AS THE ROMANS DO

Italy on strike

2012-01-27T14:38:00.000+01:00

In Italy you soon become aware of strikes as they are fairly frequent. The word for strike in Italian is sciopero.

Those living in or travelling to Italy should be aware that several strikes are underway and others are planned for the near future. From public transport and taxis to university students and public services, you'll need to keep strike action in mind when venturing out and about.

For news on strikes in the public sector visit the Trade Union website associated with the CGIL Organisation (only in Italian) or for information on transport strikes in Italy visit the Ministry of Transport website (only in Italian).

Current strike action:

On Thursday 26 January the Italian Railways “Ferrovie dello Stato” will strike from 21:00 for 24 hours. A similar timed Air transport strike is also planned;

In Rome, on Friday 27 January, a general urban transport strike has been called from 08:30 to 17:00 and from 20:00 to the end of service daily service operations.

Maritime Transport will strike on 27 January from 21:00 for 24 hours.

There are also plans for a ten day petrol station strike (dates and more specific details to be confirmed).

Call the Trenitalia call centre or go to the relevant website for further information (call centre Trenitalia 00 39 06 6847 5475; www.fsitaliane.it or www.trenitalia.com).

Other strikes could be called at little or no notice.

Italian Cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks

2012-01-20T14:16:00.001+01:00

This past week the news worldwide has been full of features regarding the tragic sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship here in Italy. I don't want to talk about who was to blame but instead take a moment to think of those poor souls that went down with the ship and send appreciation for the rescue services that saved so many lives.

I can only imagine what it could have been like to be aboard the ship when it hit the rocks, when it began to tilt and ultimately, when it could no longer resist and sank beneath the sea. Italy's Titanic.

La Befana

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000+01:00

January 6th is when La Befana visits children in Italy bringing them stockings full of sweets if they've been good and lumps of coal if they've been bad.

This is a song about La Befana by Italian singer Gianni Morandi (1978)

The lyrics:

"La befana trullallà"

Trullala' Trullala' Trullala'.
La Befana vien di notte
con le scarpe tutte rotte,
con la calza appesa al collo,
col carbone, col ferro e l'ottone.
Sulla scopa per volare.
Lei viene dal mare.
Lei viene dal mare.

E la neve scendera'
sui deserti del Maragia',
dall'Alaska al Canada'.
E partire lei dovra'
e cantando partira'
da ciociara si vestira',
con il sacco arrivera',
la bufera vincera'.
E cantando trullala',
la Befana arrivera'.
Trulalla' Trullala' Trullala'.

Un bambino, grande come un topolino,
si è infilato nel camino,
per guardarla da vicino.
Quando arriva la Befana
senza denti
salta, balla, beve il vino.
Poi di nascosto s' allontana
con la notte appiccicata alla sottana.

E un vento caldo soffiera'
sui deserti del Maragia',
dall'Alaska al Canada'.
Solo una stella brillera'
e seguirla lei dovra',
per volare verso il nord
e la strada è lunga
ma la bufera vincera'.
E cantando Trullala',
la Befana se ne va.
E cantando Trullala'
Truallalero Trullala'
Trullala' Trullala' Trullala'

Italy in 2011

2012-01-04T22:42:00.000+01:00

2011 was a big year for Italy, full of both high and low points. Here's a few of the things that shaped the country in this past year;

Italy celebrates its 150th birthday. Countrywide celebrations marked 150 years of unification.

Italy came 2nd place in the Eurovision song Contest after a long absence from the competition. Raphael Gualazzi - Follia D'Amore

After dominating Italian politics for over 17 years, Silvio Berlusconi was forced from office. He managed for years to stay despite numerous scandals (tax fraud, corruption, paying for sex with a minor...and these are just the ones he's currently involved in). The European Debt Crisis was too much though and his elective career came to an end in November.

Mario Monti became the new Prime Minister of Italy and formed the current non-party government. Big changes are ahead.

A year full of sporting victories for Italy including the huge success of the Italian fencing team in the 2011 European and World Championships.

A year of great sporting losses too including the death of Moto GP star Marco Simoncelli who fell from his bike during a race in Malaysia.

Nature hit hard this year with Italy suffering several earthquakes and floods.

What will happen in 2012? Hopefully Olympic success for the talented Italian team and some economic improvement (although realistically things are likely to get worse better they get better). At least Italian shouldn't be headline news for once due to the suspect behavior of the country's leader. Berlusconi maybe be gone from the top but he definitely left his mark.

New Year, New Site

2011-12-29T21:59:00.000+01:00

Just a heads up that As The Romans Do will be relaunched in 2012. I'll be making some changes and updating on a more regular basis.

I'm open to guest posts too so if you have an article to share get in touch (contact me via the Facebook fan page).

I'm also happy to review books and products connected to Italy in some way so feel free to contact me for a review as well.

Nominated for the Bloggers Choice Awards

2010-12-22T21:37:00.002+01:00

Please vote for this site in the Bloggers Choice Awards for 'Best Travel Blog'. Thank you for your support.

Castello San'Angelo

2010-11-02T19:34:00.000+01:00

A collection of photo's from Castello San'Angelo in Rome.

The castle is round in form and situated close to the Vatican.

The views from the top are amazing.

Inside is a collection of weapons and articles of interest.

The museum inside is well worth a visit and contains loads

of information about both the castle and Roman history.

The ART of Travel

2010-07-19T20:33:00.000+02:00

A site of interest:

Linda Dubin Garfield, printmaker and mixed media artist, creates visual memoirs based on the mystery of memory and the magic of place. Her love of travel and her creative spirit combine in her work. She creates art based on her visits to far-away exotic places as well as venues closer to home. Nature inspires her work. In this blog dedicated to the ART of travel, she shares with you her travel to beautiful places, and the art it inspires.

http://www.lindadubingarfield.blogspot.com/

Linda has travelled to various regions in Italy and has a nice collection of photo's posted to the site.
The most recent post to the site is http://lindadubingarfield.blogspot.com/2010/07/traveling-around-tuscany-real-treat.html where you can see some fabulous pics of Tuscany and read some info about the different areas worth visiting.

Italy still getting hotter

2010-07-14T22:58:00.000+02:00

New alerts have been issued for the next few days in various cities through out Italy as the heat wave continues. Maximum alert in Bolzano, Bologna, Brescia, Firenze, Genova, Roma and Torino. Trieste, Rieti, Perugia, Milano, Frosinone and Campobasso now at level 2 (In Italy there are 3 levels with 3 being the maximum).

Tomorrow there will be a big meeting between the heads of the regions, organised by Ferruccio Fazio (head of health) to discuss the effects this heat wave has on health and to inform the various medical assistance centres so they can offer the maximum support.

Rome on heat wave alert

2010-07-13T11:37:00.000+02:00

Temperatures in the Eternal City are set to go well over 40°s in the next few days. La Protezione civile nazionale has launched an alarm as this new wave of heat hits the capital. On the 5th and 7th July this year they already actions volunteers to hand out water bottles in the main metro stations and set up emergency medical points through out the city. 118 and ambulances are also on alert to ensure quick response to calls.

If you're in Rome or planning on a visit in the very near future, make sure you're prepared for the heat. Always have a plastic bottle with you so you can refill it at the numerous water fountains through out the city.

By all means dip your feet in the fountains like the one shown above at Piazza di Spagna (just remember to have respect. They are monuments and pieces of art and should not be abused).

Remember to apply sun cream to avoid burning.

Wear a hat and try to keep out of the sun in the hottest hours (10am-2pm).

Dress appropiately. The hot weather means people tend to dress minimal. While it's normal to see people in shorts etc remember that this is a holy city as as such you will be asked to cover up when entering certain areas. If you plan on visiting churches opt for knee length and cover shoulders. If you really can't stand the idea of not wearing a vest top make sure you have a shawl to cover up with when needed or you may find you get denied access to some places.

Most important words for tourists in Italy

2010-06-30T13:11:00.000+02:00

Here's a nice video that gives you a top 10 useful words:

To learn more basics to help you through your visit in Italy check out:

Italy head home

2010-06-24T21:05:00.000+02:00

Italy's World Cup dreams ended today after a 3-2 defeat by Slovakia.

Slovakia player Robert Vittek made two goals, at 25' and at 73'. Italy made a come back when Antonio Di Natale scored at 81', but Slovakia hit back again with Kamil Kopunek making a goal at 89'. Fabio Quagliarella made a goal for Italy at 92' but by then it was too late to make a difference.

Lippi took full responsibilty for the outcome following the match stating "If for an hour and a quarter the team was blocked from the physciological point of view, the fault rests with who trained them, and built them".

With today's match Lippi leaves the Italian bench to Cesare Prandelli whilst Fabio Cannavaro and Gennaro Gattuso have both announced the end of their participation in the national team.

Fifa Fan Fest in Rome

2010-06-19T18:55:00.000+02:00

Fans can follow all the World Cup action for free at the Fifa Fan Fest in Villa Borghese in Rome.

A special “window” on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (scheduled from 11th June to 11th July), centred on the theme of entertainment and integration. This is in brief a snapshot of the “IFFF” project (International Fifa Fan Fest), created by FIFA and meant to bring, for the first time, the World Cup atmosphere in some of the most famous metropolises (city involved are Rome, Paris, Berlin, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney). This in parallel to the events organised in the South African cities where the matches will be played.

The IFFF Rome, supported by the Municipality of Rome, is part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and will offer live broadcasting of all matches in the charming setting of Villa Borghese (traditional venue of the International Horse Show Jumping Piazza di Siena), together with other shows and entertainment programmes. Entrance will be free and there will be an interaction with the IFFF organized in the other five cities and in South Africa.

Italy, and Rome in particular, is traditionally a country of great passion for football and for all celebrations held in public venues. The International FIFA Fan Fest is also a place for cultural exchange, where people from all over the world and football/sports fans can live and experience the World Cup as an occasion to meet other cultures and passions.

The Venue

Villa Borghese is part of the history of Rome and Piazza di Siena, our chosen venue for the INTERNATIONAL FIFA FAN FEST, is one of its architectural jewels.

The park is named after the Borghese princes who, from the very beginning, used this square to organize popular celebrations and horse races like those held (from the Middle Ages) in the region of Siena, in Tuscany. Located in one of the most beautiful villas owned by the Roman nobility, it’s a feather in the cap of the City heritage.

As for the dimensions, it’s the third public park in Rome (around 80 hectares) and it stretches for a big part through the Pinciano neighbourhood and partly through the Campo Marzio area.

The park has nine entrances, which allow people to get in from different sides of the City. It is easily reachable by public transport (subway and buses) and has two underground parking (the “Ludovisi” and SABA parking), for those who prefer to get to the venue by car.

Inside the Villa Borghese, among other attractions, there are three museums, a zoo, a theatre and a Film House.
Piazza di Siena has a long tradition as a venue for sports events. Since 1930 it hosts the most important International Horse Show Jumping (CSIO), now at its 78th edition. It’s also the grand setting for the parade of the Carabinieri, that takes place every year in the month of June. Moreover, it hosted many concerts by great International artists and it is known as an ideal outdoor entertainment area for the people in Rome.

