Monthly Archives: October 2001

Web wise: Oct. 29-Nov. 4

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Funky reggae pick ? Umberto Eco’s tolerance manual ? Telecommute job offer ? Soccer Cinderella story

Radici nel Cemento: funky reggae music pick
A staff favorite, these "cement roots" from Rome have touched on themes like Albanian immigrants and unemployment, but they’re at their best with the crowd pleasers. They’ve just come out with a new album, Alla Rovescia, which you can check out for free here–lyrics (watch out for the Romanesco) & MP3 downloads..
www.radicinelcemento.it/CDCD1.htm

Chievo Verona: a soccer Cinderella story
Just 11 guys who don’t even represent a whole town, but a neighborhood in Verona–who also happen to be at the head of the series-A championship..Note the "Paluani" banner–the team’s owner is also a local Pandoro maker…We’re definitely pulling for them….
www.chievoverona.it

Umberto Eco’s Tolerance Manual
The title "tolerance" pretty well sums up man of letters Umberto Eco’s views on the current geopolitical configuration…With cronies Furio Colombo and Jacques Le Goff, Eco is working on this "interactive manual" on accepting diversity, aimed at helping teachers, that will cover topics like sex discrimination & disabilities.. The intro is online–the rest is to come… In Italian, English or French.
www.tolerance.it/ita

Telecommute English Teaching Job
Publicagency S.a.s.
Siamo un’azienda specializzata nell’insegnamento delle lingue a distanza, disponiamo di un P. A. D., un portale per l’apprendimento didattico e attraverso le tecnologie internet STREAMING AUDIO promuoviamo e realizziamo corsi di lingue in rete Live dal vivo (e-learning)
————————————————————————
Contatto: Fabio Vianello Email:
fabiovianello@libero.it
Tel. 348-3851770

City Offers the Bubbly to Residents

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Officials in the town of San Giuliano Milanese have decided to prove it’s OK to drink the water– by offering sparkling water at almost no cost from a restored well.Locals can stroll to the Fonte di Campoverde in the center of town for refreshing, bubbly water billed as low in sodium and good for hypertension. The water, tested every 15 days for purity, will cost residents a measly 0,04 lire per liter with a limit of 12 liters per week per person. It’s the latest in a series of initiatives is trying to change Italians’ reluctance to use tap water for drinking. Currently, Italy is third worldwide in consumption of bottled water and, according to ISTAT statistics, about half the population prefers to drink bottled water over tap for safety concerns. In Rome, the water called “cold like snow and virginally pure” in 200 AD has started flowing again in the fountain by Ammannati on the corner of Via Flaminia and Villa Giulia after five months of restoration. Tourists and passersby can now sip from the city’s “virgin springs,” thanks to the Living Fountains project.

Italy by Numbers: Taking a Head Count

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1861 Italy’s first census
22 million families & 5 million businesses polled, 2001
40 page-long questionnaire
11 languages for questionnaire
“The Italy you are. The Italy you’ll be.” (L?Italia che sei. L?Italia che sarai), was the slogan used to kick off the national census poll this week. Clearly, future Italians are in for some changes.
Despite having one of the smallest immigrant populations in Europe, for the first time ISTAT opted to make the questionnaire available in a language other than Italian. The list of languages available includes Albanian, Sinhalese, Serbo-Croatian and Polish.
And, if 30 years ago, the quality-of-life questions included whether families had a bathroom or not (in 1961, only 50% did) pollsters now watch the increase in home owners (around 60% in 1981) and vacation homes. Final data won’t be ready until 2003 but initial results will be made available in Feb. 2002.
www.censimenti.it

Italy by Numbers: Here Comes the Bride

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120,000 marriages yearly (1980)*
275,000 marriages yearly (1999)
63,000 of these religious ceremonies (1999)
$20,000 USD average wedding cost
1 bride not married because of "sexy" dress

