I had the pleasure last evening of being the featured speaker (and new member) of the Sons of Italy, Leonardo Da Vinci Lodge in Boca Raton. While I am still learning to distill the many themes of the book into 10-15 minute presentations, I was well-received. Due to the nature of my audience, I focused on the Rose family characters -- based on my own wonderful DiGiovanni family -- discussing my efforts to create a positive (and accurate) portrayal of American families of Italian descent, celebrating the work ethic and determined spirit of yesteryear's immigrants (using my own grandparents and father as exmaples) and applauding the foundation of faith and genuine love and commitment that led to my brother Ralph's (born with Down syndrome) blossoming into a happy, productive and all-around incredible human being. Hint: it takes a family, not a village!
Many thanks to Lisa Rader, President Frank Giacalone, Vice President Bill Petraglia and Dr. Anthony Di Perna....all fantastic people who made me feel very welcome and comfortable. Looking forward to becoming an active member of this organization which -- judging from last night's agenda -- truly does amazing things for the local community.
Later on, at 11:30 p.m. to be exact, I was a guest on BlogTalk Radio's Young Gun Conservative Show, where we chatted about pop culture, overcoming hardships and loving the USA (among other things), as they related to characters, plot and themes. The entire show was 1 1/2 hours, yet it flew by! I fielded questions from callers and even live-chatted with lots of folks. Many thanks to Nick and Kender for giving me the opportunity!
This coming Monday, February 2, I will appear on the Michigan-based "No Taboo Radio Show" with Martin Dzuris. Hope you can listen in!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Iowa Hawk, Ju-Jitsu Master
The supremely talented Iowa Hawk takes what can most charitably called a spine-chillingly creepy video and turns it into an object of humor. Check out the pseudo-celeb video embedded in this Breitbart article (hang in there, the creepiness factor is exceedingly high), then read Iowa Hawk's dismantling of it.
Warning: Do NOT have liquid in your mouth while reading his piece, as it may end up on your monitor.
Warning: Do NOT have liquid in your mouth while reading his piece, as it may end up on your monitor.
Our Struggle for the Soul of our Nation
As my daughter completes her first ever day of participation in the March for Life in Washington, DC, a duty I performed as a college student twenty-five years ago, I find this piece by Robert P. George timely and insightful:
Please read the rest here.
Thirty-six years ago tomorrow, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its infamous decision in Roe v. Wade and its companion case Doe v. Bolton. In the name of a generalized “right to privacy” allegedly implicit in the Due Process Clause of the Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment, seven justices created a license to kill the unborn.
These men probably had no idea that they were unleashing a struggle for the soul of the nation.
Please read the rest here.
Fitna The Movie
Warning: The following film contains highly disturbing content. Produced by Geert Wilders, Dutch Parliamentatian and film-maker, it is a powerful piece linking radical Islamic terrorism with the tenets of the Koran. Tragically, this man is now going to be tried for the "crime" of criticizing Islam. While Europe continues its capitulation to radical Islam and erosion of free speech rights, our new President advocates closing Gitmo, pulling out of Iraq and imposing the UN-Fairness Doctrine on talk radio. Once "the last, best hope of mankind," America under an Obama presidency will soon rival Europe in its weakness and unwillingness to confront evil. God help us all!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thank you, President Bush!
Just came across these beautiful tributes on You Tube. While I had many disagreements with President Bush on issues like the bailout, amnesty for illegals and the Harriet Miers debacle, one thing I always knew for certain was that this man genuinely loved his country. That he was so willing to take on such diabolic rancor from the Left in America and worldwide, in order to make the tough decisions necessary to keep us safe, speaks volumes about his character.
Remember this is a public servant who, while serving in office, witnessed the production of a popular film and a book celebrating his assassination; tangled with treacherous Democrats like Harry Reid (who declared the war lost even as our honorable troops were actively engaged in the battlefield); and saw his likeness compared to everything from heinous dictators like Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin, to mentally retarded individuals and monkeys. He was called a moron, a stupid cowboy and an idiot more times than I care to remember (and those are the nicer terms they used).
