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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. An article in the WSJ today collects various opinions about the fate of the Columbus Day and says this national holiday -- established by the Congress in 1968 with the Monday Holiday Law -- could be in fact be doomed.
The authors Conor Dougherty and Sudeep Reddy point out that several states and cities in the US do not recognize Columbus Day as a holiday, and some have renamed it already. Moreover, native Americans and other ethnic groups tend to perceive Columbus as an oppressor who helped enslave some of the people he "discovered." Others propose to rename the holiday as"Italian Heritage Day," which would cause it's losing its national prominence.
Columbus's defenders, on the other hand, don't seem prepared "to watch their hero's holiday sail off the edge of the earth." They believe, according to Dougherty and Reddy's report that Columbus "should be celebrated for risking his life to explore the world and for forging modern ties between Europe and the Americas." Others, including Dona De Sanctis of the Order Sons of Italy in America, object quite reasonably that a 16th century man should not be judged by by 21st century standards." For very different views on this subject coming from within the Italian American community, read this artcle and watch this video. (To read the original WSJ piece, click here)
ANSA. Alitalia hopes to break even in the third quarter of the year after posting losses in the first two, according to Rocco Sabelli, the chief executive officer at the Italian airline. (Read the article)
BOSTON GLOBE. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS occupies a place of primacy in the American pantheon, yet little is known about his driving motivation - and its significance for the challenge that America faces today. (Read the article)
Los Angeles Times. Most Italians would rather forget 'Il Duce's' place in its history, but his imprint can be found around the city if you know where to look (Read the article)
The New York Times. Wednesday was a bad day for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, but a good day for Italian democracy. The Constitutional Court upheld the fundamental democratic principle that no one, however rich or powerful, can stand above the law, even if a compliant Parliament legislates immunity. (Read the article)
ANSA. Despite Chrysler's plummeting sales and shrinking market share, Italian automaker Fiat has no intention of pumping cash into the Detroit No.3 it took control of earlier this year, Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer for both companies, said on Thursday. (Read the article)
ANSA ustin Hoffman is to front promotional campaigns for Marche, the Adriatic region said Wednesday. Two-time Oscar winner Hoffman, 72, will start filming the ads in November, the regional tourist board said. (Read the article)
Loggia Uguaglianza No. 83, the oldest Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) local lodge, unveils its 98-year-old restored banner at a blessing ceremony and dinner in the Bronx's Little Italy.
Seen from left: Lorraine Corsa, Esq., immediate past president; Silvio Caserta, house chair; Senator Guy J. Velella, president; Bishop Robert Brucato, long time vicar general of the New York archdiocese; New York State Supreme Court Justice Dominic R. Massaro.
The lodge was founded in the Bronx on September 14th, 1911. The nine decade old silk and gold embroidered banner was rescued by Justice Massaro, a 50-year member of the Order. Over a six month period, it was professionally restored by experts to museum-like quality. The banner is the earliest OSIA standard known to exist.
Justice Massaro, the Order's former national historian (1981-91), noted at the ceremony: "This is more than a local lodge banner. It is a piece of OSIA history."
The annual Columbus Day festivities in New York will take on a Venetian theme, as this year's events are dedicated to the Italian region of Veneto. The city transformed Vanderbilt Hall, the main room of Grand Central Station, into Saint Mark's Square, one of Italy's -- and the world's -- most famous of its kind. This year's event schedule was presented by the president of the Columbus Citizen Foundation, Louis Tallarini, Francesco Maria Talò of the Italian Consulate, and Paolo Donadini from the Veneto Tourist Center.
At Grand Central one is welcomed by two floats -- the tower of Saint Mark's Square and the Empire State Building, together representing historical symbols of both Venice's classical majesty and the Big Apple. In addition of the towers stands a reproduction of Palazzo dei Dogi, which is currently holding the exhibition entitled, "Veneto: A Bridge Between Vencie and New York." The exhibit holds such works as a tree decorated with original Muano glass from Venice, minituare handmade shoes by artistians from Brenta, as well as panoramic photographs from the Dolomite mountain range.
The exhibit is open to the public until October 17th and is sponsored by the region of Veneto.
ABC. The official station of the 57th annual Columbus Day Parade, will broadcast the parade, live, Monday, October 12th, from 12:30-2:30 pm. on ABC 7's 7.2 (Comcast Channel 217, Wide Open West Channel 219 and RCN Channel 618). ABC 7 will also stream the parade live at abc7chicago.com. An encore presentation of the Columbus Day Parade will air on Sunday, October 18th at 12:30 PM on ABC 7. The parade will be presented commercial free. (Read the article)