Italians aren’t having big families anymore but that doesn’t keep them from having big weddings. Some of the more popular ideas, according to organizers of bridal fair "Milano Sposi," include a bridal entrance in helicopter preceded by a parachute drop of sugared almonds, ($1,500) or a reception on the historic Settebello train for 170 guests, for a mere $3,500.
Most Italians have these matrimonial extravaganzas in civil ceremonies, one almost-bride from Turin found out why the hard way.
Father Pier Giuseppe Gaude, pastor of the church of Santa Rita, took one look at the bride in a tight satin and pearl confection with a plunging neckline and refused to perform the ceremony. Her parents figure the almost-church wedding cost them about $2.50 a minute–not to mention the embarrassment of explaining to hundreds of guests why the priest invited them to "go in peace" without performing mass. "When the woman told me, I really couldn’t believe it," said Angela Scarpelli, director of the fashion house which created the scandalous dress. "To be honest, it was one of our more sober models."

Related resources
www.biancamariaserao.it/collezioneuk.htm
Italian bridal fashion: we particularly like the bare tummy covered by lace model…

An Italian Town by Any Other name

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In a recent pr frenzy, Italians have been cleaning up their cities by changing the names to, well, clean them up. While most sound innocuous to all but non-native Italian speakers, no Bel Paese residents apparently want to declare they’re from a place that implies something about butts, bald people, loose women or excrement.On the left, the “offensive” monikers, on the right the new versions. Interesting to note the last two were considered so offensive the towns were simply incorporated into surrounding districts. The trend has led a number of several other cities to consider a name change: Amatrice (woman lover), Calvi (bald men), Fumaiolo (smoker), Testa di Gemella Occidentale (western twin head) and Troia (whore).

Corneto (sounds like ‘cuckhold’)= Tarquinia

Culagna (sounds like ‘butt’) Collagna

Merdago= (sounds like ‘shit’)Verdeg?

Cacavero (sounds like ‘true shit’)=Campoverde

Petescia (sounds like ‘fart’)=Turania

Porcile (lit. pig sty)= Belfiore

Scrofano (lit. sow, also derogative term meaning whore)=Sacrofano

Pidocchio (lit. flea)=Osteria del Gallo

Brusaporco (the pig part is eq. to ‘dirty old man’)=Castelminio

Merdassero (lit. if they were to shit, also imprecation something like ‘shit on them!’)= disappeared entirely

Merde=disappeared entirely

Basic Italian Real Estate Vocab

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Understanding Italy’s real-estate culture can ease frustration while hunting for an apartment or vacation rental.
Our primer is by no means exhaustive, but should be helpful even if the search is conducted in English–if nothing else understanding why an apartment is considered "furnished" with only a kitchen.

The Rooms

 Translation
vani

Both are generic terms for "room" used in real estate.
Generally: a "monolocale" is a studio, "bilocale" one-bedroom, "trilocale" two-bedroom, or a one bedroom + living + dining room.
In larger digs (quadrilocali, cinque o + locali) a description usually follows–it may have a two living rooms and two bedrooms ("camere") etc.
Vacation homes are generally are measured by number of beds ("posti letto").
locali
camera Bedroom
soggiorno Living room
tinello Small dining room
cucina Kitchen
angolo cottura A small cooking area part of a larger sitting room.
servizi

Generic term which includes bathrooms ("bagno"), foyer ("ingresso") hallway ("corridoio"), pantry/storage closets ("ripostiglio").
An apartment described as "bilocale + servizi" could be a tiny one-bedroom with huge entryway.
Ask for room sizes in square meters to get sense for dead space.
Key Features Translation
vuoto Empty—meaning no kitchen or any major appliances..The renter generally pays for the kitchen, but it can sometimes be negotiated.
semi-arredato Partially furnished, on the other hand, usually means only the kitchen. Some land lords will provide basic furniture.
arredato/ammobiliato Furnished. A warning–this can mean a mix of castoffs from granny’s place or living with someone’s personal belongings while they’re away for 6 months…
corredato Complete with bed/kitchen linens and pots & pans. The term is a throwback to trousseau "corredo." Key for vacation rentals..
termoautonomo Home has its own thermostat–much better than having to wait for the building to turn on heat (the Italian government decides when)..
Contracts/Fees Translation
4+4 Shorthand for the standard rent-controlled contract–four years plus a four-year renewal. (Referred to as "quattro più quattro.") Keep in mind this can often be negotiated, even for a year’s time. Rentals with these kind of contracts tend to be cheaper and allow renters to declare residence–necessary to obtain an Italian ID Card, (cartà d’identità). Residents also pay considerably lower utilities.
uso foresteria Literally "guest use," these are usually convenient only for very short periods of time. Expenses are generally included in the price.
parcella Agency fee. Remember to ask beforehand–these vary a great deal, ranging from 10-15% of the first year’s rent.
caparra Deposit. For short-term rentals, 10-15% of total, for long-term up to three months’ rent. Often negotiable.

Catechism: The Trading Cards

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Move over Pokemon: an Italian priest hopes the children of his parish will be equally enthusiastic about bible-related trading cards. Father Gian Giudici got tired of confiscating Pikachu and friends during Sunday school lessons–so he came up with “Katemond” Catechism trading cards. The five-part series (the commandments, the bible, the sacraments, qualities of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity) star the “little flames of the Holy spirit.”
Local artists Gloria and Novella Morandi, who created the series, tried to give them sufficiently funny names to attract youngsters: “Confirmator” for the info on confirmation, “Eucor?sticor” for teachings on the Eucharist and “Pa-ma-amor” the section on honoring one’s parents, naturally.

Hard to say whether the idea will catch on–or lead to mixed trading on the black market. The cards, which cost about $0.50 a pack, work the way any trading cards do. Some packs have doubles while certain cards- in this case the Father, Son and Holy Spirit- are almost impossible to come by. So far Father Giudici has given out some 2,600 cards or 520 packs in the parish of San Luigi e Sant’Agnese of Corbetta. “They’re not meant to substitute the Bible,” said Father Giudici. “It’s just another way of using children’s language and toys to bring them closer. ”

Web wise: Oct. 22-29

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eurochocolate?new Italian forum?Stefano Benni book excerpt?job offer Puma

Eurochocolate Fest
Catch the goings-on at the sweetest fair in Perugia–live or with web broadcasts from the 20-28th….Our favorites are the low-cal vintage trading card exhibit "Panini e chocolate", or the chocolate-scented stamps…
Just avoid the ill-timed gimmick about the “chocolate prisoners” which involves visitors becoming hostages “of chocolate during nine days of never-ending sweetness” and a Bonnie and Clyde pair who have committtted “armed robberies” of chocolate..
www.eurochocolate.perugia.it
In Italian or English…

Saltatempo: an excerpt from Stefano’ Benni’s new book
"Jumptime" (Saltatempo), crippled son of a communist woodworker, is the kind of protagonist only wordsmith Benni ("Bar Sport," "Ballate") could feasably come up with. For an interesting trip through the smalltown Italy of the 1950s-70s–listen to the reading (realaudio) along with the text
http://www.feltrinelli.it/default.asp?url=indiretta/88-07-01602-8.html

Job Tip: International Business Manager Puma
PUMA plans to evolve the organization through the fostering of unique and shared company values, all compatible with the personality of the brand. These can be best summarized in four words: Passion, Openness, Self-belief and Entrepreneurship.s our ideal candidate, you will possess an educational degree, an excellent professional track record and strong knowledge of technology and computers. Your English and Italian skills, both written and spoken, are outstanding. A knowledge of German is highly desirable. Additionally, you have a minum of 2-4 years experience in a similar role and environment.
As part of PUMA’s new product division, The Black Station, you will be the International Business Manager, responsible for our footwear, apparel and accessory collections. The Black Station represents luxury performance concepts including our Platinum, Nuala and Rudolf Dassier Schuhfabrik lines and cooperates with outside fashion designers, personalities and companies.
You will organize our internal and external research for identifying the relevant market, product and consumer trends and will understand how to both build and merchandise collections. You will coordinate product and sales input from the sales organization. According to the business objectives, you will guarantee a balanced effort between design and development. The Product Range Manager will be provided with all product related data you collect. To achieve all necessary business objectives, our candidate will be responsible for the briefing of product strategies.
The candidate’s task will be to plan and coordinate the international sample requirements with the different markets. You will support the creation of catalogues and marketing materials, as well as assisting with photo shoot arrangements. You will be responsible for the organization of International Sales launches, including the representation of products and providing the sales team with necessary sales and product information.
If you believe the above profile is a strong fit with your back-ground and experience and you are seeking a challenging position, please submit your full application in English.
PUMA AG human-resources@puma.com
www.pumabiz.com