Yet he never wavered in the defense of this great nation, always keeping his eye on the ball while retaining a sense of humor and an amazingly thick skin. If anything, he was waaay too nice to his Democratic "friends" in Congress, who never missed an opportunity to make him look bad in the eyes of the USA and the world, despite the fact that two wars were raging against a relentless enemy that wanted nothing more than total annihilation of Americans -- liberal, conservative or somewhere in between.
Thank you, Mr. President. Man, am I ever gonna miss you!
Remember this is a public servant who, while serving in office, witnessed the production of a popular film and a book celebrating his assassination; tangled with treacherous Democrats like Harry Reid (who declared the war lost even as our honorable troops were actively engaged in the battlefield); and saw his likeness compared to everything from heinous dictators like Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin, to mentally retarded individuals and monkeys. He was called a moron, a stupid cowboy and an idiot more times than I care to remember (and those are the nicer terms they used).
Yet he never wavered in the defense of this great nation, always keeping his eye on the ball while retaining a sense of humor and an amazingly thick skin. If anything, he was waaay too nice to his Democratic "friends" in Congress, who never missed an opportunity to make him look bad in the eyes of the USA and the world, despite the fact that two wars were raging against a relentless enemy that wanted nothing more than total annihilation of Americans -- liberal, conservative or somewhere in between.
Thank you, Mr. President. Man, am I ever gonna miss you!
Can You Feel the Change Tonight
A parody of Elton John, from The Lion King:
There’s a sad surrender, to Obama’s way
When the voice of conservatives
Has been turned away.
There’s a clear frustration, brewing in the ‘sphere,
With every die-hard patriot
Wondrin’ how’d we end up here?
Can you feel the change tonight?
It is where we are
It’s enough for this scared American
To want to run so far
And can you feel the change tonight
Republic’s laid to rest
It’s enough to make die-hard patriots
Believe it’s all God’s test.
The RNC won’t listen
They pay us no regard
While RINOs and their liberal pals
Just keep doin’ harm
Elitists and their cohorts
In the MSM
Don’t give a damn ‘bout freedom
The messiah’s in his lair.
And can you feel the change tonight?
It is where we are
It’s enough for this scared American
To want to run so far
And can you feel the change tonight
Obama’s on his throne
It’s enough to make die-hard patriots
Believe they’re on their own
There’s a sad surrender, to Obama’s way
When the voice of conservatives
Has been turned away.
There’s a clear frustration, brewing in the ‘sphere,
With every die-hard patriot
Wondrin’ how’d we end up here?
Can you feel the change tonight?
It is where we are
It’s enough for this scared American
To want to run so far
And can you feel the change tonight
Republic’s laid to rest
It’s enough to make die-hard patriots
Believe it’s all God’s test.
The RNC won’t listen
They pay us no regard
While RINOs and their liberal pals
Just keep doin’ harm
Elitists and their cohorts
In the MSM
Don’t give a damn ‘bout freedom
The messiah’s in his lair.
And can you feel the change tonight?
It is where we are
It’s enough for this scared American
To want to run so far
And can you feel the change tonight
Obama’s on his throne
It’s enough to make die-hard patriots
Believe they’re on their own
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Great Moments in Eagles History
As we get ready for some "fitball" today, I thought I'd post a few of my favorite moments as a lifelong Eags fan. Go Westie, Dawk, McNabb, Sav, Akers and the rest of the team!!!!
First, a little trip down memory lane with Bill Bergey, Ron Jaworski and other prominent figures in the Eagles organization:
This is one of my all-time favorite plays, one I witnessed in person on a frigid day at the Vet on January 11, 1981, along with my brother Paul and sister Carolyn. A true gentleman and team-player, Wilbert Montgomery electrified the crowd with this touchdown run against Dallas. It remains one of my fondest memories of growing up!
And who can forget the Miracle at the Meadowlands:
E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!!!!!!!
UPDATE: Heartbreak! Oh well, the fact that the Eagles even made it to the NFC Championship game this year was a shocker. Looks like I'll have to focus back on book promotion and sales to keep my mind off of Washington D.C., and what is about to transpire there. Sigh!
