December 16, 2011Vol. 28 No. 47

SicilianChristmas

Goodies

Learn about these tempting

treats.

Get the Sigonella

DoDDS 411

From boys and girlsbasketball games toHoliday BookmarkContest Winners ...

get the 411!

Page 8

2011 MissoulaAudition and

Play

Approximately 40-50students will be cast.

Find out more!

Page 11

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Scan for direct linksto NAS Sigonella

Page 6

SIGONELLA, Italy – Boy Scouttroop 53, donated nearly 2 tons ofcanned and dry food and cases ofbaby food to the largest CatholicCharity and Soup Kitchen in Catania,Sicily.The donation was part of a food drivecoordinated as part of a Boy Scoutranking requirement for Life Scout

Mathew Kinsman in order to receivethe next Boy Scout rank of EagleScout.

The Eagle Scout is the highest ranka boy scout can receive in theprogram. In order to rise to this ranka scout must attain at least 21 meritbadges, and organize, lead andmanage an extensive communityservice project. Eagle Scouts arepresented with a badge and medal to

visibly recognize the accomplishmentand the rank will be maintained bythe scout long after he has ended thescout program.

“This food drive is for the CaritasCharity Center, the largest soupkitchen in Sicily. In the past fewmonths the kitchen has receivedmore families in need of food andshelter, so we are helping them bydonating 1 ton of food for the holiday

season,” said Kinsman. This means alot to me, it’s not something you seeeveryday. I was born here and justwanted to help out my community bycoming back and helping out.”

The food drive involved coordina-tion with the local commissary,community members, and Caritasofficials in order to successfullyexecute the drop off and maximizethe help to the community.

“This has been a great opportunity.This is the second time that the basehas reached out to our charity, thistime it was such a generous donationand is very meaningful to us,” saidDalerio Di Trapani, the director ofthe Catania Caritas Charity Center.

“It shows that the American commu-nity cares about outreaching to theless fortunate, so I can say that thisyear’s Christmas will be more joyfulfor the needy families of Catania whowill receive these donations.”

This is just one of the many chari-ties receiving holiday gifts from thefamilies of Naval Air StationSigonella. The Air Force BoosterClub will also be dropping off a largesupply of clothing to the San PaoloChurch of Acireale, and the JuniorEnlisted Association will be provi-ding Christmas presents to thechildren of Catholic Foster Home inMacchia di Giarre.

Sigonella Boy Scouts Donate Tons of Food to Catania Soup KitchenBy MC2 Gary PrillNPASE East Detachment Europe

Helping those less fortunate this holiday season, Boy Scout troop 53 donated nearly 2 tons of canned and dry food to the largest soup kitchen in Sicily. (U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Gary Prill)

Online) or theUnitedServices MilitaryApprenticeship Program(USMAP), a formal mili-tary training program thatprovides active duty servicemembers the opportunityto complete their civilianapprenticeship require-ments while they are onactive duty. This additionaltraining, paired with volun-teering and communityinteraction will help set youapart and help you succeed.

Last but not least, it is theend of the year and we are inthe middle of theMediterranean, so make sureyou get out of the triangle, goto ITT and visit some of theother cultures around us.

Page 2 December 16, 2011

NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief, David Graham

The

Sig

natu

re Commander

U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella

Capt. Scott Butler

Executive Officer

Cmdr. Eric Vosler

Command Master Chief

CMDCM David Graham

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Tim Page

timothy.page@eu.navy.mil

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Dott. Alberto Lunetta

alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil

Writer/Editor

Jackie Trembath

jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil

Staff Writers/ Photographers

MC1 Christopher Delano

MC2 Gary Prill

GM2 Kris Carmody

MCSN Cameron Bramham

MCSA Brian Glunt

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas.

Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,

the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertisingin this newspaper,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD orStampa Generale S.r.l.,

of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publications hall be made available

for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status,

physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policyby an advertiser will result in the refusal

to print advertising from that source until the violationis corrected. The Signature is published weekly by

Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy -

Tel. 081-568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and

tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil,

guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no laterthan the close of business on the Friday proceeding the

expected publication date. All articles submittedby non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are

the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is

unauthorized without the written consentof the publisher.

The Signature editorial office is located at: Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 Telephone: 095-86-5440 • DSN 624-5440

Email thesig@eu.navy.mil to place your classified advertisement or community announcement.

Buongiorno Sigonella,Christmas is here! It’s hard tobelieve that another year haspassed by so quickly. As weenjoy the holiday season anddo our last minute, panickedshopping, remember to takethe time and enjoy being withyour family. All too often weare away from them andmissing out on their life whiledeployed, so take some timeand create some long-lastingmemories.

Christmas is not just a timefor festivity and merrymaking. It is more than that. Itis also a time for the contem-plation of the past year and ofthe future. Typically, we tendto set goals during this time ofyear in the hopes of betteringourselves in the followingyear.

This year I would like to chal-lenge you to refocus on yourpersonal and professional devel-opment.

Personal development is easilyaccomplished; it is simply the actof making your life better. It cansomething as easy as learning howto change the oil in your car, to themore daunting prospects of goingback to college or deciding tomake a change to a healthierlifestyle.

I say these changes are easy,because here in Sigonella, we havefantastic programs in place to helpyou meet your goals. MWR andHealth Promotions can help youwith your fitness goals, through avariety of nutrition and workoutclasses, while our fantastic collegeoffice counselors are well versedin matching prospective students

with the school that is the best fit.No matter what you decide,remember, it’s all for you so havesome fun with it.

Professional development -Individuals who engage in profes-sional development share thecommon goal of enhancing theirjob capabilities and advancing intheir career path. In the military,there are two items, that you havecontrol of which can help withyour advancement; your examscore and your evaluation. To becompetitive, you have to study!Bibliographies are made availablebefore every test, so that you canstudy and score well on your test,so be sure to utilize it. To ensureyour yearly evaluation is compet-itive, look for ways to gain an edgesuch as Navy COOL(NavyCredentialing Opportunities

Six members of the NAS Sigonella community became U.S. citizens during aceremony held on Dec. 9 on NAS I. Two service members, Julito Dacpano andJay Lambert Penados, and 4 spouses, Debora Giuffrida, Maria Hagedorn,Maria Hoffman and Huiyi Li all took the oath at the presence of Mr. JohnLafferty, Deputy District Director of the U.S. Citizenship and ImmigrationServices Rome District Office. (Photo By Gena Gesa, NLSO EURAFSWA DetSigonella)

Chaplain Steve Labue of NAS Sigonella and Chaplain Alan Hansen,Regional Chaplain from Naples, cut the birthday cake celebrating the236th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Page 3December 16, 2011

Tremor Dott. Stella

SILVERII see we have an all NFL

lineup this week, meaning thisweek's picks need to be made by theadults on the panel. The LT's cango ahead and take a seat. I also wantto add how bad I feel for our lastplace panelist. Keep your head up;I think the world figure skatingchampionships are happening soonmaybe they'll make a panel in TheSignature for that, LT McHenry.Moving on, here are my picks forthe week.

