Ad Personam Man

December 2, 2008 · Filed Under Italian news · Comment

‘Ad Personam’ is an expression being bandied around frequently these days in Italy, often with reference to media mogul cum prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in connection with his propensity for making laws which appear to benefit him personally.

Well, Italy’s ad personam man has been at it again. This time on the pretext of buoying up Italy’s shaky public finances. He’s come up with a neat way of raising a little extra cash, whilst, surprise, surprise, denting the ability of one of Berlusconi’s media businesses main competitors.

Yes, with regard to Berlusco, the sky’s seems to be the limit with regard to protecting his own back, and lining his pockets. What’s Italy’s mischievous prime minister been up to this time? Read on to find out. Read more

A Wii Aperatif

December 1, 2008 · Filed Under Life in Italy · 2 Comments

The wee Wii!

Those with a Scottish background could be forgiven for thinking that a ‘wii’ aperitif meant a ‘quick’ aperitif, but no, it really was an aperitif followed by a few bouts on Nintendo’s latest box of tricks which goes by the oddish name of ‘Wii‘.

Despite the funny wee name, a great wee time was had by one and all!

All thanks to Michela and hubby Massimo who were game enough to set up this wee aperitif initiative. Lots of great wee grub too! Read more

Bardonecchia

November 29, 2008 · Filed Under Holidays · Comment

We’re off the Italian alpine resort of Bardonecchia shortly! I’m looking forward to this weekend in the mountains, and after seeing this brief You Tube video presentation of the area, I’m even more keen on being there!

I know it is a little dated, but it’s the video used to send up the place before the 2006 Turin winter Olympics. It’s only 30 seconds or so long. Have a look and see what you think: Read more

Italian Food

OFoods for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

This is a great cause and I’m happy to spread the word:

Lasagna and Tortellini

Italian food is supposedly well known the world over, but the world’s knowledge of Italian cuisine is somewhat limited.

Good Italian Things

Italian Cars for Blogstars - Part 4

Years ago I remember reading a review in an English car magazine of the one of the original Alfa Romeo GTVs. The verdict was that it was a nice car, but it was a shame that you needed the stature of an ape to get the best out of it.

Photo Yellow Pages of Italy

Wow, this is excellent! How about a 3d, sort of, yellow pages? Well, one exists, and appears to cover most of Italy.

I can even see my house on the map!

Take a trip on the virtual side!

Italian news

Italy’s Politicians Try to Ban Blogs, again

Back in 2007 in the time of the supposedly more democratic Prodi government, Italy’s shady politicians tried to gag Italy’s vociferous bloggers. Well, this time Berlusconi and his cronies are having a go at gagging Italy’s bloggers.

Alitalia the Zombie Airline

A bit like some recalcitrant zombie, Alitalia just will not lie down and die. The stuttering saga of Italy’s national airline wobbles on, and does not appear to be coming to an end.

Italians

Facebook Fascination in Italy

At the start of this year I often made a point of mentioning Facebook to my new master students, especially those doing marketing and media relation’s masters, but not only.

Healthy Savings in Italy

Others, not just myself have noticed that Italians are healthy, but also rather obsessive about their health. They will resort to antibiotics at the drop of a hat.

Of Interest

Bella Baita B&B

Looking for a unique “off the beaten path”, homey accommodation offering a balance between complete independence and being a part of the family?

Coda di Rospo in Il Quadrifoglio

We’re pretty lucky really. There are quite a few interesting restaurants dotted around the area of Milan in which we live. Indeed, there is an excellent little place literally two minutes walk from our house.

Roccaraso, Abruzzo, Italy - Skiing off the beaten piste.

I have several friends from the south of Italy, but I was rather surprised to learn that one of them, Ciro, is an avid skier.

The Gorgonzola of the Gods

Sometimes in your life you make a discovery. For me, this discovery was made yesterday at the Via Paolo Sarpi street fair here in Milan.

Sant’Ambrogio and Christmas shopping in Milan - Updated!!

Every year in Milan there is the Sant’Ambrogio holiday on the 7th December. Sant’Ambrogio is the patron saint of Milan and to celebrate the day dedicated to the Milanese Saint there is the ‘Oh Bei, Oh Bei’ mercatino.

November and the fog that isn’t

About five or six years ago, maybe longer, I can’t remember exactly, I bought one of those rather daft, but very practical Russian style rabbit skin hats - very similar to the one in the picture: