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

12/24/2016

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

–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 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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New York Loves You

7/8/2016

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Whenever you're willing, she's always eager to take you on a thrilling adventure.

New York city loves you. New Yorkers have all felt her tug. It’s the tug of her inviting us to loosen the grip on our itinerary and allow her to take the lead. Whether you’re a resident or visiting she’s always excited to introduce you to new people and fascinating places. Accept New York’s generosity and trust her, she has a knack of knowing exactly what will make you happy. I’ve never been disappointed when I’ve followed her nudging me to go left rather than right. I’ve allowed myself to be swept away with a stream of pedestrians, and have followed the green traffic lights, to destinations more enjoyable than anything I could’ve planned. These experiences are the types of which are so incredible that I can’t wait to tell my friends. When I do tell them it always starts off with, “Funniest thing, you won’t believe the amazing thing that happened to me today…”

–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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Believers and Non-Believer Discover They're Full of It in Tiny Comic Book

7/4/2016

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An enlightening discovery in eight frames.

Sister Lucia cherishes her copy of the tiny comic book, "You're Full of It". Sister Lucia is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, a unique group of nuns that includes, cartoonists, filmmakers, designers, authors, and musicians.

Rather than trying to explain the gist of this tiny comic book, here it is in it's entirety. ↓ Scroll down page by page.

I had always considered faith a dull subject until I discovered I'd been using it all along. And it had real power, it had been determining the circumstances of my life. The statement, Thoughts held in mind, produce after their kind, is a reminder that that my circumstances are a reflection of my inner life, and I can control my inner life by deciding upon the thoughts I entertain.

"We always demonstrate what we habitually have in our mind." –Emmet Fox

It was enlightening to realize that I am not the victim of circumstance. None of us are. We have access to Power and the freedom to choose the thoughts we wish to see materialize as our life experience. Faith is the propellant and expectation sets the course.

"Every single thought I have and every sentence I speak is an affirmation. It is either positive or negative. Positive affirmations create positive experiences, and negative affirmations create negative experiences." –Louise Hay

Where our attention goes, energy flows. So, "Summing it all up. friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." –Philippians 4:8

"Start telling a better-feeling story about the things that are important to you. Do not write your story like a factual documentary, weighing all the pros and cons of your experience, but instead tell the uplifting, fanciful, magical story of the wonder of your own life and watch what happens. It will feel like magic as your life begins to transform right before yours eyes, but it is not by magic. It is by the power of the Laws of the Universe and your deliberate alignment with those Laws." –Abraham Hicks

Simply put, instead of worrying about what you don't want to happen, imagine what you would like to happen.

–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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If You Want to Relax - Get a Cat

6/28/2016

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↓ Scroll down comic strip.

"I've lived with many Zen masters, all of them cats." –Eckhart Tolle

What if you don't have a cat? No problem. If a cat isn't available and I want to relax, I'll draw one. Here's how I do it. Learn the simple sequence and be amazed at your creative ability.

Here is great news about this YouTube video and learning how to draw a cat face. The pictures below were sent to me from my friend, Ed Biagiotti, a Culver City, CA, school teacher who used this as a classroom exercise for a unique group of middle school students.

This group of students finds it challenging to learn by conventional methods. However, when these same students gain confidence in their creative abilities, they make significant progress in academic areas as well.

By being made aware of the simple sequences involved in drawing a cat's face, and then succeeding by following the simple steps, they discover the key to learning anything: there's a sequence. This diminishes the overwhelming fear that arises when facing any challenging task. As ridiculous as it may first sound, having fun learning how to draw a cat awakens a positive perspective that can then be applied to any area of learning.

Creativity opens a door where there are no doors.

–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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Write, Publish, and Distribute Your First Book, Zine or Comic Today

6/20/2016

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Ever dream of writing your own book, comic, or zine? Then check out this YouTube video. It demonstrates how easy it is to write, illustrate, publish, and distribute your first one today. All it takes is one sheet of paper, a pair of scissors, and a pen to launch your publishing empire.

A few mornings ago I shared how to make an eight page comic book with a group of middle school students. Their overwhelmingly positive response inspired me to share it with you.

Although the instructional YouTube video is titled, How To Turn a Sheet of Paper Into a Comic Book You Can Sell, it's application is unlimited. I've already received feedback that this simple technique ignited the imagination of others to create fun and unique eight page booklets of all sorts. It is the simplest way to instantly create something of value that you can share with friends, family, and the masses.

"Amazing!! I just might use this to create a little leave behind (booklet) for my public information initiatives." A friend said after watching.

In addition, these little books challenge me to be creative when I'm not feeling creative. For example:

"I don't know what to make." Said a middle school student.

"Start with that. That could be the title!" Said the instructor. The student lit up with enthusiasm and eagerly got to work.

"Don't be afraid of silly ideas." –Paul Arden

It's true, for some mysterious reason, that the willingness to begin with the first idea that pops into my head is a challenge that, in this case, always takes me on an eight page creative adventure. In the end I'm always satisfied and impressed. You will be amazed how much confidence you'll gain in your creative ability when you work this way.

Most importantly these books are a convenient size. They're small enough to carry in your back pocket. Which makes it easy to always have available to pass out, mail out, or leave behind at a coffee shop. I've found people are more inclined to pick up and read one of my handmade comic books, even if it's a Xerox copy, than a slick one. There's something endearing about these little books that makes people curious. I find them to be irresistible. You may also use your book as your calling card. Whoever you hand it to, or finds one, will feel compelled to learn more about you. I guarantee it. I know I would.

In addition, I like to have a few of blank booklets on hand for whenever I'm feeling uninspired and need a lift. It's a productive way for me to pass the time when I'm stuck in a waiting room. I've found that in times like these creating my own little comic book is more rewarding than checking Facebook.

In case you were wondering what a zine is; a zine (/ˈziːn/ ZEEN; an abbreviation of fanzine or magazine) is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier.

–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.

"I'm Just a Lousy Comic!" UNFOLDED

"This Coloring Book Loves You!" UNFOLDED

"Fusaro once again is of service and brings joy into lives without even knowing. My good boss is going to leave early to visit her friend who looks like she may lose her battle with cancer very soon. I printed out the "This Coloring Book Loves You" for my boss to give to her friend. She loves it and was so appreciative. She is going to buy some crayons before she drops by. God bless Darrell!"

Just in case. I always carry a blank.

I've just received the following from teachers who have used this YouTube video in the classroom.

"My kids made their comic books today, and one of my boys was mimicking you as he was making it. He memorized the video!!" –Denise Matarante, Third Grade Teacher, Roselle Park, NJ

The pictures below were sent to me from my friend, Ed Biagiotti, a Culver City, CA, middle school teacher who turned this into a computer / learning assignment. The students were to a find a specific YouTube "How-to" video to learn something new that they could complete as they followed along. "My students were all engaged and enthusiastic about learning how to make their own comic book using your video. Even the few that struggled were determined to succeed, and did. This was perfect! Thank you!"

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