Pittsburgh @ San FranciscoChris and Matty, I hate to go

against you on this one, but I haveto pick the Niners here. The gameis in San Fran and they are playingtoo good right now to get beat athome. James Harrison might be apossible scratch in this one as wellfor his malicious hit against ColtMcCoy. That would be a big holein the Steelers D and would be hardto fill. Big Ben is under pressure allday. Niners by 10.

Detroit @ OaklandWhere am I from again?

That's right, I'm from Michigan.The Lions go into Oak-town andbeat the Raiders so bad the Raiderfans that dress up like an S&Mgroup (Raider Nation or somethingto that tune) start crying. GoLions!!!

New York Jets @ PhillyLT McHenry, the Eagles are

awesome this year! Not! Jets by 21.

Cleveland @ ArizonaCleveland can't stop Larry

Fitzgerald & company. Cards by 14.

New England @ DenverEnough of Tim Tebow says

Tom Brady. The former alumni ofTHE University of Michigan shows“Timmy T” what a real NFL quar-terback looks like. Pats win this onewith ease, and Tebow might evencomplete more than four passes thisgame due to New England's suspectdefense. Either way, you can't stopTom Brady.

Seattle @ ChicagoDa Bears by 10. I don't want

the Bears to win, because they arein the same division as my Lions,but I think they'll pull this one outwith pure grit. That's all I've got.Go Navy!

PAGEWell, well…It looks like GM2’s

record is falling like a rock and anew leader has risen to the top. Ialso notice that McHenry finallytook my advice which resulted inhis 6-0 record this week. Stick withme kid and I’ll take ya places.

Overall Record: 55-28NFL: 30-11NCAA: 25-17

Overall Record: 51-32NFL: 23-18NCAA: 28-14

Lt. Tim PageNAS Sigonella PAO

LSSN Nathaniel SquallLSC Sigonella

GM2 Bryan SilveriCMAA Office

Ashley DembinskiWIC office admin. assistant

Lt. Chris McHenryNAS SigonellaAdmin Officer

Pittsburgh @ San Fransisco

Detroit @ Oakland

NY Jets @ Philadelphia

New England @ Denver

Overall Record: 54-29NFL: 28-13NCAA: 26-16

San Fransisco

Oakland

Philadelphia

Arizona

Denver

Overall Record: 45-38NFL: 24-17NCAA: 21-21

Pittsburgh @ San FranciscoAs much as I dislike the Steelers,

this will be a great defensive battle.Arguably two of the better defensiveteams matched up, with both lookingto make a strong playoff run. Althoughthe 49ers are at home, I am expectingthis comes down to who can air theball out, and I think the advantagegoes to Mike Wallace of the Steelers.

Detroit @ OaklandOakland has been shaky at best,

losing the top position in the AFCWest to Denver, or shall I say Tebow!Detroit has the offense and a defenseto compliment the offense, but theyjust can't get it done against top tierteams. News Flash! - Oakland is NOTtop tier team. Detroit by 14.

NY Jets @ PhiladelphiaThis will likely be the best game

this week in regards to the picks! Bothteams have the personnel but justsimply can't get it TOGETHER! Thisis a toss-up and just to make McHenryfeel good, I'll go with the Eagles. I'mhere for ya!

Cleveland @ ArizonaThis could go either way. These

teams, strangely enough, match upvery well together. With Beanie Wellsseemingly healthy and the defenseplaying "tolerable" and the Browns stillleaning on Colt McCoy, I just don't seeCleveland getting past the Cardinals.I'm picking the Cardinals in a closeone.

New England @ DenverTim Tebow, you've had a great

run, but all good things must come toan end.Unless Tom Brady and WesWelker come down with a major caseof altitude sickness, the Broncos don'tstand a chance. For the Broncos to winTebow will have to throw for 300yards (at least) and he has not comeclose to that total yet. Denver goesdown hard in this one, 41-10 and themedia will be all over Tebow and hisinability to pass. Give him a breakalready!!

Seattle @ Chicago I know there was a lot of chatter

from the CMC Graham on how theBears were doing and that has gonesilent over the last couple weeks.Rightfully so...With Cutler and Fortehurt, they have NO offense now.Unless Devin Hester or Johnny Knoxcan run EVERY punt and kickoff back,they will have trouble scoring a point.They lose to Seattle and likely mostgames until Forte is healthy. Yes, hemeans that much to that team.

SQUALLPittsburgh @ San Francisco

Well the power rankings have San

Fran. at 3 and Pittsburgh at 5 but forthis game, my guts have to go with theSteelers. They only give up 176passing's yards a game which is secondin the NFL and only 96 yards rushinga game which is 7th in the NFL. Theirdefense is tough and very nasty. Theywill blitz you from left, right and evenright up the middle. Their secondarydoes not give up many big plays andtheir linebackers will make you notwant to cross the middle of the field.San Fran. is 29th in passing and 7th inrushing with 130 a game. But don'tforget pass sets up run and if you can’tpass you will not be able to run on theSteelers. So Steelers lets go.

Detroit @ OaklandFor some reasons I am leaning

on the Raiders in this one. But Detroithas lost to good teams this year I meanSan Fran, Atlanta, Chicago (withcutler), Saints, and Green Bay. So wereally can’t say they are a bad team.They have offensive power and theirdefense is ok. Raiders will havetrouble dealing with Suh and Fairleyand Vanden Bosch so I say Detroit allthe way.

NY Jets @ PhiladelphiaI say Jets because Eagles suck

terribly. Jets suck too but Eagles areterrible. Jets will pull this one out in aclose one trust me. Sanchez is makinga playoff run and Philly gives up tomuch.

Cleveland @ Arizona Come on for real! Cleveland

cannot win on the road at all. Theyhave a stout passing defense. I meanfirst in the league but Arizona has anX-factor in Patrick Peterson and yes hecomes from LSU. He has been greaton special teams and Beeanie Wellscan hit another 200 yard game. I takeArizona in a close one.

