Web Wise Feb. 1-18

Soul mio: new music from Naples? Virtual Carnival around Italy ? Test your knowledge against the donkeys

Soul mio: new Neapolitan tunes
“El sol se pone negro”, is the second album from this funky quartet…Listen in to “il danno” for free in real audio….
http://stage.vitaminic.it/main/soul_mio

Test your knowledge at asinorum
These quizzes on Italian culture & language are tough, tough enough to make just about anyone feel the ‘donkey’ of the class…
www.asinorum.net/INDEX_I.HTM

Virtual Carnival around Italy
www.carnevalecommunity.com
The Italian carnival community

www.notti.it/special/carnevale/carnevale.html
Background info on Italy’s carnivals

www.quantomanca.com/speciale/carnevale/carnevale.htm
Carnival info & games for kids

www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
Viareggio

www.carnivalofvenice.com
Venice

www.carnevale.ivrea.it
Ivrea

Recipes:
www.gamberorosso.it/ricette/ricettefebbraio/piatticarnevale/ricettecarnevale.asp

www.mangiarebene.com/accademia/occasioni/carnevale_01.html

Web wise Feb 4-11

From 0-10, rocker Ligabue’s new film/single ? Reading in Italian: only good news ? Corsets make another comeback ?

From 0-10, rocker Ligabue’s new film/single
After the success of Radio Freccia, about Italy’s independent radio scene in the 1970s, Luciano Ligabue is back with a new film, "da zero a 10" which debuts on Feb. 8. If you missed the diary from the set or want to hear the new single:
http://cinema.iol.it/ligabue

Reading in Italian: only good news
While we’re not really sure only good news is news, this new portal gives readers a chance to practice Italian with day brighteners…
www.ilgiornaleideale.it/T6.asp?cat=Zibaldone&pag=1

Corsets make another comeback
Bologna’s lingerie and swimsuit fashion on show at this year’s Intimare mark the end of minimalist underthings and revival (again) of the racy lacies. Brrrr…..
http://www.xbf2k.bolognafiere.it

Dolce Vita: Virtual Visit to the Controversial Exhibit
The catalog to this show of photos, memorabilia and film was scrapped after critics called it "politically biased" because there weren’t enough mentions of the right. Uh, right..Whether you think the golden age of Italy’s recent history was left, right, or center, you’ll enjoy taking a peek at an online gallery.
www.kwart.kataweb.it

The Rub:
"Roma 1948 1959. Arte, cronaca e cultura dal Neorealismo alla Dolce vita.” The exhibit runs til May 27, 2002 . Roma, Palazzo delle Esposizioni.
Hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Info and reservations: tel. 06 48941230. Tickets e. 7.75

e-mail: info@palaexpo.com
www.palaexpo.com
. Tickets available online at www.ticketone.it

How to be a Violent Soccer Fan: the Manual

The survival of hard-core soccer fans (known as ultr?) is a new discipline, up til now advice was given out about how survive their angry outbursts.
Italy’s new anti-violence law for soccer stadiums has apparently so threatened their livelihood they had to come up with an manual telling how to get around it.

The new law, approved in October of last year, came about after hard-core Inter fans hurled a scooter from the stands onto rival Atalanta rooters during a match.Under the package of measures, modeled after similar laws in Britain and France, fans who throw objects in the stadium face three to six months in jail and those who storm the field can be jailed for up to six months.
"20 years of increasingly stringent laws have not stopped violence in stadiums," recites the hooligan handbook. "In fact, it’s just decreased attendance. And there’s nothing worse than a game played without fans." The handbook goes on to inform fans of their rights (remember: smoke bombs and fireworks cannot be considered explosives) and how to take legal action unjust fines or against overzealous police. The ultrà survival manual, distributed free outside stadiums, will probably not do a whole lot to promote warm feelings between authorities and fans.

Related resources:
Fanatics! : Power, Identity and Fandom in Soccer

Thermal Baths with Fido & Kitty

Italy’s first thermal baths for dogs and cats will open in time for Easter vacations. The idea for animal pampering comes from entrepreneur Leandro Gualtieri, who insists that it is not a new idea, but the revival of an old tradition. “Evidence of pet thermal baths dates back 2,000 years, ” said Gualtieri, whose Jack Russell terriers Biago and Berta will likely be the first patrons. “In the Roman baths here in San Casciano, they cured arthritis and circulatory problems in animals, so it’s really nothing new.” Pets will be placed in specially-designed tubs, next to where owners soak in the warm suphorous waters. The medieval village of San Casciano dei Bagni, in the province of Siena, boasts 42 different springs.

www.comune.sancascianodeibagni.siena.it
The city’s official site…

A Close-up on Middle-class Life in Ancient Rome

After years of restoration, visitors can now take a look at how many ordinary Romans lived. The 20-room habitation, called ‘case romane al celio’, is adorned with frescoes, courtyards with fountains and a kind of third-century Jacuzzi. The house came to light in 1887 but restoration started only three years ago. Originally built as three separate dwellings, successive renovations turned it into one house and the fresco decorations were added to turn the structure into a harmonious whole. Today’s tourists will no doubt find the three -story building dark, with its windowless rooms and arched ceilings, but it kept the original inhabitants warm in the stark Rome winters and cool in sweltering summers.

