Walking on the bridge...

Morning Snow... a window of thoughts

2012-01-21T07:38:00.002-05:00

January 21st, here we go again, the first snow of the year in New York.
Waking up early in the morning and watching the snow falling down from the outside window creates a pleasant atmosphere. All of a sudden, sleeping in the bed makes sense, as well as reading the news or thinking to cook something special for the day... There is a sort of energy around... it's time to catch it.

Maybe for this reason this blog will finally publish a new article after few months of silence...maybe this is the reason why today is a special day for the person who brought me into this world, (Happy Birthday Mamma)... maybe this is the reason why today will happen something special.

For sure, I'm already up to catch it... hmm... what will be? Stay tuned ... and let the thoughts go...

But it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward.

2011-06-11T15:46:00.004-04:00

Difficulties...somebody call them stress, pressure...others callthem challenges, opportunities. There is no doubt that it depends from your state of mind, from the environment on which you are living in... from the people that support you or the ones who don't....

For sure, past experiences can help to overcome these moments... but the reality is that anytime we face difficulties that touch our self-confidence...it starts a deep analysis within us. That's when we get inspired by a speech, by a movie, by a song or even better, by a person who means something to us. The rest... it depends from our reaction....and the way we decide to move forward...keep up, keep up...sunshine days will come soon...

First Video..."Success has been defined as getting up one more time than you have been knocked down"

Second Video..."But it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward"

Simply AIESEC >>>>

2011-05-26T20:29:00.003-04:00

There are no words to explain how an interactive international experience can change your life...volunteering, sharing ideas, feelings, traveling, understanding cultures, growth, leadership, inspiration... friendships...a unique and fantastic Network...AIESEC.

Enjoy some of those video :-)

EXCHANGE

AIESEC CORPORATE

Yosemite Park...Walking on the...Falls

2011-05-22T18:40:00.007-04:00

It is definetely true...Yosemite is one of the most beautiful destination for people who loves Nature... Still missing in my pocket...but it is for sure part of my wish list.
Let's say...hiking is enough..:-)
Below video will show you the rest :-)

Video Walking on the Falls

Enjoy!!!

The Power of Imagination makes us infinite

2011-05-21T12:34:00.003-04:00

Sometimes a video...a song makes you smile for the entire day...yes, is there, always in your mind....black and white becomes colorful, cloudy becomes sunny... I love the power of immagination... simple and unlimited...let's touch the sky :-) It's week end time ...

Video: Stand up for the Champions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfmSTM3kEiQ

Music: Rolling in The Deep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiMK9e0h6YE&feature=related

The untapped powers of the SMILE

2011-05-15T07:16:00.003-04:00

Ron Gutman reviews a raft of studies about smiling, and reveals some surprising results. Did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you'll live -- and that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being? Prepare to flex a few facial muscles as you learn more about this evolutionarily contagious behavior.
Enjoy his theory...and SMILE..:-)

http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling.html

Diversity, Mr Cultural Shock and the Hangover...

2011-01-23T19:27:00.004-05:00

Diversity and Cultural Shock…these 2 words can go together or separately…but both are related to a common experience:”open yourself to something different from the origin”.

Since I was child I always had the curiosity to discover “the new”. During the past years, this attitude remained the same…places and locations instead are constantly changing. It’s there where I met for the first time Mr “Cultural Shock”.

But, let’s go step by step

Diversity. Having to choose a definition I would describe diversity as “all the qualities or feelings that distinguish 2 different things, people or cultures”. Some people are scared about diversity, some people love it, some people live for it. For sure, being in a Century in which low cost flights, high speed connection, social networking, multinational business, worldwide interests... represent our “daily bread”, nobody can avoid getting in touch with diversity. The reason is simple: even if you decide to remain in your local environment, at certain point somebody will knock at your door…. and it’s not the “old tomato of your backyard’ but the “well travelled mango from South America”…

Depending on its entity and level, diversity can chose Mr. Cultural Shock as travel-mate. You can find several books and theories on this topic but I prefer to simplify this concept in 3 main moments:

1. Getting in contact with “the new”. Usually this is a “discovering” moment, exciting and funny for the most. Depending where you are, and if change has been promoted by you or by others, it can last from few minutes until several months.

2. After what I call “hangover”, people start to see and feel things for what they truly are: DIFFERENT. This is probably the most difficult part. Time to regret your origins and complaint about the habits and events happening in the new environment.

3. Regardless if you are now back to the starting point or you are still part of that “melting pot”, the last part is the one in which things are appreciated again. They have “their own logic”. Some of them will become part of your routine, some others will position themselves as “nostalgic” knowledge that you will always carry-on with you. The reality is that you just expanded your horizons and your views with few additional miles….

The beauty of this process is that more things you discover, far you need to go to meet a new “Mr Cultural Shock”. Not bad and surely inviting for a person who like traveling but also for whoever is a lover of local traditions….be ready to open your door…somebody is knocking again at the door….at this time is not your old tomato, neither the south American Mango….but a new friend from Sri-Lanka called Rambutan…

Enjoy diversity; Love it… live for it

Happy 150th Birthday....Italia

2011-01-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

Language, Culture, History, Food, Sports, Wine, Arts, Beauty, Creativity, Nature, Passion and...a big Colorful Heart. This is what Italy is all about.

In reality, I currently see around two categories of thoughts. The first one that like to see the differences within our Regions as an obstacle to grow together...

The second one that see diversity as added value for our Country, where differences from North to South, from East to West makes Italy one of the most beautiful place to discover and enjoy...

Well, living abroad I can only say that I'm proud of my origin and I hope that what Garibaldi unified 150 years ago, will remain untouched for the years to come.

Wish you Happy 150th Birthday Italy, at least abroad, you have 100% of the people on your side....

A call to men...A man box

2010-12-24T08:41:00.004-05:00

"I remember to speak to a 12years boy football player and I asked him: I would you feel if in front of all players, your Coach told you: You played like a girl?... Now..I expected hime to say something like "I'll be mad, I'll be sad..I'll be angry"...something like that.... No! The boy said to me:..... "It would destroy me!"...

Simply inspiring.. to watch

http://www.ted.com/talks/tony_porter_a_call_to_men.html

Tony Porter makes a call to men everywhere: Don't "act like a man." Telling powerful stories from his own life, he shows how this mentality, drummed into so many men and boys, can lead men to disrespect, mistreat and abuse women and each other. His solution: Break free of the "man box."

Mediterranean diet is now cultural heritage of humanity

2010-11-20T04:09:00.005-05:00

I already knew that our Cuisine was special. Aknowledging that this has been recognized worldwide, add the final cherry on the cake :-)

Yep, I'm talking about the Mediterranean Diet that has recently been nominated as cultural heritage of humanity. Simple, colorful, nutrient.

I can only feel lucky to be born in a Country where products, traditions, language and history have thousands of stories to tell. Living abroad, make me even more proud.

Let's use what we really are to promote Italy.

Salute!

Mediterranean Sounds...tasteful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfcI9kDQyF0

The magic power of music...

2010-10-30T13:46:00.003-04:00

Let's do like this....click on the following link and once the music starts, simply enjoy the video and the magic sensation given by this energetic song ..

Whatever is your mood right now...it will be different at the end...

A thanks to Shakira...as always unique in Waka-Waka-Waking up the ribellious child within us..:)

Music...the secret to positively change your mood :-)

As she says in her latest song..."And I'm crazy but you like it"...Outch :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsg3xCtAsYQ&ob=av3n

Wei-ji: "danger" + "opportunity"...

2010-10-30T12:51:00.004-04:00

Here we go...during one of the World Business Forum Session held in NYC this year, one of the speaker introduced the concept of the word "crisis". In all worldwide languages, crisis is expressed with a unique word, except for the Chinese and Japanese language.

Curious to learn but the word crisis is composed by "Wei" that means danger and "Ji" that means opportunity.

This terminology is often used to explain business concept of crisis management but I prefer to see it applied to the day by day life experience.

There is no doubt that any crisis is always a "danger" situation...but I like to see as "ok, this is not working, it's time to change it!". I would call it as a "being in front of a positive force" that continuisly ask you to do something better.

Let's say...nobody likes to be in a crisis, whatever is its nature....but we like it or not...this is one of the most prductive way to go to the "next step"...so, never worry about it!

Yes, never worry about it...because the second word is "opportunity". After every storm there is a rainbow... let's get wet and face the new challenges in front of us.

Young Executive Committee...time to walk for a right cause..:-)

2010-10-19T22:34:00.010-04:00

Sometimes

......

people ask for donations, sometimes people get annoyed by all the requests received...the truth is that is always the right time to give something back to the community.

Best way to do so is together with friends.

There is no better occasion than spending time

together, thinking about people who might need help, making better our society.

Up to October 21st, together we have raised $306,893.26. to help save lives.
http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=28006&pg=entry

There is still a lot to do... whatever you are up to, open your heart and let your eyes see what your local community needs. We are all part of the same world...
Enjoy

In the Heights...Your Dreams will come true

2010-10-17T21:48:00.003-04:00

In the Heights...watching musical in Broadway is always a live feeling... but at this time it was even more.

The reason is the nature itself of this musical. Heigths is an uptown area of New York, close from the area where I live. A mix of latino cultures, some people who lives and share their stories at the corner of a Deli...some others that continously try to obtain a better life... others that will always remain part of this meling-pot.

If you add fantastic actors, music, and dance... you will easily understand that 2 and half hours will fly away, leaving nice feeling and another 'touch" of this incredible City.

Good "idea" to experience :-) Thanks

A short "appetizer" of this show from below link...enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PjplS0UwwA

Art inspires feelings...

2010-09-21T20:41:00.002-04:00

How can pure art and creation can deeply inspire feelings and emotions...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGvA8UzSc5c

I tried and... I made it

2010-09-12T22:05:00.002-04:00

Today while I was searching for something inspiring on the web, I ended up to watch this video...the quote "I tried...and I made it"... tells everything ... it's amazing how people that have no resources show no fear to fail. At the end, they have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
I can't imagine how better would be the world if this approach is shared amongst all people...above all the ones that have better starting opportunities and resources.

Long life to William!!!

Watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crjU5hu2fag&feature=channel

Think when you were a kid...everything is possible

2010-09-01T05:27:00.003-04:00

An inspirational video to watch... no need to add any comments, just watch and enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcIEcO_EmBI

[Miyagi karate-chops the tops off three beer bottles]
Daniel: How did you do that? How did you do that?
Miyagi: Don't know. First time.

On top of the sky...where Avatar feels the air

2010-09-01T05:15:00.003-04:00

Crossing the Ocean on top of the sky. Leaving the Old Continent...touching the New One again.

From outside of the plane window flat clouds seem not moving at all...yep...this small flying box is part of the sky now.

It's incredible what humans were able to create over the years.... a simple concept that consider all the elements around us and... understand how they can work together...

I always believe that for anything there is a reason...I was watching Avatar... linking the "learning experience" showed in this movie came spontaneous. Understanding, knowing, listening to the Nature around us... yep... I can now look again outside the window...and I can say:

"Walking to the dream....I see you"

Stars and Stripes Compass touch the Old Continent...

2010-08-14T03:34:00.002-04:00

Yep, after more than 1 year long, it's time to be back to the Old Continent. As always it feels weard to listen again your native language everywhere, smell "cappuccino and cornetto" at any bar, watch italian tv..:-) still few hours and another flight to take before to be "home" again...question of the day is: where is "home"?

For sure I'm going to enjoy the next 2 weeks off from work, spending my time with some of the most precious people of my life...no need to answer to that question for at least 2 weeks... looking forward to enjoy my "native home"..:-)

Glad to touch you again Italy...:-)

The "catch of the day"...Virginia Beach Sunrise

2010-08-07T10:46:00.003-04:00

Traveling is always a good reason to see unique place, meet interesting people... and catch the "pearl of the day".

Yesterday wake up was one of those moment. This picture was taken at 6.45 am... no better way to start the day.

Here I am to share it with you. What will be the "catch of today"? :-) Stay tuned...

Sailing on the Harbour...

2010-08-07T09:43:00.005-04:00

Well...nothing else to add. New York is always New York. Regardless the crazy rhytm and speed of this place, the soul of this City is always there, ready to surprise you. Every single corner, small place, tall building, cute park can be anytime, anywhere reason of inspiration. This picture was taken few days ago, on board of a sailing boat around NY Harbour.

In few words, I could define New York as an inspirational place where thoughts and feelings meet.. Everything is just there...but only if you decide to look at it...

Time to say "Dank" to the person who promoted this unique moment..:-)

On the treadmill of life...

2010-07-29T23:24:00.004-04:00

If you are a runner, you will probably understand the full meaning of this post. Every running offers a different story. Depending on your body conditions, external factors, mindset, the experience will change. Usually it takes a while to warming up...around 10 minutes. After that time, your mind start to tell you the feeling of the entire running, what you can achieve, the goal that you can realistically reach.

And here we go, jumping into the core of the race. This is the most intense and enjoyable part. Minutes in which you feel the strenght of your body while your mind is in focus. Others, in which your brain start to lose the focus making calculation on the end of the running activities.

It's a continuos focus between body, mind, breathing. This is what makes unique any single run. It's not only a phisical activity, but a much more complete status on which you learn about yourself. Never give up is my suggestion... and you will easily notice that....running on a treadmill is not such different than living your life...

Everybody's free...the Sunscreen Song

2010-07-29T20:02:00.004-04:00

Simply watch this! This is one of the video that do not need any comments. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ

"Brother and Sister together we'll make it through,

someday a spirit will take you and guide you there,

I know you have been hurting but I've been waiting to be there for you,

and I'll be there just helping you out, whenever I can...

Everybody's free....."

Minnewaska State Park Preserve...Blueberry Hiking

2010-07-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

Another Pearl to discover, just 2 hours far from NY.

A best way to recap an enjoyable hiking day with friends and... a lot of blueberries.

I do suggest to visit this place.

The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a 21,106 acre (8,541 ha) preserve located on the Shawangunk Ridge in New York on US 44/NY 55, five miles (8 km) east of New York State Route 299. The park is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. It is primarily used for picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and swimming. There are outstanding views of the nearby Catskill Mountains. There are three sky lakes within the Park Preserve: Lake Minnewaska, Lake Awosting, and Mud Pond. Lake Minnewaska is roughly a mile long by a quarter-mile at its widest point. Lake Awosting is roughly twice as large. More info...

2010-07-27T08:28:00.003-04:00

Yep...Despite the fact that lately Eminem's voice is everywhere, this song is not one of the most listened. As always he is able to concentrate thousand of words in few minutes, pure energy and rhythm always enjoyable. I attach the link to this song. Enjoy

"I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road..."

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5-yKhDd64s

Mandela Day 2010...67 minutes for a better world

2010-07-18T22:45:00.003-04:00

Yep, it's time to wish Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela. 92 years of inspiration for our generation. But what is a Mandela Day?

Mandela Day is a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for making the world a better place, one small step at a time, just as Nelson Mandela did.

Nelson Mandela spent more than 67 years serving his community, his country, and the world at large. On Mandela Day people are called to devote just 67 minutes of their time to changing the world for the better, in a small gesture of solidarity with humanity, and in a small step towards a continuous, global movement for good.

Thew World is calling...ready for it? One Idea can change the world...

The Worlds End State Park... where Nature talks to Friendship

2010-07-18T22:23:00.005-04:00

Worlds End State Park is in a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek just south of Forksville, Sullivan County. The scenery is spectacular, especially the June mountain laurel and fall foliage. Canyon Vista, reached via Mineral Spring and Cold Run roads, provides outstanding views.

A curiosity regarding the name. Some people called it Worlds End, others Whirl’s Glen, and still others Whirls End. The first name arose from the topography of the place.

Seven mountain ranges converge on the point and one does receive the sensation of being at the ultimate ends of the earth.

The proponents of the second name base their claim upon the whirlpool in the Loyalsock Creek, and the third name was probably a contraction of the other two.

Since the whirlpool had largely disappeared, it was decided that the name Worlds End would be most appropriate. Hence, the name Worlds End State Forest Park.

Had the chance to spend 2 wonderful days in that area... for some reasons, it will remain with me forever. That reason is simply called Friendship.

And it's not just a game...

2010-07-02T23:48:00.003-04:00

...no it's not just a game! Is not a case that anythime I cross the colors of South Africa, the sound of this country, the inspiration that a leader such as Nelson Mandela was, is and always will be...well, anytime I feel my soul waking up so badly.

Is not a case that this blog was inspired by his autobiography, read at the end of one of the most important learning experience of my life...and at the beginning of my new life path abroad...

Its not just a case...that this year the World Cup is playing in South Africa... that one of the most inspiring movie I watched lately is "Invictus"... it's not just a game the Dream I have in my mind.

I must live it... because is not just a game!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBmcgxFXu-Q&feature=related

The Wishing Gate...

2010-06-15T21:42:00.002-04:00

Inspiration from books..:-)

There are times when even the bravest want to give up: times when appearances indicate that everything is against us, and it is no use to try. At such times you should remember that is always darkest just before the dawn; that a little more faith, a little more patience is all that we need to win. Remember, too, that all those who have reached their goal ahead of you felt tired sometimes, and wanted to give up, but they DID NOT. If they had, you would never heard of them.

Occasionally we are like the little boy who went off to find the “Wishing Gate.” He was so intent on his purpose that he did not notice where he was going. Presently he found that he was lost and very tired, so he sat down on an old stile to rest. The North Wind came along and offered to take him home, and he abandoned his quest because he was tired and accepted the North Wind’s offer.

As they traveled along the North Wind asked him how he came to be lost. “I was looking for the Wishing Gate,” he replied. The Wind laughed all the way to his home. When they reached his doorstep the North Wind said, “The next time you go out to search for anything keep your wits about you. You were sitting on the Wishing Gate when I found you.”

"Elena", "Alfredo" and..."Toto"... a unique story with thousands of thoughts....

2010-06-13T10:11:00.003-04:00

Yep... not necessarly these three names tell you something, but for sure will let you think if you have the chance to watch a Tornatore's masterpiece: "Cinema Paradiso".

Due to a pure casuality, yesterday I had the chance to watch this movie. I alredy did it long time ago (considering that was produced on 1988), but yesterday was different...many meanings and thoughts came up at the end...3 uncredible life-stories, a trade-off between an unrealized love story and a director carrier, the knowledgeble crazyness of Alfredo, able to deeply influence the course of the story... a mother that always have the true feeling of what is happening... it's not just a story! It's a continuos conflict between opposite forces that drives your life.

Glad I share them with a close friend of mine... is not an easy movie to "digest"... but wonderful to bring your thoughts in front and behind your feet.

"Is there any Elena in your past life? There will be one in the future? Who is your "Alfredo"? And what "Toto'" is doing right now? ... I leave all these questions open... but suggest to watch the movie first if you want to start answering...or at least, try ..:-)

No need to mention the fantastic soundtrack of Ennio Morricone and the several Awards won by this film... Enjoy the view

Movie Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LarMt8J-6BQ

Thinkers....The outstanding figures of tomorrow are the creative and constructive thinkers of today

2010-06-07T06:06:00.004-04:00

Isn't funny that sometimes it takes years before you read a book that you have in your library? Maybe it was a gift, maybe it was not the right time to read it, for some reasons that book is still there, waiting for you...

Today, in my early morning reading, "Key to Yourself" decided that was time to be opened...and as always happens, the daily inspiration was there, untouched...:-) It's just 6.12 in the morning...a lot more to discover...:-) Enjoy your week...

CHAPTER 1: THOUGHT, LAW

"THINKING is the true business of life. Thinkers rule the world. They always have and they always will. All people think, but the tragedy of life is that so few of us think creatively or constructively; so few recognize the fact that thought is a creative force. Every achievement in business, literature, philosophy, or science has found its source and expression through the mental efforts of the world's leaders. The outstanding figures of tomorrow are the creative and constructive thinkers of today...."

Customer Service as a Growth Engine ....from "Thank you for calling" to "How is your day going"?

2010-06-06T21:09:00.003-04:00

An interesting article written by DANA MATTIOLI on the Wall Street Journal. A reflection of today business environment...

"Executives are paying more attention to customer service in an effort to increase sales and gain market share in the economic recovery.

Drug-store chain Walgreen Co. is training pharmacists to spend more time helping patients with chronic illnesses. Comcast Corp. is putting call-center agents through new training and instructing supervisors to coach their agents more. American Express Co. is expanding a program aimed at getting agents to build better relationships with customers.

American Express is encouraging its call-center agents to focus more on the quality of customer service than the quantity of calls handled.
.Just over a quarter of the 1,405 companies surveyed by Accenture late last year said customer service would be the first area they'd increase funding for as the economy recovers. Some companies have begun that practice this year.

Businesses are changing their approach, too, dedicating more of their efforts to the customer segments considered most lucrative. It's an outgrowth of the recession, when companies scrutinized customer-service spending to see which business practices delivered the biggest returns.

Some executives also see a chance to woo frustrated customers from rivals through word of mouth and by creating pleasant experiences. In another Accenture survey of 5,000 consumers, 69% said they had switched at least one provider because of poor customer service in 2009. That's two percentage points higher than in 2008 and 10 points higher than 2007.

Walgreen is trying to gain the loyalty of patients with chronic illnesses, starting with diabetes. Since January, it has trained 500 pharmacists to work closely with diabetes patients. The pharmacists set up regular 20-to-45-minute meetings with patients to help them manage their disease. Pharmacists normally meet with patients for about three to five minutes. Walgreen is betting that loyal customers with lifelong illnesses will spend more money at the pharmacy and consolidate prescriptions there.

"We think we'll see a stronger degree of patient loyalty, and we want to get a bigger share of the patient wallet," says Colin Watts, chief innovation officer at Walgreen.

With 4,000 new diabetes cases being diagnosed each day, according to Walgreen research, Mr. Watts expects the program to attract new customers. In an effort to improve customer service, executives conducted home visits with patients. Diabetic patients said they were confused about managing the disease and the advice they received.

The company plans to roll the program out nationally by the end of 2010—it's in eight regions now—and extend similar services to customers with asthma and hypertension.

Cable provider Comcast is bolstering customer service operations in an effort to retain customers and sell higher-priced services. The company has been trying to improve customer service for the past couple of years, but it's still a sore spot: earlier this year The Consumerist, a consumer issues website, granted Comcast its "Worst Company in America" award.

In January, Comcast started putting its 24,000 call-center agents through additional training and has told call-center supervisors to spend 70% of their time coaching their agents, more than double the amount of time they spent before. So far, Comcast says it's seen a decrease in repeat customer calls—queries about the same problem—and in customer requests to speak to a supervisor.

"Our primary focus has been on ensuring that we're delivering superior customer service and that clears the way for us to be able to up-sell," says Tina Waters, senior vice president of customer operations at Comcast.

