Mercury Rising
“All truth passes through three stages: first it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident.” – Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th Century Philosopher.
In the same fashion that the surgeon general has warned us about harmful effects of smoking cigarettes, the discovery of amalgam, a mixed compound often used for fillings in dentistry, may be more hazardous to our health than we could have imagined. The “silver” being used to reconstruct our teeth after removing cavities is actually made of silver, copper, tin and zinc offset by almost the same weight in liquid mercury. The practise of using this material has been in effect for over 160 years and was favored for its long-lasting and inexpensive qualities. However, a person’s general well- being is priceless, yet comprised by the presence of such toxicity. Research shows that possible symptoms of mercury-poisoning may include concentration problems, sleep disturbances, lack of initiative, poor memory recall, headaches, restlessness, numbness or pain in the arms and legs, bleeding gums, burning tongue or a metallic taste, lowered immune system, impaired kidney function and could potentially contribute to such ailments as Alzheimer’s Disease, Hodgkin’s disease, heart attacks, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, cancer and MS. It’s even been proven that mercury can be transferred through breast milk and affect children with some form of brain damage. How could an all-inclusive list of problems like this remain unnoticed for so long? Is somebody in denial, or is this a conspiracy to slowly kill us all? Anyway, you can get amalgam fillings removed and replaced with metal-free, plastic composite, but studies state it will take at least six months before mercury toxicity is diluted enough to see dramatic, positive results.
Cooking Italian Style
Minestrone
When I think of Minestrone I think about a green valley surrounded by rugged mountains and a stone house with a smoke stack chimney sending an aroma of flavor throughout. This is a simple yet universal Italian dish.
1\4 cup of virgin olive oil1\8 cup of white wine
1 can of diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup of onions (diced or minced)
1 cup of celery (small chunks)
1 cup of small carrots
4 cups of chicken broth
1 tablespoon of fresh basil
3 garlic cloves minced
2 bay leaves
1 cup of ditalini pasta (or whatever desired)
1 cup of garbanzo beans(or cannellini beans)
1\4 pound of red beans
1]2 cup of zucchini
1\3 cup of fresh parsley (minced)
Salt and black pepper
In a medium size pot combine olive oil, broth, 1\8 cup of white wine, tomatoes, beans, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.Thirty minutes before the soup is done cooking, add ditalini and zucchini. Cover and cook 30 more minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil, if desired.
Fettuccini Verdi
Oil – 2 tablespoons
Butter – 2 tablespoons
2 Green onions chopped4 oz Smoked salmon, chopped
4 oz Chicken stock
5 oz CreamNutmeg – ¼ tablespoon
Cayenne – a pinch
1 lb Green fettuccini, cooked and drained
1 tablespoon – Parsley, chopped
4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated Heat oil and butter in a large frying pan, and cook the onions for about 4 minutes or less. Add the smoked salmon and cook for a couple of minutes. Add liquids and seasonings, cook for about 10 minutes or until sauce has reduced to half. Toss with Pasta, top with parsley and cheese. Serves 2-4 people
Penne With Asparagus & Shrimp
- Garlic shrimp asparagus & wine sauce
crushed chili pepper (optional)
12 oz. medium shrimp, shelled
1 yellow pepper (diced)
1/2 lb. asparagus, cooked al dente
2 1/2 tbsp. butter unsalted
salt & pepper
minced parsley (as desired)
1 small red onion (cut in strips lengthwise)
1 cup white wine
1 lb. penne
Melt butter over medium heat in pan. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp turns a light pink color. Add onion to pan and sauté until slightly brown. Stir in half a cup of the wine. (Shells can be removed at this point according to preference) Add asparagus and stir gently. Stir in the remaining half cup of white wine. Add salt and pepper and crushed peppers to taste. Reduce heat to low. In a large pot of boiling water cook the pasta until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a big bowl. Add the shrimp and asparagus mixture and toss together. Serve sprinkled with minced parsley and grated romano cheese. Serves 6
Insalata con Pomodori e Mozzarella
Although the ingredients are simple the flavor depends on the vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and aromatic basil leaves.
- Pomodori e Mozzarella
1 small, red onion thinly sliced (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil leaves, cut into strips.
On a serving platter, arrange the tomatoes
and mozzarella and onion slices, overlapping
them in a decorative pattern. Lightly pour
olive oil over the dish and season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the salad with basil.Serve at room temperature. Serves 4-6
What Coconut Oil DOES NOT Do:
Does not contain cholesterol * Does not increase blood cholesterol.
Does not promote platelet stickiness which leads to blood clot formation.
Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease Does not contribute to weight problems.
What Coconut Oil DOES Do:
* reduces risks of atherosclerosis and related illnesses. * reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions. * Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections. * Supports immune system functions, helps prevent osteoporosis. * Helps control diabetes, promotes weight loss. * Supports healthy metabolic functions. * Improves digestion and nutrients absorption. *Helps keep skin soft. Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. (Ciao Magazine)
Abbiamo Un Gusto di Vino…Of Amarone.
Amarone is a great wine. It has a very earthy quality, and high alcohol which people like. You want to serve with a braised meat dish or something with a mushroom sauce. Amarone also has a touch of sweetness, so it is versatile. The only bad thing about Amarone is it is expensive and you rarely see it by the glass. A half-bottle (375ml) will be about $30 and full bottle will be upwards of $50 but, a little goes a long way with Amarone. I find that a half-bottle is perfect for dinner for two. It comes from the Veneto region of Italy and is its most famous dried-grape, dry table wine. The wine is made from selected superior whole bunches which are dried or raisined in special drying lodges or chambers. Traditionally, grapes were spread out on mats or wickerwork shelving, or strung up from the ceiling or rafters. Today, however, most producers pick the grapes directly into slatted packing cases, stack these cases on a pallet and then transport them to a drying room controlled for temperature and humidity. This new approach, which ensures minimal handling of the grapes, reduces the risk of damage and consequent development of rot or mould, has resulted in cleaner, more balanced wines. The problem remains one of quality, for there is too much mediocre Amarone for sale, and not enough of the clean, balanced style. Good producers include Allegrini, Bertani, Brigaldera, Bussola, Masi, Quintarelli, and Tommasi.
Tasting Notes for 2003 Masi Amarone
Deep garnet with a caramel-brown tinge and almost tawny at the rim. About 85% opaque. Strong aromas of damp soil, mushroom soup, tar, cocoa powder, and slightly burnt toast dipped in hot bacon grease. Flavors center around the darkest of fruits like black plum, fig, prune, raisin, and blackcurrant. The sensory feel of the wine is something akin to blood- a silky, heavyweight body and a big foundation of acidity. Tannin level is about average but still a little brawny, chewy, and dense.
What To Eat With Amarone:
Cheese, especially aged, creamy,
strong-flavored. Gorgonzola, Gouda,
Grana, Parmesan
Lamb, especially braised, grilled and with spices – game and game fowl – pesto and pasta braised short ribs – spicy lentil wrap
Italy Marks 150th Anniversary
Italy may have provided many significant contributions over the past couple of hundred years, but it is still a young and thriving nation. Italian flags have begun to drape the cities and towns, a vision usually left for sports events and religious parades. Although the Berlusconi government has had its drama, the country still shows its patriotic fervour remembering the importance of the Expedition of The Thousand, a military campaign led by General Giuseppe Garbaldi in 1860 that helped create a unified Italy. This cultural event has not been received with open arms by all of Italy. Mixed feelings remain firm throughout the country, especially between the northern and southern regions. Turin is expected to use these festivities to its fullest, taking center stage as the venue for Esperienza Italia unfolds, beginning on March 17th and continuing for 9 months in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Italian States. In 1861 Italy was recognized as an independent and unified Italy and Turin was the first site of its parliament. As for the rest of the globe, Italy still shines as one of the most influential nations of our time and continues to dazzle the world with its food, fashion and history.
Hug Hug Kiss Kiss
There’s an old saying, “If you want to know…just ask”. The Soho Hotel in downtown Toronto is what they call a boutique hotel. I’ve never really understood what that meant until my partner and I spent a couple of days hanging out with our inductees, which included Armand Assante. Yes, that Armand. The staff at the Soho is what I call hip and pronto and very informed. Lanfranco, the Italian concierge, has been in the room business forever and his encounter with celebrity cakes has been many. Over the past couple of years we have become good friends with Franco and often converse in our native tongues. I walked into SENSES, a dimly-lit upscale watering hole with comfortable couches, designer chairs and an assortment of alcohol that lined the endless bar like a lightshow. We made contact with Mr. Assante and greeted each other in the customary Italian fashion, hug hug, kiss kiss. Our server was quick and I ordered two Martini and Rossi, red, frozen-cold, without any ice.
Having spent the last 30 years in Tinsletown hasn’t hardened me. I still feel the aweness of meeting someone special and “Il Duro” was very much that. We chatted about kids, making movies, living on a farm. We even managed to discuss my fall that left me broken-fingered. We talked about family and roots. The more we filled the room with colorful common verbiage, the more we connected. Our humorous repartee confirmed the commonality of our heritage and the strength that our ancestors had endured for us.
