Elsewhere On The Net
Working on the web means surfing quite a bit, and I often come across things that are interesting but non-food. So I pick what strikes me most for the Elsewhere on the Web section of the newsletter, and here they are collected.
The Anglo-Australian Observatory Immage Collection
Winding down, this is the second anniversary of 9/11; Elisabetta and I spent that day watching CNN and wondering what the world was coming to (especially worrisome with a baby coming), and I still don't know. In troubling times the beauty of the night sky can offer solace, and these shots are especially nice.
Winding down, this is the second anniversary of 9/11; Elisabetta and I spent that day watching CNN and wondering what the world was coming to (especially worrisome with a baby coming), and I still don't know. In troubling times the beauty of the night sky can offer solace, and these shots are especially nice.
L'Andrea Doria
A fine tribute to one of the most beautiful ships afloat and, to the passengers aboard her the day she collided with a Swedish vessel off Nantucket. Webmaster Anthony Grillo was 3 when his mother dropped him over the side and into a lifeboat...
A fine tribute to one of the most beautiful ships afloat and, to the passengers aboard her the day she collided with a Swedish vessel off Nantucket. Webmaster Anthony Grillo was 3 when his mother dropped him over the side and into a lifeboat...
Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi's pieces have an airy lightness that few other composers can match, and though he is best known for Le Quattro Stagioni (The Four Seasons) there's much much more to discover.
Antonio Vivaldi's pieces have an airy lightness that few other composers can match, and though he is best known for Le Quattro Stagioni (The Four Seasons) there's much much more to discover.
Basic Silversmithing
People used to think that precious metals like silver would blacken in contact with poison, say a toadstool. Not true, but it's one of the reasons people used to eat with silver (silver's beauty is another). If you're wondering about how to practice the trade, this is an excellent introduction. Wish I had the space...
People used to think that precious metals like silver would blacken in contact with poison, say a toadstool. Not true, but it's one of the reasons people used to eat with silver (silver's beauty is another). If you're wondering about how to practice the trade, this is an excellent introduction. Wish I had the space...
Bullfinch's Mythology
One of the nice things about growing up with an archaeologist was the bed time stories. If you don't have this fortune, Thomas Bullfinch did a wonderful job of collecting all manner of tales and other information.
One of the nice things about growing up with an archaeologist was the bed time stories. If you don't have this fortune, Thomas Bullfinch did a wonderful job of collecting all manner of tales and other information.
Dante: La Divina Commedia
Roberto Benigni is best known as an actor, but is also an accomplished Dante scholar. Just before Christmas he recited the 33rd Canto of Il Paradiso on TV; bookstores reported a run on Dante the next day. This is a nice annotated edition (in Italian) with illustrations by many of the Masters who have drawn from the Sommo Poeta's text.
Roberto Benigni is best known as an actor, but is also an accomplished Dante scholar. Just before Christmas he recited the 33rd Canto of Il Paradiso on TV; bookstores reported a run on Dante the next day. This is a nice annotated edition (in Italian) with illustrations by many of the Masters who have drawn from the Sommo Poeta's text.
The Darwin Awards
The Darwin Awards are the stuff of urban legend: stories of people who have either done themselves in or suffered grave bodily harm through ineptitude, lack of foresight, or plain bad luck. If you're in the right frame of mind they can be great fun.
The Darwin Awards are the stuff of urban legend: stories of people who have either done themselves in or suffered grave bodily harm through ineptitude, lack of foresight, or plain bad luck. If you're in the right frame of mind they can be great fun.
The Decameron Web
Boccaccio's Decameron is one of the great works of literature. Here you can find it in three versions: The original Italian, a Bowdlerized 19th century translation, and a 16th century translation that doesn't tone things down at all. Enjoy!
Boccaccio's Decameron is one of the great works of literature. Here you can find it in three versions: The original Italian, a Bowdlerized 19th century translation, and a 16th century translation that doesn't tone things down at all. Enjoy!
The Epicurean Traveler
Scott Clemens is a very good wine taster, and also a lucky guy: He'll be missing the next big Piemontese tasting because he'll be in the Caribbean drinking quality rum and diving. Someone has to do it so we can read about it, and he does write well.
Scott Clemens is a very good wine taster, and also a lucky guy: He'll be missing the next big Piemontese tasting because he'll be in the Caribbean drinking quality rum and diving. Someone has to do it so we can read about it, and he does write well.
Dark Echo
Paula Guran has been writing and editing Dark -- what some call Horror - fiction for quite some time, and has also assembled an excellent collection of articles, essays, reviews, profiles, and links for those who write Dark fiction or want to know more about those who do. Lots of stuff to explore after the last of the trick-or-treaters has gone home.