The architectural project of Piazza di Siena unfolds along a huge oval (about 6000 sqm), where the main stage will be set, with a giant screen that can offer perfect visibility to 16 thousand spectators. For the occasion, a tribune with 4 thousand seats will be built, as well as three restaurants and various refreshment corners.

There will be a hospitality lounge for the sponsors, together with a merchandising corner, a commercial area (dedicated to the personalized booths of the INTERNATIONAL FIFA FAN FEST sponsors) and a VIP restaurant where guests can comfortably watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

For more information visit http://www.fifafanfestroma.it

UFO's in Rome

2010-06-10T18:13:00.000+02:00

In recent months UFO's have been reported over Rome. Various video's have been making the news showing three or more small lights in the sky. Here's an example of the type of video's:

Colle Salario - Rome, Italy - 18th March 2010

An official investigation into the events has now been opened, although the official comments by Italian Military have been limited to saying, they take any notifications that could cause trouble for air safety in the area seriously.

If it's not UFO's, what could the lights be? Do you think UFO sightings will increase tourist visits to the Capital?

Roman transport gets a make over

2010-05-28T17:47:00.000+02:00

Work has been underway to improve Rome's public transport system for a while now, but only now are we starting to see some real action taking place.

The metro (underground system) is under going a huge make over and many new lines are being adding to areas of the city not yet connected.

The Major of Rome, Alemanno recently spoke about the start of work on Line D, which will run from Ojetti to Agricoltura with stops including Piazza di Spagna (linked with Line A), EUR Magliana (Linked with Line B) and Piazza Venezia (Linked with Line C).

Termini, the main station in Rome, is currently having work done to improve safety and control better the levels of 'people traffic'. A new gallery has been built for passengers changing between Line A and Line B, Lifts and mobile staircases have been installed as is a new anti-fire system. There will also be new lighting systems and a general clean up of the station where over 200 thousand passengers pass through daily. Work should be finished for December 2012 (or at least that's the date they're giving now... these things tend to drag out longer in reality).

The fact that Rome is an historical city and full of ancient ruins means plans often need to be changed/adapted in order to preserve the historical value of the sites. This makes building new underground train systems a little difficult.

Should all the plans to better connect the city become reality, visiting Rome will be much easier, quicker and safer. Fingers crossed.

3 things to watch out for in Rome

2010-05-26T19:57:00.000+02:00

Unfortunately, Rome, like many other large cities, has it's down sides too. Being aware of certain 'troubles' can help prevent problems though.

Pickpockets

Especially when on public transport or in crowded tourist areas. In a lot of cases those doing the pickpocketing are children or pregnant woman. Always put your wallet in a safe place and make sure you bag and pockets are well guided.

Traffic

Italian drivers are manic. Cars will weave in and out of each other much like the motorino do. The official rules of the road are often overlooked so it's best to be aware and look in ALL directions before crossing the street.

Fines

In Rome you can be fined for various things. Here's a few to be aware of:

- transport tickets. You must buy a ticket to travel on public transport. That ticket MUST be validated using the machines or you risk being fined €100.
- Eating in piazzas. Some piazzas are also monuments and as such you can be fined for eating and drinking in them. An example of this is Piazza di Spagna.
- Bathing in the fountains. With the summer heat it's tempting to take a quick dip in the many fountains but be warned, you risk a fine if you venture into some e.g. the large fountain in Piazza del Repubblica.

Use common sense, have respect and you should be ok.

New look for As The Romans Do

2010-05-21T23:43:00.000+02:00

As you can see, I've been giving a brand new look to the site and adding some new features.

There's the obvious new graphics and layout but also a few little extras:

'LIKE' button. Now you can share your favourite posts directly on facebook and let everyone know how much you like the site
Post views. Now you can see how many people have been reading the posts here. Unfortunately the count starts from today and as such older visitors don't show up on the counter though.
Share it buttons. You can now share the site on various social media networks with just one click.

I will be continuing to update the site with other new features in the near future.

Hope you like it and remember that you're comments are welcome on all posts.

Coloseum by night

2010-05-18T19:20:00.000+02:00

See the Coloseum as you've never seen it before!

From mid-June until mid-September, the Coloseum will be open after dark. Visitors will be able to enter from 21:00 until 24:00 in addition to the normal daytime opening hours. Night access will be allowed two nights a week (Tuesday and Saturday).

From August visitors will be able to access all four levels (currently only two are open to the public).

Until now visitors from all over the world had to 'content' themselves with admiring only the first two floor of this symbol of ancient Rome.

Other new features are planned for the venue in the near future, including moving all non-parts of the monuments out of the Coloseum (e.g. exhibition area etc...). A new bookshop and bar are also planned to be built near the monument.

Coloseum falls to pieces

2010-05-11T18:04:00.000+02:00

Ok, that sounds very dramatic. This is not the end...well at least not yet...of one of the world's oldest treasures.

What actually happened was that a few small pieces fell out during the night between Sunday and Monday of this week. The damage was apparently caused by climate conditions and the pieces were from an area that is currently having restoration work done on it.

Here's the news report:

http://it.notizie.yahoo.com/10/20100509/video/ven-colosseo-si-stacca-pezzo-intonaco-b35d1b5.html

La notte dei musei

2010-05-10T18:37:00.000+02:00

If you're in Rome on Saturday 15th May, you're in for a treat!

It's La notte dei musei - The night of museums- where you get to enter FREE OF CHARGE into a wide variety of the museums and galleries throughout the city.

A great excuse to go and check out some real treasures!

Included are:

You can find out more details about it at http://www.museiincomuneroma.it/mostre_ed_eventi/eventi/la_notte_dei_musei

A guide to the Spanish Steps, Rome

2010-04-30T20:13:00.000+02:00

Weddings in Italy

2010-04-23T19:09:00.000+02:00

If you found the above article interesting you'll probably also like the book 'A Guide to Weddings in Italy'. Get your copy today.

Book review: Daughter of Mine by Laura Fabiani

2010-04-15T19:54:00.001+02:00

5 STARS!

Title: Daughter of Mine

Author: Laura Fabiani

Publisher: iUniverse

ISBN: 9-780595-478576

Reviewed by Jo Linsdell.

Daughter of Mine tells the tale of Tiziana Manoretti, who finding out that she was adopted, travels to Italy in an attempt to discover the truth about her birth and to search for her birth parents. The road to learning about her past is far from easy but she meets some interesting characters along the way that help her out.

As if the recent bomb about her adoption isn’t enough, Tiziana is also getting mixed signals from her best friend Christopher and starts questioning exactly how deep her feelings for him are.

Daughter of Mine is a real page turner and one of the best books I’ve read for a while. Laura Fabiani captures Italy beautifully as it follows Tiziana on her journey. The descriptions of the locations visited by the characters are wonderful and give a real feel for the setting. As do some of the Italian individuals that Tiziana meets along the way, who made me think of some real Italians I’ve met since I came to live here.

Relationships, love, family, friendship mixed with the stunning scenery of Italy. Daughter of Mine is excellently written and a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.

Get your copy:

Blogging and house moves

2010-04-08T17:48:00.000+02:00

Apologises for the lack of posting recently but in the middle of an unexpected house move. Normal posting should be resumed for next week all being well.

Thanks for your patience and continued interest in this site.

UCLA Writers’ Program Instructors Plan Roman Retreat

2010-03-26T17:10:00.000+01:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Carolyn Howard-Johnson hojonews@aol.com

Phone: 818-790-0502

For Immediate Release

UCLA Writers’ Program Instructors Plan Roman Retreat

World Wide Web— Two UCLA Writers’ Program instructors, Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Eve LaSalle Caram are planning an intimate writers’ retreat in Rome for October, 2010.

Caram was Howard-Johnson’s first instructor in novel writing more than a decade ago. Later the student joined her teacher as a fellow instructor for UCLA’s renowned Writers’ Program and she has now been teaching for nearly there nearly a decade.

The excitement grows. The two have rented a town home near the Trevi fountain in Rome and are inviting writers to join them for a casual week of writing and promotion seminars and tons of Eternal City inspiration. Rome resident Jo Linsdell, a writer and founder of PROMO DAY, the free online conference for writers, will join them to present on the ever-important marketing aspects of the publishing industry.

Caram is the author of three novels and was honored by UCLA for her outstanding teaching. Howard-Johnson is an award-winning poet, novelist, former journalist, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers (www.howtodoitfrugally.com). The pair will tailor seminars to the needs of those who participate.

If participants are interested, Howard-Johnson will lead a tour of nearby Etruscan sites.

Learn more about the retreat at www.budurl.com/RomanRetreat. complete with pictures of the town home including its rooftop garden.

Early registration is recommended. Accommodations are very limited. Reach Howard-Johnson for payment details at HoJoNews@aol.com.

# # #

Graphics, interviews and further information available upon request.

Featured on this blog

2010-03-24T13:00:00.000+01:00

Yes you can be featured on this blog. If you have a book or film connected to Italy in some way I'm happy to review it for you and post it here.

Do you have a company here in Italy that you'd like promoted? Do you organise an event here in Italy or organise one about Italy else where?

I'm also happy to host guest bloggers so that others can share their thoughts about all things connected with Italy.

If interested please send me an email with details of what kind of feature you would like or a sort article for a guest post. Please put 'As the Romans Do' in the subject line as I have a high email traffic and wouldn't want to miss it.

Famous Italian: Roberto Benigni

2010-03-22T12:57:00.000+01:00

Arguably the most popular Italian screen comedian since the immortal Toto, Roberto Benigni mastered the exacting art of improvisational humor early. Inspired by Charles Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Peter Sellers, Benigni first gained fame in his native country with his own must-see TV series, sustaining his vast following with several hilarious movie appearances. One of his best-known monologues, "Cioni Mario," was expanded into the feature film I Love You Berlinger/Berlinguer Ti Voglio Bene (1977), after which Benigni went on to star in a number of popular films in Italy.

His 1991 Italian box office success, Johnny Stecchino, brought him considerable international attention. American filmgoers, however, may have become aware of his brand of comedy earlier with 1988's The Little Devil, which Benigni wrote, directed, and co-starred in with Walter Matthau. He had also been visible -- to art house audiences, at least -- as a convict in Down by Law (1986) and a Roman taxi driver confessing a bit too much information to a priest in Night on Earth (1988), both directed by Jim Jarmusch, before appearing in Wim Wenders' Faraway, So Close in 1993.

Having demonstrated his comedic talents to an worldwide audience, Benigni seemed an inspired casting choice for the pratfalling offspring of Inspector Clouseau in Blake Edwards' 1992 Son of the Pink Panther. Unfortunately, the role created by Peter Sellers may not have been ideal for Benigni and the comedy received little praise. The comedian more than proved himself five years later, however, co-writing, directing, and starring in Life Is Beautiful. The movie -- which had the potentially ungainly premise of a comedy set in a Nazi concentration camp -- proved to be a huge international success, both critically and commercially. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival -- where Benigni, leaping on-stage to accept the award, got down on his knees before presenter Martin Scorsese and kissed his hand -- and ultimately won a number of other awards, including Best Actor and Best Screenplay Oscars for Benigni. Accepting one of his awards, Benigni proved to be one of the more memorable aspects of the 1998 ceremony. Upon hearing of his win, he jumped up on his seat and then took to the stage, where he proceeded to proclaim -- in broken English and at great length -- his great joy and gratitude.