First, a little trip down memory lane with Bill Bergey, Ron Jaworski and other prominent figures in the Eagles organization:
This is one of my all-time favorite plays, one I witnessed in person on a frigid day at the Vet on January 11, 1981, along with my brother Paul and sister Carolyn. A true gentleman and team-player, Wilbert Montgomery electrified the crowd with this touchdown run against Dallas. It remains one of my fondest memories of growing up!
And who can forget the Miracle at the Meadowlands:
E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!!!!!!!
UPDATE: Heartbreak! Oh well, the fact that the Eagles even made it to the NFC Championship game this year was a shocker. Looks like I'll have to focus back on book promotion and sales to keep my mind off of Washington D.C., and what is about to transpire there. Sigh!
The Obama Zone
I wrote this parody song and posted it on Facebook on December 30, 2008. It was pretty well received, so a few of my contacts on that site are working with me to create a companion video, which I will eventually post here. Until then, here are the lyrics:
Intro: Everywhere in America on November 4, 2008
It's 10 p.m., the election's done. I just can't believe it, but Obama has won. It's like a freakin' nightmare; the whole county spins into a frenzy.
There's Marxists on the loose; liberals in my head. Tried to educate the voters, but all circuits were dead. Can't get no connection, can't get through, boy we're screwed!
Oh, the night weighs heavy on a patriot's mind, our country's on the borderline,
When the Islamists come, they know damn well we won't confront them!
And I say --Help, I'm steppin' into Obama's zone,
This is a madhouse, Clintons won't stay gone.
My God and my guns and my favorite car,
Where am I to go now that he's gone too far?
What will we come to know, when Obama takes the oath?
What will we come to know, when Obama take the oath?
Help I'm steppin' into Obama's zone,
This is a madhouse, freedom's on its own.
With Global Jihad, Ayers and Reverend Wright,
Where am I to go to find leaders who'll fight?
Intro: Everywhere in America on November 4, 2008
It's 10 p.m., the election's done. I just can't believe it, but Obama has won. It's like a freakin' nightmare; the whole county spins into a frenzy.
There's Marxists on the loose; liberals in my head. Tried to educate the voters, but all circuits were dead. Can't get no connection, can't get through, boy we're screwed!
Oh, the night weighs heavy on a patriot's mind, our country's on the borderline,
When the Islamists come, they know damn well we won't confront them!
And I say --Help, I'm steppin' into Obama's zone,
This is a madhouse, Clintons won't stay gone.
My God and my guns and my favorite car,
Where am I to go now that he's gone too far?
What will we come to know, when Obama takes the oath?
What will we come to know, when Obama take the oath?
Help I'm steppin' into Obama's zone,
This is a madhouse, freedom's on its own.
With Global Jihad, Ayers and Reverend Wright,
Where am I to go to find leaders who'll fight?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
"This is a Song about Liberals that We Can't Stand!"
UPDATE: Photos from today's rally in Fort Lauderdale. God bless President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, General David Petraeus and the United States Military!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Fear and Loathing in Fort Lauderdale
Last week I participated in a pro-Israel rally in downtown Fort Lauderdale. I'd been in Philly visiting family for the Christmas Holiday when the Palestinians took to the streets on December 30; after viewing that horrid display on video, I resolved to take action once back in South Florida.
For those who are unaware, there is a "Conservative Revolution" gaining traction on the Internet, especially on social networking sites like Facebook. Thanks to this welcome phenomenon, I've "met" and befriended literally hundreds of patriots so far...and that number increases significantly every single day.
One such person turned into a flesh-and-blood, real-life friend when she accompanied me to Fort Lauderdale on this particular day. This woman lives in Stuart -- a good hour away from Boca, and even further from Fort Lauderdale. She drove to my place so we could ride the rest of the way together.
Though we'd never met before, there was an instant connection, the kind that naturally flows when two people share the same philosophy. Shona is originally from New Zealand, and has been a US citizen for 30 years. At one point very liberal, she's now a 9/11 conservative. Actually, she's a Reagan conservative (fiscal, social & national security) who made the political transition from emotion to logic in the wake of the most horrific attack on American soil.