Paula Guran has been writing and editing Dark -- what some call Horror - fiction for quite some time, and has also assembled an excellent collection of articles, essays, reviews, profiles, and links for those who write Dark fiction or want to know more about those who do. Lots of stuff to explore after the last of the trick-or-treaters has gone home.
Ducati: La Rossa a Due Ruote
It's difficult to live in Italy without falling for Le Rosse, which aren't (just) redheads, but also Ferrari and Ducati, both of whom color their racing machines red. Ducati has long dominated in the Superbike class, but this week Loris Capirossi did some amazing things, and beat Valentino Rossi's Honda in Spain. Great show!
It's difficult to live in Italy without falling for Le Rosse, which aren't (just) redheads, but also Ferrari and Ducati, both of whom color their racing machines red. Ducati has long dominated in the Superbike class, but this week Loris Capirossi did some amazing things, and beat Valentino Rossi's Honda in Spain. Great show!
Gianlorenzo Bernini
Everyone has a favorite artist, and though many people think of Michelangelo when it comes to sculpture, I find myself drawn to Bernini, whose mastery of marble is simply astonishing. This is a link to a page in an art encyclopedia that also discusses many other people. Lots to enjoy!
Everyone has a favorite artist, and though many people think of Michelangelo when it comes to sculpture, I find myself drawn to Bernini, whose mastery of marble is simply astonishing. This is a link to a page in an art encyclopedia that also discusses many other people. Lots to enjoy!
The Gallery of Regrettable Food
This is a dangerous site... I occasionally go planning to spend a minute and discover an hour has passed in the blink of an eye. And there's much more if you go back to Lieks.com. Enjoy!
This is a dangerous site... I occasionally go planning to spend a minute and discover an hour has passed in the blink of an eye. And there's much more if you go back to Lieks.com. Enjoy!
The Gershwin Site
A beautiful site dedicated to the Brothers Gershwin: George, one of the finest composers of the 20th century, and Ira, lyricist without par. You'll find lots of information, and some very fine clips of their songs performed by major (and sometimes unexpected) artists.
A beautiful site dedicated to the Brothers Gershwin: George, one of the finest composers of the 20th century, and Ira, lyricist without par. You'll find lots of information, and some very fine clips of their songs performed by major (and sometimes unexpected) artists.
Glass Blowing
Ross Neder has done many things in his life, including shape glass. Quite nicely, and his site, which has ample sections dedicated to his work, also gives all sorts of info on glass blowing, from historical notes to what to look for (or avoid) when selecting hand-blown glass. Useful.
Ross Neder has done many things in his life, including shape glass. Quite nicely, and his site, which has ample sections dedicated to his work, also gives all sorts of info on glass blowing, from historical notes to what to look for (or avoid) when selecting hand-blown glass. Useful.
GM Foods
There are still many unsanswered questions regarding GM foods, which I think must be answered before they're widely used. This site is biased (against), but the links and quotes bear thinking about even if you are in favor of GM crops.
There are still many unsanswered questions regarding GM foods, which I think must be answered before they're widely used. This site is biased (against), but the links and quotes bear thinking about even if you are in favor of GM crops.
In The Red
Red coral has long been one of the favorite gems in Italy, because of its beauty and its symbolic value. It's also (relatively) inexpensive, according to this page, and therefore might be a good option for the upcoming holidays.
Red coral has long been one of the favorite gems in Italy, because of its beauty and its symbolic value. It's also (relatively) inexpensive, according to this page, and therefore might be a good option for the upcoming holidays.
Jay Pulli's Photos
Jay Pulli may be a geophysicist, but also happens to be a gifted photographer; this is a link to his personal home page, and while you may not care about the resume and such links on the left, you can spend hours browsing through the photo links on the right. Don't miss the Grand Canyon!
Jay Pulli may be a geophysicist, but also happens to be a gifted photographer; this is a link to his personal home page, and while you may not care about the resume and such links on the left, you can spend hours browsing through the photo links on the right. Don't miss the Grand Canyon!
The Language (and more) of Roses
As I said above, many Italians give their mothers flowers for Mothers' Day. Roses are a natural choice, and one can say all sorts of things with them, as you'll discover here.
As I said above, many Italians give their mothers flowers for Mothers' Day. Roses are a natural choice, and one can say all sorts of things with them, as you'll discover here.