We made our way to Forget About It, a trendy restaurant in the ever-expanding entertainment district of TO. The last time we were there was for a reading of Ice Time, a film based on the life of legendary hockey icon, Phil Esposito, which seemed to have melted away to nothing. Like true hungry gladiators, we all managed to down a feast of Italian delectable dishes, a few bottles of wine and more tasty conversation. Mike, our click-happy photographer never missed a moment in capturing the purity of undisguised presence. In the famous words of Elvis, “It was a night, um what a night, it was really such a night.” We undid a few holes in our belts and proceeded to hail a couple of cabs to take us back at the Soho. It was hug hug, kiss kiss, once again and a buona notte to an evening that will dance in our hearts forever.
The Pig And The Artists
The Bourgeois Pig, on Franklin Avenue, stands directly across the street from the Chateau Marmont look-alike, the Hubbard Celebrity Centre. The Pig makes a mediocre cup of coffee and the garage sale furniture that decorates the eclectic room blends well with the patrons, as they sit and read movie scripts that will never see the light of day. I would often visit this trendy java hole when my presence was needed in LaLa land.
Today I was meeting up with my friend Nick. We sat outside on unbalanced wrought iron chairs, smoking cigarettes and looking like the starving artists that we were as we conversed about things soon forgotten. The waiter behind the bar was familiar with me and knew my order. I took my too-dark chai tea and started making my way back to my seat outside when I spotted a familiar face. He was sitting talking to someone with his back to me.
I excused myself and told him that his friends back in TO send their regards. With a warm but curious smile he shook my hand and gave me a hug. I mentioned that my buddy and I were sitting outside and would love if he joined us. What are the chances three Italo-Canadians would wind up in Tinsel town chatting about their Toronto roots. Sounds like a potential sitcom. After about thirty minutes of laughter and conversation, which at times included the Calabrese dialect, my actor friends discovered that they had both worked on the same movie “ZOS: Zone of Separation” without ever meeting. The giant orange sun was calmly setting as the evening began to descend on us. We drank, we laughed and we became good friends that day, only to be brought together once again in celebration by the Italian Walk Of Fame.
The Lawman
The last time I stood in front of a judge was in Malibu, California. The honorable surf king let me off with a fine and a warning never to appear in front of him again. We won’t get into what the charge was, but I can say this, never cruise the PCH in a ’62 candy-apple red Caddy doing 30mph blowing smoke out the window. Ahh to be young and rebellious.
Three thousand miles from the sands of glitter, and a few years later, I find myself handing a check the size of Wisconsin to a man that I would soon come to know and be honored to call a friend. Retired Supreme Court of Canada judge, Frank Iacobucci, has an unintimidating nature about him, yet my instincts tell me that throughout his illustrious career he was a stallion of the law. His humble demeanor is a reflection of a man that regards the truth as the pillar of society, a man who would never compromise his ideals.
As we spoke about everything under the sun, my attention was peaked by his knowledge and his modest expectations of life. Justice Iacobucci is proud of his Italian heritage. During his acceptance speech when receiving the Common Spirit Award, he recognized the support his family and his wife, Nancy, and their significant contributions to his accomplishments. I suppose when we talk about commitment to principles and social justice, the Judge represents the monumental steps of the proverbial ladder of the law.
Royalty And Commitment In Hollywood
How does a relationship last forever in Hollywood? It seldom does, unless you are privileged enough to meet a couple that has been inseparable for over sixty years. Frank Mancuso is a gentle man with a silence that roars. I imagine having 60 Academy Awards associated with your name allows you the freedom to be secure, yet humble at the same time. From the moment I entered his palazzo di fortuna in Holmby Hills, an affluent neighborhood known as the “Platinum Triangle”, which borders Beverly Hills and Bel Air and houses the who’s who of Who-llywood, my comfort meter was at a relaxed level.
I envisioned his eclectic collection of memorabilia, art and more importantly his name inscribed on statues, stones and crystal awards recognizing his many achievements over the years. A large black and white photograph of his beautiful partner and childhood sweetheart, Faye, hung on a lone wall surrounded by artists’ works too expensive to name.
The “Godfather of Hollywood” has it all. We sat in his “favorite room” as he put it, surrounded by moments of time reflecting on time itself. His words of wisdom flowed like a storyteller that helps soothe the tired mind after a long day. Mr. Mancuso’s long journey in the trenches of celluloid dreams began in Buffalo, New York, as he ushered movie-goers to their seats. I couldn’t keep my excited eyes focused as they perused the room absorbing intricate details of a legend and his accomplishments. To think that this man sat and chatted with many of my childhood heroes.