American Express is also relying on customer service changes to drive growth. It's expanding a training program started last year aimed at getting call-center agents to focus less on resolving calls quickly, and more on building customer loyalty. The reasoning: more loyal customers will spend more money. Already agents in 16 countries have gone through the training; later this year the program rolls out to about five more countries.

Rather than answering a call by saying "Thank you for calling," agents now say: "How is your day going?" They're also told to look for opportunities to pitch related services rather than rush off a call.

Customer service is "a growth engine for a company in a world where marketing dollars and credit is constrained," says Jim Bush, head of world-wide customer service "

Blog versus Facebook: who will win?

2010-05-12T21:35:00.003-04:00

Here we go, few days ago I was thinking to this question and I realized that so far, Facebook is the winner of the online networking competition.

When blog started to pop up all over the web, it was a kind of cool to have your own space where you could write your thoughts or share your pictures and so on. There was the need to have something easier of a website. This was the time on which everybody started to write on the web-blog (I can think around 2002/2003).

Then, the first evolution. People started to create websites where several blog could be linked and where you can see the latest updated post. I can call this as a rough version of Facebook. I still remember a conversation amongst few guys while I was in Germany for an AIESEC Conference. They were talking about this concept and the value that could be developed over the years. It ends up in one of the most pleasant network we have on the web now.

Than, the dinamic version of the blog: Facebook, for which I don't think I could add more than what you already know.

Finally, I could think to Facebook as the natural evolution of the blog.

Does it mean that blog are destined to end? Not at all. Blog is still keeping the beauty on its original status. It's like to compare emails with our old mail system. I do write 99% of the time using emails, but I do know that regular mail can reach point that emails cannot.

So, maybe we simply need to use the right tool for the right moment or purpose.

Let's use both, making sure we don't forget our lovely and traditional blog.. He is always there, waiting for your updates :-)

Wines: a taste of.... life :-)

2010-04-17T18:59:00.005-04:00

There are no doubts that wines makes not only table but life much more colorful :-) Today I enriched my home collection (destined to continously diseappear) with 5 new bottles. Following a short description of these tasteful and enjoyable wines:

1. Gavi di Gavi. This is a white wine, my favorite one. Made with Cortese grape it is traditionally grown in the area around the town of Gavi, Piemonte (North Italy). I spent several summers in that small town and as you can see, I'm always bringing with me this fantastic wine. Delicious to match with fish dishes

2.Falanghina, Irpinia. This is from Campania, South of Italy. Also white, this grape has been grown for thousands of years. It made wine for the Romans and now is keep doing so for the "New Ones"..:-) Ideal with scallops and fish dishes in general.

3. Sangiovese. Let's move to red wines. From a region close to the Lake of Garda, (North Italy), this is excellent with pasta dishes and risotto. To be served at "temperatura ambiente"...so, don;t put it in the fridge!!

4. Chianti Classico, Riserva 2004. Nothing to add to this Tuscany wine. Simply enjoyable, you never go wrong!

5. Barbera D'Alba. This is also a wine from Piemonte (North Italy). Before to drink it, a couple of suggestions could be useful. First, it is a great match with steak or meat. Second, to fully enjoy this wine, open the bottle at least 30 minutes before to drink it. It is an essential trick :-)

Hopefully you enjoy above selection. I will surely do....time to cook something that will match the first bottle..:-) Anyone for dinner? :-)

Ilhabela...or Beautiful Island

2010-04-10T19:14:00.003-04:00

One week ago I visited this fantastic Island, spending good time with friends and enjoying the atmosphere of this place. In case you will be visiting Brazil, I strongly reccomend to spend some time in this Paradise..:-)

Below some useful information:

Ilhabela, or Beautiful Island, on Ilha de São Sebastião in the state of São Paulo, (see the interactive map from Expedia) certainly lives up to its name. Discovered in 1502 by Américo Vespúcio, the island has a long history of defense against foreign naval powers, pirate's refuge, black market slavery, smuggling base and failed colonial efforts at sugar and coffee plantations.

About 85% of the island’s almost 350,000 square miles is within Ilhabela State Park, with further development not allowed. Most of the development is on the west coat facing the mainland, and the island’s economy is based on tourism.

There are great 35 km of beaches, a coastal Atlantic rain forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to explore, mountain peaks to climb and over 400 cool waterfalls cascading into the ocean. Add to that legends of pirate treasure, underwater wrecks to explore, great sailing, enough to make Ilhabela's annual Sailing Week a must, and you've got the makings of an attractive vacation destination.

I believe...just like a child...:-)

2010-04-05T14:22:00.002-04:00

April 22th will be the Earth Day 2010, time to celebrate 40 years of common activities around the world.

In case you don't know about this movement, below some details (http://www.earthday.org/):

"Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and activism campaigns. Earth Day Network has a global reach with more than 20,000 partners and organizations in 190 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world."

Time to enjoy our lovely Planet...simply watch this video..:-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0&feature=player_embedded#

That green square....called the Heart of New York

2010-03-20T20:39:00.003-04:00

A white-brown dog observing his territory, a Japanese mother teaching the first steps his son, a student texting on his blackberry, an helicopter flying on top of our heads, a couple playing with a yellow frisbee, a runner crossing the side of the park, a lady reproducing a yoga position, a jumping squirrel curios of his guests...

Yes it is. A spring day after a long and cold winter. Main actor: The Sun. Sunshines are not limited to few....but simply they can reach anybody.

This reflects the principle of the "unlimited resources", the one that can be shared without diminishing the energy itself. The same concept can be applied to our feelings. A smile is contagious...more you share it, more it becomes bigger and bigger... without losing its intensity.

Now, combine sunshine and smiles and you will understand why today Central Park represents the heart of a smiling city :-)

Enjoy....

Sounds...and Feelings

2010-03-17T23:22:00.002-04:00

A characteristic sound in the subway, a slice of wind at the 24th floor of a building, a thought crossing your mind, a feeling touching your heart... Simply... Emotions!!

This is what any human being is able to feel in just one day of his life. Sometimes we are too busy to listen, see, smell...sometimes we let things influence us...

But..

...regardless if you are tired or not, if you are happy or sad, if you are awake or asleep... there is always a sound there with you. Yes, humans call it Music.. In reality is a unique sound that characterize each moment of your life...

Hmm...If this is the case.. Why don't we simply tune to the right station???

"...there is nothing you can't do, I love New York..." ;-)

Discovering Manhattan...from book to foot...

2010-03-15T23:19:00.003-04:00

It's always interesting to read a book about the place where you live...it gives you the chance to walk through the history and learn about the past... well...what I noticed is that, now the City looks a bit different...:-) Why don't you try?

Few lines from the book "Downtown" of Pete Hamill...

"If they are lucky, the new immigrants will get to know New York the way so many others did, long ago. They will discovere that the easiest way to know this place is to start at the beginning. That is, to go on foot to Downtown. They will walk its streets. They wil recognize its ruins and monuments. They will inhale the dust of the past. They will celebrate living in a place that is filled with people who are not, on the surface, like them. They will stroll with their children across Brooklyn Bridge and see the spires of Oz gilded by morning sun....."

Take the Lead...

2010-03-13T11:16:00.002-05:00

Saturday March 13th, raining outside and finally a free morning day. These are the moments in which you need to make an important decision: remaining in bed enjoying the warmness of the pillow in your face, or run outside the city and discover some new activity, image, moment...

Well, I guess this morning I was able to found the right combination. Turning on the tv I did catch the movie "Take the Lead", with Antonio Banderas. Well, not only I was enjoying my resting moments in bed, but I have got a great inspiration from this movie as well.

Lucky???Maybe....

Once done, breakfast and...next step: researching what the movie is inspired about...and I discovered that behind this story there is a real project that is helping childrens to find their way to live life with a positive attitude. If you want to read more about Dancing ClassRooms Project, simply click to below link....

http://www.dancingclassrooms.com/NationalNetwork.aspx

It's now time to "take the lead" of the week end....with a big thanks to Mr Pierre Dulaine and his morning inspiration..:-)

A bag and the NYC Subway...

2010-03-08T23:36:00.002-05:00

You never know, what a bag in the subway can carry on..

Maybe a book of an inspiring artist, maybe performances reports of a busy young corporate manager, maybe a toy and the milk for a small baby, maybe the few things that an homeless has, maybe... Maybe the history of a person that is going up and down asking himself: what will be the next...

And this is a simple bag... Not even touching what is around!! I love the NY subway!!!

Surfing the wave...

2010-03-08T23:29:00.002-05:00

Yes, this is the sensation when you feel that you are going towards the direction that you like it...
It is not easy to find the right track, but experience is teaching me that if you want something, if you are truly willing to work hard, if you really dream about it... There is no way is not going to happen!!!

It's all matter to believe in something, being ready to the necessary sacrifices.. A world cup cannot be win without years of trainings, a marathon cannot be finished without passion and trust in yourself, a love cannot be found if you are not opened for it...

Simply surf your wave... It will bring to your happiness :-)

Daily Dilemma :-)

2010-03-07T09:31:00.003-05:00

And here we go... to talk about one of the dilemma that everyone is facing on a daily basis...:-)

It often happens that at the end of the day we feel very tired.... this is the time in which we feel that life is not going in the direction we would like to.

Well, if this can help, I'm going to share 3 simple questions that works for me...just think about it, get organized and simply love your life...:-)

1. Did you achieve your daily goals? If not, simply change the way you are organized...don't waste time in things that are not priority for you.

2. Are you physically or mentally tired? If physically, simply have a nice sleep or vacation....your body needs it. If mentally, simply stress out...go to the gym, hang out, dance...

3. Are you laughing? If not....simply do it :-) Lord Byron said:"Laugh anytime you can. It is a cheap medicine."

Believe, Conceive, Achieve... in a funny way :-)

No matter what....

2010-03-02T23:13:00.002-05:00

...there are no excuses to wake up in the morning without energy.

Last night I was reading the news regarding the earthquake in Chile.... some scientists said that this event caused the shift of the entire globe, making days shorter....

So, one thought came to my mind."what if one day the News will tell us that the end of the world is close?.... that few days are missing?....

Well...you know what?

Lets not waste our time, lets live 200% of our possibilities....work hard, be responsible, enjoy your life, love and.... dance.... because dancing is like coloring our life with magical steps....

I can't stop my feet....:-))))

The value of a life...

2010-03-01T21:40:00.003-05:00

There are moments in which, regardless the achievement or the dimension of an event... a life of a single individual becomes one of the most valuable things in the world.

Watching the closing of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, millions of people felt a deep emotion thinking to the lost of the Georgian athlet Nodar Kumaritashvili.

These Games will remain in our mind not only for the leadership of all the participants but also for this unfortunate episode that is reminding us a golden rule: "Life is precious...never forget it"

A new step is always necessary...

2010-02-28T20:40:00.004-05:00

Few hours sleep, images, thoughts, emotions. Another adventure just ended, leaving thousands of new openings to all the participants.

Tougher are the events that cross our life, bigger are the feedback we can bring back home.

I truly believe on what Mr. Nelson says:"after climbing a mountain, take the time to rest, enjoy the wonderful view down the hill... but be ready...an higher mountain is expecting you..".

It is the destiny of a dreamer...need always a new step to feel better :-)

What will be the next?

Gianpy

Carmina Burana...the vaganbond songs...

2009-08-11T07:51:00.003-04:00

If you have some time available or you are in a relaxing mood you may want to enjoy this theather performance.

The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEllLECo4OM

Carmina Burana, Latin for “Songs from Benediktbeuern” is the name given to a manuscript of 254 poems and dramatic texts from the 11th or 12th century, although some more are from the 13th century.

The pieces were written almost entirely in Medieval Latin: a few in Middle High German, and some with traces of Old French or Provencal. Many are macaronic, a mixture of Latin and German or French vernacular.

They were written by students and clergy when the Latin Idiom was the lingua franca across Italy and western Europe for travelling scholars, universities and theologians. Most of the poems and songs appear to be the work of Goliards, clergy who set up and satirezed the Church. The collection preserves the works of a number of poets, including Peter of Blois, Walter of Chatillon and the anonymous one, referred to as the Archpoet.

The collection was found in 1803 in the Bavarian monastery of Benediktbeuern and is now housed in the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek in Munich.

Enjoyyyyyyyyyyy

Each of us sees in others what we carry in our own hearts...

2009-08-07T01:50:00.002-04:00

Ciao a tutti,

this sentence pop up while I was reading an interesting book. I started to think about it and I found interesting to post it on my blog.

Every single day we experience thousands of feelings and emotions. Often, these feelings are related to the thought we have on people who are close to us....but often we forget that, "we sees in others what we carry in our own hearts".

We should probably stop few seconds and give the right color to everything....not necessarily what we feel is what other people does. How much complex is the nature of our life!!!...let's go back to study, maybe something else will come up....

Awaken the Giant within....

2009-08-02T11:57:00.002-04:00

Here we go,

one of the current book I'm reading. I had the chance to talk with several people who ready Anthony Robbins's book or who partecipated to his seminars, but it's the first time I'm doing it.

For people who are passionate on the people development learning...it is simply a masterpiece.

Enjoy your reading.

Believe...

2009-08-02T11:47:00.002-04:00

Buongiorno a tutti,
during these past weeks a word is flashing my mind....and here I am, to write about it.
Everytime something like this happens, I simply google the word and see which pictures are coming out. It's like to try to associate and image to a thought. At this time, what came out is the picture of this post. I find it simply amazing for the colors, the contrast and the background. Whoever took this picture had an excellent idea...:-)
It's amazing to capture how deep can be the world behind this word. Many secrets, many attitudes, many important points and subject of our life...
Well...I leave everything in your mind...hopefully will have the same positive impact that had on me.
Enjoy your day

United Artist for Abruzzo...

2009-05-11T21:23:00.004-04:00

Day by Day...Tomorrow...a word...a promise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_WyCOGZjbM

Tomorrow is already now...:-)

Swine Flu? No, H1N1 Flu...useful and accurate info...

2009-05-02T07:36:00.005-04:00

Ciao a tutti,
here some of the questions that can help you out in clarifying what in reality is the H1N1 flu.

1. Hasn't swine flu been around for a while?
Yes. Swine flu was first identified in 1930 when researchers isolated the virus in a pig. In 1976, more than 200 soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey, got swine flu. From 1976 until 2005, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received approximately one report every year or two of humans with swine flu. From December 2005 until January 2009, there were 12 cases of swine flu reported.

2. The folks who have it now, did they get it from pigs or people?
It appears that no one in the United States with swine flu had any contact with pigs. Dr. Richard Besser, the acting director of the CDC, said in a news conference Friday that among the first seven cases, no one had contact with pigs. In another press conference Monday, he added that investigators have looked to see whether any of the infected people had contact with pigs, and "we're not finding that linkage here."

3. Swine flu is transmitted from animals to humans. Does that happen a lot?
Yes. More than 200 "zoonotic diseases" are transmitted from animals to humans, including illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Rabies and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (better known as "mad cow disease") are two well-known examples.

4. Should I cancel my trip to Mexico?
Yes, you should, unless it's essential. That's the advice from a recent CDC travel warning. Watch Elizabeth Cohen answer your questions »

5. Should I be freaking out?
A new virus spreading quickly around the world. Young, healthy people struck dead in Mexico. Should we all be panicking?
"Absolutely not," said Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the department of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Swine flu, he said, "is not spreading all that rapidly. Take the St. Francis School in New York. There's been very little transmission from the schoolchildren to family members, and it certainly hasn't spread throughout Queens." iReport.com: Share your thoughts, concerns about swine flu
But, Schaffner added, this doesn't mean we shouldn't pay attention to swine flu. "We should be alert, keep up with the information coming out daily, and take control by being attentive to your hygiene. Wash your hands very, very frequently and avoid people who are coughing and sneezing."

6. How close do you have to be to a sick person to get swine flu?
"You can acquire this infection if you're within the 'breathing zone' of a sick person, which is about three to six feet," Schaffner said. "And we usually mean being this close to someone in a confined space. We're not talking about fleeting contact. We're not talking about walking past someone in the street. You need sustained contact." If you think you might have sustained contact with someone who's ill, read this guidance from the CDC's Web site.

7. Yikes! Every day I'm that close to countless people -- at work, on the bus, at church, in a movie theater. Could I get swine flu from them?
Yes.
"If you're standing next to someone on a bus, or sitting next to someone or in front of someone in a theater, you could acquire the infection in that fashion," Schaffner said. That's why people with the symptoms of any kind of flu -- fever, diarrhea, body aches, vomiting, etc. -- are urged to stay home and away from groups of people.

8. Wasn't there a vaccine at one time? Is there one now?
Yes, a swine flu vaccine was given to 45 million people in 1976. There is no vaccine now, although researchers are working on one.
The 1976 vaccine wouldn't be helpful anyway, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy & Infectious Diseases.
"That was a completely different virus than the virus we are dealing with right now, completely different in the sense that the genes are different, and it doesn't have any relationship," said Fauci. "The designation of each one was called the swine flu, but from a viral standpoint and spreading it is quite, quite different."
Here are two scientific articles about the swine flu outbreak and vaccination program in 1976:
•Reflections on the 1976 Swine Flu Vaccination Program
•Swine Influenza A Outbreak, Fort Dix, New Jersey, 1976

9. Many young, healthy people have become sick in the United States. Many of the dead in Mexico have been young and healthy. What's going on? Usually we think of flu as affecting the very young and the very old.
This sometimes happens with new viruses. For example, in 1918 when a new flu virus emerged, many of those stricken were young and healthy. One theory is that young people, who have strong immune systems, mount a particularly vigorous response to new viruses. But there's a potential side effect to the response: the body releases dangerous levels of signaling proteins, called cytokines, which can damage the lungs. Scientists believe these "cytokine storms" can be fatal.
Here is a scientific article about the proposed mechanism of cytokine storms.

10. Why are large numbers of people dying in Mexico, but not in other countries?
This is the big mystery doctors are trying to solve right now. Many infectious disease experts say it's most likely a matter of numbers: with more illnesses in Mexico, there are also more deaths. Other explanations: that in Mexico people have, in addition to swine flu, other viruses that make for a more deadly combination than swine flu alone. It's also possible that the virus infecting the rest of the world is a weaker version than the one in Mexico. Among the swine flu mysteries: Why only deaths in Mexico?

11. Could this new swine flu virus have been manufactured by bioterrorists?
That's the theory on some conspiracy theorists' Web sites. But experts don't believe it.
"If you were a bioterrorist you'd want to create something that's a lot more deadly than this," said Dr. Gerald Evans, an associate professor of microbiology at Queen's University in Canada. "The problem with influenza is that the second you put it into people, it replicates and mutates very quickly. Even if you created the perfect bioweapon, within a few generations of transmissions, it wouldn't do what you planned for it to do."

12. I get a flu shot every fall. Will that help protect me against swine flu?
"The short answer is that the CDC says it's very unlikely," Schaffner said. But he said it might be possible. "I think it's a bit of an open question whether repeated flu shots over years would provide a measure of protection."

13. I was in Mexico two weeks ago. Could I have contracted swine flu, and the symptoms just haven't shown up yet?
No. The incubation period of the swine flu is one to seven days.
"If you just traveled to Mexico and you're home and feeling well you should get on with your daily life and not worry about it," Evans said.

14. Can the swine flu virus live on inanimate objects? If someone with swine flu touches a doorknob, then I touch it, could I get swine flu?
Flu viruses can live on inanimate surfaces. So theoretically, you could get swine flu from touching a doorknob that was just touched by an infected person. However, that's pretty unlikely, according to Dr. Arthur Reingold, head of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley.
"I personally would not have a major fear of environmental contamination," he said. "Virtually all influenza is transmitted from sneezing and coughing."
Schaffner agrees, adding that flu viruses don't survive in large numbers on surfaces. "A doorknob isn't a warm, nourishing
Call your doctor -- don't just drive on over, Schaffner advised. "Follow the instructions of your doctor. He might not want you inenvironment for a virus," he said

15. What should I do if I develop symptoms of swine flu?

Call your doctor -- don't just drive on over, Schaffner advised. "Follow the instructions of your doctor. He might not want you in the waiting room spreading germs to others," he said.

Walking Life: Take the road slowly traveled...

2009-04-19T08:32:00.003-04:00

Walking can be a simple activity or....can become a snapshot of our life.
There are many meanings we can give to a walk.... maybe is simply the way we find time for ourselves, for our thoughts, our soul and mind.
For sure doesn't cost anything and it's an healthy action. Let's "walk towards our success and happy life".

Below is part of an article read on a local newspaper....enjoy your reading or better...your walking...:-)

Explore your town! Start on one side and meander to the other! What kind of trees are there? How do the houses change?

Take a miracle walk! Set out with a question or problme and walk out an answer

Take an aimless walk - don't have a destination! Wander a imlessly

Move into a new experience!

Take a photographic walk. Bring a camera!

Notice how your moind can unlock on a walk

Explore your commute! Walk all or part of the way to work. Notice things you normally wouldn/t. Arrive to work grounded and refreshed

With or without music? I-pod mania...

Walking is perfect for soothing and making sense of anxiety, worry and uncertainty!

Solutions come!

Insights follow!

Save money on gas and travel!

Bring water!

Don't forget confortable shoes

Go with a friend or just yourself

No Gym Fees Needed

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world

2009-04-18T17:40:00.001-04:00

Some interesting reading:

http://www.davinciinstitute.com/page.php?ID=170

A new direction?

2009-04-18T17:34:00.004-04:00

A new start. I don't know why...but I think today will represent a new touchstone for the future....

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (CNN) -- President Obama said Friday he is seeking "a new beginning" in U.S. relations with Cuba.

Before addressing the representatives of 34 countries at the Summit of the Americas, Obama and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez saw each other and shook hands.
"Every one of our nations has a right to follow its own path," Obama told the assembly. "But we all have a responsibility to see that the people of the Americas have the ability to pursue their own dreams in democratic societies.
"Toward that end, the United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba."
Obama arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday evening for the Summit of the Americas, a key meeting of hemispheric powers. Although it was not represented at the talks, the subject of Cuba dominated the president's speech.
In prepared remarks, Obama said that "decades of mistrust" must be overcome, but noted that he has already loosened restrictions that limited Americans from traveling to visit relatives in Cuba and from sending money to them.
Obama lifted all restrictions Monday on the ability of individuals to visit relatives in Cuba, as well as to send them remittances.
That may be just the beginning. "I am prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a wide range of issues -- from human rights, free speech and democratic reform to drugs, migration and economic issues," he said.

