Who Are the Real Italian American Girls?

Now a days it's getting harder and harder to tell the real Italian Americans from the so called, mainstream media "Italian Americans." I think its fair to say you can have your own definition or meaning of being Italian American based on how you were culturally brought up or what the "norm" is --based on your geographic/ tri-state location. Its so hard to explain what that actually means, but to break it down, I guess everyone wants to be Italian American. Can you blame them?

As I was working on some new projects for the Italian American Girl site, I began to think who are the real Italian Americans? I have a hard time accepting the mainstream ideas, images, personas and stereotypes. Then, I said to myself the very purpose of my site was to really feature the true ITALIAN AMERICANS the local personas, friends and celebrities.

I can speak for myself as an Italian American woman, that I'm proud of who I am, where I come from and what I've achieved. As the Italian American Girl site grows we've included and featured many up and coming; successful Italian American women.

The focus is to bring positive attention to the accomplishments of the real Italian American Girls.

Take a look at the list for the Top Italian American Women:

Margaret Fontana.- Creator of the Italian American Girl Site & Italian Americans in Social Media.

Alicia Vitarelli- Television Anchor & Media Personality for News12 NJ

Dawn DelRusso- Stylist and Fashionista

Giada Valenti - Singer, Songwriter

Patricia Volonakis Davis- Italian American Author

Rossella Rago - Host of "Cooking With Nonna"

Serena Palumbo- Accomplished Professional & Contestant on Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star"

Maryann Maisano- Comedian and creator of "Italian Chicks"

Ornella Fado- Host of Brindiamo TV

If you would like to be considered for the Top Italian American Women's List on IAG, please email me to be included with a brief bio and link to your site.

**This listed was originally posted on August 10, 2010

Grazie!

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I'm Italian and Yes, I Have Curly Hair.

So, you're probably asking right about now, why am I writing about curly hair? Just this week alone my blogs have been about politics and serious topics...well today I want to talk about curly hair. I get tons of emails all the time about yes, my hair.

I have to say, I am very lucky to have super curly hair that's somewhat manageable. There was a time when I didn't know how to style it and always felt like odd girl out..while all my friends had their gorgeous straight hair.

Growing up with curly, frizzy hair always made me feel like a bit of an outcast. During middle school, teasing and spraying hair was pretty big. I could never do that, because if I teased I ended up looking like a poodle who got electrocuted. It was hard.

Then, in my later years in high school, I started to get the hang of it. It isn't till now, that I really love my hair and can style it with super products available for curly, ethnic hair. Yes, whether we like it or not, its "ethnic." If you research the curly hair characteristics and cultures of where people have curly hair, well..you guessed it..I'm in that percentile.

I guess I am the owner of the fitting characteristics of a Southern Italian woman. To add to the curly hair, not only is it hard just to figure out what to do with it, but in a business world such I am in daily..its another job trying to figure out how to fit in with the business types without my hair going wild.

My hair is usually pulled back and combed straight...just not to scare off people who can't handle my curly. Its a proven fact that perceptions of people with curly hair differ greatly in the sense that there is evidence of discrimination. I can second that. I find that people will treat you differently with curly as opposed to straight hair. I'm not looking for issues or things to look up, but I had someone ask me this morning...and it just grew into this discussion about curly hair. My shout out to all the Mediterraneans with Curly Hair.!!!!

Here's an interesting study and article about people with curly hair:

http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/0/8/9/5/pages108957/p108957-3.php Tweet

Italian American Comedian, Maryann Maisano Talks About Growing Up Italian American & Her Rise To The Stage.

I am a comedian, singer/songwriter, musician, actress and a former banker!!!!

As a child, every Sunday in my home was like bad Italian dinner theater. They all came over in droves. One day, after dinner and before cannolis, I got up on the dining room chair and sang!!That was it! At five years old I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. A performer! That was a blessing and a burden.

I made my living for many years as a performer, but questioned my own mortality in the business. After my Italian father made me think about it. “Marianna! Whenna you gonna getta da real job?” I began to think… “The last thing I want to do is end up being 65 years old, singing misty in the Poconos in a sequence gown.”

I was the youngest of 4 children. My Father was born in Reggio Calabria and my Mom was born here, however her family was born in Naples. At a young age I knew we were different! Not the average American family for sure. All I know is that I was so intrigued with this culture, the language and the food.

