Saturday, January 8, 2011

Jersey Shore Season 3 - Is it About Being Italian American? -- Who Watched?


Yes, I watched. So apparently Season 3 of Jersey Shore was the most viewed premiere for MTV ever! Over 8 million people watched! Wow! Really. Why are they watching? What's in this show that people love so much? As I watched that night, I was on Facebook following many of my friends status updates about the show; what I found was that many have such an interest in the show because A. either it reminds them of growing up at the Jersey Shore in the summers or B. They think its such a train wreck that they find it amusing to watch bad behavior.

This led me to start thinking, what part of this show or any part of this show is symbolizing Italian American? I have to say nothing! I do believe in Season one there was more of a lure from the creators or the network to use a lot or include any footage that symbolized something Italian American, such as the garage door of the house, where a largely painted door showed the Italian flag.

If you watched and listened carefully to this week's show, you'll hear less of any Italian American reference. I guess all the backlash from the Italian American community really made an impact on the use or reference of stereotyping of Italian Americans.

Again, we have to be aware that even though many parts of the show are blown up or exaggerated, you have to realize that people like Snookie, Mike "Situation" and Pauly D. are real and many people who happen to be Italian American do flock to the Jersey Shore and do the whole shore thing. It's definitely a culture on its own in New Jersey, but we know its not 100% Italian American.

I read a recent New York Post article where they interviewed James Gandolfini and asked him what he thought about the Jersey Shore show and the kids in it..he had an interesting response.. go here to read more. http://t.co/h1ZyPfo

Monday, December 27, 2010

Italian Canadian Singer MARCO CALLIARI RETURNS TO NYC FOR APAP 2011 CONFERENCE APPEARANCES

A Canadian singer-songwriter whose music is a personal exploration of the Italian diaspora and its folklore, Montreal’s Marco Calliari rings in 2011 with a New York City return at The Living Room on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 8:00pm.

The concert doubles as a special open-to-the-public APAP Conference Showcase for the Quebec-based artist. Following 2009 Gotham sets at Joe’s Pub and (Le) Poisson Rouge, Calliari will serve up a US preview of his new album of original compositions “Al Faro Est” (At the Eastern Lighthouse), which was released in Canada in the Fall of 2010.

During the Summer of 2010 a remix of an earlier Calliari track “L’Americano” by Montreal DJ MC Mario became the surprise international dance sensation “We No Speak Americano”, racking up over 1 Million YouTube views and debuting in the Top 40 of the UK Pop Charts. A polished performer on the live circuit in North America and Europe, Calliari has shared the stage with top flight Italian artists such as Zucchero, Carmen Consoli, Vinicio Capossela and Peppe Voltarelli.

Fri. 1/7/11 The Living Room
154 Ludlow Street (between Stanton & Rivington)
Concert @ 8:00 PM
Tickets: FREE
Info.: http://www.livingroomny.com/artist/marco-calliari
or (212) 533-7237

Saturday 1/8, 8:30 pm at Zebulon in Williamsburg :http://zebuloncafeconcert.com/?p=899

Marco Calliari will make 2 further appearances open to APAP badge holders at the NY Hilton Hotel’s Sutton Room on Friday 1/7/11 at Midnight and Sunday 1/9/11 at 9:30pm.



Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Italian American Girl: Photo of The Day : Life Size Nativity

This photo was actually taken outside of a church here in New Jersey.. it was just so beautiful I had to share. Buon Natale.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Making Italian Knot Cookies -

It's been a family affair here lately at Italian American Girl. Last week my mother made Italian Stuffoli, this week I took the opportunity to film my sister, Maria and niece making Italian knot cookies. We only do these projects once a year and I wanted to share the process with you.