Lady Godiva: Why she did it
Lady Godiva is known for having ridden naked through Coventry, and some now associate her name with a sinfully good chocolate company, but being licentious was the farthest thing from her mind when she took her ride. And, having read the reason (true or not as the tale may be), I respect her much more than I did.
Lady Godiva is known for having ridden naked through Coventry, and some now associate her name with a sinfully good chocolate company, but being licentious was the farthest thing from her mind when she took her ride. And, having read the reason (true or not as the tale may be), I respect her much more than I did.
La Leggenda Aurea: Lives of the Saints
In the mid 1200s Jacobus de Voragine, Archbishop of Genova, set down the lives of the Saints; the book was tremendously popular, and though people have since said that many of his tales were superstitions at best, they do make interesting reading and will help you understand what's going on in Medieval and Renaissance paintings.
In the mid 1200s Jacobus de Voragine, Archbishop of Genova, set down the lives of the Saints; the book was tremendously popular, and though people have since said that many of his tales were superstitions at best, they do make interesting reading and will help you understand what's going on in Medieval and Renaissance paintings.
Leonardo Da Vinci
We all know Leonardo was an inventor and artist, but as is the case with many other well known figures, most people don't know much about what he was really like. This Museum of Science site gives a nice picture of the Leonardo the man.
We all know Leonardo was an inventor and artist, but as is the case with many other well known figures, most people don't know much about what he was really like. This Museum of Science site gives a nice picture of the Leonardo the man.
Italy at War in 1943
In September 8 1943 the Italian government surrendered to the Allies, ushering in one of the most difficult and confusing periods in recent Italian history. Fascinating, too, as this timeline shows.
In September 8 1943 the Italian government surrendered to the Allies, ushering in one of the most difficult and confusing periods in recent Italian history. Fascinating, too, as this timeline shows.
Frank Frazetta's Art and More
I was a great fan of R. E. Howard (Conan) and E. R. Burroughs (Pelucidar, Mars, Venus, Tarzan and much more) when I was a teen, and looking back I realize how important the covers were in attracting me to the books. They were by Frank Frazetta, who blazed a trail few have managed to follow.
I was a great fan of R. E. Howard (Conan) and E. R. Burroughs (Pelucidar, Mars, Venus, Tarzan and much more) when I was a teen, and looking back I realize how important the covers were in attracting me to the books. They were by Frank Frazetta, who blazed a trail few have managed to follow.
Mark Twain: James Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses
Mark Twain had a gift for concise and pithy commentary, and James Fenimore Cooper inspired him like few people could inspire any writer. Problem (for Cooper) is, Twain is right, and this essay is one that all writers should read. Lots of good advice here.
Mark Twain had a gift for concise and pithy commentary, and James Fenimore Cooper inspired him like few people could inspire any writer. Problem (for Cooper) is, Twain is right, and this essay is one that all writers should read. Lots of good advice here.
U Boat.Net
Not too long ago I resaw a harrowing movie called "Das Boot," the story of an ill-fated sortie on the part of a German sub in WWII. To the contrary of many other films, there's no idealization here, and you come away feeling sorry for both hunter and hunted. If you want to know more about Uboats, this is an excellent site.
Not too long ago I resaw a harrowing movie called "Das Boot," the story of an ill-fated sortie on the part of a German sub in WWII. To the contrary of many other films, there's no idealization here, and you come away feeling sorry for both hunter and hunted. If you want to know more about Uboats, this is an excellent site.
Michèle Shah's thoughts on all sorts of things
Michèle Shah has been living in Italy for many years, and is extremely observant: Small wonder Decanter and many other publications contact her frequently. We're lucky she has archived many of her articles on the Web.
Michèle Shah has been living in Italy for many years, and is extremely observant: Small wonder Decanter and many other publications contact her frequently. We're lucky she has archived many of her articles on the Web.
Il Mulino dell'Opera
I don't usually single out Agriturismi, but Philip Henderson, a transplanted Englishman, has turned his mill into an extraordinary place, and has assembled a delightful collection of tips and suggestions for getting to know the area around Lucca.
I don't usually single out Agriturismi, but Philip Henderson, a transplanted Englishman, has turned his mill into an extraordinary place, and has assembled a delightful collection of tips and suggestions for getting to know the area around Lucca.
The NOAA Hurricane Site
The weather holds a special fascination for me, and storms in particular; I like nothing better than being on a hillside watching the wind and the rain come in. Some things, however, are better seen from a distance, and the folks at the NOAA have done a wonderful job of collecting all sorts of information.