Giotto’s Arena Chapel: Up Close During Restoration

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Grab a hardhat, climb the scaffolding and take a once-in-a lifetime look at Giotto’s stunning fresco cycle in the Arena Chapel in Padova. As we reported in June 2000, the Cappella Scrovegni has been closed for restoration but officials have decided to let tourists witness the tail end of work. Considered a masterpiece of early Renaissance art, the frescoes relate episodes from the life of Mary. The visits, offered all day on Saturdays, go on until March 2002. Just remember, it’s not for the claustrophobic: visitors still have to spend 20 minutes in a special chamber (called the “bussola”) getting harmful dust and dirt sucked away before being let into the chapel…
The Rub:
Reservations, obligatory, can be made by phone: (041.5459709). Operators speak English, French and German. Visits can be made in the above languages for groups–specify while reserving.
Online: http://scrovegni.alata.it/index.htm

Web-wise: Oct. 15-22

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Laura Pausini? International Italian Language Week ? Saturday Night Fever ? ESL Teachers: Arezzo Siena & Perugia

Laura Pausini: New Album & US Tour
OK, you won’t find a zoomata staffer who’ll own up to owning one of her records, but after the positive response from readers for our head’s up to the new Andrea Bocelli album we couldn’t pass up La Signorina “Solitudine.” Pausini’s new record, a best of with two new tracks, sees her 20 lbs lighter and kicking off her North American tour in Miami. Now if she’d just lighten up on those the ballads & use that voice. Word has it her next album, slated for release next summer, is entirely in English.
www.laurapausini.com
Click on “Ritorno da Te” for the video for new track, shot in Los Angeles by du jour director Gabriele Muccino (L’ultimo bacio).

Celebrating Italian Language Week: Film Fests & Theatrical Workshops
For the first time, Italian language & cultural institutes worldwide have decided to hold an international language week. The result: a lot of the usual Dante readings & dictionary unveilings but also a chance to see recent Italian films (L’Ultimo Bacio, La Stanza del Figlio) and recent books.
Some of the more interesting ideas: A happening with folk legend singer/songwriter Francesco Guccini (Montreal), a theatrical workshop on gestures and body language for Italian students (Melbourne) and the language seen from a more recent evolution–Italian for cell phones (Chambery).
Find what’s on near you with thethe schedule

Saturday Night Fever: Musical Hits Italian Stage
Ah ha ha ha, stayin’ alive: the long list of American musicals to hit Italian stages of late are credited with reviving a lagging interest in theatergoing. Grease, Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fame and Tommy have all been recent successes. This time Italian American Tony Manero comes back to Italy, played by Sebastien Torka (raised in London by a Calabrian dad). Songs in English, dialogue in Italian…
www.lafebbredelsabatosera.it
Fun site (in Flash) that takes visitors through the set (with pop-ups on the history of discotheques) and backstage to meet the actors, all to a vintage 70s soundtrack….

Seeking English Teachers: Arezzo Siena & Perugia
Cepu is an Italian outfit dedicated to getting those 30-year university students that all-important piece of paper through tutoring…Here’s what they’re looking for:

Efl Teachers for Arezzo, Siena Perugia learning centres.
An ideal position for a native–speaker, young, communicative and energetic teacher who is ready to take on teaching as well as tuition management responsibilities.
University degree required. One year teaching experience essential.
Trinity TESOL/CELTA certifications or equivalent preferred.
Very interesting job prospects.
Basic computer skills required.
Contact: Mr A.Bistarelli
Tel.: 0575-736681
Fax: 0575-736331
Email: cepuglo@cepu.it
— Reference: SP-EFL TEACHER —