"Let me be clear: I am not interested in talking for the sake of talking. But I do believe that we can move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new direction."
Obama's comments represent a significant shift in a U.S. policy that has remained largely unchanged since 1962, when the U.S. government imposed a trade embargo with Havana.
They come a day after Cuban President Raul Castro said he was prepared to discuss "everything, everything, everything" with the United States.
Castro told a summit of leftist Latin American leaders gathered in Venezuela, "We are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners," Castro said Thursday.
Havana played a major role in Obama's remarks, where he called for rejection of "stale debates" that have undermined opportunities to forge new partnerships. Watch Obama speak about "a new day" »
"They would have us make the false choice between a rigid, state-run economy and unbridled and unregulated capitalism; between blame for right-wing paramilitaries or left-wing insurgents; between sticking to inflexible policies with regard to Cuba or denying the full human rights that are owed to the Cuban people.
"I didn't come here to debate the past -- I came here to deal with the future. As neighbors, we have a responsibility to each other and to our citizens. And by working together, we can take important steps forward to advance prosperity, security and liberty."
Chavez's press office said Obama walked up to Chavez to greet him, a meeting it called "historic."
"President Chavez expressed his hope that relations between the two countries would change," the press office said, quoting Chavez as having told his U.S. counterpart, "Eight years ago with this same hand I greeted Bush. I want to be your friend." It said Obama then thanked Chavez.
Chavez once referred to former President Bush as "the devil."
On other matters, Obama, who said he is committed to fighting inequality "and creating prosperity from the bottom up," announced a Microfinance Growth Fund for the hemisphere and proposed creating an Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas "to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
He also vowed to "take aggressive action" to slash demand for illegal drugs, and to halt the movement of arms and money to Mexico.

Charleston...some info...

2008-12-16T23:26:00.004-05:00

Charleston is a city in Charleston county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is the largest city and county seat of Charleston County.[2] The city was founded as Charlestown or Charles Towne, Carolina in 1670, and moved to its present location (Oyster Point) from a location on the west bank of the Ashley River in 1680; it adopted its present name in 1783. In 1690, Charleston was the fifth largest city in North America,[3] and remained among the ten largest cities in the United States through the 1840 census.[4]

Charleston is known as The Holy City due to the prominence of churches on the low-rise cityscape, particularly the numerous steeples which dot the city's skyline, and for the fact that it was one of the few cities in the original thirteen colonies to provide religious tolerance to the French Huguenot Church.[5]

In fact, it is still the only city in the U.S. with such a church.[6] Charleston was also one of the first colonial cities to allow Jews to practice their faith without restriction. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, founded in 1749, is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the continental United States.[7] Brith Shalom Beth Israel is the oldest Orthodox shul in the South, founded by Ashkenazic (German and central European) Jews in the mid 19th century.

The population was estimated to be 118,492 in 2007, making it the second most populous city in South Carolina closely behind the state capital Columbia.[8] Current trends put Charleston as the fastest growing central city in South Carolina. The metropolitan area population of Charleston and North Charleston, which includes the entire populations of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, was estimated to be 603,178 in 2006.[9] This ranks Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville as the second largest metropolitan statistical area in the state behind Columbia. Nearly 80% of the Charleston metro population lives inside the city and its surrounding urbanized area (2000 pop.: 423,410).

The city of Charleston is located just south of the mid-point of South Carolina's coastline, at the junction of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Charleston's name is derived from Charles Towne, named after King Charles II of England.

America's most-published etiquette expert, Marjabelle Young Stewart, has recognized the city since 1995 as the "best-mannered" city in the U.S,[10] a claim lent credibility by the fact that it has the first established Livability Court in the country.

Moving to Charleston...a new Bridge to cross...

2008-12-13T09:46:00.004-05:00

Here we go....after almost 3 years of "Big Apple" life, my luggages moved again....new destination South Carolina, Charleston. And...a new bridge to cross....looking forward to do that....

I'm here since 2 weeks and I'm still astonished between feelings regarding NY friendships and "life-key"...and the news to be in a more quite, clean and definetely warmer city.

Temperature are like during the Spring Time and every place is extremely clean. People are friendly and I love my job. This is a place mainly founded on the shipping industry and tourism and he is one of the most historical place of the country.

Probably this will be the time to know the real America. I'm sure it will be an interesting experience...and this means that this blog will become the place where to post all the pictures and news I will find on this place....So, keep in touch.

Enjoy your week end...and let me leave you with a quote I was reading this morning.

Take care

Gianpy

"There are no classes in life for beginners: right away youare always asked to deal with what is most difficult."-- Rainer Maria Rilke

One month later....YES WE CAN

2008-11-08T15:52:00.005-05:00

Exactly one month later from my last post... and finally we can say: YES WE CAN.

We can try to make this world better.
We can try to live every day of our life as the best way possible.
We can say I love you to all the people we care about.
We can look at ourselves in the mirror and trust our soul.
We can look outside the box and find the best solution possible.
We can say thank you before it's too late.
We can think about the future without any predjudice.
We can say: YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN is not a simple slogan. It's behind any political parties, any race or colour, any age, any place in the world. Personally I'm happy on the America's choice. Now there are no more excuses for any immgrant, any people of colour, any citizens, any americans to say: "I can't get this because of my colour of the skin, I can't get this because of my status, I can't ...." This is an example on how this democracy can inspire every country, every people in the world.

WE ARE LIVING in a difficult time, economical crises, environmental issues, wars.... all matters that are influincing our daily life. The only way to get out of this, to stand up from this situation... is to react all together as individual, united as nation, as world. It will be tough...but I believe we can do it. I'm sure every single contribute will help to this common cause. It's time to create a different mentality in the world, it's time to think with a long term perspective. We cannot watch the TV and say that we have an energy issue and at the same time, we leave the lights on in rooms in which we are not. We cannot look the environmental problems and at the same time, we do not consider the way we can be more efficient in our house. We cannot keep watching the war on the TV and at the same time, have the same feeling in our families or working environment.

WE ALL HAVE A ROLE.

And I'm glad that the future President of the United States of America, can use his example to say: YES WE CAN. If you are a dreamer...you will easily understand that this is a common ground in which develop the CHANGE for the future. It's time to stand up and create little by little the change we need. No matter if your name is Obama or John... no matter if you are black or white, no matter if you are american or italian, atheist or religious... what matter is the way we change from NO to YES, from I to WE, from CAN'T to CAN. It's up to us.

Now, below video has more sense.

Yes we Can....

2008-10-06T21:25:00.002-04:00

Simply enjoy....for everyone who loves dreams, who believe in change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fZHou18Cdk

Gianpy

Rent...No day but today

2008-10-05T10:03:00.003-04:00

Waking up in the morning, having some fun with friends who slept over my house the past night and watching a movie found the day before by "suerte".

You will discover that....it's the beginning of the month and maybe...like in my case, you still have to pay the rent to the landlord. Let's do it before is too late ...:-)

Not sure if you had the chance to watch the movie Rent either the Broadway show. It's a mix of "normal life" in New York, well...probably normal for "artists" who live on their own world. But it has something in common with every single person who lives in this world. We often forget that we live only one life...so often our regrets take control of ourself and ...in the midtime, time is flying away. Then, when the day in which we lose the most important things in our life it comes, .... we do discover that we always had the chance to have them...but something was wrong inside us.

It's a written story, a brodway shows, a daily life. It's up to us to decide when stand up and live every day without regrets....not as a "normal day"...but as a "TODAY".

A mix of personal thoughts, a movie story, and a weblog ...a place to share whatever I think. It's time to measure our lives in love....and not on a calendar basis.

Enjoy your Sunday....

Gianpy

The concept of "mental inflaction"

2008-10-04T12:38:00.006-04:00

Reading the daily newspapers give you the chance to catch every day a new concept.

Well, maybe is not completely new...but sometimes the way writers call an idea, it is simply phenomenal.

Yesterday I was browsing something in the "Daily New York Metro". Every time I see there is an article written by Elliot Kallan, I stop myself and enjoy his writing and way to exploit the reality around us.

At this time, he wrote sometime about the "mental inflaction". I want just to report what was in the newspaper. It definetely give you an idea of "big numbers", USA economy crisis...and..."the human mindset". Hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Take care Gianpy

"With the introduction of the $700 billion credit bailout plan, America now faces a major crisis. No, not the economy. That thing's dead, and we need to move on and leave it behind us. I'm speaking of the uncontrolled growth of numbers. Almost daily, America is being confronted with bigger and bigger numbers, 700 billion being only the most recent example. Numbers that size used to appear only in academic texts and horror movies. The average Joe rested easy knowing he'd never have to think in more than four digits. But those innocent days are over.

America has losts its ability to tell when a number is too big. The problem started when "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" moved from a prime time to a day time. Suddenly a million dollars was no longer an amazing, unattainable figure but just something handed out between Judge Judy verdicts. From there it's been a slippery slope. $10 billion once shocked us, but now it's merely the monthly rate for a midsized war. And until recently, nobody had every even counted as high as $700 billion, but after a few weeks of hearing it bandled about on TV we got used it. Now $700 billion even feel kind of quaint, like buying a hot dog for a nickel.

It's a process called "Mental inflaction" in which the brain becomes desenitized to large numbers and readjusts its awareness of scale. As a result, America is losing its understanding of proper amounts of things. A trillion dollar deficit? Hey, that' just one bad day on Wall Street, we will make it back tomorrow. I fear if this numerical inflaction continues, we'll soon see 74 hours movies, 30,000-page books and eggs sold in packages of 1.5 million. Because frankly, in the face of 700 billion, only numbers that big make sense.

There is only one solution. The government must put a cap on counting and cease our production of new numbers until a normale sense of magnitude returns. This won't be popular. Still, in this new era of increased regulation, I think people will accept such a drastic measure. Otherwise, our nation runs the risk of collapsing under the weight of these numbers, leaving us with nothing we can truly count on, except our fingers."

Inspirational quote of the day...

2008-09-18T06:52:00.004-04:00

"Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way."

-- Douglas Pagels, Author

Life is a not a goal...is a journey

2008-09-13T17:40:00.005-04:00

Have you ever heard sentences like: "I'm tired" or "I'm giving 100% of myself but I'm not getting the same back" or "there is no time to do everything"?
Well, probably this is what 90% of people says everyday. Find excuses is one of the most visible aspect of the modern society. This is the reason why people feel unhappyness and unsatisfaction.

Most of the time we miss an important detail:

LIFE IS NOT A GOAL, IS A JOURNEY.

Often, we badly want to achieve something, and by the day we do it (or not), we don't feel the desidered satisfaction. The main reason is because we are so focused on the results, that we miss the daily contact, emotions given by people around us, sounds and colors coming out from the environment in which we live.

Think about an artist who play music. A song is a final result of a creative and inspirational moment. Behind a song, there is always a story, a though, an emotion, a mind, a path. The way songs are created make them uniques.

This is the same logic valid for anything else in life.

"Wedding is a result of love, not a goal to achieve. Being manager is a result of doing a good work and having a nice attitude, is not a chair to sit on top. Dream is live our life with open eyes, is not something to balance with the unhappiness of every day".

So, does it means that we can simply dream and live without goals and plans? Definetely no. Dreams without actions are like to have a roof of the house without foundations. We need both, for the right purposes.
Final goal is needed in order to visualize the path. Our mission is to live this journey smiling to everything around us. This is what I believe is bringing happiness to people. At least, it ensure that we are not spending our life time without living it.

Enjoy your day, life...and always smile.

Power of inspiration...

