sfgate.com. Pop superstar Madonna celebrated her 51st birthday with an extravagant dinner party in Italy, where she was surrounded by her close friends and family. (Read the article)
 

The New York Times. Mr. Zeffirelli — or the maestro, as he is known — is 86 now, but his face looks decades younger, and his eyes still have a mischievous glint. On a sweltering recent afternoon, he held court on the veranda of his villa on the Appian Way, now an Elysian Field for the heroes of the dolce vita years. Several well-groomed dogs milled about, barking. Across the lush garden, guests lounged in the cabana by the pool. (Read the article by Rachel Donadio)

The New York Times. Italy, long portrayed as a veritable ocean of red wine, is turning out to be just as awash in whites. This is indeed a good thing. By white wine I don’t mean the anemic, bland pinot grigio that is so often a synonym for white wine in bars across the land, but wines of character and allure. (Read the article by Eric Asimov)

ANSA. Locals and movie buffs have launched a campaign to rescue a beach that formed the backdrop for the memorable closing scene of the 1971 film classic, Death In Venice, starring Dirk Bogarde. (Read the article)

ANSA. This town on the island of Elba is set to become the first in Italy to slap fines of between 250 to 300 euros on minors under the age of 16 caught smoking cigarettes on municipal grounds. (Read the article)

ANSA. An influx of foreign workers is boosting job opportunities for Italians rather than reducing them, according to a report published by the Bank of Italy on Tuesday. The study by Italy's central bank, part of a wider survey of regional economies in 2008, said ''the rise in the number of foreigners [in Italy] has not been reflected in fewer job opportunities for Italians''. (Read the article)