One by one, year after year my Dad sent for his family. They lived with us until they secured employment and then moved on. With each cousin came a new experience for me. I learned that they all had been promised when they were born. I never knew quite what that meant until my cousin Tina’s future husband arrived in America. That was the only part of the culture I wanted no part of !!!!

They all shared different stories of their homeland, the farms, the music and the food, ahhhh the food!!! It was like a visceral fairytale for me. We received boxes from Italy filled with cheese and tuna. Candy, oil and of course photos. I can still remember what that food tasted like, smelled like!

Then my Dad’s Mother finally came to visit. I was in awe!! She was this small woman with braided hair around her entire head. Her clothes were in layers. Each night I would sit with her and she would hold up a hair brush and say, "Spazzola per capelli” – ah.. hair brush and so it went. Any time she had something in her hand she would tell me in Italian ad I locked it in. Yes, we were different. We were passionate people. Loving people. People that talked of Italia like it were 5 miles away.

Proud people, people that valued tradition and the family.
Not unlike many other family’s that have migrated to this country from other counties. Which is why I always valued diversity. When I hear people say, “these people come here and take over the county,” does it anger me? You bet it does! Why? Because I am the child of an immigrant that came to here make a better life.

But for some reason when my Father SAID, “get a real job”! I thought he meant, “you can't do it can ya”? I took it as a challenge. So I walked into the local town bank and got a job. A teller!!! I was trained and was finally given a window. The mistake they made was giving me the drive up window, why? Because it had a microphone!!! That was IT! I was doing my best James Brown impersonations. Jump back- kiss myself! Until I literally broke the drive up…

Yes, I got a real job and became successful by accident! As a BANKER! I continued to multitask performance and banking. My prestigious career culminated as VP of a major financial institution. However, one day - just 3 years ago - the “suits” got to me. I was a sales coach. It was my job to get the Team to drink the Kool Aid and coach them on selling to the customers need. My seminars were very motivational and I would always say, if you have always wanted to be doing something else and your here because you just need the money – then you need to go home and re think where and why you are here!

One day after leaving my seminar I said out loud to me – WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? The next day I went in and RESIGNED MY 6 figure position. I realized an important issue – you can plan to come home and do your laundry but you cannot plan to come home and be creative, it just happens!

As soon as I left my job all the music came pouring out of me, I wrote an entire CD. I began to use all of my corporate skills to market, promote and brand that. I always had this other dream to put together an all female, all Italian comedy show. I began the hunt for my team. I found three other women whom fit the bill, “pardon the pun” and premiered the Italian Chicks show in January 2008 AT the Laugh Factory, to a sold OUT crowd.

Since then the Italian chicks have performed in Boston, Philly, Chicago, and continue to gain ground. Italian CHICKS is the newest, hottest comedy tour on the scene today. Part meatball, part cannoli. These women are sure to leave you wanting more… and we're not just talking about the meatballs! You’ll laugh harder than if you we’re drunk at an Italian opera.
A PASSIONATE COMEDY… WITH A LITTLE DRAMA!

I COMPLETED the recording of my debut CD of original compositions.
It was up and live on I-tunes and was receiving stunning reviews.

"She is a compelling, provocative and lyrical songwriter. Her MUSIC AND HER voice are a woven piece of velvet - RICH IN abstract hues of red.” the consummate musician, all music and vocals are written and performed by Maryann Maisano. "

Then my sister goes to a wedding and calls me whispering from the bathroom..
Hey, its me!
Yea- what’s UP?
I am in the bathroom at the wedding.
Yea and....
Danny Aiello is here. So I went to my car and gave him your CD and said. "this is my sister, you really need to hear her music!”

And wouldn’t you know it! He called me.

Danny Aiello – (THE ACTOR & SINGER ) is performing my song, City of Light” on his new CD – titled Bridges – due out in 2 months, along with a music video…

My Father gave me what I thought was a challenge when in fact it was his way of saying. "I really don’t understand this business of yours and I just want you to be OK." Everyday I look at his photo, touch his necklace and say, Thanks Pop.

My Mom always was and continues to be my biggest fan and supporter.

My siblings never miss a show!