Anyway, Shona and I arrived to discover a fairly large pro-Israel presence standing behind our designated barricade. Among other prominent local figures in the crowd were Allen West (the recipient of my proud vote) and Ed Lynch, two conservative candidates for Congress this past year, who sadly lost to liberal opponents Ron Klein and Robert Wexler. Interestingly, though the latter two are Jewish, neither one bothered to show up.
Other faces included Joyce Kaufmann, local talk radio host, and Javier Manjarres, founder of the Conservative Republican Alliance. There was also a prominent Fort Lauderdale minister, whose name I cannot recall. I stood among an assortment of Christians and Jews, all united behind Israel. We waved American and Israeli flags, sang patriotic songs and yes, yelled back at the other side.
Believe me, they were asking for it.
The Golden Earring song "Twilight Zone" had been my election theme song, and this event confirmed that will continue for at least the next four years (as if the election hadn't already). As I noticed the sharp shooters standing at attention on the roof of a building, the swarm of police and the spectacle of shreiking Palestinians gesturing Hitler, frantically waving shoes at us (the ultimate insult in the Arab world) and hurling the most disgusting epithets you can imagine, the music and lyrics played inside my head, "Help, I'm steppin' into the twilight zone, this is a madhouse, feels like being cloned...."
You see, I was well aware that Global Jihad was raging in places like Afghanistan, London and Paris. But to come face-to-face with shocking reality in your own backyard -- well, it defies description.
I wish I could adequately quantify in words the sheer evil I saw in their eyes, the utter irrationality of their actions and the horror I felt as I noticed the very young -- and already poisoned beyond repair -- children, who joined in the hatefest. One thing's for sure: these people are NOT about peace.
And this fight is NOT about land. Israel gave up Gaza three years ago, and in return, the Palestians elected HAMAS, a terrorist organization. Like all radical Islamists, their goal is the imposition of a worldwide Muslim caliphate; the first step in that direction is the complete annihilation of Israel. This fight isn't Israel vs. Palestine, but the free world vs. Global Jihad. That's what I reiterated to a nice Jewish man who, upon learning I was a Catholic, thanked me profusely for coming to the rally. No thanks necessary, I assured him, while we both commiserated about the fact that 77% of Jews and 54% of Catholics pulled the lever for Obama.
Make no mistake about it: Palestinians are energized and emboldened over our election results.
Another hair-raising aspect to the event was the constantly circling white van, whose driver laid on the horn while a passenger waved a big Palestian flag out the window, shouting at us every time they drove by.
"Help, I'm steppin' into the twilight zone...."
Unfortunately, I did not remember to take along my camera, although Shona was able to get a few shots, which she posted on Facebook. If she's willing, I will post them here as well.
In the meantime, for those who are unfamiliar with the song, see the video below. And keep praying for Israel's success. God knows, they will not enjoy the same level of support under Obama as they did under President Bush. And that's a danger to us all.
UPDATE: Shona just told me she was already coming around in the 90's, but 9/11 sealed the deal!
For those who are unaware, there is a "Conservative Revolution" gaining traction on the Internet, especially on social networking sites like Facebook. Thanks to this welcome phenomenon, I've "met" and befriended literally hundreds of patriots so far...and that number increases significantly every single day.
One such person turned into a flesh-and-blood, real-life friend when she accompanied me to Fort Lauderdale on this particular day. This woman lives in Stuart -- a good hour away from Boca, and even further from Fort Lauderdale. She drove to my place so we could ride the rest of the way together.
Though we'd never met before, there was an instant connection, the kind that naturally flows when two people share the same philosophy. Shona is originally from New Zealand, and has been a US citizen for 30 years. At one point very liberal, she's now a 9/11 conservative. Actually, she's a Reagan conservative (fiscal, social & national security) who made the political transition from emotion to logic in the wake of the most horrific attack on American soil.
Anyway, Shona and I arrived to discover a fairly large pro-Israel presence standing behind our designated barricade. Among other prominent local figures in the crowd were Allen West (the recipient of my proud vote) and Ed Lynch, two conservative candidates for Congress this past year, who sadly lost to liberal opponents Ron Klein and Robert Wexler. Interestingly, though the latter two are Jewish, neither one bothered to show up.