2008-09-13T11:43:00.003-04:00

Simply read them!! Enjoy

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little. - Edmund Burke

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.Henry David Thoreau

Attitude determines altitude. - Anonymous

It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. - Roy Disney

And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreasonable man adapts the world to himself. All progress depends upon the unreasonable man. - George Bernard Shaw

A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. –William Shedd

Your thoughts are the architects of your destiny. - David O. McKay

Some men see things the way they are and ask, "Why?" I dream things that never were, and ask "Why not?" - George Bernard Shaw

J F Kennedy....Arts and Quote

2008-09-08T06:16:00.003-04:00

Do you know that today is the birthday of John F. Kennedy Center forPerforming Arts?

In 1971, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts opened in Washington, D.C., with a performance of Leonard Bernstein's "Mass."

Today we can start with an Inspirational Quote of John F. Kennedy:

"When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity"

Have a nice Monday

Growing fast or growing well...

2008-09-07T10:16:00.003-04:00

Another year is flying away and some of the questions are always the same.

Economy is changing, Far East is taking the lead, USA are trying to keep their leadership awake, Europe is still trapped in political divisions, Russia is consolidating interests of the past in a modern way, Africa is full of wars and social problems. Australia, who knows what is happening over there!

In this scenario, global firms are positioning themselves as imporant agent in this society. If you think a second, you will probably realize that most of them move annual capitals bigger than most of what worldwide countries. do Acting in different countries make them aware of what is happing around the world. Often, they know cultures, laws, habits and economical trends better than local governments.

So, is the global growth passing trhough these entities?

In my opinion they have an important role. However a well structured growth can be achieved only if these entities will combine their role with the one that Institutions and Social Parts have. Is probably between those interactions that we can find some interesting examples on how to lead our society in the years ahead of us.

But please, do not leave the system doing that. Everything starts from a point that everyone knows really well: OURSELVES.

Find your path and keep going on it.

Gianpy

Little Mozart...

2008-09-07T09:58:00.003-04:00

Good morning to everyone,

today is the day in which discover interesting things on the web.

If you would like to know something more about a young pianist (9 years old) who plays Beethoven in the same way he use to have breakfast in the morning and, who talk about his 2 years old start, well, you can click on below link and maybe, get inspired for your future carrier..:-)

For sure, you will have an ambitous competitor in this field!! Enjoy

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/09/05/nat.uk.little.mozart.cnn

Gianpy

Sunday Quote....

2008-09-07T09:47:00.003-04:00

Jumping around the web I did find below quotation. Because we are living in a world where often, everyone's expectation is to became a manager or a CEO, let's give some inputs to reflect about Management and Leadership.

"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things".
Peter F. Drucker

Sometime, order makes the difference.
Enjoy your Sunday

Leadership and politics

2008-08-30T11:50:00.005-04:00

Days of conventions....Democratic first, Republican later. Who ever feel to be part of a country, or living on it, cannot ignore what is happening on the political side.

Often, people thinks that politics is not something that affect your daily life. Maybe is because we don't like the way Institutions are running, maybe because is too easy to identify in the political side the reason of our faillures.
But, politics reflects the society and everyone has to be part of it.

During the past week, I watched the Democratic Convention. I'm not going to hide that I was positively impressed from some of the speaches delivered, like Clinton, Obama.
The fact that USA, land of opportunity, is having difficulties to keep this role, is bringing everyone to a further step called: CHANGE.

We heard this word more than one time in the past. Most of the time it never happened. But everytime this was true, we experienced historical phases of our society development. World is full of wars, interests, divisions....but it is also full of leadership, people who want to change, people who loves.

I do agree on the fact that change has to come from the bottom to the top and not on the opposite way. This is what is behind the dream to lead a life, a family, a company, a nation.

Awaiting for the repubblican convention, I'm glad to have seen all the above in the first candidate to the Presidential elections.

Gianpy

Monday morning quote: experience

2008-07-28T05:54:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday Morning to all....:-)
Another week... another quote. Enjoy your time

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted"

Happy Feet now...

2008-07-20T20:14:00.004-04:00

Happy Happy Happy Feet :-)
Few days ago I did receive a movie as a gift for my birthday.
My turkish friends were keep telling me that I was looking like "Happy Feet". I'm not like a pinguin but I definetily love to dance.

Today we had lunch together and we had the chance to watch the movie.
I simply love it. It's a great story and Mumble is now part of my best collection :-)
Keeping faith in our dreams, discovering our talent, not imitating what other people does, understanding our feelings, letting them get out, as natural as they are.
That's the main message I will take from the movie...Thanks for this gift...full of energy...:-)

I guess is time end this week... with an Happy Happy Happy Feet Ending :-)

Monday Morning Quote

2008-07-14T06:05:00.002-04:00

Gooooooooooooood morning New York...:-)

It's Monday morning again....and it is raining outside.

Perfect day to be in the office :-)

It's time to leave you with the quote of the week:

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible" Walt Disney

Enjoy your week :-)

Gianpy

Happiness only real when shared

2008-07-06T22:14:00.003-04:00

It was September 2007 when I was travelling around West Coast of the USA, reading at the same time the book "Into the wild". Well, today, after 10 months... I watched the movie... I was not on the rock of the Grand Canyon, nether sleeping in a bus....

but...emotions, ideas and thoughts were the same....we need to understand what is the sense of our life...why we are on this planet...which is our personal mission....

Maybe we need a similar trip...with the only difference...to come back and live our life without hipocrisy.

"Happiness only real when shared"Christopher McCandless

Spinning....climbing the mountain

2008-06-29T20:30:00.005-04:00

Music, good people, inspiration, energy, efforts, sport.... all in the wonderful experience to take spinning class...

Close your eyes...find your equilibrium...listen your body, find your resistance...it's time to rock.

A new hill is at the door....keep moving forward....give a small touch of resistance...keep moving...the hill is there...you can move forward....give a small touch of resistance...don't give up....keep going..... breath...give air to your body and relax your shoulders....keep going....breath.... the hill is almost at the end....give the final touch of resistance....5 4 3 2 1...go up....give everything you have...not too much...not too slow.... but give what ever you can...3 minutes to go.... a new hill is a the door....at this time... we will reach an higher level of resistance...make up your breath, drink some water... once ready, let's climb the next one... 5 minutes to go....

Spinning....The experience just began....

Gianpy

Good luck AIESEC in Italy - A new year is starting

2008-06-29T19:55:00.003-04:00

Not all the people knows... that June 30th is a special day. Is the last day of the AIESEC Term.
For 60 years, generation of AIESECers are celebrating this day. It's the time to say thanks to the past generation of leaders.
It's the time to welcome the new ones....to take place in each small office all around the world...to feel the responsibility, the passion, the feeling to be together for a new challenge....

Good luck guys, where ever you are....I'm sure the dream will come true...

Gianpy

"Mary Poppins: Anything Can Happen If You Let It"

2008-06-29T19:31:00.003-04:00

so so so long time I'm not writing on this space.... long time that I'm not sharing with you my toughts, my dreams....I guess is time to start again...honoring the name of this blog....walking again on the bridge of life...

Few days ago I went to a Broadway show...everyone probably knows the story....I'm talking about Mary Poppins. Well...if you are in good company, this is the prelude of a good night. If you are in Broadway, the success is guaranteed....

So, here we go.... actors are on the stage....Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious...the show begins....and end with a flying Mary Poppins....

One sentence I will bring with me: "Anything Can Happen if you Let it"

Just let's do it.....

Gianpy

The tie, the old woman and the child...catch the moment

2008-03-30T01:41:00.003-04:00

It's a cold morning, the sun is arising and the City is waking up. Soon, this amazing quite will change.
Underground, thousands of ants are moving fast, walking and traveling through those modern caverns, called tunnels or subway tracks. Small shuttles are running towards the city...cars and bus are ready to jump from each of the outstanding bridges...
It seems to be at a parade, millions of people who move to the center of the city, ready to manifest itself at the first sun light of the day.
Instead, it's a normal waking up of New York, a city that found its own way to sleep and to be awake.
But, this morning has something special.
At the bus stop, there are 3 people.... all of them in suit and tie. They represent the society, the production, people who make the economy grow.
In few seconds, this image has been broken!!! And it becomes incomplete at my eyes.
An old women, with an orange jacket, decides to litterally stop the time. She show up with a STOP signal in her hands. At that signal...Cars hold on their running!!!
A children, with a bag on his shoulders, cross the street and say: "Goodmorning, thanks".
She smiles.... proud of her role, proud to have done her part.

Now, it's time to go back to normal. Time starts to move again, cars begin to speed up, the children is on his way to school.
After few moments, my small shuttle jumps in the city..... I guess now it's time to do my part!

Italian version
La cravatta, la vecchietta e il bambino...cogliere il momento
Freddo mattutino, primi raggi del sole che scaldano una città ancora addormentata.
Tuttavia questa quiete è ben presto destinata a terminare. Nell'entroterra ci stanno tante formiche che percorrono i vari cunicoli sotterranei. Tante altre sono a bordo di piccole navette che si dirigono verso il centro, pronte a sbucare da tunnel, a saltare giù dai ponti....
Sembra quasi di assistere ad una radunata, un corteo che converge al centro, pronto a manifestarsi alla prima luce del giorno.
E invece, è un normale risveglio di New York, una città che ha trovato un modo tutto suo di dormire e di svegliarsi.
Eppure, questa mattina ha qualcosa di speciale.
Alla fermata del bus, ci stanno 3 persone in giacca e cravatta. La società che produce, che fa andare avanti il mondo. Ben presto però, questa affermazione diventa incompleta. e si scioglie come la neve sotto i raggi del sole.
Una vecchietta, con addosso una di quelle giacchette arancioni a strisce argentate, ferma il tutto. Un cartello nelle sue mani dice "STOP".Le macchine interrompono la loro corsa.
Un bambino con la sua cartella in spalla, attraversa la strada e dice: "Buongiorno, grazie".
Lei... sorride, orgogliosa del suo ruolo, di aver fatto la sua parte.
Adesso, il tempo può ritornare alla sua normale corsa. Le macchine ripartono, il bimbo si avvia a scuola....la mia navetta sbuca a Manhattan, ...mi sa che è ora di fare la mia parte!!!
Gianpy

Arieu and Leadership

2008-02-17T19:52:00.002-05:00

Inspiration from the web:

Leadership is a quality a person may have. One can categorize the exercise of leadership as either actual or potential:

actual - giving guidance or direction, like a teacher being a leader to a student, as in the phrase "the emperor has provided satisfactory leadership".
potential - the capacity or ability to lead, as in the phrase "she could have exercised effective leadership"; or in the concept "born to lead".

Leadership can have a formal aspect (as in most political or business leadership) or an informal one (as in most friendships). Speaking of "leadership" (the abstract term) rather than of "leading" (the action) usually implies that the entities doing the leading have some "leadership skills" or competencies.
Arieu defines a leader as "someone able to inspire another associate with a dream."

"Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.”

2007-11-17T11:02:00.000-05:00

"Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order." Samuel Beckett

This is one of the sentences that bumped up on my attention during the performance of James Devine in TAPEIRE, a show currently performed in Broadway Area in NY.

Tapeire comes in from a quartet of dance, fiddle, percussion and electric harp, all "driven by rhythm". They exploire together the rich sounds of Celtic culture past, present and future.

It's a new style called "Celtic Tap".

Going back to the show, Tapeire takes the twin worlds of Irish dance and tap and blends them into one dynamic form. Charting the history of Irish dance via film backdrop, it travels from the old culture through Ireland's 17th century "dancing masters", to the 1980 competitions and modern shows, and finally end with a freestyle jam session, during which the artist see where their hands and feet can take them.