Aside from a supporting role in the 1999 fantasy adventure Astrix and Obelix vs. Cesar Benigni remained relatively low-key in the years following his success with Life is Beautiful. Of course coming off of such success and with rumors abounding, expectations were certainly high for whatever project the eccentric actor would develop next - a factor that may have done more damage than good. Though when he originally concieved an adaptation of the timeless tale of Pinocchio Benigni envisioned the film as starring himself with famed director Federico Fellini at the helm, the director's death left Benigni the director of what would be one of the most expensive films in Italian film history. Immediately lambasted by critics upon release in 2002, the visually extravagant film proved a notable failure at the box office - with the dubbed stateside version of the film taking exceptional heat. By this point no one doubted Benigni's talent, but his misguided execution left many to wonder just how it was that the production spiraled so far out of control. Fortunately fans could take some comfort in Benigni's masterful performance on the television special L'Ultimo del paradiso later that same year. The following year Benigni turned in a memorable performance in old friend Jim Jarmusch's episodic drama Coffee and Cigarettes.

Benigni married actress Nicoletta Braschi in 1991, and she appeared with him in a number of films, including Johnny Stecchino and Life Is Beautiful. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

(Source: http://www.fandango.com/robertobenigni/biographies/p81377. They also have a fabulous list of all his films. Well worth checking out).

Roberto Benigni winning an Oscar® - Best Foreign Language Film, Life is Beautiful - 71st Annual Academy Awards®. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cTR6fk8frs

Related:

Festa dei Papa

2010-03-19T19:29:00.000+01:00

Festa dei Papa is the Italian name for Father's Day, which is celebrated annually on March 19 (St. Joseph's Feast Day -Festa di San Giuseppe-in Italy).

An integral part of the Festa di San Giuseppe are zeppole. These are delicious pastries that range from cream puffs to pockets of fried dough depending on what part of the country you’re in. The most common zeppole are cream puffs.

Here is a video about the making of zeppole:

Buon Appetito and Auguri to all the fathers today. Enjoy!

Talent shows

2010-03-15T17:29:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 6th March one of the most famous recent talents, Noemi, from the popular music show x-factor (Rai Due) was guest on another talent show, Amici (Canale 5). She performed her latest single 'Per tutta la vita', which was in competition at this years Sanremo.

Here is her performance at Amici:

Noemi is proof that these talent shows do actually find people with real talent. Of course, many of those who take part in them are famous for however long the programme lasts and then promptly disappear from public eye. Some however launch their careers and go on to have success.

Other whose success post-tv talent show is worth mentioning are:

Marco Carta (winner of Amici, winner of Sanremo 2009, winner of numerous awards on festival bar and Mtv trl)
Valerio Scanu (2nd place at Amici, winner of this years Sanremo)
Tony Maiello (took part in X-factor, won this years young cat. at Sanremo)
Marco Mengoni (winner of x-factor, runner up at this years Sanremo)

Although I feel that these people are in fact talented singers, I do have a few doubts over their success at Sanremo. It's true that part of the vote is given by the general public and as such the months that they were featured on daily programmes on the TV will no doubt have helped them out. That being said though, it's a bit strange that the shows promote each others talents despite being from different networks and both shows were represented at Sanremo in the finals. In my opinion there were better songs and more talented artists who desired to win instead.

My question at this point is, Did they win due to talent or due to TV popularity? Your thoughts?

Isola dei Famosi

2010-03-10T19:02:00.000+01:00

Isola Dei Famosi recently returned to Italian TV (Rai Due) with it's 7th edition, this time in Nicaragua. As always, the show is presented by Simone Ventura. This years co-presenter is Rossano Rubicondi.

This years 'famous' cast includes:

The last of which, Aldo Busi, has been causing waves right from word go. This 'intellectual' writer is new to the cast that normally contains showgirls and ex-tronisti (people who have been on the programme uomini e donne) or famous but in most cases little known tv actors/actresses.

In last weeks LIVE show he spoke out about the conditions of the island they have been set to and refused to continue the programme if they weren't sent to a different island. Finally the cast have someone who's not afraid to speak up.

So far they've had injuries due to the jump from a helicopter to get them to the island, upset stomaches, an earthquake... It's a good job this years cast includes someone like Busi who will stand up for them.

Festa delle Donne

2010-03-08T18:38:00.000+01:00

8th March is a popular festival in Italy. It is traditional to give the gift of yellow mimosas to women to celebrate on this day each year. Although in the past it was men who gave these flowers as a way of saying thank you to the women in their life, nowadays both men and women give them to family, friends and work colleagues.

This time of year often sees demonstrations about womens rights however the original sense of this 8th March celebration is being replaced to some extent by an excuse for a 'girl night out'. In fact restaurants, pubs and other social venues are booked up by groups of women prior to the event for their night of fun.

As the political reasons for the event take the back seat somewhat, these modern celebrations are often criticised. Where ever you go in Italy on 8th March you'll be sure to find fun activities, parties and women letting their hair down.

The first International Women's Day

In 1869 British MP John Stuart Mill was the first person in Parliament to call for women's right to vote. On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to give women the right to vote. Women in other countries did not enjoy this equality and campaigned for justice for many years.

In 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named Clara Zetkin (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands. The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs, and including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament, greeted Zetkin's suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women's Day was the result.

The very first International Women's Day was launched the following year by Clara Zetkin on 19 March (not 8 March). The date was chosen because on 19 March in the year of the 1848 revolution, the Prussian king recognized for the first time the strength of the armed people and gave way before the threat of a proletarian uprising. Among the many promise he made, which he later failed to keep, was the introduction of votes for women.

Plans for the first International Women's Day demonstration were spread by word of mouth and in the press. During the week before International Women's Day two journals appeared: The Vote for Women in Germany and Women's Day in Austria. Various articles were devoted to International Women's Day: 'Women and Parliament', 'The Working Women and Municipal Affairs', 'What Has the Housewife got to do with Politics?', etc. The articles thoroughly analyzed the question of the equality of women in the government and in society. All articles emphasized the same point that it was absolutely necessary to make parliament more democratic by extending the franchise to women.

Success of the first International Women's Day in 1911 exceeded all expectation.

Meetings were organized everywhere in small towns and even the villages halls were packed so full that male workers were asked to give up their places for women.

Men stayed at home with their children for a change, and their wives, the captive housewives, went to meetings.

During the largest street demonstration of 30,000 women, the police decided to remove the demonstrators' banners so the women workers made a stand. In the scuffle that followed, bloodshed was averted only with the help of the socialist deputies in Parliament.

In 1913 International Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Wommen's Day ever since.

During International Women's Year in 1975, IWD was given official recognition by the United Nations and was taken up by many governments. International Women's Day is marked by a national holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Find out more at http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Weddings in Italy

2010-03-03T19:28:00.000+01:00

Italy is one of the most romantic places in the world and has long been a popular wedding destination for foreign couples fixing to tie the knot. This trend continues to grow despite the fact that Italy tends to be a little trickier in terms of wedding regulations than some other target destinations. Needless to say, it's a good idea to start planning early.

A Guide to Weddings in Italy has information about all aspects of planning a wedding in the famous boot:

Types of weddings allowed
Documents needed
Italian wedding traditions and superstitions
Italian wedding proverbs
and more...

Carolina Kostner and the winter Olympics

2010-03-01T19:54:00.000+01:00

Things didn't go well for Italian, Carolina Kostner at this years winter Olympics in Vancouver. The figure skater fell several times and closed in 16th place. The once European champion, scored just 151.90.

She obviously has talent as the many medals won in the past show:

Bronze in Mosca 2005
Silver in Goteborg 2008
Bronze in Lione 2006
Gold in Varsavia 2007
Gold in Zagabria 2008
Silver in Helsinki 2009
Gold in Tallin 2010

Let's hope that she re-finds herself and returns to being the great skater she can be.

Sanremo 2010

2010-02-26T19:08:00.000+01:00

Sanremo is the most famous festival of Italian music. This year the event celebrated it's 60th edition and was presented by Antonella Clerici.

It would appear that I was not alone watching it this year as ratings for the show were very high.

This years event was won by Valerio Scanu. An ex-student of the talent show Amici, his victory has created much talk about the voting system for the festival. His song 'Per tutti i volte che...' however is not bad and has already become a hit both on radio and in sales.

Video of Valerio Scanu singing the winning song at Sanremo:

The winner of the new generation award (younger artists) was Tony Maiello. He too has a past in a talent show (this time x-factor) however there seems to be less upset over his win.

Malika Ayane won the critics award given by the press. Many, including myself, would have liked to see her as the winner of the festival.

Video: io canto

2010-02-17T16:59:00.000+01:00

Io Canto is a popular TV programme launched this year in Italy. The show is presented by Gerry Scotti (one of the most popular TV hosts in Italy) and features the singing talents of a group of children between the ages of 7 and 15 years. The programmes airs every Saturday evening on canale 5 of mediaset. The super talented children sing both Italian and international songs.

Here is the opening preformance of the first episode:

Famous Italian: Morgan

2010-02-15T16:49:00.000+01:00

Morgan recently hit the headlines in Italy, this time, due to his exclusion from Sanremo and a supposed drugs scandal. His position on Italian TV is now being questioned and the whole issue has launched many discussions on and off air about similar cases involving other V.I.P.s

Marco Castoldi better known by his stage name Morgan (born in Milano, Italy on 23 December 1972) is an Italian singer, musician and multi-instrumentalist. He is also a judge for three years in the Italian version of The X Factor winning the first three series through acts he mentored, Aram Quartet (series 1 - 2008), Matteo Becucci (series 2 - 2008-9) and Marco Mengoni (in series 3 - 2009).
He is also a founding member of Bluvertigo,an Italian band formed in 1992. Bluvertigo's first name was "Golden Age" and other founding mmebers included Andy (Andrea Fumagalli) and Marco Pancaldi.

Their first album was released in 1995, Acidi e basi, followed in 1997 by Metallo non metallo and in 1999 by Zero: they were later called "la trilogia chimica" ("the chemical trilogy") because every title has a reference to chemistry and the initial letters (AB-MN-Z) are respectively the first, the central and the last ones of the alphabet. Their latest album is Pop Tools, a compilation released in 2001. In 2003 Morgan released his first solo album: Le canzoni dell'appartamento.

MTV Storytellers was released in 2008, a live recording of a concert performed for MTV. A music video for "Fuori Dal Tempo" can be found on the MTV Storytellers DVD.