And they are all part of the act because growing up Italian can really be that funny!!!..And ya know what? The humor is not about mob movies or gangsta’s. Its about LIFE, love and family. So you don’t have to be Italian to love the ITALIAN CHICKS! You just have to come from a passionate, dysfunctional family that loves ya….

I also gained 3 amazing sister’s who are in the show.
Mary Dimino, Carolann Valentino and Gina Scarda. That’s us, THE ITALIAN CHICKS!

I walked away from 6 FIGURES, took a huge risk and have never been happier…

Join our fan club on Facebook and LET US keep you posted on up coming events & shows.

http://www.prcision.com/ItalianChicks/ItalianChicks.html Tweet

Italian American, Rosella Rago Launches New Site, "Cooking With Nonna."

First generation Italian American, Rosella Rago recently launched her new online cooking show called, "Cooking With Nonna."

Inspired by her love of food, her passion for entertaining and acting, as well as her love for her family and community, Rossella Rago will be starring in and hosting Cooking with Nonna, the online cooking show and food webisode series launching on June 1, 2009. Cooking with Nonna will feature recipes passed down throughout the generations that are simple to make, delicious, and rich in their history.

To watch Rosella's episodes go to http://www.cookingwithnonna.com

***Rossella will guest on Cosmo Radio: Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 111 - June 3 @ 6:00PM EST Tweet

Italian Mothers.

What is it about Italian mothers and their need to nurture, love, micro-manage, cook, clean, work, and keep everyone happy? My mother is 100% Italian, off the boat..so what ever characteristics we Italian-Americans talk about when it comes to our Italian mothers, I magnify it by a 100X's. My mother is an absolute force to reckon with, she's strong, smart, incredibly willful, savvy and sometimes funny. (maybe more than sometimes.)

You know, when you hear the stories of sons and daughters talking about their Italian mothers, mother-in-laws, its really quite true about their presence and will. Italian women are strong and always get what they want, so take an Italian woman and add children to the recipe and you have one protective, strong willed woman. Italian mothers have a way of giving love and making you feel like you're the most important thing in the world.

I'm not sure about other cultures, I guess a mother loves unconditionally, but there is something to be said about Italian mothers and their ways. My mother is loving, but can throw on the ever so traditional Italian mother guilt like no other. I know when she asks me for something, it really means something else. No one can understand the indirectness of a question better than a son or daughter of an Italian mother. Compliments come and go, because one day your the "bella mia," and the next day your "scema." Its just the way it is, which is funny. I mean, its great..no one can give and take greatness better than an Italian mother. Sundays are usually my days with my family and I see all the things my mother does so effortlessly, it always make me wish I can be just as cool as her. Don't get me wrong my mother and I butt heads often, but according to my siblings and father, its because we are very alike. I don't see it, but OK, whatever. --I can only imagine myself at my mother's age, what will I be like? Just like her? The thought. I need a glass of wine to do that. Anyway, where would we be without our overbearing, micro-managing, loving, guilt giving, strong-willed Italian mothers? My guess is, no where. She's my rock, and she doesn't even know it!

(Photo-Property of ItalianAmericanGirl.com Copyright 2008-2019)

This was originally posted on 5/9/09 

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Vanessa Hessler, The Next Italian-American Super Model.

Get ready to see this young and beautiful model hitting mainstream media very soon. Vanessa Hessler, is well on her way to becoming a super model and actress. She's already done tons of commercials and movies in Italy and has worked with top fashion houses and designers. She's super gorgeous, and just has the most beautiful features and of course she's of Italian descent. She was born to an Italian mother and American father, so hence her non sounding Italian last name. Remember, never judge an Italian by their name, just look at mine--Margaret..? (far from Italian) So, in updating our mainstream media look outs, keep your eyes open for this hot, new model. For more on Vanessa and her career go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_Hessler

(Image- WENN)

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As An Italian American, Is There Pressure From Your Family To Be Married & Settled?

Ahh...yes, flashes of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," come flying into my head when it comes to thinking of marriage or long term relationships. In previous posts, I write about whether its important or not to be with someone of Italian descent and more importantly is it expected?

We all know as Italian Americans we are exposed to many ethnicities and cultures, so the likeliness of meeting someone who isn't Italian is... I would say pretty high. So, when you reach the ripe old age of lets say from 25-30, do you feel the pressure to meet the "one" and settle down? In the traditional Italian families, I would say, yes. Now a days, even in Italy there is more favoritism for careers, and independence as opposed to being settled with 4 children. (for example.)

I think the modern Italians have really taken the "modern" independence to a whole new level, which is also factored into the low birth rates currently in Italy. But again, I will add that for the Italian Americans who come from traditional families, it is kind of expected to be married and settled by a certain (?) age. Just from my experience with friends of family and family, let's say very close Sicilian friends, all of their children were married off and settled by no later than 30. So, yes..I do think the expectation and factor is there.

I'm lucky because as much as my parents are traditional, you would think this upbringing or time capsule mentality would be present, but actually its the opposite. I never felt that pressure, but if there's any pressure..it might be my own. You know, I think in all Italian families our parents or family members want us to be happy and settled. I guess it makes everyone feel better and more importantly its just who we are, so I will embrace the pressures and expectations with positive energy and hope that we can all be happy with who we really love. After all, we Italians are the experts on love. ;)

(Photo-MyBigFatGreekWedding)

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Monica Bellucci On the Cover of GQ Magazine, November 2008.

Well, as if she couldn't be any hotter? Monica Bellucci graces the cover of Italian GQ this month. Not only is she a great actress but she embraces the glamour of a sexy movie glam icon. Great photos, tastefully done.

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Italian Americans, What Really Matters To Us When It Comes To Connecting With Our Heritage?

Italian Americans constitute almost 6% of the population here in the United States. That's a good chunk of us here in America that were brought here by our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers. We might be close in the generation gaps or really removed by fourth and fifth generations. Either way, no matter how far you fall from the generation tree we are all seeking to hold onto our culture and identity.

Sometimes, if you meet someone out and start talking about your background, you might come to a familiar conclusion that you're both Italian or know of each others similar upbringings. These familiar cultural characteristics that we identify and try to grasp are what hold the Italian Americans together. Sometimes the guys who act the parts of the stereotypes we aren't so fond of, just don't know any better, and to them this is their part of the culture they think is the culture. I guess, it might be true..everyone wants to be Italian.

We hold onto what we can, we are American --rightfully and proudly so, but one day once the generations fall further and further apart, we will be grasping onto the time capsule of traits, familiarities, traditions and culture. What really matters to me is keeping my heritage real and tangible. I see how easy it is to dilute our heritage when we are submerged in an everyday melting pot. It has to be our job to keep these amazing traditions and feelings of identity preserved, active and sacred.

Does the feeling of holding onto your culture bring you closer to your roots? Do you have a sense of pride and love for where you came from? Could the answers to these questions help us in figuring out what really matters to us when connecting to our Italian heritage? Tweet

Can Italian American Girls Cook?

You bet your ass we can, or at least some of us can..:) In this every changing world we live in, the roles of women and men have changed dramatically. We no longer expect the women to be slaving over the stove while holding Jr. and taking care of the home. (I know a lot of men would love this scenario--this isn't meant in a negative way.) But the reality of it is, that in today's demanding world and daily life, women are out in the work force kicking some serious ass.

I think the role expectation is completely thrown out the window because let's just face the truth, we all have to work!

Unless you and your hubby or significant other are clearing a nice paycheck, it becomes hard for the middle-class person to stay home and take care of the family or house. We've resorted to nannies, daycare, prepared meals, takeout and all sorts of other un-Godly remedies. But, its not our fault, no one is exempt, our lifestyle is demanding, we are stressed out, we have no time for hobbies or personal development. (which is a whole other topic)

So, getting back to "CAN ITALIAN AMERICAN GIRLS COOK,?" I will say, I can cook, but to speak for the rest of the millions of Italian American women, who are faced with the daily reality of no time, is not practical. Also, are women of Italian descent expected to be good cooks? Is it in the DNA? Maybe, and I hope it is.

Of course, I thought about this today, because here we are again and its Sunday. So, Sunday means dinner with the family. My mother cooked this amazing pasta with fresh sauce and then if you wanted to try another topping, she made fresh, pesto. (to die for!!, she made it from the basil in my father's garden.)

My mother can cook in a heartbeat, with the minimalist of ingredients and for the reason that she is, the food is always just so amazing. Fresh, tasty, authentic...so good. It made me think, I'm blessed that I have family who cook incredibly well, and for me its not always easy to get a traditional or even good dinner together because I too, work long hours.