The weather holds a special fascination for me, and storms in particular; I like nothing better than being on a hillside watching the wind and the rain come in. Some things, however, are better seen from a distance, and the folks at the NOAA have done a wonderful job of collecting all sorts of information.
The original IQ Test
Emode does tests, on all sorts of things, and the link on the banner I clicked on led me to an evaluation of my intelligence that I prefer not to share. The questions were interesting, however, and if this sin't to your liking they have many other tests too. Your cat's personality (catonality?), for example.
Emode does tests, on all sorts of things, and the link on the banner I clicked on led me to an evaluation of my intelligence that I prefer not to share. The questions were interesting, however, and if this sin't to your liking they have many other tests too. Your cat's personality (catonality?), for example.
Pyro Universe
The title may sound disreputable, but the site is not. Quite the contrary, it's full of all sorts of interesting info on fireworks, and also advice on how to enjoy them without doing bodily damage. Get ready for the 4th!
The title may sound disreputable, but the site is not. Quite the contrary, it's full of all sorts of interesting info on fireworks, and also advice on how to enjoy them without doing bodily damage. Get ready for the 4th!
The Rule of Saint Benedict
San Benedetto didn't found monasticism but established a code of conduct, the Regola, that allowed monastic communities to flourish throughout Europe, and to preserve much of what the Romans had developed. Even if you care not a whit about monks, you will find that the Regola contains much good advice.
San Benedetto didn't found monasticism but established a code of conduct, the Regola, that allowed monastic communities to flourish throughout Europe, and to preserve much of what the Romans had developed. Even if you care not a whit about monks, you will find that the Regola contains much good advice.
Slowfood
Carlo Petrini founded Slowfood in 1986 to express his horror with the opening of a McD's under Rome's Spanish Steps. The movement is now one of the most important forces working to promote traditional foods and ways of life. A site to get lost in.
Carlo Petrini founded Slowfood in 1986 to express his horror with the opening of a McD's under Rome's Spanish Steps. The movement is now one of the most important forces working to promote traditional foods and ways of life. A site to get lost in.
Steam Locomotives
When I was little, most of the Italian rail system was Diesel Electric, but there was still Steam chuffing away out on the branch lines, and I loved watching them go by. This site is dedicated to North American steam engines, and if there's anything you've ever wondered about them you'll likely find it here.
When I was little, most of the Italian rail system was Diesel Electric, but there was still Steam chuffing away out on the branch lines, and I loved watching them go by. This site is dedicated to North American steam engines, and if there's anything you've ever wondered about them you'll likely find it here.
The Straight Dope
Cecil Adams has been answering questions on just about anything (and I do mean anything) for longer than he'd probably like to admit, and now it's all on the Web. Great fun, and one can spend (many) hours here.
Cecil Adams has been answering questions on just about anything (and I do mean anything) for longer than he'd probably like to admit, and now it's all on the Web. Great fun, and one can spend (many) hours here.
Thais On Italian Cities
Thais is an interesting site with many nooks and crannies; this particular corridor is dedicated to a few major Italian cities, with sections dedicated to history (in Italian & English) and rundowns of the major attractions with beautiful photos (click on the index link). If you check Florence, don't miss the Museo Stibbert.
Thais is an interesting site with many nooks and crannies; this particular corridor is dedicated to a few major Italian cities, with sections dedicated to history (in Italian & English) and rundowns of the major attractions with beautiful photos (click on the index link). If you check Florence, don't miss the Museo Stibbert.
The Tethys Research Institute
The Tethys research institute is dedicated to the study of whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, and organizes courses, encounters, meetings, and field projects that are open to volunteers. A neat site with beautiful photos and all sorts of information.
The Tethys research institute is dedicated to the study of whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, and organizes courses, encounters, meetings, and field projects that are open to volunteers. A neat site with beautiful photos and all sorts of information.
The Volcanic activity of Mount Etna
Mount Etna is treating us to an extroardinary eruption this year. The link leads to the official site of the volcanological observatory in Catania, which is in Italian but has many spectacular pictures. And again, Auguri per il Natale!
Mount Etna is treating us to an extroardinary eruption this year. The link leads to the official site of the volcanological observatory in Catania, which is in Italian but has many spectacular pictures. And again, Auguri per il Natale!
William Rubel's Site
William Rubel has written the definitive book on hearth cooking. But he has also done all sorts of other things, from interviewing a goat woman in Kenya to investigating stills in Cambodia, and has lots of bread info as well.
William Rubel has written the definitive book on hearth cooking. But he has also done all sorts of other things, from interviewing a goat woman in Kenya to investigating stills in Cambodia, and has lots of bread info as well.