Present members are: Morgan (Marco Castoldi) (on vocals, bass, piano), Andy (Andrea Fumagalli) (on keys, sax , synths, vocals), Sergio Carnevale (drums and percussions), Livio Magnini (guitar).
Morgan had lived with actress Asia Argento with whom has a daughter born in 2001.

Find more information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_singer or his official website http://www.marcomorgan.it/home.php

St. Valentine gift or homeschoolers resource

2010-02-12T11:56:00.000+01:00

Who was Saint Valentine? Why do we celebrate this festival on February 14th? How is the festival celebrated in Italy? and many more are answered in this short e-book about one of the most popular day's of the year.

This short ebook makes a nice Valentines Day present. It downloads immediately and so is ideal as a last minute gift too:)

It can also be used as a resource for homeschoolers wanting to know more about this much celebrated event.

Get your copy today here

Tivoli Carnival 2010

2010-02-10T19:48:00.000+01:00

Carnival is celebrated throughout Italy over January and February each year. Some of the smaller towns have the biggest and best parades though. Tivoli is one well worth visiting.
From mid-January until mid-February, Tivoli gets taken over with 'carnival fever'. Face painters can be found daily on the main streets to decorate the childrens faces. The main square is in almost constant party mode, with stalls, music, competitions and games.
Each Sunday there is a big parade of decorated floats and people in costumes that goes round the main streets ending up in the main square.
Great fun for the whole family!

Here's a few photo's from this years carnival:

Famous Italian: Fiorello

2010-02-08T19:56:00.000+01:00

Rosario Tindaro Fiorello (born 16 May 1960), also known just as Fiorello, is an Italian singer and also a radio and television presenter.

Fiorello was born in Augusta, Sicily. He began his career working in tourist villages, first as a barman, and then as an entertainer. Near the end of the 1980s, Fiorello met Claudio Cecchetto, a talent-scout. Soon afterwards, Fiorello began hosting the show "Viva Radio Deejay".

Having become popular through the TV show Karaoke, Fiorello went on to host various different TV shows. Soon after, he endured a period of drug problems that kept him away from the world of TV. However, he returned to show business and television in the 1990s, displaying great abilities as a showman, first in the Mediaset networks, then with RAI in 2001, 2002, and 2004 with Stasera Pago Io.

Since 2002, Fiorello has hosted the radio broadcast Viva Radio 2 together with Marco Baldini, Francesco Bozzi and Enrico Cremonesi, during which Fiorello shows off his skills as a singer, mimic and entertainer. In the summer of 2005, a CD was published that collected the best of his radio career. The CD's high points include: the imitation of Mike Bongiorno and the Forgetful of Cologno (Berlusconi). The CD also includes imitations of Andrea Camilleri, Antonio Cassano, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Gianni Minà, Franco Califano, Carla Bruni, Oliviero Toscani, Marina Flaibani from Onda Verde, Nanni Moretti, Vittorio Cecchi Gori, Ignazio La Russa, the prince Albert of Monaco, Monica Bellucci and her husband Vincent Cassel.

Fiorello's skills as a vocalist have brought him to the cinema as well. He has participated in such varied roles as: a dubber in cartoons (most recently Garfield), to an appearance in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley, in which he portrays Renato Carosone.

His younger brother Giuseppe Fiorello is an actor.

Fiorello's most famous imitations include Mike Bongiorno, and that of Silvio Berlusconi as a character called Smemorato di Cologno who, in the parody, loses his memory every time something related to communism is mentioned. Smemorato di Cologno is a pun on the main character of the Italian comedy 'Lo smemorato di Collegno', Cologno being instead the headquarters of Berlusconi's well-known media company.

Find out more about Fiorello at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosario_Fiorello

Italian for homeschoolers

2010-02-05T19:47:00.001+01:00

FREE Homeschoolers Kit now available to download. Learning Italian has never been so easy. All the answers to the exercises can be found in your copy of ITALIAN FOR TOURISTS: POCKET EDITION!

Italian for tourists: Pocket Edition is available to buy from lulu.com Now also available on www.amazon.com and other online bookstores!

Italian For Tourists is a basic guide to the Italian language covering phrases and words most needed by tourists. It includes all the words and phrases a tourist is likely to need during their stay in Italy as well as a pronunciation guide and a map of Italy. It is divided into 17 sections to help you find what you are looking for in the shortest possible time.

ISBN: 978-1-4092-7826-9

Map of Italy

2010-02-03T18:47:00.000+01:00

Planning on taking a trip to Italy? A lot of different cities can be easily visited during a short trip. In just a couple of hours you can get from Rome to Naples on a train or Milan to Florence. Take a look at the map below and start thinking about which places you'd like to visit.

Famous Italian: Maria De Filippi

2010-02-01T19:43:00.000+01:00

Maria De Filippi (born 5 December 1961) is an Italian television host.

De Filippi was born in Milan, Lombardy, but grew up in Pavia where her family transferred when she was ten years old. She is married to talk show host Maurizio Costanzo with whom she has an adopted son.

She has hosted numerous talk shows broadcast by Mediaset's Canale 5 such as Uomini and donne and C'e posta per te. From 1993 until the present day (December 2009), she has hosted on Canale 5 the talent show Amici, which changed its name in 2002 to Amici di Maria De Filippi. Similar to the American series Fame, it features a school with two groups of aspiring young singers and dancers who compete against the other, performing live before an audience, and a panel of judges and instructors. Albanian-born dancer Kledi Kadiu is a regular performer on the programme.

She has won numerous awards over the years for her programmes and is one of Italy's most well known presenters.

Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

2010-01-29T19:23:00.000+01:00

A nice video that gives some interesting facts and history about Rome. Great if your planning a trip and want some ideas of places to visit during your stay.

Famous Italian: Francesco Totti

2010-01-25T19:11:00.000+01:00

This weeks famous Italian is Francesco Totti, one of the most loved figures in Rome. Excellent football player and also a popular personality for adverts and sponsorship deals on a National and International level. He is also spokesman for UNICEF.

Francesco Totti, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born 27 September 1976 in Rome) is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who is the current captain of Serie A club Roma. His position is that of a striker or an attacking midfielder, though he is best known for playing as a second striker. He has spent his entire career at Roma, is the number-one goalscorer and the most capped player in the club's history. He is considered to be Roma's greatest player of all time. "Er Pupone," as he is commonly nicknamed, is universally considered as one of the greatest players of his generation and in the annals of European football.

Totti won several awards in Italy during his career including a record 5 times Italian Footballer of the Year and 2 times Serie A Footballer of the Year. He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

Totti is currently the top active Serie A goalscorer, and eighth all-time in league history with 187 goals.

Retirement:
Totti intended to retire from the Azzurri after the end of the World Cup, but reneged on his decision and remained undecided on his future for over a year, and was never called up in the meantime. He made his retirement official on 20 July 2007, at the beginning of the 2007–08 Serie A season in order to focus solely on club play with Roma. Italy coach at that time Roberto Donadoni's attempts to get Totti to change his mind for the remaining Euro 2008 qualifiers proved futile. After the national team reunioned with Lippi, Totti announced that he would like to play in the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa if he gets called up.

You can find out more about Totti by visiting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Totti

FRATELLI D'ITALIA

2010-01-22T19:17:00.000+01:00

The complete National Anthem of Italy accompanied with images of the Italian flag.

B&B In the Center You Too

2010-01-20T18:54:00.000+01:00

If you're looking for a place to stay in the heart of Rome, this is a Bed and Breakfast worth checking out.

B&B In the Center You Too
via Emanuele Filiberto, 50
Rome 00185
Italy
Tel:06/72671037
Cell:328/1015077
Fax:06/7234901
E-mail:inthecenteryoutoo@gmail.com

About the place:

"In the Center You Too" is the ideal bed and breakfast for your stay in the Eternal City. We are situated in a historical square on Via Emanuele Filiberto, just 800 metres from the Colosseum, surrounded by a typical Roman atmosphere. You can easily reach every part of Rome from our bed & breakfast: 700 metres from the Termini station (from where direct trains depart to Fiumicino Airport) and only 50 meters from two stops on Metro Line A. You can arrive to all major sightseeing spots in just a few minutes. Alternatively by public transport, our B&B is also well connected via night buses.

Our rooms are single, double, triple and possibly even quadruple.

A private bath is available for some rooms. Our guests can conveniently come in and out as they wish having available their room keys. Breakfast is offered at any time of the day in a cafe’-bar that is located in front of the building.

In addition, each room is well furnished, inspired to a different color: red, yellow, orange, or blue, and they are furnished with a single or double bed, linens, night table, desk, chairs, wardrobe, towels, hair-dryer, TV 19'', air conditioning and WiFi internet connection.

Each is dedicated to one of the most famous monuments of Rome: indulging on our comfortable beds you can admire the frescos by a local artist depicting the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon or St. Peter's Basilica.

See http://www.inthecenteryoutoo.com for more information.

Recipe for Panettone

2010-01-08T15:08:00.000+01:00

During the festive period the Italian kitchen fills with delicious treats. One of the most popular is the Panettone.

Ingredients:
250g of flour
2 spoons of raising agent in powder.
1 teaspoon of orange essence.
185g of raisins
100g of Olive Oil
150g of brown sugar
2 eggs
180ml of milk
A pinch of salt

Preparation:
Mix the flour, raising agent and salt. Add the raisins and mixture of sugar and oil. Beat the eggs, add milk and mix all together. Stir well for about 5 minutes and fill mould. Put in oven for 20 minutes at 180°. Leave to cool and serve.

La Befana

2010-01-06T15:07:00.000+01:00

January 6th is a significant day to Italians because it marks the end of the Christmas season and the day that the three Wise Men arrived at the manger of the Christ child. Over the years the Epiphany has been a more celebrated holiday for the children of Italy than even Christmas.

La Befana is a friendly character in Italian folklore. She is a witch like character who rides around on a broom. Unlike a witch though, she is often smiling and she has a sack or a basket filled with candy and/or gifts.

La Befana is one of Italy's oldest and most celebrated legends. Like many Italian traditions La Befana is a mixture of folklore and Christianity. The name Befana is derived from the word Epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival of the Epiphany.

Here is an Italian nursery rhyme that the children sing for “La Befana”
La Befana viene di notte
con le scarpe tutte rotte
col cappello alla romana
viva viva la Befana!
Rough Translation:
La Befana comes at night
with old broken shoes
and a Roman style hat
long live la Befana!

Welcome back! 2010

2010-01-04T15:05:00.000+01:00

Welcome back and belated wishes for the New Year or as Italians say ‘Buon Anno’.