So, now you ask what is our remedy..? What can we do as Italian American women to improve our cooking skills?

Look, I'm not advocating you go out and cook if thats not your thing, but I see it more of a personal development, growing your traditional skills, tapping into your root thing. ( yeah, thats it.) I think we can learn a lot from each other as women. In my sparetime though, yes of course, I hang out with the master of cooking, my mother. But when I'm not learning from her, I learn from others who are in the mainstream. I see nothing wrong with mainstream Italian chefs, as long as they are truly authentic. So, in sharing my thoughts on this dilemma, here are a few Italian American chefs that I love and think do a great job with cooking authentic, traditional Italian food. In an effort not to lose our traditional Italian ways and natural ability to cook, spend some time creating your own traditional meals. Happy Cooking!

http://www.lidiasitaly.com/

www.foodnetwork.com/everyday-italian/index.html

http://www.mariobatali.com/

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Growing Up Italian-American, Siblings.

In this picture to the left is my brother, Santo and me on the right. Now, I found this picture today and just couldn't believe how funny we were in action all those years ago. I can remember always having the best of times and just hilarious moments because we were after all growing up Italian-American. For some reason, I will say Italians have such strong bonds between siblings that no one can break. We're pretty tight even till this day. The reason why we had so many hilarious moments was because growing up my father was always working and mom was pretty much the disciplinarian, so if anything went down..it was my mom who enforced "ti faccio --Badingbadinga." Now, this word, was like the word, that let you know you were going to catch a slap, pinch, or worse. Yes, worse.

So, today we were talking about the time, when my brother and I were at church with my mother. My mother is church lady, and when its time to pray, you better pray. Of course, this day...Santo and I were in our usual giddy moods. Hitting each other behind my mom as we stood at the pews. Well, we were laughing so hard ( I think because the church was so quiet..so it was just uncontrollable) that my mother grabs both of our wrists from each side and squeezed them so hard to pinching that we were dying of the pain. So, the pain was intense..then of course, which led to us laughing harder. Needless to say...my mother didn't tolerate it. She calmly escorted us out of the church after communion and got us in the car. She turned around in the car and slapped the both us. Well, after that day...we never misbehaved again in church., but till this day my brother and I literally fall of the chair laughing when we talk about this story. Tweet

What To Do When Your Italian Relatives Come To Visit..??

OK, so I have become the unspoken social director for my family when it comes to entertaining my relatives, who are visiting from Italy. I have a few friends of mine who call or ask me what they should do with their cousins while their in town, because they have no clue what the Italians want to do or expect.

Well, let me start by saying that most Italians, expect a lot. They have no clue about our work hours or how long we stay out of the house in the course of a day. They do expect lunch, not McDonald's (maybe sometimes) and a good dinner too. They want to hit as many sights as possible (if you have younger relatives in) and for as little money as possible.

Now, my cousins have been here a few times and each time they come its awesome, but I have to prepare myself that I will be extending myself more than usual. The American lifestyle compared to the Italian is completely different, so when the relatives are here..it might be disappointing to them if you're not available to entertain them.

At one point, I let my Italian guilt get to me and was overwhelmed because my work schedule was tough. So, I decided to give them an itinerary and time schedule and it seemed to work. A good thing was, I was working in NYC, so I had them commute in with me in the morning, brought them to the office (which I made headquarters), gave them a list of locations, landmarks and streets, and sent them on their way. I obviously gave them my cell phone too, just in case.

But you know, cutting the chord and giving them a list of things to see, really worked. Even if you live in the suburbs, you can easily put the Italians on a bus or train and just give them specifics. You also have to remember, Italians are so much more versed in public transportation than we are..I needed to give them more credit. I guess I just thought they would need more help getting around.

