Darrell Fusaro

Love Adds Dog Years to Your Life

7/17/2017

I care for an aging celebrity with four legs. At 98, this former print model still performs as "Gabby the Postal Pit Bull", delivering the fan mail to be read during my weekly podcast, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed.

In addition to her acting, Gabby continues to be a pit bull goodwill ambassador tirelessly dismantling prejudice with love. Hearing, "She's a pit bull? She's so sweet," is the indication her work is well done.

Now with arthritis she needs my constant support while she eats, drinks, and squats. Each time I race over to help her I selfishly perceive it as a burden, but as soon as I feel her warm furry body in my arms appreciation quickly rinses all that away.

I am so happy my wife, Lori Fusaro, chose to immortalize Gabby in her best-selling book, “MY OLD DOG: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts”. In addition to Gabby, it just might be the happiest book you’ll ever read. It is full of inspiring feel good stories that show how blissful retirement can be for older dogs who get rescued. And the unexpected positive effect they have on the the humans, like Academy Award winning actor George Clooney, who've rescued them.

–Darrell Fusaro

Decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

Gabby loves you!

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What is the Definition of a Father?

6/19/2017

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–Darrell Fusaro

Decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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How to Succeed in Any Art, Any Trade, or Any Profession

3/31/2017

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Americans fall in love with Italian early. As kids it begins with "spaghetti!" and "meatballs!" and "pizza!", soon it's "espresso!" and "cappuccino!" and "latte!" –Darrell Fusaro

I feel compelled to share how I arrived at the above illustration as an example that successful ideas are fun and always flock to a playful mind.

The challenge of coming up with the full-page illustration and quote for "Darrell's Corner" in each issue of i-Italy | NY magazine has taught me to rely on joy as my guide.

I have a routine. After my morning coffee and inspirational readings I doodle. I begin drawing the first thing that comes to mind. It could be my sleeping dog, a smiling cup of coffee, or a man taking a selfie with a cat on his head. The key is that I ignore reason. I ignore what I think I should be drawing and trust my intuitive thoughts instead. This takes courage because these intuitive thoughts are usually ridiculous. It feels risky to do this, but every time I abandon myself to follow a silly hunch I'm thrilled with the results. It's taught me to aim for joy rather than perfection or approval.

On one morning of doodling a man joyfully tipping back an espresso cup began to take shape on my pad. Right before I was about to draw in the espresso inspiration whispered into my inner ear, "It would be fun to draw the stream of espresso pouring into the word 'yes' inside his mouth." So I did just that and, as always when I carry out a hunch, I loved how it turned out.

Recently I've got into the habit of recording myself drawing these doodles with my smartphone. When I'm done I get a hold of my friend, and musician, Edward Biagiotti. He joins me in singing a humorous soundtrack we feel inspired to accompany the video. For this particular video we had the hunch to sing, "That's Amorè" (See video below). As soon as we were done I was inspired once again, and became enthusiastic knowing that this would be my submission to i-Italy | NY. The inspiration was just one minor adjustment; replacing the word "Yes" with "Amorè".

I'm not surprised but I'm always in awe every time I experience proof that trying hard to succeed at anything will never work as well as having fun.

"To succeed in any undertaking, any art or any trade or any profession, simply keep it ever persistently fixed in mind as an aim, and then study to make all effort toward it play or recreation. The moment it becomes hard work, we are not advancing." –Prentiss Mulford

Follow me @FOOZARO on Instagram and be entertained watching these daily doodles come to life.

It all began with step number fun.

Now I get a little amorè every time I glance at my phone. Download my illustration and you can too.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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The One Thing Americans Can All Agree On

12/25/2016

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The one thing Americans can all agree on is that the pursuit of happiness includes a trip to Italy.

Once you get a taste of Italian food, style, and art, you want more.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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How to Eat Panettone Traditional Italian Cake. It's Surprisingly Delicious!

12/24/2016

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The co-hosts of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed weekly podcast, Italian-Americans Darrell Fusaro and Edward Biagiotti, were surprised to discover how delicious Panettone is once they learned how Italians ate it. Now they're telling everyone they know.