It's pure rhythm ans sound. Starting form the first second to the last one...it keep you alive on your seat. Innovative and creative, it's a good occasion to appreciate the talent of these artists.

As a final note, James Devine (creator, director choreographer and main dancer) is the Guinnes World Record holder for Fastest Dancer in the World executing an astonishing 38 taps per second!!! See to believe it!!!

If you want to know more, visit http://www.tapeire.com/

Soccer...what's the real face?

2007-11-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

I was reading a friend's webblog and some news on internet. My intention was to find something about the result of Serie A Championship in Italy. And again, another person died and several accidents are still ongoing in different cities between ultras and police officers!!!!

We can write and say thousands of words on this. But this is not the real face of the soccer.

I do not accept that few people will continue to have all the attention on them, fighting on the streets and saying "we are going to the Stadium".

Soccer Clubs, Institutions, have to say "Not" to all of this. For one time, they should not care about interests and money and fight internally this violence.

I just came from Queens, where I'm following with a friend (Alfonso) a team of kids under 17. We use to spend time during the week for trainings, trying to improve day by day our team performance. Everyone is doing the best he can; Sunday, it's not only the time to play to win, but it's the time to have fun and learn together as well. It's not matter of the final score. It's the matter to learn how to play together, how to trust and know better each one of the player, person, close to you. It's the time to have fun together.

IT'S SOCCER TIME!!!

The main difference that I see bewtween the Serie A Championship and the Under 17 Team is probably due to the interests that soccer teams, players, ultras, institutions, have once they turn on this activity in a business. Volunteers became Professionist Players, Association became Company, Fun became stress, time to play is not more decided by the people availability but is decided by the sponsors. On the side, parents and friends leave the place to few stupid organized ultras that are able to watch a match only if bunkered between barriers, like lions are in the ZOO.

Instead to strumentalize each single episode, maybe it's the time that all the involved parties take a concrete step towards a resolution. I'm on the side of each fan who goes to the Stadium enjoying and screaming at each action. But I would like to get out from the same door of the fan of the other team, at the same time, arguing on the final score but without barriers. Until that time, I will probably keep enjoing the real face of the soccer, leaving to others any strumentalization of the ongoing cases.

Take care

4:51:11!!!

2007-11-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

Grande Alessio.
I had the lucky to live with you the last days before of the NY Marathon...and I'm excited to read your final result.
It was an immense pleasure to meet you and Miranda after so long time :-)

See you in one month in Milan
Take care

Going back to the future....

2007-11-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

During the past 2 days I had the chance to think about my current experience. I also read all blogs of my friends and I found more than one thing in common. Most of us are currently around the world (India, UK, Australia, Cina..) but for everyone the question is the same: are we on the right track? Do we expect to jump all around the world for the rest of our life? When will be the break point?

Probably there are thousands of answer to those questions; until we are driven by our passions and values, we will always accept challenges and challenges do not have home!

Going back 2 years ago, I was still in Italy. My AIESEC's terms was ended in July and I was almost ready to get my Bachelor in Pavia. January 2006 my departure to the USA. After 2 years I have got my english certificate, I'm working at MSC as Import Assistant Manager, I travelled around the West Coast of the US, walking on 2 of my personal goals (Grand Canyon and Golden Gate), I'm studying at NYU for a Certificate on Business Management, Leadership and Organizational Development, I'm helping one of my friend as a trainer for a soccer team of under 17, I started my experience with NONI International, I'm eating many many books!!

If you read above, only thing that is missing is the time to rest. New York offers everyday thousands of opportunities. This is the reason why it is called "the city that never sleep".

Now, is this city the right one for the future? Probably I don't know yet. But I'm quite sure that will be my city for the next few years. If one day I will leave New York, I will probably have more time to relax...but I will miss the caotic sound of opportunities of every day.

If I try to link my past with my future... I will probably get lost at this time... maybe it's time to complete some of the present activities and have a better picture at the end.

I like to close this post with some sentences on New York. I hope you will enjoy.

Take care

Gianpy

“I go to Paris, I go to London, I go to Rome, and I always say, 'There's no place like New York. It's the most exciting city in the world now. That's the way it is. That's it.'”

Robert De Niro

“You'll have time to rest when you're dead.”

Robert De Niro

“We do not own this place, we are just passengers”

Robert Redford

Congratulations brother :-)

2007-10-31T22:52:00.000-04:00

It's time to say..."Dottore, dottore...dottore del b**o del c**0"...Grande Ferro, an other important achievement for you and for all of us...I'm sure this will give you a new jump into your future :-)

I told you. this summer...touching the balls will help :-)))

Gianpy

Smiling time: Friendships...

2007-10-24T20:42:00.000-04:00

A guy goes over to his friend's house, rings the bell, and the wife answers. " Hi, is Tony home?"
" No, he went to the store."
"Well, you mind if I wait?"
" No, come in."
They sit down and the friend says "You know Nora, you have the greatest breasts I have ever seen. I'd give you a hundred bucks if I could just see one."
Nora thinks about this for a second and figures what the hell - a hundred bucks. She opens her robe and shows one. He promptly thanks her and throws a hundred bucks on the table.
They sit there a while longer and Chris says "They are so beautiful I've got to see the both of them. I'll give you another hundred bucks if I could just see the both of them together."
Nora thinks about this and thinks what the hell, opens her robe, and gives Chris a nice long look. Chris thanks her, throws another hundred bucks on the table, and then says he can't wait any longer and leaves.
A while later Tony arrives home and his wife says "You know, your weird friend Chris came over. "
Tony thinks about this for a second and says "Well did he drop off the 200 bucks he owes me?"

Future of the world? Is it time to wake up???

2007-10-18T20:10:00.000-04:00

Today, while I was reading some news on internet, my attention was catched up by a picture. I want to share it with you and invite everyone to reflect on it.

People like chickens!! If people lives in this situation, something is not working well.

Just think about it and...maybe something will come up in your mind...to change that small thing that will create the difference in our daily life.

Always for a better world...Gianpy

Walking on the Bridge: Golden Gate

2007-10-15T23:46:00.001-04:00

The story of this blog started walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in NY. Yes, I had the lucky to visit this city also on the 2002, the summer after 09/11. Since that time, I always dreamed this path. Now, it represents one of the most important pieces of my life. Crossing a bridge it's a mix of feelings, meanings, thoughts. It links point A to point B. But, everytime you walk on it, personal persepctives use ot change. This is the reason why it seems everytime to live a unique experience.
One year ago, I bought a calendar with the most important bridges of the world. I sat down and I started to observe each one of them. That was the first time I was thinking to the experience the crossing of the Golden Gate, in San Francisco. 2 weeks ago, while I was travelling on the West Coast of the USA, I met 2 guys. 5:30 in the morning, we were both ready to start our life experience in the Gran Canyon. We introduced each others and after few minutes, they showed me some picture of San Francisco, last city they visited before to arrive to Las Vegas. In one of the picture, the Red Bridge! I started to think about my trip and see if there was an open window. But, the idea to go to San Diego and after to Los Angeles was great as well.

After the entire day spent in the Gran Canyon Reserve, I moved to San Diego. One day in its wonderful bay and the new decision: that night I decided to leave again. 11 hours were dividing me from the Red Bridge. Exacly one night of bus trip. I cancelled my hostel in San Diego and the Sun of the morning after was shining on San Francisco. Temperature was extremely cold and foggy. But, this situation facilitated the meeting of new people. Cathy, a girl from Cezch Republic, was travelling alone as well. In agreement, we decided to live this experience together and...We finally did it. We crossed the bridge, twice.

At the end of this trip, we stopped in a Chinese Restaurant, drinking hot green tea, eating some fresh sushi and recovering ourselves. We spoke as old friends, was amazing! We were extremely tired but happy for the common adventure. We spent the rest of the day together with several new experiences and there was a bit of sadness at the end of the day. A new night was coming in: my new direction was Los Angeles. Before to leave, we promised each other to remain in contact. After the Golden Gate, next dream is to see the sun on the top of Machu Pichu, in Peru an maybe, we will find again a common road to walk together.

A new bridge has been crossed, it's time to find the next one. Any suggestion?
Take care Gianpy

"Into the W..est Coast"

2007-10-11T00:17:00.000-04:00

One week ago I had the chance to walk on the West Coast of the USA. One week trip, moving from Las Vegas, Nevada to Gran Canyon, Arizona. Then, going to the South California in San Diego, up to the North in San Francisco and down again to Los Angeles.
An amazing trip, sleeping during the night in the bus and walking each day in a different city, different colors, different place, different people and... chilometers of thoughts.

While I was living this experience, a book with me. "Into the Wild", written by Jon Krakauer... a perfect combination for a trip alone.

I want just leave you one of the part of the book that is reflecting this status.

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun…"

Life is the path...never miss it!!!
Take care
Gianpy

Italian humor...

2007-10-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

Thanks Alfo for the smiling moment of the day :-)))

For several years, a man was having an affair with an Italian woman.
One night, she confided in him that she was pregnant. Not wanting to ruin
his reputation or his marriage, he paid her a large sum of money if she
would go to Italy to secretly have the child. If she stayed in Italy to
raise the child, he would also provide child support until the child
turned 18. She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born.
To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and write
"Spaghetti" on the back. He would then arrange for the child support
payments to begin.

One day, about 9 months later, he came home to his confused wife.
"Honey," she said, "you received a very strange post card today."
"Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it later," he said. The wife
obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white, and
fainted.

On the card was written:

"Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.
Three with meatballs, two without.
Send extra sauce."

a sentence to keep in mind...

2007-10-07T10:41:00.000-04:00

Dear all,it's long time that I'm not posting. This means that I have a lot to write you back :-)
so, day by day I will try to make up all the details of my absence :-)I

would like to share a sentence with you. I found it while I was in San Diego one week ago.

"If there is light in the soul,
there is beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person,
there will harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
there will order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will peace in the world."

Enjoy the week
Gianpy

Crossing Union City: the pool, the fisherman and our good sense!!!

2007-04-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to this story written with four hands...
Did you ever cross a place in a unusual morning without a concrete objective? Some times happens...
If this happens with one of your friend, in a foreign country...you are only at the beginning of a unknow trip!!!

It was an early Saturday morning, after have seen an episody of "Il commissario Montalbano". Close to noon, we decided to go around to find out a place to have breakfast. For people who doesn't know Union City, it could be useful to know that it's a "South American Colony".
Find a breakfast, without eat chicken and beans in the morning is like to become millionaire with the national lottery.
Walking on the street, we discover a little door. It was looking as a pub, but we decided to go inside. A barman, a pool and 3 strange people were populating this place.

As good Italians we decided to have an "aperitivo" before to proceed with our plan. Nobody was thinking that Frank Sinatra and the Blues Brothers were ready to seat in this place with us....

Changing the pilot....

sometimes you just need to see something new, doesn't matter what is your past or who you are. You need more. It always happens if you are in a different city, country, place, sky, language…the conlclusion will be most of the time something that you will never forget.

In a small street between two avenues, where nobody was around and just few dirty shops were open, we found a small closed door and a small closed window. If you fell normal or if you have a plan, you would never stop and think one second to get in.
To see that door, to stop in front of it and try to go in, was remembereding me an hold mysterious house that was abandoned on the hill around my grandparents house.

“What do we want to do??” It was the unt old question that was on our eyes. Without waiting for a word, we opened the door and we felt in a dark dirty pub, wide as 12 ft (less than 4 meters) and length around 30ft (9 meters). Personally I was starved but no where I was seing an oven or a toast maker. No way to eat something!!!