Well, here is a list of top things to do for your relatives when visiting:

1. Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. http://www.nps.gov/stli/


2. Take An Apple Bus Tour--(Best way to see NYC.) http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/


3. Go To Hard Rock Cafe In NYC- http://www.hardrock.com/


4. Take A Road Trip to Atlantic City- http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/


5. Take a Small Weekend To Miami- (JetBlue has great specials) Italians love Miami http://www.jetblue.com/


6. Bus Trip to Montreal, Ottawa or Washington D.C- http://www.greyhound.com/
   

So, here is the list, but believe me New York takes days to cover and there is so much to do and see. So, sometimes its best to just let your relatives figure out their own schedule and time frame. Also, I always make sure my relatives fly into Newark and not JFK. Newark is so much more accessible from this end, but if you're a New Yorker the NY airports might be better. So, always make sure you find out where they are flying into and out or talk with them before they book it and make sure its to the right airport. But when you finally get to see your family its amazing and you should savor it, I do. Good Luck and if you want more tips and info there is so much, so just email me for details. Ciao!

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Maria Bartiromo- Italian American News Anchor Scoring Top Interviews on CNBC.

With the financial markets in such turmoil lately, we are getting to see more of our fellow Italian American financial market anchor on a daily basis. Just yesterday Maria had an exclusive interview with Senator John McCain and Sarah Palin. Her interview was directed with the economy as the number one topic for discussion. As the home stretch for the election is upon us, hard questions and much needed answers are sought, so who better to get the answers in an eloquent manner but Maria. She did a great job interviewing the duo, even though she may not have gotten straight answers.

Take a look at the clip:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/27418473 Tweet

Italian Singer, Giada Valenti

Brace yourselves for the beautiful and unforgettable singing talent of Giada Valenti. She's been in the United States since 2004, where she's been working hard on recording and releasing her music here in America.

Let me just say, Giada Valenti is by far one of the best Italian singers and songwriters of our time. Her style of singing and presence is absolutely stellar and just amazing to listen to.
She just released her new album this October 2008, called, "And I Love You So. "

Visit her site for details and to preview her music. She's scheduled to make several appearances for October and November including an appearance on the local radio show, "The Tony Mangia Show," based out of Wayne, NJ on WP 88.7 FM

http://www.giadavalenti.tv/bio.htm 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/

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How To Find An Italian American Girl or Guy For Dating!

Ah....love...its what we live for and strive to find. As Italians its our God given talent to love better than other cultures. (Just my opinion) In doing so, its imperative that we find the right person to love. If you recall in my past blog we discussed the background factor and whether or not it was important to be with someone who is Italian or of Italian descent.

From personal experience, I've always found that dating someone who has an understanding of my background really does make a difference. Of course, I'm not saying its impossible to also fall in love with someone of a different culture, but I find it (for me) as someone who is totally imbibed in my culture to be with someone of Italian descent. The bottom line is this, I'm American, a culture in itself, but I am also Italian..so being with someone who understands all of it --counts

Anyhow, enough of my rant, the purpose of why I was writing this was because I wanted to share an online dating site, where you can find men and women of Italian descent looking for the same connection. Online dating works for some people, actually its worked well for a lot of people I know,up to the point of some of my very close friends having met and married their online matches. Its an interesting concept. Also, whats great about this site is that they also have other culture sites for Greeks and many others.

So, if you're in the market for love and want to start connecting with other Italian Americans, Italians--go to http://www.italianosingles.com/ Hey you never know.

11/22/08- I was informed of another site, check out http://www.italiansinglesconnection.com Tweet

Madonna Dedicates "Like A Virgin" to the Pope at her Sticky N Sweet Concert in Rome Over the Weekend.

One of my favorite Italian-American women of all time. I love Madonna, I mean who doesn't. She just hit a milestone with turning 50 years old this year. Damn, I can only wish I look as hot as her when I hit 50. So, she just started her the first leg of her Sticky N' Sweet tour and opened up with a major ground-breaking concert in Rome. Now, Madonna even though she was raised in an Italian Catholic home has been known to challenge the 'church.' Over the years, Madonna was banned several times from performing in Rome due to her over the top artistic performances.

I remember watching the "Truth or Dare" documentary where Madonna is giving a press conference in Rome trying to explain her case to the Italian people after her show was banned because of risque segments. She went on to say, how she's an Italian American and basically not interested in offending the church but just trying to express herself. Now, after a more than a decade, Madonna returns to Rome, welcomed by all the Italians and including the Pope. She says, "I dedicate this song to the pope, because I'm a child of God. All of you are also children of God." So deep, love Madonna. I will be honored with seeing Madonna in concert when she hits Madison Square Garden this Fall. Can't wait!

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