As I relaxed in the mega chateau it occurred to me that I was very close to the Playboy mansion, ok that’s another story. The Hollywood mogul has been a great supporter of many charities and continues to give of himself. So how does a relationship last forever in Hollywood? Ask Frank.
Rain and Stars
I’m not the fastest person at seven o’clock in the morning. Little Italy was still asleep and the regular characters were nowhere to be seen. The pouring rain and a wet cigarette hanging from my mouth pretty much painted the picture in living grey colors.
It was that time again, one year later to the day. The art deco Royal Theatre displayed a congratulatory sign welcoming another day of recognition. Water trickled down the photos of the faces of past inductees on the noveau flags hanging from the black ornate lampposts. The trolleys had had a few hours to run along College Street, allowing passengers to see the set up, before the road had been shut down.
The enthusiastic eclectic collection of people, most of them Italian or of Italo descent would unite with eyes wide open to see and listen to the heroes that had touched their lives in some way. Let’s not forget the press, those dedicated digiton camera zoomers who get an incredible high each time they capture “the moment”. The production unfolded as the trucks began to arrive with the necessary props needed to get the message across. Tony, the Asian owner of Cupps in the heart of the action, made me an Americano knowing I like it in a ceramic cup. He asked, “how many staws you put in sidewalk?” “Five, Tony, five this year.”
I glanced at the squares of plywood that covered the granite and brass stars and couldn’t help feel a slight rush of melancholy as I stood there drenched. The black plastic chairs were already lined up in the front of the podium for the expected dignitaries. The red carpet and velour stanchions separated the crowd from the limo pathway. It was going to be another spectacular event. I gazed up at the blue-gray sky and noticed a ray of sunshine fighting hard to penetrate the indecisive clouds that lingered overhead for no reason at all. This marked the 2nd year for this special event who many thought would never even get off the ground.
Not only did it get off the ground, it rocketted to heights of wondrous unexpectancy. Two kids from a homeland they left so long ago decided to keep the arteries of time flowing for new generations to come. History, education, subtle romance and a savory culture permeated the ambiance as the crowd grew larger. I wasn’t surprised by the eclectic group of individuals clutching their designer water that were gathered under umbrellas whispering to one another, “Can you believe Armand Assante is here today?” Icons are in our dreams and on the screens, but here? The truth is they were right.
Jets from the circus airshow pirouetted over our heads as the microphones delivered the speeches to the ears of curious fans. They were not disappointed as their idols touched both their hearts and souls as each, in turn, gratefully accepted their permanent place in history. I sat in one of those uncomfortable black plastic chairs and absorbed not only the dedication of people working together to achieve a common spirit, but also their honest desire to share with the world human kindness through the Italian Walk Of Fame
Stars shine on College Street
Co-creators of Italian Walk of Fame prepare for September event
By Letizia Tesi
There is a lot of pride in Jimi Bertucci’s and Marisa Beaco-Lang’s words. When they left Italy — Bertucci was born in Calabria; Beaco-Lang is from Friuli — they were just children, but they’ve never forgotten their land of origin.
And it’s that very pride in their roots that motivated them to create the Italian Walk of Fame, an international acknowledgment for Italians who have distinguished themselves in various fields ranging from medicine to science, and from the world of entertainment to business. Stars recognized last year were Giancarlo Giannini, hockey legend Phil Esposito, singer Connie Francis, former OPP chief Julian Fantino, businessman Rudy Bratty, and CHIN founder Johnny Lombardi.
This year’s stars, who will be honoured on Monday Sept. 6, are actors Armand Assante, former judge Frank Iacobucci, singer Dean Martin, former president of Paramount Studios Frank Mancuso, and actor Enrico Colantoni.
The event will be held in front of CHIN on College Street, in the heart of the city that is home to one of the world’s largest Italian communities, in that mosaic of streets where the first immigrants bought a home or went to live with a brother, a cousin, or an uncle.
Bertucci, chair and co-founder of the Italian Walk of Fame, along with Beaco-Lang, was raised in Little Italy. And it is on that sidewalk, just steps from his house – resplendent since last year with the stars of six famous Italians – where he envisioned the idea of an Italian Walk of Fame.
“We were having an espresso at Diplomatico about four years ago,” says Bertucci. “I grew up on Grace Street, just a short distance away. I was six when we came to Canada from Serra San Bruno, the small town in Calabria where my parents are from.”
He recounts facing a hostile world speaking a different language when he first arrived, and having no point of reference outside the family perimeter.