New England @ DenverTebow is real and their defense

is real but Brady should be able toexpose their weak secondary. Patriotsare too strong and have too manyweapons. They will run and pass butyou never know which one will come.I like this match up a lot, but Tebow isstrong and knows how to win. I stillsay New England in a 3 point game.

Seattle @ ChicagoI guess Chicago. I hope. Who

cares? These teams are terrible. Let’sbe real here. Chi town come on!

DEMBINSKIPittsburgh @ San Francisco

I am putting my faith in theSteelers offense this week. They seemto have been able to overcomeeveryone except Baltimore this year. Ihad lost faith in Roethlisberger, but he

appears to be getting his act together,leading the team to 4 straight winsafter a close but disappointing loss tothe Ravens. The 49ers have stumbleda bit in the past few weeks, losing toboth Arizona and (just likePittsburgh) the Ravens. Their passingdefense is a bit weak for the Steelerspassing offense. They are allowing justas many yards as Pittsburgh is gainingin the air, which gives me hope thatthe Steelers will be able to shine. BigBen better let it fly and prove me right!

Detroit @ OaklandDetroit leads this series, 2-0.

Obviously, Oakland has performedmuch better when compared to pastyear. I just don't think this will changethe fact that the Lions, headed bystand-out Matt Stafford, are going towin it. The Detroit offense anddefense are stronger and able to winon the road. Put another home loss onthe board for the Raiders, as Detroitmoves to 9-5.

NY Jets @ PhiladelphiaI'm giving this to the Eagles.

This offense is heads above the Jetsand they are desperate to add to thatsolitary home win of theirs. I think, ifVick is healthy, they should have noproblems, whether running or passing.

Cleveland @ ArizonaColt McCoy suffered a concus-

sion against Pittsburgh and isquestionable to play against Arizona.This leaves Seneca Wallace (who hasthrown for a whopping 2-2 for 17 totalyards this year) in charge! While thisis an obvious weak spot, even if Coltdoes play, the Cardinals will still beable to maintain their streak, withanother win.

New England @ DenverShould this be called Tom Brady @Tim Tebow??? That's really whateveryone will be watching. How willTebow measure up against the greatTom Brady? New England has someinjuries on both sides of the ball andthis will surely put a damper on theirability to score. This, in my opinion, isreally anyone's game. I'm going to giveit to the Broncos, simply for the factthat I just really don't like the Pats, andI think people would give Tebow abreak.

Seattle @ ChicagoI wish we would quit having to

pick Bears games already! I am givingthis one to the Seahawks. The Bearsare without Matt Forte, and thismeans huge losses in their offense.Forte is a team leader in both passingand rushing yardage. Add that to theBears already on a 3-week losing run,and the Seahawks have the perfectopportunity to pull out a Windy Citywin.

Pittsburgh

Detroit

Philadelphia

Arizona

Denver

Cleveland @ Arizona

Pittsburgh

DetroitNY Jets

Arizona

New England

Detroit

Arizona

New England New England

San Fransisco

Seattle @ Chicago SeattleChicagoSeattle Chicago

TRAFFICNUMBERS

Jan. 11 Jan. 10

Oct. 11 Oct. 10

Accidents 267 286

Injuries 36 49

DUIs 10 9

Traffic

Deaths 0 0

Please,

don’t become

a statistic!

Water, continued on page 12

The short answer is YES. Thetap water provided to NASSigonella meets a comprehensivelist of requirements from bothItalian and US law. The drinkingwater provided to NAS I, NAS II,Weapons and Marinai Housing istested monthly, quarterly andannually and is analyzed accordingto a set of standards combining themost stringent of US and Italianrequirements. The water isanalyzed for over 110 individualparameters including inorganicchemicals, volatile organic chemi-cals, pesticides, disinfectionby-products, radionuclides, micro-biological contaminants, andresidual chlorine (residual disinfec-tant). Chlorine content is testedcontinuously at the water plant.

The source of NASSIG’sdrinking water is groundwaterproduced at five wells locatedbetween NAS I and NAS II.Ground water is extracted fromtwo wells for NAS I and three wellsfor NAS II. Marinai Housingreceives its water from two groundwater wells maintained by a privatecontractor. The water entering thebase is treated first by filtrationthen by reverse osmosis (RO).The drinking water is then chlori-nated before it is distributedaround the base.

Chemical and biological testsshow that our drinking water meetssafety standards. Periodically, ourwater exceeds standards for Irondue to corrosion in the supply lineswhich causes the water to bediscolored. The discolored wateris an aesthetic issue only, not ahealth issue. The Public WorksDepartment has initiated andconducted a study to determineoptions to correct this issue with

Overall Record: 53-30NFL: 24-17NCAA: 29-13

Seattle

Philadelphia

Is My DrinkingWater Safe?By Terrence BartonNAS Public Works, Environmental Div

Pittsburgh

Detroit

NY Jets

Arizona

Page 4 December 16, 2011

Piccolo

Oxidiana

FFSC can be reached at x4291American Red Cross at x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

Happy Wok

Palermo

GingerbreadHouse

DecoratingContest

Christmas DayChristmas Eve

Ice Skating inCatania

1030-1400

Hanukkahbegins

Soccer MatchCatania vs.

Palermo

Sicilian CountryDay in

Mazzarone0730-1900

“Where is Frosty?”

Polar Bear Slip-N-Slide

and Holiday Party

New Years Day

Kwanza ends

New Years EveKwanza begins Hanukkah ends Ice Skating inCatania

1030-1400

Page 5December 16, 2011

Pentagon

Fleet and FamilySupport CenterAdministrationBuilding Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

Monday–Friday7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial095-56-4291

Cha-ching-a-ling!

Oxidiana

Motta

Gambino

The Fleet & Family Support Center offers a series of workshops to help ease your transition:Intercultural Relations (ICR)

Survive & ThriveHistory of Sicily Seminar

Customs and Traditions Seminar

By Fleet & Family Support Center

According to the National RetailFederation (www.nrf.org) only fivepercent of Americans completetheir holiday shopping inNovember. Americans have spenttheir holiday dollars averagingbetween $700 and $800 on gifts forfamily, friends and co-workers. So,when is it a good time to plan forthe next holiday season? TODAY!

• CREATE A SPENDING PLAN:Creating a financial plan can helpyou control your money and reachyour goals – all year! Think ofChristmas as an expense like anyother such as new tires for the car orbuying new furniture for the livingroom. The cost should be esti-mated, and planned for throughoutthe year. (See your CommandFinancial Specialist for help withcompleting a financial planningworksheet to get started).

• SAVE IN ADVANCE: Take a fewdollars from each paycheckthroughout the year and put it intoan interest paying holiday savingsclub at your financial institution.

o Example: If you spent $1,200 thisyear for holiday shopping you wouldneed to save $100 per month for 12months.

