The Language

Italian is spoken throughout the world. It is the native tongue for about 65 million people spanning almost all continents. It is the national language for many European countries including Italy and one of the four national languages for Switzerland. Italian has a long debated history, deriving from Latin. Many scholarly debates have turned Italian into the lyrical romantic language it is today.

The Renaissance

The Renaissance period was a turning point for many of the humanities. It was an explosion of ideas and discoveries that lead to changes in thought. The field of linguistics did not escape. At the time of the Renaissance Italian was used in the courts of every state throughout the peninsula. There was also a re-emergence of Dante’s De vulgarie eloquentia. This renewed vigor of the language caused many debates among literary scholars concerning the Italian language.

Debate

The debate regarding the Italian language that began with Renaissance divided scholars into different schools of thought. There were the purists, the Florentines, and the courtiers. There was also a fourth faction that believed the best Italian was that adopted by the papal courts.

Purists

The purists were a faction of scholars headed by the Venetian, Pietro Bembo. They argued that the language should be similar to that of the great literary classics like Petrarch and parts of Boccaccio. The Divine Comedy although considered by some to be a great classic was not good enough in the eyes of the purists. It did not emblem the lyrical Italian that the purists were seeking.

Other factions

The Florentines which included Niccolo Machiavelli believed that the Italian spoken by the ordinary people in their own time was the best version of Italian. The courtiers felt that each local vernacular should contribute to the new standard. Eventually the purists won.

Accademia Della Crusca

The purists eventually triumphed over the Florentines and the courtiers. This victory lead to the formation of the Accademia Della Crusca in Florence. It was formed between 1582 and 1583. It is known as the official legislative body governing the Italian language. The Accademia Della Crusca published the Floris italicae linguae libri novem. They also published the world’s first Italian dictionary in 1612.

The Italian language has gone through many transformations to become the language it is today. The 16th century controversy is widely responsible for the lyrical romantic Italian language. There weren’t language software programs back then like Rocket German review or Rocket Italian to help. This is why a consensus had to be reached as to what form of Italian would become the country’s language. No matter the reason, learning Italian is sure to broaden your linguistic and cultural horizons.

The Italian Football FanCast is the podcast for fans of Serie A and Calcio.

On this edition of the Italian Football FanCast, Dov Schiavone, AC Milan correspondent Rajath Kumar, Ogo Sylla and Padraig Whelan discuss the latest goings on in Serie A and Italian football.

The issues tackled this week include a look at AC Milan’s amazing Champions League win over Arsenal and what this victory means for the Rossoneri going into a critical part of the season.

We also cast our eye over Juventus and their comeback against Catania and ask can they ever be beaten?

Meanwhile, with Inter coming off the back of another poor result, we ask what exactly is going on with the Nerazzurri and can it be fixed in time for the Champions League meeting against Marseille?

Palermo were also in action and humiliated a depleted Lazio side at the Stadio Barbera, scoring five goals in the process. Do the Biancocelesti regret selling Djibril Cisse? And has Maurizio Zamparini found his Jose Mourinho?

Fabio Borini also made an impact for Roma, who seem to be creeping into contention for third place as along with Lazio and Inter, Udinese also dropped points at home to Cagliari.

All this and a whole lot more will be answered in this weeks show, plus we welcome back Kevin Tarbuck who will bring us all up-to-date on the happenings in Serie B.

Don’t forget to make a sizeable donation to the guys at Ingenio Store who will be walking 180 miles in four days visiting 16 football grounds in the North-West of England, all in aid of Sport Relief. You can do so here… www.justgiving.com/ingenio

And look out for our fantastic competition as well, courtesy of the lovely gentlemen at IngenioStore.co.uk

Italian Serie A Football FanCast

One of the most incredible hotel stays I have had in my life was at Palazzo Sasso on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The hotel, perched on a thousand-foot seaside cliff in Ravello, is often lauded as one of the world’s best hotels. From the impeccable service to the absolutely-dream-like setting to the exquisite food, Palazzo offers that once-in-a-lifetime (but hope to make it twice by returning) experience so many of us seek when visiting Italy.

When I’m offering Italy travel consultations and someone proposes visiting Ravello or wants a luxury stay on the Amalfi Coast, I often say, “If you can afford it, I’d seriously consider Palazzo Sasso.” This is especially true when it is a honeymoon or anniversary.

I was happy to discover Palazzo Sasso has a nice offer for the shoulder seasons in 2012 – making a stay here slightly more in reach. “Pay 3, Stay 4″ gives a 4th night free to those who stay three nights between  April 01, 2012 through May 14, 2012 and from October 01, 2012 through October 20, 2012, excluding Easter Week.