2009 was another eventful year for Italy. Here’s just a few of the things that happened:

o Economic crisis that hit most of the world this year also effected Italy, but the OCSE (Organisation for the cooperation and the economic growth) foresees Italy being the leader in Europe in 2010. Hard to believe considering that the first nine months of 2009 saw 100,000 companies close. Let’s hope they’re right and that the Italians can resist and come out on top in the New Year.
o In April 2009 a tragic earthquake hit Abruzzo with 370 deaths and over 1500 injured. Many were left homeless and much of Aquila (the main town hit) was destroyed. The population has pulled together and is now starting to rebuild their lives however many are still living in the tents supplied after the tragedy whilst they wait for new housing. Promises have been made that this will happen soon and that everyone will have a house in 2010. Let’s hope this is one promise that is kept.
o Attacks on public figures during the Christmas period. Both President Berlusconi and the Pope were victims of attacks. Berlusconi ended up in hospital for a few days with injuries to his face after being attacked by a man as he waved to crowds. The Pope was unharmed when a women, who wanting to touch him during the Christmas Mass, pulled him to the ground.
o Reality TV continued to be a success in Italy during 2009. Marco won the third edition of X-Factor and Big Brother celebrated it’s tenth edition and the housemates passed Christmas in the house for the first time.
o Lippi returned as the Italian Football teams coach. The last time he was in control of the team they won the World Cup. Will he be able to do it again in 2010?

If you would like to be involved with this site in 2010 please email jo_bins@yahoo.com with ‘As The Romans Do’ in the subject line. I’m looking for people to interview, book reviews, features on companies or services, etc… Obviously all should be related to or have a connection with Italy in some way ;)

NEWS FROM CYBERITALIAN

2009-10-13T11:26:00.000+02:00

NEWS FROM CYBERITALIAN

Evviva! Hurray! CyberItalian reached 20.000 subscribers from all around the world.

To help you practice the Italian language and know more about the Italian lifestyle we are now on Facebook with the Group of CyberItalian Students, and on Twitter.
In the Group, former, current and perspective CyberItalian students meet and discuss various subjects, ask questions and practice the language and culture. Some of the subjects are proposed by the Prof, others are proposed by the students, and others spring up spontaneously. Questions, interesting facts, jokes and any other discussion material are welcome. See the latest video posted by the Prof about "evitare i dolci" (avoiding sweets)!
Join the Group of CyberItalian students on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. It's FREE! See more

Not sure where to start learning and improving Italian?
If you wish to learn with a structured and complete course and the guide of an experienced teacher, take a Tutored Course.
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, take a Self-Study Course.
If you wish to have a dedicated teacher with a schedule that accommodates your needs take the Private Lessons.
Click here to sign up now.

Ciao Ciao!

Your Italian Voice, Your Inner Riches

Chocolate festival

2009-10-07T10:39:00.000+02:00

Italians LOVE chocolate and October is packed full of chocolate celebrations and events here in Italy.

From 16th- 25th October, Eurochocolate will be celebrated in Perugia. This years will be the 16th edition of this world famous festival that celebrates chocolate. This years is called 'Rompete le Righe'.

For full details visit http://www.eurochocolate.com/it/perugia2009/home.html

If you can't wait for the big one, join in the Anteprima Eurochocolate in Rome from 10th- 11th October at the Soratte Outlet.

12th October has been declared The National Day of Cacao and Chocolate and given the title of Chocoday. http://www.eurochocolate.com/it/chocoday2009/comunicato.html for more information.

If you can't get to either event but are filled with the joy of all that is chocolate visit the Chocostore at http://www.eurochocolate.com/chocostore/ and get yourself a chocolate themed treat.

Art Exhibition: Paesaggio laziale tra ideale e reale

2009-09-27T18:50:00.000+02:00

Paesaggio laziale tra ideale e Reale dipinti del XVII e XVIII secolo
Tivoli, Villa D'Este.
12th June- 1st November 2009

Open 8:30am until one hour before sunset
Closed Mondays

Exhibition plus entrance into villa: €10,00, free for under 12's and over 65's.

For more info visit http://www.villadestetivoli.info or email info@villadestetivoli.info

"The exhibition shows a selection of paintings by some of the best landscape painters who worked in Rome between the 17th and 18th century, a period when landscape painting moves between The Ideal and The real".
"Landscape of Latium becomes the visualisation of a dream, it changes into myth as fables and ancient stories it performs, rising to a universal value. Tivoli is expression and synthesis of these ideas: the ancestral memory of ancient myths, the great vestiges of classical and Renaissance world, the panic sense of nature live together in an indissoluble union. The emotion caused by the landscape of Tivoli is expressed among the ideal, the real, the picturesque and the sublime in the views by Dughet, van Wittel, locatelli, Van Bloem, van Lint".

IF Rome Conference

2009-09-18T11:20:00.000+02:00

IF Rome Conference - Building your business in the current climate

Organised by Recycler Publishing & Events / ETIRA

27-28 September 2009, Rome | Italy

Do you know what opportunities and challenges are on the horizon?

Globally the economy is declining, prices and margins are under pressure, competition is fierce and consumers have a much stronger environmental awareness.

As a business owner / manager you are focused on growing your business and want to take advantage of current market trends. Get the industries viewpoint at IF Rome!

Sunday 27th September 2009

15:00 - 16:00 Sponsors arrival, check in and set up

16:00 – 19:30 Registration & Sponsor Networking

19:30 - 20:30 Sponsors Cocktail Reception

20:30 onwards Delegates and Guests Dinner

Monday 28th September 2009

08:00 - 09:00 Registration, morning refreshments & Sponsor Networking

09:00 – 09:25 Opening Remarks & Delegate Profiling

09;25 – 10:25 Forward Focus

10:25 – 10:55 Morning Break & Informal Networking

10:55 – 12:50 Insights into Remanufacturing.

12:50 – 14:00 Lunch & Sponsors Networking

14:00 – 14:30 Legal Brief – Inside the Ninestar action

14:30 – 15:00 Three Step Challenge & Question time

15:00 – 15:25 Afternoon Break & Informal Networking

15:25 – 16:55 Insight & Opportunity

16:55 – 17:30 The Vote is in & closing remarks

17:30 Conference ends

Opening Remarks & Delegate Profiling

Recycler Trade Magazines David Connett will open the conference and compare the profile of the various companies and delegates and share with you the results of the online survey to gain up-the-minute insights into how the European remanufacturing industry is faring in the current climate.

Forward Focus - Assess the Risks & Opportunities for the industry in 2010

As the year draws to a close, what is the outlook for 2010 and what does it mean for forward-planning in the remanufacturing industry?

Assess how the industry is likely to fare over the coming months, and what lessons we can take from what has happened so far

Speaker Charlie BREWER

Insight 1 - Cartridge Collecting in Europe
Explore and understand the various cartridge collecting models and methods for efficient cartridge collecting and sourcing.

Speaker Philippe GUENIN

Insight 2 - European Inkjet industry in Europe
The remanufactured & refilled inkjet market is a market in its own right. Explore and understand the potential for your business.
Speaker Horst EDELMEIER

Insight 3 - Hybrid solutions
A cartridge is a cartridge, yet with some low cost innovative adaption’s you can increase the value of your cartridges.
Speaker Colin DAVISON

Insight 4 - Inside remanufacturing
Is the aftermarket amateurish? Three thousand remanufacturers produce more cartridges now than five thousand remanufacturers did only a few years ago. What are the business strategies and sales arguments for remanufactured products? Who is ETIRA and why such an organisation is important for the cartridge remanufacturing industry.

Speaker Christian WERNHART

Legal Brief – Inside the Ninestar Action

Mr. O’Connor will discuss the status of the various Ninestar and Epson litigation matters, including the status of the International Trade Commission determinations as well as the cases pending in the District Court in Portland, Oregon.

In addition to discussing the present status of those matters, Mr. O’Connor will discuss what actions Ninestar intends to take in the future as well as his analysis of the significance of various determinations that have been made.

Speaker Ed O’Connor

Three Step Challenge & Question time
What three steps would you take to reduce costs and increase business and profitability? Ask your peers your key questions around the state of the industry. Make the most of the expertise within the room, pose open questions and encourage fellow delegates to share their thoughts on the coming months.

Led by David Connett

Insight & Opportunity – Our keynote presentation
One of the barriers to moving forward is not knowing how to. Yet opportunities exist all around. Insights & Opportunities will give you some practical insights and help to change your business model, how to approach existing and new accounts, how to “expand sales in existing accounts” - through continuous assessments and how make your presentations, letters, marketing tools work for you.

Speaker Jan de KESEL

The vote is in

During the day you have heard a lot about the industry. Will you change some of the ways that you work after today?

Now is your opportunity to confirm the results – Your vote counts

IF Rome Conference –

Building your business in the current climate

27-28 September 2009 | Rome | Italy

Holiday Inn - ROME-AURELIA

VIA AURELIA KM 8.400
ROME, 00165 ITALY

Hotel Front Desk: 39-06-66411200

Hotel Fax: 39-06-66414437

Hotel Email Address

holidayinn.romeaurelia@alliancealberghi.com

For information on attending please contact:

The events team

E-mail: events@therecycler.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1993 899 800

Organiser: Recycler Publishing & Events Ltd

Address: 12 Spinners Court, Witney, OX28 1NH, UK

Visit http://www.therecycler.com/if-rome-sep-2009.aspx for more details

The return of X factor

2009-09-11T12:39:00.000+02:00

The internationally known TV programme that searches for the next big pop music artist is back for it's third edition on Italian TV. Originally created by British Simon Cowell, X-Factor is now a cult programme throughout the world. In Italy it is broadcast on Rai Due.

The first appointment with this popular programme was last night. Hostedby Francesco Fracchinetti, this years panel of judges/tutors is made up of Morgan, Mara Maionchi and new member Claudia Mori.

Over the 13 evening shows and daily afternoon airing, the 12 musical talents will battle it out to win a music contact and prize money.

The singers are divided into 3 groups; 16-24, 25+ and groups. My personal favorites after watching last nights show are Marco, Ornella and Luana Biz.

You can find out more about the show here http://www.xfactor.rai.it/

RomAntica

2009-09-07T11:35:00.000+02:00

RomAntica is the name of a fantastic restaurant situated in the centre of Rome. A friendly and welcoming environment with multi lingual staff. To complete the cosy atmosphere they even have a singer who will sing to you at your table along with his guitar. He's great at doing traditional Roman songs but also knows several international songs. Not to mention songs to keep the children entertained.

They offer a wide selection of dishes and often host special evenings. An example of this is the upcoming 'Serata Party Santa Maria' which will take place on Friday, 16 October 2009 starting at 20:30. You will be able to sample the excellent "Morellino di Scansano". Special discount prices all evening if ordered by glass or bottle, accompanied by a special menu. A hostess will be there to offer information, gadgets and there will also be a prize for one lucky diner.

Payment options:: Visa
American Express
Mastercard

General manager:: Khaled

Parking:: Street

Services:: Takes bookings
Good for groups or parties
Takeaway
Catering
Outdoor seating

Specialities:: Lunch
Dinner
Drinks

RomAntica
Via Emanuele Filiberto, 52
Rome

Tel: 06 77071935

Villa Gregoriana

2009-08-24T11:07:00.000+02:00

Parco Villa Gregoriana, commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI to rebuild the bed of the Aniene River after it had been damaged in a terrible flood in 1826. It was in 1835, after the Aniene burst it's banks again, that Pope Gregory XVI decided to turn this dangerous but enchanting location into a mix of art and nature.