• TAKE ADVANTAGE OFSEASONAL BARGAINS. Be on thelookout for end of the year sales afterthe holiday season.

• TALK ABOUT IT: Take sometime to sit down with your family anddiscuss your holiday plans. o Family Conferenceo To do listso Top prioritieso Dollar amounts per person

So what are the benefits of finan-cial planning? A good plan will helpyou:• Reduce Stress• Live within your means.• Realize goals.• Maintain a good credit history.• Get more for your money.• Achieve financial freedom.

If you are a savvy shopper then youprobably already know how to save

money by finding the greatest salesin stores, online and waiting forthose last minute bargains. Butretailers are always trying to findways to get you to spend more ofyour hard earned dollars.

Unless you are savvy or haveenough money to pay a credit cardoff in full….don’t charge!Percentages or fees associated withthe store cards are usually 21percent or higher and can be quitecostly to use.

A financial plan is one of the bestgifts you can give yourself. It willhelp you get more for your money,lower stress, and show you how toachieve your goals.

For more information on how toprepare your own financialspending plan contact yourCommand Financial Specialist orthe Fleet and Family SupportCenter at 624-4291.

*Note: some parts adapted from PFMCurriculum: Surviving the HolidaysFinancially

F.lli Chiechio Marchi

Page 6 December 16, 2011

Alberto LunettaThe Signature Staff

Mojito

ANGELA

Italian Christmas sweets include avariety of desserts that will definitelytempt your sweet tooth! Many of thedelectable desserts contain driedfruits. According to SicilianChristmas legends and traditions,dried fruits symbolize wealth andplenty. That is the reason that manySicilian Christmas cakes are driedfruit based.

Among the most popular ItalianChristmas sweets are “Buccellato”(from the Latin word Buccellatumthat means bread in morsels),Panettone (cake filled with candiedfruit) and Torrone (nougat). Cassataand Cannoli are also popular treats.

Bucellato is a short crust ringshaped cake filled with dried fruits,orange peels, plain chocolate, honeyand spices and sprinkled with pista-chio. It includes a mignon versioncalled Buccellatino that is sprinkledwith icing sugar and covered with awhite frosting.

Panettone is leavened bread thatwas already popular in northernItaly’s bakeries in the 15th century.There are a few stories of howPanettone came about. In one legend,Panettone was invented by Ughetto,a young Milanese nobleman who felldesperately in love with Adalgisa, thedaughter of a poor baker named Toni.To win her hand, the noblemandisguised himself as a baker, workedrestlessly to prepare a rich breadmade with flour and yeast, butter,eggs, dried raisins and candied lemonand orange peel. As the word spread,customers flooded the bakery to buythis delicious treat. Ughetto gaveToni credit for the invention. Soon,everybody in Milan got crazy for “Pandi Toni” (Tony’s bread) from where

it comes the word Panettone.Ughetto eventually married Adalgisa.

Another legend credits a lazyMilanese baker called Antonio orToni baked Panettone “accidentally”for the first time. He wasn’t excitedabout his job, so he did not pay muchattention while he was making bread.One day, he accidentally spilt a jar ofsugar, candied fruits and raisins intothe bread dough. Since he was in ahurry to complete the task, he put thedough into the oven anyway.Unexpectedly, his customers lovedthis new creation that was named it“Tony’s bread!

According to historic sources,Panettone was already baked 10thcentury as a “modern version” of thetraditional “Pan Grande” (big bread),which was popular in Italy duringChristmas time. Sometimes it wasenriched with raisins and candiedfruits. Christmas bread remained aMilanese specialty until the turn ofthe 15th century. Later on, the tradi-tion spread from Milan throughoutItaly arriving also in Sicily and even inAmerica as Sicilian immigrantsbrought their food traditions withthem. Because of the high cost ofbakery- produced cakes, many fami-lies used to make it at home. Inaddition to the traditional candiedfruit and raisin fillings, modernPanettone can be mixed with choco-late drops, chocolate frosting, dates,almonds, ice cream and even cham-pagne cream.

Torrone or nougat is a mixture ofsugar, honey, egg whites, almondsand hazelnuts.It is also an ancient dessert, probablybecause honey, its main ingredient,was the first healthy sweetener ever.

In Ancient Rome, its presence hasbeen documented by historicalaccounts reported in a cookbookwritten by the famous Romangourmet Apicius. This recipeincluded whole eggs pepper andmilk.

According to tradition, the firstTorrone was firstly baked 1441 at thecourt of the Visconti, the Italianfamily that ruled Milan from the 13thcentury until 1447, during thewedding banquet for Bianca MariaVisconti and Francesco Sforza, theduke of Milan. Some authors believethat court confectioners shaped thistreat like the tower of Cremona, a citythat was included in bride’s dowry.The main ingredients of this tastydessert were: honey, almonds andbeaten egg whites. The 13th-centurytower, which still flanks Cremona’smain church, was then known asTorrione (big tower) therefore thedessert was given the name Torrone.The guests at the wedding banquet,who came from all over Italy andEurope, were extremely impressed bythis unusual delicacy and “sang itspraises” in their countries upon theirreturn home. Cremona was thenflooded with requests for shipmentsof Torrone that eventually became alocal landmark earning a worldwidereputation.

Available in many different flavors,Torrone ranges from the traditionalhard white type filled with almondsor hazelnuts to chocolate and to thesoft white one. Torrone also includesdifferent kinds of liqueurs (Rum,Gran Marnier and Strega) among itsingredients. In Sicily, pastry chefscover Torrone with lemon, orange orpistachio frosting.

Sicilian Christmas Cakes

Among the most popular Italian Christmas sweets is Buccellatoa short crust ring shaped cake filled withdried fruits, orange peels, plain chocolate, honey and spices and sprinkled with pistachio. (Photo byhttp://dolcecucina.altervista.org/blog)

Satisfaction in Italy as 'Gomorrah' Kingpin Arrested

Page 7December 16, 2011

Premier

Happy Wok

Satisfaction, continued on page 12

Rome - Police last Wednesday arre-sted the leading fugitive of theCamorra mafia clan exposed in thewell-known book and filmGomorrah.

"The state has won," police quotedMichele Zagaria as saying ironicallyas they handcuffed him.

Zagaria, top dog in the bloodthirstyCasalesi clan, was hiding out beneathfive meters of reinforced concrete in

a bunker north of Naples. As autho-rities dug him out, officerscompletely surrounded the smalltown of Casapesenna in order toblock an escape attempt. "It's an enor-mous triumph of the state, not justagainst the Casalesi clan, but againstthe entire Camorra," said InteriorMinister Anna Maria Cancellieri.

