Randomness

Well, once again the Italian National Team fails to produce the true weapon they really are and does not make it out of the group stage in Euro 2004 - even though they did not lose a game. The bright side of this is that the Under 21 team won the European Championship for the 5th time in 7 tries, further outlining a bright future. Congratulations to Greece though for defeating defending champions France 1-0 in the quarterfinals – for anyone who knows about soccer it was an incredible shock. To put it in terms Americans can relate to – this is almost as shocking as when the U.S. hockey team defeated Russia in the Olympics back in ’80. My cousins (some of you might know them - Nina, Rosi, Sal) have departed for Italia with their parents as well as making the final stop in Sicilia where they will meet up with their relatives. I envy them - I would have loved to go to Sicily again but maybe I'll be able to go next summer. Hope they have a great trip! Anyways, in the near future I'll throw out a little something about the new Michael Moore film Fahrenheit 9/11. It should be interesting so please check back and see what I thought about it.

Honoring Ronald Reagan (Republished)

When Ronald Reagan died on Saturday, June 5th, he left a legacy behind along with a world mourning his absence. Reagan became our nation's 40th president at a time when America needed a hero - a person who could restore the faith Americans had lost. It is ironic to note that this same man who preached against government was the man who restored faith in the presidency and American government. Reagan's presidency held a staunch resistance to communism and defeated that "evil empire" of the Soviet Union as well as comforting the nation during the Challenger disaster. Reagan reminded us that it was "morning in America" and he always believed in America's greatness. He was a man known as the Great Communicator and that can be witnessed by his uncanny ability to throw together a stunning quote or deliver a quick comeback to opponents. Ronald Reagan left the presidency with the highest approval rating of any president since Roosevelt. He won over the hearts of many Americans while in office and won over the public once again when he disclosed his bout with Alzheimers through a letter. Once again Reagan displayed his characteristic optimism and patriotism by stating, "When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future. I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead." America has indeed lost an icon. Perhaps New York Governor Pataki put it best when he remarked "The sun has set on the remarkable life of the great man who reminded us it is always morning in America." (First published 06.08.04)

Welcome

Hey everyone! Welcome to my personal blog here - I'll be placing some of my previous stuff that I've posted through a different blog I had to get this up and going. Feel free to leave feedback through any medium - whether it's email, comments or even IM. I have AOL IM and Yahoo Messenger. My AOL SN is Zo Jr and my yahoo ID is (get ready for this) pinturicchio07 - yea it's the nickname of an Italian soccer player. Anyways, enjoy your time here!