Dream of Italy® – Italy Travel News Blog

The Italian Football FanCast is the podcast for fans of Serie A and Calcio.

On this edition of the Italian Football FanCast, Dov Schiavone, Lazio correspondent Ben Lally, Atalanta expert Clark Stupple plus writer for SerieAWeekly.com Ryan Ross.

The issues tackled this week include a look Inter after they succumbed to an embarrassing defeat to Novara at the San Siro with the minnows completing a league double over them thanks to a magnificent Andrea Caracciolo goal.

We also cast our eye over AC Milan’s recent signing Maxi Lopez after his amazing impact in the Rossoneri’s win over Udinese.

Meanwhile, with Lazio playing on Thursday, they had the chance to leapfrog Udinese in third place which they duly managed thanks to a magical second half comeback against Cesena.

Catania were also in action and put Genoa to the sword thanks to two goals from Pablo Barrientos as Vincenzo Montella continued his sterling work in Sicily.

One player who made an impact this weekend was Mauricio Pinilla, who scored and assisted as he helped Cagliari gun down his parent club. The Chilean combined with Victor Ibarbo to devastating effect at the Stadio Sant’Elia.

All this and a whole lot more will be answered in this weeks show, plus we ask what on earth has happened to German Denis and his goalscoring form.

Don’t forget to make a sizeable donation to the guys at Ingenio Store who will be walking 180 miles in four days visiting 16 football grounds in the North-West of England, all in aid of Sport Relief. You can do so here… www.justgiving.com/ingenio

Italian Serie A Football FanCast

Don’t Take A Chance

A common occurrence has been the need to obtain the travel document in a short period of time as a result of unexpected travel plans. The particular reason for requiring a replacement or new document will determine the most suitable procedure for application. Online replacements via the Department of State may be accessed in cases of stolen, lost and expired passports.

Lost or Stolen Document

Online applications can assist in obtaining the item a lot faster and provides those who are unable to visit offices with a convenient option. One is required to obtain a number of personal documents in order to submit together with the application that should be copied for uploading purposes. The documentation should include scanned copies of identification certificates such as birth certificates, drivers licenses, two passport sized pictures and proof of authorization from expeditor services.

Application

With applications over the Internet, you will still be required to pay the designated fees for the relevant applicant form and additional charges if expedited. If your travel item is near its expiry date, there is an option for efficient replacement via online services. When submitting forms, whether in person or online, always proofread information for smooth processing.

Expediting Services

Government expedition services will assist all American citizens in rushing the procedure to issue a new travel document. The alternative is to hire independent services in order to reduce the time taken to process the particular application, which may take a maximum of two days in order to achieve. The State Department website provides the opportunity for submission which is efficient and convenient especially for those who are unable to travel to the relevant authorities in person.

Costs

Government expedition services will speed up the process in obtaining a new document however will charge a fee in addition to the forms that are required to be submitted. For expedition services, you will be required to mail the appropriate application forms using the two-way overnight delivery method for faster servicing. The application forms should be placed into a letter sized envelope with expedite written in capital letters and tracking numbers purchased in order to ensure personal documents reach the State Department.

Fast Service

Seriously consider U.S. pass port name change expedition services when requiring passports in a relatively short period of time and expect to pay additional charges for these options. Independent expeditors are able to skip the extended queues at regional facilities, which means that all applications are processed faster. The travel item could be received in only a few days when hiring private services when compared to the few weeks via governmental expedition services.

Join me (Dream of Italy Editor Kathy McCabe) and a distinguished panel of Italy travel experts Sunday, March 4th at 11:15 a.m. at The New York Times Travel Show for the travel seminar Make Your Italian Dreams Come True. The seminar is open to the public attending the travel show.

Along with Susan Van Allen, author 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go; Gina Ruggiero, Villa Vita International; Tom Paris, Club ABC Tours; Yannis Moati, Europe at Cost, we will share secrets so you can turn your Italian fantasy vacation into a reality. Whether you want to travel solo or with a group, to sleep in a country villa or city apartment, explore ancient ruins or contemporary fashion, don’t miss our insider travel advice, especially if you are planning a trip to Italy this year or next.

Dream of Italy® – Italy Travel News Blog

Our friend film director Steven McCurdy, producer of Postcards from Italy and Bringing Home Sardinia, is offering an intensive 25-day film workshop in Italy, approximately June 20 to July 12, 2012. The hands-on cultural documentary program is entitled “Conversations of Italy” and McCurdy is accepting four applicants to join him. This is the third film workshop program McCurdy has conducted in Italy (see this video and this video from the 2010 workshop) but the first allowing the participants to work collaboratively on short films directed, edited and produced by McCurdy.

