accomplishments when she came to America, and how she raised and provided for her family all throughout his childhood.

Rocco says, "This year, Mama turned 83, and she’s still my greatest teacher. She was given a great talent, one that she passed along to me. She also passed along the important duty that comes with any of God’s gifts to us—to share them. It’s why she cooked that frittata for her Rosary group. Why she worked as a lunch lady. Why she even gave away her secret meatball recipe in one of my cookbooks. It’s why I became a chef. I’m just following her lead."

For More On Rocco DiSpirito Talking About Growing up Italian American, check out this month's issue of GUIDEPOSTS.

http://www.guideposts.com/story/rocco-dispirito-mom-cooking

Tweet

Francis Ford Coppola Introduces His New Movie, "Tetro."

www.tetro.com Tweet

Italian American Actor, Frank Langella--Stars In Critically Acclaimed--"FROST / NIXON"

Italian American actor, Frank Langella is now starring in the role that could win him some great awards this upcoming season. The movie, directed by Ron Howard is "Frost/ Nixon." Langella plays the role of President Richard Nixon and depicts the story behind the Watergate scandal that caused Nixon to resign as President. The role looks extremely challenging and actually stretched Langella into a new category, which shows his versatility as an actor. He's better known for his Broadway work in theater, where he's won many acclaimed awards and honors. I was watching the Critics Choice Awards last night and was so interested in what he had to say on the pre-red carpet interviews, he just seems like such a down to Earth person. I wish him luck with the movie, which I know is going to be super successful, just based on the initial hype already.

For more on Frank Langella: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001449/

For the Trailer --"Frost/Nixon"-

Tweet

I'll Be A Guest On "The Tony Mangia Show" Sunday--January 4th.

I'm so excited to announce that I will be a guest on the Tony Mangia Show. Tony's show is radio, Italian Style, every Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Tony and I will be talking all things Italian, growing up Italian American and of course the Italian American Girl blog. I hope all of you will tune in. Remember, you can catch the show online streaming. Listen to it today, he has great guests on every week.

The Tony Mangia Show - Radio: Italian Style airs live every Sunday from 3 PM-6 PM on "Brave New Radio" WP 88.7 FM and streams at http://www.wpradio887.org/. The show is hosted by Tony Mangia. He spotlights the positive aspects of the Italian & Italian-American Experience. The Tony Mangia Show - Radio: Italian Style is the only show of its kind to be broadcast from New Jersey.



Tweet

Angelina Jolie Gives Brad Pitt- DUCATI Motorbike For His 45th Birthday.

Since we're on the celebrity kick this week, I figured we would get everyone in including Brangelina. Anyhow, so it appears word on the street is that Ange bought Brad a new, not even in the store yet, super hot, Italian, motorbike -- Ducati Monster 1100S Titanium. This bike is apparently the dream of many bike aficionados. Ange was planning on this being a surprise but I guess everyone in the free world who has Internet connection, now knows Brad is getting a bike from his hot wife, girl, or whatever she is. So the moral of the story is, the best gifts always come from Italy. Happy Birthday Brad and might I add you look great for your age.

(Image-Ap) Tweet

George Clooney & Celebrity Friends Raise Tons Of Money For Darfur Charity.

George Clooney is a good guy. If there is a definition in the dictionary for good guy, there should be a picture of him right next to it. Now, we all know George isn't Italian, but he might as well be. He's taken a strong interest in the Italian culture and actually owns a villa in Lake Como, Italy. So, I guess I will declare him an honorary Italian.

OK, so moving onto why he's such a good guy. He recently organized a charity event in Venice, Italy with his other celebrity Ocean's co-stars--Damon, Cheadle, & Pitt, which raised millions. Now this past Thursday, he coordinated and participated in another charity event where in total he and other celebs like Kid Rock and Bono and Scarlett Johansson raised a whopping 14.57 million for the people of Darfur.

I think its amazing and honorable that George Clooney has goals outside of Hollywood and uses his celebrity to help others. Bravo George.

http://tinyurl.com/5wjg6h

(Image- AP)

Tweet

Celebrity Chef, Rocco DiSpirito Gets Real.

Celebrity chef and entrepreneur, Rocco DiSpirito has been busy lately. He had a great run on the hit television show, Dancing with the Stars, where he showed off his dancing and ballroom skills. Now, after coming out of a busy dance schedule, Rocco released his new book, "Rocco Gets Real," a great book for everyday Italian cooking. Not only is Rocco touring the country with his new book release and signings, he's also hosting his own show on A&E, called, "Rocco Gets Real," which airs on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am. Check Rocco's listings for book signings, he maybe in an area near you.

http://www.roccodispirito.com/

Tweet

Tomb of Ancient Gladiator Found In Rome!