The project saw a tunnel being dug through Mount Catillo in order to deviate the river and therefore save the town of Tivoli. This was then followed by the construction of an extraordinary natural garden and temples.

Reopened to the public in 2005 thanks to a major landscape recovery project by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), the Italian National Trust. For more information about FAI please visit www.fondoambiente.it.

INFO:
Open everyday except Mondays.
Last admission one hour before closing.
Tickets: €5,00 adults, € 2.50 Conessions (children, schools, residents of Tivoli).
FAI and national trust members are free of charge.
Discounts of families.

Children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Audio guides available in Italian and English (€4,00)

ADVICE:
Wear comfortable rubber soled shoes as some sections of the paths are steep and can be slippery.

Tivoli and it's Villas

2009-08-18T10:46:00.002+02:00

Tivoli boasts a vast artistic and archaeological heritage. A holiday destination for emperors and Roman nobility with it's beautiful countryside and great climate. Tivoli is most famous for it's villas:

Villa Adriana
Villa D'Este
Villa Gregoriana

There are however many ancient churches, Rocca Pia, temples and other sites of interest.

Facts about Tivoli

2009-08-03T11:42:00.000+02:00

Tivoli is an ancient latin town.
Between 1800 and 1900 industrial development, based on the paper industry and electric production, made Tivoli the first lighted up electrically city of Italy in 1882.
Famous Villas; Villa D'Este, Villa Adriana and Villa Gregoriana.
Tivoli Terme are famous for their baths and curative water.
Most importnant resources of the city are quarrying and manufacturing Travertine (stone) and agriculture.
In September Tivoli exalts it's typical product, a grape of high quality, with the Pizzutello festival.
In April the city celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Tivoli.
The 10th August is the feast of St. Lawrence The Martyr, the Patron Saint of Tivoli and is celebrated with mass, processions, games, music and dancing.
Tivoli is 32Km from Rome.
Tivoli can be reached from Rome by:

Train. Roma-Avezzano in Tiburtina F.S. (Train station)
Bus. Roma-Tivoli from Ponte Mammolo (metro stop on the B Line)
Car. A24 Roma- Aquilia (highway) exit Tivoli or by going along the S.S. Tiburtina N.E. direction.

Back online- Tivoli

2009-07-27T11:44:00.000+02:00

Due to numerous reasons I have unfortunately not been posting here for a while, however that's all about to change.

One of the reasons why I haven't had the time to update this site is that I moved house from Rome to Tivoli. I have been exploring my new location and have lots of great tips and information to share with you.

Tivoli is only an stones throw from the Capital city and makes a fantastic day trip away from the crowds of Rome. Situated along the Aniene river, Tivoli with it's 51,000 inhabitants is sited on the western slopes of the Monti Tiburtini (hills to the east of Rome).

Tivoli Carvival

2009-02-18T19:53:00.000+01:00

It's carnival time in Italy which means costumes, face paint, music, dancing... and in some places floats. The above photo's were taken at Tivoli carnival this year. A small parade travelled through the streets and ended up in the main square where they were annouced and official presented to the crowds. Old and young took part in the parade and fun was had by all. Confetti was thrown in large amounts covering the streets.
In the main square there were several stalls set up selling mainly sweets, candy floss, nuts and crepes with nutella. There were also a few selling tourist t-shirts, mugs and other souveniers.
If you happen to be in Italy during carnival time even these small scale parades are worth a visit. They might not have the same effect as the big one in Venice but they do give you a nice insight into the real lives of Italians.

New rules for permits

2009-01-15T20:04:00.000+01:00

There is a lot of discussion at the moment about new laws coming into action regarding permits of stay 'Permesso di Soggiorno' in Italy. Immigrants will now be asked to pay a tax of €50,00 when applying for their document.

A cost will also be payable for those who want to open a PIVA.

winter weather

2009-01-07T16:48:00.000+01:00

The cold has well and truely arrived in Italy. Most of the north is covered in ice and snow causing problems. Airports have been closed or are restricting flights. Roads are blocked and the number of accidents has gone up. It's not a good idea to travel to the north of Italy in these conditions as the population has been advised to stay in their houses if possible. The metro has been left open during the night to give shelter to the homeless.

Rome remains one of the few cities to have reasonable weather. Although colder than it has been for several years, the sun still pops out occassionally to brighten things up a little.

If you do plan to visit during this time be prepared for delayed transport and pack warm clothes.

Wandering Italy blog

2008-12-31T18:46:00.000+01:00

I can across this great blog recently and just have to share it with you all.
http://wanderingitaly.com/blog/ covers a variety of Italy related topics and is well written and amusing.

The owner of this blog is Professional Travel Writer and Photographer, James Martin. His has been writing about Europe almost daily for four years as writer, editor and photographer for the New York Times owned About.com Europe for Visitors site, and along the years has made many contacts and has a vast amount of resources at his disposal for digging out the most interesting information on Europe.

Definitely a site worth checking out in 2009!

Italy calendar 2009

2008-12-27T14:02:00.000+01:00

New 2009 calendar now available for purchase. Complete 12 months featuring both UK and Italian holidays. With a selection of colour images of Italy.

See Italy every day of the year with this beautiful wall calendar.

A Guide to Weddings in Italy

2008-11-13T18:06:00.000+01:00

ISBN: 978-1-4092-4489-9
Publisher: Lulu.com
Rights Owner: Jo Linsdell
Copyright: © 2008 Jo Linsdell Standard Copyright License
Language: English
Country: Italy

Download: 1 documents, 850 KB

Printed: 72 pages, 6.14" x 9.21", perfect binding, white interior paper (55# weight), black and white interior ink, white exterior paper (90# weight), full-color exterior ink

Description:

'A guide to weddings in Italy' has all the information you need to organise a wedding in Italy. It includes information about types of weddings, Italian wedding traditions, Italian wedding proverbs, useful contact details, a notes section, and more....

Visit http://www.lulu.com/jolinsdell for your copy!

Roma Jazz Festival 2008

2008-11-05T12:07:00.000+01:00

Starting, Wednesday 5th November, at the 'Auditorium', the 32nd edition of the "Roma Jazz Festival", the 5th to be hosted in the Parco della Musica (Sala Sinopoli).

The festival will be opened by the Count Basie Orchestra. Many other orchestras will be taking part during the festival.

Amongst the "Events", is the celebration of 60 years of the bossanova and on the 26th, the concert of Herbie Hancock. Amongst the "Previews", are Roy Paci, Yael Naim, Paolo Fresu, Ralph Towner.

For more information visit www.auditorium.com or www.romajazzfestival.it

ebooks for Christmas

2008-10-24T09:51:00.000+02:00

IL DOLCE NATALE: Christmastime in Italy

Reference book about Italian Christmas traditions. Includes sections on decorations, food, music and more.

LA BEFANA

Learn about the Italian tradition of La Befana, the friendly witch in this short but informative ebook.

both ebooks are available to purchase from www.lulu.com

Museo Pietro Canonica

2007-04-18T17:46:00.000+02:00

Museo Pietro Canonica

This small museum is located in the heart of Villa Borghese and is dedicated to the artist Pietro Canonica (1869-1959). Canonica was a sculptor of international repute, as well as a music lover and a composer in his own right. He spent his formative years in Turin in the last years of the nineteenth century, prior to a long period passed n the courts of Europe, where the aristocracy commissioned portraits and other commerative works from him. He moved to Rome in 1922 and in 1927 managed to get the municipal concession for the building that is today the museum. He used it as his home and studio, undertaking in exchange that, when he died, he would leave all the works that he collected there over the years to funish it as a museum in his name. This unusal museum gives an impression of all aspects of Canonica's life, both private and professional.

Museo Pietro Canonica
Viale Pietro Canonica, 2
(Piazza di Siena)
Villa Borghese
00197 Roma

The museum is open Tuesday- Sunday from 9am- 7pm. For more information visit http://www.museocanonica.it

Congo Reportraits

2007-04-17T18:35:00.000+02:00

Musei Capitolini- Centrale Montemartini, 13th April- 13th May

As part of 'FotoGrafia- Rome's international Festival', the exhibition space of the Centrale Montemartini of Rome wil host the photographic exhibition supported by the Office of equal opportunities and the Office of Cultural Politics of the Municipality of ROme "Congo Reportraits", the photo's by Laura Salvinelli showing the dramatic reality of modern congolese society. The photographs by Laura Salvinelli are dedicated to one of the African countries that has suffered most in our times, and bear witness to the tragic conditions of life for women and children in Congo, the mian victims of the continual war and poverty of the region.
After having worked as a photographer and portraitist in the theatre, Laura Salvinelli has in recent years started a close collaboration with humanitarian associations, creating reportages and telling stories from various parts of the world. These images are also part of this work and focus particularly on the area Kimbanseke of Kinshasa in which Pangea Onlus Foundation is developing a project to help young people in difficulties and orphaned children.

You can find out more at http://www.centralemontemartini.org

CIBUS Roma 2007

2007-04-16T19:12:00.000+02:00

CIBUS will take place at the Nuova Fiera di Roma, Via Eiffel (Ponte Galeria) from 13th-16th April.

For the past 25 years this festival dedicated to Italian food has been one of the most importnat in the world. CIBUS is a major worldwide promotional tool for the Italian food industry. The festival includes; themed conventions for the whole festival period, but also visits to the Capitoline Museums, 'Cinema and Food', a mini festival organised by the Casa Del Cinema, displays organised by the Food Industry Museums- MuseImpresa.

You can find more information about this event at http://www.federalimentari.it

6° Rome Independent Film Festival

2007-04-13T17:04:00.000+02:00

Independent film, both Italian and International, is the protagonist of the Rome Independent Film festival about to begin it's 6th edition, at the Cinema Nuovo Olimpia (Via in Lucina, 16g). The event will take place from 13th- 19th April.

As well as long films there will be documentaries and short films and there'll be a convention on cinema law, a seminar on television formats and a digital cinema workshop.

Amongst other events is the 'Horror Day' organised in collaboration with the Brussels International festival of Fantastic Films and evenings dedicated to cinema from Spain, Canada and Iran.

Visit http://www.riff.it for more information.

Campioni Sempre- football in Pz del Popolo

2007-04-12T19:49:00.000+02:00

Campioni Sempre is a project designed by the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio, to re-discover the significance of football through 150 days of events organised throughout Italy. During this 'tour' they will be supporting the Italy as candidate for the EURO 2012. You can show your support by signing the large football.

Piazza del Popolo will be full of events, games and guests on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April, from 10am - 8pm. 5,000 children from football schools will be training in the piazza during the two day event and there will be various games and activities.

For more information about this or other tour stops visit http://2012-figc.org

EXPLORA- Childrens Museum

2007-04-11T18:38:00.000+02:00

Explora Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma, is a museum dedicated to children, schools and families, located at Via Flaminia, 82 (close to Piazza Del Popolo).

Children must be accompanied by at least one adult and there is a strict no admittance allowed to adults without a child. Tickets cost €7,00 for children aged 3-12 and €6,00 for adults (from 12 years and up). Under 3's admitted free.