Italian President GiorgioNapolitano called the arrest "an

Bologna Named 'Most Liveable City' in Italy: 'We CanOvercome Crisis', Says Mayor(Story by Romereports.com/Romeguide.it)

Bologna - The northern city ofBologna has been named the mostliveable city in the country, accordingto a new survey.

Bologna has long been recognisedas a centre of arts and culture and ishome to the oldest university in theworld, the University of Bologna,which was founded in 1088.

A poll conducted by the nationalbusiness daily, Il Sole-24 Ore,announced the finding after assessingthe quality of life in 107 provincesacross Italy.

The survey looked at a number ofissues spanning business, work,

health and hospital services and thestate of the local environment, publicservices and availability of free time.Bologna's Mayor Virginio Merolawelcomed the news saying the citywas well-placed to weather thecurrent economic crisis.

"I believe that this region and urbannetwork has all the conditions forovercoming this crisis," he said.

One of the major assets of the cityis its commitment to childcare andeducation. In 2010 the city offeredplaces for 3,275 children at nurseryschools and kindergartens

Rome - A nationwide tax hike ongasoline went into effect Wednesdayas part of the government's 30-billion-euro 'Save Italy' austeritypackage, making the cost of gasolinein Italy the highest in Europe. Theaverage price of a liter of gasoline rosealmost 10 cents to 1.708 euros, nearly18% higher than the start of the year.

“We spend 27.4% more than Spain,14.6% more than France and 13.9%more than Germany," said CarloPileri, chairman of Italian consumerassociation ADOC. "We've evensurpassed the Netherlands, whichused to be the most expensive. Todaytheir petrol costs 9.5% less than ours".ADOC says that Italian drivers havehad to spend an extra 750 euros in2011 after a record five tax hike overthe course of the year. The latest fueltax was the first measure from thenew budget package to go into effect.

Controversial ChristmasTree Goes Down in Rome:'A True Eyesore' Say Critics(Story by ANSA)

Rome - The mayor of Rome hasdecided to remove a giant papier-mache Christmas tree from thecenter of the city because he thoughtit was too ugly. "I decided to replaceit with a normal, classic tree becauseI like traditional things," said GianniAlemanno. The tree, which went upTuesday, was made of recycled whitepaper that matched the white stone ofthe surrounding neoclassical buil-dings.

The removal mandate, which cameafter members of the main opposi-tion party called the faux fir "a trueeyesore", received bipartisan support.

(Story by ANSA)

Gas Prices Highest in Europe(Story by ANSA)

'Teenaged Murderer' Released After 10 Years: Young Womanand Ex-Boyfriend Stabbed Mother and Brother 96 Times(Story by ANSA)

Brescia - A young womanconvicted for one of the last decade'smost sensational murder cases in Italywas released last Tuesday after 10years for stabbing her mother and 12-year-old brother to death when shewas a teenager. The case of Erika DeNardo, who has since turned 27, andher then boyfriend Mauro Favaro,riveted the Italian public when theywere arrested for murdering SuzyCassini and Gianluca De Nardo in2001.

Initial sympathy for Erika DeNardo, who claimed to be the solesurvivor of a bloody massacre byhouse burglars, turned to horror aspolice discovered that she and Favarohad inflicted a total of nearly 100 stabwounds on the victims.

De Nardo was sentenced to 16years for the murders and Favaro to14. Both defendants, who enteredpleas of temporary mental infirmity,served reduced time.

Monti: Italy Risked Not Paying Salaries(Story by COLLEEN BARRY, Associated Press)

ROME — Premier Mario Montiurged lawmakers last Tuesday toaccept his financial rescue package,including new and higher taxes,saying Italy had risked running out ofmoney to pay state salaries andpensions.

Lawmakers on the right and lefthave been grumbling over his 2-day-old rescue plan, including pensionreforms to make Italians work farlonger and a revived home propertytax.

Monti, continued on page 12

important result in the fight againstorganized crime". Zagaria, 53, hadbeen on the run since 1995 and wassentenced in absentia to life formurder and other mafia crimes in2008.

He was on the list of Italy's 30most-wanted fugitives.

The Neapolitan mafia's Casalesiclan was exposed in Roberto

Page 8 December 16, 2011

Pietro Gelso Bianco New Place

8th grade students at the Department of Defense Dependent School (DoDDS) Sigonella attend a DrugAbuse Resistance Education lesson here, Dec. 8. The 10-week D.A.R.E. program teaches the studentsinformation and skills they need to live drug and violence-free lives. (U.S. Navy Photo by MassCommunication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Brian Glunt)

SIGONELLA, Sicily – Elementaryand Middle School students of theDepartment of Defense DependentsSchool (DoDDS) attend Drug AbuseResistance Education (D.A.R.E.)classes here, Dec. 8.

The D.A.R.E. program wasfounded in 1983 to provide childrenwith information and skills they needto live drug and violence-free lives.

“The program gives them a betterknowledge of what’s actually outthere in the community,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Shane Harrison,D.A.R.E. Sigonella assistant coordi-nator. “It helps them make betterdecisions on what they know. Thatway they are not blindsided byanything.”

This program, which began Nov. 9and is running through Jan. 24,focuses on such topics as social resist-ance skills, violence prevention,

consequential thinking with problemsolving and conflict management.

“The curriculum for the 5th and6th graders is more about teachingthe effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugsand over-the-counter prescriptions,”said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW)Andy Whittington, D.A.R.E.Sigonella coordinator. “Thecurriculum is a 10-week program forall grades that we teach with videos,Power Point and workbooks that waythey can keep up with their progress.”At the end of the 10-weekcurriculum, a graduation will be heldfor all the students who participatedin the lessons.

“The kids are responding reallywell,” said Harrison. “They are beinginteractive because they know a lot ofthe content.”

By MCSA Brian GluntNPASE East Detachment Europe

DoDDS Sigonella ConductsD.A.R.E. Classes for Students

Sigonella High School Basketball Season Has Begun!

The Jags played two games against visiting American Overseas School of Rome thisweekend, losing 28-21 and 28-17. (Photo by SHS senior Robyn Brand)

The Lady Jags who won two games against visiting American Overseas School of Romeon Saturday, Dec. 10 with a 53-37 and 57-50 victory. Next up for Sigonella is a January13-14 home clash against Vicenza.(Photo By SHS senior Robyn Brand)

New Place Magnolia Moroboshi

Page 9December 16, 2011

Things have changed a lot since Iwas in elementary school. Back thenstudents sat in rows, only spoke whenthe teacher asked a question, andeveryone was taught the same lessonand held to the same expectations.All students were expected to be onthe same page for each subject. Thetextbook was the curriculum andthere were lots of ditto sheets to keepstudents ‘busy’ for every minute ofthe day. Talking was not allowed formost of the day and working with apartner was considered cheating.‘One size fits all’ was the philosophyof instruction.

Educational research has helped toinform our current classroom prac-tices. We now have extensive dataabout how the brain processes infor-mation and how to maximize studentlearning. We are now aware of cogni-tive diversity, which brings a host ofnew strategies into the classrooms.Multiple intelligences, habits of themind, emotional intelligence,gender-based preferences, andsensory approaches to learning, allneed to be considered by teachers,when planning for instruction.

The ‘factory model’ of school is nolonger valid. Today our teachers seestudents as individuals with diverselearning needs and abilities. One ofthe key elements for effective instruc-tion in 21st century schools is astrategy called DifferentiatedInstruction (DI).

Essential features of DI include: • Frequent student assessments• A quality curriculum• Respectful/challenging tasks• A positive classroom environment • Flexible grouping of all students • Full student engagement with thecurriculum

In school year 2009/2010, TheDepartment of Defense EducationalActivity (DoDEA), embarked on acomprehensive training program forteachers (world-wide) in the area ofDifferentiated Instruction. We arecurrently in year three of this five yearstaff development program.

DoDEA provides our students astandards-based quality curriculumthat has both depth and rigor. It is thestandards that drive instruction. Ourteachers use texts that are aligned tothe standards but are encouraged toadd supplementary materials toenhance their lessons. Formativeassessments are administered tostudents throughout each gradingperiod with the intention of helpingteachers to modify their lessons andto help students to know what theyhave learned. Teachers utilize smalland large grouping practices that areflexible to meet the needs of thestudents. Respectful challengingtasks are implemented through avariety of teaching strategies toinclude, Writer’s Workshop, questio-ning techniques, and learning centers.Our classrooms reflect ongoingstudent collaboration and activeinvolvement through cooperativelearning and think/pair/share techni-ques. As Betty Hollas (2005) notedin her book DifferentiatingInstruction, students “Retain morewhen they have an opportunity todiscuss information as it ispresented.”

I’m proud to say that in DoDEAwe have come a long way towardsapplying the research to our instruc-tional practices. In the classrooms Isee students who are active partici-pants in their learning. They are giventime to think and to share their ideaswith their peers. Technology is inte-grated everywhere within the schoolto enhance the curriculum. ‘Goodquestions’ help students to applyhigher level thinking skills to solveproblems across the curriculum.

The students at SigonellaElementary School are getting aworld class education. When I walkthe halls and visit classrooms, I’mhappy to hear students debating withone another and actively participa-ting in all aspects of the curriculum.Gone are the quite classrooms of thepast.

New Ways of Doing SchoolBy Ian CoubroughSigonella Elementary School Principal

Three Sigonella Middle School students were chosen as the winners of the annual Holiday BookmarkContest sponsored by the Sigonella MS/HS PTSO. The contest has been an annual event for the past sevenyears, coordinated by Information Specialist David Brown. Students create artistic bookmarks that have aholiday theme and relate to reading. The winning bookmarks are then reproduced and distributed to allstudents in the Information Center. The winning students received gift cards purchased by the PTSO.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

1st place: Grace Tully

2nd place, Shelby McManusa

3rd place, Catherine Schumacher

Holiday Bookmark Contest Winners

Page 10 December 16, 2011

Friday, 16 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls.*Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage,Herbed Broccoli, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, StrawberryCake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin

Saturday, 17 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes,Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Roast Pork, Cottage Fried Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice,Peas w/ Carrots, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Brown Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie.*Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Veal Steak W/Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Home Fried Potatoes, Glazed

Carrots, Savory Style Beans, Chicken Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie

Sunday, 18 DEC 11*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Italian Croissant.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Knickerbockers Soup, Steamed Rice, Pork Chops W. Mushroom Gravy, CornO’Brien, Green Beans, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies.*Dinner: Nutty Split Pea Soup, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Steamed

Asparagus, Natural Pan Gravy, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies.

Monday, 19 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls.*Lunch: Chicken Gumbo Soup, Beef Yakisoba, Veal Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Oven Browned Potatoes, GreenPeas, Seasoned Summer Squash, Spice Cake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin..*Speed line: Pizza Ass, Chili Dog.*Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Savory Baked Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Lima Beans, Broccoli Parmesan, SpiceSake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin.

Tuesday, 20 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Egg Drop Soup, Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken Chop suey , Egg Foo Young, Chinese Fried Rice, ChowMein Noodles, Oriental Fried Cabbage, Corn Kernel, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie.*Speed line: Frankfurter on rolls, Onion Rings, Macaroni & Cheese.Dinner: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Beef Stew, Seasoned Boiled Pasta, Spanish Style Beans, Carrots Slices, FruitCocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie.

Wednesday, 21 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Biscuits, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw.*Lunch: Beef Noodle Soup, Lasagna, Fish w/ Cherry Tomato Sauce, Steamed Rice, Franconia Potatoes, CreamStyle Corn, Mix Vegetable, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding.*Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: French Onion Soup, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Potatoes Au Gratin, Club Spinach, Steamed Peas& Carrots, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding.

Thursday, 22 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin.*Lunch: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Roast Pork loin, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes,Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Club Spinach, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler.Speedline: Italian Sausage W/Onion & Pepper.*Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rice Pilaf, Natural Pan Gravy, Green Beans, CornKernel, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler.

Friday, 23 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls.*Lunch: Chicken Corn Chowder, Baked Fish, Meat Loaf, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, FriedOkra, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies.Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Baked Fish W. Cherry Tomato Sauce, Tossed Green Rice, Corn O’Brien,Lima Beans, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies.

Global Impact

Page 11December 16, 2011

miDtowN moVie theaterSScheDule & DeScriPtioNS

Tuesday, December 20th 5:00 PM Muppets, The PG5:30 PM Big Year, The PG7:30 PM Thing, The R8:00 PM Paranormal Activity 3 R

Wednesday, December 21st 5:00 PM Happy Feet 2 PG5:30 PM Johnny English Reborn PG7:30 PM Twilight: BD PG-138:00 PM Ides of March R

Thursday, December 22nd 2:00 PM Elf PG- FREE5:00 PM Hugo PG5:30 PM Dream House PG-13 7:30 PM Real Steel PG-138:00 PM 50/50 R

Friday, December 23rd 2:00 PM Polar Express G -FREE5:00 PM Puss in Boots PG 5:30 PM Big Year, The PG7:30 PM In Time PG-13 8:00 PM Paranormal Activity 3 R

Saturday, December 24th 2:00 PM Santa Clause, The PG -FREE2:30 PM Arthur Christmas PG4:30 PM Alvin & Chipmunks 3 G 5:00 PM Three Musketeers PG-137:30 PM New Year’s Eve R

Sunday, December 25th 12:00 PM Jingle All The Way PG -REE12:30 PM Johnny English Reborn PG 2:30 PM Sherlock Holmes 2 PG-13 3:00 PM In Time PG-13

HAPPY FEET 2 – Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Alecia Moore,Sofia Vergara

Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven – apenguin who can fly! Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble bringstogether the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures to put things right(100 m.)

Movie schedule is subject tochange.

Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

REAL STEEL – Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Kevin Durand, AnthonyMackie, Evangeline Lily

In the near-future, where the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech, Charlie Kenton is awashed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steelrobots took over the ring. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams upwith his estranged son Max to build and train a championship contender (127 m.)

THE THING -- Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen,Eric Christian Olsen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

A remake of the 1951 and 1982 version of The Thing. Paleontologist Kate Lloyd joins aNorwegian scientific team to a desolate region that has stumbled across an extraterrestrial shipburied in the ice. She discovers an organism that seems to have died in the crash eons ago. Butit is about to wake up. When a simple experiment frees the alien from its frozen prison, Katemust join the crew's pilot, Carter, to keep it from killing them off one at a time. And in this vast,intense land, a parasite that can mimic anything it touches will pit human against human as ittries to survive and flourish (103 m.)

IN TIME – Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake, Cillian Murphy, VincentKartheiser, Olivia Wilde

In a future where time is literally money and aging stops at 25, the only way to stayalive is to earn, steal, or inherit more time. Will Salas lives minute-to-minute, until awindfall of time gives him access to the world of the wealthy, where he teams upwith a beautiful young heiress to destroy the corrupt system (109 m.)

Be prepared to be on your own for at least three days.Seven is better!

The BASIC FIVE: � Water� Food� Heat� Cash� Radio

Family Communications Plan: Phone Numbers & RallyPoints; Public Protection Strategies: Evacuation andShelter-in-Place; Web info: Ready.gov; Emergencyinfo: AFN 106.0 FM; Questions? Call the EM Office at624-2630, 8265 or 2621.

emergency management

office

Have you ever wanted to be a fitness instructor? TheAerobics and Fitness Association of America will haveyour chance to become certified in February! Thefollowing training and certifications will be available.

Military Fitness Specialist CertificationFebruary 10 – 12, 2012 from 8am to 5pm

Primary Group Exercise CertificationFebruary 10, 2012 from 9am to 6pmIndoor Cycling Instructor TrainingFebruary 11, 2012 from 9am to 5pm

Group Resistance Training WorkshopFebruary 12, 2012 from 9am to 6pm

You will have to order textbooks at least 6 weeksprior to the course. Contact Felix Rojas at 800-225-2322 x277 or felix@afaa.com to order books.

For more information or to register, pleasecontact Jill Hathaway at 624-4951 or jill.hathaway@eu.navy.mil.

The Teatro Massimo Bellini is kicking off its 2012Season with French composer Georges Bizet’sCarmen. The opera is the story of a beautiful andfiery gypsy woman, who can only love men whoshow no interest in her. Carmen falls for a sergeantwho arrests her and ruins his life resulting in hertragic end. It’s your opportunity to enjoy this famousopera inside the beautiful Teatro Massimo Bellini inCatania, named for Catania’s own beloved composer,Vincenzo Bellini.

ITT has tickets on sale now for floor and galleryseats. Transportation is included. Call ITT for moreinformation 624-4777.

Teatro Massimo Bellini Presents: Georges Bizet’s Carmen

AFAA Fitness Certification and Training

Page 12 December 16, 2011

Stampa

Satisfaction, continued from page 7

Monti, continued from page 7

Water, continued from page 3

With the winter holidays comesincreasing efforts by the dark sideof the Internet to steal yourmoney, identity, etc. etc.

How can you protect yourself?•Use and maintain anti-virus

software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software.

•Protect yourself against virusesand Trojan horses that may steal ormodify the data on your owncomputer and leave you vulne-rable by using anti-virus softwareand a firewall. Make sure to keepyour virus definitions up-to-date.Spyware or adware hidden in soft-ware programs may also giveattackers access to your data, souse a legitimate anti-spywareprogram to scan your computerand remove any of these files.

•Keep software, particularlyyour web browser, up to date -Install software updates so thatattackers cannot take advantage ofknown problems or vulnerabili-ties. Many operating systems offerautomatic updates. If this option isavailable, you should enable it.

•Evaluate your software'ssettings - The default settings ofmost software enable all availablefunctionality. However, attackersmay be able to take advantage ofthis functionality to access yourcomputer. It is especially impor-tant to check the settings forsoftware that connects to theinternet (browsers, email clients,etc.). Apply the highest level ofsecurity available that still givesyou the functionality you need.

•Do business with reputablevendors - Before providing anypersonal or financial information,make sure that you are interac-ting with a reputable, establishedvendor. Some attackers may tryto trick you by creating maliciouswebsites that appear to be legiti-mate, so you should verify thelegitimacy before supplying anyinformation. Attackers mayobtain a site certificate for a mali-cious website to appear moreauthentic, so review the certifi-cate information, particularly the"issued to" information. Locateand note phone numbers andphysical addresses of vendors incase there is a problem with yourtransaction or your bill.

•Take advantage of securityfeatures - Passwords and othersecurity features add layers ofprotection if used appropriately.Be wary of emails requestinginformation - Attackers mayattempt to gather information bysending emails requesting thatyou confirm purchase or accountinformation. Legitimate busi-nesses will not solicit this type ofinformation through email. Donot provide sensitive informationthrough email, and use cautionwhen clicking on links in emailmessages.

•Check privacy policies -Before providing personal orfinancial information, check thewebsite's privacy policy. Makesure you understand how yourinformation will be stored andused.

Holiday Internet Safety TipsBy Mike Kennedy NAS N6 Information Technology

results due later this month. If you live “out on the economy”,

your water is almost certainly safe todrink as well. In Italy as a whole, 96%of the tap water was found to meetstrict drinking water standards,compared to 89% in the US. In otherwords, you are more likely to get sickdrinking the tap water in the Statesthan you are here in Italy.