If you love history and archeology than this is the find for you. Today in Rome, while unearthing an area for a construction site, workers found ancient ruins including the tomb of the soldier who inspired the character of Russell Crowe's "Gladiator." Wow. Just think, what history lies in the grounds of Rome, just amazing. Historians believe this is one of the greatest finds yet in the Rome area. To learn more about this amazing discovery go to:

http://news.aol.com/article/tomb-of-the-real-gladiator-found/215918?icid=100214839x1211334809x1200720227

Tweet

Even Brad Pitt has an Idol and its Italian MotorCycle Racer & Superstar, Valentino Rossi.

Dreams come true even for celebrities like, Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt, who is known for his motorcycle obsession is in complete awe of Italian, superstar motor cycle racer, Valentino Rossi.

Rossi, is known for his super ability in taking curves at high speeds, where he is literally inches away from the ground. Rossi, made a statement this week saying he would allow Brad to ride his Yahama. So, for Brad Pitt having anything to do with the motorcycle superstar is a dream come true. Its kind of refreshing to know that even supermega stars like Brad can idolize and even have interests outside of their business or should I say bubble. I love those guys, always taking an interest in the Italian culture. (This includes his buddy, George Clooney.) 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

"Everybody Wants To Be Italian"-- The Newest Creation of What The Media Thinks Being Italian Means....You Judge.

10/8--PS-I have to add, that I removed that trailer from my blog, it was getting on my nerves. The more I watched it, the more I realized --its just not what I'm about or condone. Sorry. If you still want to see it, go to the link below and catch the trailer there.

Well, watch the latest trailer posted on the top of this blog. You judge whether you think this movie trailer really tells a good story about a fictional Italian American family or does it put us in the stereotypical box once again. YOU JUDGE, or I should say review with an open mind.

http://www.everybodywantstobeitalian.com/ Tweet

Breaking News!!!! Leonardo DiCaprio Has Confirmed His Attendance For the National Italian American Foundation Gala Event.

According to NIAF officials, there was word today that Leonardo DiCaprio has accepted his invitation for the Gala Event this coming October 18, 2008. If you like Leo, then the Gala is the place to be. He will be accepting the "Special Achievement Award."

Go to the NIAF site for further details on the Event and how to get tickets.

http://www.niaf.org/

Tweet

National Italian American Foundation Fall Events and Gala Dinners.

In keeping with updating my Italian American friends on all events Italian American, I wanted to pass along the current events listed for the National Italian American Foundation. This October in Washington D.C., will be the annual convention and gala weekend.

The convention weekend consists of tons of vendors and organizations getting together to bring the latest and most up to date networking of Italian and American products, events, and information . This includes luncheons, cocktail hours, dinners and taste testings. Love that!

The weekend is then topped off with the best gala dinner with major Italian American celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs and other fellow Italian Americans. The NIAF also hosts a Youth Gala for the younger crowds and members, which is like the main gala but goes longer and is full of more energetic people. No offense.

Just to give you an idea of the type of crowd this event draws in, here is a list of some celebs and politicians from last year's event:

Rudy Giuliani, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Ellen Pompeo of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” Connie Stevens, Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, Yogi Berra, Dion, General Peter Pace, Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito Jr., Susan Lucci, Tony LoBianco, Dick Vermeil, Vince Papale, Jerry Vale and Maria Bartiromo.

This year's gala is going to be just as great and maybe even better. For more information on this event and how to become a member of the NIAF, go to:

http://www.niaf.org/

Tweet

Who Knew Rocco DiSpirito Could Shake His Bon-Bon So Well Last Night on Dancing With The Stars.???

So, many of my close friends know not to bother me on nights when Dancing with Stars is on. This is my all time favorite show. I don't know if its because its celebrities and dancing or just the dancing. I love ballroom, its just so amazing. Anyway, so new season and a new cast, which includes celebrity chef, and fellow Italian-American, Rocco DiSpirito.

Ok, so if any of you watch television you know Rocco has a few of his own shows now and in the past on Food Network, A&E and a few celebrity judge episodes on Top Chef. My favorite was when he had the reality show, "The Restaurant," which also featured his mother, who was also on the show last night seated in the audience. The previous night on DWS, he bombed big time and the judges thought he wasn't going to improve.

So, last night here comes Rocco with his ever so gorgeous and talented dance partner, Karina S. They do a cha-cha or mambo..I forget which either way..its Latin, hot, fast and Rocco DiSpirito really shook his assets. I have to say, I was impressed with his takeover on the dance and his booty abilities of shaking it. I mean cutting vegetables and shaking your ass are really similar..right? LOL. Well, just in case you didn't know our fellow Italian-American was on the show, now you know. Watch Rocco shake it to the finale or not...on ABC-Mondays.

Watch the clip here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICZy5rdaON8 Tweet