Once inside we were not finding anything enjoyable as a normal pub can offer. I have to be honest. Looking our movement around, it was so clear that we were new of the place, full of ourselves and looking for something exciting. Starting to play pool, tasting some frozen beer was just the first and natural consequence.

The perfect match for two men in their middle 20th or early 30th. Have been a matter of a minute and a short fat man, South American looking like, approached us putting some coins on the table and booking for the next game. Our small, hidden and dark pub was not the best place to be for a banker who was dressing a suite and an overcoat in a pretty sunny Saturday in the middle of April.

Raphael or whoever he really was, started talking to each one of us in a way that can be felt as familiar, we can say….friendly. Steve, the bartender, joined us. I don’t know a lot about the American people, but I have to say that Raphael is for sure more fantasious name than Smith, Joe, Jack or John as you expect from any American man.

Meanwhile Raphael was challenging one of us for the first game, that of course he would wisely lost, he paid the first shot of old Sambuca. It was his game, his first movement and of course his first fake step. If there is a scene to describe this, it is like to be a fish watching the fisherman to settle its position. The Sambuca was playing his game. I was personally enjoying everything: the unknown dirty dark place, the beer as breakfast, the pool table and the Sambuca taste on my mouth. Balls were on the table, Raphael ready to play and waiting for challenging. The fisherman was ready to put a bunch of worms on the river. Amazing!!

But here,

our knowledge and experience came out. Dear Raphael,
thanks to show us the game but we know already how to play in this case and we really enjoyed to see you, fisherman, showing your masterpieces on the art of mystification. In another moment maybe we would enjoy more, have more Sambuca shots paid,… by you of course, and also play the first two game, winning of course!!! Next time fisherman!!! We are still younger than you, but in our library we already have this book!!!

Now I am starting feel the effect of the alcoholic drinks…and most of all, I am starting to feel the emptiness of my belly and the hole in my head. It’s only 14:34 of an unusual Saturday!!!

changing the pilot

Moved by our research of food, a little diner came in our soccourse. A mix of eggs, mushrooms and peppers was our lunch time. Orange juice and american coffee our drinks. Dreaming our Italian Dishes and putting them in comparison with the food we were currently tasting, a feeling of sadness came out. But, the sunshine was back soon. Our friendship in Union City.. it was the best consequence of an unusual Saturday Morning in which a fisherman, is still looking for fish!!!! Go home safe!!!

Take care

Gianpy&Alfonso

AIESEC IPM 2009 in Italy

2007-03-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

It' always a pleasure to receive this kind of news. Our Italian Network will host this huge and amazing conference in the 2009.

Live contact: Cisco, IPM 2007 Egypt. If you want to read more, just click below:
http://cisco.nomadlife.org/
Live from Egypt: 3rd part!
Incredible! AIESEC in Italy is proude to announce that the
International Presidents Meeting 2009
will be held in our beautiful country!
For sure it's an incredible achievement, result of the work of amazing people and the commitment of all my team!
AIESEC in Italy is here!
Cisco

Congratulations guys, good job.
Gianpy

"You will be either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety"

2007-02-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

I'm back. After a week end spent with friends and relax, I'm trying to get ready for the new week is coming soon.

But, as promised some days ago, let me talk about something regarding the personal growth.

Reading one book on this topic, I found this sentence:

"You will be either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety".

Since the first moment, I found really interesting the meaning of this sentence. I used to describe the same concept as: "you can decide to stay in your bed, under a safe quilt, or you can decide to stay all the time out of your confortable zone".

Personally, I think there is not only one way to act. However, it's also true that more we live in unconfortable zone to us, more we learn for the future. Conclusions can be traced by everyone of us...

But, let me leave with a reflection. Think for a minute to all the problems you faced during the day. After that, click here and see all the pictures. Is not the same world we are living in?

Take care my friends

So long time....

2007-02-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

So long time... it looks like I never had a weblog!!!

If it's true that I didn't write anything during the past 2 months, coming back on this weblog is becoming again exciting. Why? Because I have thousands of news to tell to everybody.

So, from now on, I will start again to use this space to communciate what is going on my life.

Let's start. I'm still in this city, and the above picture is still reflecting my favorite and magic place to be.

My working experience is going well. Everyday I can find something new and this is exacly what I was looking for. My passion is not the shipping, but, this field is full of challenges every day and it's becoming a nice experience to live.

However, every day I take the chance to read and study something regarding one of my passion: The People Development. It's unbelievable to see how many things every human being can discover in yourself.

Just today, after finish my previous book, I began a new adventure reading a new one. I'm sure most of you know this masterpiece. The title is "The art of War" by Sun Tzu's. I just started and ... I already understood that I will be awake all night!!!

Wheather...believe or not here it's so...so...so cold!!! It's happen almost every day to be under the zero... I'm looking forward to see the spring...and enjoy the free time in all the New York parks. In the mid-time...too many thins are waiting for...so, there is not chance to get bored.

This is just a new start...keep in touch for the next post. New Title will be: "You will be either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety" Abraham Maslow.

Interested? Keep in touch....

Gianpy

Leonardo and his new job!!!

2006-12-05T00:07:00.000-05:00

Leonardo is back to New York and all the police man already are looking for him. Believe or not, this time he will risk a huge punishment.
What I'm talking about? I'm talking about his new job...
Is Leonardo helping a baby and his grandmother to enter inside their house or...it's only an excuse to working in the new field of the robbery? Let's take a look... votes are open :-)

Gianpy

Fabio...New York..e i castori...

2006-12-04T23:55:00.000-05:00

Some days ago, Fabio, one of my Pavia's friend, came to New York for one week.

Before to arrive to NYC he went to the West Coast. I'm sure his experience will be a great inspiration for his future. After 2 full weeks of travel, He conluded his american experience staying one week in this city.

With my huge pleasure, we had a great time together, going out and talking on how our lives changed in the last years.

There was only one thing that never changed and never will change:
Where ever you go, we will be always castoro-hunting!

Let's drink on this :-)
Gianpy

New York, land of friendships...

2006-12-04T23:20:00.001-05:00

It's some times that this blog didnt' see new post..but, let's go ahead to find a remedy :-)

It looks like yesterday the moment when I came here. More than 10 months are alreday gone. The life here use to run more than you, but fortunately, nothing happens without a reason.

My working experience is giving me a lot of opportunities to learn. I'm lucky to work everyday with people from which I can learn. And, as always, from my side the 200% of my self is guaranteed. I try to do my best in every things I do...and I'm sure this is the best way to growing in my life.

New York is also the land of friendship. Why? Because there is always some friends who is coming to visit New York; because the 90% of the young people in this city is living a similar experience, studying, doing an internships or something else, and because, you just need to be open minded and start to talk with the first person close to you.

So, it happens that during the week, a group of friends meet each others living te cultural mix of this city. During the last month I had the pleasure to host Fabio from Pavia (viva i castori e la vita di...); to meet Alessandro(one of the LCPs of my National AIESEC terms) and his friend from Ancona; to see again my cousin Teresa and boyfriend, to have back one of the person who I use to call "brother". Yes, Leonardo is back to New York and we started to share our love for all that could be called "Arts". First stop, Broadway, "Les Miserables" di Victor Hugo. Unbelievable and unforgettable. Which will be the next broadway show?

And so, as good italian, could not miss a nice pizza into our house... with something nice to drink and a good music as a background. Final results? Some good pictures to keep in the place called: friendships.

Take care my dears

Gianpy

Listening voices around us....

2006-11-04T09:11:00.000-05:00

Hey dears,

in this Saturday morning, finally one without work, I was jumping between different websites and I found an interesting an reflecting sentence, coming from the initiative "Business as an Agent of World Benefit (BAWB): Management Knowledge Leading Positive Change".

I will post here the sentence, from Bobby Sager, Founding chairman, young Presidents Organization Peace Action Network. If you want to read more, just visit the AIESEC INTERNATIONAL webblog. Take care.

He said:

"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple. But no one can count the apples in a seed."

For italian friends, seed=seme

Any given sunday....

2006-10-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

How many of you have been seen this movie!!!!

The first time that I had the chance to be in contact with it was during an AIESEC conference. The Al Pacino speach used to show the power an the meaning of the team building.

I have this speach in my computer and during my year of National Committee I used to listen it time by time, trying to reach all the words and the meaning behind them. And all the time new inspiration was coming up.

One week ago, watching the TV I found this movie and I simply stopped all my activities to watch it. And from the beginning I was waiting for the moment in which this speach was done.

I came back into my memories more than one time and I simply concluded that there is no limit to the power of the imagination and of the inspiration.

Just fell free to follow your instinct....and fly

Take care

Thoughts of the day

2006-09-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, it's me again...and this time I'm going to write down some thoughts of the day.
The first one is coming from the book I'm actually reading. (The DNA of the Leadership).
I was reading the "the gene C" part, regarding the community concept, and I found this interesting sentence:

"A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm"

This sentence could have different meanings but as always, I like to link old sentence with actual issue. So, that time I found an interesting link between this sentence and what is happening today in New York.
During these days, at the UN Building, is on going a worldwide meeting were the most important leaders of the world are discussing on the current issues...and trying to find common solutions.
Probably is not only having their own speach that they will find all the answers to the actual problems, but... it's also true that we cannot think forever that there are two different worlds. The first one, political and regarding power people; and the second one, regarding all the rest common people.
Everyone has his role in this world...and the world needs the cooperation of everyone. So, when we heard news or when we read on the newspaper regarding IRAN, IRAQ, USA, OIL, DARFUR etc... probably is the right time to think to this old sentence... and starts to do something. Something for waht? The answer is...let's starts with the community around you, with people who meet all day, with your friends an family....and be ready.... because when you talk about COMMUNITY, you will find again this old sentence... and ...it's your turn!!!

Take care...

New York Life...a tipical day during the week

2006-09-18T22:39:00.000-04:00

What'up my dear friends? I hope everything is going well to everyone.
It's time to write down something regarding life I'm doing in New York, during the week.

During the week most of the time is dedicated at work. Wake up early in the morning, drink my daily glass of orange juice, eat some cookies and....let's go, let's get it started,
Subway is coming, more or less is one hour trip from the house I'm living to the place I'm working. Yes, its so far, but it's the best solution I have at the moment. Working in the middle of Manhattan don't give you the chance to find a cheap rent and so...everyone use to find something out of the Island. But let's continue our story.

During the subway time there is the first decisional moment of the day. You can choice between:
- reading a book
- reading a newspaper
- listening to music
- sleep
-starting to talk with people around you.

Excluding the last one, because in the morning nobody wants to talk, very often the choice is between sleep and....sleep. Nothing is better than sleep deeply for at least 25 minutes..:-)

But like all the best thing, these moment are not going to live forever.... time to get out from the subway is arrived. "GRAN CENTRAL- 42th street". It's time to come back to the reality and walk 5 blocks before to arrive in my job place. Under the shadow of the Empire State Building, the working day started and will go on until 6 or 7 o clock PM, with the launch time in the middle.

Now, a new choice is coming up:
-go home, cook something, clean up the house or take some nice rest.
- go to work out
- hang out, go to drink a couple of beers with friends
- partecipate to social events around the city.

Whatever you will decide... You will never go to sleep before than midnight. And...did you hear it?
parapapppapparappaa....

Yes, it's the clock alarm!!!! Wake up, Wake up!!!
A new day is already started!!!
Take care
Big hug from the city that never sleep!!!