Category Archives: italy

Why Italy is boring

Posted on May 23, 2009 by Charles Lambert

I admit it. I’ve been putting this off. Partly because I’m no authority on Italy and don’t want to pass myself off as one. I just live here, along with 60 million other people, many of whom have greater claim … Continue reading →

Posted in berlusconi, italy, politics | 6 Comments

Naples, 21-22 March 2009

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Charles Lambert
Posted in graffiti, italy, naples, photography, politics | 2 Comments

Strano is as Strano does

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Charles Lambert

The name of the caterwauling, gesticulating oaf with the slice of mortadella hanging from his lips is Nino Strano, the place – alas! – is the Italian senate. Nino Strano is insulting Romano Prodi and his supporters in the way … Continue reading →

Posted in berlusconi, freedom of speech, italy, politics | 2 Comments

Press freedom in a democracy. Lesson one.

Posted on March 7, 2009 by Charles Lambert

Dario Franceschini, the new PD leader, though probably not for long, suggested  a couple of days ago that the unemployed should receive some kind of indemnity payment from the government. I thought they already did, or at least had the right … Continue reading →

Posted in berlusconi, freedom of speech, italy | 2 Comments

Language

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Charles Lambert

This was seen on a lamp post near Piazza Bellini in Naples yesterday. I don’t think the last line is a joke. If it is, it’s missing a heartfelt need. 

Posted in italy, language, naples | Leave a comment

Italy, il bel paese

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Charles Lambert

Just in case you can’t see. the first knob provides condoms, the second a throw-away lighter and the third those generously large cigarette papers for people who like a long, cool smoke. The dispensing machine is outside my local newsagents … Continue reading →

Posted in italy | 3 Comments

Numbers

Posted on February 20, 2009 by Charles Lambert

When reporters asked Berlusconi yesterday whether he’d seen Roberto Benigni rip him to shreds at the Sanremo Song Festival last Tuesday, before an audience of 15 million, our Leader Minimus said, with his habitual smugness, that he was one of … Continue reading →

Posted in berlusconi, italy, rai, sanremo | Leave a comment

Après Walter… Who?

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Charles Lambert

If you live in Italy, or care two pins about it (these categories aren’t necessarily coterminous), you may want to express your opinion on who should replace Veltroni as head of the Partito Democratico. Well, La Repubblica has set up an … Continue reading →

Posted in italy, PD, politics | Leave a comment

Sardinia shafted

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Charles Lambert

If you’d like to enjoy what’s left of the natural beauty of Sardinia (see right) before the entire island is converted into a ‘fitness centre’ you’d better get a move on. That’s right. Berlusconi’s glove puppet just became governor. New … Continue reading →

Posted in berlusconi, italy, putin, russia | 3 Comments

Sticks, stones, names

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Charles Lambert

I’m linking to a post I started some days ago but only published today, which you might not otherwise notice. It’s about the new security laws in Italy. Here it is. This is a subject I’ll be returning to, I … Continue reading →

Posted in englaro, fascism, italy, racism | 2 Comments