www.kwart.kataweb.it/kwart/ita/
Click on thumbnails for a better look at these frescoed rooms…

The rub
Visits must be reserved in advance, they’re available mornings only from 9:30-1:30.
Tel. 339-73 42 242 (9:30-1:30)
email: spazioservizi@libero.it
Tickets cost e. 6, guided tours e. 9.50

Take the Cheatmeter Test

The Italian preoccupation with cheating (colloquially known as “corna”) seems endless. A recent study of 500 cases of adultery conducted by the Italian branch of the International Society of Psychoanalysis discovered that Italian women are less vindictive–if their husband has an affair with an ‘incredibly beautiful’ woman. Husbands involved in trysts with ‘ordinary’ or ‘ugly’ women should watch out–apparently wives are likely to seek revenge. “If a husband loses his head for a stunner, wives are more willing to take a serious look at their own shortcomings or other problems in the relationship,” according to an unnamed expert in Italian daily Il Giorno. “Otherwise it’s like saying: how could you cheat with someone less attractive than I am?” Try out your Italian with this semiserious quiz –be forewarned that pessimism reigns…. Happy Valentine’s day! Il traditometro (Italian): Cheat-meter (Rough Translation):

1. Non lo perdoneresti mai, se lui ti tradisse:
a) con la tua migliore amica
b) con il suo migliore amico
c) con la vicina di casa

 

1. You’d never forgive him if he cheated on you
a) with your best friend
b) with his best friend
c) with the next-door neighbor

2. Pensi che lui ti tradirebbe…
a) per non perdere la sua fama da conquistatore
b) per sesso
c) per amore

 

2. You think he might cheat…
a) to uphold his reputation as a ladies’ man
b) for sex
c) for love

3. Secondo te, per lui il tradimento rappresenta…
a) un puro sfogo ormonale
b) qualcosa che bisognerebbe cercare di evitare
c) una forte mancanza di rispetto nei confronti della propria compagna

 

3. You think cheating is for him…
a) pure hormonal release
b) something to be avoided
c) demonstrates lack of respect for his partner

4. Ti confessa una scappatella. Tu…
a) gli cominci ad elencare le tue
b) lo perdoni, ma pensi subito a come fargliela pagare
c) lo lasci

4. He confesses a fling. You…
a) start counting off yours
b) forgive him, but immediately start thinking how to get even
c) leave him

 

5. Incominci ad avere sospetti se…
a) esce di casa per tre sere di seguito
b)assume una nuova segretaria e fa tardi la sera
c) inizia una cura dimagrante e si tinge i capelli

5. You start being suspicious if..
a) he goes out three evenings in a row
b) hires a new secretary and comes home late
c) goes on a diet and dyes his hair

 

6. Riappare dal passato una sua ex…
a) lui comincia a frequentarla assiduamente
b) te ne parla serenemente e ti propone di conoscerla
c) la considera una storia finita. Ora ama te.

6. An ex of his comes back on the scene…
a) he sees her regularly
b) he calmly mentions her & asks if you want to meet her
c) he considers it history. He loves you now.

 

7. Ti fa un regalo inaspettato:
a)pensi che debba farsi perdonare qualcosa
b) sei felice, ti piaccono le sorprese
c) hai paura di esserti dimenticata qualche rincorrenza

7. He gives you an unexpected gift:
a) he has something to hide
b) you’re happy, you love surprises
c) you worry you’ve forgotten an anniversary

 

Risultati: Il tuo lui è: Results: Your man is:

Maggioranze di risposte A: Gigolò

Se la natura dell’uomo è cacciatore, il tuo compagno dispone di un vero e proprio arsenale. Per lui la seduzione è una ragione di vita e la donna una preda da acciffare a qualsiasi costo. E’ vero che per amore si può arrivare ad accettare qualsiasi compromesso, ma sei sicura che il tuo sia proprio vero amore?

Mostly A: a Gigolo

If man is by nature a hunter, your partner has an arsenal at his disposal. Seduction is a way of life for him, women are prey to nab at any cost. While it’s true that love is worth any compromise, are you sure it’s really love?

Maggioranze di risposte B: Irrequieto

Tendenzialmente fedele, il tuo compagno vive però a volte problemi di conflittualità interiore. In parole povere, se dovesse capitargli l’occasione, difficilmente se la farebbe sfuggire. Stai quindi all’erta e non ti fidare mai delle apparenze.

Mostly B: Restless

Essentially faithful, your partner sometimes suffers from inner conflicts. To be frank, if the occasion comes along he’s not likely to let it get away. Stay alert and don’t ever trust appearances.

Maggioranze di risposte C: Fedele

Il tuo compagno è decisamente un tradizionalista. Il suo sogno è quello di vivere tranquillo, con una bella famiglia e tanti figli. Difficilmente ti tradirebbe perché verrebbe tormentato dai sensi di colpa.

Mostly C: Faithful

Your partner is definitely traditional. He dreams of a quiet life with a nice family made up of lots of kids. He’s unlikely to cheat because he would undergo the torment of a guilty conscience.

Related resources:
www.tuttocorna.it
The one-stop portal for cheating, includes handy how-to guide.
alibi.hypermart.net
Italy’s first cyber-alibi service for would-be Casanovas.