Please allow me the usual rant that comes with readjustment. Specifically, to locations that have changed superficially and remained the same fundamentally even after a quarter of a century hiatus. Most will associate technological gadgets with modernity and forward thinking. True. But, as with all objects, if not understood, used correctly or to their fullest …
Category: non-fiction
SHEN YUN
We had the treat of a lifetime last night, at the Theatre of Udine, while attending the performance of SHEN YUN. This performance exhilarated for so many reasons. First and foremost is the back story. In 2006 a group of Chinese artists gathered in New York to form the non profit SHEN YUN performing arts …
Feeling bad can be good
Regret, sadness, embarrassment mixed with astonishment, joy, euphoria mixed with disappointment, jealousy, anger and a slew of nuanced emotions in between is probably where most of humanity sits in the 'feelings' department. Yet, this state is starkly opposite to a world that flogs the need to be 100% happy 24/7 and where being happy is …
Look Watch Observe
To look - direct one's gaze toward someone or something or in a specified direction. To watch - look at or observe attentively over a period of time To observe - notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant So much all around us, but without curiosity and questions we miss so much. …
Spring clean your Inner self, your Outer self will thank you
Spring has sprung! And with it comes the required seasonal sort out of house and garden, as well as a call to living a healthier life. So why not add to that list, an invitation to purge your innermost self as well. Here is my suggested to do list based on personal experience and observation. …
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The 1600 year old Beauty
Footsteps echo on the ancient ciotolo as you wind your way through her alleys like a mouse in a maze. During high season you can hear the build up of commotion as you approach the center until you come out of the final calle and are hit with a crescendo of human racket! But, visit …
Fog in a Jar
Photo by Ruvim There is a bar in Italy called the Kyrie Eleison ("Lord, Have Mercy"). Unique to it, as anticipated by the name, is an interior decoration consisting of pulpits, velvet throne chairs, confessionals and the like, collected from rectories, churches and monasteries that are no more. On a more modern, commercial note, one …
Fences – “You gotta take the crooked with the straight”
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are beyond belief in this powerfully touching movie (based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by August Wilson) that explores the messy, multifaceted, shameful and proudful relationships of a family. There are times when, in the presence of something bigger than yourself, you become lost both in your admiration and …
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Arabisms
The seventh century is a very important time for the future of Italy, for it marks the beginning of the Islamic expansion; an expansion which will have specific and positive repercussions throughout Italy in the areas of study, technology, lexicon and commerce. Italy is conquered by way of Spain and Sicily. For the most part, …
Identity Creators
Who are you? It all starts the moment you walk into a room. The facial and body scan, the behavioral check, followed by the detection of peripheral accoutrements (clothes, jewellery, latest tech gadget, car etc...). In the deeper phase, ascertainment of the provenance of said accoutrements may or may not follow. Et voila! The stranger, …
Manu writes 