NASSIG is required to issue anannual Consumer ConfidenceReport with a Declaration ofPotability by the BUMED PreventiveMedicine Officer. The ConsumerConfidence Reports for CY 10 areavailable on the NAS Sigonella webpage athttps://www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella/OperationsAndManagement/EnvironmentalSupport/index.htm.If you have any additional concernsabout the quality of NASSIG’sdrinking water, please call the PWDEnvironmental Drinking Waterprogram manager at 624-2722.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics

Anonymous

meetings are back

in Sigonella.

For information on

Alcoholics

Anonymous

meetings, please

call 340-608-2140.

Saviano's 2006 book Gomorrah, laterturned into a successful film that wonsecond prize at Cannes.

The writer is under round-the-clock police protection because ofdeath threats from Casalesi bosseslike Zagaria.

In recent months police had madea string of arrests and asset seizuresagainst the Casalesi gang, which isbased at Casal di Principe nearCaserta, north of Naples.

In October, police found a similarunderground hiding place theybelieved was used by the clan boss onvarious occasions. On Thursday,police arrested seven people linked tothe notorious family including twobrothers and a cousin of the kingpin.

Monti's rescue plan, approved byhis Cabinet on Sunday aims to pullItaly back from the brink of default onits staggering sovereign debt, ascenario that could doom the euro-zone and worsen economic crisesacross the globe.

"Parliament is sovereign, time isshort, the room to maneuver is verylittle," Monti said on a state TV talkshow when asked about politicalleaders' insistence in Italy that theausterity plan be softened.

He said it is "premature" to decideif his 3-week-old government wouldresort to a confidence vote in a bid toget his rescue recipe approved byParliament quickly and intact.

With no political base in Parliament— Monti and his ministers are alltechnocrats asked to save Italy'sfinances — the government wouldtopple if it loses a confidence vote, aprospect that could trigger cata-strophe in global markets.

Monti, an economist and formerEU commissioner, announced emer-gency measures on Sunday that seekto save €30 billion through austeritymeasures and reinvest €10 billion ofsavings from those measures toenhance growth, which has beenstuck at zero for a decade.Much of the austerity strategy hingeson new or higher taxes, such as thehigher excise tax on gasoline anddiesel fuel, which already took effectTuesday. News reports said it wouldmean it would cost consumers anextra €5 or €6 (nearly $7-8) everytime they fill up their car.Monti called the hike in fuel taxes"indispensable" and needed to helpkeep local public transport functio-ning.

"We didn't have to look far. Greecerepresented what could havehappened to Italy," Monti said,

evoking the drastic situation of itsfellow eurozone member across theAdriatic.

"We lived well, consuming thewealth produced by past generationsinstead of producing more," he said.Under existing pension systemreforms over the last decade or so,many Italians could retire at as muchas 80 percent of pay in their mid-50s.With Italians enjoying exceptionallongevity, the pension payments arebecoming nearly unsustainable.

Italy's public debt is amounting toa staggering €1.9 trillion, or 120percent of its GDP.

Asked if Italy had risked beingunable to pay its public servants,Monti replied, grimly: "It wascertainly possible" that salaries as wellas pensions ran that risk.On Tuesday, the governmentapproved the release of €4.8 billion($6.4 billion) from state coffers tofund strategic infrastructure projectsaimed at stimulating economicgrowth. The funds will pay forhighway projects, high-speed railwaysand retractable underwater barriersto help protect Venice from flooding.

Economists have mixed views onhow effective infrastructure programsare for spurring economic growth,with most favoring privately fundedprojects for better stimulus. Still,longer-term projects such as railwaysusually require state funding becausethe investment period is too long formany investors.

Sunday's Cabinet emergencydecree allows the funds to be releasedimmediately, but Parliament muststill convert the measures into law.

The new funding includes €2billion to upgrade the Treviglio-Brescia and Milan-Genoa railwaylines, both in the north, to high-speed, €598 million for highways, and€600 million for the Venetian lagoonmobile barriers, a project alreadymore than two years behind scheduledue to financial problems and desi-gned to protect Venice from periodichigh tides. The projects are expectedto stimulate growth by putting unem-ployed people to work and to keepconstruction contracts flowing.

Unicredit economic analyst ChiaraCorsa said the measures appear "suffi-ciently bold" to allow Italy to balanceits budget by 2013," even with reces-sion looming.

•Make sure your information isbeing encrypted - Many sites useSSL, or secure sockets layer, toencrypt information. Indicationsthat your information will beencrypted include a URL thatbegins with "https:" instead of"http:" and a padlock icon. If thepadlock is closed, the informationis encrypted. The location of theicon varies by browser; forexample, it may be to the right ofthe address bar or at the bottomof the window. Some attackers tryto trick users by adding a fakepadlock icon, so make sure thatthe icon is in the appropriate loca-tion for your browser.

•Use a credit card - There arelaws to limit your liability for frau-dulent credit card charges, andyou may not have the same levelof protection for your debit card.Additionally, because a debit carddraws money directly from yourbank account, unauthorizedcharges could leave you withinsufficient funds to pay otherbills. You can further minimizedamage by using a single creditcard with a low credit line for allof your online purchases.

•Check your statements - Keepa record of your purchases andcopies of confirmation pages, andcompare them to your bank state-ments. If there is a discrepancy,report it immediately (seePreventing and Responding toIdentity Theft for more informa-tion).

Happy holidays from N6!

Page 13December 16, 2011

mojito

mojito

mojito

mojito

mojito

DON'T DRINKAND DRIVE

Drinking and driving endan-gers the safety of everyone onthe roads and throughout our

community. Local LawEnforcement agencies reco-

gnize that drinking anddriving is a problem throu-

ghout Italy and hassignificantly increased

DUI/sobriety check points.They're taking the problem

seriously just as we are.Additionally, Sigonella's

Security Force members willperform increased Alcoblowsand sobriety checkpoints onall of our installations. Don't

become a statistic andDON'T think that because

you're out in town you won'tget caught. DON'T DRINK

AND DRIVE- PERIOD.

Always remember: Be Smart.Be Safe. DON'T DRINK

AND DRIVE.

More than 100 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service members participated in the Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, Dec. 10. TheJungle Bell Jog, part of the Base 2 Base series run, took place on NAS II. (U.S. Navy Photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham)

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella First Classes faced off against the Chief Mess on Friday, Dec. 9 for a friendly game of flag football.The game ended with a victory for the Chiefs (36 to 32)! (U.S. Navy Photo by Jackie Trembath)