Whatever Happened to Culture?
Some of Italy’s top museums and archaeological sites are showing a decline in popularity, reversing the trend for steady growth for the first time in two decades. Moreover, Italian families are spending almost 7% less per capita on the theater and on movie attendance. Few expect 2009 to be better—on the contrary, as the economic slump hurts tourism, it may be worse.
July 14, 2009
Whatever happened to culture?
Woman Reading Mujer Leyendo, a painting by Fernando Botero
Some of Italy’s top museums and archaeological sites are showing a decline in popularity, reversing the trend for steady growth for the first time in two decades. Moreover, Italian families are spending almost 7% less per capita on the theater and on movie attendance. Few expect 2009 to be better—on the contrary, as the economic slump hurts tourism, it may be worse.
Monte di Grazia Winery-An Organic Winery in the Clouds
Wine, Beans Called "Lizzard Eggs" and Hard Bread. A Walk in the Clouds- Azienda Agricola Biologica Monte di Grazia Winery.
July 13, 2009
Monte di Grazia Winery-An Organic Winery in the Clouds
Charles Scicolone
The Wines of Monte di Grazia
On Wine, Beans Called Lizard Eggs and Hard Bread
Yearning for Commonality
Commonalities on the surface, jealousies underneath, not conducive to our mainstreaming or to our recognition of a cultural identity.
July 12, 2009
The Popsicle Cemetary of Vincent Lepani
Vincent Lepani at The Popsicle Cemetary on 67th and York Ave. photo by Annie Lanzillotto
Another Italian American great work. This is Vincent Lepani, a Dispatcher for New York City Transit, Department of Buses. This is his corner.
As a patient of Sloan-Kettering, 67th and York is a corner rife with moments for me. A rare joy are my meditations and participation at The Popsicle Cemetary, created by Vincent Lepani, a shrine and memorial beneath a bush.
Saving the AP in Italian. Is it just a question of money?
Some not-too-random thoughts on the current situation of the Advanced Placement Program in Italian and who else might be able to come to the rescue…
Clooney to shoot film in Italian earthquake city
REUTERS. Actor George Clooney visited the earthquake-devastated Italian city of L'Aquila on Thursday and said he would make a film there in September to help boost the region's economy. "We'll shoot a film here at the end of September, in which I will act," Clooney told journalists, saying he hoped the project would help revive the economy of the region following an earthquake in April which killed more than 300 people. "I think this is the best way to lend a hand and boost the economy, " said Clooney. "We're here to draw attention to this tragedy." He did not name the film. (Read the Article)
Nocentini bridges nine-year yellow gap for Italy
REUTERS. Rinaldo Nocentini ended a nine-year drought for Italy when he seized the Tour de France yellow jersey in Friday's seventh stage to the Andorran ski resort of Arcalis. Involved in a 220-km breakaway with eight companions, the 31-year-old from Tuscany finished fourth in the longest stage of this Tour and held enough time at the finish to seize the overall lead from Swiss Fabian Cancellara. (Read the Article)
Danny DeVito serves lemon liqueur at festival
AP. Actor Danny DeVito served up his own premium "Limoncello" liqueur flavored with zesty Italian lemons and gave a cry of "Salut!" to a drink-sipping crowd at Tales of the Cocktail, a New Orleans cocktail and culinary festival. Wife and actress Rhea Perlman accompanied DeVito as he shared stories Friday about his New Jersey upbringing and spoke of his passion for Sorrento, Italy, where his liqueur is produced. The occasion: a "Drink Italy" event at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter. (Read the Article)
Beneath the G-8 summit, a valley of misery for Italy quake victims
LOS ANGELES TIMES. If the earthquake that killed 300 people here in April was the injury, then the Group of 8 summit underway in this ravaged town is surely the insult -- at least in the eyes of plenty of its inhabitants. While builders scrambled to get suitable facilities ready for the onslaught of world leaders and journalists, thousands of residents made homeless by the temblor continue to live miserably in tent camps. (Read the Article)
Italy: Hostage freed in Philippines after 6 months
AP. An ailing Italian Red Cross worker who was kidnapped in January in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf rebel group was freed Saturday, officials said. No ransom was paid for the release of 63-year-old Eugenio Vagni, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in an interview with Italian state TV. Frattini gave no details about how Vagni was freed. Frattini also expressed gratitude that no government attacks were launched to free the hostage. (Read the Article)
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