Other faces included Joyce Kaufmann, local talk radio host, and Javier Manjarres, founder of the Conservative Republican Alliance. There was also a prominent Fort Lauderdale minister, whose name I cannot recall. I stood among an assortment of Christians and Jews, all united behind Israel. We waved American and Israeli flags, sang patriotic songs and yes, yelled back at the other side.
Believe me, they were asking for it.
The Golden Earring song "Twilight Zone" had been my election theme song, and this event confirmed that will continue for at least the next four years (as if the election hadn't already). As I noticed the sharp shooters standing at attention on the roof of a building, the swarm of police and the spectacle of shreiking Palestinians gesturing Hitler, frantically waving shoes at us (the ultimate insult in the Arab world) and hurling the most disgusting epithets you can imagine, the music and lyrics played inside my head, "Help, I'm steppin' into the twilight zone, this is a madhouse, feels like being cloned...."
You see, I was well aware that Global Jihad was raging in places like Afghanistan, London and Paris. But to come face-to-face with shocking reality in your own backyard -- well, it defies description.
I wish I could adequately quantify in words the sheer evil I saw in their eyes, the utter irrationality of their actions and the horror I felt as I noticed the very young -- and already poisoned beyond repair -- children, who joined in the hatefest. One thing's for sure: these people are NOT about peace.
And this fight is NOT about land. Israel gave up Gaza three years ago, and in return, the Palestians elected HAMAS, a terrorist organization. Like all radical Islamists, their goal is the imposition of a worldwide Muslim caliphate; the first step in that direction is the complete annihilation of Israel. This fight isn't Israel vs. Palestine, but the free world vs. Global Jihad. That's what I reiterated to a nice Jewish man who, upon learning I was a Catholic, thanked me profusely for coming to the rally. No thanks necessary, I assured him, while we both commiserated about the fact that 77% of Jews and 54% of Catholics pulled the lever for Obama.
Make no mistake about it: Palestinians are energized and emboldened over our election results.
Another hair-raising aspect to the event was the constantly circling white van, whose driver laid on the horn while a passenger waved a big Palestian flag out the window, shouting at us every time they drove by.
"Help, I'm steppin' into the twilight zone...."
Unfortunately, I did not remember to take along my camera, although Shona was able to get a few shots, which she posted on Facebook. If she's willing, I will post them here as well.
In the meantime, for those who are unfamiliar with the song, see the video below. And keep praying for Israel's success. God knows, they will not enjoy the same level of support under Obama as they did under President Bush. And that's a danger to us all.
UPDATE: Shona just told me she was already coming around in the 90's, but 9/11 sealed the deal!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tom Trento's Coverage of the Hamas Rally in Fort Lauderdale
For those of us who understand the stark realities of Global Jihad, thanks in part to watching endless videotape of foaming-at-the-mouth Jihadists spewing their Israeli and America hatred in various worldwide locales, there is a monumental difference between intellectually knowing these horrendous scenes occur in some obscure location, and actually witnessing them in your own backyard.
The video below was filmed by a local Floridian named Tom Trento at the pro-Hamas rally in downtown Fort Lauderdale on December 30, 2008. There is very little I can add, as the evidence speaks for itself, but I will follow up later with a post about my experience at last week's pro-Israel rally, which also took place in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
I will leave you with one not-so-subtle hint: you'll notice that a few of the Hamas demonstrators are sporting baseball caps and other apparel with the name of a certain soon-to-be sworn in President Elect. Hardly surprising, but no less disturbing.
The video below was filmed by a local Floridian named Tom Trento at the pro-Hamas rally in downtown Fort Lauderdale on December 30, 2008. There is very little I can add, as the evidence speaks for itself, but I will follow up later with a post about my experience at last week's pro-Israel rally, which also took place in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
I will leave you with one not-so-subtle hint: you'll notice that a few of the Hamas demonstrators are sporting baseball caps and other apparel with the name of a certain soon-to-be sworn in President Elect. Hardly surprising, but no less disturbing.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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