The program will begin on the island of Sicily, where during the first few days participants will familiarize themselves with the film production equipment and the working methods used by Mr. McCurdy. During the next four weeks, in McCurdy’s unique “follow his heart,” synchronistic style you and he will follow the “travel and documentary muses” where they lead. There is no set itinerary. From the island of Sicily to Naples, Rome or a dozen other places, ending in Venice, the group will criss-cross the country in search of the heart and soul of Italy.

Participants will discover those one-of-a-kind experiences that make up Steve’s other Italian films. This is a chance of lifetime to experience the real Italy, the Italy rarely seen by tourists and the Italy that so romantically and magically presents itself whenever Steven brings out his camera. The cost is ,500, plus airfare. Those interested in applying should contact McCurdy through his website. All applicants must complete an application and a letter of interest including a creative statement on why you want to participate, what you hope to accomplish from the experience, and what talents and work experience you believe can contribute to this creative experience

McCurdy (this is one lucky guy to be spending so much time in Italy!) is also co-hosting a retreat in Umbria this June. The HeartLife Retreat To Spoleto, Italy & Beyond features yoga, meditation, healthy eating and daily excursions throughout the Umbria countryside.

Dream of Italy® – Italy Travel News Blog

The Effects of Addiction

Millions of people are affected by addiction. Many people who develop addictions to narcotics need drugs just to get through the day. While it’s true there are some who can be described as function drug addicts, many end up either homeless or incarcerated. For such individuals, rehabilitation is usually required to help them stop destroying their lives.

Finding Help

Rehabilitation is essential for anyone who has been addicted to drugs, and many people have never lived a normal life. Others have, and it is essential for them to regain the job skills and activities that will help them live a productive life. The world moves fast today, and it is essential for people to get new training to enter the work force. Healthy coping is another benefit that addicts can find during inpatient rehabilitation, and they can find productive ways to respond to stress.

Seeking Immediate Aftercare

Once initial treatment is complete it is important for a recovering addict to seek immediate aftercare. It is common for many who do not take this critical step in their recovery to have a relapse. Unfortunately, it is very common for someone to think they have their addiction under control when in reality relapse is right around the corner. It is for this reason most clinical practitioners who are experienced with drug rehabilitation recommend some form of aftercare treatment program. This option helps individuals, who may still be fragile, continue to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves.

Choosing A Halfway House

A great way for an individual to continue receiving care after they leave rehabilitation is to enter into a halfway house. These structured environment help to alleviate the pressures of the outside world by removing distractions that might cause a person to use again. They help foster good habits, encourage residents to seek employment and promote forming healthy, new relationships.

Source

Cocaine is derived from the cocoa leaf, indigenous to South America and imparting its stimulating effect when chewed. In this form, it’s about as strong as a good cup of coffee. However, the active ingredient in the leaf was identified and powder cocaine was first processed in the mid-19th Century. Its potency was ramped up again in the 1980s, when the drug industry’s chemists learned to process a smoking form of the drug without risking explosion.

Effects

The user smokes the drug and then feels its powerful effect in just eight to ten seconds. It creates a huge dopamine rush, bringing the characteristic intense feeling of elation. The user feels he or she has escaped all mundane problems. This feeling, however, is exceptionally short-lived, lasting only about ten minutes. The elation is followed by a significant crash, making the user almost desperate to return to the elation.

Responsibility

Tantalizingly, that feeling only takes a few dollars, so it’s never far away. The user quickly gets caught in a treadmill of going from hit to hit, with the greatest terror being the possibility of ever touching the ground. The drug becomes all the user cares about. Any earlier commitment, up to and including the family bond, loses all importance. Addicts have been known to sell off everything of value, to steal and borrow from others, or become prostitutes, rather than give up their high.

Physical Symptoms

Addicts damage their brain, lungs and heart by smoking crack. The heart is subject to arrhythmia and heart attack. The brain is subject to producing hallucinations and to stroke. Lung damage can make breathing difficult, and the lungs might even collapse altogether. Everything from sexual dysfunction to the user’s characteristic dilated pupils attests to a distressed circulatory system.

Treatment

Treatment begins with detoxification, which takes place on an inpatient basis in a controlled environment such as a hospital. Withdrawal from any cocaine addiction can continue for several days to a week, and is indicated by craving the drug, irritability, sleep problems and loss of appetite. The patient may be administered propranolol to ease the withdrawal and vigabatrin to treat seizures.

Psychological Help

After medical drug addiction detox, the psychological aspects of the abuse must be treated as well. Those without permanent damage or whose addiction had been less pernicious, can be treated through counseling on an outpatient basis. However, others will have to come to “rehab” or a treatment center as an inpatient client. Afterward, the patient might be placed in a group home for recovering addicts, monitored by a social worker or therapist.