Explora is a city on a child's scale where everything can be observed, touched and experimented with. It allows children the possibility to discover everyday facts and realities experimenting first hand the Environment, Society, Communication and 'me'.

Villa Borghese for kids

2007-04-10T17:14:00.000+02:00

Villa Borghese is a great to take a break from sightseeing and relax. It is also full of activities and places of interest to children.

You can hire bikes (family carts as shown above, or individual bikes) from various points within the park including; Viale Medici (Pincio), Viale J:W: Goethe, Viale delle Belle Arti and others.

You can rent a rowing boat at Giardin del Lago. Open daily from 9:30 am until sunset.

Take a trip around the park on the Cinecaffè Express train (shown below).

Take the kids to visit Casina di Raffaello (Viale della Casina di Raffaello- Piazza Siena), a recreation centre for children between the ages of 3 and 10. It offers a vast program of constantly revised activities. Some, aimed at creative play, are free; others have a cost. Open Tuesday- Sunday from 9am- 7pm. See http://www.casinadiraffaello.it for more details.

You could take the kids to the Cinema dei Piccoli, the smallest operating movie threatre in the world. With 63 seats, the climate controlled room offers a rich selection of films for children during the day (for adults in the evening). It is also wheelchair accessible. For more information visit http://www.cinemadipiccoli.it

There are also many sites, (like the one shown in the above photo) throughout the park with rides and activities for children. You can also rent roller or inline skates, pony rides and much more...

Book related events for kids

2007-04-06T18:58:00.000+02:00

La Feltrinelli is one of the most famous book stores/chains in Rome and has outlets all over the city. Every month they organise events for the public at their various stores including book signings and music events. they often have events suitable for children.

Events this month that might be of interest are:

Sunday 15th April, lafeltrinelli/ Libri e Musica at Viale Libia, 186- 11am. Geronimo Stilton e Oscar Tortuga. These popular characters will be present in store for fun and games. For ages 5 and over.

Sunday 22nd April, lafeltrinelli/ Libri e Musica at Viale Libia, 186- 11am. I Giocattoli Creativi. A workshop with fun and games about how toys are made. For ages 7-11.

Sunday 29th April, lafeltrinelli/ Libri e Musica at Viale Libia, 186- 11am. La Bella Addormentata (Sleeping Beauty). member of the Compagnia del teatro verde will be in store to act out the story of the beautiful princess, with a twist to the traditional tale...the prince refuses to kiss the princess! Sure to be lots of fun. For ages 6 and over

Monday 30th April, lafeltrinelli/ Libri e Musica at Viale Libia, 186. Free guitar lesson for children aged 8-18 for the first 24 to sign up

You can find out more about the monthly events at the laFeltrinelli website http://www.lafeltrinelli.it

Bioparco (Zoo)

2007-04-05T19:28:00.000+02:00

Founded in 1911, Bioparco is one of the oldest Zoos in Europe and is home to a good selection of mammals, reptiles and birds. Bioparco has elephants, lions, bears and a whole host of other animals. The monkey's are great fun to watch!

Bioparco cooperates at national and international level in the conservation of endangered species. It's a member of ' European Association of Zooz and Aquaria' (EAZA), 'World Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (WAZA) and 'International Species Information Species (ISIS). The hosted animals are born in captivity either here or in other zoos, or come from confiscation of species illegally imported into Italy. Many of the animals are also included in international programmes of reproduction in captivity, as they seriously risk extinction.

The zoo offers free guided routes, animal feeding and animal discovering activities. It also has a train 'The Bioparco Express' which runs within the park and gives a fun way to see the animals.

Bioparco facilities include:

3 snack bars and a restaurant

pic-nic area

"Caffè del Parco" with sanck bar, self service and roof garden

Bioparco shop

meeting centre for conferences, conventions and gala performances

free parking at the entrance

There is a 'Lake Oasis' for you to relax and a childrens area where kids can play on the 'Arc of Animals', a big ship shaped structure with paths, games, slides and swings.

You can find more information about the zoo at their website http://www.bioparco.it

Kids in Rome

2007-04-04T19:14:00.000+02:00

Following a recent comment on this blog, the rest of this weeks posts will be focussing in kids (bambini) in Rome.

For up to date information about events and kid-friendly places to visit, check the Offical Rome website http://www.comune.roma.it or the tourist office website http://www.romatourismo.it
Alternatively call the Tourist Call Center on 06 8205 9127 who are open daily from 9am- 7:30 pm.

Most of Rome's main sites and museums have free admission for under 18's or reduced tickets.

There are lots of tour buses that operate, on a STOP and Go basis, in Rome and have stops close to the main tourist sites. This is probably the best option for seeing the city with small children as other methods may involve a lot of walking.

MIRACLE PLAYERS

2007-04-03T18:19:00.000+02:00

The Miracle Players is an English speaking theatre troupe based in Rome, Italy. They perform original texts and comic adaptations of classics in various historical locations. Every summer the Miracle Players perform comic theatre in English at the Roman Forum.
Inspiration for the shows is drawn from Rome's history and protagonists. These summer shows are a great delight to English speaking tourists not least of all because they are performed free of charge and are suitable for all ages.

You can find out more about the Miracle Players at their website http://www.miracleplayers.org/

The Miracle Players operate with the kind support of CP Centro Pilota Srl - Event and Conference Services. Please visit their website.
English: www.eventservices-italy.com
Italian: www.centropilota.it

Public holidays in Italy

2007-04-02T18:10:00.000+02:00

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

January 1, New Years Day
January 6, Epiphany
March/April, Easter Monday
April 25 Liberation Day
May 1, Labour Day
June 26, Saint Peter& Saint Paul
August 15, Ferragosto
November 1, All Saints
December 8, Immaculate Conception
December 25, Christmas Day
December 26, Saint Stephen

Travel blogs about Rome

2007-03-30T18:02:00.000+02:00

I was searching the internet for sites about Rome and Italy and came across this rather interesting site www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Rome. Here you'll find a variety of links to blogs written by people living in or travelling through Italy. This is a nice idea and worth checking out if you're interested to know what others are doing whilst in Italy. It may give you some ideas for your own trip!

Review of Italian for Tourists

2007-03-29T19:50:00.000+02:00

Ron Berry is a fellow writer and member of a writers group I belong to and he kindly reviewed my book 'Italian for Tourists', this is what he wrote:

Italian for Tourists
A review

I don't speak Italian. I have enough trouble with English (or is itAmerican). Jo Linsdell has written the definitive guidebook. I know if I ever make it to Italy, this is the book I want. Why? Becauseit's layout is simple, easy to use and covers everything. Ms Linsdell has put in a guide to how to pronounce the letters and put in themost common of phrases. There is not a lot of excess wording so finding what phrase or word you need in a hurry is very simple. Thisbook is a must for anyone traveling to Italy. The only negative is that it doesn't go into all the bad language that Italian drivers throw at each other. Wait, that's a good thing.

The first thing you notice is how the book is divided. Then you getthe guide to how to pronounce each letter and in Italian, you do just that. After that, all you have to do is look for the section youneed, airport, train station, hotel, etc, and all the common phrases are there. Anyone who travels can use this book. There are many Italian to English books or other combinations, but none are as easyto use as Italian for Tourists. I highly recommend this to anyone traveling to Italy.

Ron Berry

Order your copy of Italian for Tourists today from www.lulu.com/jolinsdell

AMA Roma

2007-03-28T20:47:00.000+02:00

AMA Spa, Azienda Municipale Ambiente (Municipal Environment Agency)- funded in 1985 - is the Italian leading company in the field of environmental services and Urban Solid Waste managing. AMA provides urban hygiene services across the area of the Municipality of Rome - the largest in Italy - by ensuring the daily collection, haulage and disposal of about 4,000 tons of wastes, the cleaning of streets and pavements covering a total area of 25 millions square meters and the cleaning of 250 local markets, 5 big city markets an weekly markets.

Moreover, AMA provides for the separate collection of glass, plastic aluminium and metal, the recovery of hazardous urban waste, such as batteries and pharmaceutical products, vehicle batteries and abandoned syringes and - upon request - the cleaning of cesspools.

AMA also manages the Funeral and Cemetery Services and through "All Clean Roma" and "Sanama", two companies in which it has a stake, sees to the protection of the outer surfaces of monuments and buildings and to rat extermination, disinfection and disinfestations.

Apart from the green containers for urban waste, AMA provides the following to Romans:
White containers for paper objects, such as books, magazines, newspapers, exercise books and cardboards.
Blue containers for glass, metal and plastic objects, such as bottles, cans, jars, containers.
AMA also recovers about 100 tons per annum on average of lead batteries that contain highly pollutant substances. To this end AMA has installed grey containers in 32 business centers for car and motorcycle batteries.
Small batteries can be disposed in the yellow containers available to citizens in every primary and secondary schools and on all business premises.
Special white containers for the collection of expired pharmaceutical products may be found in all Pharmacies and business premises.

Old furniture, such as sofas, chairs and tables, or household appliances, such as washing machines or vacuum cleaners, must not be dumped in containers nor left on the streets, as this seriously damages the image of the city and pollutes the environment. The solution - free of charge - is to bring those bulky wastes either to the AMA collection centers (open Tuesdays to Saturdays - excluding holidays - from 3:00 to 6:00 pm) or to the "Isole ecologiche"(open 7:00 to 11:00 am and 2:30 to 7:00 pm Mondays to Saturdays and 7:00 to 11:00 am on Sundays)

Alternatively, costumers can use the home collection service of bulky wastes which AMA provides upon requests. Different prices will be applied depending on the quantity of wastes and on the kind of recollection (ground floor or upper floors)

In order to book the service you can call 060606 (English-speaking operators available Monday to Saturday 4pm to 7pm) to agree on the price, date and time of collection. Payment will be made on recollection.

Rome is a beautiful city, let's keep it that way. For more information about AMA Roma visit their website http://www.amaroma.it or call their toll free number 800-867035

short story contest reminder

2007-03-27T19:43:00.000+02:00

I'm looking for short stories connected to Italy in some way. You're story could be based in Italy or have Italian people in it. Use you're imagination. As long as it has a connection with Italy it's valid.
The categories are fiction (any type), non-fcition and poetry. The genre is up to you but please keep it clean. No swearing, explicit violence etc...
Stories should be between 500 and 1500 words in length and may be used in a future anthology. Original content preferred.
Share your love of Italy and have the chance to have you're story published!
Deadline for submissions is 30th April 2007. Please send your submission to jo_bins@yahoo.com with 'short story contest' in the subject line.

Italy-England under 21's

2007-03-26T20:12:00.000+02:00

The Italy vs England under 21's football match marked the first game at the new wembley stadium in England. The final result was 3-3 and the Italian Pazzini (who plays for Florentina) won 'man of the match', scored goals and was clapped by the whole stadium on leaving the pitch. A great game to watch and a great show of sportsmanship by both teams and supporters.

Trash People

2007-03-23T18:26:00.000+01:00

Piazza Del Popolo, Rome

21st- 29th March 2007

Trash People is an exhibition, by Ha Schult, of life-size figures made from compressed industrial waste and urban consumer refuse. Every single object or piece of rubbish that makes up each figure is a direct reference to our daily lives. The artists message, intentionally powerful, is a warning for us to consider which way we should turn to seek our quality of life.

The installation, made up of 1000 elements, multiples the impact that one sculpture makes by sheer numbers. The gravity and importance of the message is all the more obvious due to the vast dimensions of the installation.

The artist, Ha Schult, was born in 1939 and grew up among the ruins of Berlin. Having studied at the Art Accademy in Dusseldorf, Schult has created many pieces over the years. His actions focus on the social environments within cities around the world. His artistic work is expressed by images that make a forceful impact.

This thought provoking piece of artwork is well worth a visit. Visit http://www.haschult.de/ for more information about this artist and the Trash People World Tour.

cin, cin, cinema

2007-03-22T19:16:00.000+01:00

For all you film lovers out there, between 5th March and 5th April, Cin, Cin, Cinema is offering cinema tickets at reduced prices.
Valid Monday to Thursday for an afternoon showing pay only €3,00 and for the evening just €5,00 for a ticket. Better still if you go to the cinema 4 times you get 2 tickets free! (you will need to show the tickets for all the showings so keep them safe).

For more information visit http://www.cincincinema.it or call +39-06-4470-2282

Villa Borghese card

2007-03-21T18:07:00.000+01:00

If you like parks, museums, art galleries and attending special events the Villa Borghese card might be the thing for you.

This annual card offers 1 free entrance, discounts at museums and the zoo as well as saving you money on events and other services offered in the Park. All this for just €10,00!

It might be valid all year but you'll get your money worth in just a few days.

For more information visit http://www.villaborghese.it or call +39-06-8205-9127

Short story contest

2007-03-20T18:42:00.000+01:00

I'm launching a new contest and you're all invited to enter!

I'm looking for short stories connected to Italy in some way. You're story could be based in Italy or have Italian people in it. Use you're imagination. As long as it has a connection with Italy it's valid. The genre is up to you but please keep it clean. No swearing, explicit violence etc...

Stories should be between 500 and 1500 words in length and may be used in a future anthology.

Share your love of Italy and have the chance to have you're story published!

Deadline for submissions is 30th April 2007. Please send your submission to jo_bins@yahoo.com with 'short story contest' in the subject line.

Castel Sant'Angelo

2007-03-19T12:49:00.000+01:00

Castel Sant'Angelo is a great place to visit. The views from the terrace at the top are amazing and it's full of interesting rooms and tunnels that are well worth exploring. A ticket normally costs €5,00 however this is increased to €7,00 when the Castel hosts exhibitions or special events.

Audio guides can be purchased from the bookshop inside for €4,00 single or €6,00 double and are available in the following languages; English, Italian, French, German and Spanish.

For more information you can contact the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo at +39-06-3996-7600

Rome marathon

2007-03-16T18:58:00.000+01:00

The Rome marathon takes place on Sunday 18th March this year. An estimated 15,187 marathoners from over 72 nations will participate in the event, putting Rome 5th in the World and 3rd in Europe.

There is also a Marathon Village (Palazzo dei Congressi) which is open from 15th March until 17th March, 10am until 8pm everyday. Runners can pick up their bib numbers and race packet for the Marathon and the 5k Stracittadina Fun Run. They can also visit stands, attend concerts and shows, utilise sports facilities and take part in the entertainment festivities. The estimated number of visitors to the village is about 87,ooo.

Full information about the marathon can be found at www.maratonadiroma.it

Answers to Quiz

2007-03-15T18:53:00.000+01:00

Let's see how you did...

1) In the Vatican Museums which are part of the state called 'Città del Vaticano'

2) Although the actual number of hills in Rome is about 20, the famous 7 are; Palatine, Celian, Capitoline, Aventine, Quirinal, Esquiline and Viminal.

3) Romulus and Remus.

4) Michelangelo

Quiz

2007-03-14T18:38:00.000+01:00

Here's a little quiz to test your knowledge of Rome and Italy. Answers will be posted tomorrow.

1) I'm in Rome, but not in Italy. Where am I?

2) Name the 7 hills of Rome

3) Name the two legendary founders of Rome

4) The statue of Moses housed in the small church San Pietro in Vincoli was the work of which famous artist?

Roma Pass

2007-03-13T18:29:00.000+01:00

The ROMA PASS is the capital's first cultural tourist card offering discounts and services to encourage visits to the city museums and "allow tourists and other visitors to enjoy the sights of Rome". Launched by the Municipal Authorities of Rome and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage in conjunction with ATAC, the pass costs €20,00 and entitles the holder to; free admission to the first two museums and/or archaelogical sites visited, full access to the public transport system, reduced tickets and discounts for a variety of other museums and sites visited as well as exhibitions, music events, theatrical and dance performances and all other tourist services.

ROMA PASS is valid for 3 days from it's validation date and comes with a kit that includes; Roma pass transport ticket, Roma Map, Roma Pass guide and Roma News.

For more infomration about ROMA PASS visit www.romapass.it or contact info@romapass.it

Dining out- Royal Art Café

2007-03-12T18:33:00.000+01:00

Located in Piazza del Colosseo with front row seats from which to view the world famous Colosseum, the Royal Art Café is a popular choice for both tourists and locals. Opened in 2000, the restaurant offers seating for around 200 people with a choice of roadside, indoors or terrace.

The menu contains traditional Italian meals based on meat dishes, plus a variety of salads and pasta. There is also a wide range of deserts.

The restaurant is open all day (8am-2am) with live music in the evenings. Due to its terrace over-looking the Colosseum, the Royal Art Café is also a popular venue for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.

Royal Art Café
Piazza del Colosseo 1
00184 Roma

tel: +39-06-7759-0270

Website: http://www.royalartcafe.it

language- Personal pronouns

2007-03-10T08:31:00.000+01:00

I io
You tu
He lui
She lei
We noi
You voi
They loro

Festa delle Donne!

2007-03-08T21:15:00.000+01:00

BUON FESTA DELLE DONNE!

International womens day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Italy. The mimosa (shown above) is the symbol of the festa delle donne in many cultures as is given as a gift to women on 8th March. The mimosa has been the symbol of 8th march since it was used in 1946 by the UDI (Unione Donne Italiane) when preparing for the first festa delle donne after the war.

The origins of this much celebrated day are some what unclear. Some say it was started in Copenhagen in 1910, others in St. Petersburg in 1917. Whichever the reason we celebrate, the festa delle donne is a day to give thanks for all that women do in the world and a day to reflect on discriminations and violent against them.

Language- Romanesco

2007-03-07T21:06:00.000+01:00

A romance dialect spoken in Rome, Romanesco is one of the Central Italian dialects, and therefore very close to Italian and Tuscan. Romanesco is used informally by most natives of Rome and contains many expressions and sayings.

Nowadays classical Romanesco is disappearing and being replaced by the more vulgar Romananccio.

Rome- The facts

2007-03-06T20:49:00.000+01:00

The above image is the Seal for Rome. SPQR means Senatus Populus Que Romanus. Rome has many nicknames including among others; the Eternal City, Caput mundi (Capital of the World) and the city of teh seven hills.

Rome is the Capital of Italy and found in the region of Lazio. The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, where the Aniene river joins the Tiber river. Rome is one of the largest cities in the European Union.

The Historic Centre of Rome is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

San Pietro in vincoli

2007-03-05T20:30:00.000+01:00

San Pietro in Vincoli or Saint Peter in Chains is a small church located close to the Colosseum in Rome. This ancient basilica is dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. It was built in 442 over the ruins of an Imperial villa, to house the chains that had bound St. Peter in Jerusalem. The church has been restored, rebuilt and renovated several times over the years and since 1970 has been property of the Italian state.

Although this small church contains numerous paintings and frescoes, the most famous piece of art is Michelangelo's Moses from 1545 found to the right of the altar.

The chains of St. Peter are displayed in the confessio before the altar. The feast of the chains of St. Peter is celebrated on 1st August. The feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is on 29th June.

Address: 4a Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, 00184 Roma

Normally open daily 7:00-12:30 and 15:30-18:00

Easter words

2007-03-02T19:49:00.000+01:00

L'agnello — lamb
Buona Pasqua — Happy Easter
Il coniglietto — bunny rabbit
La crocifissione — Crucifixion
Pace — peace
Pasquetta — Easter Monday
Primavera — spring
La resurrezione — Resurrection
La Settimana Santa — Holy Week
L'Ultima Cena — Last Supper
Le uova — eggs
Venerdì Santo — Holy Friday

AS THE ROMANS DO

Italy on strike

Italian Cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks

La Befana

Italy in 2011

New Year, New Site

Nominated for the Bloggers Choice Awards

Castello San'Angelo

The ART of Travel

Italy still getting hotter

Rome on heat wave alert

Most important words for tourists in Italy

Italy head home

Fifa Fan Fest in Rome

UFO's in Rome

Roman transport gets a make over

3 things to watch out for in Rome

New look for As The Romans Do

Coloseum by night

Coloseum falls to pieces

La notte dei musei

A guide to the Spanish Steps, Rome

Weddings in Italy

Book review: Daughter of Mine by Laura Fabiani

Blogging and house moves

UCLA Writers’ Program Instructors Plan Roman Retreat

M E D I A R E L E A S E

Featured on this blog

Famous Italian: Roberto Benigni

Festa dei Papa

Talent shows

Isola dei Famosi

Festa delle Donne

Weddings in Italy

Carolina Kostner and the winter Olympics

Sanremo 2010

Video: io canto

Famous Italian: Morgan

St. Valentine gift or homeschoolers resource

Tivoli Carnival 2010

Famous Italian: Fiorello

Italian for homeschoolers

Map of Italy

Famous Italian: Maria De Filippi

Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

Famous Italian: Francesco Totti

FRATELLI D'ITALIA

B&B In the Center You Too

Recipe for Panettone

La Befana

Welcome back! 2010

NEWS FROM CYBERITALIAN

Chocolate festival

Art Exhibition: Paesaggio laziale tra ideale e reale

IF Rome Conference

IF Rome Conference - Building your business in the current climate Organised by Recycler Publishing & Events / ETIRA 27-28 September 2009, Rome | Italy

The return of X factor

RomAntica

Villa Gregoriana

Tivoli and it's Villas

Facts about Tivoli

Back online- Tivoli

Tivoli Carvival

New rules for permits

winter weather

Wandering Italy blog

Italy calendar 2009

A Guide to Weddings in Italy

Roma Jazz Festival 2008

ebooks for Christmas

Museo Pietro Canonica

Congo Reportraits

CIBUS Roma 2007

6° Rome Independent Film Festival

Campioni Sempre- football in Pz del Popolo

EXPLORA- Childrens Museum

Villa Borghese for kids

Book related events for kids

Bioparco (Zoo)

Kids in Rome

IF Rome Conference - Building your business in the current climate

Organised by Recycler Publishing & Events / ETIRA

27-28 September 2009, Rome | Italy