“At first it was a cultural and linguistic shock. I had to deal with all the same difficulties facing new immigrants, but I managed, and I succeeded in realizing my dream, which was to become a musician. During the ’70s, my band and I sold millions of records and toured the world – something that I continue to do today as well.”
But Bertucci has never forgotten his roots and the place where his musical adventure began.
“When Johnny Lombardi played “Bye Bye bambino occhi blu” on the radio, he launched us into the Italian community. We were a pop band who sang in English and that was our first Italian song. That’s when we realized that people liked our way of making music. I’ve received very much from the Italian community,” Bertucci continues.
“They gave me support, appreciation, and the faith to go forward in the belief that anything I wanted to achieve was possible. They’re the ones who made me a star.”
And it’s not by chance that the idea of rendering homage to Italians who have distinguished themselves in the world arose on College Street. “That day I was feeling so proud of our cultural heritage and I started thinking how I could give back to this wonder city and wonderful community part of what I received.”
“We wanted it to have an international appeal,” explains Marisa Beaco-Lang, co-founder, president, and CEO of the initiative. “There are many acknowledgments for Italians, in fact: all kinds of awards from organizations, clubs, and communities of all types. But few are able to capture the attention of a vast public that goes beyond our community and especially beyond the national boundaries.”
Bertucci and Beaco-Lang initially considered an Italian-Canadian Walk of Fame, but eventually decided it was more important to render homage to Italians not just from Canada or Italy, but from any latitude.
“Italians are usually humble persons,” says Beaco-Lang. “And that’s why we wanted to create something that everyone could see and with which people could learn more about their history and what Italians have achieved.”
“Our community is growing,” adds Bertucci, “and maybe not all second- and third-generation youth are familiar with the history of their land of origin. They certainly know that Columbus and Cabot were Italian, but they don’t know about our other countrymen who have brought honour to Italy in many sectors.”
Among the selection criteria, however, as well as being famous and having attained significant achievements in their sector, is the humane aspect: “It’s important that those we offer our recognition,” specifies Beaco-Lang, “gave back some of what they received from their community – it doesn’t matter whether it was the Italian community or not – because humanity always comes first.”
Beaco-Lang and Bertucci have received much from the people of Little Italy.
“When we first started speaking about this project,” says Beaco-Lang,” people were enthused, but few believed we’d be able to realize it. Last year, on the day of the inauguration, the excitement and joy was overpowering. We were overcome by the enthusiasm of the people. It was much more than we had hoped for.”
“I feel,” says Bertucci, “we’ve been re-compensated for having appreciated our cultural heritage, and for us it was a confirmation that what we were doing was the right thing.”
For Beaco-Lang, the Italian Walk of Fame is also a way of saying thanks to the first immigrants, like her parents, who with their sacrifice gave their children the opportunity to create a better future. “I’m very proud of my Italian roots. My children were born here in Canada, but it’s important that they do not forget where they came from and the sacrifices made by preceding generations.”
There is no one thing in particular that she identifies Italy with: it is those values and traditions she acquired growing up, giving her a sense of belonging, which she wishes to convey to her children.
Family comes first for Bertucci as well, along with a good mortadella panino, he jokes.
“I’m a father and grandfather and I’d like to convey our values to my grandchildren, in the hopes they too will transmit them to future generations, so that this magical tie to our land is never broken.”
News Source: TandemNews.com
Italian Walk of Fame in York University News
Leave it to Italians to walk the talk, wrote the Toronto Sun Aug. 22 in a story about the Italian Walk of Fame (IWOF), which took place in the heart of Little Italy on Grace Street.
It was the talk of the town. And it was the vision of two Canadians of Italian origin who brought what was a mere pipe dream to solid fruition with an event that was so successful – the second annual IWOF is now being planned for early September.
“Last year’s response was so amazing that it was a given we’d have a second one,” Jimi Bertucci said in a recent interview. Bertucci co-founded the event with Marisa Beaco-Lang (BA ’83), both good friends who grew up in the same neighbourhood and who now both work in the entertainment industry dividing their time between Los Angeles and Toronto. “Italians worldwide have distinguished themselves with their accomplishments in all fields and industries, and continue to actively contribute their talents and gifts…. This Italian Walk of Fame is our way to celebrate their accomplishments.”
Lang was born in the Trieste region of northern Italy and she, too, came as a child with her family. A graduate of York University with a major in psychology and an established academic career in psychiatric research, Lang’s real passion was always in the entertainment field. Over the years she would go on to manage artists…and continue in the entertainment field in a variety of avenues.
News Source: YorkU.ca
