May 2009 - Janelle's Blog

For centuries the Rosetans, a close community of Italians, forged trails to work in the marble quarries in surrounding hills of the Italian province of Foggia or cultivate the terraced fields in the valley beneath the mountain where they lived. These peasants had little hope of ever overcoming their illiterate and poverty-stricken condition. Malcolm Gladwell tells this amazing story in his book, Outliers.

In 1882 eleven Rosetans ventured to the New World of opportunity to New York. The following year another fifteen Rosetans from their province traveled to America. By 1894, twelve hundred Rosetans immigrated to America. Those who migrated to Pennsylvania had such a thriving community that the town where they lived was renamed Roseto. The Rosetans' diligence and tenacity is worth reading about.

Occasionally I am able to upgrade my American Airline ticket to First Class, using my air miles, which means I can fly for a minimal $5 fee. But, I have discovered that First Class isn't what it used to be. This picture is of a guy sitting in front of me in First Class with his stinking bare feet propped up during the flight. I just wanted to clear that up in the beginning of my story so you wouldn't think those were my feet.

What Has Happened to First Class?

Since the weather was cold in NYC, I had to travel with my winter coat. When you board the plane, shortly after you are seated, the flight attendant in First Class hangs up your coat. This time it didn't happen. Buried under a pile of wool, computer, and enough reading material to last three days instead of the 3 ½ hour flight, I finally asked the flight attendant if she could help me out. I got the "attitude" look when she said, "I'll get it later."

The stage was set for a bumpy flight.