Here's the recipe for success:

Tear a piece of Panettone off the cake

Stuff it into 16oz glass

Pour whole milk into glass

Eat with spoon.
Repeat :)

If you have a favorite way you enjoy eating Panettone please share it with us in the comment space below.

Boun Natale.

Darrell and Ed love you!

WARNING: Eating a Panettone cake as Darrell and Ed suggest may ignite a tremendous urge to devour the entire cake in one sitting.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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American Christmas Classic "It's a Wonderful Life" is Based on an Italian-American

12/19/2016

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Bank of America was originally the Bank of Italy and started in San Fransico, CA by a young man named Amadeo Giannini, the son of Italian immigrants. His success and that of the bank he founded can be directly attributed to Amadeo's practice of as you give so shall you receive. It was Amadeo's inexhaustible generosity that inspired the character of George Bailey in Frank Capra's classic holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Amadeo Giannini started the Bank of Italy in a converted saloon in San Francisco at 9 am on Monday, October 17, 1904. On the first day, 28 deposits totalled $8,780. The equivilant of $37,486 today. When an earthquake struck in 1907, he ran his bank from a plank in the street. Ironically, the word “bank” is from the Italian word “banca”, meaning a bench or counter. The news quickly spread about his commitment to previously underserved members of the community such as the working class, immigrant populations, and small businesses. Giannini changed the name to Bank of America in 1928 and by 1929, the bank was strong enough to withstand the Great Depression stock crash. Matter of fact, at the height of the depression in 1932, Bank of America financed the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In the early days of Hollywood, motion pictures were huge risk. Many lenders felt the fledgling medium was a fad and a sure money-loser. But not Giannini. In 1923, he created a motion-picture loan division, which backed such luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks and Frank Capra, and financed hundreds of films, including such classics as West Side Story, Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. When Walt Disney couldn't get a loan to complete the first full-length animated film, Bank of America stepped in and lent Disney the $1.7 million he needed to finish Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Italian-American film director, producer and writer Frank Capra was so impressed with Giannini's humility and generosity that he based the main character "George Bailey" in his 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life on him.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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Broadway Star is a Blessing for Saint Padre Pio; This November 19th & 20th in New York

11/5/2016

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Broadway star, aka, The Phantom, Franc D'Ambrosio performs "An Evening with Franc D'Ambrosio

The Saint Pio Foundation’s, “An Evening with Franc D’Ambrosio” will be presented at the Bronxville Women’s Club, NY, on November 19, 2016, and at the Saint Joseph Church, in Astoria, NY, on November 20, 2016. Click here for tickets.

The Saint Pio Foundation’s, “An Evening with Franc D’Ambrosio” is a hit. On Saturday, October 22, 2016, an intimate audience of approximately two hundred guests were treated to a full performance by Broadway star and actor Franc D’Ambrosio in Los Angeles, CA. Franc D’Ambrosio has been awarded the distinction of being the “World’s Longest Running Phantom,“ having performed it more than 2,300 times in a decade, and also known worldwide for being the actor and singer who played the part of Anthony Corleone, the opera-singing son of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and Kay Adams-Corleone (Diane Keaton) in the film “The Godfather: Part III.” Franc sang the Academy Award-winning theme song “Speak Softly Love” (Brucia la Terra) for both the film and the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

"An Evening with Franc D'Ambrosio" is a rare opportunity for Broadway and Opera fans to experience an up close and personal performance from such a talent. Franc D'Ambrosio's love for Saint Pio is evident in the love he packs into this show. "I love the audience. When I step out on stage I get the same feeling toward the audience that I have for friends I've invited to my home for a party. I'm enthusiastic about seeing to it that they have a good time", Franc said.

This event was the Saint Pio Foundation’s very first benefit concert held in Los Angeles, CA and received an enthusiastic standing ovation. The evening was presented by i-Italy’s good friend Darrell Fusaro, artist and co-host of the “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” podcast, and also featured a performance by the Roberto Cani, Concert Master of the Los Angeles Opera, the acclaimed Italian tenor Luciano Lamonarca, President and CEO of the Saint Pio Foundation, and the Italian soprano Elisabetta Russo. The talented pianist Stephanie Lynn Smith accompanied all of the performances.

The Saint Pio Foundation is a non-profit Catholic charity organization dedicated to the promotion of the spiritual charism of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, commonly known as a Padre Pio. The Saint Pio Foundation is also committed to the support of the the Capuchin Friars Minor and the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza; Home for the Relief of Suffering, the hospital that was founded by Saint Pio in 1956 and is now owned by the Holy See, located in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.

Broadway star Franc D'Ambrosio and Italian Soprano Elisabetta Russo perform the great duet from, "Phantom of the Opera"

During the event guests had the opportunity to learn about Saint Pio, one of the most acclaimed Saints of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Padre Pio had an amazing sense of humor that was only surpassed by his kindness. He had an uncanny intuitive knowledge of people and a fondness for Americans. This fondness developed from his work with the American GI’s during WWII after they fought to liberate San Giovanni Rotundo from the Germans. His love for America was so strong that he considered all Americans his spiritual children.

Before the end of the event the audience got to hear from the foundation’s supporters, including Italian-American actors Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, Robert Davi and Franc D’Ambrosio, along with a series of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and some elected officials, including the Westchester County Executive, NY, Hon. Robert P. Astorino. Saint Pio Foundation President Luciano Lamonarca announced that first Saint Pio Award Ceremony will be held in Los Angeles, CA, on May 19, 2017. At which recipients of the Saint Pio Award, actor Robert Davi, Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Lannette Turicchi, and chef Celestino Drago will be awarded. Chef Celestino Drago is the owner of Drago Restaurants, recognized for being the best Italian restaurants in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Foundation President Lamonarca also announced that the foundation will be signing a collaboration agreement with the town where Padre Pio was born, Pietrelcina, Italy, and the Capuchin Friars of the town of Pietrelcina this upcoming December, 2016. In December, 2017, the 130th anniversary of Padre Pio’s birth, the foundation will sponsor, along with the Capuchin Friars of Pietrelcina, the first United States tour of a first-class relic of Padre Pio. This unique relic will give thousands of faithful Americans the opportunity of praying to Padre Pio.

In addition, the Saint Pio Foundation partnered with artist Tim Schmaltz. Schmatz’s worldwide fame arose from his creation of the "Homeless Jesus," also known as “Jesus, the Homeless.” Tim Schmaltz is creating four life-sized statues of Padre Pio titled, “I Absolve You.” Each statue will be placed in Dioceses and Archdioceses in U.S. The interactive statue “I Absolve You”, allows the viewer to experience the power of the sacrament of reconciliation.

“During his lifetime, many thousands of people from around the world journeyed each year to experience the grace of confessing to Saint Padre Pio, already considered a Saint and Holy Man by many at that time. He saw inside of people’s hearts. Even now, each year thousands and thousands of priests embark upon the mission of saving human souls, and many of them recognize Saint Padre Pio as the model to follow in this most noble ministry.

The statue “I Absolve You” represents that ministry. It gives its viewers the sense of a confession with Padre Pio and a reminder of the importance of penitence. Padre Pio does not belong just to our beloved Catholic Church. His example, his teachings, and his mission are as relevant today as they were when he first shared them, perhaps even more so. The world aches to hear his message and to see his example. So that is our mission we share with you.

Padre Pio’s own testimony reminds each of us of the heartwarming experience of doing a selfless good deed. The feelings that accompany such experiences reflect the needs that we have to be connected to those around us. We gain far more than what we give away when we place another’s needs above our own. When we give, our experience of being a benefactor is enhanced by the excellence of our efforts,” said Lamonarca in conclusion.

For more information on how you can make a donation to the Saint Pio Foundation, as well as, purchasing tickets to the Foundation’s upcoming, “An Evening with Franc D’Ambrosio” at the Bronxville Women’s Club, NY, on November 19, 2016, and at the Saint Joseph Church, in Astoria, NY, on November 20, 2016, please visit www.saintpiofoundation.org

From the left: Tenor Luciano Lamonarca, also President and CEO of the Saint Pio Foundation; Darrell Fusaro, Emcee of the event; pianist Stephanie Lynn Smith; Violinist and Concert Master of the Los Angeles Opera, Roberto Cani; Soprano Elisabetta Russo, and the star of the evening, Franc D’Ambrosio

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The Power of New

10/29/2016

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Simply replacing the word "now" with "new" may just give you the boost you're looking for.

The word "now" has always felt emotionally vague to me. Maybe that is because it has been so over used it has lost its oomph. The word "new" on the other hand has an energetic kick and gives me a feeling of excitement. Since the now is always new, I've decided that "new" and "now" are synonyms; "new" is indeed the powerful essence of "now".

Here's my ridiculously simple discovery, whenever I mentally replace "now" with "new" I instantly get a lift. I'm convinced it's the lift that the now intends for us to enjoy. Just give it a try and see how it feels. Here are a few examples, "The power of new", "The here and new", "The time is always new", and "All we really have is new!" They feel so good to say that I continue to repeat them. It's amazing how one word change transforms these familiar statements into mood elevating affirmations. Now they're mental reset buttons that refresh my mind. A quick and easy way to start a new day anytime I'm feeling frustrated.

I stumbled upon this during a morning meditation. The meditative reading for that day was focused on the significance of being mindful of living in the present. At that moment I was inspired to mentally insert "new" every time "now" appeared in the text as I read. Here it is:

"I have finally realized the great fact that all I have is new. This sweeps away all vain regret and makes my thoughts of the future free of fear. New is mine. I can do what I want with it. I own it. What I do new, in this present moment, is what makes up my life. My whole life is only a succession of news. I will take this new moment, which is given to me by the grace of God, and I will do something with it. What I do with each new moment will make me. Am I living in the new?"

This simple exercise opens my mind to new ideas that transform negatives into positives, disadvantages into advantages, by releasing old ideas and inviting in new ones. Replacing my "nows" with "news" is giving my "now" vitality and I hope it does the same for you.

Welcome to The Here and New, was the title of a recent episode of the weekly podcast, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed that I co-host with Edward Biagiotti. During it we share the benefits of how we renew our minds, bodies, and circumstances with fresh ideas. Click here to download and listen during your drive time Also available on iTunes.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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What It Means To Be Italian American

8/30/2016

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Italian Americans are clearly proud to be Italian yet they enjoy a profound love affair with America. It surpasses generations. It's inexplicable. They all appear to be born with it. Appreciative and protective, it’s the kind love a child feels for their mother and it's displayed through their generosity.

Truly if one word were to describe Italian Americans' significant contribution to our nation it would have to be generosity. It's also the trait that makes them so attractive.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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In New York Life's a JOY-ney

7/26/2016

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New Yorkers' got the pronunciation right. Life is a JOY-ney. Meaning, that throughout our lifetime we're to rely on joy as the indicator that we’re moving in the direction of our heart's desire. Joy and enthusiasm let us know we’re heading toward more life, more joy, and more of what we were created to be doing; in other words, success.

Recently, author Alan Cohen was a guest on Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed and he shared how he used to be a “hard-aholic.” He was convinced, like many of us, that the journey to the top had to be one of sacrifice and struggle. Alan went on to explain how he’s much happier, and attracting much more of what makes him happy, by simply doing the things that he feels good about doing.

I too have found this to be true on a day to day, moment to moment basis. When I do the things I’m enthusiastic about doing on my to-do list first, everything else that “needed” to be done seems to magically get done with effortlessness and ease.

Trust that your life's a JOY-ney and steer toward joy. Whenever you do you’ll be thrilled as you experience the Universe rearranging circumstances in your favor.

"Life’s a JOY-ney!"

ME: It feels great saying it like that.

NEW YORKER: Of course it does. That's because it's the truth.

I love our friends in NYC.

–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?, co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed podcast and a contributing columnist for i-Italy Magazine.

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